huffpost--2020-03-17--Iran State TV Warns 'Millions' In Country Could Die From Coronavirus

TEHRAN , Iran ( AP ) — Iran issued its most dire warning yet Tuesday about the outbreak of the new coronavirus ravaging the country , suggesting “ millions ” could die in the Islamic Republic if the public keeps traveling and ignoring health guidance .
A state television journalist who also is a medical doctor gave the warning only hours after hard-line Shiite faithful the previous night pushed their way into the courtyards of two major shrines that had just been closed over fears of the virus .
Roughly nine out of 10 of the over 18,000 cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East come from Iran , where authorities denied for days the risk the outbreak posed .
Officials have now implemented new checks for people trying to leave major cities ahead of Nowruz , the Persian New Year , on Friday , but have hesitated to quarantine the areas .
That ’ s even as the death toll in Iran saw another 13 % increase Tuesday .
Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said the virus had killed 135 more people to raise the total to 988 amid over 16,000 cases .
Jordan meanwhile prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , banning gatherings drawing more than 10 people .
Most people infected by the new coronavirus experience only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , and recover within weeks .
But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by people with no visible symptoms .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The Iranian state TV journalist , Dr. Afruz Eslami , cited a study by Tehran ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered three scenarios .
If people begin to cooperate now , Iran will see 120,000 infections and 12,000 deaths before the outbreak is over , she said .
If they offer medium cooperation , there will be 300,000 cases and 110,000 deaths , she said .
But if people fail to follow any guidance , it could collapse Iran ’ s already-strained medical system , Eslami said .
If the “ medical facilities are not sufficient , there will be 4 million cases , and 3.5 million people will die , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what metrics the study used , but even reporting it on Iran ’ s tightly controlled state television represented a major change for a country whose officials had for days denied the severity of the crisis .
“ We are here to say that Tehran is damn wrong to do that !
” one Shiite cleric shouted at the shrine in Mashhad , according to online video .
Others joined him in chanting : “ The health minister is damn wrong to do that , the president is damn wrong to do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shiites from all over the Mideast for pilgrimages , likely contributing to the spread of the virus across the region .
Saudi Arabia earlier closed off Islam ’ s holiest sites over fear of the virus spreading .
State TV reported that Iran had deployed teams to screen travelers leaving major cities in 13 provinces , including the capital , Tehran .
But Iran has 31 provinces and authorities haven ’ t taken the step to lock down the country like in the allied nations of Iraq and Lebanon .
Apparently in efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Iran has released 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave , judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said Tuesday .
He said that included half of all “ security-related ” prisoners , without elaborating .
Western nations have called on Iran to release dual nationals and others held allegedly as bargaining chips in negotiations .
The kingdom of Jordan deployed troops outside of major cities to block travel on Tuesday .
It also ordered newspapers to cease publishing , banned gatherings of more than 10 people and established a quarantine zone at Dead Sea hotels .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ public transportation as well .
Meanwhile in Israel , the Defense Ministry was to roll out its plan to use near-empty hotel facilities , ravaged by the crash in tourism , as recovery centers for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 , the illness caused by the virus .
Two hotels are to begin receiving patients on Tuesday with others likely to follow .
The facilities are to be overseen by medical officials with patients quarantined in rooms , and food and other amenities delivered to the rooms by protected hotel staff .
Also , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s internal Shin Bet security service said it will begin deploying its phone-tracking technology to combat the spread of the virus .
The Shin Bet insisted the use will be limited only to help “ save lives ” and warn those who have been exposed .
Amid secrecy concerns , it said the technology won ’ t be used to enforce quarantines and the data will only be stored temporarily and available to just a select group of agents .
The emergency ordinance will be effective for 30 days .

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TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran issued its most dire warning yet Tuesday about the outbreak of the new coronavirus ravaging the country, suggesting “millions” could die in the Islamic Republic if the public keeps traveling and ignoring health guidance.
A state television journalist who also is a medical doctor gave the warning only hours after hard-line Shiite faithful the previous night pushed their way into the courtyards of two major shrines that had just been closed over fears of the virus.
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Roughly nine out of 10 of the over 18,000 cases of the new virus confirmed across the Middle East come from Iran, where authorities denied for days the risk the outbreak posed. Officials have now implemented new checks for people trying to leave major cities ahead of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, on Friday, but have hesitated to quarantine the areas.
That’s even as the death toll in Iran saw another 13% increase Tuesday. Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said the virus had killed 135 more people to raise the total to 988 amid over 16,000 cases. Jordan meanwhile prepared for a shutdown of its own over the virus, banning gatherings drawing more than 10 people.
Most people infected by the new coronavirus experience only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, and recover within weeks. But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by people with no visible symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
Firefighters disinfect a street against the new coronavirus, in western Tehran, Iran, Friday, March 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) ASSOCIATED PRESS
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The Iranian state TV journalist, Dr. Afruz Eslami, cited a study by Tehran’s prestigious Sharif University of Technology, which offered three scenarios. If people begin to cooperate now, Iran will see 120,000 infections and 12,000 deaths before the outbreak is over, she said. If they offer medium cooperation, there will be 300,000 cases and 110,000 deaths, she said.
But if people fail to follow any guidance, it could collapse Iran’s already-strained medical system, Eslami said. If the “medical facilities are not sufficient, there will be 4 million cases, and 3.5 million people will die,” she said.
Eslami did not elaborate on what metrics the study used, but even reporting it on Iran’s tightly controlled state television represented a major change for a country whose officials had for days denied the severity of the crisis.
Late on Monday night, angry crowds stormed into the courtyards of Mashhad’s Imam Reza shrine and Qom’s Fatima Masumeh shrine. Crowds typically pray there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, touching and kissing the shrine. That’s worried health officials, who for weeks ordered Iran’s Shiite clergy to close them.
Earlier on Monday, the state TV had announced the shrines’ closure, sparking the demonstrations.
“We are here to say that Tehran is damn wrong to do that!” one Shiite cleric shouted at the shrine in Mashhad, according to online video. Others joined him in chanting: “The health minister is damn wrong to do that, the president is damn wrong to do that!”
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Police later dispersed the crowds, state media reported. Religious authorities and a prominent Qom seminary called the demonstration an “insult” to the shrine in a statement, urging the faithful to rely on “wisdom and patience” amid the closure.
Iran’s shrines draw Shiites from all over the Mideast for pilgrimages, likely contributing to the spread of the virus across the region. Saudi Arabia earlier closed off Islam’s holiest sites over fear of the virus spreading.
President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said despite the closures, “our soul is closer to the saints more than at any time.”
State TV reported that Iran had deployed teams to screen travelers leaving major cities in 13 provinces, including the capital, Tehran. But Iran has 31 provinces and authorities haven’t taken the step to lock down the country like in the allied nations of Iraq and Lebanon.
The teams check travelers’ temperatures and will send those with fevers to quarantine centers. Iran has been urging people to stay home, but many have ignored the call.
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A woman wearing a face mask shops at a store in Bamland shopping mall, in Western Tehran, Iran, Sunday, March 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) ASSOCIATED PRESS
Apparently in efforts to curb the spread of the virus, Iran has released 85,000 prisoners on temporary leave, judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili said Tuesday. He said that included half of all “security-related” prisoners, without elaborating. Western nations have called on Iran to release dual nationals and others held allegedly as bargaining chips in negotiations.
Among those released is Mohammad Hossein Karroubi, the son of opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi, who was in jail for nearly two months.
The kingdom of Jordan deployed troops outside of major cities to block travel on Tuesday. It also ordered newspapers to cease publishing, banned gatherings of more than 10 people and established a quarantine zone at Dead Sea hotels. It halted all private sector work and public transportation as well.
In Oman, the sultanate announced anyone coming from abroad would be subject to quarantine. It also lifted restrictions on voice-over-IP internet calling services, which are common across Gulf Arab nations.
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Meanwhile in Israel, the Defense Ministry was to roll out its plan to use near-empty hotel facilities, ravaged by the crash in tourism, as recovery centers for patients diagnosed with COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.
Two hotels are to begin receiving patients on Tuesday with others likely to follow. The facilities are to be overseen by medical officials with patients quarantined in rooms, and food and other amenities delivered to the rooms by protected hotel staff.
Israel’s Defense Minister Naftali Bennett issued orders Tuesday to allow into Israel only those Palestinian workers and merchants whose work is deemed essential in health, agriculture, nursing and construction. Workers allowed in will stay in Israel for between one and two months.
Also, following an overnight Cabinet approval, Israel’s internal Shin Bet security service said it will begin deploying its phone-tracking technology to combat the spread of the virus. The Shin Bet insisted the use will be limited only to help “save lives” and warn those who have been exposed. Amid secrecy concerns, it said the technology won’t be used to enforce quarantines and the data will only be stored temporarily and available to just a select group of agents. The emergency ordinance will be effective for 30 days.
___
Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran, Iran, and Aron Heller in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
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___


huffpost--2020-03-17--Twitter Users Share Hopeful Rainbow Photos Amid The Coronavirus Crisis

Today is my day !
There is a # rainbow after the rain !
🌈Mostly there is # God showing @ @ @ @ @ the mist of all this # CoronavirusOutbreak madness , I believe we are going to @ @ @ @ @ ☘ # santamonica pic.twitter.com/hCszIQqX2j

Today is my day! There is a #rainbow after the rain! 🌈Mostly there is #God showing us His gifts! In the mist of all this #CoronavirusOutbreak madness, I believe we are going to be ok! #HappySaintPatricksDay ☘ #santamonica pic.twitter.com/hCszIQqX2j


huffpost--2020-03-17--Guns, Ammo Retailers Report Sales Surge Across U.S. Amid Coronavirus Fears

“ I think a lot of people are seeing what ’ s going on in the [ grocery ] stores and want to make sure they ’ ve got what they need if they ’ re in a bind .
Who knows what people are going to do , ” she added , referring to concerns about possible looting or other lawlessness in response to the pandemic .
In New Jersey , which has some of the most restrictive firearm laws in the country , prospective first-time gun owners must apply for permits through the state police .
It can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued , if at all .
Like Carrara ’ s Gun Shop in Vermont , Oak Ridge Firearms has seen an increase in firearm purchases , particularly shotguns , but not as much as the demand for ammunition .
The Oak Ridge employee estimated the shop has sold about three to four times the amount of ammo compared to this time last year .
But the boost in sales during the coronavirus pandemic is likely fueled in large part by concerns of social unrest , said Adam Winkler , a professor of constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an expert on gun policy .
He said he ’ s not surprised to see lines out the door at some gun stores , and he expects sales to continue to grow as long as stores remain open .
“ It shows that there is this primal need for self-defense , ” he added .
“ When you depend on the government for social [ stability ] and all of a sudden it seems like the government isn ’ t going to be able to provide that , people get scared.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many gun buyers , studies show that living in a house with a gun increases the risk of death .
Homicides and suicides are far more likely to occur when a gun is present in a household , according to a 2014 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine .
Having a gun in the house also increases the potential for a deadly accident .
Firearms are the second leading cause of death among American children and adolescents , behind car crashes .
At least 73 children under the age of 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those gun deaths were often related to a child ’ s access to a firearm , and were either self-inflicted or at the hands of another child , according to the Children ’ s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute .
The first confirmed case in the U.S. of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , was reported on January 21 .
As of Monday , the virus had infected nearly 3,500 people across 49 states , as well as Washington , D.C. , Puerto Rico , Guam and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the U.S. have died from COVID-19 .
Reports about increased firearm and ammo sales in the last month are largely anecdotal .
The FBI ’ s monthly report on firearm background checks initiated through the NICS system is often a strong indicator of whether gun sales have increased in a given period of time .
At the time of publication , the FBI had not yet posted numbers for March .
Ammo.com , an online retailer of ammunition , said it ’ s seen a surge in sales that correlates with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Delaware have grown by more than 4,500 % ― the most of any state , according to the website .
Customers in Vermont , Maryland , Mississippi and Louisiana , where confirmed cases of the virus have steadily increased , have also placed substantially more orders than normal .

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Toilet paper and hand sanitizer aren’t the only items flying off store shelves as the coronavirus continues to spread across the country. Some gun and ammunition retailers say they’ve seen so much demand in recent weeks that they’re having trouble keeping their shops stocked, too.
HuffPost called dozens of brick-and-mortar gun shops around the country. The vast majority said they were too overwhelmed with customers to comment when we called.
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Michelle Bruneau, an employee at Carrara’s Gun Shop in Shrewsbury, Vermont, said she’s seen a significant boost in sales ― mostly ammunition ― over the last few weeks.
“We’re out in the woods,” Bruneau told HuffPost. “We don’t get a ton of traffic, especially this time of year. We had like six or seven customers yesterday, that’s huge for us.”
It’s been difficult to restock the store, Bruneau said, because suppliers are struggling to manufacture enough product to meet demand. She said “tons of people” have been calling ahead to see what’s available.
“I think a lot of people are seeing what’s going on in the [grocery] stores and want to make sure they’ve got what they need if they’re in a bind. Who knows what people are going to do,” she added, referring to concerns about possible looting or other lawlessness in response to the pandemic.
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People are also stocking up, as prices are expected to jump due to the higher demand, she said.
An employee at Oak Ridge Firearms in Oak Ridge, New Jersey, who asked not to be identified, said there’s been significantly more interest than normal from first-time buyers.
In New Jersey, which has some of the most restrictive firearm laws in the country, prospective first-time gun owners must apply for permits through the state police. It can take weeks for a permit to be issued, if at all.
“They call and have no idea what the process is,” the employee said. “They’re frustrated because they want something right now.”
David Liu, owner of a gun store, takes an order from a customer in Arcadia, California, on Sunday. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Like Carrara’s Gun Shop in Vermont, Oak Ridge Firearms has seen an increase in firearm purchases, particularly shotguns, but not as much as the demand for ammunition. The Oak Ridge employee estimated the shop has sold about three to four times the amount of ammo compared to this time last year.
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“I can’t say I’ve ever seen something like this because of disease happening before,” he told HuffPost. “Some people are concerned there could be lawlessness.”
Firearm sales often spike after mass shootings, especially since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012, because some people fear the government will impose tighter gun restrictions in their aftermath.
But the boost in sales during the coronavirus pandemic is likely fueled in large part by concerns of social unrest, said Adam Winkler, a professor of constitutional law at the UCLA School of Law and an expert on gun policy. He said he’s not surprised to see lines out the door at some gun stores, and he expects sales to continue to grow as long as stores remain open.
“When you depend on the government for social [stability] and all of a sudden it seems like the government isn’t going to be able to provide that, people get scared.” - Adam Winkler, gun policy expert and UCLA School of Law professor
“We have seen this before,” Winkler said. “We saw in Los Angeles when the riots occurred back in the early 1990s, a lot of people were purchasing guns. When people feel a crisis is coming and social order may be disrupted, being armed and self-defense is an age-old idea.”
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While mass shootings mostly drive existing gun owners to add to their stockpiles, first-time buyers are likely a “large slice of the pie” of the sales amid the coronavirus spread, Winkler said.
“People do sometimes choose to buy guns when they’re facing the possibility of social breakdown ― and sometimes for good reason,” Winkler said, noting the looting and crime that occurred in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
“It shows that there is this primal need for self-defense,” he added. “When you depend on the government for social [stability] and all of a sudden it seems like the government isn’t going to be able to provide that, people get scared.”
Though self-protection may be a motive for many gun buyers, studies show that living in a house with a gun increases the risk of death. Homicides and suicides are far more likely to occur when a gun is present in a household, according to a 2014 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Having a gun in the house also increases the potential for a deadly accident. Firearms are the second leading cause of death among American children and adolescents, behind car crashes. At least 73 children under the age of 12 were accidentally killed by guns in 2018. Those gun deaths were often related to a child’s access to a firearm, and were either self-inflicted or at the hands of another child, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute.
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People stand in line outside the Martin B. Retting, Inc. guns store in Culver City, California, on Sunday. Mario Tama via Getty Images
The first confirmed case in the U.S. of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, was reported on January 21. As of Monday, the virus had infected nearly 3,500 people across 49 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. At least 68 people in the U.S. have died from COVID-19.
Reports about increased firearm and ammo sales in the last month are largely anecdotal. The FBI’s monthly report on firearm background checks initiated through the NICS system is often a strong indicator of whether gun sales have increased in a given period of time. At the time of publication, the FBI had not yet posted numbers for March.
Background checks are required when a person is seeking to purchase a gun from a federal firearms licensee, which includes major chains like Walmart, small independent shops, and some individual retailers.
In January, the NICS system processed 2,165,094 background checks, a nearly 25% increase from a year earlier, according to FBI data. Last month, there were 2,802,467 background checks, marking a more than 36% increase from the prior February.
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A spokeswoman for the FBI would not speculate on the possible causes for an increase in background checks.
“There are many factors that could cause fluctuations at any time,” she said.
A gun store customer who gave his name only as John waits in line in Burbank, California, on Sunday. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ammo.com, an online retailer of ammunition, said it’s seen a surge in sales that correlates with the spread of the coronavirus. Sales in Delaware have grown by more than 4,500% ― the most of any state, according to the website. Customers in Vermont, Maryland, Mississippi and Louisiana, where confirmed cases of the virus have steadily increased, have also placed substantially more orders than normal.
“On March 10, 2020 – the day confirmed cases in the US reached over 1,000, increasing ten-fold in a week – we noticed an unprecedented 276% sales surge that continued through the end of last week and the weekend,” Ammo.com said in a statement.
The site said it has seen increases in sales in every single state, with the exception of those to which they don’t ship: Alaska, California and Hawaii.
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Lines have wrapped around some firearms stores in California, with customers waiting hours at times to get inside, reported The Los Angeles Times.
Ray, a medical doctor who only provided his first name to the Times, was one of several first-time buyers waiting in line last week at Martin B. Retting Gun Shop in Culver City.
“I want to buy a handgun, I think they call it a Glock, but I’m not sure,” he said. “I have a house and a family, and they’ll need protection if things get worse.”


huffpost--2020-03-17--These Cat TikToks Are Just What We Need Right Meow During Social Isolation

Hey , we know you ’ re feline blue .
Most of us are practicing social isolation during this awful @ @ @ @ @ , lonely and bored .
So , we at FluffHuffPost decided to curate a list @ @ @ @ @ TikTok in the hopes of paw-sibly putting a smile on your face .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s litter-ally all this post is .
So , sit back and enjoy — @ @ @ @ @ be cathartic .

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huffpost--2020-03-17--Coronavirus Misinformation Is Spreading Through Bogus Texts And Group Chats

In New York City , false information spread through text messages and group chats about claims that the city was going into quarantine , that the New York Police Department planned containment operations or that the subways were shutting down .
One city official told HuffPost they received about 10 calls or texts from family and friends either forwarding the false information or urgently trying to clarify what they ’ d seen in messages .
A similar misinformation campaign spread nationwide in recent days with texts falsely claiming that President Donald Trump was preparing to use a law known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine .
The texts were not true , and such an order would likely be unconstitutional .
But like the New York texts , lawmakers and agencies such as the National Security Council ultimately had to put out statements refuting the claims .
The wave of bogus messages about coronavirus isn ’ t just an American problem either .
Researchers say they ’ ve seen the same type of rumors proliferating in countries around the world .
Misinformation about liquor stores closing and changing visa requirements in Canada , army deployments in Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on lockdown all circulated to the point where officials had to step in to debunk the claims .
There are scenarios in which this coronavirus misinformation could lead to dangerous real-world actions .
If they aren ’ t countered fast enough , rumors of medical and food shortages could instill panic or violence .
A false text about capital controls or financial collapse could mean people take rapid action to protect their savings .
“ We ’ ve made some jokes about toilet roll shortages , but I think we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start sharing rumors that make people take action because they ’ re terrified , ” said Claire Wardle , co-founder of First Draft News , an organization that monitors misinformation .
Many of the false text messages followed a similar form .
Often the misinformation references someone in a position of authority as the provider of the information ― texts have cited the CIA , “ military friends ” and even Michael Bloomberg ’ s daughter as their source .
Some were simply copy-and-pastes of texts that were then forwarded , while other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own words with the rumors .
Although it ’ s extremely difficult to find the original source of misinformation and whether it is being spread maliciously , misinformation researchers don ’ t believe the texts are necessarily the result of an intentional disinformation campaign or a foreign actor trying to sow discord .
Instead , the coronavirus has created an ideal situation for misinformation to spread among the public and may not be coordinated .
The outbreak is an incredibly fast-moving event , which journalists are racing to keep up with while governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contain the virus give a sense that anything is possible .
The result is a fearful public that is turning to those closest to them with information they hope will give warning or preparation time , and even people with good news judgment who would normally be credible sources may share sketchy messages if they believe they might give loved ones an advantage .
That the texts come directly from friends and family make them more believable than if a stranger posts them online .
Rumors through texts and messaging apps create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falsehoods on social media .
Facebook and Twitter have been more proactive than usual about removing coronavirus falsehoods from their platforms , and , though far from perfect , they are at least able to moderate the content people are sharing .
There ’ s no regulation of what people text each other or share on encrypted messaging apps for good reason , but it makes it harder to stop viral hoaxes or even know when misinformation is being shared until it reaches a wide enough audience to cause alarm .
The offline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already played out dramatically in Ukraine , where BuzzFeed reported that a disinformation campaign led to riots that tore apart a small town .
Residents of Novi Sanzhary , believing false information on a messaging app about coronavirus patients being bused to their town , set fire to barricades and violently clashed with riot police .
The Ukraine rumor wasn ’ t conjured out of thin air ― there was indeed a group of evacuees heading for the town for quarantine , but they had all been tested and found negative for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the messages allowed the disinformation to seem rooted in some reality , which is another reason why false rumors are gaining ground : At a time when unprecedented policies are being issued around the world , many of the rumors seem hard to distinguish from real actions being considered to stop the virus .
“ A lot of the things that are taking off like wildfire are not a million miles away from where we think we might be in a couple of days anyway , ” Wardle said .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because things are so scary and things change so quickly , it ’ s not out of bounds to think it might happen .
”

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Text messages and group chats have become a hotbed of misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak.
In New York City, false information spread through text messages and group chats about claims that the city was going into quarantine, that the New York Police Department planned containment operations or that the subways were shutting down. One city official told HuffPost they received about 10 calls or texts from family and friends either forwarding the false information or urgently trying to clarify what they’d seen in messages.
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None of it was true, but the claims were widespread enough that city officials and Mayor Bill de Blasio had to publicly refute them.
NO, there is NO TRUTH to rumors about Manhattan being quarantined. Whoever is spreading this misinformation, PLEASE STOP NOW! — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 12, 2020
A similar misinformation campaign spread nationwide in recent days with texts falsely claiming that President Donald Trump was preparing to use a law known as the Stafford Act to implement a nationwide quarantine. The texts were not true, and such an order would likely be unconstitutional. But like the New York texts, lawmakers and agencies such as the National Security Council ultimately had to put out statements refuting the claims.
Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19. #coronavirus — NSC (@WHNSC) March 16, 2020
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The wave of bogus messages about coronavirus isn’t just an American problem either. Researchers say they’ve seen the same type of rumors proliferating in countries around the world. Misinformation about liquor stores closing and changing visa requirements in Canada, army deployments in Ireland and Hungary’s capital being put on lockdown all circulated to the point where officials had to step in to debunk the claims.
There are scenarios in which this coronavirus misinformation could lead to dangerous real-world actions. If they aren’t countered fast enough, rumors of medical and food shortages could instill panic or violence. A false text about capital controls or financial collapse could mean people take rapid action to protect their savings.
“We’ve made some jokes about toilet roll shortages, but I think we don’t know what it looks like if people start sharing rumors that make people take action because they’re terrified,” said Claire Wardle, co-founder of First Draft News, an organization that monitors misinformation.
Many of the false text messages followed a similar form. Often the misinformation references someone in a position of authority as the provider of the information ― texts have cited the CIA, “military friends” and even Michael Bloomberg’s daughter as their source. Some were simply copy-and-pastes of texts that were then forwarded, while other times people have messaged friends in their own words with the rumors.
Although it’s extremely difficult to find the original source of misinformation and whether it is being spread maliciously, misinformation researchers don’t believe the texts are necessarily the result of an intentional disinformation campaign or a foreign actor trying to sow discord. Instead, the coronavirus has created an ideal situation for misinformation to spread among the public and may not be coordinated. The outbreak is an incredibly fast-moving event, which journalists are racing to keep up with while governments issued only intermittent updates and drastic measures to contain the virus give a sense that anything is possible.
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The result is a fearful public that is turning to those closest to them with information they hope will give warning or preparation time, and even people with good news judgment who would normally be credible sources may share sketchy messages if they believe they might give loved ones an advantage. That the texts come directly from friends and family make them more believable than if a stranger posts them online.
“We’ve always known that people share things when they’re trying to be helpful and protect one another. That’s why misinformation spreads,” Wardle said.
A woman wears a face mask while using her cellphone as she enters a Moscow Underground station during the coronavirus pandemic. Mikhail Tereshchenko via Getty Images
Rumors through texts and messaging apps create unique problems for stopping misinformation compared with falsehoods on social media. Facebook and Twitter have been more proactive than usual about removing coronavirus falsehoods from their platforms, and, though far from perfect, they are at least able to moderate the content people are sharing. There’s no regulation of what people text each other or share on encrypted messaging apps for good reason, but it makes it harder to stop viral hoaxes or even know when misinformation is being shared until it reaches a wide enough audience to cause alarm.
The offline consequences of false information around coronavirus have already played out dramatically in Ukraine, where BuzzFeed reported that a disinformation campaign led to riots that tore apart a small town. Residents of Novi Sanzhary, believing false information on a messaging app about coronavirus patients being bused to their town, set fire to barricades and violently clashed with riot police.
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The Ukraine rumor wasn’t conjured out of thin air ― there was indeed a group of evacuees heading for the town for quarantine, but they had all been tested and found negative for the virus. The kernel of truth to the messages allowed the disinformation to seem rooted in some reality, which is another reason why false rumors are gaining ground: At a time when unprecedented policies are being issued around the world, many of the rumors seem hard to distinguish from real actions being considered to stop the virus.


huffpost--2020-03-17--Norwegian Mom Makes Sure Kids Get Birthday Love Despite Coronavirus Concerns

NEW YORK ( AP ) — Mona Helgeland was sad for her children .
Their birthdays were coming up but they were self-quarantined because of the coronavirus and going to miss celebrating with friends and family .
So , the Norwegian single mother of two went on Facebook groups and asked people to send greeting cards .
She said she has been “ blown away by the kindness.
” In just a few days since that first post , she has received dozens of cards from across the world - from Alaska to South Africa .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Helgeland , 37 , said about the cards that some have posted with drawings of her son ’ s favorite Japanese cartoon characters , or cows , zebras and hearts , as well as photos from the studio where they make the Harry Potter films that her children love .
To Helgeland , who has a painful spinal joint disorder called ankylosing spondylitis , the message during these uncertain times is clear : “ It ’ s important to stay positive and take care of each other and spread love , not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were hunkered down Tuesday .
Countries across the globe shut their borders , and cities locked down , closing schools and businesses to try to curb the spread of the virus , which has infected more than 190,000 people and killed more than 7,500 .
The virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , for most people , but severe illness is more likely in the elderly and people with existing health problems .
More than 80,000 people have recovered from the illness .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of their way for someone they don ’ t even know , ” Helgeland said in an interview via videoconferencing .
“ I ’ m blown away by their kindness.
” Helgeland lives with her family in Ålgård , about 300 miles ( 480 kilometers ) southwest of the Norwegian capital of Oslo .
The town is best known for an amusement park , its wood and textile industries , and for being the birthplace of Havard “ Kickalicious ” Rugland .
The placekicker ’ s YouTube video in 2012 went viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams .
Norway recently announced measures to try to halt the spread of the virus , which has infected more than 1,400 people and killed 3 in the Scandinavian country .
King Harald V , several members of the royal family and some government members have protectively been put in quarantine because they had traveled abroad in recent weeks .

NEW YORK (AP) — Mona Helgeland was sad for her children. Their birthdays were coming up but they were self-quarantined because of the coronavirus and going to miss celebrating with friends and family.
So, the Norwegian single mother of two went on Facebook groups and asked people to send greeting cards. She said she has been “blown away by the kindness.” In just a few days since that first post, she has received dozens of cards from across the world - from Alaska to South Africa.
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“It’s beautiful. I started crying,” Helgeland, 37, said about the cards that some have posted with drawings of her son’s favorite Japanese cartoon characters, or cows, zebras and hearts, as well as photos from the studio where they make the Harry Potter films that her children love.
To Helgeland, who has a painful spinal joint disorder called ankylosing spondylitis, the message during these uncertain times is clear: “It’s important to stay positive and take care of each other and spread love, not just the virus.”
Tens of millions of people were hunkered down Tuesday. Countries across the globe shut their borders, and cities locked down, closing schools and businesses to try to curb the spread of the virus, which has infected more than 190,000 people and killed more than 7,500.
The virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for most people, but severe illness is more likely in the elderly and people with existing health problems. More than 80,000 people have recovered from the illness.
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Amid the grim news Helgeland has seen goodness, one card at a time.
“They’re making the effort, going out of their way for someone they don’t even know,” Helgeland said in an interview via videoconferencing. “I’m blown away by their kindness.”
Helgeland lives with her family in Ålgård, about 300 miles (480 kilometers) southwest of the Norwegian capital of Oslo. The town is best known for an amusement park, its wood and textile industries, and for being the birthplace of Havard “Kickalicious” Rugland. The placekicker’s YouTube video in 2012 went viral and led to several tryouts with NFL teams.


huffpost--2020-03-17--Experts Urge States To Expand Voting By Mail Before Pandemic Derails Democracy

Ohio canceled in-person voting for its primary on Tuesday because Gov .
Mike DeWine ( R ) said they could not ensure the safety of voters .
The primary was later delayed by the state Supreme Court .
Chaos reigned at the polls in Illinois on Tuesday as election workers did not show and election materials were not available at some locations .
Georgia , Kentucky , Louisiana and Maryland postponed their upcoming primaries by months .
Wyoming moved to an all-mail primary election and Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan ( R ) called for an all-mail vote in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
But it ’ s vital to ensure people can still exercise their right to vote .
Advocacy groups like the American Civil Liberties Union , the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights , the Brennan Center for Justice and the National Vote At Home Institute , as well as politicians from both political parties , are calling on states to take quick action to ensure that voters will be able to cast ballots this year .
They are urging states to quickly adopt new policies to increase options for voting from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mailing ballots to every voter to enable this .
At the same time , they say states must maintain safe in-person polling locations for communities , like Native Americans and the non-English proficient , who need them .
While primary elections can be delayed by state governments , the date of federal elections for president and Congress can not .
If people are still being asked to maintain social distance in November , election turnout could plummet , threatening the legitimacy of the outcome .
France went ahead with its local elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
States must start planning now if they intend to make any changes in policy to ensure the safety and continued integrity of this year ’ s elections .
They will need to enact new rules and procedures to ensure the safety and integrity of the ballot and provide funding to deal with the crush of mailed ballots .
It may not be possible or wise for every state to immediately move to a permanent vote-by-mail option or an all-mail election right now , but there are clear steps every state can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
First among them is for the states that do not currently allow everyone to vote absentee by mail without an excuse to start allowing it .
Sixteen states either do not allow no-excuse absentee voting or are in the process of transitioning to allow it .
The states with requirements for filing absentee are Alabama , Arkansas , Indiana , Kentucky , Louisiana , Massachusetts , Mississippi , Missouri , New Hampshire , Rhode Island , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas and West Virginia .
Connecticut and Delaware are currently transitioning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots .
There are at least three ways states could change their election laws to provide for no-excuse absentee balloting now .
State legislatures can pass new laws enabling it .
The governor of each state could issue an emergency proclamation declaring the current pandemic a proper excuse to obtain a mail-in absentee ballot .
Or Congress could pass a law requiring states to provide no-excuse absentee balloting for federal elections .
States could then simply change their administrative procedures to implement it .
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill ( R ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ who are concerned about contracting or spreading an illness or have an infirmity may vote by absentee ” in the state ’ s March 31 runoff elections .
Merrill is now , however , seeking a postponement of those elections .
Permitting no-excuse absentee voting would be just the beginning , however .
The states that currently do not allow it lack the resources and funding necessary to adjust to a radical increase in processing and counting mail-in ballots .
The same is true of states that do currently allow no-excuse absentee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase this year .
Michigan is a case in point .
A ballot initiative passed by voters in 2018 provided a host of voting rights reforms including allowing no-excuse absentee voting .
Some municipalities saw up to an 800 % increase in mailed-in ballots for the state ’ s March 10 primary election .
The state legislature had not provided proper funding to allow county clerks to speedily count the ballots , thus extending the time it took to reach a final vote tally .
States will need increased funding to adopt anti-fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , provide for pre-paid return envelopes and extend the dates that absentee ballots can be requested , returned and counted .
This could mean that states adopt the same policy as California , where ballots postmarked as late as Election Day are valid .

The coronavirus pandemic is causing significant disruptions to American elections.
Ohio canceled in-person voting for its primary on Tuesday because Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said they could not ensure the safety of voters. The primary was later delayed by the state Supreme Court. Chaos reigned at the polls in Illinois on Tuesday as election workers did not show and election materials were not available at some locations. Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana and Maryland postponed their upcoming primaries by months. Wyoming moved to an all-mail primary election and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) called for an all-mail vote in the state’s April 28 special congressional election.
The need for social distancing to prevent the rapid spread of the virus requires people to stay away from crowds. That includes polling locations. More states should follow Wyoming and Maryland’s lead.
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But it’s vital to ensure people can still exercise their right to vote. Advocacy groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the Brennan Center for Justice and the National Vote At Home Institute, as well as politicians from both political parties, are calling on states to take quick action to ensure that voters will be able to cast ballots this year. They are urging states to quickly adopt new policies to increase options for voting from home, including allowing no-excuse mail-in absentee voting and mailing ballots to every voter to enable this. At the same time, they say states must maintain safe in-person polling locations for communities, like Native Americans and the non-English proficient, who need them.
“If that’s going to happen, it’s going to have to be planned now,” said Rick Hasen, an election law professor at the University of California-Irvine and author of the book “Election Meltdown.”
Lisette Venegas votes at Chicago's Su Nueva Lavanderia polling place on March 17, 2020. Election officials have been promoting voting early and casting ballots by mail in an attempt to limit crowds and curb the spread of the coronavirus. ASSOCIATED PRESS
While primary elections can be delayed by state governments, the date of federal elections for president and Congress cannot. If people are still being asked to maintain social distance in November, election turnout could plummet, threatening the legitimacy of the outcome. France went ahead with its local elections on Sunday and saw historically low turnout.
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“That should be a massive warning with red flashing lights about what’s going to happen in our democracy right now,” said Dale Ho, director of the Voting Rights Project at the ACLU.
States must start planning now if they intend to make any changes in policy to ensure the safety and continued integrity of this year’s elections. They will need to enact new rules and procedures to ensure the safety and integrity of the ballot and provide funding to deal with the crush of mailed ballots.
“If you are making base-level infrastructure changes, it takes time and it takes resources,” said Audrey Kline, policy director for the National Vote At Home Institute.
Five states ― Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington ― already conduct all-mail elections. California is set to join them soon. Another five states ― Arizona, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey and Virginia ― and the District of Columbia offer a permanent vote-by-mail option. Other states are testing all-mail elections in a limited number of counties.
It may not be possible or wise for every state to immediately move to a permanent vote-by-mail option or an all-mail election right now, but there are clear steps every state can take to improve vote-by-mail options during this pandemic. First among them is for the states that do not currently allow everyone to vote absentee by mail without an excuse to start allowing it.
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Sixteen states either do not allow no-excuse absentee voting or are in the process of transitioning to allow it. The states with requirements for filing absentee are Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia. Connecticut and Delaware are currently transitioning to drop their requirements for mail-in absentee ballots.
A poll worker provides a voter with a ballot during the Florida presidential primary on March 17, 2020, in Miami. Cliff Hawkins via Getty Images
There are at least three ways states could change their election laws to provide for no-excuse absentee balloting now. State legislatures can pass new laws enabling it. The governor of each state could issue an emergency proclamation declaring the current pandemic a proper excuse to obtain a mail-in absentee ballot. Or Congress could pass a law requiring states to provide no-excuse absentee balloting for federal elections. States could then simply change their administrative procedures to implement it.
Discussions are underway in several states about changing these restrictions to increase access to no-excuse absentee voting, with calls coming from both Democrats and Republicans.
In Connecticut, Secretary of State Denise Merrill (D) called on Gov. Ned Lamont (D) to issue an emergency declaration declaring the coronavirus pandemic a sufficient excuse for all voters to obtain a mail-in absentee ballot.
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West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner (R) said that all options are on the table, including the legislature passing a bill or Gov. Jim Justice (R) issuing an emergency declaration to allow no-excuse absentee voting.
In Indiana, the chairs of the state Republican and Democratic parties issued a joint letter calling on the state to allow no-excuse absentee voting.
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill (R) announced on March 13 that all voters “who are concerned about contracting or spreading an illness or have an infirmity may vote by absentee” in the state’s March 31 runoff elections. Merrill is now, however, seeking a postponement of those elections.
Permitting no-excuse absentee voting would be just the beginning, however. The states that currently do not allow it lack the resources and funding necessary to adjust to a radical increase in processing and counting mail-in ballots. The same is true of states that do currently allow no-excuse absentee voting but will likely see a significant increase this year.
Michigan is a case in point. A ballot initiative passed by voters in 2018 provided a host of voting rights reforms including allowing no-excuse absentee voting. Some municipalities saw up to an 800% increase in mailed-in ballots for the state’s March 10 primary election. The state legislature had not provided proper funding to allow county clerks to speedily count the ballots, thus extending the time it took to reach a final vote tally.
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“Funding is going to be one of the most important pieces,” Kline said. “It costs money all the way down to our local clerks.”
States will need increased funding to adopt anti-fraud procedures on verifying signatures on mailed ballots, provide for pre-paid return envelopes and extend the dates that absentee ballots can be requested, returned and counted. This could mean that states adopt the same policy as California, where ballots postmarked as late as Election Day are valid.
“You shouldn’t have less time to vote [by mail] than if you decide to vote in person,” Ho said.
The additional funds may need to come from the federal government, as many states are strapped for cash. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) plan on introducing federal legislation this week to provide funding and mandate that states increase early in-person voting and provide no-excuse absentee voting for federal elections.
In Congress, though, there will be another question mark: Republicans, who have increasingly rallied around policies to limit access to voting, would have to approve measures to increase the ability of people to vote.
Keep up with the latest updates on the coronavirus at our live blog.


huffpost--2020-03-17--Norway's PM Holds Coronavirus Press Conference For Kids, Says It's OK To Be Scared

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg held a press conference on Monday for Norway ’ s children , ensuring them that “ it ’ s OK to be scared ” during a global pandemic .
The Norwegian government announced the press conference on Sunday , saying it was holding the event because “ many children have questions about the coronavirus.
” “ There are — and have been — some special days : Schools and kindergartens are closed .
All sports and leisure activities are canceled .
And everyone who has been abroad must quarantine when they get home , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told Norwegian children .
“ Because of the coronavirus , everyday life has become very different for both adults and children .
Anyone who can stay home should do it all the time .
Many children find this scary , ” she said .
“ I understand that well .
It ’ s OK to get a little scared when so many big things happen at once .
It ’ s OK to be a little scared to get infected by the coronavirus .
But for the vast majority of us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the coronavirus is most “ dangerous for people who have a serious illness ” and emphasized the importance of staying home .
Joined by Minister of Knowledge Guri Melby and Minister of Children and Family Affairs Kjell Ingolf Ropstad , Solberg then answered questions from children submitted through the children ’ s TV program “ NRK Super ” and children ’ s paper Aftenposten Junior .
Questions included “ Can I have a birthday party ?
” and “ How long does it take to make a vaccine ?
” In Norway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a press conference specifically for children .
For half an hour , she and her team answered questions submitted by kids across the country .
She told them it was normal to be scared but that everything would be okay.
# Leadership pic.twitter.com/pGHdB24zpS — Goodable ( @ Goodable ) March 16 , 2020 Norway has been making strides in attempting to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
Earlier this week , the University of Science and Technology alerted Norwegian students studying abroad to return home as soon as possible and singled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d be most at risk .
“ This applies especially if you are staying in a country with poorly developed health services , ” the statement warned .
“ This also applies for countries with poorly developed collective infrastructure , for example the USA , where it can be difficult to get transport to the airport if you don ’ t have a car .
The same applies if you don ’ t have health insurance .
”

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Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg held a press conference on Monday for Norway’s children, ensuring them that “it’s OK to be scared” during a global pandemic.
The Norwegian government announced the press conference on Sunday, saying it was holding the event because “many children have questions about the coronavirus.”
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“There are — and have been — some special days: Schools and kindergartens are closed. All sports and leisure activities are canceled. And everyone who has been abroad must quarantine when they get home,” Solberg, whose remarks have been translated, told Norwegian children.
“Because of the coronavirus, everyday life has become very different for both adults and children. Anyone who can stay home should do it all the time. Many children find this scary,” she said.
“I understand that well. It’s OK to get a little scared when so many big things happen at once. It’s OK to be a little scared to get infected by the coronavirus. But for the vast majority of us, the coronavirus is harmless.”
Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg gives a press conference for children on March 16, 2020. LISE ASERUD via Getty Images
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Solberg explained that the coronavirus is most “dangerous for people who have a serious illness” and emphasized the importance of staying home.
Joined by Minister of Knowledge Guri Melby and Minister of Children and Family Affairs Kjell Ingolf Ropstad, Solberg then answered questions from children submitted through the children’s TV program “NRK Super” and children’s paper Aftenposten Junior.
Questions included “Can I have a birthday party?” and “How long does it take to make a vaccine?”
In Norway, Prime Minister Erna Solberg just held a press conference specifically for children.
For half an hour, she and her team answered questions submitted by kids across the country.
She told them it was normal to be scared but that everything would be okay.#Leadership pic.twitter.com/pGHdB24zpS — Goodable (@Goodable) March 16, 2020
Norway has been making strides in attempting to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Earlier this week, the University of Science and Technology alerted Norwegian students studying abroad to return home as soon as possible and singled out the U.S. a nation where they’d be most at risk.


huffpost--2020-03-17--Kroger Expands Coronavirus Paid Leave Policy, Gives Bonuses After Backlash [UPDATE]

UPDATE : March 21 ― Kroger announced Saturday that it has expanded its COVID-19 emergency leave guidelines to “ include paid time off for self-isolation and symptoms as verified by an accredited health care professional.
” Additionally , it indicated that it would give a bonus to every hourly front-line grocery , supply chain , manufacturing and customer service associate , amounting to $ 300 for every full-time associate and $ 150 for every part-time associate .
The company , which owns more than 2,500 supermarkets and employs 453,000 people , provides paid sick leave after a year of employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Information .
Several Kroger employees told Popular Information that due to that policy , they wouldn ’ t be paid for work they missed due to illness ― which all but ensures they ’ d go to work sick .
Site runner Judd Legum tweeted on Tuesday that the company would , however , be providing every associate with a $ 25 gift card to “ show how much Kroger appreciates and acknowledges you.
” In response to Popular Information ’ s reporting , Kroger told HuffPost that “ this perspective only serves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we should all be pulling together to manage this public health crisis.
” “ Right now , grocery workers are on the front-lines ensuring Americans have the food and products they need , ” said Kristal Howard , head of corporate communications and media relations for the brand , in an email .
Howard says Kroger “ created a new policy last week allowing paid time off for associates diagnosed with or placed under quarantine due to COVID-19 ” and that “ all eligible associates will receive their standard pay for up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Kroger is also asking employees to monitor their health and imploring them to stay home if they ’ re sick — even though a portion of employees would not be paid if they did that .
Howard verified that “ as a small token of our appreciation every associate in the company is receiving an extra $ 25 of groceries on us , loaded to their loyalty cards.
” “ While this is just a small gesture , we hope our associates realize the tremendous value they bring not only to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We could not be weathering this storm without them , ” she said .
“ I want to thank our incredible associates who are working so incredibly hard today , ” says McMullen before adding : “ They ’ re providing incredible , amazing service under very difficult circumstances.
” A message from our CEO with updates on how we are keeping stores clean & replenished .
We encourage customers to be kind , shop responsibly and only buy what they need during this difficult time , understanding we will continue to restock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with us .
pic.twitter.com/QzJzRsf0WC — Kroger ( @ kroger ) March 17 , 2020 “ Both associates are receiving medical care and are recovering .
We are supporting them and wish them all the best in their recovery , ” he said in a March 14 memo to employees .
“ Upon learning of these cases , we partnered with state and local health experts , followed all sanitation and cleaning procedures , communicated with and supported our store teams , and with the support of the state governments , the stores remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We will continue to follow guidance from local , state and federal agencies , including the CDC and other health organizations.
” Many of the country ’ s 159 million workers are facing dire financial circumstances in light of the coronavirus pandemic .
On Saturday , the House passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act , which “ aims to give paid leave to workers who did not have it and extend paid leave for workers who only got a few days , ” according to The Washington Post .

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UPDATE: March 21 ― Kroger announced Saturday that it has expanded its COVID-19 emergency leave guidelines to “include paid time off for self-isolation and symptoms as verified by an accredited health care professional.”
Additionally, it indicated that it would give a bonus to every hourly front-line grocery, supply chain, manufacturing and customer service associate, amounting to $300 for every full-time associate and $150 for every part-time associate.
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PREVIOUSLY:
Kroger, the country’s largest supermarket chain, is reportedly not giving all of its workers paid sick leave amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The company, which owns more than 2,500 supermarkets and employs 453,000 people, provides paid sick leave after a year of employment, according to the political newsletter Popular Information.
Several Kroger employees told Popular Information that due to that policy, they wouldn’t be paid for work they missed due to illness ― which all but ensures they’d go to work sick.
Site runner Judd Legum tweeted on Tuesday that the company would, however, be providing every associate with a $25 gift card to “show how much Kroger appreciates and acknowledges you.”
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UPDATE: @kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the US, is still not providing all its workers with paid sick leave
Instead, everyone is getting a 25 DOLLAR Kroger gift cardhttps://t.co/19uNybttHl pic.twitter.com/DN17GcUmVY — Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) March 17, 2020
In response to Popular Information’s reporting, Kroger told HuffPost that “this perspective only serves to divide people at a time when we should all be pulling together to manage this public health crisis.”
“Right now, grocery workers are on the front-lines ensuring Americans have the food and products they need,” said Kristal Howard, head of corporate communications and media relations for the brand, in an email.
Howard says Kroger “created a new policy last week allowing paid time off for associates diagnosed with or placed under quarantine due to COVID-19” and that “all eligible associates will receive their standard pay for up to two weeks (14 days).”
Kroger is also asking employees to monitor their health and imploring them to stay home if they’re sick — even though a portion of employees would not be paid if they did that.
Advertisement
Howard verified that “as a small token of our appreciation every associate in the company is receiving an extra $25 of groceries on us, loaded to their loyalty cards.”
“While this is just a small gesture, we hope our associates realize the tremendous value they bring not only to our organization but also to our customers. We could not be weathering this storm without them,” she said.
Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen thanked his employees in an impassioned video shared on Twitter on Tuesday.
“I want to thank our incredible associates who are working so incredibly hard today,” says McMullen before adding: “They’re providing incredible, amazing service under very difficult circumstances.”
A message from our CEO with updates on how we are keeping stores clean & replenished. We encourage customers to be kind, shop responsibly and only buy what they need during this difficult time, understanding we will continue to restock our shelves. Thank you for shopping with us. pic.twitter.com/QzJzRsf0WC — Kroger (@kroger) March 17, 2020
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On Monday, McMullen released a statement that two grocery store associates from its King Soopers and Fred Meyer chains had been diagnosed with COVID-19.
“Both associates are receiving medical care and are recovering. We are supporting them and wish them all the best in their recovery,” he said in a March 14 memo to employees.
“Upon learning of these cases, we partnered with state and local health experts, followed all sanitation and cleaning procedures, communicated with and supported our store teams, and with the support of the state governments, the stores remain open,” the statement read. “We will continue to follow guidance from local, state and federal agencies, including the CDC and other health organizations.”
Many of the country’s 159 million workers are facing dire financial circumstances in light of the coronavirus pandemic. On Saturday, the House passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which “aims to give paid leave to workers who did not have it and extend paid leave for workers who only got a few days,” according to The Washington Post.


huffpost--2020-05-05--Donald Trump Doesn't Care If You Die From The Coronavirus

There has been a central theme running through his response : his seeming utter lack of empathy for the people who are suffering from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
On April 26 , The Washington Post analyzed the 13 hours Trump had spent talking in his daily coronavirus briefings , which were stopped after his own aides intervened to argue that the appearances were hurting his popularity .
On Tuesday , Trump left Washington for the first time since March .
He wasn ’ t going to meet with victims ’ families , as many presidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to visit a business that makes masks in Arizona .
“ Despite Democrats and the media ’ s coordinated attempts to criticize this President for providing hope and optimism throughout this pandemic , President Trump has delivered a message of comfort , unity , and strength while taking bold actions to save lives , provide financial assistance , and set this great country on a responsible path to reopen , ” responded White House spokesman Judd Deere .
“ The American people have shown tremendous spirit throughout this difficult time and are continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ] message.
” Trump has acknowledged that he knows some people who have died from COVID-19 , expressing amazement at the “ speed and viciousness ” of the “ horrible ” disease .
And he ’ s said he ’ s talked to three or four families who have had someone die from the virus .
But he generally has not lingered on talking about what people are going through .
And it ’ s not just that he ’ s not showing empathy publicly .
In his desire to move along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not only unproven but are often dangerous .
“ There ’ s not too many states that I know of that are going up .
Almost everybody is headed in the right direction , ” Trump said during a Fox News town hall on Sunday .
“ We ’ re on the right side of it , but we want to keep it that way , but we also want to get back to work.
” Many of the states that are reopening are doing so without meeting benchmarks set by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places , cases continue to rise and testing still lags .
“ Why don ’ t we let this wash over the country ?
” Trump asked .
Administration officials said he had “ repeatedly ” raised this scenario in conversations in the Oval Office .
Trump has often had trouble connecting in times of sorrow .
When four U.S. soldiers died in Niger in 2017 , he said and did nothing for a week until pressed by the media .
When he did finally call one of the soldier ’ s widows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ knew what he signed up for.
” In June 2017 , Trump called the father of another soldier who died in Afghanistan , promising that he would give him $ 25,000 and set up an online fundraiser .
Four months later , when The Washington Post followed up , the father said he had not received anything .
And in 2018 , when meeting with survivors and families of victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that killed 17 people , a photographer caught a photo of Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to say “ I hear you ” to the visitors .
While he does mention families who have suffered or lost loved ones during occasions like the State of the Union address , it is generally to make a point about his political agenda — such as cracking down on undocumented immigration .

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Throughout the coronavirus crisis, President Donald Trump has dished out dangerous “cures,” played down the severity of the pandemic, pushed to reopen the economy and bragged about the job he’s doing.
There has been a central theme running through his response: his seeming utter lack of empathy for the people who are suffering from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
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On April 26, The Washington Post analyzed the 13 hours Trump had spent talking in his daily coronavirus briefings, which were stopped after his own aides intervened to argue that the appearances were hurting his popularity.
Of the 13 hours that Trump spent talking, Trump spent two hours attacking people and 45 minutes praising himself.
He spent just four and a half minutes expressing condolences for coronavirus victims.
On Tuesday, Trump left Washington for the first time since March. He wasn’t going to meet with victims’ families, as many presidents do. Instead, he was going to visit a business that makes masks in Arizona.
“I’m going to pay my respect to a great company,” Trump said as he boarded Air Force One.
The American people, he added, “should think of themselves as warriors” ― in the battle to reopen the economy. Warriors, of course, often die.
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“Despite Democrats and the media’s coordinated attempts to criticize this President for providing hope and optimism throughout this pandemic, President Trump has delivered a message of comfort, unity, and strength while taking bold actions to save lives, provide financial assistance, and set this great country on a responsible path to reopen,” responded White House spokesman Judd Deere. “The American people have shown tremendous spirit throughout this difficult time and are continuing to respond to the President[’s] message.”
Trump has acknowledged that he knows some people who have died from COVID-19, expressing amazement at the “speed and viciousness” of the “horrible” disease. And he’s said he’s talked to three or four families who have had someone die from the virus. But he generally has not lingered on talking about what people are going through.
And it’s not just that he’s not showing empathy publicly. In his desire to move along, he’s pushed remedies that are not only unproven but are often dangerous.
Trump’s focus right now is on getting businesses back open, no matter how much medical experts warn that doing so could lead to more deaths.
Trump has been cheering on the states that are reopening.
“There’s not too many states that I know of that are going up. Almost everybody is headed in the right direction,” Trump said during a Fox News town hall on Sunday. “We’re on the right side of it, but we want to keep it that way, but we also want to get back to work.”
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Trump is wrong. More than 70,000 people in the United States have died from COVID-19, and in most states, cases are either increasing or staying the same.
Many of the states that are reopening are doing so without meeting benchmarks set by the White House. In some of these places, cases continue to rise and testing still lags.
But Trump’s focus is making sure the economy gets going again — especially ahead of the 2020 election.
In March, Trump reportedly considered doing nothing ― just letting the coronavirus sweep over the country and kill people, with those who survived then having immunity.
“Why don’t we let this wash over the country?” Trump asked. Administration officials said he had “repeatedly” raised this scenario in conversations in the Oval Office. Trump has often had trouble connecting in times of sorrow.
When four U.S. soldiers died in Niger in 2017, he said and did nothing for a week until pressed by the media. When he did finally call one of the soldier’s widows, he told her that her husband “knew what he signed up for.”
In June 2017, Trump called the father of another soldier who died in Afghanistan, promising that he would give him $25,000 and set up an online fundraiser. Four months later, when The Washington Post followed up, the father said he had not received anything.
And in 2018, when meeting with survivors and families of victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that killed 17 people, a photographer caught a photo of Trump’s notes, including one bullet point reminding him to say “I hear you” to the visitors.
While he does mention families who have suffered or lost loved ones during occasions like the State of the Union address, it is generally to make a point about his political agenda — such as cracking down on undocumented immigration.
During his Fox News town hall on Sunday, which took place at the Lincoln Memorial, Trump implied that he was the real victim in the coronavirus crisis.
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huffpost--2020-06-12--How To Make Japanese Iced Coffee: It's Like Cold Brew, But Way Faster

During coronavirus lockdown , we ’ ve practiced brewing better coffee at home in lieu of visiting our favorite coffee shops .
Now , as summer approaches , it ’ s the perfect time to learn how to make Japanese iced coffee in our own kitchens .
Acolytes of the Japanese method say it tastes better than cold brew , and while cold brew needs to sit overnight , Japanese iced coffee can be made in under 10 minutes .
“ I think it is a superior method to cold brew , since you get a chance to unlock more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water extraction , while still getting an equivalent body as if it were a cold brew , ” said Julie Nguyen , co-owner of Contra Coffee and Tea in Orange , California .
How it ’ s different from cold brew The name derives from a method that ’ s been used in Japan since the 1920s , but it also refers to the use of Japanese coffee equipment , like Hario products , to brew it .
Some coffee shops refer to this method of making coffee as flash-brewed , flash-chilled or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you pour just-made coffee over ice cubes , shocking the brewing process to prevent bitterness from developing .
Dumping ice into already-made hot coffee creates acrid flavors , but slowly dripping brewing coffee over ice can extract complex flavors from the coffee and flash chills it .
Nguyen , who has a background in food science , explains more : “ The coffee must drip directly onto the ice immediately after the extraction begins , ” she said .
“ We believe this is the key characteristic of Japanese iced coffee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of acids in the brew.
” Brett Barker , co-owner of coffee roaster Wood Burl in Dayton , Ohio , and local coffee shops Press Coffee Bar , has been offering Japanese iced coffee for six years .
“ When customers ask the difference between cold brew and iced coffee , I say Japanese coffee has that really crisp , clean flavor , ” he said .
“ It ’ s not weaker than cold brew , but it has a lighter body and it ’ s got those crisp flavors like an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Japanese method compare to standard cold brew ?
Cold brew can take up to 24 hours to steep , whereas the Japanese process takes less than 10 minutes .
The only downside to Japanese iced coffee is that it produces much smaller batches than cold brew .
Here ’ s how to make it at home To brew the coffee in a Chemex : Rinse a paper filter , dump out the hot water , weigh the ice , then weigh the coffee .
Place the ice inside the Chemex .
Brew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not quite boiling ) from a kettle onto the grounds and allowing them to drip over the ice cubes that are inside the Chemex .
Typically , a 50-50 ratio of hot water and ice cubes works , but Barker said he likes to use a little more ice : “ I say adjust to your taste .
...
If you like remaining ice , dial back your hot water.
” To brew the coffee in an automatic coffee machine : You ’ ll need to add more coffee grounds than you would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For instance , if you normally add four tablespoons of grounds , double that .
“ We ’ re making this way overdosed ground coffee and then a very under-extracted concentrate hot brew , ” Barker said .
Experiment to get your perfect cup “ It ’ s all about attention to detail , ” Nguyen told HuffPost .
“ It ’ s important to know that each bean you use and how it ’ s ground will most likely have a different water-to-ice ratio that you will have to figure out.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ medium-fine ground coffee , 300 grams of hot water ( at 200 degrees Fahrenheit ) and 120 grams of ice .
She prefers medium roasts but encourages experimenting with espresso and lighter roasts , too .
“ Try everything !
You ’ d be surprised what you ’ d enjoy , ” she said .

NGUYENTHANHTUNG via Getty Images
During coronavirus lockdown, we’ve practiced brewing better coffee at home in lieu of visiting our favorite coffee shops. Now, as summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to learn how to make Japanese iced coffee in our own kitchens.
Acolytes of the Japanese method say it tastes better than cold brew, and while cold brew needs to sit overnight, Japanese iced coffee can be made in under 10 minutes.
Advertisement
“I think it is a superior method to cold brew, since you get a chance to unlock more flavor from coffee compounds with the hot water extraction, while still getting an equivalent body as if it were a cold brew,” said Julie Nguyen, co-owner of Contra Coffee and Tea in Orange, California.
How it’s different from cold brew
The name derives from a method that’s been used in Japan since the 1920s, but it also refers to the use of Japanese coffee equipment, like Hario products, to brew it. Some coffee shops refer to this method of making coffee as flash-brewed, flash-chilled or just iced coffee.
To make it, you pour just-made coffee over ice cubes, shocking the brewing process to prevent bitterness from developing. Dumping ice into already-made hot coffee creates acrid flavors, but slowly dripping brewing coffee over ice can extract complex flavors from the coffee and flash chills it.
Advertisement
Nguyen, who has a background in food science, explains more: “The coffee must drip directly onto the ice immediately after the extraction begins,” she said. “We believe this is the key characteristic of Japanese iced coffee, because this critical step stops the development of acids in the brew.”
Brett Barker, co-owner of coffee roaster Wood Burl in Dayton, Ohio, and local coffee shops Press Coffee Bar, has been offering Japanese iced coffee for six years. “When customers ask the difference between cold brew and iced coffee, I say Japanese coffee has that really crisp, clean flavor,” he said. “It’s not weaker than cold brew, but it has a lighter body and it’s got those crisp flavors like an iced black tea.”
So how does the Japanese method compare to standard cold brew? Cold brew can take up to 24 hours to steep, whereas the Japanese process takes less than 10 minutes. The only downside to Japanese iced coffee is that it produces much smaller batches than cold brew.
Here’s how to make it at home
To make it at home like a barista, you will need:
a scale (Barker recommends the Jennings CJ-4000.)
coffee maker (preferably a Chemex or a Hario V60 dripper)
grinder (He recommends the Baratza grinder.)
whole coffee beans (He likes to use beans from Africa.)
hot water (not quite boiling), preferably purified or filtered by reverse osmosis
regular-sized ice cubes
To brew the coffee in a Chemex: Rinse a paper filter, dump out the hot water, weigh the ice, then weigh the coffee. Place the ice inside the Chemex. Brew your coffee by pouring hot water (not quite boiling) from a kettle onto the grounds and allowing them to drip over the ice cubes that are inside the Chemex. Typically, a 50-50 ratio of hot water and ice cubes works, but Barker said he likes to use a little more ice: “I say adjust to your taste. ... If you like remaining ice, dial back your hot water.”
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To brew the coffee in an automatic coffee machine: You’ll need to add more coffee grounds than you would when making a normal cup of coffee. For instance, if you normally add four tablespoons of grounds, double that. “We’re making this way overdosed ground coffee and then a very under-extracted concentrate hot brew,” Barker said.
Experiment to get your perfect cup
“It’s all about attention to detail,” Nguyen told HuffPost. “It’s important to know that each bean you use and how it’s ground will most likely have a different water-to-ice ratio that you will have to figure out.” Her recipe includes 30 grams of medium-fine ground coffee, 300 grams of hot water (at 200 degrees Fahrenheit) and 120 grams of ice. She prefers medium roasts but encourages experimenting with espresso and lighter roasts, too. “Try everything! You’d be surprised what you’d enjoy,” she said.


huffpost--2020-06-12--We Don't Have To Halt Climate Action To Fight Racism

Late last month , the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer lit a tinderbox of outrage that has been simmering for months , years , generations .
That outrage has pulled Americans out of social isolation and into the streets in all 50 states , and inspired protests around the world .
They show no sign of stopping .
In fact , they show every sign of winning .
Even in the climate movement — which has long stuck to the sidelines in moments like this — advocates and organizations are publicly declaring that Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking out in defense of Black people ’ s right to breathe .
It ’ s about damn time .
There ’ s just one problem : This new commitment to Black people often seems to come with an assumption that the fight for climate justice has to halt .
As a “ Climate Person , ” my social media feeds are awash in calls to pause climate activism for the sake of supporting Black people , as though the two are mutually exclusive .
As a Black Climate Person , I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is .
There used to be a myth in environmental circles that Black people don ’ t care about the environment or about climate issues .
There ’ s a lot of data to prove that that ’ s not true .
But I don ’ t need that data , because I ’ ve been around Black people my whole life and I ’ ve never met one who didn ’ t care about the environment , or about animals .
I ’ ve met plenty , though , who don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand why .
Typically , when the environmental movement has attempted to reach out to Black communities , it turns into something I ’ ve called “ existential exceptionalism.
” The conversation goes something like , “ Oh , you ’ re worried about police violence ?
Well , you need to be worried about these POLAR BEARS !
” Climate change is framed as the issue that threatens “ all of us ” and therefore should be everyone ’ s priority .
Climate change , the myth goes , is the Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again and again that climate change hurts Black people first and worst — both in the United States and globally .
Moreover , Black people did the least to create the problem , and our systemic oppression runs directly parallel to the climate crisis .
Climate change takes any problem you already had , any threat you were already under , and multiplies it .
When you take a population that has lived in chronic crisis , under constant threat , for generations — from police violence to housing discrimination to general disenfranchisement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s not just a recipe for catastrophe .
With the climate crisis itself — the storms and the temperatures — it ’ s not so much that the game is rigged , it ’ s the playing field .
Climate change is not the Great Equalizer .
It is the Great Multiplier .
It ’ s time to talk about how extreme heat begets extreme violence—and how that can interact with an already extremely violent police force.
” It ’ s time to talk about how extreme heat exacerbates police violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s time to talk about what happens in prisons , which often lack air conditioning and heat , as temperatures skyrocket .
It ’ s time to talk about climate gentrification .
It ’ s time to talk about the use of tear gas — which hurts respiratory systems during a pandemic that is already disproportionately affecting Black people — as environmental racism .
And , while we ’ re at it , it ’ s time to talk about why Black people face higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live in food deserts , and near dumping grounds , power plants and large-scale animal farms , all of which saddle us with preexisting conditions like asthma , diabetes and heart disease .
Those are the same preexisting conditions that authorities attempted to blame for the deaths of Eric Garner and George Floyd .
It ’ s time to talk about what Hurricane Katrina revealed and what I can never , ever unsee : When disaster strikes , the power structure will either abandon us or turn even more sharply against us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have the least and when we try to take what we need , we ’ ll be labeled looters and shot on sight .
It ’ s time to talk about the white vigilantes who roamed New Orleans after Katrina — and were damn near state-sanctioned — and today ’ s armed militia groups that are ready and willing to exploit any disaster ( including the current protests ) to bring about a race war .
What do you think they ’ d do in the aftermath of a hurricane or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and caring about Black people were mutually exclusive , I never would have gotten into climate justice .
Black people are my first and true love .
I mean , who did y ’ all think I was fighting for ?
I got into climate justice work because I love Black people .
Do you ?
CORRECTION : This article previously cited a study that looked at the correlation between higher temperatures and the use of lethal force by police .
That study found that higher temperatures correlated to increases in violent crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no increase in the number of fatal police shootings .
The article has been updated with another source that correlations between higher temperatures and violence more generally .
Mary Annaïse Heglar is the writer in residence at Columbia University ’ s Earth Institute .
Her work has appeared in Guernica , Boston Globe , Vox , WIRED and other places .
She is also the co-host and co-creator of the Hot Take podcast and newsletter .
This piece was adapted from a piece which originally appeared in the Hot Take newsletter , which @ @ @ @ @

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Late last month, the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer lit a tinderbox of outrage that has been simmering for months, years, generations. That outrage has pulled Americans out of social isolation and into the streets in all 50 states, and inspired protests around the world. They show no sign of stopping. In fact, they show every sign of winning.
This is different. This is big. And it’s everywhere.
Even in the climate movement — which has long stuck to the sidelines in moments like this — advocates and organizations are publicly declaring that Black Lives Matter. They are finally standing up and speaking out in defense of Black people’s right to breathe. It’s about damn time.
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There’s just one problem: This new commitment to Black people often seems to come with an assumption that the fight for climate justice has to halt. As a “Climate Person,” my social media feeds are awash in calls to pause climate activism for the sake of supporting Black people, as though the two are mutually exclusive. As a Black Climate Person, I can’t tell you how disorienting that is.
There used to be a myth in environmental circles that Black people don’t care about the environment or about climate issues. There’s a lot of data to prove that that’s not true. But I don’t need that data, because I’ve been around Black people my whole life and I’ve never met one who didn’t care about the environment, or about animals. I’ve met plenty, though, who don’t care for environmentalists. And I understand why.
A demonstrator walks in front of a row of military police wearing riot gear as they push back demonstrators outside the White House, on June 1. Jose Luis Magana / AFP via Getty Images
Typically, when the environmental movement has attempted to reach out to Black communities, it turns into something I’ve called “existential exceptionalism.” The conversation goes something like, “Oh, you’re worried about police violence? Well, you need to be worried about these POLAR BEARS!” Climate change is framed as the issue that threatens “all of us” and therefore should be everyone’s priority. Climate change, the myth goes, is the Great Equalizer.
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Not only is this approach dismissive and insensitive, the premise is simply untrue.
It’s been documented again and again that climate change hurts Black people first and worst — both in the United States and globally. Moreover, Black people did the least to create the problem, and our systemic oppression runs directly parallel to the climate crisis.
Climate change takes any problem you already had, any threat you were already under, and multiplies it. When you take a population that has lived in chronic crisis, under constant threat, for generations — from police violence to housing discrimination to general disenfranchisement — and add yet another threat? That’s not just a recipe for catastrophe. With the climate crisis itself — the storms and the temperatures — it’s not so much that the game is rigged, it’s the playing field. Climate change is not the Great Equalizer. It is the Great Multiplier.
So it’s not just time to talk about climate — it’s time to talk about it as the Black issue it is. It’s time to stop whitewashing it. In other words, it’s time to stop #AllLivesMattering the climate crisis.
It’s time to talk about how extreme heat begets extreme violence—and how that can interact with an already extremely violent police force.” It’s time to talk about how extreme heat exacerbates police violence and increases deaths from tasers. It’s time to talk about what happens in prisons, which often lack air conditioning and heat, as temperatures skyrocket. It’s time to talk about climate gentrification. It’s time to talk about the use of tear gas — which hurts respiratory systems during a pandemic that is already disproportionately affecting Black people — as environmental racism.
A protester rinses the eyes of another with water after police fired tear gas during a protest on May 31. ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images
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And, while we’re at it, it’s time to talk about why Black people face higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death: Because we’re far more likely to live in food deserts, and near dumping grounds, power plants and large-scale animal farms, all of which saddle us with preexisting conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Those are the same preexisting conditions that authorities attempted to blame for the deaths of Eric Garner and George Floyd.
It’s time to talk about what Hurricane Katrina revealed and what I can never, ever unsee: When disaster strikes, the power structure will either abandon us or turn even more sharply against us. When resources run low, we will have the least and when we try to take what we need, we’ll be labeled looters and shot on sight.
It’s time to talk about the white vigilantes who roamed New Orleans after Katrina — and were damn near state-sanctioned — and today’s armed militia groups that are ready and willing to exploit any disaster (including the current protests) to bring about a race war. What do you think they’d do in the aftermath of a hurricane or a fire?
An aerial view of homes surrounded by floodwaters in New Orleans in September 2005. REUTERS/David J. Phillip/Pool DJP/DY
It’s time to talk about my biggest fear about the climate crisis. It’s not, “How will we treat each other?” It’s “How will white people treat people who look like me?”
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If caring about climate change and caring about Black people were mutually exclusive, I never would have gotten into climate justice. Black people are my first and true love. I mean, who did y’all think I was fighting for? I got into climate justice work because I love Black people. Do you?
CORRECTION: This article previously cited a study that looked at the correlation between higher temperatures and the use of lethal force by police. That study found that higher temperatures correlated to increases in violent crime and deaths from electric weapons, but no increase in the number of fatal police shootings. The article has been updated with another source that correlations between higher temperatures and violence more generally.
Mary Annaïse Heglar is the writer in residence at Columbia University’s Earth Institute. Her work has appeared in Guernica, Boston Globe, Vox, WIRED and other places. She is also the co-host and co-creator of the Hot Take podcast and newsletter. This piece was adapted from a piece which originally appeared in the Hot Take newsletter, which you can find here.
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