huffpost--2020-05-31--'Outraged' Lady Gaga Blasts Donald Trump As A 'Fool And A Racist' In George Floyd Post

Lady Gaga pressed pause on the rollout of her latest album to convey her anger over the killing of George Floyd , blasting President Donald Trump as a “ fool and a racist ” in the process .
As nationwide protests against police brutality continue , the “ Chromatica ” singer addressed her millions of fans in an emotional Instagram post on Saturday night about the “ epic tragedy that defines our country.
” “ I have a lot of things to say about this , but the first thing I want to say is I ’ m afraid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although that is precisely the emotion that ’ s justified , ” Gaga wrote .
“ I do not wish to contribute to more violence , I wish to contribute to a solution .
I am outraged by the death of George Floyd as I have been by the deaths of exponentially too many black lives over hundreds of years that have been taken from us in this country as a result of systemic racism and the corrupt system that supports it.
” Gaga is one of many prominent artists who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man who died after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
In her post , Gaga continued : “ The voices of the black community have been silenced for too long and that silence has proven deadly time and time again .
And no matter what they do to protest , they are still meet with no compassion by the leaders that are meant to protect them .
Everyday people in America are racist , that ’ s a fact.
” Directing her ire at Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ nothing but ignorance and prejudice while black lives continue to be taken ” during his time in office .
“ He is fueling a system that is already rooted in racism , and racist activity , and we can all see what is happening .
It ’ s time for a change , ” she continued .
Gaga has spoken out against many of Trump ’ s policies throughout his presidency , including his attacks on the LGBTQ community , his response to the California wildfires , and the government shutdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ she stood outside one his New York City properties in protest , holding a sign that read , “ Love trumps hate.
” She concluded her post on Saturday with the following : “ This isn ’ t justice .
This is an epic tragedy that defines our country and has for a long time .
I am sad .
I am angry .
And I will use the words that I can find to try to communicate what needs to change in as an effective and non-violent way as possible for me.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gaga turned her attention to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , helping raise $ 128 million in support of health care workers on the frontlines of the crisis .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Lady Gaga pressed pause on the rollout of her latest album to convey her anger over the killing of George Floyd, blasting President Donald Trump as a “fool and a racist” in the process.
As nationwide protests against police brutality continue, the “Chromatica” singer addressed her millions of fans in an emotional Instagram post on Saturday night about the “epic tragedy that defines our country.”
Advertisement
“I have a lot of things to say about this, but the first thing I want to say is I’m afraid to say anything that will incite further anger, although that is precisely the emotion that’s justified,” Gaga wrote.
“I do not wish to contribute to more violence, I wish to contribute to a solution. I am outraged by the death of George Floyd as I have been by the deaths of exponentially too many black lives over hundreds of years that have been taken from us in this country as a result of systemic racism and the corrupt system that supports it.”
Gaga is one of many prominent artists who have demanded justice for Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Advertisement
In her post, Gaga continued: “The voices of the black community have been silenced for too long and that silence has proven deadly time and time again. And no matter what they do to protest, they are still meet with no compassion by the leaders that are meant to protect them. Everyday people in America are racist, that’s a fact.”
Directing her ire at Trump, Gaga then wrote that he had offered “nothing but ignorance and prejudice while black lives continue to be taken” during his time in office.
“He is fueling a system that is already rooted in racism, and racist activity, and we can all see what is happening. It’s time for a change,” she continued.
Lady Gaga in September 2019. Kevin Mazur via Getty Images
Gaga has spoken out against many of Trump’s policies throughout his presidency, including his attacks on the LGBTQ community, his response to the California wildfires, and the government shutdown.
Advertisement
On the morning after his election, she stood outside one his New York City properties in protest, holding a sign that read, “Love trumps hate.”
She concluded her post on Saturday with the following: “This isn’t justice. This is an epic tragedy that defines our country and has for a long time. I am sad. I am angry. And I will use the words that I can find to try to communicate what needs to change in as an effective and non-violent way as possible for me.”


huffpost--2020-05-31--Anti-Racism Protesters Around The World Demand Justice For George Floyd

LONDON — Thousands of anti-racism campaigners around the world staged demonstrations on Sunday , acting in solidarity with Americans protesting police violence after George Floyd , a Black man , died after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes last week .
Demonstrators in London marched across the city after gathering in Trafalgar Square , where they kneeled en masse in honor of Floyd , before heading across the River Thames to protest near the U.S. embassy in the Battersea neighborhood .
Onlookers cheered and drivers honked horns from passing cars as the protesters chanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black lives matter.
” At one point , four men climbed on top of a bus stop to lead the chants , before getting down on one knee in silence and encouraging the others to do the same .
One demonstrator said the protests were “ very important because it is sending a clear message that we have had enough racial injustice in our country.
” Isabelle Orsini , 20 , is originally from New York and now lives in the Kensington area of London .
She told the Press Association news agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much deeper and darker history of black discrimination compared to the U.K .
The reason people are so angry is because this is reopening wounds that go back hundreds of years .
It is very important that we do whatever it takes to tell our government that racism will not be tolerated.
” Protesters also marched to Grenfell Tower in the northwest of the city , where a blaze in the high-rise apartment building killed 72 residents in 2017 , most of whom were non-white .
Floyd ’ s death has also captured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s top-selling Bild newspaper carried the headline “ This killer-cop set America ablaze ” and said that demonstrations in the U.S. looked like “ scenes like out of a civil war.
” Sports stars across Europe also joined the protests .
Soccer player Jadon Sancho , who plays for Borussia Dortmund in Germany , as well as England ’ s national team , revealed a “ Justice for George Floyd ” T-shirt after scoring his first goal since Germany ’ s top soccer league , the Bundesliga , started up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns .
The south London-born player received a yellow card for taking his jersey off on the field .
“ Anti-Black racism , racism is real .
It ’ s in the United States , but it ’ s also in Canada .
And we know people are facing systemic discrimination , unconscious bias , and anti-Black racism every single day , ” Trudeau said in a statement on Friday .
“ I call on all Canadians , whether it ’ s anti-Black racism or anti-Asian racism or racism discrimination of any type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he continued , “ to be there for each other and know just how deeply people are being affected by what we see on the news these past few days.
” A peaceful protest in Montreal turned violent on Sunday night with clashes reported between police and some demonstrators .
Police said that protesters threw projectiles at then and officers deployed pepper spray and tear gas .
As violence escalated , police declared the demonstration illegal , the Canadian Press reported .
Meanwhile in Toronto , thousands of protesters took to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brutality , and demanding answers in the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet , a 29-year-old Black woman who fell off her balcony in the presence of police .
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , a Conservative , avoided responding to President Donald Trump ’ s incendiary reaction to the demonstrations that started in Minneapolis .
Raab told the BBC ’ s Andrew Marr Show that he has “ long kept to the self-imposed guidance not to comment on what President Trump says or indeed other world leaders , it is not really what my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,000 people gathered peacefully to protest outside the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen on Sunday .
The Local reports the crowd then marched toward Christiansborg Palace , holding up signs emblazoned with “ Justice for George Floyd .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
LONDON — Thousands of anti-racism campaigners around the world staged demonstrations on Sunday, acting in solidarity with Americans protesting police violence after George Floyd, a Black man, died after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes last week.
Demonstrators in London marched across the city after gathering in Trafalgar Square, where they kneeled en masse in honor of Floyd, before heading across the River Thames to protest near the U.S. embassy in the Battersea neighborhood.
Advertisement
Onlookers cheered and drivers honked horns from passing cars as the protesters chanted “say his name” and “Black lives matter.” At one point, four men climbed on top of a bus stop to lead the chants, before getting down on one knee in silence and encouraging the others to do the same.
A Black Lives Matter march at Trafalgar Square in London on Sunday. Hollie Adams via Getty Images
One demonstrator said the protests were “very important because it is sending a clear message that we have had enough racial injustice in our country.”
Isabelle Orsini, 20, is originally from New York and now lives in the Kensington area of London. She told the Press Association news agency: “The U.S. obviously has a much deeper and darker history of black discrimination compared to the U.K. The reason people are so angry is because this is reopening wounds that go back hundreds of years. It is very important that we do whatever it takes to tell our government that racism will not be tolerated.”
Advertisement
Protesters also marched to Grenfell Tower in the northwest of the city, where a blaze in the high-rise apartment building killed 72 residents in 2017, most of whom were non-white.
Hundreds of people gathered for a similar demonstration in Manchester, in the north of England, and chanted “Black lives matter.”
Hundreds have taken to the streets in Manchester to protest over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis pic.twitter.com/vmBmXbHHz9 — BBC Radio Manchester (@BBCRadioManc) May 31, 2020
Floyd’s death has also captured attention in Germany. On Sunday, the country’s top-selling Bild newspaper carried the headline “This killer-cop set America ablaze” and said that demonstrations in the U.S. looked like “scenes like out of a civil war.”
In Berlin, several hundred demonstrators staged a rally outside the U.S. Embassy, with posters bearing “Justice for George Floyd,” “Stop killing us” and “Who’s neckst.”
Advertisement
Dortmund's English midfielder Jadon Sancho shows a "Justice for George Floyd" shirt after scoring his team's second goal during a Bundesliga match on Sunday. LARS BARON via Getty Images
Sports stars across Europe also joined the protests. Soccer player Jadon Sancho, who plays for Borussia Dortmund in Germany, as well as England’s national team, revealed a “Justice for George Floyd” T-shirt after scoring his first goal since Germany’s top soccer league, the Bundesliga, started up again after being halted due to coronavirus concerns. The south London-born player received a yellow card for taking his jersey off on the field.
At a separate match, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram took a knee after scoring in Sunday’s win against Union Berlin, echoing former NFL player Colin Kaepernick’s protest against police brutality.
In a rare foray into U.S. domestic affairs, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians were watching the events in America “with shock and with horror,” HuffPost Canada reported.
“Anti-Black racism, racism is real. It’s in the United States, but it’s also in Canada. And we know people are facing systemic discrimination, unconscious bias, and anti-Black racism every single day,” Trudeau said in a statement on Friday.
Advertisement
“I call on all Canadians, whether it’s anti-Black racism or anti-Asian racism or racism discrimination of any type, to stand together in solidarity,” he continued, “to be there for each other and know just how deeply people are being affected by what we see on the news these past few days.”
A peaceful protest in Montreal turned violent on Sunday night with clashes reported between police and some demonstrators. Police said that protesters threw projectiles at then and officers deployed pepper spray and tear gas. As violence escalated, police declared the demonstration illegal, the Canadian Press reported.
Meanwhile in Toronto, thousands of protesters took to the streets calling for the end of police brutality, and demanding answers in the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet, a 29-year-old Black woman who fell off her balcony in the presence of police.
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, a Conservative, avoided responding to President Donald Trump’s incendiary reaction to the demonstrations that started in Minneapolis. Raab told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show that he has “long kept to the self-imposed guidance not to comment on what President Trump says or indeed other world leaders, it is not really what my job is.”
In Denmark, around 2,000 people gathered peacefully to protest outside the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen on Sunday. The Local reports the crowd then marched toward Christiansborg Palace, holding up signs emblazoned with “Justice for George Floyd.”
Advertisement
A Black Lives Matter demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen on Sunday. IDA GULDBAEK ARENTSEN via Getty Images
Italy remains in a partial lockdown but protesters gathered outside the U.S. consulate in Milan on Thursday holding signs reading “I can’t breathe” and “stop killing black people.” Local media reported that the protesters simulated suffocation by gripping their hands around their necks.
In Mexico, people left flowers at a display commemorating Floyd on a security barrier outside the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City on Saturday. In a similar scene, people lit candles in front of the U.S. consulate in Krakow, Poland, on Sunday.
CORRECTION: The protest in Copenhagen took place on Sunday, not Saturday.


huffpost--2020-05-31--Trump Postpones G7 Meeting, Calls Current Group 'Very Outdated'

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE ( AP ) — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he will postpone until the fall a meeting of Group of 7 nations he had planned to hold next month at the White House despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
And he said he plans to invite Russia , Australia , South Korea and India as he again advocated for the group ’ s expansion .
Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he returned to Washington from Florida that he feels the current makeup of the group is “ very outdated ” and doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s going on in the world.
” He said he had not yet set a new date for the meeting , but thought the gathering could take place in September , around the time of the annual meeting of the United Nations in New York , or perhaps after the U.S. election in November .
Alyssa Farah , White House director of strategic communications , said that Trump wanted to bring in some of the country ’ s traditional allies and those impacted by the coronavirus to discuss the future of China .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angela Merkel ’ s office said Saturday that she would not attend the meeting unless the course of the coronavirus spread had changed by then .
The leaders of the world ’ s major economies were slated to meet in June in the U.S. at Camp David , the presidential retreat in Maryland , but the coronavirus outbreak hobbled those plans .
Trump announced in March he was canceling the summit because of the pandemic and that the leaders would confer by video conference instead .
But Trump then switched course , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning to host an in-person meeting .
“ Now that our Country is ‘ Transitioning back to Greatness ’ , I am considering rescheduling the G-7 , on the same or similar date , in Washington , D.C. , at the legendary Camp David , ” Trump tweeted .
“ The other members are also beginning their COMEBACK .
It would be a great sign to all - normalization !
” Trump has repeatedly advocated for expanding the group to include Russia , prompting opposition from some members , including Canada ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had privately aired his objection to Russian readmittance .
“ Russia has yet to change the behavior that led to its expulsion in 2014 , and therefore should not be allowed back into the G7 , ” he said at a news conference .
Russia had been invited to attend the gathering of the world ’ s most advanced economies since 1997 , but was suspended in 2014 following its invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he will postpone until the fall a meeting of Group of 7 nations he had planned to hold next month at the White House despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. And he said he plans to invite Russia, Australia, South Korea and India as he again advocated for the group’s expansion.
Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he returned to Washington from Florida that he feels the current makeup of the group is “very outdated” and doesn’t properly represent “what’s going on in the world.”
Advertisement
He said he had not yet set a new date for the meeting, but thought the gathering could take place in September, around the time of the annual meeting of the United Nations in New York, or perhaps after the U.S. election in November.
Alyssa Farah, White House director of strategic communications, said that Trump wanted to bring in some of the country’s traditional allies and those impacted by the coronavirus to discuss the future of China.
The surprise announcement came after German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s office said Saturday that she would not attend the meeting unless the course of the coronavirus spread had changed by then.
The leaders of the world’s major economies were slated to meet in June in the U.S. at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland, but the coronavirus outbreak hobbled those plans. Trump announced in March he was canceling the summit because of the pandemic and that the leaders would confer by video conference instead. But Trump then switched course, saying a week ago that he was again planning to host an in-person meeting.
Advertisement
“Now that our Country is ‘Transitioning back to Greatness’, I am considering rescheduling the G-7, on the same or similar date, in Washington, D.C., at the legendary Camp David,” Trump tweeted. “The other members are also beginning their COMEBACK. It would be a great sign to all - normalization!”
The G7 members are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The group’s presidency rotates annually among member countries.
Trump has repeatedly advocated for expanding the group to include Russia, prompting opposition from some members, including Canada’s Justin Trudeau, who told reporters he had privately aired his objection to Russian readmittance.
“Russia has yet to change the behavior that led to its expulsion in 2014, and therefore should not be allowed back into the G7,” he said at a news conference.
The House also passed a bipartisan resolution in December 2019 that supports Russia’s previous expulsion from the annual gathering.
Advertisement


huffpost--2020-05-31--The Products, Recipes And Other Hacks That Helped Us This Week

Enter this weekly guide .
Every Sunday , we ’ ll bring you a short list of products , routines , workouts , recipes , apps and other things we tried the previous week that are making life easier during this universally stressful time .
Take a look at this week ’ s suggestions from our editors below .
Now that I ’ ve got a little more time to enjoy walks outdoors , I find myself gazing at gorgeous blooming trees and wondering what on earth they ’ re called ?
!
It ’ s been driving me crazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identification app that ’ s been truly eye-opening .
In the photo above , for example , I snapped a photo of a gorgeous pink tree in the park and was immediately told it ’ s flowering dogwood .
The app I used is called PlantSnap Plant Identification , but there are plenty of other similar free plant ID apps you can try .
You ’ ll find yourself appreciating your walks in a whole new way .
―Kristen Aiken , Senior Editor , Food & Style By the time you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my new career as a chef .
( Just kidding . )
This isn ’ t a groundbreaking suggestion at this point , but we finally decided to sign up for an online cooking class .
Ours was a pasta-making course , taught by a chef in Italy .
If cooking isn ’ t your thing , there are plenty of other virtual courses you can take in quarantine ― from wine tasting to language classes .
It gives you something to look forward to ; we did ours on a weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the week and made it seem like our time off work was a tad more exciting .
―Lindsay Holmes , Senior Wellness Editor Since I ’ m still trying to avoid grocery stores while sticking with some semblance of healthy eating , I subscribed to a new meal kit box .
I ’ ve tried several in the past , but this time decided to give Green Chef a shot .
I was able to score a pretty significant discount on my first few boxes , and I like that they offer several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , there haven ’ t been any disruptions to the contents of my boxes due to the pandemic and everything has come on time .
Plus , I like that I don ’ t have to think about what to make for dinner every night .
―Casey Bond , Money Reporter I ’ ve become obsessed with food deliveries from local purveyors or farms during this year of our discontent , and I wanted to mention a few services that I ’ ve loved , both because of the quality of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough time : Walden Local Meats delivers high-quality meats , seafood and other farm-fresh items .
I love how they add info about the farm or even the boat where your seafood came from .
OurHarvest delivers great produce , pantry items and dairy products from local farms .
Rustic Roots does the same in specifically the NYC , Long Island and Westchester areas .
And Misfits Market is a great source of slightly misshapen or small-batch produce that still tastes wonderful .
So it ’ s a good way to reduce food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HuffPost Life I never thought I ’ d have a strong opinion about fabric face masks , but 2020 wins again .
I hadn ’ t landed on one I love until I bought these babies from Marcellamoda .
I love the soft material , metal nose forms , and slot for filters .
Here ’ s to the weirdest summer so far .
―Kate Palmer I ’ ve always been a “ throw a shot of vodka into a glass of club soda ” kind of drinker if I have a cocktail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has made me appreciate the art of a well-crafted drink .
We ’ ve been trying a bunch of different recipes ( margaritas and mojitos and martinis , oh my ! )
but this Strawberry Basil Bourbon Splash has been my favorite by far , and I ’ m not normally a bourbon gal .
It tastes like a vacation in a glass .
It ’ s light yet flavorful .
Highly recommend .
―Lindsay Holmes

LOADING ERROR LOADING
There’s no “right” way to navigate the coronavirus pandemic — everyone lives and copes differently. That said, fostering a sense of community may make getting through this time a little bit easier.
Enter this weekly guide. Every Sunday, we’ll bring you a short list of products, routines, workouts, recipes, apps and other things we tried the previous week that are making life easier during this universally stressful time. Take a look at this week’s suggestions from our editors below. Activity Recommendations
Kristen Aiken/PlantSnap Plant Identification If you're going to be outdoors, you may as well turn it into a learning experience.
Find out the names of all the beautiful plants along your walk.
Now that I’ve got a little more time to enjoy walks outdoors, I find myself gazing at gorgeous blooming trees and wondering what on earth they’re called?! It’s been driving me crazy, so I downloaded a free plant identification app that’s been truly eye-opening. In the photo above, for example, I snapped a photo of a gorgeous pink tree in the park and was immediately told it’s flowering dogwood. The app I used is called PlantSnap Plant Identification, but there are plenty of other similar free plant ID apps you can try. You’ll find yourself appreciating your walks in a whole new way. ―Kristen Aiken, Senior Editor, Food & Style
Learn a new skill through a virtual course.
By the time you’re reading this, I might be embarking on my new career as a chef. (Just kidding.) This isn’t a groundbreaking suggestion at this point, but we finally decided to sign up for an online cooking class. Ours was a pasta-making course, taught by a chef in Italy. If cooking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other virtual courses you can take in quarantine ― from wine tasting to language classes. It gives you something to look forward to; we did ours on a weekend and it broke up the monotony of the week and made it seem like our time off work was a tad more exciting. ―Lindsay Holmes, Senior Wellness Editor
Product Recommendations
Food boxes that save you a trip to the store.
Since I’m still trying to avoid grocery stores while sticking with some semblance of healthy eating, I subscribed to a new meal kit box. I’ve tried several in the past, but this time decided to give Green Chef a shot. I was able to score a pretty significant discount on my first few boxes, and I like that they offer several dietary preferences and creative recipes. So far, there haven’t been any disruptions to the contents of my boxes due to the pandemic and everything has come on time. Plus, I like that I don’t have to think about what to make for dinner every night. ―Casey Bond, Money Reporter
Advertisement
I’ve become obsessed with food deliveries from local purveyors or farms during this year of our discontent, and I wanted to mention a few services that I’ve loved, both because of the quality of the products, and their reliability during this tough time: Walden Local Meats delivers high-quality meats, seafood and other farm-fresh items. I love how they add info about the farm or even the boat where your seafood came from. OurHarvest delivers great produce, pantry items and dairy products from local farms. Rustic Roots does the same in specifically the NYC, Long Island and Westchester areas. And Misfits Market is a great source of slightly misshapen or small-batch produce that still tastes wonderful. So it’s a good way to reduce food waste. ―Kate Palmer, Head of HuffPost Life
Face masks that are soft and functional.
I never thought I’d have a strong opinion about fabric face masks, but 2020 wins again. I hadn’t landed on one I love until I bought these babies from Marcellamoda. I love the soft material, metal nose forms, and slot for filters. Here’s to the weirdest summer so far. ―Kate Palmer
Recipe Recommendations
Lindsay Holmes Sadly, the cute dog does not come with the cocktail if you make it at home.
A refreshing cocktail that almost makes you feel like you’re on a beach.
I’ve always been a “throw a shot of vodka into a glass of club soda” kind of drinker if I have a cocktail at home. However, this lockdown has made me appreciate the art of a well-crafted drink. We’ve been trying a bunch of different recipes (margaritas and mojitos and martinis, oh my!) but this Strawberry Basil Bourbon Splash has been my favorite by far, and I’m not normally a bourbon gal. It tastes like a vacation in a glass. It’s light yet flavorful. Highly recommend. ―Lindsay Holmes
Advertisement


huffpost--2020-05-23--Why Climate Change Caused Me To Rethink My Career Plans

About two years ago I was sitting in my room scrolling through Instagram , looking at posts of girls with perfect bodies , perfect hair , and perfect smiles .
I thought to myself , I should work out more .
I should learn how to use makeup .
I should dress nicer .
I was feeling very insecure about the way my body looked when a video of a girl my age passionately lecturing politicians appeared on my screen .
I didn ’ t know who Greta Thunberg was at the time , but I was captivated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how she was explaining the urgency of the situation .
Though well-mannered , she was furious and insisted that the politicians listen to her .
That was the moment that the climate crisis became real to me .
Before I realized that the climate crisis was threatening my future , I associated college with freedom and adventure .
I am an artist .
I love to sing and paint .
I am also interested in psychology and neuroscience .
My parents have taught me to explore my passions and to pursue a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , I can not help but feel that this mindset is now a luxury .
How can I study to be a dancer while hundreds of thousands of lives are lost to the effects of global warming each year ?
I feel like I have no choice but to pursue an education and career path that will arm me with the weapons I need to fight this “ global war.
” The only responsible path is the straightest one to saving the planet .
Right now , I feel terrified .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very well that it will take everything I have .
If I want a future , I have to fight for it .
If I want to explore my passions , I have to win the war first .
I am currently a junior at San Luis Obispo High School in California and I will begin applying to colleges this fall .
My dream colleges are those that are leaders in environmentalism .
I am exploring majors including environmental law , environmental engineering , renewable energy management , sustainability , and marine biology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs focused on environmental volunteerism like Amigos de las Américas to help me understand where my skill set will be most effective .
Since I am going to dedicate my future to the planet , I want to choose the most impactful path .
Before the coronavirus closed my school in March , I always had my hand up in class ready to answer a question and was usually able to incorporate some climate education into the answer .
When given assignments where I could choose the topic , I chose the climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists and participated in climate strikes and protests .
I transitioned from vegetarianism to veganism when I learned that it is the most environmentally friendly diet .
I attended San Luis Obispo Unified School District Board of Trustees meetings with a few other students and we successfully convinced the board to create a sustainability advisory committee .
I continue to advocate for the planet whenever I have the opportunity , however , I seldom am met with a positive response .
Instead , reactions range from denial to anger .
Even when feedback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfamiliar with the issue and are rarely interested .
My peers ask me why I care so much about the weather and why I ’ m passionate about saving a few trees .
Recently , I was in English class and we were analyzing a letter written by Eleanor Roosevelt .
Our teacher asked us whose letters students would be studying 200 years from now .
I raised my hand and answered that I thought Greta Thunberg ’ s speeches would be studied because if humans are still around in 200 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and passion she brought to the global climate crisis .
The classroom was silent as people looked at each other in obvious confusion .
Even my teacher , who is usually up to date and interested in current events , hadn ’ t heard of her and asked me to explain .
I told the class what she stands for and what she does .
He asked me , “ How does it make you feel that no one has heard about Greta Thunberg ?
” I told him that it scared me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frightening , it is nothing compared to the feeling of hopelessness when engaging with a climate denier .
One of my first , and most memorable encounters with a climate denier occurred in a math class at my school .
My teacher had allowed me to put a flyer on his board advertising an upcoming climate rally .
Before I could finish taping the flyer to the whiteboard , I heard a voice behind me ask , “ So you ’ re going to another tree-hugging party ?
” The student then proceeded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis was a hoax and that the Earth ’ s rising temperature was part of a natural cycle .
“ There is nothing to worry about , ” he told me .
“ You ’ re just wasting your time.
” Views like this do not anger me ; they terrify me .
I know that for humanity to survive , people must believe the science that proves global warming is an imminent threat to our survival .
In 2017 , the World Health Organization estimated that hundreds of thousands of people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
United Nations scientists have concluded that we have until 2030 to drastically reduce our impact on the environment .
If we succeed , it will not be because a few passionate activists dedicated their lives to the environment .
We will succeed because everyone fought regardless of political or religious beliefs .
When I hear comments like “ You are wasting your time ” and “ There is nothing to worry about , ” I feel like who I am and what I do is pointless .
Unfortunately , there is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with regard to the future of our planet .
The only students I know who are basing their college and career plans on the state of our planet are those who have a history of interest in the environment .
I hope this will change .
There ’ s some evidence to suggest young people may be inspired to shift their plans for the future if they become acquainted with climate change .
The U.N. agency UNESCO found that students at schools that participated in a two-year pilot program on climate change education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to study science , math and engineering .
Some colleges are adding programs in fields like coastal restoration to help mitigate the impact of climate change .
In recent years , jobs in sustainability have grown .
I look forward to meeting more fighters and reaching out to those who are unaware , and hopefully changing the minds of a few climate deniers along the way .
While the idea of a dying planet is easier to ignore than to imagine , my dream is that collectively we will decide that we can @ @ @ @

Illustration: James Heimer for HuffPost
This story about climate change and education was produced as part of the nine-part series “Are We Ready? How Schools Are Preparing — and Not Preparing — Children for Climate Change,” reported by HuffPost and The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education.
About two years ago I was sitting in my room scrolling through Instagram, looking at posts of girls with perfect bodies, perfect hair, and perfect smiles. I thought to myself, I should work out more. I should learn how to use makeup. I should dress nicer. I was feeling very insecure about the way my body looked when a video of a girl my age passionately lecturing politicians appeared on my screen. I didn’t know who Greta Thunberg was at the time, but I was captivated by the way she was describing the climate crisis and how she was explaining the urgency of the situation. Though well-mannered, she was furious and insisted that the politicians listen to her. That was the moment that the climate crisis became real to me.
Advertisement
The author. Courtesy Ashley Thorshov
Before I realized that the climate crisis was threatening my future, I associated college with freedom and adventure. I am an artist. I love to sing and paint. I am also interested in psychology and neuroscience. My parents have taught me to explore my passions and to pursue a career where I will find happiness. However, I cannot help but feel that this mindset is now a luxury. How can I study to be a dancer while hundreds of thousands of lives are lost to the effects of global warming each year? I feel like I have no choice but to pursue an education and career path that will arm me with the weapons I need to fight this “global war.” The only responsible path is the straightest one to saving the planet. Right now, I feel terrified. I have to fight a war and know very well that it will take everything I have.
If I want a future, I have to fight for it. If I want to explore my passions, I have to win the war first. I am currently a junior at San Luis Obispo High School in California and I will begin applying to colleges this fall. My dream colleges are those that are leaders in environmentalism. I am exploring majors including environmental law, environmental engineering, renewable energy management, sustainability, and marine biology. I am also researching gap year programs focused on environmental volunteerism like Amigos de las Américas to help me understand where my skill set will be most effective. Since I am going to dedicate my future to the planet, I want to choose the most impactful path.
Advertisement
“I continue to advocate for the planet whenever I have the opportunity, however, I seldom am met with a positive response. Instead, reactions range from denial to anger.”
Before the coronavirus closed my school in March, I always had my hand up in class ready to answer a question and was usually able to incorporate some climate education into the answer. When given assignments where I could choose the topic, I chose the climate crisis. I joined a community of activists and participated in climate strikes and protests. I transitioned from vegetarianism to veganism when I learned that it is the most environmentally friendly diet. I attended San Luis Obispo Unified School District Board of Trustees meetings with a few other students and we successfully convinced the board to create a sustainability advisory committee.
I continue to advocate for the planet whenever I have the opportunity, however, I seldom am met with a positive response. Instead, reactions range from denial to anger. Even when feedback is not negative, students are often unfamiliar with the issue and are rarely interested. My peers ask me why I care so much about the weather and why I’m passionate about saving a few trees.
Environmental activist Greta Thunberg addressing the Climate Action Summit in the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019. Jason DeCrow/AP
Recently, I was in English class and we were analyzing a letter written by Eleanor Roosevelt. Our teacher asked us whose letters students would be studying 200 years from now. I raised my hand and answered that I thought Greta Thunberg’s speeches would be studied because if humans are still around in 200 years, it will be because of the awareness and passion she brought to the global climate crisis. The classroom was silent as people looked at each other in obvious confusion. Even my teacher, who is usually up to date and interested in current events, hadn’t heard of her and asked me to explain. I told the class what she stands for and what she does. He asked me, “How does it make you feel that no one has heard about Greta Thunberg?” I told him that it scared me.
Advertisement
Even though lack of awareness is frightening, it is nothing compared to the feeling of hopelessness when engaging with a climate denier. One of my first, and most memorable encounters with a climate denier occurred in a math class at my school. My teacher had allowed me to put a flyer on his board advertising an upcoming climate rally. Before I could finish taping the flyer to the whiteboard, I heard a voice behind me ask, “So you’re going to another tree-hugging party?” The student then proceeded to explain to me that the climate crisis was a hoax and that the Earth’s rising temperature was part of a natural cycle. “There is nothing to worry about,” he told me. “You’re just wasting your time.”
“I know that for humanity to survive, people must believe the science that proves global warming is an imminent threat to our survival.”
Views like this do not anger me; they terrify me. I know that for humanity to survive, people must believe the science that proves global warming is an imminent threat to our survival. In 2017, the World Health Organization estimated that hundreds of thousands of people will die each year due to climate change. United Nations scientists have concluded that we have until 2030 to drastically reduce our impact on the environment. If we succeed, it will not be because a few passionate activists dedicated their lives to the environment. We will succeed because everyone fought regardless of political or religious beliefs. When I hear comments like “You are wasting your time” and “There is nothing to worry about,” I feel like who I am and what I do is pointless.


huffpost--2020-03-27--Anything But Coronavirus: 5 Other Things To Obsess Over This Week

It ’ s been another troubling week , as coronavirus cases surge and many questions about preparedness and response are left unanswered .
It ’ s overwhelming and now , more than ever , it ’ s important to prioritize our mental health .
Part of what that looks like is to remember to un-glue our eyes from Twitter and the news for a few minutes each day and give ourselves a break .
ABC ― Anything But Coronavirus ― is our way of making that a bit easier .
This week , we delve into a snack food saga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Finding out Courtney Cox plays piano ― really well .
Did you know Courteney Cox plays killer piano ?
I ( didn ’ t ) know !
When she shared a video of herself playing with daughter Coco ( who has a great voice ) on vocals , I did a deep dive on her Instagram ― something I DEFINITELY would have not done unless I had all this time on my hands , I swear ― and was floored by her skills , not to mention her guest stars : Snow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also her partner ) and Allison Janney .
“ Portrait of a Lady on Fire ” going on demand “ Portrait of a Lady on Fire ” holds a special place in my heart because it was the last film I saw before the movies closed down , and it ’ s also just absolutely stunning , both in terms of scenery and story-telling .
Plus , it offers a fine example of what good social distancing looks like .
It ’ s now available on Hulu , just in time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still keeping track of days .
“ Several years ago I was at a party ( BRAG ! )
, and I spotted a box of Triscuits , ” writer Sage Boggs tweeted on Wednesday .
“ I asked everyone , ‘ What does the word ‘ Triscuit ’ mean ?
It ’ s clearly based on the word ‘ BISCUIT , ’ but what does the ‘ TRI ” mean ?
’ ( I ’ m great at parties . )
” What follows is a true rollercoaster and ― we won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just know that Triscuit ultimately confirmed Boggs ’ findings were true .
What a world .
The only thing that has been missing from my viewing of “ Tiger King ” ( truly the only thing , the show has everything ) is a group of friends to debrief with .
The Netflix Party Chrome extension allows subscribers to watch in tandem with their friends and argue over which Joe Exotic song is the best one , among other things .
Just as I was considering re-watching “ Salt Fat Acid Heat ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nosrat hit us with a surprise “ emergency ” podcast called “ Home Cooking ” all about using the ingredients we have , answering cooking questions from listeners and undoubtedly Nosrat ’ s signature charm .
According to a release , “ each episode will loosely revolve around an ingredient theme , with the first episode focusing on one of Samin ’ s favorites , beans !
” Same girl .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
It’s been another troubling week, as coronavirus cases surge and many questions about preparedness and response are left unanswered. It’s overwhelming and now, more than ever, it’s important to prioritize our mental health.
Part of what that looks like is to remember to un-glue our eyes from Twitter and the news for a few minutes each day and give ourselves a break. ABC ― Anything But Coronavirus ― is our way of making that a bit easier. This week, we delve into a snack food saga, a surprise new podcast and more.
Advertisement
In no particular order, here are five things besides the pandemic we’re obsessed with.
Finding out Courtney Cox plays piano ― really well.
Did you know Courteney Cox plays killer piano? I (didn’t) know! When she shared a video of herself playing with daughter Coco (who has a great voice) on vocals, I did a deep dive on her Instagram ― something I DEFINITELY would have not done unless I had all this time on my hands, I swear ― and was floored by her skills, not to mention her guest stars: Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid (who is also her partner) and Allison Janney.
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” going on demand
Cinema’s greatest love story, PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, debuts tonight at midnight PST, exclusively on @hulu. VOD launches April. pic.twitter.com/rWjKX0zs9j — NEON (@neonrated) March 26, 2020
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” holds a special place in my heart because it was the last film I saw before the movies closed down, and it’s also just absolutely stunning, both in terms of scenery and story-telling. Plus, it offers a fine example of what good social distancing looks like. It’s now available on Hulu, just in time for the weekend, if you’re still keeping track of days.
Advertisement
OK, buckle up. I wanna talk to you about Triscuit. pic.twitter.com/Tg7334OSbc — Sage Boggs (@sageboggs) March 26, 2020
“Several years ago I was at a party (BRAG!), and I spotted a box of Triscuits,” writer Sage Boggs tweeted on Wednesday. “I asked everyone, ‘What does the word ‘Triscuit’ mean? It’s clearly based on the word ‘BISCUIT,’ but what does the ‘TRI” mean?’ (I’m great at parties.)” What follows is a true rollercoaster and ― we won’t spoil the ending, but just know that Triscuit ultimately confirmed Boggs’ findings were true. What a world.
The only thing that has been missing from my viewing of “Tiger King” (truly the only thing, the show has everything) is a group of friends to debrief with. The Netflix Party Chrome extension allows subscribers to watch in tandem with their friends and argue over which Joe Exotic song is the best one, among other things.
Samin Nosrat’s new surprise home cooking podcast.
Just as I was considering re-watching “Salt Fat Acid Heat” as form of visual anti-anxiety medication, Nosrat hit us with a surprise “emergency” podcast called “Home Cooking” all about using the ingredients we have, answering cooking questions from listeners and undoubtedly Nosrat’s signature charm. According to a release, “each episode will loosely revolve around an ingredient theme, with the first episode focusing on one of Samin’s favorites, beans!” Same girl.


huffpost--2020-03-27--Democrats’ Ad Blitz Aims To Counteract Trump’s Monopoly On Coronavirus Response

Trump ’ s approval rating has increased slightly since the beginning of the pandemic , according to both public polls and private surveys conducted by operatives in both parties who are scrambling to figure out how a pandemic without modern precedent and an economic recession will change the electoral playing field .
With millions of Americans homebound , Trump ’ s daily briefings on the pandemic have dominated the airwaves in a way that surpasses even what his rallies did during the 2016 presidential race .
At least 10.4 million people watched his briefing on Tuesday , according to Nielsen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in to a Fox News-hosted town hall on the crisis .
Both events gave Trump nearly an hour of free air time to present his image of the federal government ’ s response to the crisis , including a far-fetched promise to end most social distancing measures by Easter , which is in mid-April .
Trump has also used these briefings to attack the media and his likely 2020 opponent , former Vice President Joe Biden .
PACRONYM , a Democratic super PAC focused on digital ads , has spent more than $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month .
American Bridge , another super PAC , has also run digital ads .
But the amount of spending on the issue has increased dramatically in the past week as the reality of the crisis has set in for both operatives and everyday Americans .
The television blitz started this week , with ads from Unite The Country , a super PAC formed to support Biden ’ s run for the presidency , and Priorities USA Action .
On Wednesday , Trump ’ s campaign sent a letter to television stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false ” ― the campaign argues Trump never called COVID-19 a “ hoax ” ― and demanding it be pulled from the airwaves .
The resulting controversy helped the ad go viral , with more than 10 million views on Twitter alone .
Priorities USA decided to spend an additional $ 600,000 to air the spot in Arizona .
It was already spending $ 6 million to air the ad in in Michigan , Wisconsin , Pennsylvania and Florida .
“ Trump ’ s Super PAC and now Trump ’ s campaign are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from hearing the truth about his failed COVID response that has put us all at risk , ” said Patrick McHugh , the group ’ s executive director .
“ The ads are still running and Priorities USA will continue ensuring voters hear the truth.
” So far , American Bridge ’ s ads on the crisis have only run on digital platforms , while the group ’ s television ads ― which focus on limiting Trump ’ s edge among white working-class voters ― are focused on health care .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks , and says its online testing shows the digital ads already increasing Democratic enthusiasm and damaging Trump ’ s image .
“ We ’ ve got a president spouting dangerous disinformation in the midst of a pandemic he set the stage for with his incompetence , ” said Bradley Beychok , the group ’ s president .
“ Democrats can ’ t afford to let Donald Trump off the hook , and we ’ re going to keep holding him accountable for his failed leadership.
” The Democratic ads have aimed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggles to break into the news cycle amidst the pandemic and an all-but-over Democratic presidential primary .
While the Biden campaign has increased his presence ― they ’ ve turned his family recreation room into a makeshift studio , enabling the candidate to hold press briefings and television interviews from his home in Wilmington , Delaware , and have launched a podcast and newsletter ― Biden ’ s ability to insert himself into the news cycle is limited , since he has no official role in crafting the government ’ s response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem torn over how ― and whether ― to respond to the Democratic ad blitz .
The Trump campaign has been reluctant to directly attack Biden with paid media during the epidemic , and some GOP operatives have suggested Trump ’ s frequently criticized super PAC , American First Action , should start airing its own ads bashing Biden or boosting the presidency .
Steven Law , who heads Senate Leadership Fund , the major super PAC aligned with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , said responses from Trump and Congress are likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much of the political activity of the past year , giving Trump an opportunity to reach voters who have been skeptical of his leadership for most of his presidency .
“ I would assume this is going to be top of mind for voters for the next five to six months , ” Law added .
“ This is different from impeachment .
That was an event that didn ’ t impact a single actual human being outside of Washington.
” A Washington Post/ABC News poll released Friday , for instance , found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % among all adults , with a 46 % disapproval rating .
But the same poll also found 58 % of adults believe Trump didn ’ t act fast enough to deal with the crisis , compared to 38 % who believe he moved at the right speed .
Both Republicans and Democrats agreed that the results of actions from the president and members of both parties in Congress would essentially be un-spinnable : Workers will lose their jobs or they won ’ t , the virus will spread or it won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climb or it won ’ t .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
National Democratic groups have begun a television bombardment, spending millions of dollars on swing state attack ads aiming to blunt President Donald Trump’s dominance of the news cycle as the coronavirus pandemic continues to worsen.
Trump’s approval rating has increased slightly since the beginning of the pandemic, according to both public polls and private surveys conducted by operatives in both parties who are scrambling to figure out how a pandemic without modern precedent and an economic recession will change the electoral playing field.
Advertisement
“Democrats have to take this seriously because Trump’s right-wing communication channels are going to be amplifying him as a hero and giving him a ticker-tape parade no matter what happens,” said Jesse Ferguson, a Democratic strategist who worked for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign.
With millions of Americans homebound, Trump’s daily briefings on the pandemic have dominated the airwaves in a way that surpasses even what his rallies did during the 2016 presidential race. At least 10.4 million people watched his briefing on Tuesday, according to Nielsen ratings, while another 4.4 million tuned in to a Fox News-hosted town hall on the crisis.
Both events gave Trump nearly an hour of free air time to present his image of the federal government’s response to the crisis, including a far-fetched promise to end most social distancing measures by Easter, which is in mid-April. Trump has also used these briefings to attack the media and his likely 2020 opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden.
“My administration and myself will deliver for you as we have in the past,” Trump promised his substantial audience on Tuesday.
Advertisement
PACRONYM, a Democratic super PAC focused on digital ads, has spent more than $500,000 running ads on coronavirus since late last month. American Bridge, another super PAC, has also run digital ads. But the amount of spending on the issue has increased dramatically in the past week as the reality of the crisis has set in for both operatives and everyday Americans. The television blitz started this week, with ads from Unite The Country, a super PAC formed to support Biden’s run for the presidency, and Priorities USA Action.
The ad from Priorities, the largest Democratic super PAC, has made the biggest splash so far. The 30-second spot contrasts public statements from Trump playing down the severity of the pandemic with the growing number of cases in the United States.
On Wednesday, Trump’s campaign sent a letter to television stations in swing states calling the ad “false” ― the campaign argues Trump never called COVID-19 a “hoax” ― and demanding it be pulled from the airwaves. The resulting controversy helped the ad go viral, with more than 10 million views on Twitter alone. Priorities USA decided to spend an additional $600,000 to air the spot in Arizona. It was already spending $6 million to air the ad in in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Florida.
Super PACs can both accept and spend unlimited amounts of money, provided they don’t directly coordinate with a candidate or campaign.
Advertisement
“Trump’s Super PAC and now Trump’s campaign are resorting to desperate threats to keep Americans from hearing the truth about his failed COVID response that has put us all at risk,” said Patrick McHugh, the group’s executive director. “The ads are still running and Priorities USA will continue ensuring voters hear the truth.”
So far, American Bridge’s ads on the crisis have only run on digital platforms, while the group’s television ads ― which focus on limiting Trump’s edge among white working-class voters ― are focused on health care. But the group plans to continue polling in recent weeks, and says its online testing shows the digital ads already increasing Democratic enthusiasm and damaging Trump’s image.
“We’ve got a president spouting dangerous disinformation in the midst of a pandemic he set the stage for with his incompetence,” said Bradley Beychok, the group’s president. “Democrats can’t afford to let Donald Trump off the hook, and we’re going to keep holding him accountable for his failed leadership.”
The Democratic ads have aimed to limit Trump’s advantage as Biden struggles to break into the news cycle amidst the pandemic and an all-but-over Democratic presidential primary. While the Biden campaign has increased his presence ― they’ve turned his family recreation room into a makeshift studio, enabling the candidate to hold press briefings and television interviews from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, and have launched a podcast and newsletter ― Biden’s ability to insert himself into the news cycle is limited, since he has no official role in crafting the government’s response to the crisis.
“I’m chomping at the bit. I wish I were in the Senate being able to impact on some of these things,” Biden said during a press briefing on Wednesday. “But I am where I am.”
Advertisement
“There’s not much point to running Trump ads during the Trump television program.” - a senior GOP strategist
Republicans, meanwhile, seem torn over how ― and whether ― to respond to the Democratic ad blitz. The Trump campaign has been reluctant to directly attack Biden with paid media during the epidemic, and some GOP operatives have suggested Trump’s frequently criticized super PAC, American First Action, should start airing its own ads bashing Biden or boosting the presidency.
Others are skeptical more spending is needed, noting Trump’s dominance over the news media. (America First Action has just $18 million on hand, according to campaign finance filings, far less than combined resources of the Democratic PACs.)
“There’s not much point to running Trump ads during the Trump television program,” one senior GOP strategist said.
Steven Law, who heads Senate Leadership Fund, the major super PAC aligned with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, said responses from Trump and Congress are likely to define the election ― and erase much of the political activity of the past year, giving Trump an opportunity to reach voters who have been skeptical of his leadership for most of his presidency.
Advertisement
“It’s clearly reaching people who have, for the better part of the last three years, not been supportive of this president,” he said.
“I would assume this is going to be top of mind for voters for the next five to six months,” Law added. “This is different from impeachment. That was an event that didn’t impact a single actual human being outside of Washington.”
A Washington Post/ABC News poll released Friday, for instance, found Trump’s approval rating at 48% among all adults, with a 46% disapproval rating. But the same poll also found 58% of adults believe Trump didn’t act fast enough to deal with the crisis, compared to 38% who believe he moved at the right speed.
Both Republicans and Democrats agreed that the results of actions from the president and members of both parties in Congress would essentially be un-spinnable: Workers will lose their jobs or they won’t, the virus will spread or it won’t, the number of deaths will climb or it won’t.
This has Democrats confident that Trump’s approval rating spike ― which pollsters note is already smaller than the typical “rally around the flag” boost received by presidents in moments of crisis ― will be temporary.
Advertisement
“Most of the uptick is coming from Democrats, but most Democrats remain unfavorable to him in an election,” Ferguson said. “They merely have a hope, probably a false hope, of his ability to handle the crisis.”
And some voters may already be giving up that hope: Navigator Research, a project of two major Democratic polling firms, has been running a daily tracking survey on the pandemic. For their survey covering March 20 to March 23, 52% of registered voters approved of how Trump was handling the crisis, while just 42% didn’t approve.


huffpost--2020-03-27--Amid COVID-19 Spread, Influential D.C. Pastor Says 'God's Wrath' Caused By LGBTQ People

An evangelical pastor who holds regular Bible studies on Capitol Hill for members of President Donald Trump ’ s cabinet is suggesting that the crisis America is now experiencing is proof of God ’ s disapproval of LGBTQ Americans .
In a Bible study he published last weekend , Ralph Drollinger pointed to several signs he believes are evidence of God ’ s displeasure ― including “ a proclivity toward lesbianism and homosexuality ” and the “ religion of environmentalism.
” Ultimately , he says , these groups are “ largely responsible ” for God ’ s wrath on America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate group of individuals violate the inviolate precepts of God ’ s Word , he , she , they or the institution will suffer the respective consequences , ” Drollinger wrote last Saturday .
“ Most assuredly America is facing this form of God ’ s judgment.
” Drollinger ’ s comments were published as cases of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the coronavirus , began spiking across the country .
The number of deaths from the illness have now reached over 1,000 in the U.S. , according to the Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HuffPost on Thursday that “ Drollinger does not believe the coronavirus is God ’ s judgment on homosexuals , environmentalists or any other group of people , and has never said that it is.
” Drollinger wrote that he doesn ’ t believe God is judging America as a whole — thanks to the presence of conservative Christians in the government — but that certain groups like the LGBTQ community , environmentalists , and atheists “ are largely responsible for God ’ s consequential wrath on our nation.
” In another post from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic was caused by “ recklessness and lack of candor and transparency ” from Chinese leaders and that America is reaping what China has sown .
In 2018 , a Capitol Ministries spokesperson told HuffPost that Drollinger ’ s weekly Bible studies are distributed to members of the president ’ s cabinet , Senate , House and to President Trump — who , Drollinger has also boasted , gives them rave reviews .
“ President Trump has no higher priority than the health and safety of all Americans , and ensuring we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before , ” Deere told NBC .
Pence is listed on Capitol Ministries ’ website as one of its supporters , alongside Pompeo , Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar , and several other cabinet members .
Drollinger has dozens of supporters in the House and the Senate and has also set up Bible study groups in 32 state capitals .
“ With access to the halls of power ... they will turn the U.S. back on track to what God has always wanted , ” Whitehead said .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privileging Christianity in the public sphere and seeing it fused with what it means to be an American.
” Rachel Laser , president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State , said Capitol Ministries ’ influence over and access to legislative bodies threatens Americans ’ religious freedom .
Drollinger is free to believe this theology of hate , she said , but the White House and state capitals must not give it a platform .
“ The White House should condemn Capitol Ministries and distance itself from these views , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
“ President Trump and his administration have repeatedly pandered to Christian nationalists , much to detriment of the national unity we desperately need at this time .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
An evangelical pastor who holds regular Bible studies on Capitol Hill for members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet is suggesting that the crisis America is now experiencing is proof of God’s disapproval of LGBTQ Americans.
In a Bible study he published last weekend, Ralph Drollinger pointed to several signs he believes are evidence of God’s displeasure ― including “a proclivity toward lesbianism and homosexuality” and the “religion of environmentalism.” Ultimately, he says, these groups are “largely responsible” for God’s wrath on America today.
Advertisement
“Whenever an individual or corporate group of individuals violate the inviolate precepts of God’s Word, he, she, they or the institution will suffer the respective consequences,” Drollinger wrote last Saturday. “Most assuredly America is facing this form of God’s judgment.”
Drollinger’s comments were published as cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, began spiking across the country. The number of deaths from the illness have now reached over 1,000 in the U.S., according to the Associated Press.
As the founder of Capitol Ministries, which seeks to evangelize elected officials, Drollinger reaches a highly influential audience of cabinet members, senators and congresspeople.
A spokesperson for Capitol Ministries told HuffPost on Thursday that “Drollinger does not believe the coronavirus is God’s judgment on homosexuals, environmentalists or any other group of people, and has never said that it is.”
Advertisement
The pastor’s Bible study, published March 21, does not explicitly say those typically more left-leaning groups caused God to strike America with the coronavirus. But he does suggest that their existence is a sign of God’s wrath on America today. Capitol Ministries did not respond to HuffPost’s request to clarify what “God’s wrath” could mean besides the coronavirus.
A screenshot from Ralph Drollinger's blog on Capmin.org. Capmin.org
Drollinger wrote that he doesn’t believe God is judging America as a whole — thanks to the presence of conservative Christians in the government — but that certain groups like the LGBTQ community, environmentalists, and atheists “are largely responsible for God’s consequential wrath on our nation.”
In another post from last weekend, Drollinger suggested that the coronavirus pandemic was caused by “recklessness and lack of candor and transparency” from Chinese leaders and that America is reaping what China has sown.
One way to counteract God’s wrath, Drollinger argues, is to elect more evangelical Christians to political office.
Advertisement
Drollinger told the BBC in 2018 that Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos attend his weekly Bible studies when they have time.
In 2018, a Capitol Ministries spokesperson told HuffPost that Drollinger’s weekly Bible studies are distributed to members of the president’s cabinet, Senate, House and to President Trump — who, Drollinger has also boasted, gives them rave reviews.
However, White House spokesperson Judd Deere told NBC on Wednesday that Trump doesn’t attend Drollinger’s Bible class, adding that the notion that homosexuality created the pandemic was “disgusting” and “certainly not something the President believes.”
“President Trump has no higher priority than the health and safety of all Americans, and ensuring we emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever before,” Deere told NBC.
The White House did not respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
A spokesperson for Pence told The New York Times in December that the vice president doesn’t attend the studies but “appreciates Mr. Drollinger’s work.”
Advertisement
Pence is listed on Capitol Ministries’ website as one of its supporters, alongside Pompeo, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, and several other cabinet members. Drollinger has dozens of supporters in the House and the Senate and has also set up Bible study groups in 32 state capitals.
Drollinger’s belief that evangelicals elected to political office will free America from God’s wrath is a “mainstream” view within conservative Christian and evangelical circles, Andrew Whitehead, a sociologist at Clemson University who studies Christian nationalism, told HuffPost.
“With access to the halls of power ... they will turn the U.S. back on track to what God has always wanted,” Whitehead said. “This is Christian nationalism in a nutshell — privileging Christianity in the public sphere and seeing it fused with what it means to be an American.”
Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said Capitol Ministries’ influence over and access to legislative bodies threatens Americans’ religious freedom. Drollinger is free to believe this theology of hate, she said, but the White House and state capitals must not give it a platform.
“The White House should condemn Capitol Ministries and distance itself from these views, but we know that’s unlikely,” she said. “President Trump and his administration have repeatedly pandered to Christian nationalists, much to detriment of the national unity we desperately need at this time.”
Advertisement
The LGBTQ advocacy organization Lambda Legal is also calling on Trump to immediately “repudiate Drollinger’s anti-LGBTQ, anti-science screed” and then “stop both the overt, systematic rollbacks of LGBTQ Americans’ legal protections, and the less overt, deadly insidious ideological attacks on our humanity.”
Jennifer Pizer, the group’s law and policy director, told HuffPost: “Such opportunistic scapegoating exacerbates social stigma, pain and alienation within families, and hate crimes. It’s facile, cruel, and contemptible.”


huffpost--2020-06-03--Think Before You Link: How You Can Help Fight Misinformation Online

In this age of COVID-19 , accurate information can be hard to come by while fake news and misinformation spread @ @ @ @ @ of this harmful viral content can mean the difference between life and death .
In @ @ @ @ @ will talk to Maarten Schenk , co-founder of Lead Stories , a website devoted to @ @ @ @ @ deceptive or inaccurate articles making the rounds on the internet .
Senior enterprise editor Kate @ @ @ @ @ with Schenk and HuffPost reporter Jesselyn Cook on covering and uncovering misinformation and fake news @ @ @ @ @ basics of identifying inaccurate information and debunking it , and how to find good sources @ @ @ @ @ , June 8 , at 12 p.m. Eastern for a live workshop on how to @ @ @ @ @ here for the virtual event .
It ’ s free for members and $ 5 @ @ @ @ @ here for HuffPost membership .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
In this age of COVID-19, accurate information can be hard to come by while fake news and misinformation spread like wildfire. The consequences of this harmful viral content can mean the difference between life and death.
In this one-hour workshop, HuffPost will talk to Maarten Schenk, co-founder of Lead Stories, a website devoted to debunking the latest false, deceptive or inaccurate articles making the rounds on the internet.
Advertisement
Senior enterprise editor Kate Sheppard will moderate a conversation with Schenk and HuffPost reporter Jesselyn Cook on covering and uncovering misinformation and fake news.
Attendees will learn the basics of identifying inaccurate information and debunking it, and how to find good sources.
Join us on Monday, June 8, at 12 p.m. Eastern for a live workshop on how to fight misinformation online. Register here for the virtual event.


huffpost--2020-05-26--Same-Sex Marriage Is Now Legal In Costa Rica

EZEQUIEL BECERRA via Getty Images Alexandra Quiros ( C ) and Dunia Araya ( R ) stand before a lawyer during their wedding in Heredia , Costa Rica , Tuesday .
SAN JOSE , Costa Rica ( AP ) — Costa Rica is expected to become the latest country to legalize same-sex marriage early Tuesday when a ruling from its supreme court goes into effect ending the country ’ s ban .
Couples scheduled ceremonies — mostly private due to the COVID-19 pandemic , but some that would be broadcast — to celebrate their unions before judges and notaries after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Costa Rica would become the sixth country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage , following most recently Ecuador , which allowed it last year .
It is also permitted in some parts of Mexico .
The issue took center stage in Costa Rica ’ s 2018 presidential election after the Inter-American Court of Human Rights earlier that year issued an opinion that countries like Costa Rica , which had signed the American Convention on Human Rights , had to move immediately to legalize gay marriage .
It helped propel President Carlos Alvarado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fabricio Alvarado , who had campaigned against it .
In August 2018 , Costa Rica ’ s supreme court said the country ’ s ban was unconstitutional and gave the congress 18 months to correct it or it would happen automatically .
The Legislative Assembly did not act , so at midnight the law banning same-sex marriage was nullified .
A campaign celebrating the achievement called “ I do ” planned a series of events including hours of coverage on state television and messages from celebrities , including Michelle Bachelet , the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gia Miranda , director of the “ I do ” campaign , said coverage would also include historical chapters of the movement in Costa Rica .
“ It gives us so much joy , ” Miranda said .
“ The only thing that could win with this is Costa Rica and in general love.
” She said it would help decrease discrimination and make the country more prosperous and attractive to tourists .

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Costa Rica is expected to become the latest country to legalize same-sex marriage early Tuesday when a ruling from its supreme court goes into effect ending the country’s ban.
Couples scheduled ceremonies — mostly private due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but some that would be broadcast — to celebrate their unions before judges and notaries after the ban was lifted at midnight.
Costa Rica would become the sixth country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, following most recently Ecuador, which allowed it last year. It is also permitted in some parts of Mexico.
Advertisement
The issue took center stage in Costa Rica’s 2018 presidential election after the Inter-American Court of Human Rights earlier that year issued an opinion that countries like Costa Rica, which had signed the American Convention on Human Rights, had to move immediately to legalize gay marriage.
It helped propel President Carlos Alvarado to victory over an evangelical candidate, Fabricio Alvarado, who had campaigned against it.
In August 2018, Costa Rica’s supreme court said the country’s ban was unconstitutional and gave the congress 18 months to correct it or it would happen automatically. The Legislative Assembly did not act, so at midnight the law banning same-sex marriage was nullified.
A campaign celebrating the achievement called “I do” planned a series of events including hours of coverage on state television and messages from celebrities, including Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Advertisement
Gia Miranda, director of the “I do” campaign, said coverage would also include historical chapters of the movement in Costa Rica.


huffpost--2020-05-26--South America's Biggest Airline Files For U.S. Bankruptcy Protection

BANGKOK ( AP ) — South America ’ s biggest airline sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday as it grapples with the sharp downturn in air travel sparked by the coronavirus pandemic .
Latam Airlines said that it and several of its affiliated companies launched the reorganization effort in the United States in a bid to reduce its debt and find new financing sources .
The bankruptcy filing underscores the severity of the financial challenges the travel industry faces as a result of the lockdowns , quarantines and other measures taken by governments the world over to stem the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Passenger and cargo flights will continue to operate , and employees will still be paid , the Santiago , Chile-based airline company said .
Travelers with existing tickets and vouchers can still use them .
Chief Executive Roberto Alvo said Latam was “ healthy and profitable ” before the pandemic brought most of the world ’ s flights to a halt .
“ We are looking ahead to a post-COVID-19 future and are focused on transforming our group to adapt to a new and evolving way of flying , with the health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paramount , ” he said in a statement announcing the bankruptcy filing .
# WeWillContinueToFly as we reorganize under U.S. Chapter 11 protection to navigate COVID-19 impacts , transforming our business to adapt to a new and evolving way of flying , and ensure long-term sustainability .
Learn more : https : //t.co/ZdWAGGhr9U pic.twitter.com/bjYigYxcf1 — LATAM USA ( @ LATAMAirlinesUS ) May 26 , 2020 The bankruptcy filing includes parent company Latam Airlines Group S.A. and its affiliated airlines in Colombia , Peru and Ecuador , as well as its businesses in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Argentina , Brazil and Paraguay in the turnaround effort .
It says it is talking with the Brazilian government about how to proceed with its operations there .
Latam said the filing has the support of two families that have substantial stakes in the company — the Cueto family in Chile and Brazil ’ s Amaro family — as well as large shareholder Qatar Airways , which holds a 10 % stake .
Latam is South America ’ s largest carrier by passenger traffic .
It operated more than 1,300 flights a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
The airline had more than 340 planes in its fleet and nearly 42,000 employees on its payroll , according to its more recent annual report .
It reported a profit of $ 190 million in 2019 .
Latam reached a deal to sell a 20 % stake to Delta Air Lines for $ 1.9 billion last year .
Its statement Tuesday made no mention of Atlanta-based Delta , which did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Tuesday .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
BANGKOK (AP) — South America’s biggest airline sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday as it grapples with the sharp downturn in air travel sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.
Latam Airlines said that it and several of its affiliated companies launched the reorganization effort in the United States in a bid to reduce its debt and find new financing sources.
Advertisement
The bankruptcy filing underscores the severity of the financial challenges the travel industry faces as a result of the lockdowns, quarantines and other measures taken by governments the world over to stem the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Passenger and cargo flights will continue to operate, and employees will still be paid, the Santiago, Chile-based airline company said. Travelers with existing tickets and vouchers can still use them.
Chief Executive Roberto Alvo said Latam was “healthy and profitable” before the pandemic brought most of the world’s flights to a halt.
“We are looking ahead to a post-COVID-19 future and are focused on transforming our group to adapt to a new and evolving way of flying, with the health and safety of our passengers and employees being paramount,” he said in a statement announcing the bankruptcy filing.
Advertisement
#WeWillContinueToFly as we reorganize under U.S. Chapter 11 protection to navigate COVID-19 impacts, transforming our business to adapt to a new and evolving way of flying, and ensure long-term sustainability. Learn more: https://t.co/ZdWAGGhr9U pic.twitter.com/bjYigYxcf1 — LATAM USA (@LATAMAirlinesUS) May 26, 2020
The bankruptcy filing includes parent company Latam Airlines Group S.A. and its affiliated airlines in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador, as well as its businesses in the U.S.
Latam is not including its affiliates in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay in the turnaround effort. It says it is talking with the Brazilian government about how to proceed with its operations there.
Latam said the filing has the support of two families that have substantial stakes in the company — the Cueto family in Chile and Brazil’s Amaro family — as well as large shareholder Qatar Airways, which holds a 10% stake.
Latam is South America’s largest carrier by passenger traffic. It operated more than 1,300 flights a day and transported 74 million passengers last year.
Advertisement
The airline had more than 340 planes in its fleet and nearly 42,000 employees on its payroll, according to its more recent annual report. It reported a profit of $190 million in 2019.


huffpost--2020-05-26--Brazilian Nurse With COVID-19 Who Gave Birth On Ventilator Reunites With Baby

RIO DE JANEIRO , May 26 ( Reuters ) - Brazilian nurse Rusia Goes gave birth while unconscious and breathing through a ventilator tube in April as she battled severe COVID-19 symptoms .
It would be nearly a month before the 42-year-old was reunited with her newborn daughter .
“ Only God knows how much I missed that little one , who had been inside me , and all of a sudden was taken out because of all of this , ” she told Reuters in an interview on Monday .
Goes is one of at least 374,000 Brazilians infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s second-biggest outbreak after the United States .
Over 23,000 people have died .
While she normally works as a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit , Goes stayed home once the coronavirus outbreak started .
But her husband Ednaldo Goes suspects he may have transmitted the virus to her as he continued to go out to workand shop for the family .
When Rusia Goes checked into a Rio de Janeiro hospital with shortness of breath and other COVID-19 symptoms , she was just beginning the eighth month of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by cesarean section to better treat the mother ’ s condition .
The baby tested negative for the virus and was isolated from Goes , who was transferred to another hospital as her condition worsened .
She said the battle with the respiratory disease was hard and “ very painful , ” but slowly she was able to recover .
She first met her daughter Luisa virtually , via a video link to her husband and the baby in another hospital .
Goes was finally released from the hospital after two weeks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 20 - some 26 days after giving birth .
Masked medical staff gathered with balloons and applauded as Goes left the hospital with her baby in her arms .
“ To hold her to my chest was so emotional , ” she said .
( Reporting by Sergio Queiroz ; Additional reporting by Pedro Fonseca ; Writing by Jake Spring ; Editing by Rosalba O ’ Brien )

LOADING ERROR LOADING
RIO DE JANEIRO, May 26 (Reuters) - Brazilian nurse Rusia Goes gave birth while unconscious and breathing through a ventilator tube in April as she battled severe COVID-19 symptoms.
It would be nearly a month before the 42-year-old was reunited with her newborn daughter.
“Only God knows how much I missed that little one, who had been inside me, and all of a sudden was taken out because of all of this,” she told Reuters in an interview on Monday.
Advertisement
Goes is one of at least 374,000 Brazilians infected by the virus, now the world’s second-biggest outbreak after the United States. Over 23,000 people have died.
While she normally works as a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit, Goes stayed home once the coronavirus outbreak started. But her husband Ednaldo Goes suspects he may have transmitted the virus to her as he continued to go out to workand shop for the family.
When Rusia Goes checked into a Rio de Janeiro hospital with shortness of breath and other COVID-19 symptoms, she was just beginning the eighth month of her pregnancy. Doctors recommended a premature birth by cesarean section to better treat the mother’s condition.
The baby tested negative for the virus and was isolated from Goes, who was transferred to another hospital as her condition worsened.
Advertisement
She said the battle with the respiratory disease was hard and “very painful,” but slowly she was able to recover. She first met her daughter Luisa virtually, via a video link to her husband and the baby in another hospital.
Goes was finally released from the hospital after two weeks and first met her daughter in person on May 20 - some 26 days after giving birth. Masked medical staff gathered with balloons and applauded as Goes left the hospital with her baby in her arms.


huffpost--2020-05-26--WHO Suspends Trial Of Drug Touted By Trump Over Safety Fears For COVID-19 Patients

Tedros emphasized that concerns about the drug — and chloroquine , which is also being studied — is limited to its use as a treatment for COVID-19 .
The drugs are “ accepted as generally safe for use in patients with autoimmune diseases [ lupus and rheumatoid arthritis ] or malaria , ” for which they ’ re usually prescribed .
WHO did not detail specific concerns about hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 patients , but one of its side effects is fatal heart arrhythmia .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned against using the drug to treat COVID-19 outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ serious heart rhythm problems.
” Trump has dismissed negative findings about hydroxychloroquine .
He called the recent findings that the drug showed no benefit for American veterans and a higher rate of death a “ Trump enemy statement , ” insisting that the study ’ s researchers were politically motivated .
Former top federal vaccine official Rick Bright testified before Congress early this month that he was demoted for refusing to make potentially dangerous hydroxychloroquine more widely available , which was being pushed by Trump .
The Trump administration ordered 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials for COVID-19 treatment .
The VA also bulk-ordered some 6.3 million tablets , according to Wilkie ’ s letter .

Tedros emphasized that concerns about the drug — and chloroquine, which is also being studied — is limited to its use as a treatment for COVID-19. The drugs are “accepted as generally safe for use in patients with autoimmune diseases [lupus and rheumatoid arthritis] or malaria,” for which they’re usually prescribed.
WHO did not detail specific concerns about hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 patients, but one of its side effects is fatal heart arrhythmia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned against using the drug to treat COVID-19 outside of a clinical trial or hospital because of “serious heart rhythm problems.”
Trump has dismissed negative findings about hydroxychloroquine. He called the recent findings that the drug showed no benefit for American veterans and a higher rate of death a “Trump enemy statement,” insisting that the study’s researchers were politically motivated.
Former top federal vaccine official Rick Bright testified before Congress early this month that he was demoted for refusing to make potentially dangerous hydroxychloroquine more widely available, which was being pushed by Trump.
The Trump administration ordered 29 million doses of hydroxychloroquine before it underwent trials for COVID-19 treatment. The VA also bulk-ordered some 6.3 million tablets, according to Wilkie’s letter.