huffpost--2020-03-17--Florida’s AG Contracted With Trump Doral In Violation Of U.S. Constitution

Cassedy , though , would not explain why Moody , a Republican who was elected to the statewide job in 2018 after receiving Trump ’ s endorsement , chose to award the contract to Trump ’ s resort in the first place .
Under its terms , some $ 70,000 of Florida taxpayer money likely would have gone to Trump National Doral .
Nonprofit groups , local governments and others attending the event that had been set for late May likely would have spent an additional $ 600,000 .
“ If the state of Florida is paying money to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and profit from , then it would appear to be a pretty clear violation of the Constitution ’ s domestic emoluments clause , ” said Jordan Libowitz with Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington , a watchdog group that has criticized federal payments flowing to Trump since he took office three years ago .
“ This isn ’ t some obscure local law , this is literally the Constitution .
Everyone needs to follow it .
A state ’ s highest law enforcement official should know better.
” The U.S. Constitution states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shall , at stated Times , receive for his Services , a Compensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected , and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States , or any of them.
” Cathy Ennis , who signed the April 19 , 2019 , contract as the representative for Trump ’ s golf resort , told HuffPost : “ The money is not going to the president , it is going to Trump Doral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her assertion , however , is not correct .
Trump Doral is owned by the Trump Organization , which in turn is owned by a revocable trust Trump set up just before taking office in 2017 .
Trump is the sole beneficiary of that trust , meaning he is the only one who reaps the profits from all of Trump Organization ’ s income streams , including his various golf courses , his Mar-a-Lago country club in Palm Beach and Trump Tower in Manhattan .
Under the terms of the contract , obtained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida ’ s public records laws , the state Attorney General ’ s office had agreed to rent an average of 250 rooms at Doral each night for six nights , at a cost of $ 129 per night for the 2020 “ National Conference on Preventing Crime.
” Meeting rooms are included in the contract , but meals are not — meaning the 1,500 expected guests would likely spend close to $ 100 per day each for food at the resort ’ s restaurants .
Also included , according to the contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a golf practice area and a free shuttle bus each day to “ exclusive beach access ” in Miami Beach – even though , under Florida law , all beaches are public .
Cassedy said that bids were solicited and accepted by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau , and that Moody ’ s office chose the lowest bidder , which was Trump Doral .
She did not respond , despite repeated queries , why the resort was allowed to bid at all , given its ownership and the U.S. Constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time since Trump bought the resort in 2012 that that conference would be held there .
Previous conferences were held in Tampa , Jacksonville , Orlando and Miami — none at a Trump property .
Doral , like most of Trump ’ s properties with the exception of Mar-a-Lago , his golf club in Bedminster and his hotel a few blocks from the White House , has reportedly suffered financially since Trump took office because of his unpopularity with most Americans .
Exactly how well or poorly Doral is doing , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s personal bank account , however , can not be determined because he has refused to release his tax returns .
His latest financial disclosure statement claims he earned $ 75,962,848 from Mar-a-Lago in calendar year 2018 , but Trump appears to conflate net profit with gross revenues , based on a HuffPost analysis of figures he has filed on the document compared to other official filings .
During the Republican National Committee meeting there in 2018 , the property appeared to be skimping on maintenance costs .
At least one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did its guest rooms , while the restaurant on the lower floor in the main lodge had a mustiness mixed with the fraternity house odor of spilled alcohol .

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Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, the state’s top legal officer, contracted with President Donald Trump’s Miami golf resort to host a crime prevention conference, despite the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition against his accepting money from a state.
The conference, set for late May, has been indefinitely postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic before any payments “were made or due,” said Lauren Cassedy, a spokesperson in Moody’s office.
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Cassedy, though, would not explain why Moody, a Republican who was elected to the statewide job in 2018 after receiving Trump’s endorsement, chose to award the contract to Trump’s resort in the first place. Under its terms, some $70,000 of Florida taxpayer money likely would have gone to Trump National Doral. Nonprofit groups, local governments and others attending the event that had been set for late May likely would have spent an additional $600,000.
“If the state of Florida is paying money to the business that the president continues to own and profit from, then it would appear to be a pretty clear violation of the Constitution’s domestic emoluments clause,” said Jordan Libowitz with Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog group that has criticized federal payments flowing to Trump since he took office three years ago. “This isn’t some obscure local law, this is literally the Constitution. Everyone needs to follow it. A state’s highest law enforcement official should know better.”
The U.S. Constitution states in Article II: “The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.”
Cathy Ennis, who signed the April 19, 2019, contract as the representative for Trump’s golf resort, told HuffPost: “The money is not going to the president, it is going to Trump Doral,” and then hung up.
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Her assertion, however, is not correct. Trump Doral is owned by the Trump Organization, which in turn is owned by a revocable trust Trump set up just before taking office in 2017. Trump is the sole beneficiary of that trust, meaning he is the only one who reaps the profits from all of Trump Organization’s income streams, including his various golf courses, his Mar-a-Lago country club in Palm Beach and Trump Tower in Manhattan.
Under the terms of the contract, obtained by the Democratic group American Bridge under Florida’s public records laws, the state Attorney General’s office had agreed to rent an average of 250 rooms at Doral each night for six nights, at a cost of $129 per night for the 2020 “National Conference on Preventing Crime.”
Meeting rooms are included in the contract, but meals are not — meaning the 1,500 expected guests would likely spend close to $100 per day each for food at the resort’s restaurants.
Also included, according to the contract, was access to a golf clinic, a golf practice area and a free shuttle bus each day to “exclusive beach access” in Miami Beach – even though, under Florida law, all beaches are public.
Cassedy said that bids were solicited and accepted by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and that Moody’s office chose the lowest bidder, which was Trump Doral. She did not respond, despite repeated queries, why the resort was allowed to bid at all, given its ownership and the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition.
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This would be first time since Trump bought the resort in 2012 that that conference would be held there. Previous conferences were held in Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami — none at a Trump property.
Doral, like most of Trump’s properties with the exception of Mar-a-Lago, his golf club in Bedminster and his hotel a few blocks from the White House, has reportedly suffered financially since Trump took office because of his unpopularity with most Americans.
Exactly how well or poorly Doral is doing, and how much it puts into Trump’s personal bank account, however, cannot be determined because he has refused to release his tax returns. His latest financial disclosure statement claims he earned $75,962,848 from Mar-a-Lago in calendar year 2018, but Trump appears to conflate net profit with gross revenues, based on a HuffPost analysis of figures he has filed on the document compared to other official filings.
During the Republican National Committee meeting there in 2018, the property appeared to be skimping on maintenance costs. At least one of the guest buildings smelled of mildew, as did its guest rooms, while the restaurant on the lower floor in the main lodge had a mustiness mixed with the fraternity house odor of spilled alcohol.
Nearly two years later, at this January’s RNC meeting, the mustiness appears to remain, at least in some areas. The downstairs restaurant, however, seems to have eliminated the stale beer odor.


huffpost--2020-03-22--Rep. Mark DeSaulnier In Critical Condition After Rib Fracture Leads To Pneumonia

Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images Rep. Mark DeSaulnier is in critical condition after a fractured rib triggered pneumonia @ @ @ @ @ .
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier ( D-Calif. ) is in critical condition eight days after falling @ @ @ @ @ his rib , his office announced Saturday night .
DeSaulnier developed pneumonia after the “ @ @ @ @ @ is being treated at the hospital .
The injury occurred on Friday , March 13 @ @ @ @ @ in serious but stable condition ; his health has since deteriorated .
“ Unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ has deteriorated and he is in critical condition , ” said a statement released by @ @ @ @ @ Betsy Arnold Marr .
“ The doctors are doing everything they can to care for @ @ @ @ @ tested for COVID-19 and the results were negative .
The congressman represents California ’ s @ @ @ @ @ wider San Francisco Bay Area .
He serves on four House committees , including the @ @ @ @ @ , Transportation and Infrastructure , and Education and Labor panels .

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier is in critical condition after a fractured rib triggered pneumonia, according to his office. Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.) is in critical condition eight days after falling during a run and fracturing his rib, his office announced Saturday night.
DeSaulnier developed pneumonia after the “traumatic rib fracture” and is being treated at the hospital. The injury occurred on Friday, March 13. Initially, DeSaulnier was in serious but stable condition; his health has since deteriorated.
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“Unfortunately, Congressman DeSaulnier’s condition has deteriorated and he is in critical condition,” said a statement released by his chief of staff, Betsy Arnold Marr. “The doctors are doing everything they can to care for the Congressman.”
DeSaulnier was tested for COVID-19 and the results were negative.
The congressman represents California’s 11th Congressional District in the wider San Francisco Bay Area.
He serves on four House committees, including the Rules, Oversight and Reform, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Education and Labor panels.


huffpost--2020-06-16--A '30 Rock' Reunion Is Sort Of Happening And We Want To Go To There

Putting Kabletown and the rest of the sitcom ’ s jabs about corporate synergy over the years to shame , the network announced on Tuesday that it is reviving “ 30 Rock ” for a “ first-of-its kind all audience upfront event ” to unveil its new slate of programming .
Alec Baldwin , Tina Fey and the rest of the `` 30 Rock '' will return to NBC for a one-night-only special .
The prerecorded hourlong scripted special , which will air ad-free on NBC at 8 p.m. July 16 , will reunite original cast members Tina Fey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Krakowski , Jack McBrayer and more in character for a new chapter in the long-running series , as they help usher in a 2020-2021 TV season .
“ Saturday Night Live ” director Oz Rodriguez will be at the helm of the special .
“ We ’ re all happy to have this excuse to ( remotely ) work together again for NBC , ” said “ 30 Rock ” creators Fey and Robert Carlock said in a statement .
“ To quote Kenneth the Page , there are only two things we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone.
” The special , which will also be rebroadcast across USA Network , Bravo , E !
, Oxygen , Syfy and CNBC , as well as NBC ’ s forthcoming online service Peacock , will also feature famous faces across NBC ’ s brand .
As the coronavirus pandemic has effectively stalled the fall television schedule , the upfront presentation will be different this year , as the networks have been scrambling to respond amid production shutdown .
“ At NBCUniversal , we ’ re excited to produce an upfront that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with viewers and advertisers alike , ” said Linda Yaccarino , chairman , advertising and partnerships , NBCUniversal .
“ Historically , this event is about the future of programming ; this year , it ’ s about the future of our industry — a future where we can meet audiences wherever they are , with the stories that move them .
As the old saying goes ... when life hands you Lemon , have her host the Upfront !
” The special arrives on the heels of the well-received “ Parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ netted $ 3 million for Feeding America ’ s COVID-19 Relief Fund , according to NBC .
And if there are blank spaces to fill on the schedule , might we suggest they just air “ MILF Island ” or at the very least “ Queen of Jordan ” instead ?

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There ain’t no party like a Liz Lemon party, ’cause a Liz Lemon party is ... happening at the NBC upfronts?
Putting Kabletown and the rest of the sitcom’s jabs about corporate synergy over the years to shame, the network announced on Tuesday that it is reviving “30 Rock” for a “first-of-its kind all audience upfront event” to unveil its new slate of programming.
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Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey and the rest of the "30 Rock" will return to NBC for a one-night-only special. NBC via Getty Images
The prerecorded hourlong scripted special, which will air ad-free on NBC at 8 p.m. July 16, will reunite original cast members Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer and more in character for a new chapter in the long-running series, as they help usher in a 2020-2021 TV season. “Saturday Night Live” director Oz Rodriguez will be at the helm of the special.
“We’re all happy to have this excuse to (remotely) work together again for NBC,” said “30 Rock” creators Fey and Robert Carlock said in a statement. “To quote Kenneth the Page, there are only two things we love in this world, television and everyone.”
The special, which will also be rebroadcast across USA Network, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, Syfy and CNBC, as well as NBC’s forthcoming online service Peacock, will also feature famous faces across NBC’s brand.
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As the coronavirus pandemic has effectively stalled the fall television schedule, the upfront presentation will be different this year, as the networks have been scrambling to respond amid production shutdown.
“At NBCUniversal, we’re excited to produce an upfront that reflects a new reality and celebrates our relationship with viewers and advertisers alike,” said Linda Yaccarino, chairman, advertising and partnerships, NBCUniversal. “Historically, this event is about the future of programming; this year, it’s about the future of our industry — a future where we can meet audiences wherever they are, with the stories that move them. As the old saying goes... when life hands you Lemon, have her host the Upfront!”
The special arrives on the heels of the well-received “Parks and Recreation” reunion fundraiser, which netted $3 million for Feeding America’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, according to NBC.
And if there are blank spaces to fill on the schedule, might we suggest they just air “MILF Island” or at the very least “Queen of Jordan” instead?


huffpost--2020-06-16--Congress Could Make Juneteenth A National Holiday

Congress hasn ’ t created a new holiday since 1983 , when it made one for Martin Luther King Jr. ’ s birthday .
Now some lawmakers are talking about a day commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. on June 19 , known as “ Juneteenth.
” This Friday marks the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth , the day the Union Army announced in Texas that “ all slaves are free.
” The Civil War was over and President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier , but the news hadn ’ t yet reached the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have long celebrated Juneteenth , but it ’ s not a federally recognized holiday .
“ I can not imagine this nation healing from the enormous and penetrating impact of race , racism and the history of slavery without officially acknowledging a day in the nation ’ s history that really speaks to freedom and independence for those who carried the burden of slavery , ” Jackson Lee told HuffPost .
Sen. Tim Scott ( R-S.C. ) , who has been leading the GOP ’ s efforts on police reform in the wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said over the weekend that he was “ open ” to the idea of designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday .
“ I ’ ve been talking to some of my friends throughout the country , including at the White House , ” Scott said on NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press.
” “ I think that ’ s a brilliant idea , the conservatives in the House seem to be interested in that .
So you never know what may happen.
” The federal government observes 11 national holidays , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and others honoring military service and workers .
Adding a holiday is pretty straightforward ― there doesn ’ t need to be a blue ribbon commission , a lengthy committee process or a major national conversation .
Congress just needs to write a bill , vote on it and get the president ’ s signature .
In addition to her “ Juneteenth Independence Day ” legislation that would make it an official holiday , Jackson Lee said she will also introduce a resolution commemorating the day ’ s importance and supporting “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide an opportunity for the people of the United States to learn more about the past.
” It ’ s unclear how many Democrats will embrace the idea of adding a new holiday in an election year with a lot of other stuff going on .
The Congressional Black Caucus has been pushing a broad police reform measure , and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) has been urging the Senate to adopt the House ’ s most recent coronavirus relief package .
But President Donald Trump may have already demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help Americans better understand their own history .
He had planned a political rally for June 19 in Tulsa , Oklahoma , a city where a white mob burned a thriving Black community to the ground 99 years ago this month .
He later canceled the event amid heavy criticism .
“ Many of my African American friends and supporters have reached out to suggest that we consider changing the date out of respect for this Holiday , and in observance of this important occasion and all that it represents , ” Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national holiday ... we would all know about Juneteenth , ” Scott said .
“ We ’ d all have an opportunity to celebrate it and frankly there would be fewer mistakes on that day.
” In the U.S. , national holidays grant time off to federal workers but private businesses are not required to do the same .
Many private companies decline to follow the government ’ s example .
Less than a quarter of private-sector workers receive paid time off for Martin Luther King Day , for example .
The lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortage of free time for Americans relative to workers in other countries .
“ It was surprising that it happened .
Ronald Reagan at first was saying maybe King was tied up with communists because the FBI had been passing that idea around a long time , ” said Michael Honey , Haley professor of humanities at the University of Washington Tacoma and author of “ To the Promised Land : Martin Luther King and the Fight for Economic Justice.
” The Reagan administration considered other reasons to oppose the new holiday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government of another paid day off , but relented partly because , as a 1983 White House memo put it , “ growing numbers of Americans are beginning to look upon Dr. King ’ s contributions to America , and Americans generally , not just Black Americans.
” Jackson Lee said she recognized how difficult it might be to make a new holiday , but she thinks that Republicans have put themselves in an untenable situation on race .
Some GOP lawmakers may want to reclaim the moral ground their party held when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1863 , she said .
And this would be a good moment to do it .

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Congress hasn’t created a new holiday since 1983, when it made one for Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Now some lawmakers are talking about a day commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. on June 19, known as “Juneteenth.”
This Friday marks the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, the day the Union Army announced in Texas that “all slaves are free.” The Civil War was over and President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier, but the news hadn’t yet reached the most remote Confederate state. Black Americans have long celebrated Juneteenth, but it’s not a federally recognized holiday.
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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) wants to change that, and plans to introduce legislation this week making it a national holiday.
“I cannot imagine this nation healing from the enormous and penetrating impact of race, racism and the history of slavery without officially acknowledging a day in the nation’s history that really speaks to freedom and independence for those who carried the burden of slavery,” Jackson Lee told HuffPost.
“These past years of constant evidence of disparities in the African American community shows that the stain of slavery has not ended,” she said.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), who has been leading the GOP’s efforts on police reform in the wake of mass Black Lives Matter protests, said over the weekend that he was “open” to the idea of designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
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“I’ve been talking to some of my friends throughout the country, including at the White House,” Scott said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “I think that’s a brilliant idea, the conservatives in the House seem to be interested in that. So you never know what may happen.”
A spokesperson for Scott declined to elaborate on his support for a new holiday, and the White House declined to comment.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) speaks as family and guests attend the funeral service for George Floyd at The Fountain of Praise church on June 9 in Houston, Texas. DAVID J. PHILLIP via Getty Images
The federal government observes 11 national holidays, some respecting traditions such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, and others honoring military service and workers. Adding a holiday is pretty straightforward ― there doesn’t need to be a blue ribbon commission, a lengthy committee process or a major national conversation. Congress just needs to write a bill, vote on it and get the president’s signature.
In addition to her “Juneteenth Independence Day” legislation that would make it an official holiday, Jackson Lee said she will also introduce a resolution commemorating the day’s importance and supporting “the continued celebration of Juneteenth Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the people of the United States to learn more about the past.”
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The House and Senate have approved similar resolutions on Juneteenth in recent years, but Jackson Lee said this year’s version will have more than 200 original co-sponsors. Only 57 lawmakers co-sponsored last year’s, by comparison.
It’s unclear how many Democrats will embrace the idea of adding a new holiday in an election year with a lot of other stuff going on. The Congressional Black Caucus has been pushing a broad police reform measure, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has been urging the Senate to adopt the House’s most recent coronavirus relief package.
But President Donald Trump may have already demonstrated how a national holiday for Juneteenth would help Americans better understand their own history. He had planned a political rally for June 19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city where a white mob burned a thriving Black community to the ground 99 years ago this month. He later canceled the event amid heavy criticism.
“Many of my African American friends and supporters have reached out to suggest that we consider changing the date out of respect for this Holiday, and in observance of this important occasion and all that it represents,” Trump tweeted.
If Juneteenth were an actual federal holiday, Scott said Sunday, the president, who used inflammatory racism to get elected, might have avoided his racially inflammatory scheduling snafu.
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“If there was a national holiday ... we would all know about Juneteenth,” Scott said. “We’d all have an opportunity to celebrate it and frankly there would be fewer mistakes on that day.”
In the U.S., national holidays grant time off to federal workers but private businesses are not required to do the same. Many private companies decline to follow the government’s example. Less than a quarter of private-sector workers receive paid time off for Martin Luther King Day, for example. The lack of widely recognized holidays contributes to a shortage of free time for Americans relative to workers in other countries.
Despite the possible bipartisan support for commemorating Juneteenth, making a new holiday can be politically difficult.
Former Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) first introduced a bill creating a holiday for Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday almost immediately after his assassination in 1968. It took 15 years of public pressure, lobbying by his widow Coretta Scott King, plus a hit Stevie Wonder song before President Ronald Reagan signed the legislation in 1983.
“It was surprising that it happened. Ronald Reagan at first was saying maybe King was tied up with communists because the FBI had been passing that idea around a long time,” said Michael Honey, Haley professor of humanities at the University of Washington Tacoma and author of “To the Promised Land: Martin Luther King and the Fight for Economic Justice.”
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The Reagan administration considered other reasons to oppose the new holiday, such as the cost to the federal government of another paid day off, but relented partly because, as a 1983 White House memo put it, “growing numbers of Americans are beginning to look upon Dr. King’s contributions to America, and Americans generally, not just Black Americans.”
And there’s no guarantee states will go along. Mississippi, for instance, celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s and Confederate general Robert E. Lee’s birthdays together.
Jackson Lee said she recognized how difficult it might be to make a new holiday, but she thinks that Republicans have put themselves in an untenable situation on race. Some GOP lawmakers may want to reclaim the moral ground their party held when Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, she said. And this would be a good moment to do it.
King used nonviolent protests to dramatize the brutal mistreatment of Black people. The Black Lives Matter protesters who have been demonstrating worldwide for more than three weeks now are doing the same thing.
“They’re asking to be heard, they want people to know black lives not only matter but they are valued,” Jackson Lee said. “They want a reformational transformational change in how America treats its people, and Juneteenth is a perfect symbol of the freedom of people who’ve been oppressed.”


huffpost--2020-06-16--Justice Department Sets New Dates To Begin Executing Federal Inmates On Death Row

Attorney General William Barr directed the federal Bureau of Prisons to schedule the executions , beginning in mid-July , of four inmates convicted of killing children .
Three of the men had been scheduled to be put to death when Barr announced the federal government would resume executions last year , ending an informal moratorium on federal capital punishment as the issue receded from the public domain .
The Justice Department had scheduled five executions set to begin in December , but some of the inmates challenged the new procedures in court , arguing that the government was circumventing proper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly .
The move is likely to add a new front to the national conversation about criminal justice reform and raise interest in an issue that has largely lain dormant in recent years amid the culture battles that President Donald Trump already is waging on matters such as abortion and immigration in the lead-up to the 2020 elections .
The federal government ’ s initial effort was put on hold by a trial judge , and the federal appeals court in Washington and the Supreme Court both declined to step in late last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeals court threw out the judge ’ s order .
Lawyers for the inmates are asking the Supreme Court to order a halt to the process .
“ The American people , acting through Congress and Presidents of both political parties , have long instructed that defendants convicted of the most heinous crimes should be subject to a sentence of death , ” Barr said in a statement .
“ The four murderers whose executions are scheduled today have received full and fair proceedings under our Constitution and laws .
We owe it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to the families left behind , to carry forward the sentence imposed by our justice system.
” The resumption comes as the federal prison has struggled to combat the coronavirus pandemic behind bars , including at least one death at USP Terre Haute , where they will take place .
One inmate there has died from COVID-19 .
The inmates who will be executed are : Danny Lee , who was convicted in Arkansas of killing a family of three , including an 8-year-old ; Wesley Ira Purkey , of Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girl and killed an 80-year-old woman ; Dustin Lee Honken , who killed five people in Iowa , including two children ; and Keith Dwayne Nelson , who kidnapped a 10-year-old girl who was rollerblading in front of her Kansas home and raped her in a forest behind a church before strangling the young girl with a wire .
Executions on the federal level have been rare and the government has put to death only three defendants since restoring the federal death penalty in 1988 — most recently in 2003 , when Louis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rape and murder of a young female soldier .
Though there hasn ’ t been a federal execution since 2003 , the Justice Department has continued to approve death penalty prosecutions and federal courts have sentenced defendants to death .
The attorney general said last July that the Obama-era review had been completed , clearing the way for executions to resume .
He approved a new procedure for lethal injections that replaces the three-drug combination previously used in federal executions with one drug , pentobarbital .
This is similar to the procedure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Missouri and Texas , but not all .
Barr told the AP in November that the federal Bureau of Prisons had been testing and conducting practice drills ahead of the first execution .
He would not say where the drugs would come from .
Ruth Friedman , an attorney for Danny Lee , said the government relied on “ junk science and false evidence ” in his case and said he is trying to get a court to consider problems in his case .
A federal judge denied Lee ’ s request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence presented by his attorneys “ is reasonably likely ” to have led to a different sentence .
And an attorney for Honken , Shawn Nolan , said Honken ’ s trial and sentencing proceeding were “ plagued by misconduct and the ineffectiveness of counsel ” and said he was been denied a full and fair review of the alleged defects in the case .
Nolan described Honken as a “ deeply remorseful and devout Catholic and loving father of two children .
”

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has set new dates to begin executing federal death-row inmates following a monthslong legal battle over the plan to resume the executions for the first time since 2003.
Attorney General William Barr directed the federal Bureau of Prisons to schedule the executions, beginning in mid-July, of four inmates convicted of killing children. Three of the men had been scheduled to be put to death when Barr announced the federal government would resume executions last year, ending an informal moratorium on federal capital punishment as the issue receded from the public domain.
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The Justice Department had scheduled five executions set to begin in December, but some of the inmates challenged the new procedures in court, arguing that the government was circumventing proper methods in order to wrongly execute inmates quickly.
The department wouldn’t say why the executions of two of the inmates scheduled in December hadn’t been rescheduled.
The move is likely to add a new front to the national conversation about criminal justice reform and raise interest in an issue that has largely lain dormant in recent years amid the culture battles that President Donald Trump already is waging on matters such as abortion and immigration in the lead-up to the 2020 elections.
The federal government’s initial effort was put on hold by a trial judge, and the federal appeals court in Washington and the Supreme Court both declined to step in late last year. But in April, the appeals court threw out the judge’s order. Lawyers for the inmates are asking the Supreme Court to order a halt to the process.
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“The American people, acting through Congress and Presidents of both political parties, have long instructed that defendants convicted of the most heinous crimes should be subject to a sentence of death,” Barr said in a statement. “The four murderers whose executions are scheduled today have received full and fair proceedings under our Constitution and laws. We owe it to the victims of these horrific crimes, and to the families left behind, to carry forward the sentence imposed by our justice system.”
The resumption comes as the federal prison has struggled to combat the coronavirus pandemic behind bars, including at least one death at USP Terre Haute, where they will take place. One inmate there has died from COVID-19.
The inmates who will be executed are: Danny Lee, who was convicted in Arkansas of killing a family of three, including an 8-year-old; Wesley Ira Purkey, of Kansas, who raped and murdered a 16-year-old girl and killed an 80-year-old woman; Dustin Lee Honken, who killed five people in Iowa, including two children; and Keith Dwayne Nelson, who kidnapped a 10-year-old girl who was rollerblading in front of her Kansas home and raped her in a forest behind a church before strangling the young girl with a wire.
Three of the executions — for Lee, Purkley and Honken — are scheduled days apart beginning July 13. Nelson’s execution is scheduled for Aug. 28. The Justice Department said additional executions will be set at a later date.
Executions on the federal level have been rare and the government has put to death only three defendants since restoring the federal death penalty in 1988 — most recently in 2003, when Louis Jones was executed for the 1995 kidnapping, rape and murder of a young female soldier. Though there hasn’t been a federal execution since 2003, the Justice Department has continued to approve death penalty prosecutions and federal courts have sentenced defendants to death.
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In 2014, following a botched state execution in Oklahoma, President Barack Obama directed the Justice Department to conduct a broad review of capital punishment and issues surrounding lethal injection drugs.
The attorney general said last July that the Obama-era review had been completed, clearing the way for executions to resume. He approved a new procedure for lethal injections that replaces the three-drug combination previously used in federal executions with one drug, pentobarbital. This is similar to the procedure used in several states, including Georgia, Missouri and Texas, but not all.
Barr told the AP in November that the federal Bureau of Prisons had been testing and conducting practice drills ahead of the first execution. He would not say where the drugs would come from.
Those chosen were among inmates who had exhausted their appeals, and the cases were forwarded to senior Justice Department officials who reviewed the cases and made recommendations to him, Barr said.
President Donald Trump has spoken often about capital punishment and his belief that executions serve as an effective deterrent and an appropriate punishment for some crimes, including mass shootings and the killings of police officers.
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Lawyers for the men decried the Justice Department’s decision to move ahead with the executions.
Ruth Friedman, an attorney for Danny Lee, said the government relied on “junk science and false evidence” in his case and said he is trying to get a court to consider problems in his case. A federal judge denied Lee’s request for a new trial but noted that evidence presented by his attorneys “is reasonably likely” to have led to a different sentence.
“Given all of these circumstances, it would be unconscionable for the government to execute Danny Lee,” Friedman said.
Purkey’s attorney, Rebecca Woodman, said her client suffers from schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and doesn’t understand why the government plans to execute him. “No execution should proceed unless and until the question of Wes’s competency is resolved,” she said.
And an attorney for Honken, Shawn Nolan, said Honken’s trial and sentencing proceeding were “plagued by misconduct and the ineffectiveness of counsel” and said he was been denied a full and fair review of the alleged defects in the case. Nolan described Honken as a “deeply remorseful and devout Catholic and loving father of two children.”
An attorney for Nelson did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.


huffpost--2020-06-16--Dwayne Johnson Responds To Student’s Graduation Request In Most Heartwarming Way

Dwayne “ The Rock ” Johnson delivered a surprise virtual graduation address for high school seniors after one student ’ s request to speak at her ceremony “ knocked me off my feet , ” he said Monday .
The “ Jumanji ” star posted a video to Instagram in which he read excerpts from a letter he ’ d received from Lorraine Angelakos , a senior at Pompano Beach High School in Florida .
Angelakos acknowledged in her letter how “ most commencement speakers and celebrities are sought for after you complete college ” but suggested someone like Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because “ some students won ’ t have that luxury ” of further education .
Angelakos offered to fundraise to cover Johnson ’ s travel and food expenses to attend the school ’ s commencement .
She even enclosed $ 7 “ as part of a good faith request ” as a downpayment .
That detail “ sealed the deal , ” Johnson said — he famously only had $ 7 to his name when he began his career .
In a video that he shared online last month , the actor asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. was while “ our country is down on its knees , begging , pleading , hurt , angry , frustrated , in pain ” amid the coronavirus pandemic and growing outrage over systemic racism and police brutality .
Angelakos , Johnson said in his new video , had answered him .
“ You ’ re right here .
Here you are , ” he declared .
“ We all must become the leaders that we ’ re looking for .
”

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson delivered a surprise virtual graduation address for high school seniors after one student’s request to speak at her ceremony “knocked me off my feet,” he said Monday.
The “Jumanji” star posted a video to Instagram in which he read excerpts from a letter he’d received from Lorraine Angelakos, a senior at Pompano Beach High School in Florida.
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Angelakos acknowledged in her letter how “most commencement speakers and celebrities are sought for after you complete college” but suggested someone like Johnson should speak out to inspire graduating seniors because “some students won’t have that luxury” of further education.
Johnson agreed.
Angelakos offered to fundraise to cover Johnson’s travel and food expenses to attend the school’s commencement.
She even enclosed $7 “as part of a good faith request” as a downpayment. That detail “sealed the deal,” Johnson said — he famously only had $7 to his name when he began his career.
In a video that he shared online last month, the actor asked where a “compassionate leader” of the U.S. was while “our country is down on its knees, begging, pleading, hurt, angry, frustrated, in pain” amid the coronavirus pandemic and growing outrage over systemic racism and police brutality.
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Angelakos, Johnson said in his new video, had answered him.
“You’re right here. Here you are,” he declared. “We all must become the leaders that we’re looking for.”


huffpost--2020-06-16--North Korea Attacks Inter-Korean Liaison Office, South Korea Says

SEOUL , South Korea ( AP ) — North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office building just north of the heavily armed border with South Korea on Tuesday in a dramatic display of anger that sharply raises tensions on the Korean Peninsula and puts pressure on Washington and Seoul amid deadlocked nuclear diplomacy .
The demolition of the building , which is located on North Korean territory and had no South Koreans working there , is largely symbolic .
But it ’ s still likely the most provocative thing North Korea has done since it entered nuclear diplomacy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many fearing war .
It will pose a serious setback to the efforts of liberal South Korean President Moon Jae-in to restore inter-Korean engagement .
North Korea ’ s official Korean Central News Agency said the nation destroyed the office in a “ terrific explosion ” because its “ enraged people ” were determined to “ force ( the ) human scum and those , who have sheltered the scum , to pay dearly for their crimes , ” apparently referring to North Korean defectors who for years have floated anti-Pyongyang leaflets across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Yonhap News Agency showed smoke rising from what appeared to be a complex of buildings .
The agency said the area was part of a now-shuttered inter-Korean industrial park where the liaison office was located .
The North also said it has cut off all government and military communication channels with the South while threatening to abandon bilateral peace agreements reached during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ’ s three summits with Moon in 2018 .
Some outside analysts believe the North , after failing to get what it wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provocation to win outside concessions because its economy has likely worsened because of persistent U.S.-led sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic .
North Korea may also be frustrated because the sanctions prevent Seoul from breaking away from Washington to resume joint economic projects with Pyongyang .
The liaison office has been shut since late January because of coronavirus concerns .
The office , reportedly built with South Korean money , was the first such office between the two Koreas since their 1945 division and was considered a symbol of Moon ’ s engagement policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential national security adviser Chung Eui-yong , who shuttled between Pyongyang and Washington to help set up Kim ’ s first summit with President Donald Trump in June 2018 , convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the North ’ s destruction of the liaison office .
Details weren ’ t immediately released .
On Saturday night , Kim Yo Jong , the influential sister of North Korea ’ s leader , warned that Seoul will soon witness “ a tragic scene of the useless North-South liaison office ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” She also said she would leave to North Korea ’ s military the right to take the next step of retaliation against South Korea .
On Monday , Moon urged North Korea to stop raising animosities and return to talks , saying the two Koreas must not reverse the peace deals that he and Kim Jong Un reached during the 2018 summits .
North Korea has a history of taking highly visual symbolic steps .
It invited foreign journalists to watch the detonation of its underground nuclear testing tunnels in 2018 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its main nuclear complex in 2008 .
Both events were an attempt by the North to show it was serious about denuclearization amid rampant outside skepticism about its commitment .
“ It ’ s hard to see how such behavior will help the Kim regime get what it wants from the world , but clearly such images will be used for domestic propaganda , ” said Leif-Eric Easley , a professor at Ewha University in Seoul .
Earlier Tuesday , North Korea ’ s military threatened to move back into zones that were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Staff of the Korean People ’ s Army said it was reviewing a ruling party recommendation to advance into unspecified border areas that had been demilitarized under agreements with the South , which would “ turn the front line into a fortress.
” Inter-Korean relations have been strained since the breakdown of a second summit between Kim and Trump in Vietnam in early 2019 .
That summit fell apart because of disputes over how much sanctions should be lifted in return for Kim ’ s dismantling his main nuclear complex .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first liaison office at Kaesong to facilitate better communication and exchanges since they were divided into a U.S.-backed South Korea and a Soviet-supported North Korea at the end of the World War II in 1945 .
When the office opened , relations between the Koreas flourished after North Korea entered talks with South Korea and the United States on its nuclear weapons program .

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office building just north of the heavily armed border with South Korea on Tuesday in a dramatic display of anger that sharply raises tensions on the Korean Peninsula and puts pressure on Washington and Seoul amid deadlocked nuclear diplomacy.
The demolition of the building, which is located on North Korean territory and had no South Koreans working there, is largely symbolic. But it’s still likely the most provocative thing North Korea has done since it entered nuclear diplomacy in 2018 after a U.S.-North Korean standoff had many fearing war. It will pose a serious setback to the efforts of liberal South Korean President Moon Jae-in to restore inter-Korean engagement.
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North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said the nation destroyed the office in a “terrific explosion” because its “enraged people” were determined to “force (the) human scum and those, who have sheltered the scum, to pay dearly for their crimes,” apparently referring to North Korean defectors who for years have floated anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border.
The agency did not detail how the office in the North Korean border town of Kaesong was destroyed.
North Korea reportedly blew up the inter-Korean liaison office building just north of the tense Korean border. Pool via Getty Images
Photos from the South’s Yonhap News Agency showed smoke rising from what appeared to be a complex of buildings. The agency said the area was part of a now-shuttered inter-Korean industrial park where the liaison office was located.
The North also said it has cut off all government and military communication channels with the South while threatening to abandon bilateral peace agreements reached during North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s three summits with Moon in 2018.
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Some outside analysts believe the North, after failing to get what it wants in nuclear talks, will turn to provocation to win outside concessions because its economy has likely worsened because of persistent U.S.-led sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic. North Korea may also be frustrated because the sanctions prevent Seoul from breaking away from Washington to resume joint economic projects with Pyongyang.
The liaison office has been shut since late January because of coronavirus concerns. The office, reportedly built with South Korean money, was the first such office between the two Koreas since their 1945 division and was considered a symbol of Moon’s engagement policy.
Seoul’s Blue House said presidential national security adviser Chung Eui-yong, who shuttled between Pyongyang and Washington to help set up Kim’s first summit with President Donald Trump in June 2018, convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the North’s destruction of the liaison office. Details weren’t immediately released.
North Korea had earlier threatened to demolish the office as it stepped up its fiery rhetoric over Seoul’s failure to stop activists from flying propaganda leaflets across the border.
A television news screen shows an explosion of an inter-Korean liaison office in North Korea's Kaesong Industrial Complex. JUNG YEON-JE via Getty Images
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On Saturday night, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korea’s leader, warned that Seoul will soon witness “a tragic scene of the useless North-South liaison office (in North Korea) being completely collapsed.” She also said she would leave to North Korea’s military the right to take the next step of retaliation against South Korea.
The North has threatened to abandon a 2018 bilateral tension-reduction agreement, which observers say could allow the North to trigger clashes along the land and sea borders.
On Monday, Moon urged North Korea to stop raising animosities and return to talks, saying the two Koreas must not reverse the peace deals that he and Kim Jong Un reached during the 2018 summits.
North Korea has a history of taking highly visual symbolic steps. It invited foreign journalists to watch the detonation of its underground nuclear testing tunnels in 2018 and the demolition of a cooling tower at its main nuclear complex in 2008. Both events were an attempt by the North to show it was serious about denuclearization amid rampant outside skepticism about its commitment.
“It’s hard to see how such behavior will help the Kim regime get what it wants from the world, but clearly such images will be used for domestic propaganda,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul.
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Earlier Tuesday, North Korea’s military threatened to move back into zones that were demilitarized under inter-Korean peace agreements. The General Staff of the Korean People’s Army said it was reviewing a ruling party recommendation to advance into unspecified border areas that had been demilitarized under agreements with the South, which would “turn the front line into a fortress.”
Inter-Korean relations have been strained since the breakdown of a second summit between Kim and Trump in Vietnam in early 2019. That summit fell apart because of disputes over how much sanctions should be lifted in return for Kim’s dismantling his main nuclear complex.
In 2018, the rival Koreas opened their first liaison office at Kaesong to facilitate better communication and exchanges since they were divided into a U.S.-backed South Korea and a Soviet-supported North Korea at the end of the World War II in 1945. When the office opened, relations between the Koreas flourished after North Korea entered talks with South Korea and the United States on its nuclear weapons program.


huffpost--2020-06-16--Adele Fights Back Tears Honoring Victims Of Grenfell Tower Fire 3 Years Later

Adele is lending her voice once again to support the survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire on the third anniversary of the deadly blaze .
The “ Hello ” singer appeared in a virtual memorial service on Sunday commemorating the lives lost in the fire at the 24-story high-rise in London , which killed 72 people in June 2017 and left hundreds more homeless .
“ I want to send my love to all of you today , and let you know that I ’ m thinking of you , as I always do , ” a visibly emotional Adele @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began with the ringing of church bells 72 times to mark those who died .
“ Even though we ’ re having to do this in the virtual world , online , on 2020 Zoom life as it is , it ’ s still so important for us to mourn together and for us to remember that night and to reflect on that and also reflect on where we are now , ” she said .
The Grammy-winner continued : “ I think that this year , more than ever , there has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to truly exercise camaraderie , and compassion , and open-mindedness , and persistence .
Persistence for answers .
Persistence for action.
” Less than 24 hours after the fire in the West London neighborhood , Adele was on the ground working in step with community organizers , distributing supplies , visiting local schools and even bringing cakes to the firefighters .
She also joined mourners for the one-year anniversary of the tragedy in 2018 , where she was seen in the crowd singing along to a performance of “ Lean On Me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In her video message on Sunday , Adele emphasized how much the Grenfell community has taught her about the power of collective action , describing her involvement in their fight for justice as “ one of the proudest things ” she ’ s ever been a part of .
“ I have never been so moved or so inspired by a group of people before .
Your resilience is second to none , ” she said .
“ I ’ m so sad that we ’ re not all together today because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somber event when everyone gets together , it ’ s also beautiful , and the kids are running around and I can ’ t wait to hear all about them , ” she continued , adding , “ And I know that before the anniversary next year that we can all do that and I can ’ t wait .
I can ’ t wait to be there and I can ’ t wait to see all of you.
” Concluding her message , Adele said : “ I miss you all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you all and like I said , I ’ m thinking of you today more than ever .
Stay safe , say healthy.
” British rapper Stormzy also made an appearance during the service to send his love and support to those whose lives were touched by the fire .
“ To all the people of Grenfell , we ’ re still mourning with you , ” he said .
“ When the government and the powers that be have turned their back on you , we ’ re here .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since the disaster , the Grenfell community has been fighting for justice with little success , as the unsafe and highly flammable cladding that surrounded the building is still commonly used across the city .
After a series of public inquiries , the most recent of which was delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak , police have said it ’ s “ unlikely ” anyone will face criminal charges until 2021 once all is said and done .
Adele has even expressed her frustration about the response from the government , telling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tragedy , “ They ’ re not receiving the things we think they are .
It ’ s a fucking mess .
No information is getting through , people feel helpless .
No one knows what they ’ re doing down there , it ’ s chaos .
”

LOADING ERROR LOADING
Adele is lending her voice once again to support the survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire on the third anniversary of the deadly blaze.
The “Hello” singer appeared in a virtual memorial service on Sunday commemorating the lives lost in the fire at the 24-story high-rise in London, which killed 72 people in June 2017 and left hundreds more homeless.
Advertisement
“I want to send my love to all of you today, and let you know that I’m thinking of you, as I always do,” a visibly emotional Adele said during the video message, which began with the ringing of church bells 72 times to mark those who died.
“Even though we’re having to do this in the virtual world, online, on 2020 Zoom life as it is, it’s still so important for us to mourn together and for us to remember that night and to reflect on that and also reflect on where we are now,” she said.
The Grammy-winner continued: “I think that this year, more than ever, there has never been a more appropriate time for us to truly exercise camaraderie, and compassion, and open-mindedness, and persistence. Persistence for answers. Persistence for action.”
Advertisement
Less than 24 hours after the fire in the West London neighborhood, Adele was on the ground working in step with community organizers, distributing supplies, visiting local schools and even bringing cakes to the firefighters.
She also joined mourners for the one-year anniversary of the tragedy in 2018, where she was seen in the crowd singing along to a performance of “Lean On Me” by a group of gospel singers.
In her video message on Sunday, Adele emphasized how much the Grenfell community has taught her about the power of collective action, describing her involvement in their fight for justice as “one of the proudest things” she’s ever been a part of.
“I have never been so moved or so inspired by a group of people before. Your resilience is second to none,” she said.
“I’m so sad that we’re not all together today because although it’s always a very somber event when everyone gets together, it’s also beautiful, and the kids are running around and I can’t wait to hear all about them,” she continued, adding, “And I know that before the anniversary next year that we can all do that and I can’t wait. I can’t wait to be there and I can’t wait to see all of you.”
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Concluding her message, Adele said: “I miss you all, I can’t wait to see you all and like I said, I’m thinking of you today more than ever. Stay safe, say healthy.” British rapper Stormzy also made an appearance during the service to send his love and support to those whose lives were touched by the fire. “To all the people of Grenfell, we’re still mourning with you,” he said. “When the government and the powers that be have turned their back on you, we’re here. We’ve got you, we remember.”
Since the disaster, the Grenfell community has been fighting for justice with little success, as the unsafe and highly flammable cladding that surrounded the building is still commonly used across the city.
After a series of public inquiries, the most recent of which was delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak, police have said it’s “unlikely” anyone will face criminal charges until 2021 once all is said and done.
Adele has even expressed her frustration about the response from the government, telling the crowd at her show in London after the tragedy, “They’re not receiving the things we think they are. It’s a fucking mess. No information is getting through, people feel helpless. No one knows what they’re doing down there, it’s chaos.”


huffpost--2020-06-16--Childhood Drownings Are Up. Here's How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe.

The report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission ( CPSC ) found that between 2015 and 2017 , an average of 379 children drowned in a pool every year — most of them at home .
In 2017 ( the most recent year for which data is available ) , the reported fatalities spiked to a high of 395 .
The report , released in June , found that kids under the age of 5 made up three-quarters of recent pool drownings .
And more than half of those were marked by a gap in parental supervision ― which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parent , knowing you can not have eyes on your children every second of the day .
Fortunately , there are steps parents can take to minimize the risks of drowning at home and elsewhere .
As we head into the summer season , here are a few major ones to keep in mind : 1 .
Is there a pool or hot tub at home ?
Make sure you have layers of protection .
“ If your home represents the fourth side of the pool , make sure you have a door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if your child leaves the home , ” she said .
“ In addition , you can also use a pool alarm that will signal an alarm if the child were to actually enter the water.
” 2 .
Don ’ t forget about kiddie pools .
Or even buckets .
Unfortunately , young kids have been known to drown in really small bodies of water , Fleming said .
Think bathtubs , buckets , decorative ponds and fountains .
( The AAP has noted that most infants who drown do so in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a careful look at what you have around your home .
3 .
If your kids are in the water , make sure you have a designated watcher who ’ s not looking at their phone .
The AAP said there is now pretty solid evidence that swimming lessons can help curb the risk of drowning for kids ages 1 to 4 .
( The group is by no means suggesting that all kids that age will necessarily learn to swim .
Every child learns at their own pace . )
So if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of some kind — which is definitely a big “ if ” during this summer of coronavirus — that ’ s great .
Either way , you — or whoever is watching your child in the water — should have a very clear understanding of your kid ’ s capabilities and behave accordingly .
If they ’ re a non-swimmer , you really need to be within arm ’ s distance , even if they ’ re not in deep .

JGI/Jamie Grill via Getty Images
Drowning has long been the leading cause of death among kids ages 1 to 4 in the United States and new data from a federal safety agency indicates that drownings have risen steadily in the past several years.
The report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that between 2015 and 2017, an average of 379 children drowned in a pool every year — most of them at home. In 2017 (the most recent year for which data is available), the reported fatalities spiked to a high of 395.
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“Residential locations make up 71% of fatal drowning incidents,” CPSC spokesperson Nikki Fleming told HuffPost.
“We’re particularly concerned with the younger children,” she said.
The report, released in June, found that kids under the age of 5 made up three-quarters of recent pool drownings. And more than half of those were marked by a gap in parental supervision ― which is a frightening statistic to hear as a parent, knowing you cannot have eyes on your children every second of the day.
Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to minimize the risks of drowning at home and elsewhere. As we head into the summer season, here are a few major ones to keep in mind:
1. Is there a pool or hot tub at home? Make sure you have layers of protection.
It’s not enough to just have a gate to your pool.
“Pools should be surrounded by a four-sided fence, with a self-closing and self-latching gate,” says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which has warned that drownings could increase with more children at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Research shows pool fencing can reduce drowning risk by 50%.”
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But don’t stop there, Fleming urges. Layer on more.
“If your home represents the fourth side of the pool, make sure you have a door alarm, so you’re alerted if your child leaves the home,” she said. “In addition, you can also use a pool alarm that will signal an alarm if the child were to actually enter the water.”
Multiple protections are important because ― as anyone who has ever parented a curious toddler knows ― there are going to be moments when they slip away from you.
“Installing layers of protection can mean the difference between life and death,” Fleming warned.
The AAP’s full policy statement on preventing kids from drowning, which has a lot of really helpful information for doctors and parents, is here.
2. Don’t forget about kiddie pools. Or even buckets.
“Never leave a child unattended in or near water, and this goes for all water,” Fleming said.
Inflatable pools should be drained after each use, so a child doesn’t wander into the backyard and fall in.
Unfortunately, young kids have been known to drown in really small bodies of water, Fleming said. Think bathtubs, buckets, decorative ponds and fountains. (The AAP has noted that most infants who drown do so in buckets or bathtubs.) So take a careful look at what you have around your home.
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3. If your kids are in the water, make sure you have a designated watcher who’s not looking at their phone.
Whether your kids are splashing around in an inflatable pool or riding boogie boards in the ocean, it’s important that a designated adult be providing constant, uninterrupted supervision.
That means no looking at your phone, even for a quick text. No stepping away for “just a second.” No getting into a conversation with another adult and taking your eyes off the water.
“The problem is when everybody is watching, but no one is really watching,” Alan Korn, executive director of Abbey’s Hope, previously told HuffPost. His foundation works on pool safety in memory of its namesake, Abbey Taylor, who died from injuries sustained in a pool.
Korn suggested that if more than one adult is present, parents and caregivers trade off “watchdog duty” in 15-minute shifts.
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“Drownings happen quickly and they happen quietly,” Fleming noted.
4. Swimming lessons for everyone!
The AAP said there is now pretty solid evidence that swimming lessons can help curb the risk of drowning for kids ages 1 to 4. (The group is by no means suggesting that all kids that age will necessarily learn to swim. Every child learns at their own pace.)
So if you can get your kid into lessons of some kind — which is definitely a big “if” during this summer of coronavirus — that’s great. Either way, you — or whoever is watching your child in the water — should have a very clear understanding of your kid’s capabilities and behave accordingly. If they’re a non-swimmer, you really need to be within arm’s distance, even if they’re not in deep.
And consider your own skills as well! Can you swim? Can you perform CPR?


huffpost--2020-04-13--Alabama Can't Ban Abortions As Part Of COVID-19 Response, Judge Rules

MONTGOMERY , Ala. ( AP ) — A federal judge on Sunday ruled that Alabama can not ban abortions as part of the state ’ s response to coronavirus .
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson issued a preliminary injunction sought by clinics to prevent the state from forbidding abortions as part of a ban on elective medical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Thompson said abortion providers can decide whether a procedure can wait .
“ Based on the current record , the defendants ’ efforts to combat COVID-19 do not outweigh the lasting harm imposed by the denial of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her pregnancy , by an undue burden or increase in risk on patients imposed by a delayed procedure , or by the cloud of unwarranted prosecution against providers , ” Thompson wrote in an opinion .
The ruling was a victory for abortion rights advocates who are fighting efforts in Texas , Ohio , Alabama and other states to prohibit abortion services during the COVID-19 pandemic .
States have argued they need to conserve medical equipment and potential hospital beds during the pandemic .
BREAKING : A federal court issued a new ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the COVID-19 crisis to prevent people from accessing abortion care .
Abortion is essential , time-sensitive health care — and it will remain available in Alabama .
— ACLU ( @ ACLU ) April 13 , 2020 Abortion clinics in Alabama said they sought the injunction after the state refused to clarify that the clinics could continue to operate .
Alabama had ordered a postponement of medical procedures except in cases of a medical emergency or “ to avoid serious harm from an underlying condition or disease , or necessary as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active treatment.
” “ Preventing someone from getting an abortion doesn ’ t do anything to stop the COVID-19 virus , it just takes the decision whether to have a child out of their hands , ” said Alexa Kolbi-Molinas , senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union ’ s Reproductive Freedom Project .
The Alabama attorney general ’ s office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment .
Similar legal fights over abortions during the pandemic are ongoing in Texas , Ohio and Oklahoma .

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A federal judge on Sunday ruled that Alabama cannot ban abortions as part of the state’s response to coronavirus.
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson issued a preliminary injunction sought by clinics to prevent the state from forbidding abortions as part of a ban on elective medical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thompson said abortion providers can decide whether a procedure can wait.
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“Based on the current record, the defendants’ efforts to combat COVID-19 do not outweigh the lasting harm imposed by the denial of an individual’s right to terminate her pregnancy, by an undue burden or increase in risk on patients imposed by a delayed procedure, or by the cloud of unwarranted prosecution against providers,” Thompson wrote in an opinion.
The ruling was a victory for abortion rights advocates who are fighting efforts in Texas, Ohio, Alabama and other states to prohibit abortion services during the COVID-19 pandemic. States have argued they need to conserve medical equipment and potential hospital beds during the pandemic.
BREAKING: A federal court issued a new ruling to block Alabama from using the guise of the COVID-19 crisis to prevent people from accessing abortion care.
Abortion is essential, time-sensitive health care — and it will remain available in Alabama. — ACLU (@ACLU) April 13, 2020
Abortion clinics in Alabama said they sought the injunction after the state refused to clarify that the clinics could continue to operate.
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Alabama had ordered a postponement of medical procedures except in cases of a medical emergency or “to avoid serious harm from an underlying condition or disease, or necessary as part of a patient’s ongoing and active treatment.”
A lawyer representing clinics praised the decision.
“Preventing someone from getting an abortion doesn’t do anything to stop the COVID-19 virus, it just takes the decision whether to have a child out of their hands,” said Alexa Kolbi-Molinas, senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union’s Reproductive Freedom Project.
The Alabama attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.


huffpost--2020-05-03--Joe Biden Wins Kansas Primary Conducted Exclusively By Mail

TOPEKA , Kan. ( AP ) — Joe Biden has overwhelmingly won a Democratic presidential primary in Kansas that the state party conducted exclusively by mail because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The former vice president had been expected to prevail in Saturday ’ s vote and capture a majority of the state ’ s delegates to the Democrats ’ national nominating commission .
Biden took 77 % of the vote .
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders was still in the race when the Kansas party began mailing ballots at the end of March , but he suspended his campaign and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ caucuses in 2016 over former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton , riding a surge of enthusiasm among liberal voters and first-time caucus-goers .
But the state party mailed ballots this year to more than 400,000 registered Democrats to get a far larger turnout than the 39,000 who voted four years ago .
In this Sunday , March 15 , 2020 , photo , former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a Democratic presidential primary debate at CNN Studios in Washington .
( AP Photo/Evan Vucci ) The primary determined how 39 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convention delegates would be allocated .
The remaining six are party leaders , including Gov .
Laura Kelly and U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids .
Besides Biden and Sanders , Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard also were on the Kansas ballot .
Voters also could choose to be uncommitted .
The contest also featured ranked-choice voting , allowing voters to pick more than one candidate and rank them .
A candidate who failed to get 15 % in the first round of voting had his or her votes reallocated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process continued until the only remaining candidates all had at least 15 % .
Democratic leaders originally had planned to set up polling places across the state in addition to allowing mail balloting .
But they scrapped plans for in-person voting at the end of March after Kelly issued a statewide stay-at-home order .
Many Democrats hoped a smooth primary would encourage greater reliance on mail balloting in Kansas ’ regular primary in August and its November general election .

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Joe Biden has overwhelmingly won a Democratic presidential primary in Kansas that the state party conducted exclusively by mail because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The former vice president had been expected to prevail in Saturday’s vote and capture a majority of the state’s delegates to the Democrats’ national nominating commission. Biden took 77% of the vote.
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Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders was still in the race when the Kansas party began mailing ballots at the end of March, but he suspended his campaign and endorsed Biden.
Sanders easily won Kansas’ caucuses in 2016 over former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, riding a surge of enthusiasm among liberal voters and first-time caucus-goers. But the state party mailed ballots this year to more than 400,000 registered Democrats to get a far larger turnout than the 39,000 who voted four years ago.
In this Sunday, March 15, 2020, photo, former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a Democratic presidential primary debate at CNN Studios in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) ASSOCIATED PRESS
The primary determined how 39 of the state’s 45 national convention delegates would be allocated. The remaining six are party leaders, including Gov. Laura Kelly and U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids.
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Besides Biden and Sanders, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard also were on the Kansas ballot. Voters also could choose to be uncommitted.
The contest also featured ranked-choice voting, allowing voters to pick more than one candidate and rank them. A candidate who failed to get 15% in the first round of voting had his or her votes reallocated to voters’ second choices, and the process continued until the only remaining candidates all had at least 15%.
Democratic leaders originally had planned to set up polling places across the state in addition to allowing mail balloting. But they scrapped plans for in-person voting at the end of March after Kelly issued a statewide stay-at-home order.
Many Democrats hoped a smooth primary would encourage greater reliance on mail balloting in Kansas’ regular primary in August and its November general election.


huffpost--2020-03-24--They Thought They Escaped Homelessness. Then Came Coronavirus.

Braswell and her three sons ― 3-year-old twins and a 5-year-old ― were homeless in November 2017 .
Since then , she ’ s done everything right .
She found steady work , a home , and got back on her feet .
Until last week , she worked two jobs .
She paid her bills on time .
Her kids went to a good day care .
She had a friendly relationship with her landlord .
She became a fixture in her community , getting involved with a local semi-professional football team .
There are over 550,000 homeless people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development .
Over 180,000 of these people are families with children .
Braswell ’ s family is one of the thousands more that got back on their feet in the past few years ― and are now on the verge of spiraling downward amid an economic shutdown due to COVID-19 .
They ’ re families on the brink .
“ Right now would be the worst time for a family to become homeless .
It could not be a worse time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Family Promise , a nonprofit that helps families experiencing homelessness .
“ Massive changes in hours and jobs for low-wage workers , and all of a sudden schools are closing , which we hadn ’ t anticipated .
There was no way to get ready for it.
” Organizations like Ehlers ’ are struggling to serve at-risk families , too .
Shelter capacity has fallen as it becomes dangerous to house too many people together at once .
Volunteers for organizations like Family Promise are primarily over the age of 60 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting seriously ill. Fundraisers have been canceled , stretching nonprofits ’ financial resources .
Cain has already picked up another job , driving cabs for 12 hours a day , to try and make up for the lost wages .
Nearly no one she ’ s driven around , she says , is concerned about their health .
Everyone is concerned about losing their jobs .
The couple has three children .
Two are still in day care , which has remained open .
The eldest , 10 , is now out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19 .
The family doesn ’ t have a computer , but expects the school district to deliver one soon .
Cain ’ s heard rumors the district will start providing free lunch to needy students too , which would be a godsend .
She canceled the service just four days before she was let go from her job and two days before her kids ’ day care shut down .
She needed the money for rent , and thought she would be able to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic had hit her community .
It feels like a lifetime ago .
In the short term , she wonders , how much can she stretch her food supply ?
If she does go to get groceries , where can she go that won ’ t have a line out the door ?
If she goes to the food pantry , will there be anything left ?
Will people let her cut to the front of the line if she tells them she has three kids she needs to feed three times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , how can she make sure her kids are still learning and engaged ?
She doesn ’ t mind being with them all the time , but how will that feel after weeks of isolation together ?
When day care does open back up , will she have the money to pay for it after weeks ― potentially months ― of lost income ?
If she has the money to pay the necessary fees , will she have the gas money to get them there ?
She does the mental calculations ― it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day , five days a week .
And , at that point , where will she and the kids even be living ?
Braswell ’ s landlord has been kind and patient , but at the end of the day , she has bills to pay , too .
Braswell has a Section 8 housing voucher .
If she ’ s unable to pay her rent , she will lose that ― which she said would be paramount to losing “ everything ” ― and she might not be able to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the day , “ Being sick is the farthest thing from my mind , ” she said .
“ After all this and after we use all our money and the virus is gone , what do we do next ?
”

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Kenyal Braswell, 28, can’t sleep. She stays awake until 5 in the morning, sweeping every corner of her house. Even when her eyelids hang heavy, her mind is awake with worry.
She worries if she’ll be able to make rent. And if she can’t, will she lose her house, again?
Braswell and her three sons ― 3-year-old twins and a 5-year-old ― were homeless in November 2017. Since then, she’s done everything right. She found steady work, a home, and got back on her feet. Until last week, she worked two jobs. She paid her bills on time. Her kids went to a good day care. She had a friendly relationship with her landlord. She became a fixture in her community, getting involved with a local semi-professional football team.
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She felt prepared. But she couldn’t have prepared for a global pandemic.
“This is like a bomb that dropped,” said Braswell from her North Carolina home, about 30 minutes outside of Charlotte.
There are over 550,000 homeless people in the United States on any given night, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Over 180,000 of these people are families with children. Braswell’s family is one of the thousands more that got back on their feet in the past few years ― and are now on the verge of spiraling downward amid an economic shutdown due to COVID-19. They’re families on the brink.
“Right now would be the worst time for a family to become homeless. It could not be a worse time,” said Claas Ehlers, CEO of Family Promise, a nonprofit that helps families experiencing homelessness. “Massive changes in hours and jobs for low-wage workers, and all of a sudden schools are closing, which we hadn’t anticipated. There was no way to get ready for it.”
“Right now would be the worst time for a family to become homeless. It could not be a worse time.” - Claas Ehlers, CEO of Family Promise
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Organizations like Ehlers’ are struggling to serve at-risk families, too. Shelter capacity has fallen as it becomes dangerous to house too many people together at once. Volunteers for organizations like Family Promise are primarily over the age of 60, and thus, the most at risk of getting seriously ill. Fundraisers have been canceled, stretching nonprofits’ financial resources.
“We’re all trying to do a lot of prognosticating, and every day is about three weeks,” said Ehlers.
Braswell fell into homelessness several years ago after her husband left. She spent months living in churches with the help of her local Family Promise branch.
But last week, Braswell’s primary job ― working as a hostess at Olive Garden ― stopped giving her hours. Two days later, her children’s day care closed, making it impossible for her to get the child care necessary to work her second job cleaning buildings.
Her carefully regimented routine suddenly came crashing down with overwhelming force.
“It’s like it all got burned down,” she said.
The Worst Type Of Déjà Vu
Chyna Cain is a mother of three in Florida. Photo courtesy of Chyna Cain
Chyna Cain, of Brevard County, Florida, has been having trouble sleeping, too.
Her family just got stable housing a month ago. Then the coronavirus hit.
Cain works for a company scheduling health services for government workers. Last Thursday, the company put her on temporary leave. Her husband, who works washing linens for hospitals, has also seen his hours cut, with his employer seemingly trying to stagger the amount of time employees spend together.
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Cain has already picked up another job, driving cabs for 12 hours a day, to try and make up for the lost wages. Nearly no one she’s driven around, she says, is concerned about their health. Everyone is concerned about losing their jobs.
“I know the virus is a very real thing. But so is my rent and my light bill. So that’s really what’s stressing me out,” she said.
The couple has three children. Two are still in day care, which has remained open. The eldest, 10, is now out of school after the district shut down in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. The family doesn’t have a computer, but expects the school district to deliver one soon. Cain’s heard rumors the district will start providing free lunch to needy students too, which would be a godsend.
Cain fell into homelessness after the last government shutdown in early 2019 ― another situation in which her hours were drastically reduced. She’s determined not to fall back ― “it’s one of my worst fears,” she said.
“It’s kind of like reliving that,” said Cain. “It’s a déjà vu I was hoping to never experience.”
‘We Need Help’
Kenyal Braswell with one of her sons. Photo courtesy of Kenyal Braswell
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Braswell would like to look for other jobs that she could do for home, but she doesn’t have internet access.
She canceled the service just four days before she was let go from her job and two days before her kids’ day care shut down. She needed the money for rent, and thought she would be able to make it up soon. It was before the pandemic had hit her community. It feels like a lifetime ago.
Braswell has considered filing for unemployment. But when she calls the number to ask for advice, she can’t get anyone on the line.
“For a single parent, this is probably the worst thing that could happen,” Braswell said.
Now her day to day is organized into a portfolio of immediate and longer-term concerns.
In the short term, she wonders, how much can she stretch her food supply? If she does go to get groceries, where can she go that won’t have a line out the door? If she goes to the food pantry, will there be anything left? Will people let her cut to the front of the line if she tells them she has three kids she needs to feed three times a day?
“I don’t want to ask for favors, but we need help,” said Braswell, who has been delivering meals to other families who don’t have cars. “It’s kind of like every man for himself. And I’m not used to that.”
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In the medium term, how can she make sure her kids are still learning and engaged? She doesn’t mind being with them all the time, but how will that feel after weeks of isolation together? When day care does open back up, will she have the money to pay for it after weeks ― potentially months ― of lost income? If she has the money to pay the necessary fees, will she have the gas money to get them there? She does the mental calculations ― it’s a 10-minute drive, twice a day, five days a week.
And, at that point, where will she and the kids even be living? Braswell’s landlord has been kind and patient, but at the end of the day, she has bills to pay, too. Braswell has a Section 8 housing voucher. If she’s unable to pay her rent, she will lose that ― which she said would be paramount to losing “everything” ― and she might not be able to get it back anytime soon.
And at the end of all this, what will her community even look like? Will there be any jobs? If she gets her job back, will there be enough hours? Her thoughts race at all hours of the night.
She has prepared for the coronavirus, stocking up on medicine and food. Though its been rough, she feels God is in control.
At the end of the day, “Being sick is the farthest thing from my mind,” she said. “After all this and after we use all our money and the virus is gone, what do we do next?”


huffpost--2020-03-24--Every Employer Considers Itself 'Essential' In The Coronavirus Pandemic

California Closets is a national company that builds and installs high-end , custom closet systems .
Its product might not seem essential to the public right now , but you can still have a system designed and put in during the coronavirus pandemic ― even in states that have ordered residents not to leave their homes .
That ’ s because the company views itself as part of the critical infrastructure exempted from the shelter-in-place rules meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus .
Among those who disagree with that view : some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the company ’ s franchisees .
“ I feel the whole company should just not be operating right now .
I ’ ve been beating myself up about it , ” said one employee on the East Coast , who , like other workers in this story , asked to speak anonymously because of fears of retribution .
The growing lockdown across the U.S. has hammered businesses of all kinds , leading to swift layoffs and alarmingly low revenue projections .
Faced with orders in several states that all non-essential companies stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read the stay-home rules in the most generous way possible to avoid closing .
Bill Barton , the company ’ s chief executive , said in a statement that the safety of workers and customers was a priority , and employees could decline to work if they choose .
” We have many employees who have elected to do so across the country .
We are in regular contact with our employees and franchisees , sharing information with them and encouraging them to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carvana agents take on the exposure for them , going to their homes to retrieve the cars .
As one employee put it , “ We buy cars from people , so we have to get in cars not knowing about the customer.
” The worker said several colleagues had opted to use sick leave rather than work during the outbreak and risk contracting and spreading the virus .
Carvana provided employees with a letter to show police in the event they are stopped .
It notes that Amazon , Uber Eats and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running as well : “ We believe fulfilling orders placed by customers allows Carvana to safely allow access to mobility for customers who need it , or to sell cars they don ’ t need for cash they might need to get through these tough circumstances.
” “ In these uncertain times , Carvana wants to ensure its customers and employees feel safe and feel supported , ” the spokesperson said in an email .
“ There are some things that can ’ t be put off .
If buying a car is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything it can to keep you safe so you can keep moving.
” Even some arts and craft stores argue they have a right and responsibility to keep their doors open during the pandemic .
Several employees of the big-box craft retailer Michaels contacted HuffPost to say how upset they were to be working in stores with customers during a pandemic .
The company says on its website that it has canceled in-store events , and corporate employees have the option of working from home .
Company executives made the case in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ essential workforce ” during the coronavirus scare .
They cited three reasons : Small businesses rely on them , teachers use them for educational supplies and people “ are looking to take their minds off a stressful reality ” right now .

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California Closets is a national company that builds and installs high-end, custom closet systems. Its product might not seem essential to the public right now, but you can still have a system designed and put in during the coronavirus pandemic ― even in states that have ordered residents not to leave their homes.
That’s because the company views itself as part of the critical infrastructure exempted from the shelter-in-place rules meant to curb the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Among those who disagree with that view: some of the workers building and installing closets for the company’s franchisees.
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“I feel the whole company should just not be operating right now. I’ve been beating myself up about it,” said one employee on the East Coast, who, like other workers in this story, asked to speak anonymously because of fears of retribution.
“It’s really the install team that I’m super-concerned about,” the worker explained. “They are going into people’s homes every day. If one of them is infected and doesn’t show symptoms for two weeks, they’re going into someone’s house every day for two weeks.”
“I love my job and what I do,” said another California Closets worker. “We are treated fair and just in my opinion. The problem I have here is, is it moral to keep us working?”
California Closets considers itself part of the critical infrastructure, exempt from shutdown rules. Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images
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The growing lockdown across the U.S. has hammered businesses of all kinds, leading to swift layoffs and alarmingly low revenue projections. Faced with orders in several states that all non-essential companies stop operating, some employers have tried to read the stay-home rules in the most generous way possible to avoid closing.
California Closets, for instance, says on its website that “our operations have been deemed an essential infrastructure service as determined by Homeland Security and/or the state or local municipality.” But it is California Closets who deemed it so ― not a government entity.
Bill Barton, the company’s chief executive, said in a statement that the safety of workers and customers was a priority, and employees could decline to work if they choose. ”We have many employees who have elected to do so across the country. We are in regular contact with our employees and franchisees, sharing information with them and encouraging them to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
The stay-home rules vary from state to state, though they generally track DHS’s outline of critical sectors during an emergency such as the coronavirus outbreak, like health care, communications, transportation, banking, food and agriculture. Entities that meet the guidelines laid out for each sector in the executive orders can keep running.
But, practically speaking, who provides a critical service is largely a matter of legal interpretation. Some state and local officials expressed frustration with companies and residents they believe are flouting the rules.
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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said his state planned to take action but acknowledged its order is difficult to enforce. Oregon has warned it will begin ticketing individuals and referring businesses to licensing agencies if it appears they have violated the order.
“I feel the whole company should just not be operating right now. I’ve been beating myself up about it.” - California Closets worker
Not surprisingly, many employees working through the pandemic find the justifications dubious.
The online used-car retailer Carvana has kept operating during the outbreak, telling its workers that it provides an essential service. “Carvana’s delivery network allows customers to safely buy or sell their vehicle without broader exposure to COVID-19,” the company said in an internal email obtained by HuffPost.
Customers’ exposure is limited because Carvana agents take on the exposure for them, going to their homes to retrieve the cars. As one employee put it, “We buy cars from people, so we have to get in cars not knowing about the customer.” The worker said several colleagues had opted to use sick leave rather than work during the outbreak and risk contracting and spreading the virus.
Carvana provided employees with a letter to show police in the event they are stopped. It notes that Amazon, Uber Eats and other online operations are still up and running as well: “We believe fulfilling orders placed by customers allows Carvana to safely allow access to mobility for customers who need it, or to sell cars they don’t need for cash they might need to get through these tough circumstances.”
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A Carvana spokesperson said in an email that it was offering a “touchless delivery” service so that customers wouldn’t come in contact with employees. The company said it was monitoring public health orders and intended to comply with them in all states.
HuffPost readers: Has your employer put you in an uncomfortable position during the pandemic? Email us about it.
“In these uncertain times, Carvana wants to ensure its customers and employees feel safe and feel supported,” the spokesperson said in an email. “There are some things that can’t be put off. If buying a car is one of them, Carvana is doing everything it can to keep you safe so you can keep moving.”
Even some arts and craft stores argue they have a right and responsibility to keep their doors open during the pandemic. Several employees of the big-box craft retailer Michaels contacted HuffPost to say how upset they were to be working in stores with customers during a pandemic. The company says on its website that it has canceled in-store events, and corporate employees have the option of working from home.
Michaels arts and craft stores have kept their doors open. Diana Haronis via Getty Images
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Company executives made the case in a letter to employees that they are an “essential workforce” during the coronavirus scare. They cited three reasons: Small businesses rely on them, teachers use them for educational supplies and people “are looking to take their minds off a stressful reality” right now.
Also, the stores serve as UPS access points, the letter noted.
“Having crafts to ease stress during the pandemic is completely unnecessary,” one employee said in an email. “We have called corporate and HR so many times to the point where the line does not ring when you call.”
As HuffPost reported Saturday, the high-end home-furnishing retailer Restoration Hardware has kept its California call center open in spite of a stay-home order from Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). The company provided workers with letters saying they are part of the critical communications and transportations sector.
The workers spend most of their time fielding customer questions about the company’s pricy furniture, fixtures and decor.
“I think a cop is going to laugh at me if I hand him this letter,” said one employee.
In some cases, retailers have made public announcements about closing their stores and keeping employees at home, but workers are still being asked to come in to unload trucks, stock merchandise and fill orders during the pandemic.
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URBN, parent company of the Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie clothing stores, has shuttered its locations in several states that have stay-at-home orders. Even so, workers are being told to come in to retail stores to pack and ship online orders, allowing the company to continue sales.
Some employees are also still working onsite at the company’s corporate offices in Philadelphia, where one worker tested positive for COVID-19, according to an internal note. A spokesperson told HuffPost that the employee was last in the building on March 15 and the building has been disinfected. The company said it had split the employees into two shifts to reduce density.
As for the workers still clocking in at stores where there are stay-at-home orders in effect, the URBN spokesperson said no more than three were working together at any given time and that they were instructed to practice social distancing.