huffpost--2020-04-09--Saudi Arabia Bailed Out A Cruise Ship Company With Close Ties To Trump

A Monday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission shows that Saudi Arabia ’ s Public Investment Fund ( PIF ) now owns more than 8 % of Carnival .
It held no stock in the firm at the start of 2020 .
The news prompted Carnival ’ s share price to climb 20 % ― the company ’ s biggest percentage increase on record , The Wall Street Journal reported .
Carnival ’ s Diamond Princess cruise ship was the site of a large , early outbreak of COVID-19 , the illness caused by the novel coronavirus .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 deaths are linked to the Diamond Princess and another cruise liner , the Grand Princess .
The cruise line ’ s stock price has tumbled in the last month , sending it desperately seeking finances to cover refunds and future orders as its operations are suspended .
“ It ’ s a little too convenient to be a coincidence , ” Derek Martin , a spokesman for the watchdog Accountable.US , said via email .
“ We know the president has been desperate to secure bailout funds for his friends at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t stop talking about it.
” “ If Trump turned to Saudi Arabia to close this deal , it wouldn ’ t be the first time he asked a foreign country to do him a favor , ” Martin added .
“ With the president ’ s help , industry may have secured funding to keep them afloat , but now the American people need to know — at what cost ?
” Trump said at a March 19 briefing that he ’ d discussed the coronavirus crisis with Arison , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who helped sponsor the president ’ s old television show “ The Apprentice ” and is also the owner of the Miami Heat .
The president praised Arison ― and the company ’ s share price rose by 7.5 % that day .
On March 6 , Trump privately told donors gathered at his Mar-a-Lago resort that he wanted to protect cruise companies , The Washington Post reported .
And at a press conference on March 26 , he applauded cruise lines as “ big , ” “ great ” and “ very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ we have to get those cruise ships moving along.
” The president and his team have also been in frequent contact with Riyadh in recent weeks , primarily over a Saudi plan to secure oil contracts that lowered prices and hurt U.S. fossil fuel producers .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the crown prince , known colloquially as MBS , on March 24 , and Trump talked to him on April 2 .
Still , the president ’ s interest in the company was public knowledge , and he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. , citing that revenue in a statement supporting the kingdom days after the CIA concluded that MBS ordered Saudi agents to murder Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi .
It ’ s unclear when the Saudis began picking up Carnival stock .
The fund did not purchase its stake during an offering the cash-strapped company made last week , multiple sources told the Financial Times , and the firm ’ s troubles ― which cheapened its shares ― began earlier in the year .
“ It is highly unlikely that the PIF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool to appease the Trump administration , ” the analyst wrote .
“ Saudi policy-makers have many other levers at their disposal – such as Saudi Arabia ’ s role in global energy markets – for strengthening ties with the U.S. ” Competition between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia in fossil fuel sales will likely persist for years to come , however , and there ’ s a raft of looming potential problems in the relationship ― from congressional pressure over Khashoggi and the Saudis ’ bloody campaign in Yemen to lawsuits over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 9/11 attacks ― that make it important for Riyadh to have built up goodwill with Trump .
Despite Trump ’ s pledge to help cruise operators , the industry ultimately did not receive stimulus money in the $ 2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package he signed into law late last month .
That ’ s in large part because they are foreign corporations .
Carnival is headquartered in Miami but is registered in Panama , a move that allows the company , like so many other cruise lines , to largely avoid paying @ @ @ @

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President Donald Trump has spent weeks promising to protect cruise lines from the economic pain of the coronavirus pandemic. Now a fund that Trump ally Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman controls has revealed a big new stake in Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise operator.
The sudden change of fortunes for a company run by Micky Arison, a longtime Trump associate, could be as much about personal relationships and geopolitics as about business.
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A Monday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission shows that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) now owns more than 8% of Carnival. It held no stock in the firm at the start of 2020. The news prompted Carnival’s share price to climb 20% ― the company’s biggest percentage increase on record, The Wall Street Journal reported.
As of Thursday afternoon, the kingdom’s 43.5 million shares were worth more than $500 million.
Carnival’s Diamond Princess cruise ship was the site of a large, early outbreak of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. More than 800 cases of the disease and 10 deaths are linked to the Diamond Princess and another cruise liner, the Grand Princess. The cruise line’s stock price has tumbled in the last month, sending it desperately seeking finances to cover refunds and future orders as its operations are suspended.
The windfall from the Saudis boosted investor confidence that the company and the broader cruise ship industry could rebound. But its timing has alarmed good government advocates.
“It’s a little too convenient to be a coincidence,” Derek Martin, a spokesman for the watchdog Accountable.US, said via email. “We know the president has been desperate to secure bailout funds for his friends at the cruise lines from Congress, because he won’t stop talking about it.”
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“If Trump turned to Saudi Arabia to close this deal, it wouldn’t be the first time he asked a foreign country to do him a favor,” Martin added. “With the president’s help, industry may have secured funding to keep them afloat, but now the American people need to know — at what cost?”
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman on the first day of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, in June 2019. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
By addressing one of Trump’s big current fixations, the Saudis may have secured undue influence on the president and U.S. foreign policy ― another quid pro quo for a president who’s proven transactional in his approach to global affairs.
Trump said at a March 19 briefing that he’d discussed the coronavirus crisis with Arison, Carnival’s chairman and founder, who helped sponsor the president’s old television show “The Apprentice” and is also the owner of the Miami Heat. The president praised Arison ― and the company’s share price rose by 7.5% that day.
On March 6, Trump privately told donors gathered at his Mar-a-Lago resort that he wanted to protect cruise companies, The Washington Post reported. And at a press conference on March 26, he applauded cruise lines as “big,” “great” and “very important” ― adding the following week, “we have to get those cruise ships moving along.”
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The president and his team have also been in frequent contact with Riyadh in recent weeks, primarily over a Saudi plan to secure oil contracts that lowered prices and hurt U.S. fossil fuel producers. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the crown prince, known colloquially as MBS, on March 24, and Trump talked to him on April 2.
Arison and Trump did not discuss Carnival’s financial situation or potential investors, a company representative told HuffPost.
“It’s very unlikely that the president and MBS discussed” Carnival, a source familiar with the Trump administration’s Middle East policy-making said.
Still, the president’s interest in the company was public knowledge, and he’s previously celebrated Saudi money flowing into the U.S., citing that revenue in a statement supporting the kingdom days after the CIA concluded that MBS ordered Saudi agents to murder Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Micky and Madeleine Arison with Donald and Melania Trump at a Miami Heat basketball game in December 2005. Arison is both the Miami Heat team owner and founder of cruise giant Carnival Corporation. Eliot J. Schechter via Getty Images
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It’s unclear when the Saudis began picking up Carnival stock. The fund did not purchase its stake during an offering the cash-strapped company made last week, multiple sources told the Financial Times, and the firm’s troubles ― which cheapened its shares ― began earlier in the year.
For MBS and his aides, economic reasons alone could be a good justification for the investment, said Robert Mogielnecki, a resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.
Calling the Public Investment Fund’s decision an example of “high-risk, high-reward behavior,” he added: “The PIF’s investment strategy under the leadership of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has been anything but conservative and safe.”
Saudi interest in Carnival could also be connected to the country’s plan to establish itself as a travel destination in the future, Mogielnecki suggested in an email.
“It is highly unlikely that the PIF is being utilized as a foreign policy tool to appease the Trump administration,” the analyst wrote. “Saudi policy-makers have many other levers at their disposal – such as Saudi Arabia’s role in global energy markets – for strengthening ties with the U.S.”
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The kingdom is considering reining in its oil production to boost prices, an outcome Trump has sought.
Competition between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia in fossil fuel sales will likely persist for years to come, however, and there’s a raft of looming potential problems in the relationship ― from congressional pressure over Khashoggi and the Saudis’ bloody campaign in Yemen to lawsuits over the kingdom’s alleged role in the 9/11 attacks ― that make it important for Riyadh to have built up goodwill with Trump.
“The pressing economic challenges confronting Saudi Arabia mean that its sovereign wealth fund officials have more incentive than ever to capitalize on crises,” Mogielnicki wrote.
Despite Trump’s pledge to help cruise operators, the industry ultimately did not receive stimulus money in the $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package he signed into law late last month. That’s in large part because they are foreign corporations. Carnival is headquartered in Miami but is registered in Panama, a move that allows the company, like so many other cruise lines, to largely avoid paying federal income taxes.
“We did not ask nor expect a cash bailout from the U.S. government,” Carnival told NBC News last week.
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Fortunately for the cruise line, another government was ready to help.


huffpost--2020-04-10--Governors Are Too Cowardly To Solve The Coronavirus Outbreak In Prisons

Illustration : Damon Dahlen/HuffPost ; Photos : Bloomberg/Getty Images Governors could use clemency to dramatically reduce the incarcerated population .
But only eight have taken advantage of this power amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Every day , Richard Lee Chalk prays that he ’ ll be let out of prison .
He applied for clemency five months ago and now that there ’ s a coronavirus outbreak , going home is even more urgent .
The 61-year-old has a heart condition and Type 2 diabetes , which means catching COVID-19 could be deadly .
But even apart from his health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate for clemency .
Granting clemency to people like Chalk should be a no-brainer .
Prisons are highly susceptible to an outbreak , and releasing people is the only surefire option to slow the coronavirus ’ spread .
And yet governors around the U.S. are not using their power to release people in any meaningful way , despite the fact that more than 40 staff and detainees in state and federal facilities have already been killed by the coronavirus , according to data compiled by UCLA School of Law .
While multiple lawsuits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and elderly incarcerated people , legal experts say it wouldn ’ t be enough to stave off the public health crisis in prisons .
Governors could use clemency to dramatically reduce prison populations — by letting out those who are imprisoned for minor violations , close to the end of their sentences , or who have pending applications that just need to be signed .
But only nine have taken advantage of this power , albeit in minor ways .
“ If you don ’ t have the will to release people when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does that say ?
” said Rachel Barkow , a faculty director at NYU School of Law .
“ I will blame the governor of my state when people die in prisons here .
I will blame him because he had the power to do something.
” There ’ s already a legal mechanism to make this happen .
In every state , incarcerated people can apply for clemency to be released or have their sentences reduced .
In some cases , applicants have serious health issues and are looking for compassionate release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are seeking clemency because their sentences are wildly disportationate to the crime they committed and they ’ ve shown growth and remorse behind bars .
Clemency is an act of mercy , but it ’ s also an important antidote to a criminal justice system that doles out harsh sentences for low-level offenses , particularly to men of color , and forces people to spend their lives behind bars for mistakes they made in their youth .
Roughly one-quarter of prisoners nationwide are incarcerated for nonviolent offenses , some for minor parole violations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough sentences that they can no longer be considered a public safety risk , according to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law .
With the exception of Oklahoma ’ s governor , who released more than 500 people last year after the state downgraded certain nonviolent felonies to misdemeanors , politicians usually commute a small fraction of sentences relative to their state ’ s prison population .
In Louisiana , the state with the highest incarceration rate in the U.S. , the governor has only reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office — a step up from his predecessor , who only granted three during his term .
In Arizona , which has the fourth-highest incarceration rate , the governor reduced only five people ’ s sentences in three years , and in 2019 , New York ’ s governor granted zero commutations .
Zero .
Governors “ are chipping at a margin in a way that just seems like it ’ s designed to say , ‘ Look , I ’ ve done something , ’ but not designed to protect public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the founder of a social justice consulting firm , the Wren Collective , and a former public defender .
“ It ’ s like patting yourself on the back for doing what you should have done a long time ago.
” It ’ s a given that governors should start by releasing the most vulnerable people from prison , said Brand , but there are other groups they could be let go as well , such as prisoners whose sentences are almost up and older people who have already served lengthy sentences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost 50,000 people are scheduled to be released in the next three years .
In North Carolina , there are more than 3,000 people over the age of 55 who still have more than three years left on their sentences , though on average they ’ ve been incarcerated for close to two decades , according to data crunched by Brand and her colleagues .

Every day, Richard Lee Chalk prays that he’ll be let out of prison. He applied for clemency five months ago and now that there’s a coronavirus outbreak, going home is even more urgent. The 61-year-old has a heart condition and Type 2 diabetes, which means catching COVID-19 could be deadly. But even apart from his health and age, Chalk is the perfect candidate for clemency.
He’s spent more than three decades behind bars for a felony murder charge, even though he didn’t pull the trigger. Since then, Chalk’s become a mentor, taken courses on law and conflict resolution, and worked as a cook in the prison kitchen, making big meals for family visitation days.
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“I have done everything possible during this incarceration to change from the person who I was when I came to prison to the person who I am today,” Chalk wrote in a message from prison.
He’s hoping New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) will release prisoners like him with health issues. But Chalk’s sister, Linda Luciano, worries about what could happen if he isn’t allowed to go home.
“Not my brother, or nobody else, deserves to die from this virus in prison,” she said.
Granting clemency to people like Chalk should be a no-brainer. Prisons are highly susceptible to an outbreak, and releasing people is the only surefire option to slow the coronavirus’ spread. And yet governors around the U.S. are not using their power to release people in any meaningful way, despite the fact that more than 40 staff and detainees in state and federal facilities have already been killed by the coronavirus, according to data compiled by UCLA School of Law.
While multiple lawsuits have called for the release of sick and elderly incarcerated people, legal experts say it wouldn’t be enough to stave off the public health crisis in prisons. Governors could use clemency to dramatically reduce prison populations — by letting out those who are imprisoned for minor violations, close to the end of their sentences, or who have pending applications that just need to be signed. But only nine have taken advantage of this power, albeit in minor ways.
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Governors have the power to save lives. Instead, they’re showing political cowardice.
“If you don’t have the will to release people when literal lives are at stake, what does that say?” said Rachel Barkow, a faculty director at NYU School of Law. “I will blame the governor of my state when people die in prisons here. I will blame him because he had the power to do something.”
Public health experts have called prisons tinderboxes for outbreaks since people sleep mere feet apart and don’t have ready access to cleaning supplies, masks or soap. If prisons release more people, they’ll have more space and supplies to keep those still incarcerated safer ― ideally, enough to maintain social distancing and remain clean.
Photos of Richard Lee Chalk. Courtesy Grayson Bland
There’s already a legal mechanism to make this happen. In every state, incarcerated people can apply for clemency to be released or have their sentences reduced. In some cases, applicants have serious health issues and are looking for compassionate release. But in many instances, they are seeking clemency because their sentences are wildly disportationate to the crime they committed and they’ve shown growth and remorse behind bars.
In the majority of states, the governor has the sole discretion to approve applications, while in others, applications first go through a parole board that makes a recommendation.
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Clemency is an act of mercy, but it’s also an important antidote to a criminal justice system that doles out harsh sentences for low-level offenses, particularly to men of color, and forces people to spend their lives behind bars for mistakes they made in their youth. Roughly one-quarter of prisoners nationwide are incarcerated for nonviolent offenses, some for minor parole violations, and 14% have served long enough sentences that they can no longer be considered a public safety risk, according to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law.
Yet despite all these compelling cases, and the fact that many governors have “almost unfettered power to grant clemency with the stroke of a pen,” according to Steve Zeidman, a professor at CUNY School of Law, they rarely do. And not even a global pandemic has changed that reality.
“I will blame the governor of my state when people die in prisons here. I will blame him because he had the power to do something.” - Rachel Barkow, faculty director at NYU School of Law
With the exception of Oklahoma’s governor, who released more than 500 people last year after the state downgraded certain nonviolent felonies to misdemeanors, politicians usually commute a small fraction of sentences relative to their state’s prison population. In Louisiana, the state with the highest incarceration rate in the U.S., the governor has only reduced 34 sentences throughout his four years in office — a step up from his predecessor, who only granted three during his term. In Arizona, which has the fourth-highest incarceration rate, the governor reduced only five people’s sentences in three years, and in 2019, New York’s governor granted zero commutations. Zero.
The situation is no better on the federal level, where President Donald Trump only reduced two people’s sentences in 2019.
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Now, even as the pandemic spreads, governors from some states, like Arizona, have explicitly said they refuse to release any nonviolent offenders.
Even states that have let people go, such as California or Kentucky, have only released less than 4% of the total prison populations ― far from enough to stave off the spread of COVID-19.
Governors “are chipping at a margin in a way that just seems like it’s designed to say, ‘Look, I’ve done something,’ but not designed to protect public health or safety,” said Jessica Brand, the founder of a social justice consulting firm, the Wren Collective, and a former public defender. “It’s like patting yourself on the back for doing what you should have done a long time ago.”
She said if governors wanted to use their clemency power to save lives, they could halve their states’ prison populations without endangering the public.
It’s a given that governors should start by releasing the most vulnerable people from prison, said Brand, but there are other groups they could be let go as well, such as prisoners whose sentences are almost up and older people who have already served lengthy sentences.
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In Florida, for example, almost 50,000 people are scheduled to be released in the next three years. In North Carolina, there are more than 3,000 people over the age of 55 who still have more than three years left on their sentences, though on average they’ve been incarcerated for close to two decades, according to data crunched by Brand and her colleagues.
“The 75-year-old asthmatic coming out of prison is not coming to attack you and your family,” said Barkow of NYU School of Law. “They are going to be peacefully resting somewhere.”
Governors could also grant people reprieves, which would pause their sentences, if they aren’t willing to commute sentences, Barkow noted. And especially from people who are close to their parole or release dates, they could fast-track existing applications that can often languish for years on a governor’s desk.
“The 75-year-old asthmatic coming out of prison is not coming to attack you and your family. They are going to be peacefully resting somewhere.” - Barkow
Of course, in some states, and certainly at the federal level, granting clemency is a cumbersome process rather than a rapid response to an emergency. But most governors do have the power to release people without involving members of a parole board, and legal experts told HuffPost their biggest hesitation to do so involves electability.
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“You don’t need legislation. You don’t need a commission. You don’t need a parole board,” said Zeidman about the clemency procedure in New York state, where Cuomo has yet to grant any prisoners clemency during the coronavirus. “To me, it’s all about optics.”
He said politicians don’t want to be seen as soft on crime, or risk the possibility of granting someone clemency who might reoffend despite that being very unlikely.
“They’re more afraid of the one case where someone will go out and do something wrong than the people who will die in prison,” said Brand. “We may have one store broken into, but we might have hundreds of people who die.”
Clemency is not only a way to curb the coronavirus outbreak in prisons, it’s an opportunity to reduce America’s mass incarceration system that keeps 2.3 million people a day behind bars to the tune of $182 billion dollars each year. It’s a chance to send a message that most people stuck behind bars are nonthreatening humans who have served more than enough time and don’t deserve to be held in prisons so packed that they can’t protect themselves from a global pandemic.
But instead of seizing on this moment to reform a broken system through clemency, governors are cowering behind the shattered pieces.
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If that doesn’t change, Chalk and others like him could pay a fatal price instead of spending their golden years with family.


huffpost--2020-06-23--Barcelona Opera House Reopens With Concert For 2,292 Plants

Barcelona ’ s Gran Teatre del Liceu opened to a full house on Monday for its first concert since it closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Yet not a single person had tickets — and that ’ s because each one of the hall ’ s 2,292 seats was occupied by a houseplant .
The UceLi Quartet rehearses in front of its green audience on Monday .
During the event , which was the work of conceptual artist Eugenio Ampudia , the leafy crowd was treated to a performance of Puccini ’ s “ Crisantemi ” by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press release from the Liceu .
And although no humans were in the audience , spectators could watch the “ Concierto para el bioceno ” via livestream .
Liceu ’ s press release did not include any information as to whether the plants were regulars at the concert hall or green to the scene , but it did describe the event as “ a highly symbolic act that defends the value of art , music and nature as a letter of introduction to our return to activity.
” The UceLi Quartet string quartet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
After a strange , painful period , the creator , the Liceu ’ s artistic director and the curator Blanca de la Torre offer us a different perspective for our return to activity , a perspective that brings us closer to something as essential as our relationship with nature.
” That explanation seems to beat around the bush , but one thing that is crystal clear is that each of the plants will be donated to a health care worker at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona .
And that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu opened to a full house on Monday for its first concert since it closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Yet not a single person had tickets — and that’s because each one of the hall’s 2,292 seats was occupied by a houseplant.
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The UceLi Quartet rehearses in front of its green audience on Monday. Emilio Morenatti/ASSOCIATED PRESS
During the event, which was the work of conceptual artist Eugenio Ampudia, the leafy crowd was treated to a performance of Puccini’s “Crisantemi” by the UceLi Quartet, according to a press release from the Liceu. And although no humans were in the audience, spectators could watch the “Concierto para el bioceno” via livestream.
Liceu’s press release did not include any information as to whether the plants were regulars at the concert hall or green to the scene, but it did describe the event as “a highly symbolic act that defends the value of art, music and nature as a letter of introduction to our return to activity.”
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It added:
The UceLi Quartet string quartet rehearses in front of its green audience on Monday. After a strange, painful period, the creator, the Liceu’s artistic director and the curator Blanca de la Torre offer us a different perspective for our return to activity, a perspective that brings us closer to something as essential as our relationship with nature.”
That explanation seems to beat around the bush, but one thing that is crystal clear is that each of the plants will be donated to a health care worker at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona.


huffpost--2020-06-18--An Ultimate Guide To Black-Owned Businesses To Support Now And Always

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page .
Prices and availability subject to change .
Now more than ever it ’ s important to think about the diversity of places you support with your money .
There are many things you can do to support the Black community right now , but spending money with Black businesses is one of the easiest , and you can do it without turning away from your phone or laptop .
Where you choose to spend your time and money says a lot about you — and can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve aggregated all of our best guides to Black-owned businesses and brands to support right now ( and always ) into one easy-to-browse list .
Be sure to bookmark this page because we ’ ll keep updating it .
Right now , Sephora sells 36 beauty brands owned by people of color — seven of which are Black-owned and founded , according to a Sephora spokesperson .
In total , Sephora carries nearly 300 beauty brands .
Sephora Beauty Director Myiesha Sewell shared some of her favorite Black-owned beauty products at Sephora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secret to your quarantine-skin struggles ) .
We wouldn ’ t have a Pride Month without the labor of the Black queer community .
Check out our guide to Black queer-owned brands to know .
You ’ re likely familiar with a few powerhouse Black-owned brands such as Rihanna ’ s Fenty Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs .
But it ’ s worthwhile to browse the lesser-known Black-owned and indie beauty brands that you can find selling directly to consumers or available from well-known retailers .
Check out our guide on where to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Missoma , Merju and Gorjana for some pieces , but we can all agree that the best place to find unique jewelry is from small and independent designers on Etsy .
If you ’ re on the hunt for a new pair of statement earrings for summer or want to get a personalized necklace , there are plenty of Black-owned Etsy jewelry shops to know about .
Check out our guide to the best Black-owned Etsy jewelry shops .
Instagram has no shortage of Black food bloggers , authors , chefs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform not only to get you salivating but also to serve you a side of education as well .
We ’ ve pulled together a list of Black food influencers who are well worth following .
The COVID-19 pandemic has left many businesses in need of support , but Black-owned businesses — often operating with less funding , investment and visibility than white-owned businesses — are in a particularly vulnerable position .
Check out our guide to Black-owned food and drink brands you can shop online .

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability subject to change.
Now more than ever it’s important to think about the diversity of places you support with your money.
Advertisement
There are many things you can do to support the Black community right now, but spending money with Black businesses is one of the easiest, and you can do it without turning away from your phone or laptop.
Where you choose to spend your time and money says a lot about you — and can make a powerful statement. So we’ve aggregated all of our best guides to Black-owned businesses and brands to support right now (and always) into one easy-to-browse list.
Be sure to bookmark this page because we’ll keep updating it.
Below, a complete guide to Black-owned brands to support now and moving forward:
HuffPost Finds
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DisobeyArt via Getty Images
HuffPost Finds
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germi_p via Getty Images
Right now, Sephora sells 36 beauty brands owned by people of color — seven of which are Black-owned and founded, according to a Sephora spokesperson. In total, Sephora carries nearly 300 beauty brands. Sephora Beauty Director Myiesha Sewell shared some of her favorite Black-owned beauty products at Sephora. (Spoiler: She shares the secret to your quarantine-skin struggles).
Trans Is Beautiful Apparel / BLK MKT Vintage
We wouldn’t have a Pride Month without the labor of the Black queer community. Check out our guide to Black queer-owned brands to know.
Eva-Katalin via Getty Images
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You’re likely familiar with a few powerhouse Black-owned brands such as Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs. But it’s worthwhile to browse the lesser-known Black-owned and indie beauty brands that you can find selling directly to consumers or available from well-known retailers. Check out our guide on where to buy them.
jacoblund via Getty Images
We love Insta-famous brands such as Missoma, Merju and Gorjana for some pieces, but we can all agree that the best place to find unique jewelry is from small and independent designers on Etsy.
If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of statement earrings for summer or want to get a personalized necklace, there are plenty of Black-owned Etsy jewelry shops to know about. Check out our guide to the best Black-owned Etsy jewelry shops.
HuffPost Finds
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HuffPost
Instagram has no shortage of Black food bloggers, authors, chefs, writers and historians who use the platform not only to get you salivating but also to serve you a side of education as well. We’ve pulled together a list of Black food influencers who are well worth following.
WESTEND61 VIA GETTY IMAGES
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huffpost--2020-06-24--New York City Marathon Canceled Due To Coronavirus

NEW YORK ( AP ) — The New York City Marathon scheduled for Nov. 1 has been canceled because of @ @ @ @ @ York Road Runners announced the cancellation of the world ’ s largest marathon Wednesday after @ @ @ @ @ s office and deciding the race posed too many health and safety concerns for runners @ @ @ @ @ others .
“ While the marathon is an iconic and beloved event in our city @ @ @ @ @ Road Runners for putting the health and safety of both spectators and runners first , @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
“ We look forward to hosting the 50th running of @ @ @ @ @ 2021.
” Last year ’ s marathon included a world record 53,640 finishers .
Entrants @ @ @ @ @ be offered a full refund of their entry fee or a guaranteed entry to either @ @ @ @ @ 2023 marathon .
The 2021 New York City Marathon is scheduled for Nov. 7 .

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York City Marathon scheduled for Nov. 1 has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
New York Road Runners announced the cancellation of the world’s largest marathon Wednesday after coordinating with the mayor’s office and deciding the race posed too many health and safety concerns for runners, volunteers, spectators and others.
“While the marathon is an iconic and beloved event in our city, I applaud New York Road Runners for putting the health and safety of both spectators and runners first,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. “We look forward to hosting the 50th running of the marathon in November of 2021.”
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Last year’s marathon included a world record 53,640 finishers. Entrants for the 2020 race will be offered a full refund of their entry fee or a guaranteed entry to either the 2021, 2022 or 2023 marathon.


huffpost--2020-06-24--Georgia Bill Would Stop Officials From Mailing Absentee Ballot Applications

ATLANTA ( AP ) — Republicans controlling a Georgia House committee approved legislation Wednesday that would prevent election officials from proactively sending mail ballot request forms to voters ahead of an election .
If it makes it through both chambers and gets Gov .
Brian Kemp ’ s signature , it could take effect ahead of November ’ s general elections .
To protect voting rights during the coronavirus pandemic , Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger , a Republican , sent absentee ballot applications to nearly 7 million active registered voters for the state ’ s June 9 primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to vote in person .
That contributed to increased turnout , with turnout particularly high among Democrats .
The election was marred by problems after poll workers dropped out in fear of getting infected and their replacements had trouble with new voting equipment , contributing to hours-long lines at the consolidated polling sites Senate Bill 463 proposes several changes to Georgia election law , including giving county election officials leeway in deciding how many voting machines they ’ ll need for certain elections .
It was amended Wednesday morning in the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would block Raffensperger ’ s office as well as counties from proactively mailing out absentee ballot applications .
Under the bill , individual voters would essentially be left to start the process themselves if they want to vote absentee .
Republican Rep. Shaw Blackmon , chairman of the committee , said the change is meant to help county election officials avoid being flooded with absentee ballot applications , as happened before the June 9 primary .
“ There ’ s no attempt in any way to remove the ability to request or vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ It just is a capacity issue.
” Rep. Renitta Shannon , a Democrat from Decatur on the panel , spoke in opposition to the measure .
“ The secretary of state has already said that he is not going to send out proactively absentee applications , ” Shannon said .
“ This ties the hands of local governments if they want to do that to help in their elections .
”

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ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans controlling a Georgia House committee approved legislation Wednesday that would prevent election officials from proactively sending mail ballot request forms to voters ahead of an election.
If it makes it through both chambers and gets Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature, it could take effect ahead of November’s general elections.
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To protect voting rights during the coronavirus pandemic, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, sent absentee ballot applications to nearly 7 million active registered voters for the state’s June 9 primary elections, enabling huge numbers to avoid having to vote in person. That contributed to increased turnout, with turnout particularly high among Democrats.
The election was marred by problems after poll workers dropped out in fear of getting infected and their replacements had trouble with new voting equipment, contributing to hours-long lines at the consolidated polling sites
The Georgia State Capitol Building in Atlanta, Georgia. nashvilledino2 via Getty Images
Senate Bill 463 proposes several changes to Georgia election law, including giving county election officials leeway in deciding how many voting machines they’ll need for certain elections. It was amended Wednesday morning in the House Governmental Affairs Committee to include language that would block Raffensperger’s office as well as counties from proactively mailing out absentee ballot applications.
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Under the bill, individual voters would essentially be left to start the process themselves if they want to vote absentee.
Republican Rep. Shaw Blackmon, chairman of the committee, said the change is meant to help county election officials avoid being flooded with absentee ballot applications, as happened before the June 9 primary.
“There’s no attempt in any way to remove the ability to request or vote in this particular manner,” Blackmon said. “It just is a capacity issue.”
Rep. Renitta Shannon, a Democrat from Decatur on the panel, spoke in opposition to the measure.
“The secretary of state has already said that he is not going to send out proactively absentee applications,” Shannon said. “This ties the hands of local governments if they want to do that to help in their elections.”


huffpost--2020-06-24--Delroy Lindo Is Finally Getting His Due

Delroy Lindo Is Finally Getting His Due

And he is .
Lindo thrives on characters who thrive on their own convictions .
Having gotten his start in theater , he gravitates toward tragedy , meaning Lindo tends to portray individuals with fierce and sometimes flawed principles .
He is the consummate monologuer , able to cycle through a spate of emotions in a single sentence .
Paul , his troubled Vietnam War veteran in “ Da 5 Bloods , ” is as much an apotheosis of Lindo ’ s talents as any actor could hope for .
Late in the film , he delivers two soliloquies directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jungle with a machete and an inventory of the horrors that prescribe Paul ’ s existence .
Sweat dribbles down his face .
His voice descends to a guttural croak .
“ You will not kill Paul , ” he says in extreme closeup , pausing between each word .
On paper , the line sounds life-affirming .
In Lindo ’ s mouth , it is sanctimonious and taunting .
“ There ’ s this technical aspect of reciting a monologue in Shakespeare or August Wilson or any of the big plays , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re reciting a monologue that ’ s being said either out to the audience or when one is speaking to oneself , you are , in my opinion — this was said to me years ago in acting class somewhere — speaking to the person who you think has the answer .
I ’ m not going to say that I made the camera an actual person , but in the process of speaking into that camera , I have to humanize that lens and imagine that I ’ m speaking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Somebody sent me an email , and he said , ‘ Man , I love that monologue when you were going on that rant in the jungle.
’ The audience completely has the right to define it as a rant .
For me , it is not a rant .
For me , I ’ m speaking my truth in order to get to a place of clarification.
” “ He ’ s got that look that America thinks is formidable , ” Woodard said .
“ He is a chocolate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensity , and I ’ m telling you : I will cut you if you need cutting , but Delroy won ’ t .
Delroy will appeal to you .
But you ’ d never know it from looking at us .
That ’ s one of the reasons I ’ m so happy and grateful that Spike gave him Paul in ‘ Da 5 Bloods.
’ It ’ s a place for Delroy to flex all of his muscles .
People talk about righteous anger , and Delroy has power as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him different is he doesn ’ t just go off like a Roman candle .
Underneath his powerful presence and the way he presents and speaks , there is an underlying vulnerability .
People jump to conclusions when they see Black men , and they never get to understand that there ’ s a vulnerability there because most Black men have been really deeply touched by their mothers.
” “ Certainly my career was on an upward trajectory , ” Lindo said .
“ I look back on it with an immense amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of those projects .
I would say to you , from a professional standpoint , I made some missteps that cost me .
I wasn ’ t as strategic as I should have been .
It serves one better if one has a problem to be very strategic as to how you tell a person that X is not working for you , or Y is not working , and can we address this ?
Sometimes I was too direct .
I ’ m sure you ’ ve heard the term ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with vinegar.
’ I should have used quite a bit more honey .
When a producer is paying you a lot of money to be in his or her film , they do not appreciate being confronted by somebody who ’ s saying , ‘ I really would appreciate if you guys would look at X , Y and Z.
’ It ’ s not that I was in the wrong .
I was involved with various scripts that needed work or that I would have appreciated being modified .
I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the right word , but the D-word became associated with me : ‘ He ’ s difficult.
’ In my own defense , there were times when I thought a director and myself , or a producer and myself , were having a genuinely creative conversation .
But they were affronted .
They were insulted that I was having the , I don ’ t know , the temerity to question something.
” “ When I read the third episode [ of ‘ Harlem ’ s Kitchen ’ ] , I got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lindo said .
“ There was something about the way that the characters were presented and the way that the characters were interacting where I thought , ‘ Wow , what an opportunity to investigate the psychological and emotional realities of the people in this family.
’ Now , I ’ m not naïve , and I know that this is broadcast television .
All I can say to you is I fervently hope there is the space inside this work to do the investigation that will present these human beings who happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their complexity and all of their humanity .
”

For the better part of four decades, Delroy Lindo has been right there, waiting. He is famous but not Hollywood A-list famous — at least not to anyone who isn’t a Spike Lee devotee or an admirer of character actors from forgotten ’90s blockbusters. Far too few people appreciate his bravura turn in “The Good Fight” because far too few people watch “The Good Fight,” one of the best shows on TV. But in the days since his newest movie, “Da 5 Bloods,” premiered on Netflix, a swift Delroy Lindo exaltation has erupted across the internet. The consensus can be summed up thusly: “Hold on, did y’all know this guy is great in everything?”
And he is. Lindo thrives on characters who thrive on their own convictions. Having gotten his start in theater, he gravitates toward tragedy, meaning Lindo tends to portray individuals with fierce and sometimes flawed principles. He is the consummate monologuer, able to cycle through a spate of emotions in a single sentence. Paul, his troubled Vietnam War veteran in “Da 5 Bloods,” is as much an apotheosis of Lindo’s talents as any actor could hope for. Late in the film, he delivers two soliloquies directly to the camera, ambling through a jungle with a machete and an inventory of the horrors that prescribe Paul’s existence. Sweat dribbles down his face. His voice descends to a guttural croak. “You will not kill Paul,” he says in extreme closeup, pausing between each word. On paper, the line sounds life-affirming. In Lindo’s mouth, it is sanctimonious and taunting.
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“There’s this technical aspect of reciting a monologue in Shakespeare or August Wilson or any of the big plays,” Lindo said. “When you’re reciting a monologue that’s being said either out to the audience or when one is speaking to oneself, you are, in my opinion — this was said to me years ago in acting class somewhere — speaking to the person who you think has the answer. I’m not going to say that I made the camera an actual person, but in the process of speaking into that camera, I have to humanize that lens and imagine that I’m speaking to people that I want to communicate with. Somebody sent me an email, and he said, ‘Man, I love that monologue when you were going on that rant in the jungle.’ The audience completely has the right to define it as a rant. For me, it is not a rant. For me, I’m speaking my truth in order to get to a place of clarification.”
Precision is important to Lindo, especially when it comes to words. Even by phone, his enunciation is that of a trained stage performer. Like Paul, he is prone to monologuing, choosing what he says carefully and quibbling with phrasings that don’t perfectly match his perspective.
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What was supposed to be a 30-minute conversation stretched into 60 because he had so much to say. Why weren’t we listening before? At 67, the London-born thespian has earned the chance to reflect on his livelihood, which includes acclaimed Broadway leads (“Raisin in the Sun,” “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”), four Spike Lee movies (“Malcolm X,” “Crooklyn,” “Clockers,” “Da 5 Bloods”), supporting parts in a string of commercial hits (“Congo,” “Get Shorty,” “Ransom,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Romeo Must Die”) and a few prestige projects that never quite elevated him to household status (“The Cider House Rules,” “Lackawanna Blues,” “The Good Fight”).
“I have a great deal of pride about the fact that I’m still here and I’m still making work,” he said. “The ups and downs and the hiccups — overall, it still constitutes a career that I’m proud of.”
Delroy Lindo surrounded by co-stars Isiah Whitlock Jr., Norm Lewis, Clarke Peters and Jonathan Majors in "Da 5 Bloods." NETFLIX
When Lindo appeared in “Malcolm X” in 1992, he’d already spent close to two decades in the theater. That’s where Lee first spotted him. After catching Lindo’s Tony-nominated run in Wilson’s “Joe Turner,” the director asked him to audition for what would become his defining film, “Do the Right Thing.” Lindo turned him down. The character, part of a humorous Greek-chorus trio that annotates various comings and goings on a Brooklyn street corner, didn’t excite him. But Lee, who has been on the forefront of many careers, including Halle Berry and John David Washington, was persistent about casting Lindo, returning a few years later to offer him the role of a Harlem mobster who mentored Malcolm X.
More than three hours long and laden with controversy, “Malcolm X” wasn’t a runaway smash. But it generated rapturous reviews and became what Lindo considers the kind of “cultural moment” he wouldn’t experience again until “Da 5 Bloods.” In other words, it was a film that spoke to its time. Denzel Washington was on the cusp of top-tier movie stardom, the Los Angeles riots had enveloped the nation earlier that year, and the spirit of Malcolm X’s politics was finding newfound relevance.
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“Here’s the thing about ‘Malcolm X,’ though,” Lindo said. “I was not here for the premiere. I was working on another film in Martinique, and silly me, I did not make the arrangements that I could come back to New York for the premiere. But I’ll never forget my wife calling me after she got back from the premiere and saying, ‘Oh my god, you should have been there.’”
It was his next two Spike Lee projects that would confirm Lindo’s range and build a bridge to broader Hollywood. In the lovable slice-of-life dramedy “Crooklyn” (1994), he played a jazz musician struggling to help his wife (Alfre Woodard) support their five children. And in the hard-edged crime saga “Clockers” (1995), he was a drug kingpin with a puffed-up sense of his own power. Lindo’s smile curled in a way that announced the character’s perceptiveness, like only he knew the truth about how the world operates. That’s the sort of feature critics allude to when they claim the camera loves a particular actor.
Lee’s work is often so lived-in that his principal players wind up seeming like co-authors. While making the semi-autobiographical “Crooklyn,” Lindo and Woodard spent the shoot acting as makeshift parents to their fictional kids. “I remember us giving each other the side-eye when we realized these were real children we were going to be dealing with all summer,” Woodard told me. During rehearsals, she witnessed the care with which he prepares. As Delroy Lindo gave way to free-spirited Woody Carmichael, his gestures became more delicate, his voice gentler.
“He’s got that look that America thinks is formidable,” Woodard said. “He is a chocolate, statuesque, muscular Black man with an intensity, and I’m telling you: I will cut you if you need cutting, but Delroy won’t. Delroy will appeal to you. But you’d never know it from looking at us. That’s one of the reasons I’m so happy and grateful that Spike gave him Paul in ‘Da 5 Bloods.’ It’s a place for Delroy to flex all of his muscles. People talk about righteous anger, and Delroy has power as an actor, but the thing that makes him different is he doesn’t just go off like a Roman candle. Underneath his powerful presence and the way he presents and speaks, there is an underlying vulnerability. People jump to conclusions when they see Black men, and they never get to understand that there’s a vulnerability there because most Black men have been really deeply touched by their mothers.”
With Lee’s imprint on his résumé, landing bigger-budgeted films wasn’t hard for Lindo. But going from creative partner to foot soldier was a different story, especially because not all of those movies proved as dynamic as “Crooklyn” and “Clockers.” From 1995 to 2003, Lindo played a drug dealer (“Get Shorty”), an FBI agent (“Ransom”), a military colonel (“Broken Arrow”), the baseball trailblazer Satchel Paige (HBO’s “Soul of the Game”), an animal sacrificer (“The Devil’s Advocate”), an angel (“A Life Less Ordinary”), a World War II-era migrant worker (“The Cider House Rules”), a detective (“Gone in 60 Seconds”), a gang honcho (“Romeo Must Die”), an interdimensional traveler (“The One”), a professional criminal (“Heist”) and a rascally geologist (“The Core”). Despite the varying quality, that’s a pretty notable slate by late-’90s/early-2000s standards, when franchises weren’t yet the industry’s overwhelming business model. You’d expect Lindo to have headlined an Antoine Fuqua or Michael Mann drama next, headed toward Academy Award glory.
But somewhere along the way, Lindo said, he developed something of a reputation. Perhaps spoiled by idiosyncratic Spike Lee scripts and all those highbrow plays, Lindo found himself pushing back against some of the material he’d been given. When he had concerns about the way a scene was written, he would let people know.
“Certainly my career was on an upward trajectory,” Lindo said. “I look back on it with an immense amount of pride that I was involved in some of those projects. I would say to you, from a professional standpoint, I made some missteps that cost me. I wasn’t as strategic as I should have been. It serves one better if one has a problem to be very strategic as to how you tell a person that X is not working for you, or Y is not working, and can we address this? Sometimes I was too direct. I’m sure you’ve heard the term ‘You get more with honey than you do with vinegar.’ I should have used quite a bit more honey. When a producer is paying you a lot of money to be in his or her film, they do not appreciate being confronted by somebody who’s saying, ‘I really would appreciate if you guys would look at X, Y and Z.’ It’s not that I was in the wrong. I was involved with various scripts that needed work or that I would have appreciated being modified. I don’t know if ‘reputation’ is the right word, but the D-word became associated with me: ‘He’s difficult.’ In my own defense, there were times when I thought a director and myself, or a producer and myself, were having a genuinely creative conversation. But they were affronted. They were insulted that I was having the, I don’t know, the temerity to question something.”
Lindo wouldn’t name specific incidents, but apparently whatever happened robbed him of future opportunities. Producers would call up folks he’d worked with recently, and what they heard wasn’t always positive. He was in the running for certain parts — again Lindo declined to list specifics — and then suddenly he wasn’t.
“There was one project in particular that I’m thinking of that I really felt I could bring something to,” he recalled, describing his “disappointment” at losing out.
As the 2000s turned into the 2010s, Lindo’s roles weren’t nearly as remarkable as what had come before. He played third fiddle in unmemorable blockbuster hopefuls like “Domino,” “Sahara” and a “Point Break” remake, as well as the short-lived fantasy series “Believe.” It wasn’t until “The Good Fight” came along that Lindo landed a gig worth his caliber.
“One has to make the attempt to be big enough to say to oneself, ‘OK, what was my culpability in this?’” Lindo said. “What extent do I have to own that I kind of brought this upon myself, versus when a producer was just being an asshole or not being fair or not giving me the kind of leeway that he or she might give another actor. Because the other piece of this is, it’s not a meritocracy. Arguably one could say life is not a meritocracy, and certainly the entertainment industry is not a meritocracy.”
Alfre Woodard, Delroy Lindo and their fictional children in "Crooklyn." Universal Pictures
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In “The Good Fight,” a spinoff of “The Good Wife” that’s housed on the streaming app CBS All Access, Lindo plays Adrian Boseman, a senior partner at a distinguished African American law firm known for tackling police brutality cases in Chicago. The series premiered in 2017 with Adrian inviting a white attorney, “Good Wife” transplant Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski), to join the firm after a financial scam leaves her broke and unable to retire. Diane provided a worthy portal, but it’s Adrian and his ex-wife-turned-colleague Liz (Audra McDonald) who give “Fight” texture. In them, creators Michelle King and Robert King designed an affectionate bond without the sensual current that pigeonholes too many heterosexual relationships on-screen.
Maybe because it doesn’t air on CBS proper, “The Good Fight” hasn’t become the cultural touchstone that “The Good Wife” was, even though it’s just as good if not better. But those who watch it love it, and the show has secured an immaculate roster of guest stars (Bernadette Peters, Judith Light, Lorraine Toussaint, Louis Gossett Jr.).
The creators told me Lindo was their first choice for the role; they knew his Adrian would be a “showman” in court. “When we were casting the show, we had a meeting with Delroy at the office of our casting director, Mark Saks,” Michelle King said. “I just recall it was wintertime and he came in with this coat and scarf, and the way he took them off, it was Adrian Boseman. There was something imperial and so elegant about it. It was like, ‘Oh yeah, this guy has a law firm.’”
It came as a surprise, then, when the news broke in February, two months before the fourth season debuted, that Lindo would be leaving to star in ABC’s “Harlem’s Kitchen,” created by “Scandal” writer Zahir McGhee. An actor departing a well-liked series before its completion invites speculation about what drama might have unfolded backstage, especially an actor who says he was once labeled difficult. Lindo and the Kings promise there was none.
Unlike some previous producers in Lindo’s career, the Kings relished the fact that he was “very opinionated” about the writing. (Similarly, Woodard called him “unapologetic” but said he “cops to mistakes” like a professional.) Lindo helped the Kings consider the “ins and outs” of what things might be like for a Black lawyer and advised them on how those lawyers would behave when there are no white people around. And yet, when I told Lindo I adore “The Good Fight” and asked how he feels about the show’s depiction of race, he responded with questions.
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“Is it your perception as you continue to watch ‘The Good Fight’ that it is every bit an African American-led firm as it was in the beginning?” Lindo said. “Did you perceive any differences between the personality of the firm at the beginning and the personality at the firm at, let’s say, the end of Season 4?”
To his point, the core narrative is no longer fixated on the dynamics of a white attorney joining a Black practice. One of the few shows that has found clever ways to comment on the Trump presidency and other current events, it now has a number of preoccupations.
“The reason that I asked you the question is because, to the extent that ‘The Good Fight’ concerned itself with topical issues, the dynamic having to do with us as an African American law firm was not always the emphasis of the story ‘The Good Fight’ was telling,” Lindo said. “So the show emphasizing a topical subject matter morphed out into investigating other topics: God, the Trump administration, medical ethics, Jeffrey Epstein. The actual component having to do with race was not always top of mind.”
Lindo said the Kings were “sad” to see him go, and the Kings agreed. But when I talked to them, they challenged the notion that race is less of a focus, pointing to Season 4 episodes about reparations and Adrian’s right to use the N-word. Still, they were understanding about Lindo’s attraction to “Harlem’s Kitchen,” in which he will play a chef at a fine-dining restaurant. Given the competitive restraints of broadcast TV, the Kings say CBS and ABC would never allow Lindo to do both concurrently. Nonetheless, they hope he will be able to complete Adrian’s arc at the top of Season 5.
“When I read the third episode [of ‘Harlem’s Kitchen’], I got really excited about the prospect,” Lindo said. “There was something about the way that the characters were presented and the way that the characters were interacting where I thought, ‘Wow, what an opportunity to investigate the psychological and emotional realities of the people in this family.’ Now, I’m not naïve, and I know that this is broadcast television. All I can say to you is I fervently hope there is the space inside this work to do the investigation that will present these human beings who happen to be African American in all of their complexity and all of their humanity.”
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Delroy Lindo, Audra McDonald and Christine Baranski in an episode of "The Good Fight." CBS All Access
In the days surrounding the June 12 launch of “Da 5 Bloods,” my cinema-obsessed Twitter feed lit up with Lindo tributes. Many of them presented him as an underrated powerhouse who, until now, hasn’t gotten his due. Cue immediate Oscar buzz, with one caveat: The awards were postponed by two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which means he’ll need to maintain that momentum all the way to next April.
“Without being — what’s the word? — facetious, I’m not making anything of it,” Lindo said of the enthusiasm. “Meaning, it’s really nice. It’s wonderful to hear, but I can’t get caught up. I’m thrilled. I am thrilled that people are having such an extraordinarily positive response. But my job now is to just keep my feet on the ground and just enjoy that pride that I have from the achievement.”
Lindo and Lee hadn’t spoken in quite some time when Lee called him about taking on Paul. In the interim, Lee remained prolific, directing a movie almost every year and winning an Oscar for his “BlacKkKlansman” screenplay. He started working on “Da 5 Bloods” in 2017, redrafting a spec script about white veterans. When they reconnected, Lindo saw a new side of his old pal.
“He said some things to me in one of our first conversations that were very touching,” Lindo said. “I came home and I told my lady, ‘Wow. Spike said X, and it’s all kind of un-Spike-like.’ It was very touchy-feely, and I can only attribute that to his maturity and his growing as a human being. Now, I got to say, those dynamics did not mean there were not disagreements and differences of opinion as we were making the work.”
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Like what?
“I’m not going to tell you. Sorry. The reason I bring it up, ultimately, is that we were able to get past that. It did not create an obstacle in the work that we could not surmount. It was a little upsetting going through it, but ultimately we were able to surmount it, and I want to believe that that speaks to the regard and the trust.”
Maybe that’s why this represents a peak for Lindo. He is back in the arms of the filmmaker who first recognized his potential, able to dissent without consequence. When you’ve done Shakespeare and August Wilson and Spike Lee, why settle for less? Amid the bleakness of 2020, watching Lindo course through such a frenzied tapestry of emotions is cathartic. His sweat symbolizes years of labor, for Lindo and for every person like Paul who feels disenfranchised by their country.


huffpost--2020-06-24--George R.R. Martin Breaks His 'Game Of Thrones' Book Release Promise ... Again

George R.R .
Martin previously said if he didn ’ t have the next book in his “ Song of Ice and Fire ” series done by July , he gives everyone permission to imprison him “ in a small cabin on White Island , overlooking that lake of sulfuric acid , until I ’ m done.
” On his Not A Blog on Tuesday , Martin gave a new update on his book , saying he hopes that both COVID-19 and the penultimate book in his series , “ The Winds of Winter , ” will be done next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totally brushing aside his imprisonment promise apparently .
He is at least working from a cabin and says the forced isolation has helped him stay focused .
“ I am spending long hours every day on ‘ The Winds of Winter , ’ and making steady progress .
I finished a new chapter yesterday , another one three days ago , another one the previous week , ” Martin wrote .
He adds , “ This does not mean that the book will be finished tomorrow or published next week .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I still have a long way to go .
Please do not give any credence to any of the click-bait websites that like to parse every word of my posts as if they were papal encyclicals to divine hidden meanings.
” “ I do wish they would go faster , of course .
Way way back in 1999 , when I was deep in the writing of ‘ A Storm of Swords , ’ I was averaging about 150 pages of manuscript a month .
I fear I shall never recapture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Martin had previously been determined to finish “ The Winds of Winter ” in 2016 , according to Entertainment Weekly .
He was determined to finish it in 2017 too .
In 2019 , the same year HBO ’ s “ Game of Thrones ” wrapped up , he wrote the aforementioned blog post saying it ’ d be “ in hand ” in 2020 .
Now in 2020 , he says he hopes it ’ s out in 2021 .
Perhaps the book really will be delivered next year .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once , shame on you .
Fool me twice , shame on me .
Fool me over and over again every year for the rest of my life ?
You must be George R.R .
Martin .

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All men must die ... waiting for the new “Game of Thrones” books to be released.
George R.R. Martin previously said if he didn’t have the next book in his “Song of Ice and Fire” series done by July, he gives everyone permission to imprison him “in a small cabin on White Island, overlooking that lake of sulfuric acid, until I’m done.”
Well, hopefully that cabin has a view.
On his Not A Blog on Tuesday, Martin gave a new update on his book, saying he hopes that both COVID-19 and the penultimate book in his series, “The Winds of Winter,” will be done next year.
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The author isn’t totally brushing aside his imprisonment promise apparently. He is at least working from a cabin and says the forced isolation has helped him stay focused.
“I am spending long hours every day on ‘The Winds of Winter,’ and making steady progress. I finished a new chapter yesterday, another one three days ago, another one the previous week,” Martin wrote.
But don’t get your hopes too high.
George R. R. Martin being like, "Hold up, sweet summer child." Dan MacMedan via Getty Images
He adds, “This does not mean that the book will be finished tomorrow or published next week. It’s going to be a huge book, and I still have a long way to go. Please do not give any credence to any of the click-bait websites that like to parse every word of my posts as if they were papal encyclicals to divine hidden meanings.”
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The author says he’s written for Cersei, Asha, Tyrion, Ser Barristan, and Areo Hotah recently. He’s also working on content for Braavos next week.
“I do wish they would go faster, of course. Way way back in 1999, when I was deep in the writing of ‘A Storm of Swords,’ I was averaging about 150 pages of manuscript a month. I fear I shall never recapture that pace again,” he wrote.
Martin had previously been determined to finish “The Winds of Winter” in 2016, according to Entertainment Weekly. He was determined to finish it in 2017 too. In 2019, the same year HBO’s “Game of Thrones” wrapped up, he wrote the aforementioned blog post saying it’d be “in hand” in 2020. Now in 2020, he says he hopes it’s out in 2021.
Perhaps the book really will be delivered next year. But, as they say: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me over and over again every year for the rest of my life? You must be George R.R. Martin.


huffpost--2020-06-24--Jamaal Bowman Ahead With Results Too Close To Call In Key New York House Race

YONKERS , N.Y. ― As of late Tuesday night , there was no declared winner in the closely watched Democratic primary for New York ’ s 16th Congressional District , where Bronx middle school principal Jamaal Bowman is challenging Rep. Eliot Engel .
But with almost all of the in-person votes counted , Bowman held a lead of more than 25 percentage points over Engel .
Absentee ballots have yet to be counted .
“ Eliot Engel ― and I ’ ll say his name once ― used to say that he was a thorn in the side of Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump is more afraid of than anything else ?
A Black man with power , ” he said , prompting cheers from the crowd .
“ So if the results continue to bear out , as they are bearing out this evening , and we get to Congress , it will be our job to hold Donald Trump accountable and to hold every elected official accountable that continues to be beholden to corporate interests , that continues to be beholden to the wealthy , and is not fighting for the poor and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our country.
” Bronx middle school principal Jamaal Bowman talks with a voter in Mt .
Vernon , New York , on Tuesday .
The results of his bid to unseat Rep. Eliot Engel ( D ) are still unsettled .
The unclear outcome was in line with what many New York poll watchers had been predicting , given the expansion of mail-in voting in the state to minimize the public health risk during the COVID-19 pandemic .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D ) issued an executive order in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needing any excuse beyond concerns over the spread of the coronavirus .
More than 700,000 New York City residents requested absentee ballots , but the city ’ s bureaucracy has had trouble processing the unprecedented volume .
As of Friday , 29,000 city residents had not received them .
Absentee ballots will be eligible to be counted as long as they are postmarked by Tuesday .
And New York election law allows county authorities to wait as many as eight days before counting absentee ballots , raising the prospect that the final outcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A spokesperson for Engel said his team was waiting on the absentee ballot results .
The Bronx and Westchester County are due to begin counting them next week .
“ I ’ m a Black man who was raised by a single mother in a housing project , ” he said in a statement .
“ That story doesn ’ t usually end in Congress But today , that 11-year old boy who was beaten by police is about to be your next representative .
”

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YONKERS, N.Y. ― As of late Tuesday night, there was no declared winner in the closely watched Democratic primary for New York’s 16th Congressional District, where Bronx middle school principal Jamaal Bowman is challenging Rep. Eliot Engel.
But with almost all of the in-person votes counted, Bowman held a lead of more than 25 percentage points over Engel. Absentee ballots have yet to be counted.
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At about 10:30 p.m. local time, Bowman delivered a triumphant speech to supporters gathered at an outdoor riverside restaurant.
“Eliot Engel ― and I’ll say his name once ― used to say that he was a thorn in the side of Donald Trump. But you know what Donald Trump is more afraid of than anything else? A Black man with power,” he said, prompting cheers from the crowd. “So if the results continue to bear out, as they are bearing out this evening, and we get to Congress, it will be our job to hold Donald Trump accountable and to hold every elected official accountable that continues to be beholden to corporate interests, that continues to be beholden to the wealthy, and is not fighting for the poor and is not fighting for the working class in our country.”
“I am fired up!” he added. “I cannot wait to get to Congress and cause problems.”
Bronx middle school principal Jamaal Bowman talks with a voter in Mt. Vernon, New York, on Tuesday. The results of his bid to unseat Rep. Eliot Engel (D) are still unsettled. Spencer Platt/Getty Images
The unclear outcome was in line with what many New York poll watchers had been predicting, given the expansion of mail-in voting in the state to minimize the public health risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) issued an executive order in March allowing New Yorkers to vote absentee without needing any excuse beyond concerns over the spread of the coronavirus.
More than 700,000 New York City residents requested absentee ballots, but the city’s bureaucracy has had trouble processing the unprecedented volume. As of Friday, 29,000 city residents had not received them.
Absentee ballots will be eligible to be counted as long as they are postmarked by Tuesday. And New York election law allows county authorities to wait as many as eight days before counting absentee ballots, raising the prospect that the final outcome won’t be known for weeks.
A spokesperson for Engel said his team was waiting on the absentee ballot results. The Bronx and Westchester County are due to begin counting them next week.
Bowman and his allies nonetheless declared victory on Wednesday.
“I’m a Black man who was raised by a single mother in a housing project,” he said in a statement. “That story doesn’t usually end in Congress But today, that 11-year old boy who was beaten by police is about to be your next representative.”


huffpost--2020-06-24--5 Netflix Documentary Movies About LGBTQ Experiences

Netflix just debuted a new documentary called “ Disclosure ” about the experiences of the transgender community .
The film joins the service as Pride Month 2020 comes to a close .
“ Disclosure ” is only one of a few standout LGBTQ-focused documentaries that Netflix has debuted in the last few years .
As such , I put together this round-up of five movies to watch during the remaining days of Pride .
One of the selections , “ The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson , ” is particularly timely with the recent news that the Stonewall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggles due to COVID-19 .
This documentary focuses on a gender non-conforming activist who played a prominent role in what became known as the Stonewall uprising in 1969 .
After watching the movie , you might be inclined to consider financially supporting the Stonewall Inn .
Read on for all of the recommendations .
And if you want to stay informed about everything joining Netflix every week , subscribe to the Streamline newsletter .
Premise : The filmmaker Hao Wu is a gay , Chinese immigrant to the U.S. who adopted a baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China disapproves of gay parents adopting children .
As such , his parents wish to hide the baby ’ s existence from their friends .
Wu ’ s story is both one of dealing with disapproving parents as well as still finding familial love .
The documentary runs less than an hour , so it ’ s a good place to start for those looking for a brief but well-told story .
Premise : This documentary features interviews with transgender celebrities paired with archival footage .
The combined narratives tell the story of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public perception of the transgender community and how individuals have tried to hold onto their own identity .
Premise : Director Chris Bolan made this movie about his two great aunts , who hid their relationship for nearly seven decades .
Neither woman told their families about their love until 2009 , despite meeting in 1947 .
The couple cohabitated in Chicago when one of them earned a job playing baseball in the city .
They told their parents that they were just roommates saving on rent .
Premise : This documentary acknowledges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the LGBTQ community over the years .
The story focuses on Marsha P. Johnson , a gender-nonconforming gay liberation activist who had a prominent role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969 , a seminal moment in the fight for LGBTQ rights .
Johnson died in 1992 in suspicious circumstances , but authorities ruled it a suicide .
Beyond telling Johnson ’ s story , the documentary also explores a cold case investigation into the death .
Premise : Although “ Circus of Books ” focuses on a straight couple , the movie uses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 1980s Los Angeles and the AIDS epidemic .
“ Circus of Books ” focuses on a pornographic bookstore and cruising spot of the same name , run by the religious , family-oriented straight couple whom tried to keep their ownership of the store a secret from their friends and family .
But when the AIDS epidemic developed , the couple offered support to the gay community and took on a more activist role .

Ava Benjamin Shorr/Netflix Laverne Cox in "Disclosure"
Netflix just debuted a new documentary called “Disclosure” about the experiences of the transgender community. The film joins the service as Pride Month 2020 comes to a close.
“Disclosure” is only one of a few standout LGBTQ-focused documentaries that Netflix has debuted in the last few years. As such, I put together this round-up of five movies to watch during the remaining days of Pride.
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One of the selections, “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson,” is particularly timely with the recent news that the Stonewall Inn in New York City faces money struggles due to COVID-19. This documentary focuses on a gender non-conforming activist who played a prominent role in what became known as the Stonewall uprising in 1969. After watching the movie, you might be inclined to consider financially supporting the Stonewall Inn.
Read on for all of the recommendations. And if you want to stay informed about everything joining Netflix every week, subscribe to the Streamline newsletter.
Ji Sub Jeong/HuffPost Streamline
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Premise: The filmmaker Hao Wu is a gay, Chinese immigrant to the U.S. who adopted a baby with his husband. His family in China disapproves of gay parents adopting children. As such, his parents wish to hide the baby’s existence from their friends.
Wu’s story is both one of dealing with disapproving parents as well as still finding familial love.
The documentary runs less than an hour, so it’s a good place to start for those looking for a brief but well-told story.
Setting: Both China and the U.S.
Debut date: May 3, 2019
Runtime: 39 minutes
Premise: This documentary features interviews with transgender celebrities paired with archival footage. The combined narratives tell the story of how media and politics have shaped the public perception of the transgender community and how individuals have tried to hold onto their own identity.
A few of the notable interviewees include Sandra Caldwell, Jamie Clayton and Laverne Cox.
Debut date: Jan. 27, 2020/June 19, 2020 on Netflix
Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes
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Premise: Director Chris Bolan made this movie about his two great aunts, who hid their relationship for nearly seven decades. Neither woman told their families about their love until 2009, despite meeting in 1947.
The couple cohabitated in Chicago when one of them earned a job playing baseball in the city. They told their parents that they were just roommates saving on rent.
Ryan Murphy produced the movie, along with Blumhouse Productions.
Setting: Canada and Chicago, spanning decades
Debut date: April 29
Runtime: 1 hour, 21 minutes
Premise: This documentary acknowledges the trauma and violence often experienced by the LGBTQ community over the years. The story focuses on Marsha P. Johnson, a gender-nonconforming gay liberation activist who had a prominent role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, a seminal moment in the fight for LGBTQ rights.
Johnson died in 1992 in suspicious circumstances, but authorities ruled it a suicide. Beyond telling Johnson’s story, the documentary also explores a cold case investigation into the death.
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Setting: New York City during various decades
Debut date: Oct. 6, 2017
Runtime: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Premise: Although “Circus of Books” focuses on a straight couple, the movie uses these central figures to tell a story of 1980s Los Angeles and the AIDS epidemic.
“Circus of Books” focuses on a pornographic bookstore and cruising spot of the same name, run by the religious, family-oriented straight couple whom tried to keep their ownership of the store a secret from their friends and family. But when the AIDS epidemic developed, the couple offered support to the gay community and took on a more activist role.
Rachel Mason, the daughter of the owners, wrote and directed the documentary.
Setting: Los Angeles, focusing on the 1980s
Debut date: April 22


huffpost--2020-04-29--FBI Documents Reveal Communication Between Roger Stone, Julian Assange

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Weeks after Robert Mueller was appointed special counsel in the Russia investigation , Roger Stone , a confidant of President Donald Trump , reassured WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in a Twitter message that if prosecutors came after him , “ I will bring down the entire house of cards , ” according to FBI documents made public Tuesday .
The records reveal the extent of communications between Stone and Assange , whose anti-secrecy website published Democratic emails hacked by Russians during the 2016 presidential election , and underscore efforts by Trump allies to gain insight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would embarrass Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton .
The documents — FBI affidavits submitted to obtain search warrants in the criminal investigation into Stone — were released following a court case brought by The Associated Press and other media organizations .
They were made public as Stone , convicted last year in Mueller ’ s investigation into ties between Russia and the Trump campaign , awaits a date to surrender to a federal prison system that has grappled with outbreaks of the coronavirus .
In a June 2017 Twitter direct message cited in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue was “ still nonsense ” and said “ as a journalist it doesn ’ t matter where you get information only that it is accurate and authentic.
” He cited as an example the 1971 Supreme Court ruling that facilitated the publishing by newspapers of the Pentagon Papers , classified government documents about the Vietnam War .
“ If the US government moves on you I will bring down the entire house of cards , ” Stone wrote , according to a transcript of the message cited in the search warrant affidavit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges dropped I don ’ t know of any crime you need to be pardoned for — best regards .
R. ” Stone was likely referring to a sexual assault investigation dropped by Swedish authorities .
Assange , who at the time was holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London , was charged last year with a series of crimes by the U.S. Justice Department , including Espionage Act violations for allegedly directing former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in one of the largest compromises of classified information in U.S. history .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is imprisoned in London and is fighting his extradition to the United States , responded to Stone ’ s 2017 Twitter message by saying : “ Between CIA and DoJ they ’ re doing quite a lot .
On the DoJ side that ’ s coming most strongly from those obsessed with taking down Trump trying to squeeze us into a deal.
” The records illustrate the Trump campaign ’ s curiosity about what information WikiLeaks was going to make public .
Former White House adviser Steve Bannon told Mueller ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stone about WikiLeaks because he had heard that Stone had a channel to Assange , and he was hoping for more releases of damaging information .
Mueller ’ s investigation identified significant contact during the 2016 campaign between Trump associates and Russians , but did not allege a criminal conspiracy to tip the outcome of the presidential election .
“ I have no trepidation about their release as they confirm there was no illegal activity and certainly no Russian collusion by me during the 2016 Election , ” Stone said .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence that I had or knew about the source or content of the Wikileaks disclosures prior to their public release.
” Stone was among six associates of Trump charged in Mueller ’ s investigation .
He was convicted last year of lying to House lawmakers , tampering with a witness and obstructing Congress ’ own Russia probe .
A judge in February sentenced Stone to 40 months in prison in a case that exposed fissures inside the Justice Department — the entire trial team quit the case amid a dispute over the recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General William Barr , who said the president ’ s tweets about ongoing cases made his job “ impossible .
”

Roger Stone exits federal court Washington, Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON (AP) — Weeks after Robert Mueller was appointed special counsel in the Russia investigation, Roger Stone, a confidant of President Donald Trump, reassured WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in a Twitter message that if prosecutors came after him, “I will bring down the entire house of cards,” according to FBI documents made public Tuesday.
The records reveal the extent of communications between Stone and Assange, whose anti-secrecy website published Democratic emails hacked by Russians during the 2016 presidential election, and underscore efforts by Trump allies to gain insight about the release of information they expected would embarrass Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.
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The documents — FBI affidavits submitted to obtain search warrants in the criminal investigation into Stone — were released following a court case brought by The Associated Press and other media organizations.
They were made public as Stone, convicted last year in Mueller’s investigation into ties between Russia and the Trump campaign, awaits a date to surrender to a federal prison system that has grappled with outbreaks of the coronavirus.
In a June 2017 Twitter direct message cited in the records, Stone reassured Assange that the issue was “still nonsense” and said “as a journalist it doesn’t matter where you get information only that it is accurate and authentic.”
He cited as an example the 1971 Supreme Court ruling that facilitated the publishing by newspapers of the Pentagon Papers, classified government documents about the Vietnam War.
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“If the US government moves on you I will bring down the entire house of cards,” Stone wrote, according to a transcript of the message cited in the search warrant affidavit. “With the trumped-up sexual assault charges dropped I don’t know of any crime you need to be pardoned for — best regards. R.”
Stone was likely referring to a sexual assault investigation dropped by Swedish authorities. Assange, who at the time was holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, was charged last year with a series of crimes by the U.S. Justice Department, including Espionage Act violations for allegedly directing former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in one of the largest compromises of classified information in U.S. history.
According to the documents, Assange, who is imprisoned in London and is fighting his extradition to the United States, responded to Stone’s 2017 Twitter message by saying: “Between CIA and DoJ they’re doing quite a lot. On the DoJ side that’s coming most strongly from those obsessed with taking down Trump trying to squeeze us into a deal.”
Stone replied that he was doing everything possible to “address the issues at the highest level of Government.”
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange leaves in a prison van after appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court, for an administrative hearing in London, Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. (Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire via AP) ASSOCIATED PRESS
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The records illustrate the Trump campaign’s curiosity about what information WikiLeaks was going to make public. Former White House adviser Steve Bannon told Mueller’s team under questioning that he had asked Stone about WikiLeaks because he had heard that Stone had a channel to Assange, and he was hoping for more releases of damaging information.
Mueller’s investigation identified significant contact during the 2016 campaign between Trump associates and Russians, but did not allege a criminal conspiracy to tip the outcome of the presidential election.
In a statement Tuesday, Stone acknowledged that the search warrant affidavits contain private communication, but insisted that they “prove no crimes.”
“I have no trepidation about their release as they confirm there was no illegal activity and certainly no Russian collusion by me during the 2016 Election,” Stone said. “There is, to this day, no evidence that I had or knew about the source or content of the Wikileaks disclosures prior to their public release.”
Stone was among six associates of Trump charged in Mueller’s investigation. He was convicted last year of lying to House lawmakers, tampering with a witness and obstructing Congress’ own Russia probe.
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A judge in February sentenced Stone to 40 months in prison in a case that exposed fissures inside the Justice Department — the entire trial team quit the case amid a dispute over the recommended punishment — and between Trump and Attorney General William Barr, who said the president’s tweets about ongoing cases made his job “impossible.”
____


huffpost--2020-04-29--WHO Says 'Vast Majority' Of Kids With COVID-19 Will Recover Completely

GENEVA ( Reuters ) - The “ vast majority ” of children with COVID-19 have mild cases and recover completely , but a small number in a few countries have developed a rare inflammatory syndrome , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said on Wednesday .
Italian and British medical experts are investigating a possible link between the coronavirus pandemic and clusters of severe inflammatory disease in infants who are arriving in hospital with high fever and swollen arteries .
Three U.S. children infected with the virus are being treated for a rare inflammatory syndrome that appears similar to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Italy and Spain , a specialist treating them told Reuters on Tuesday .
“ I want to emphasize , for all the parents out there , the vast , vast majority of children who get COVID will have mild symptoms and recover completely , ” Dr Mike Ryan , the WHO ’ s top emergencies expert , told a virtual news conference on Wednesday .
Ryan declined comment on reports that Gilead Science ’ s antiviral drug Remdesivir could help treat COVID-19 , saying further data was needed from clinical trials already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopeful this drug and others may prove to be helpful in treating COVID-19 , ” he said .
More than 3.11 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus around the world , and more than 216,000 have died , according to a Reuters tally on Wednesday .
Until now , children have largely escaped some of the more serious complications of COVID-19 , which has hit older adults and those with chronic conditions hardest .
The WHO ’ s clinical network has discussed the report from Britain about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflammatory response , WHO epidemiologist Dr. Maria van Kerkhove said .
“ There are some recent rare descriptions of children in some European countries that have had this inflammatory syndrome , which is similar to Kawasaki syndrome , but it seems to be very rare , ” she said .
“ We have asked the global network of clinicians to be alert on this so they capture information systematically , so we can better understand and guide treatment.
” Ryan , asked about Sweden ’ s strategy of shunning lockdowns and allowing most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ If we are to reach a ‘ new normal ’ , in many ways Sweden represents a future model.
” “ What it has done differently is that it really , really has trusted its own communities to implement that physical distancing , ” he said , adding that Sweden had put in place a “ very strong public health policy ” .
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus defended the agency ’ s record in handling the pandemic since the new virus emerged late last year in the central Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body has been heavily criticized in recent weeks , especially by its top donor , the United States , which has cut off funding .

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GENEVA (Reuters) - The “vast majority” of children with COVID-19 have mild cases and recover completely, but a small number in a few countries have developed a rare inflammatory syndrome, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
Italian and British medical experts are investigating a possible link between the coronavirus pandemic and clusters of severe inflammatory disease in infants who are arriving in hospital with high fever and swollen arteries.
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Three U.S. children infected with the virus are being treated for a rare inflammatory syndrome that appears similar to one that has raised concerns in Britain, Italy and Spain, a specialist treating them told Reuters on Tuesday.
“I want to emphasize, for all the parents out there, the vast, vast majority of children who get COVID will have mild symptoms and recover completely,” Dr Mike Ryan, the WHO’s top emergencies expert, told a virtual news conference on Wednesday.
Ryan declined comment on reports that Gilead Science’s antiviral drug Remdesivir could help treat COVID-19, saying further data was needed from clinical trials already under way.
“But we are hopeful this drug and others may prove to be helpful in treating COVID-19,” he said.
More than 3.11 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus around the world, and more than 216,000 have died, according to a Reuters tally on Wednesday.
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CLINICIANS ON ALERT
Until now, children have largely escaped some of the more serious complications of COVID-19, which has hit older adults and those with chronic conditions hardest.
The WHO’s clinical network has discussed the report from Britain about a small number of children with an inflammatory response, WHO epidemiologist Dr. Maria van Kerkhove said.
“There are some recent rare descriptions of children in some European countries that have had this inflammatory syndrome, which is similar to Kawasaki syndrome, but it seems to be very rare,” she said.
“We have asked the global network of clinicians to be alert on this so they capture information systematically, so we can better understand and guide treatment.”
Ryan, asked about Sweden’s strategy of shunning lockdowns and allowing most schools and businesses to remain open, said: “If we are to reach a ‘new normal’, in many ways Sweden represents a future model.”
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“What it has done differently is that it really, really has trusted its own communities to implement that physical distancing,” he said, adding that Sweden had put in place a “very strong public health policy”.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus defended the agency’s record in handling the pandemic since the new virus emerged late last year in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.
The Geneva-based U.N. body has been heavily criticized in recent weeks, especially by its top donor, the United States, which has cut off funding.
Tedros presented a timeline of what the agency knew when in the lead-up to declaring COVID-19 a global emergency on Jan. 30.