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George Floyd memorials held in Houston and Los Angeles as Democrats unveil reforms – live George Floyd memorials held in Houston and Los Angeles as Democrats unveil reforms – live
(32 minutes later)
Thousands of people come to pay their respects to Floyd. A memorial will be held in Houston TuesdayThousands of people come to pay their respects to Floyd. A memorial will be held in Houston Tuesday
Artists launch a campaign to talk about racism in American theater
Hundreds of black theater-makers and other artists of color have written an open letter to the “White American Theater,” pledging to support each other as they “fearlessly share our many truths” about the racism they have experienced in the industry from “theaters, executive leaders, critics, casting directors, agents, unions, commercial producers, universities and training programs.”
“You are all a part of this house of cards built on white fragility and white supremacy,” the artists wrote. “We are about to introduce you...to yourself.”
The open letter does not tell any specific stories or name any names. It appears that theater artists know something about suspense.
The campaign has a website, a Change.org petition for supporters to sign (nearly 15,000 signatures), and a hashtag, #WeSeeYou. Prominent actors, directors, playwrights and other artists have already expressed their support.
Protest for Erik Salgado in Oakland drew an estimated 1,500 peopleProtest for Erik Salgado in Oakland drew an estimated 1,500 people
A protest today demanding justice for the 23-year-old shot to death by the California Highway Patrol in Oakland on Saturday night drew more than a thousand people, organizers estimated.A protest today demanding justice for the 23-year-old shot to death by the California Highway Patrol in Oakland on Saturday night drew more than a thousand people, organizers estimated.
Witnesses told journalists that officers shot Erik Salgado’s car more than 20 to 40 times. His pregnant girlfriend, who was also in the car, was shot and is now in the hospital. Salgado leaves behind a three-year-old daughter, NBC Bay Area reports.Witnesses told journalists that officers shot Erik Salgado’s car more than 20 to 40 times. His pregnant girlfriend, who was also in the car, was shot and is now in the hospital. Salgado leaves behind a three-year-old daughter, NBC Bay Area reports.
“This country was built on black and brown bodies... It’s unacceptable its systems don’t work for us, the ones who built it,” 15-year-old Luna Ekundayo told The Guardian.“This country was built on black and brown bodies... It’s unacceptable its systems don’t work for us, the ones who built it,” 15-year-old Luna Ekundayo told The Guardian.
The Oakland Police Department has yet to release the names of the highway patrol officers who shot Salgado and his girlfriend, a local ABC station reported.The Oakland Police Department has yet to release the names of the highway patrol officers who shot Salgado and his girlfriend, a local ABC station reported.
White liberals have long fought against integration. Will they change?White liberals have long fought against integration. Will they change?
Public opinion on police violence towards black Americans is shifting profoundly, with a majority of the public believing that “the police are more likely to use excessive force with a black person than a white person in similar situations,” according to a poll last week.Public opinion on police violence towards black Americans is shifting profoundly, with a majority of the public believing that “the police are more likely to use excessive force with a black person than a white person in similar situations,” according to a poll last week.
But America’s violent policing system is deeply intertwined with larger systems of racial segregation in housing, education, and transit.But America’s violent policing system is deeply intertwined with larger systems of racial segregation in housing, education, and transit.
And it’s white liberals, in America’s most supposedly progressive cities, who have been fighting to maintain that segregation, New York Times education reporter Dana Goldstein noted today, referencing journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones’ reporting on American school segregation, as well as reporting on affordable housing.And it’s white liberals, in America’s most supposedly progressive cities, who have been fighting to maintain that segregation, New York Times education reporter Dana Goldstein noted today, referencing journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones’ reporting on American school segregation, as well as reporting on affordable housing.
“Will this moment evolve into a broader policy reckoning?” Goldstein asked.“Will this moment evolve into a broader policy reckoning?” Goldstein asked.
Kentucky’s governor promises healthcare to all black residentsKentucky’s governor promises healthcare to all black residents
“My commitment today is we’re going to begin an effort to cover 100 percent of our individuals in our black and African American communities,” Kentucky’s Democratic governor Andy Beshear said today, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. “Everybody. We’re going to be putting dollars behind it, we’re going to have a multifaceted campaign to do it.”“My commitment today is we’re going to begin an effort to cover 100 percent of our individuals in our black and African American communities,” Kentucky’s Democratic governor Andy Beshear said today, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. “Everybody. We’re going to be putting dollars behind it, we’re going to have a multifaceted campaign to do it.”
Details of how Beshear’s administration would fulfill the pledge remain unclear, local news outlets reported.Details of how Beshear’s administration would fulfill the pledge remain unclear, local news outlets reported.
Black Kentucky residents represent 16% of the state’s coronavirus cases but only make up 8% of the state’s population, according to the Louisville Courier Journal.Black Kentucky residents represent 16% of the state’s coronavirus cases but only make up 8% of the state’s population, according to the Louisville Courier Journal.
Some images from Houston, where thousands of mourners braved the sweltering heat on Monday to view George Floyd’s casket and attend a vigil. His funeral will be held tomorrow.Some images from Houston, where thousands of mourners braved the sweltering heat on Monday to view George Floyd’s casket and attend a vigil. His funeral will be held tomorrow.
California protesters march for Erik Salgado, killed by police last nightCalifornia protesters march for Erik Salgado, killed by police last night
On Saturday night, 23-year-old Erik Salgado was shot and killed by California Highway Patrol officers in Oakland.On Saturday night, 23-year-old Erik Salgado was shot and killed by California Highway Patrol officers in Oakland.
NBC Bay Area reported that Salgado’s family said he was unarmed. Neighbors told journalists that officers fired dozens of rounds into the car, with estimates of more than 20 to more than 40 shots.NBC Bay Area reported that Salgado’s family said he was unarmed. Neighbors told journalists that officers fired dozens of rounds into the car, with estimates of more than 20 to more than 40 shots.
Salgado’s pregnant girlfriend was also shot, but survived, and is now in the hospital with gunshot wounds, NBC Bay Area reported.Salgado’s pregnant girlfriend was also shot, but survived, and is now in the hospital with gunshot wounds, NBC Bay Area reported.
Today, protesters are marching for Erik Salgado in Oakland.Today, protesters are marching for Erik Salgado in Oakland.
Read more about activists working to amplify the stories of the many American killed by the police in the wake of global protests over George Floyd’s death.Read more about activists working to amplify the stories of the many American killed by the police in the wake of global protests over George Floyd’s death.
The force of furious national protests over racist policing is rippling through many different industries now, as workers speak up about racist practices and racist bosses in culture industries like fashion, publishing, and media.The force of furious national protests over racist policing is rippling through many different industries now, as workers speak up about racist practices and racist bosses in culture industries like fashion, publishing, and media.
The editor-in-chief of beloved cooking brand Bon Appetit announced today that he is stepping down after photographs of him in “brown face” were recirculated on social media, and an editor spoke out about the “systemic racism” she had experienced at Bon Appetit and its parent company Conde Nast, including alleging that “currently only white editors are paid for their video appearances.” (A company spokesperson told Variety that was not true, but did not offer details.)The editor-in-chief of beloved cooking brand Bon Appetit announced today that he is stepping down after photographs of him in “brown face” were recirculated on social media, and an editor spoke out about the “systemic racism” she had experienced at Bon Appetit and its parent company Conde Nast, including alleging that “currently only white editors are paid for their video appearances.” (A company spokesperson told Variety that was not true, but did not offer details.)
Bon Appetit’s popular test kitchen videos had already attracted scrutiny, with Bay Area food writer Soleil Ho describing in January “how often staffers of color are sidelined or relegated to cameos on their white colleagues’ shows.”Bon Appetit’s popular test kitchen videos had already attracted scrutiny, with Bay Area food writer Soleil Ho describing in January “how often staffers of color are sidelined or relegated to cameos on their white colleagues’ shows.”
“The way we define what is contemporary and fashionable in food is tied to whiteness as a cultural norm — and to its ability to incorporate other cultures without actually becoming them,” Navneet Alang wrote last month in a feature for Eater on Bon Appetit’s test kitchen, and on the way that white chefs like Alison Roman have profited from marketing watered-down, rebranded recipes from other cultures.“The way we define what is contemporary and fashionable in food is tied to whiteness as a cultural norm — and to its ability to incorporate other cultures without actually becoming them,” Navneet Alang wrote last month in a feature for Eater on Bon Appetit’s test kitchen, and on the way that white chefs like Alison Roman have profited from marketing watered-down, rebranded recipes from other cultures.
The Bon Appetit editor once publicly confused the names of two of his employees of color, as Guardian culture writer André Wheeler noted today.The Bon Appetit editor once publicly confused the names of two of his employees of color, as Guardian culture writer André Wheeler noted today.
Adam Rapoport announced his resignation on Instagram.Adam Rapoport announced his resignation on Instagram.
The presumptive Democratic nominee for president shared a meal with George Floyd’s family at an acclaimed black-owned restaurant in Houston today, CultureMap Houston reported.The presumptive Democratic nominee for president shared a meal with George Floyd’s family at an acclaimed black-owned restaurant in Houston today, CultureMap Houston reported.
Joe Biden traveled to Houston to give his condolences to Floyd’s family in advance of his funeral tomorrow.Joe Biden traveled to Houston to give his condolences to Floyd’s family in advance of his funeral tomorrow.
The New York Daily News reported that Biden “met for more than an hour with Floyd’s brother Philonise Floyd, his uncle Roger Floyd, two of his children and an aunt,” according to the Rev Al Sharpton, who was also at the meeting.The New York Daily News reported that Biden “met for more than an hour with Floyd’s brother Philonise Floyd, his uncle Roger Floyd, two of his children and an aunt,” according to the Rev Al Sharpton, who was also at the meeting.
In Houston, lines of people waited in the heat to pay their respects to George Floyd, who is from the city’s Third Ward, the Houston Chronicle reported.In Houston, lines of people waited in the heat to pay their respects to George Floyd, who is from the city’s Third Ward, the Houston Chronicle reported.
In Los Angeles, in honor of Floyd, mourners joined four different funeral processions that converged downtown.In Los Angeles, in honor of Floyd, mourners joined four different funeral processions that converged downtown.
Texas’ Republican governor, Greg Abbott, paid his respects in Houston, the New York Daily News reported, after calling Floyd’s killing a “horrific act of police brutality”.Texas’ Republican governor, Greg Abbott, paid his respects in Houston, the New York Daily News reported, after calling Floyd’s killing a “horrific act of police brutality”.
Army will consider renaming bases named after Confederate generalsArmy will consider renaming bases named after Confederate generals
Some of the US army’s largest military bases are named after Confederate military commanders, including Fort Lee, in Virginia, and Fort Bragg, in North Carolina.Some of the US army’s largest military bases are named after Confederate military commanders, including Fort Lee, in Virginia, and Fort Bragg, in North Carolina.
The New York Times editorial board has called for renaming military bases “for American heroes – not racist traitors,” and argued that the military’s current practice is a celebration of white supremacy.The New York Times editorial board has called for renaming military bases “for American heroes – not racist traitors,” and argued that the military’s current practice is a celebration of white supremacy.
As recently as late February, the army said it had no interest in renaming bases named after confederate generals. But George Floyd’s killing and the protests that followed have changed that, Politico reports.As recently as late February, the army said it had no interest in renaming bases named after confederate generals. But George Floyd’s killing and the protests that followed have changed that, Politico reports.
Now, “The Secretary of the army is open to a bipartisan discussion on the topic,” an army spokesperson told Politico.Now, “The Secretary of the army is open to a bipartisan discussion on the topic,” an army spokesperson told Politico.
An unnamed army official said the protests “made us start looking more at ourselves and the things that we do and how that is communicated to the force as well as the American public.”An unnamed army official said the protests “made us start looking more at ourselves and the things that we do and how that is communicated to the force as well as the American public.”
23-year-old faces federal charges in Minnesota police precinct arson23-year-old faces federal charges in Minnesota police precinct arson
A 23-year-old man from St. Paul. Minnesota, is facing federal charges for “aiding and abetting arson” at the Minnesota police department’s Third Precinct building, which burned on the night of May 28, during outrage over the police killing of George Floyd, federal prosecutors announced Monday.A 23-year-old man from St. Paul. Minnesota, is facing federal charges for “aiding and abetting arson” at the Minnesota police department’s Third Precinct building, which burned on the night of May 28, during outrage over the police killing of George Floyd, federal prosecutors announced Monday.
Authorities said the 23-year-old was “wearing multiple items stolen from the Third Precinct, including body armor, a police-issue duty belt with handcuffs, an earphone piece, baton, and knife,” at the time of his arrest on June 3, and that law enforcement later found other items taken from the police department in his apartment, including a riot helmet, an ammunition magazine, and a police radio.Authorities said the 23-year-old was “wearing multiple items stolen from the Third Precinct, including body armor, a police-issue duty belt with handcuffs, an earphone piece, baton, and knife,” at the time of his arrest on June 3, and that law enforcement later found other items taken from the police department in his apartment, including a riot helmet, an ammunition magazine, and a police radio.
The U.S. attorney’s office said they located the 23-year-old after receiving a complaint from a home improvement store that he was trying to get into the store after being fired from his job as a security guard earlier that day. Employees said he had been fired after referring to social media posts about stealing from the police, officials said.The U.S. attorney’s office said they located the 23-year-old after receiving a complaint from a home improvement store that he was trying to get into the store after being fired from his job as a security guard earlier that day. Employees said he had been fired after referring to social media posts about stealing from the police, officials said.
Local Minneapolis news station KIMT3 ran photographs of 23-year-old, showing a young white man wearing body armor and handcuffs.Local Minneapolis news station KIMT3 ran photographs of 23-year-old, showing a young white man wearing body armor and handcuffs.
Portland’s police chief is resigning; new police chief is African AmericanPortland’s police chief is resigning; new police chief is African American
Amid continuing protests over police violence towards black Americans, the white police chief of Portland, Oregon, has announced she is resigning. An African American lieutenant in the department will become the new police chief, The Oregonian reports.Amid continuing protests over police violence towards black Americans, the white police chief of Portland, Oregon, has announced she is resigning. An African American lieutenant in the department will become the new police chief, The Oregonian reports.
“I have listened and our community and you have said show us change,” police chief Jami Reisch tweeted. “This change in leadership comes from my heart.”“I have listened and our community and you have said show us change,” police chief Jami Reisch tweeted. “This change in leadership comes from my heart.”
Reisch said the decision to resign was her own, and that she would continue to hold a different role within the police department, The Oregonian reported.Reisch said the decision to resign was her own, and that she would continue to hold a different role within the police department, The Oregonian reported.
A ‘misleading’ headline on asymptomatic transmission, experts sayA ‘misleading’ headline on asymptomatic transmission, experts say
There’s an attention-grabbing headline from CNBC today: “Asymptomatic spread of coronavirus is ‘very rare,’ WHO says.”There’s an attention-grabbing headline from CNBC today: “Asymptomatic spread of coronavirus is ‘very rare,’ WHO says.”
CNBC quotes Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the head of WHO’s emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, who said during a press briefing in Geneva that “From the data we have, it still seems to be rare that an asymptomatic person actually transmits onward to a secondary individual.”CNBC quotes Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, the head of WHO’s emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, who said during a press briefing in Geneva that “From the data we have, it still seems to be rare that an asymptomatic person actually transmits onward to a secondary individual.”
If it’s “very rare” that people without symptoms are transmitting coronavirus, many people are asking, then why are members of the general public required to wear masks?If it’s “very rare” that people without symptoms are transmitting coronavirus, many people are asking, then why are members of the general public required to wear masks?
Several public health experts cautioned that the WHO’s conclusion may be much less dramatic than it appears, and criticized both WHO’s communication on the issue and the way that CNBC has covered the story.Several public health experts cautioned that the WHO’s conclusion may be much less dramatic than it appears, and criticized both WHO’s communication on the issue and the way that CNBC has covered the story.
Dr Ashish Jha, the director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, and professor Carl Bergstrom, an infectious disease expert at the University of Washington, made similar points. The upshot, both experts suggested: there’s a difference between people who are “truly asymptomatic”, meaning that they would test positive for Covid-19 but never develop any symptoms of the disease, and people who are “pre-symptomatic”, meaning that they haven’t developed symptoms yet, but will in a few days.Dr Ashish Jha, the director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, and professor Carl Bergstrom, an infectious disease expert at the University of Washington, made similar points. The upshot, both experts suggested: there’s a difference between people who are “truly asymptomatic”, meaning that they would test positive for Covid-19 but never develop any symptoms of the disease, and people who are “pre-symptomatic”, meaning that they haven’t developed symptoms yet, but will in a few days.
Both experts said they think the WHO was referring only to “truly asymptomatic people”, and suggesting that those people rarely spread the disease.Both experts said they think the WHO was referring only to “truly asymptomatic people”, and suggesting that those people rarely spread the disease.
But that second category of people, the ones who still feel fine but are actually infected and can pass on the virus to other people, are a major reason why the public should wear masks even when they feel fine, the experts said.But that second category of people, the ones who still feel fine but are actually infected and can pass on the virus to other people, are a major reason why the public should wear masks even when they feel fine, the experts said.
We’ll be asking the WHO for more clarification on this issue.We’ll be asking the WHO for more clarification on this issue.
Coronavirus transmission rate rising in Los Angeles, Bay AreaCoronavirus transmission rate rising in Los Angeles, Bay Area
Los Angeles is seeing an uptick in the transmission rate for people with coronavirus, which public health experts attribute to the loosening of stay-at-home restrictions, the Los Angeles Times reports. So is the Bay Area.Los Angeles is seeing an uptick in the transmission rate for people with coronavirus, which public health experts attribute to the loosening of stay-at-home restrictions, the Los Angeles Times reports. So is the Bay Area.
This uptick predates any changes in coronavirus infections that may result from the massive public demonstrations against police killings of black Americans, and the subsequent large numbers of arrests, public health experts said.This uptick predates any changes in coronavirus infections that may result from the massive public demonstrations against police killings of black Americans, and the subsequent large numbers of arrests, public health experts said.
The Trump campaign is planning to start holding campaign rallies again “in the next two weeks”, Politico reports.The Trump campaign is planning to start holding campaign rallies again “in the next two weeks”, Politico reports.
What safety measures may be put in place, and how the number of coronavirus cases in different areas will affect the location for rallies, remains unclear.What safety measures may be put in place, and how the number of coronavirus cases in different areas will affect the location for rallies, remains unclear.
In a statement on resuming the president’s crowded, in-person rallies during a global pandemic, Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale, told Politico, “You’ll again see the kind of crowds and enthusiasm that sleepy Joe Biden can only dream of.”In a statement on resuming the president’s crowded, in-person rallies during a global pandemic, Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale, told Politico, “You’ll again see the kind of crowds and enthusiasm that sleepy Joe Biden can only dream of.”
The Trump campaign plans to respond to any criticism about the danger of holding rallies by comparing his campaign rallies with the enormous protests against police violence towards black Americans that have taken place across the country, despite the threat of Covid-19.The Trump campaign plans to respond to any criticism about the danger of holding rallies by comparing his campaign rallies with the enormous protests against police violence towards black Americans that have taken place across the country, despite the threat of Covid-19.
“Trump hasn’t held a rally since March, though in recent weeks he has used ostensibly official events to visit swing states,” the Politico reporter Alex Isenstadt notes.“Trump hasn’t held a rally since March, though in recent weeks he has used ostensibly official events to visit swing states,” the Politico reporter Alex Isenstadt notes.