Trump mocks Biden as a "broken pile of crap"

 

Support our nonprofit journalism

July 5, 2024 I've never been one for gratuitous displays of patriotism. But July Fourth is one of my all-time favorites, a day that encapsulates the spirit of summer with snappy hot dogs, outdoor reverie, and ice-cold drinks.  I spent the day this year at the beach with my husband eating an enormous Italian sandwich, when I made the rookie mistake of checking Twitter (or X, whatever). And there it was: a clip of Donald Trump in a golf cart mocking Joe Biden as a "broken-down pile of crap" before insisting that Kamala Harris would soon replace the president as the Democratic presidential nominee. "She’s so bad. She’s so pathetic. She's so f*cking bad." All this spewed out while appearing to sit next to his son Barron Trump.  Now I would never let Donald Trump ruin a glorious beach day for me. But once again, for yet another moment in our tortured timeline, I did feel a pang of dread over the real potential of another Trump presidency. Regardless of how you think Democrats should move forward in the nomination process, let the sheer pain of recalling what it was like to wake up and hearing about every new offensive thing Trump has done for four straight years remind you of what's at stake this November.  —Inae Oh

Advertisement

The Ghosts of 1968 Haunting Joe Biden War. Miserable polls. And the possibility of a chaotic convention in Chicago. What can an embattled president learn from 1968? BY GARRISON HAYES

SPONSORED CONTENT BY WORLD Personal Stories of Reparations by Everyday Americans Stream America ReFramed: The Cost of Inheritance on WORLD to meet people who are making reparations a reality. Unpack the key issues, examine the scope and rationale behind national and local reparation movements and hear opposing views in this exploration of our complicated history. Host a community screening to start the conversation locally.

Trump’s bizarre culture war rhetoric is eroding public support for clean energy BY OLIVER MILMAN The Democrats going public with their concerns over Biden BY JULIANNE MCSHANE Western states weathered a scorching and dangerous Fourth BY GABRIELLE CANON

Advertisement

The conservative war on democracy was more than 200 years in the making Democracy is on the ballot in 2024—just not in the way you think. TEXT BY ARI BERMAN, VIDEO BY SAM VAN PYKEREN

MOTHER JONES MEMBERSHIP UPDATE GREAT JOURNALISM, SLOW FUNDRAISING Our team has been on fire lately—publishing sweeping, one-of-a-kind investigations, ambitious, groundbreaking projects, and even releasing “the holy shit documentary of the year.”  And that’s on top of protecting free and fair elections and standing up to bullies and BS when others in the media don’t.   Yet, we just came up pretty short on our fundraising campaign.   So even though we’re done screaming about the donations we need for a while, if you value the journalism we do but haven’t pitched in recently, please consider doing so now—we urgently need a lot of help to make up for lost ground.   And of course, THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has pitched in. It means the world to us. Donate

Did you enjoy this newsletter? Share it on Facebook and Twitter.

Donate Donate Monthly Subscribe For advertising opportunities see our online media kit. Were you forwarded this email? Sign up for Mother Jones' newsletters today. www.MotherJones.com PO Box 8539, Big Sandy, TX 75755

 

Gov. Hochul warns of new COVID-19 variants, hospitalizations up

by: Lia Tobin

Posted: Jul 6, 2024

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Governor Kathy Hochul provided New Yorkers an update on COVID-19 as new variants contribute to increases in hospitalizations in parts of New York State and around the country on Saturday. Hochul said hospitalizations have increased compared to the same period last summer in 2023.

Latest local news

• Heat & humidity ease a bit heading into Sunday
• How growing lavender to cope with stress turns into something more
• Sunday’s boating and mowing forecast
• Gov. Hochul warns of new COVID-19 variants, hospitalizations up
• Teacher shaves beard of 19 years for a bet with students

With social gatherings increasing during summer months, and high temperatures forcing people indoors, Hochul reminds New Yorkers to get tested if they experience symptoms, follow the usual precautions including current CDC guidance, stay current with COVID-19 vaccines and seek appropriate treatments if necessary.  

“While we are well below the figures seen during the pandemic, we are closely monitoring activity regarding the latest variants,” Hochul said. “By following the guidance and taking simple precautions, New Yorkers can continue to enjoy a safe and healthy summer.”

Hochul said COVID-19 hospitalizations are well above the rates seen at this time last year, but well below the rates seen during the same period in 2022. 

• On July 3, 2024, the seven-day average for newly reported COVID-19 hospital admissions statewide was 0.72 per 100,000 residents.
• On July 3, 2023, the seven-day average for newly reported COVID-19 hospital admissions statewide was 0.31 per 100,000 residents.
• On July 3, 2022, the seven-day average for newly reported COVID-19 hospital admissions statewide was 1.66 per 100,000 residents.

 “We are seeing an increase in admissions to hospitals, yet below prior year increases. As people move indoors to escape the heat, transmission does increase. This is a good opportunity to remind people to improve indoor ventilation whenever possible,” New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Additionally, the standing order I signed last year is still in effect, so anyone who would like an updated vaccine can get one at their pharmacy.”

People who have symptoms should get tested for COVID-19, and those who test positive should contact their health care provider about possible treatments, which have been shown to be effective at reducing the chances of serious outcomes. Hochul said New Yorkers who are immunocompromised, have lung or cardiovascular conditions, or other risk-factors, and those who are seniors, are especially encouraged to discuss COVID-19 treatments with a health care professional. Those who test positive should also avoid contact with others, including staying home from work, school, and social activities.

“The availability of at-home testing has resulted in a significant decline in tests being sent to labs. Researchers at New York State’s Wadsworth Lab rely more on wastewater analysis for surveillance of circulating COVID-19 lineages,” Hochul said. “Federal and state wastewater surveillance indicates the growing presence of new variants both in New York and across the country, which are believed to be one of several potential causes of the current trends in COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates, including increased travel and social mixing.”

At-home COVID-19 tests remain available at many local pharmacies statewide. Hochul said the COVID-19 vaccine remains one of best prevention steps and has been shown to reduce risk of serious illness. Anyone who has not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine or boosters is encouraged to do so.

Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines, without the need for co-pays. Those who are uninsured, or whose insurance does not cover the updated vaccine, will have access to the shots free of charge through community health centers; local, tribal, or territorial health departments; and pharmacies participating in the HHS’ Bridge Access Program.

NY COVID VARIANT 

NRDC: What you should know about the plastics crisis

 

DONATE

Here's something you may not expect to be coming out of your tap — in a recent investigation, researchers found microplastics in 94 percent of U.S. tap water samples. The global annual production of plastic has increased from 2 million to 460 million metric tons over the past 65 years. Plastic waste is found everywhere, including the farthest reaches of the Arctic, the deep seabed, and even in clouds and the atmosphere. Over 1,500 wildlife species have been found to accidentally ingest plastic, and even more wildlife are injured or die every year due to plastic entanglement. Plastic pollution is a human and planetary health crisis that requires immediate and decisive action at all levels of government. It's Plastic Free July — learn more about the plastic crisis and what we can do about it. The chemicals used to make plastic include carcinogens, hormone disruptors, obesity-causing compounds, and substances that can cause harm to the liver, brain, kidneys, and the cardiovascular, immune, and reproductive systems. During production, use, and disposal, plastics shed and break into tiny pieces of plastic called microplastics. Microplastics have been found in every human placenta tested in a recent study, and they have been found in other organs like the heart, lungs, and testicles. A recent study found a higher risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death among patients that had microplastics in a key heart artery. In addition, 99 percent of all plastics are made from fossil fuels and are a growing contributor to climate change. And unfortunately, we can’t recycle our way out of the plastics problem. Only 5–6 percent of postconsumer plastic was recycled in the United States in 2021. Most plastic isn’t designed to be recycled, and most of the different kinds of plastics can’t be recycled together. Moreover, recycling doesn't solve the fact that plastics are made from and contain toxic chemicals and nonrenewable source material, as well as shedding microplastics. The plastics crisis has become so acute that nations around the world agreed in 2022 to begin negotiations on a global plastics treaty to address the threats posed by plastic pollution, including reducing both the production and use of plastics, especially unnecessary plastics and the most toxic plastics. As one of the world's largest producers and consumers of plastic, the United States has a critical role to play in solving this problem. Urge the Biden administration to help finalize a strong Global Plastics Treaty. Sincerely, Avi Kar Senior Director, Toxics, Environmental Health, NRDC

The mission of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is to safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends.

Image Credit: Brian Maranan Pineda for NRDC (child); Adobe Firefly (microplastics illustration) We appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you and other NRDC Activists. We are committed to protecting your privacy and will never sell, exchange or rent your email address. About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy  NRDC |  40 W 20th St |  New York, NY 10011 | www.nrdc.org

ICYMI: I’m the Democratic nominee in NY-19

 

Hi, it’s Josh Riley. I’m honored to officially be the Democratic nominee for Congress in New York’s 19th District. Will you pitch in today to become a General Election Founding Donor? PITCH IN We’re running in one of the most competitive districts in the entire country. Experts have already rated NY-19 a toss-up, and national Democrats have named this a Red to Blue campaign, making it one of the top pickup opportunities in November. Momentum is on our side, but flipping this seat won’t be easy. The GOP is doing everything they can to protect my Republican opponent, Marc Molinaro. Party bosses like Speaker Mike Johnson and Elise Stefanik have been helping him raise money, and the biggest super PAC supporting House Republicans is already targeting our district. But unlike Molinaro, we’re running a completely grassroots campaign. Will you contribute $5 or whatever you can today to become a General Election Founding Donor and help us flip this seat in November? If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately. CONTRIBUTE $5 CONTRIBUTE $10 CONTRIBUTE $25 CONTRIBUTE $50 CONTRIBUTE $100 OTHER AMOUNT With gratitude & high hopes, Josh

Paid for by Josh Riley for Congress Josh Riley for Congress PO Box 836 213 Tioga St Ithaca, NY 14851 United States CONTRIBUTE NOW CONTRIBUTE MONTHLY If you wish to donate by check, you can make checks payable to Josh Riley for Congress and send to PO Box 836, 213 Tioga St, Ithaca, NY 14851. ADDED: OPEN SECRETS 2022 BALLOTPEDIA

Common Cause: A dangerous ruling

 

I'm nothing short of amazed by how Common Cause members like are responding to this note I sent Monday: The Supreme Court just ruled 6-3 that Donald Trump IS above the law for many of his efforts to overturn the 2020 election – setting a startling precedent for future presidents to break the law at will. Our legal team is still reading and digesting the complexities of this decision, but one thing I can tell you right now is that we must immediately unite in defense of the rule of law. That’s because this ruling declares that a president can get away with committing crimes as long as they are considered “official” acts. And by waiting until the last possible minute to issue their decision, the Court has all but guaranteed that there will not be a trial in Trump’s federal January 6th case before the election. This decision is fraught with dangerous potential. As Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson highlighted in her dissent, “Presidents alone are now free to commit crimes when they are on the job, while all other Americans must follow the law in all aspects of their lives, whether personal or professional." [1] Today is a turning point in our nation’s history. I’m writing to you because I hope it will mark the beginning of an unprecedented mobilization for the values we share – with Common Cause members like you at the forefront. Frankly, we can’t respond with anything less. That’s why, in response to today’s decision, I am directing the Common Cause team to immediately scale up our plans to protect voters and defend our democracy in 2024. The Supreme Court has effectively ignored a central pillar of the American system of justice – that no one in this country is above the law. Instead, they’ve gravely damaged their reputation to shield Trump from accountability – and in doing so, newly emboldened the forces behind January 6th to conspire against any future election that doesn’t go their way. But all isn’t lost. Despite Trump’s efforts to engineer doubt in our elections and stoke a violent overthrow in 2020, the People’s voice still won out. And Frank, Common Cause’s Protect The Vote efforts in 2020 were absolutely critical to that outcome. Together, we fielded tens of thousands of trained, nonpartisan volunteers at high-risk polling sites across the country – helping hundreds of thousands of voters make their voices heard. That’s an impact you can measure – voters who, were it not for our hard-working volunteers, would have been denied their rights due to last-minute polling place closures, vote-suppressing online disinformation, or even intimidation at polling places. For the Common Cause team, protecting the 2020 election against those threats – and ensuring the will of the people was ultimately respected – is one of our proudest memories as an organization. But, today’s irresponsible ruling means we’ll need to do it all again and go even bigger this time. This isn’t the end – it’s just the beginning of our HISTORIC effort to protect every voter's rights in 2024. Please show us we can count on you by chipping in $50 (or whatever you can spare) to sponsor a volunteer today >> If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: SPONSOR A VOLUNTEER FOR $50! This won’t be easy, but I hope we can all agree that it is nothing less than a necessity if we want to leave a democracy for the next generation. Thank you, Virginia Kase Solomón, President and CEO and the team at Common Cause [1] https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-939_e2pg.pdf
Common Cause 805 Fifteenth Street NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20005 202.833.1200	commoncause.org Facebook

 

Lennon & McCartney A Reason To Smile DAN RATHER AND TEAM STEADY JUL 6 Credit: Getty Images Sixty-seven years ago this weekend, two teenagers met at a church gathering and changed the course of history. That meeting is this week’s reason to smile. John Lennon and his band the Quarrymen were playing for a church garden party in his hometown of Liverpool, England, when Paul McCartney showed up. A mutual friend introduced the aspiring singer-songwriters. After Lennon performed, they talked about music, and McCartney showed Lennon what he could do on the guitar. A few weeks later, McCartney joined the band. A few years later, the Beatles were born. For eight years, from 1962 to 1970, the two men wrote approximately 180 jointly credited songs, many of which went to number one, and most of which you can probably sing along to. With that many songs, it’s hard to choose one to showcase. We decided on “I Want To Hold Your Hand.” It’s catchy and iconic and was their first number one hit. Lennon and McCartney became master songwriters. Their early influences were American rock-and-roll pioneers like the Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, and Elvis Presley. Very quickly the Beatles surpassed their muses and became the most influential musical act of all time.  I want to leave you with one more video to make you smile on this summer Sunday. If you have never seen it, you are in for a treat. In June 2018, late night talk show host James Corden interviewed McCartney as part of his Carpool Karaoke series. Rather than driving around Los Angeles, the two toured Liverpool and ended the day in a proper British pub, where McCartney surprised the locals with an impromptu concert. The video has been viewed 72 million times. It is a true delight.