Why some schools are change history books. It is friday, august 14th, early today starts right now good morning im frances rivera. Im phillip mena. The United States response to the pandemic is front and center in the race for the white house. In a sharp contrast to president trump, joe biden is calling on every governor to issue a mask mandate for three months Andrea Mitchell has the details. Reporter joe biden and Kamala Harris getting briefed by doctors on the coronavirus today. Every governor should mandate mandatory maskwearing the estimates by the experts are it will save over 40,000 lives in the next three months. Reporter the president did not wear a mask publicly until last month this is america, be a patriot, protect your fellow citizens reporter the president jumped on that joe biden would allow rioters and looters and criminals and millions of illegal aliens to roam free in our country he wants the federal government to issue a sweeping new mandate to lawabiding citizens. Reporter biden does not support rioters or illegal immigration. And is calling on the governors, not the federal government, to order masks. The president also mischaracterized bidens positions on shutting down to stop the pandemic. He wants to shut down our economy, close our schools, and grind society to a halt. Reporter biden who was briefed by coronavirus experts weekly included his new running mate there may be some grand gestures offered by the current president about a vaccine, but it really doesnt matter until you can answer the question, when am i going to get vaccinated. Reporter biden and harris also calling for a pandemic testing board to get tens of millions of testing kits and hiring at least 100,000 americans to Contact Trace biden and harris are trying to make the president s handling of the pandemic an election issue, showing how they would govern. Andrea, thank you. The pandemic hits another grim milestone as california becomes the first state in the union to surpass 600,000 cases nationwide there are now over 5. 3 million americans infected, with the death toll creeping up to 170,000 our Miguel Almaguer has the latest reporter our nation marks the third highest single day death toll since may, the covid crisis is still very much unfolding in states like texas while testing here has dramatically slowed, the Positivity Rate is through the roof, one out of every four people tested is positive for the virus, one of the highest death rates in the nation is in the rio grande valley. Thats her gasping it is horrible next step is putting her on a ventilator, which the family is resisting and we strongly disagree. Reporter in kentucky, just reported its highest number for new daily infections, there are signs of progress. Two weeks ago 24 states were seeing a 25 increase in cases it is only three as more american takes precautions while california nears 600,000 confirmed cases of covid, hospitalizations are down double digits and the death rate in l. A. County has stabilized liance parker beat the odds after 31 days on a ventilator, but is still struggling. Eating, sleeping, just sitting up, i have post covid conditions that unfortunately impact every one of thos my lif reporter with cities like nashville allowing bars to reopen, cdc director dr. Robert redfield warns if americans dont take precautions, this could be the worst fall season we ever had. Youre in violation reporter in miami, thousands of dollars in finz fes for not wearing face masks have been issued the United States divided over the threat of the virus, and how to move forward. Miguel almaguer, nbc news. Another major group at risk for covid, farm workers. With fears of deportation, they arent getting the tests they need Gadi Schwartz has more on what officials are doing to help. Reporter good morning, phillip. One of the big things theyre focusing on out here in kearn county and the entire Central Valley is bringing testing to the farm workers themselves. They say one thing they have seen is a fear of getting covid19 tests for a variety of reasons. There are some farm workers that are undocumented as a matter of fact, the majority of this essential workforce is undocumented. Estimates of up to 70 so they want to reassure this population and this community that they are not going to get deported and that theyre not going to lose their job because thats one of the other fears we have heard and so theyre making it as easy as possible, bringing the tests to the field, there is testing site inside of that warehouse right now. And theyre hoping that that may bring the Positivity Rate down right now the Positivity Rate out here in kearn county is 17 . And they need to get that down considerably phillip, back to you. Their health is so important for all of us. Thank you. With talks on new Coronavirus Relief on hold, millions of americans are still in limbo while unemployment claims dipped below 1 million last week, so many families are still suffering. Nbcs jo ling kent joins us with more good morning. Reporter hey, frances, good morning. The good news is unemployment claims dipped below a million since the pandemic first started. Thats for last week but the bad news is there is still so many people suffering because washington cant seem to hammer out a deal. Dee dee reed was the heart of dodger stadium. This would have been my 29th season reporter her entire family worked at the Concession Stands and bars inside, until they were laid off in march. It is just scary to not have a job. To have to pay the rent. Have to make our car payments, pay our bills. Reporter with fans not coming back anytime soon, she is among the 28 million workers nationwide currently collecting unemployment, struggling since the extra 600 a week of federal aid ended two weeks ago. Though jobless claims dropped below 1 million last week since the pandemic began, it is four times more than early march and there is no relief in sight. With a stalemate in washington, some states tell nbc news they cant afford to help pay 100 of the new 400 benefit put forth in president trumps executive order. There is just no room in our budget we had to cut so Many Services reporter how long would it take to implement the president s executive order and get that extra money to people who need it . We know in colorado, four weeks is a good benchmark for us once we get the information we need reporter unemployed workers currently receive an average of 332 a week, varying widely from state to state in mississippi and louisiana, it is less than 200 a week, compare that to massachusetts and north dakota where it is over 400. Back in california, dee dee reed is asking washington to put people over partisanship it is so stressful. We dont know whats coming next and theyre sitting there bickering. Reporter as hurting americans hope for better days another big question for a lot of unemployed americans, like dee dee, what happens to their healthcare when that runs out in the coming weeks and months . That new burden, that extra financial burden is likely to take a huge toll on millions of unemployed americans frances . Jo, thank you breaking news, an extreme heat wave is fueling multiple wildfires on the west coast. Evacuations and road closures were ordered for azusa, california, because of what is being called the ranche to home the mount cokee say there is no imminent threat to any structures. The nearby lake fire has destroyed homes, it has been burning north of los angeles for more than 24 hours now, spreading to 11,000 acres. It is only 5 contained. Up in oregon, about 900 homes have being threatened with 150 under evacuation orders near moser. Officials say this fire was caused by people, but didnt elaborate any further than that. In colorado, the Pine Gulch Fire is now the fifth largest fire, wildfire in the States History at more than 68,000 acres. That one is 7 contained all those fires are being helped by the extreme heat as well. For more on that, lets bring in nbc meteorologist bill karins. Good morning hey, good morning great to see you guys. It is hard to put the fires out when it is this hot and this dry and the winds start kicking up and the firefighters have their work cut out for them. This will be the worst heat wave of the Summer Season from areas to the Pacific Northwest. Texas is still in the middle of this too, 8 Million People impacted and numerous record highs. We have hundreds widespread today. Dallas, lubbock, las vegas to phoenix, above 110 on saturday, the Pacific Northwest gets into the mix. It wont last long it looks like on monday, youll cool off, but portland will be 100. On sunday we could be the mid to upper 9 0s in areas around seattle. That doesnt happen all that often. For friends in the middle of the country, 8 Million People at risk of severe storms, could see large hail, damaging wind, isolated tornado or two later too bad in the 80s. Once you get south of kansas that the heat really becomes a problem. Look at san angelo, 106. Weekend forecast coming up we got a few wet spots and few hot spots. Well point them out to you coming up we need to know for our plans. Well check in with you then. Next week, are you going to be able to buy a movie ticket with one quarter and get change back amc theaters have been closed since march 18th and theyre looking to hop 100 locations on august 20th as part of the big reopening theyre selling movie tickets for 15 cents thats about the same price of a movie ticket 100 years ago in 1920 id do it get some change in there. Why not coming up, one Ivy League College is being accused of discriminating against white and discriminating against white and asia theres an easier way. Try mr. Clean magic eraser. Just wet, squeeze and erase tough messes like bathtub soap scum. And cakedon greasfrom theyre perfect for icky messes on stovetops. In microwaves. And all over the house. For an amazing clean, try mr. Clean magic eraser, and mr. Clean magic eraser sheets. Take an extra 15 off. 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Leading the news, serious allegations against a prestigious Ivy League College the Justice Department is accusing Yale University of illegally discriminating against white and asianamerican applicants in school admissions. Yale released a statement denying that allegation, it goes on to say we are proud of yales admissions practices and we will not change them on the basis of such a meritless, hasty accusation. The family of Breonna Taylor marks five months since her tragic death in the hands of police, issuing a new call for justice. Nbcs jay gray has more. Reporter in the five months since her death, her name has echoed. Say her name. Breonna taylor. Reporter from kentucky, across the nation continue to shed light on, you know, justice for Breonna Taylor. Reporter Oprah Winfrey demanding justice and change on billboards across louisville. That important conversation has finally been had in america. Reporter her family now desperate for that talk to turn to action. 150 days, five months, yeah. Every day is still march 13th. Reporter thats the night taylor was gunned down by police, executing a no knock warrant, bursting through the door of her apartment looking for drugs, even though she had no history of drug or criminal offenses one of the officers in that raid has been fired, two others placed on administrative leave, but no charges have been filed in the case. Investigators say theyre still piecing together evidence and waiting on a ballistic analysis from the fbi we do expect charges to be filed sooner rather than later reporter until then, her family gathers their strength from the support of so many across the country i want everyone to continue, continue to be out here on the streets, helping us. Reporter to continue say her name. Breonna taylor. Reporter saying her name. Jay gray, nbc news just ahead, what some schools are doing to change the history books. And then theres this sticky situation, why s atar duct taped himself to a billboard crafting our authentic fragrances begins with ingredients from the earth. To create fragrances infused with natural essential oils. Air wick scented oils. Connect to nature. Wouldnt iprotected if there was a place that kept you. Playful covered fueled. And safe . Well, there is, and always has been. Walgreens. Everyones place, for healthy and safe. With herbal ashwagandas help turn the stress life into your best life live like a stress baller with stressballs im jimmy dean, and only one like this any nicer. Ning a hearty, hefty, good tasting breakfast. With eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese and taters. And when you finish, you know you had something to eat. We know these are challenging times. Rest assured, you are not alone. Weve all had to adapt. And with summer here, your energy bills might go up with rising temperatures. Together, we can save energy and money. Try closing your shades during the day. Setting your ac to 78 or higher. Or cooling off with a fan when you can. United we are always stronger. Stay well, california, and keep it golden. As the debate wages over reopening schools, protests over Racial Injustice are raising questions about what our children are learning. Nbcs rehema ellis has more on the changes being made to bring equality to classroom teaching our books are the bricks that build our society. Reporter Columbia University professor chris imden says to understand societys uproar over racial inequities, start where history lessons begin. When Children First learn about black people in america, what is the first thing that they see in the textbooks . The first thing they see is slavery. They may see an image of a family that is half dressed. You may see slave quarters reporter is that racist . Absolutely it is racist if your introduction to my history is my downtroddenness, you never see me as a victor. Reporter until recently, one textbook passage about slavery said many may not have even been terribly unhappy imden says in current books deliberate omissions are just as bad. For example, this passage describes Government Policies after world war ii that made Home Ownership more attractive than ever leading to growth, but doesnt say how they discriminated against black americans. But change is coming, in North Carolina amid state wide demonstrations, social studies standards are under review the state may find a model in chapel hill. At best a textbook is a starting point reporter brian link is the director of the social Justice Academy at East Chapel Hill High School you can only pass down what you have been exposed to or sought out to learn in the first place. Reporter in his classroom, renowned poet phyllis wheatley, sold into slavery as a young girl and later earned her freedom, is studied alongside the Founding Fathers it is really made it clear to me that there is a lot of history that i dont know. There are black people amazing and great things and, like, it really shows me there is no limitation to what i can do in this country. Reporter pierson, the largest publisher of college textbooks, is already making changes, reviewing 100 of its most popular titles, examining content and diversity of authors. For example, the reference to parts of an electric Circuit Breaker as master slave were recently changed in all digital textbooks to leader follower. We suspended the physical print products in the warehouse and will destroy and replace them. Reporter it is a step in a field where chris imden says there is much work to be done. How do we fix this we fix this by having new textbooks from different perspectives reporter writing history by teaching every american story. Rehema ellis, nbc news, new york so eye opening, even to adults, what a difference. It all starts with education. Right there. A quick break and bill is back with a Severe Weather outbreak to warn you about. Plus, from party of four to is tgeof five, chrsyein drops a baby bomb on fans. If your dry eye symptoms keep coming back, inflammation in your eye might be to blame. Looks like a great day for achy, burning eyes overthecounter eye drops typically work by lubricating your eyes and may provide temporary relief. Ha these drops probably wont touch me. Xiidra works differently, targeting inflammation that can cause dry eye disease. What is that . Xiidra, noooo it can provide lasting relief. Xiidra is the only fda approved treatment specifically for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. One drop in each eye, twice a day. 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