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AMC Not Requiring Masks When Movie Theaters Reopen

Durbin Apologizes for ‘Token’ Remark About Tim Scott-Led Police Reform Bill

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) apologized to Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), one of three black senators, after making a remark taken by some, including Scott, as racist. Durbin, who is white, on the Senate floor called the approach taken by Republicans on police reform, which was led by Scott, “a token, halfhearted approach.” A spokeswoman for the senator said late Wednesday that once Durbin heard he offended Scott, he sought him on our the floor and apologized. “What Sen. Durbin took issue with in his floor speech was not Sen. Scott’s bill, but that the Senate Majority Leader would short circuit this critical debate and fail to make the changes needed to prevent the killing of Black Americans by police officers,” she said in a statement sent to news outlets. Scott,…

AMC Not Requiring Masks When Movie Theaters Reopen

People going to AMC movie theaters won’t be required to wear masks, the company said.

In parts of the country where rules force people to wear masks in businesses, AMC will abide by the ordinances and require guests to wear masks except while eating and drinking.

Guests at other locations are strongly encouraged to wear a mask during their visit to the company’s theaters, according to a press release.

AMC is starting to re-open theaters on July 15. All 600-plus U.S. locations are expected to open in time for the release of Mulan on July 24.

CEO Adam Aron said the decision not to require masks stems from trying to avoid a matter that’s become politicized.

“We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy,” Aron told Variety.

“We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary. We think that the vast majority of AMC guests will be wearing masks. When I go to an AMC feature, I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example.”

The company is selling masks for $1 at theaters.

The two next largest movie theater chains in the United States are also not requiring masks in areas where masks aren’t required indoors.

AMC Not Requiring Masks When Movie Theaters Reopen People wearing masks in Manhattan, New York on June 9, 2020. (Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times)

Regal, which is starting to reopen on July 10, said in its recent announcement that employees and customers will be required to wear masks only where required by local governance.

Cinemark, referring to federal recommendations, said customers are strongly encouraged to wear masks. Where applicable, the company said it will adhere to local policies that require residents to wear masks in public.

Cinemark is beginning to reopen in early July.

All three companies are implementing heightened cleaning procedures to try to prevent infections of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

AMC is cleaning every auditorium between each showtime with enhanced disinfection including doors, handrails, and tray tables.

Fixtures and seating areas will be disinfected nightly using electrostatic sprayers.

Regal is closing every other register at the concession stand and reducing the size of its menu while requiring employees to undergo daily health screenings and wash hands at a minimum of every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on their job.

Cinemark’s changes include reducing operating hours, installing hand sanitizer stations, and employing new tactics to increase the fresh air intake to enhance the overall air quality of its theaters.

Follow Zachary on Twitter: @zackstieber

Focus News: AMC Not Requiring Masks When Movie Theaters Reopen

How to Rebuild Trust Between Police and Local Communities: HOPE for Prisoners Founder Jon Ponder

“I grew up hating police,” said Jon Ponder, founder of the Las Vegas nonprofit HOPE for Prisoners. A three-time convicted felon, Ponder grew up on the streets of New York without a father and became involved with a gang at a young age, descending into crime and substance abuse. His first arrest was at age 12. In 2004, he was arrested for bank robbery. He was on his way to a maximum-security prison when he met the FBI agent who arrested him, Richard Beasley. “He walked into the room and just revealed his heart, the human side of him,” Ponder said in an interview with The Epoch Times for the “American Thought Leaders” program. There was “something about his demeanor” that allowed Ponder to see “past the sunglasses and that…