npr--2020-06-25--Attorney General Barr Says DOJ Acts Independent Of Trump's Interests

Attorney General William Barr said Thursday that he does n't believe President Trump has overstepped the boundaries between the White House and the Justice Department in a number of big recent cases .
Barr told NPR in a wide-ranging interview that he believes Trump has `` supervisory authority '' to oversee the effective course of justice — but Barr said that ultimately , the choices were made and carried through independently by the Justice Department .
`` It 's very important that the attorney general make sure that there 's no political influence at stake involved in that — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
NPR 's Steve Inskeep asked Barr about the case of former national security adviser Michael Flynn , in which the Justice Department dropped charges even after Flynn 's guilty plea ; about the firing of U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman in New York City ; and about others .
Barr faulted what he called `` irregularities '' in the Flynn case that he said made it appropriate for him to resolve it by scrapping the prosecution .
And he denied that there was anything suspicious about the replacement of Berman , including any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associates of Trump .
`` Anytime you make a personnel move , conspiracy theorists will suggest that there 's some ulterior motive involved , '' Barr said .
Barr also defended his recent comments in which he claimed without evidence that foreign countries could potentially counterfeit `` millions '' of mail ballots to interfere in the November presidential race .
It 's a claim that a number of election officials and experts have rejected , calling it `` preposterous '' and `` false . ''
State officials of both parties have pushed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus pandemic .
But on Thursday , Barr doubled down , calling mail-ballot security processes `` primitive . ''
When pressed on whether he had evidence to suggest such a plot was underway by foreign adversaries , the attorney general said that he did not , but that his department had evidence of foreign countries being interested in interference more broadly — and that he thought mail voting was an obvious target .
`` You do n't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that one out , '' Barr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the dozens of aspects of each jurisdiction 's mail ballots that would need to be replicated for an attack of this nature to work : from the bar code , to the weight of the paper , to the successful forgery of voters ' signatures .
`` It shows a fundamental lack of understanding about the soup to nuts of administering an election , '' said Paul Gronke , a political science professor at Reed College .
`` You ca n't just source the paper , re-create the ballot styles , fake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass scale . ''
Barr , who voted by mail in 2019 and 2012 , according to The Washington Post , said that he supports mail voting in isolated situations but that he does not believe broad expansion is possible without significant fraud and mistakes .
Most election officials disagree .
`` Election officials spend a great deal of our time building in security measures , '' said Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman , a Republican , this week when asked about Barr 's claims .
`` The idea that people could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country or external to the country , just on its face , is not going to pass muster with an election official . ''
Barr also defended on Thursday his thesis that recent protests over police brutality against Black Americans have been infiltrated and overrun by antifa agitators .
Barr and Trump have repeatedly painted antifa as a criminal , far-left anarchist organization , blaming its adherents for some instances of violence and looting during recent protests for police accountability .
NPR reporting found no sign of antifa links so far in cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barr reiterated Thursday that antifa is more of an `` umbrella term '' and that protesters who identify as antifa would have been charged with specific actions like throwing a Molotov cocktail .
The attorney general also defended police amid the ongoing protest movement about law enforcement in Black communities .
`` The statistics on police shootings of unarmed individuals are not skewed toward the African American , '' he said .
`` There are many whites who are shot unarmed by police . ''
While white people account for a higher number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , who make up about 13 % of the U.S. population , are disproportionately affected .
Of the 352 unarmed people shot and killed by police in the U.S. since Jan. 1 , 2015 , white people accounted for 145 of the deaths ; Black people made up 123 of those killed , according to a compilation of fatal police shootings by The Washington Post .
On the subject of the coronavirus pandemic , Barr once again criticized state governors for implementing strict mitigation protocols in an attempt to slow the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of abusing their power and compromising citizens ' livelihoods .
`` Basically , putting the entire population in home detention and telling people that they have to shut down their livelihood and their business .
And they leave that to the discretionary decision of governors , '' Barr said .
Barry Gordemer , Connor Donevan , Courtney Dorning and Matt Kwong produced and edited the audio version of this story .

Attorney General Barr Says DOJ Acts Independent Of Trump's Interests
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Updated at 8:44 p.m. ET Thursday
Attorney General William Barr said Thursday that he doesn't believe President Trump has overstepped the boundaries between the White House and the Justice Department in a number of big recent cases.
Barr told NPR in a wide-ranging interview that he believes Trump has "supervisory authority" to oversee the effective course of justice — but Barr said that ultimately, the choices were made and carried through independently by the Justice Department.
"It's very important that the attorney general make sure that there's no political influence at stake involved in that — and there wasn't," Barr said.
NPR's Steve Inskeep asked Barr about the case of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, in which the Justice Department dropped charges even after Flynn's guilty plea; about the firing of U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman in New York City; and about others.
Barr faulted what he called "irregularities" in the Flynn case that he said made it appropriate for him to resolve it by scrapping the prosecution. And he denied that there was anything suspicious about the replacement of Berman, including any connection to ongoing investigations that might involve associates of Trump.
"Anytime you make a personnel move, conspiracy theorists will suggest that there's some ulterior motive involved," Barr said.
Unproven mail fraud theory
Barr also defended his recent comments in which he claimed without evidence that foreign countries could potentially counterfeit "millions" of mail ballots to interfere in the November presidential race.
It's a claim that a number of election officials and experts have rejected, calling it "preposterous" and "false." State officials of both parties have pushed for increased access to mail ballots in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
But on Thursday, Barr doubled down, calling mail-ballot security processes "primitive."
When pressed on whether he had evidence to suggest such a plot was underway by foreign adversaries, the attorney general said that he did not, but that his department had evidence of foreign countries being interested in interference more broadly — and that he thought mail voting was an obvious target.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that one out," Barr said.
Skeptics among elections specialists point to the dozens of aspects of each jurisdiction's mail ballots that would need to be replicated for an attack of this nature to work: from the bar code, to the weight of the paper, to the successful forgery of voters' signatures.
"It shows a fundamental lack of understanding about the soup to nuts of administering an election," said Paul Gronke, a political science professor at Reed College. "You can't just source the paper, re-create the ballot styles, fake the signatures, on any kind of mass scale."
Barr, who voted by mail in 2019 and 2012, according to The Washington Post, said that he supports mail voting in isolated situations but that he does not believe broad expansion is possible without significant fraud and mistakes. Most election officials disagree.
"Election officials spend a great deal of our time building in security measures," said Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman, a Republican, this week when asked about Barr's claims. "The idea that people could print millions of ballots either within the country or external to the country, just on its face, is not going to pass muster with an election official."
Fears about antifa
Barr also defended on Thursday his thesis that recent protests over police brutality against Black Americans have been infiltrated and overrun by antifa agitators.
Barr and Trump have repeatedly painted antifa as a criminal, far-left anarchist organization, blaming its adherents for some instances of violence and looting during recent protests for police accountability.
NPR reporting found no sign of antifa links so far in cases brought by the Justice Department, but Barr reiterated Thursday that antifa is more of an "umbrella term" and that protesters who identify as antifa would have been charged with specific actions like throwing a Molotov cocktail.
The attorney general also defended police amid the ongoing protest movement about law enforcement in Black communities.
"The statistics on police shootings of unarmed individuals are not skewed toward the African American," he said. "There are many whites who are shot unarmed by police."
While white people account for a higher number of unarmed fatal police shootings, Black people, who make up about 13% of the U.S. population, are disproportionately affected. Of the 352 unarmed people shot and killed by police in the U.S. since Jan. 1, 2015, white people accounted for 145 of the deaths; Black people made up 123 of those killed, according to a compilation of fatal police shootings by The Washington Post.
On the subject of the coronavirus pandemic, Barr once again criticized state governors for implementing strict mitigation protocols in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus, accusing those leaders of abusing their power and compromising citizens' livelihoods.
"Basically, putting the entire population in home detention and telling people that they have to shut down their livelihood and their business. And they leave that to the discretionary decision of governors," Barr said.
Barry Gordemer, Connor Donevan, Courtney Dorning and Matt Kwong produced and edited the audio version of this story.


npr--2020-06-25--Saharan Dust Cloud Arrives At The U.S. Gulf Coast, Bringing Haze

Saharan Dust Cloud Arrives At The U.S. Gulf Coast , Bringing Haze A massive cloud of dust from the Sahara Desert is arriving along the U.S. Gulf Coast this week after traveling across the Atlantic Ocean .
The phenomenon happens every year – but the 2020 version is especially large and imposing , experts said .
The dust cloud is `` quite large '' this year , said Marshall Shepherd , director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program at the University of Georgia , in an interview on NPR 's All Things Considered .
`` I think that 's why it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That attention has included some experts who are calling it the `` Godzilla dust cloud '' due to its unusual size .
There are signs that the cloud is living up to the hype .
Michael Lowry , an atmospheric scientist at the Federal Emergency Management Agency , said the cloud shattered the previous record for dust across the tropical Atlantic , as measured by the MODIS satellite .
As of Thursday morning , the cloud was stretching from the western Caribbean , over Belize and the Yucatán Peninsula , and through most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico , blanketing a huge area with its haze .
After reaching the U.S. shore in Texas and other states on the Gulf of Mexico , the dust cloud is expected to shift toward the northeast , moving across the Southeastern U.S. '' I think we 'll get it mainly over the weekend , '' Shepherd said , discussing the dust cloud 's likely arrival in Georgia .
The dust sharply reduced visibility when it hit Puerto Rico this week , with its haze completely masking mountains in El Yunque National Forest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the phenomenon is the `` Saharan Air Layer , '' according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .
`` This layer can travel and impact locations thousands of miles away from its African origins , '' the agency says , `` which is one reason why NOAA uses the lofty perspective of its satellites to track it . ''
As the dust crosses the Atlantic , `` it usually occupies a 2- to 2.5-mile-thick layer of the atmosphere with its base starting about 1 mile above the surface , '' NOAA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dust moved across Louisiana on Thursday , images from the ground showed it had turned the sky a milky color with not a trace of blue .
`` Typically , you lose the blue sky for more hazy , milky sky , '' Shepherd said .
`` You tend to see more vivid sunsets and sunrises because of the scattering properties of the dust interacting with the sunlight .
`` So those are sort of the optical effects .
But I think people that suffer from allergies or perhaps have some kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they actually might not find it so amusing .
They may have some health issues . ''
Experts also noted that the dust could add to challenges faced by people infected with the coronavirus , complicating the respiratory ailments they face .
The dust is already affecting air quality on the U.S. mainland , with the Environmental Protection Agency 's AirNow monitoring map showing the southern rim of Gulf states draped in warning colors of yellow and orange .
By Thursday morning , Lake Charles , La.
, was reporting `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , '' at 114 , as NPR member station WWNO reported .
In addition to causing dramatic sunsets , the Saharan dust cloud also serves at least two positive purposes : It tends to hamper the development of hurricanes , due to its warm , dry air , according to NOAA .
The dust also `` plays an important ecological role , such as fertilizing soils in the Amazon and building beaches in the Caribbean , '' NASA 's Earth Observatory said .
Each year , the NASA unit said , winds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metric tons of desert dust into the air , often scattering the dust thousands of miles away .

Saharan Dust Cloud Arrives At The U.S. Gulf Coast, Bringing Haze
A massive cloud of dust from the Sahara Desert is arriving along the U.S. Gulf Coast this week after traveling across the Atlantic Ocean. The phenomenon happens every year – but the 2020 version is especially large and imposing, experts said.
The dust cloud is "quite large" this year, said Marshall Shepherd, director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program at the University of Georgia, in an interview on NPR's All Things Considered. "I think that's why it's garnering so much attention."
That attention has included some experts who are calling it the "Godzilla dust cloud" due to its unusual size.
There are signs that the cloud is living up to the hype. Michael Lowry, an atmospheric scientist at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said the cloud shattered the previous record for dust across the tropical Atlantic, as measured by the MODIS satellite.
As of Thursday morning, the cloud was stretching from the western Caribbean, over Belize and the Yucatán Peninsula, and through most of the central and western Gulf of Mexico, blanketing a huge area with its haze.
After reaching the U.S. shore in Texas and other states on the Gulf of Mexico, the dust cloud is expected to shift toward the northeast, moving across the Southeastern U.S.
"I think we'll get it mainly over the weekend," Shepherd said, discussing the dust cloud's likely arrival in Georgia.
The dust sharply reduced visibility when it hit Puerto Rico this week, with its haze completely masking mountains in El Yunque National Forest in northeastern Puerto Rico.
The technical name for the phenomenon is the "Saharan Air Layer," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
"This layer can travel and impact locations thousands of miles away from its African origins," the agency says, "which is one reason why NOAA uses the lofty perspective of its satellites to track it."
As the dust crosses the Atlantic, "it usually occupies a 2- to 2.5-mile-thick layer of the atmosphere with its base starting about 1 mile above the surface," NOAA hurricane researcher Jason Dunion said.
As the dust moved across Louisiana on Thursday, images from the ground showed it had turned the sky a milky color with not a trace of blue.
"Typically, you lose the blue sky for more hazy, milky sky," Shepherd said. "You tend to see more vivid sunsets and sunrises because of the scattering properties of the dust interacting with the sunlight.
"So those are sort of the optical effects. But I think people that suffer from allergies or perhaps have some kind of allergy to dust or particulate matter, they actually might not find it so amusing. They may have some health issues."
Experts also noted that the dust could add to challenges faced by people infected with the coronavirus, complicating the respiratory ailments they face.
The dust is already affecting air quality on the U.S. mainland, with the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow monitoring map showing the southern rim of Gulf states draped in warning colors of yellow and orange.
Enlarge this image toggle caption NOAA/NESDIS/STAR/GOES-East NOAA/NESDIS/STAR/GOES-East
By Thursday morning, Lake Charles, La., was reporting "the highest air quality index value in the country," at 114, as NPR member station WWNO reported.
In addition to causing dramatic sunsets, the Saharan dust cloud also serves at least two positive purposes: It tends to hamper the development of hurricanes, due to its warm, dry air, according to NOAA.
The dust also "plays an important ecological role, such as fertilizing soils in the Amazon and building beaches in the Caribbean," NASA's Earth Observatory said.
Each year, the NASA unit said, winds in North Africa loft about 800 million metric tons of desert dust into the air, often scattering the dust thousands of miles away.


npr--2020-06-25--Education Dept. Rule Limits How Schools Can Spend Vital Aid Money

In a new rule announced Thursday , U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos signaled she is standing firm on her intention to reroute millions of dollars in coronavirus aid money to K-12 private school students .
The CARES Act rescue package included more than $ 13 billion to help public schools cover pandemic-related costs .
The move comes nearly two months after the Education Department issued controversial guidance , suggesting that private schools should benefit from a representative share of the emergency aid .
Lawmakers from both parties countered that the aid was intended to be distributed based on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serves .
While that guidance was nonbinding , Thursday 's rule is enforceable by law .
`` The CARES Act is a special , pandemic-related appropriation to benefit all American students , teachers , and families impacted by coronavirus , '' DeVos said in a statement .
`` There is nothing in the law Congress passed that would allow districts to discriminate against children and teachers based on private school attendance and employment . ''
The new rule gives school districts two choices about how to spend their aid money : Option 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money on interventions that will reach all students — not just low-income students — it must also pay for `` equitable services , '' such as tutoring or transportation , for all private school students in that district .
This is a hotly disputed interpretation of the CARES Act that would force public schools to put hundreds of millions of dollars toward private school services .
According to an analysis by the Learning Policy Institute , this reading of the law would increase private schools ' share of CARES Act dollars from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Option 2 : A district can instead choose to focus its share of CARES Act money on low-income students .
In this case , it would only need to provide equitable services for private schools based on how many low-income students those schools serve .
While the second option appears to favor low-income students , public school advocates say this alternative is onerous and unworkable for many districts .
Some under-resourced schools would be left out , they say , because under the new rule , the money can only go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 2019-20 school year .
But not all schools that are eligible for Title I aid ultimately receive it , due to funding limitations .
Advocates also say that the rule 's additional restrictions would severely limit how the money could be spent .
For example , under the second option , the money can only go toward helping low-income students .
That means it ca n't be used to , say , clean and disinfect all of a district 's schools because not only low-income students would benefit , says Sheara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group , a law and consulting firm that helps states and school districts understand federal education policy .
`` You could n't use the money to pay existing staff , '' Krvaric says .
`` You could n't do anything district-wide .
...
So it would be a real constraint . ''
Daniel A. Domenech , executive director of the School Superintendents Association ( AASA ) said in a statement , `` AASA is deeply disappointed in U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos ' doubling down on her flawed guidance . ''
He called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grab , using the pandemic environment to advance the privatization agenda . ''
In announcing the rule , the Education Department lamented that `` Most private schools serving low- and middle-income communities are under great financial strain due to COVID-19 '' and that `` more than 100 private schools have already announced they will not be able to reopen following the pandemic , and hundreds more are facing a similar fate . ''
Rep. Bobby Scott , the Democratic chairman of the House education committee , warned that this new rule `` will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools are already facing unprecedented challenges . ''

Education Dept. Rule Limits How Schools Can Spend Vital Aid Money
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alex Wong/Getty Images Alex Wong/Getty Images
In a new rule announced Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos signaled she is standing firm on her intention to reroute millions of dollars in coronavirus aid money to K-12 private school students. The CARES Act rescue package included more than $13 billion to help public schools cover pandemic-related costs.
The move comes nearly two months after the Education Department issued controversial guidance, suggesting that private schools should benefit from a representative share of the emergency aid. Lawmakers from both parties countered that the aid was intended to be distributed based on how many vulnerable, low-income students a district serves.
While that guidance was nonbinding, Thursday's rule is enforceable by law.
"The CARES Act is a special, pandemic-related appropriation to benefit all American students, teachers, and families impacted by coronavirus," DeVos said in a statement. "There is nothing in the law Congress passed that would allow districts to discriminate against children and teachers based on private school attendance and employment."
The new rule gives school districts two choices about how to spend their aid money:
Option 1: If a district wants to spend the money on interventions that will reach all students — not just low-income students — it must also pay for "equitable services," such as tutoring or transportation, for all private school students in that district.
This is a hotly disputed interpretation of the CARES Act that would force public schools to put hundreds of millions of dollars toward private school services. According to an analysis by the Learning Policy Institute, this reading of the law would increase private schools' share of CARES Act dollars from $127 million to $1.5 billion.
Option 2: A district can instead choose to focus its share of CARES Act money on low-income students. In this case, it would only need to provide equitable services for private schools based on how many low-income students those schools serve.
While the second option appears to favor low-income students, public school advocates say this alternative is onerous and unworkable for many districts. Some under-resourced schools would be left out, they say, because under the new rule, the money can only go to schools that received federal Title I dollars in the 2019-20 school year. But not all schools that are eligible for Title I aid ultimately receive it, due to funding limitations.
Advocates also say that the rule's additional restrictions would severely limit how the money could be spent. For example, under the second option, the money can only go toward helping low-income students. That means it can't be used to, say, clean and disinfect all of a district's schools because not only low-income students would benefit, says Sheara Krvaric, a partner with Federal Education Group, a law and consulting firm that helps states and school districts understand federal education policy.
"You couldn't use the money to pay existing staff," Krvaric says. "You couldn't do anything district-wide. ... So it would be a real constraint."
Daniel A. Domenech, executive director of the School Superintendents Association (AASA) said in a statement, "AASA is deeply disappointed in U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos' doubling down on her flawed guidance." He called the new rule "an opportunistic money grab, using the pandemic environment to advance the privatization agenda."
In announcing the rule, the Education Department lamented that "Most private schools serving low- and middle-income communities are under great financial strain due to COVID-19" and that "more than 100 private schools have already announced they will not be able to reopen following the pandemic, and hundreds more are facing a similar fate."
Rep. Bobby Scott, the Democratic chairman of the House education committee, warned that this new rule "will create more confusion at a time when schools are already facing unprecedented challenges."


npr--2020-06-25--North Carolina Police Chief Fires Three Officers Over Racist Comments Caught On Tape

North Carolina Police Chief Fires Three Officers Over Racist Comments Caught On Tape The police department in Wilmington , N.C. has fired three police officers after investigators say footage from one of their patrol cars showed them exchanging racist and sometimes threatening remarks .
Those include one of the officers saying he was ready for a `` civil war '' against Black people .
On Tuesday , the Wilmington Police Department fired officers James Gilmore and Kevin Piner and Corporal Jesse Moore after a routine review of video by the department triggered an investigation .
Investigators say video captured exchanges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and racist remarks .
Two of them — Moore and Piner — were said to be captured using the n-word multiple times .
Investigators also said Gilmore referred to anti-racism protesters as `` worshipping blacks , '' and Piner said he expects a `` civil war '' and was planning to buy an assault rifle .
In a statement on Wednesday , Chief Donny Williams said the officers had violated department rules in the recorded conversations .
`` There are certain behaviors that one must have in order to be a police officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do not possess it , '' Williams said .
`` When I first learned of these conversations , I was shocked , saddened and disgusted .
There is no place for this behavior . ''
Williams also said he was recommending that the former officers be ineligible for re-hire by the city and was notifying state authorities responsible for deciding if an officer can maintain state certification .
Williams also announced that the department would work with the District Attorney to review any possible bias they may have shown in criminal cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told NPR that a prosecutor in his office has initially identified 89 cases involving the former officers to be reviewed .
He said that while the review is ongoing , his office has already thrown out cases .
`` We made that determination for these three officers , we do not intend to call them in the future for any case , '' David told NPR .
Williams made the announcement just one day after he was sworn in as the city 's police chief .
He said Wednesday was a `` challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police chief — one of my first major tasks is to announce the termination of three veteran police officers for misconduct . ''
`` While terminating an employee is never easy – there are times when it is extremely necessary , '' Williams added .
The investigation that resulted in the firing of the three officers began with a routine audit .
According to an internal investigation , a police sergeant conducting a monthly review of police footage uncovered the remarks on June 4 .
The nearly two-hour long video came from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` accidentally '' activated .
After listening to the video for a short time , the sergeant heard `` extremely racist '' comments from the officers .
The video , according to the documents , shows Piner engaging in two separate conversations , one with Gilmore and then a phone call with Moore .
The discussions include racist language and comments disparaging Wilmington police officers and officials and anti-racism protesters .
The first conversation begins roughly 46 minutes into the video , the investigation said , and shows Gilmore and Piner engaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide and in Wilmington .
As outlined by investigators , Piner said the only concern of the department is `` kneeling down with the black folks '' while Gilmore added that protesters are `` worshipping blacks . ''
In a phone conversation about half an hour later between Piner and another officer , a discussion about an arrest from the previous day becomes a graphic conversation about preparing for violence against Black people , according to the investigation .
During the call , Moore used the words `` n***** '' and `` negro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested .
When discussing the arrest , Moore also said `` she needed a bullet in her head right then '' and complained about an officer who discouraged him from breaking the window of her car .
Moore also referred to a magistrate , who is Black , as a `` negro magistrate . ''
Later on in the conversation , Piner said he 's `` ready '' for a civil war .
According to investigators , Piner said , using the n-word , that `` we are just gon na go out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God I ca n't wait , '' Piner is reported to have said .
Piner also said , according to investigators , that he plans to buy an assault rifle and that society needed a civil war to `` put 'em back about four or five generations . ''
Former officers did not deny making the remarks on the recording According to the department , Piner , Gilmore and Moore confirmed it was their voices captured on video and they did not deny the remarks .
In interviews with investigators , all three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citing what they called the current climate for police .
They also denied being racist .
Moore also said his comments were recorded when he was off-duty , calling Piner from his home .
Williams said that Wilmington officials also elected to make many documents in the case public , saying that it was `` essential to maintain public confidence in the administration of the City and the Police Department . ''

North Carolina Police Chief Fires Three Officers Over Racist Comments Caught On Tape
Enlarge this image toggle caption Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
The police department in Wilmington, N.C. has fired three police officers after investigators say footage from one of their patrol cars showed them exchanging racist and sometimes threatening remarks.
Those include one of the officers saying he was ready for a "civil war" against Black people.
On Tuesday, the Wilmington Police Department fired officers James Gilmore and Kevin Piner and Corporal Jesse Moore after a routine review of video by the department triggered an investigation.
Investigators say video captured exchanges by the officers showed them making disparaging and racist remarks. Two of them — Moore and Piner — were said to be captured using the n-word multiple times. Investigators also said Gilmore referred to anti-racism protesters as "worshipping blacks," and Piner said he expects a "civil war" and was planning to buy an assault rifle.
In a statement on Wednesday, Chief Donny Williams said the officers had violated department rules in the recorded conversations.
"There are certain behaviors that one must have in order to be a police officer and these three officers have demonstrated that they do not possess it," Williams said. "When I first learned of these conversations, I was shocked, saddened and disgusted. There is no place for this behavior."
Williams also said he was recommending that the former officers be ineligible for re-hire by the city and was notifying state authorities responsible for deciding if an officer can maintain state certification.
Williams also announced that the department would work with the District Attorney to review any possible bias they may have shown in criminal cases.
Hanover County District Attorney Benjamin David told NPR that a prosecutor in his office has initially identified 89 cases involving the former officers to be reviewed. He said that while the review is ongoing, his office has already thrown out cases.
"We made that determination for these three officers, we do not intend to call them in the future for any case," David told NPR.
Williams made the announcement just one day after he was sworn in as the city's police chief.
He said Wednesday was a "challenging day for me because as your new police chief — one of my first major tasks is to announce the termination of three veteran police officers for misconduct."
"While terminating an employee is never easy – there are times when it is extremely necessary," Williams added.
A routine inspection uncovered the racist remarks
The investigation that resulted in the firing of the three officers began with a routine audit.
According to an internal investigation, a police sergeant conducting a monthly review of police footage uncovered the remarks on June 4. The nearly two-hour long video came from a camera in Piner's patrol vehicle that was "accidentally" activated. After listening to the video for a short time, the sergeant heard "extremely racist" comments from the officers.
The video, according to the documents, shows Piner engaging in two separate conversations, one with Gilmore and then a phone call with Moore. The discussions include racist language and comments disparaging Wilmington police officers and officials and anti-racism protesters.
The first conversation begins roughly 46 minutes into the video, the investigation said, and shows Gilmore and Piner engaging in a conversation about anti-racism protests happening nationwide and in Wilmington.
As outlined by investigators, Piner said the only concern of the department is "kneeling down with the black folks" while Gilmore added that protesters are "worshipping blacks."
In a phone conversation about half an hour later between Piner and another officer, a discussion about an arrest from the previous day becomes a graphic conversation about preparing for violence against Black people, according to the investigation.
During the call, Moore used the words "n*****" and "negro" to talk about a woman he arrested. When discussing the arrest, Moore also said "she needed a bullet in her head right then" and complained about an officer who discouraged him from breaking the window of her car.
Moore also referred to a magistrate, who is Black, as a "negro magistrate."
Later on in the conversation, Piner said he's "ready" for a civil war. According to investigators, Piner said, using the n-word, that "we are just gonna go out and start slaughtering them."
"God I can't wait," Piner is reported to have said.
Piner also said, according to investigators, that he plans to buy an assault rifle and that society needed a civil war to "put 'em back about four or five generations."
Former officers did not deny making the remarks on the recording
According to the department, Piner, Gilmore and Moore confirmed it was their voices captured on video and they did not deny the remarks.
In interviews with investigators, all three of them said they were venting, citing what they called the current climate for police. They also denied being racist. Moore also said his comments were recorded when he was off-duty, calling Piner from his home.
Williams said that Wilmington officials also elected to make many documents in the case public, saying that it was "essential to maintain public confidence in the administration of the City and the Police Department."


npr--2020-06-25--Tucson Police Chief Offers To Resign Over Man's Death In Officers' Custody

Tucson Police Chief Offers To Resign Over Man 's Death In Officers ' Custody Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus is offering to resign over the death of Carlos Ingram-Lopez – a man who died after being restrained by Tucson officers in April .
Ingram-Lopez was handcuffed and kept face-down in a garage for some 12 minutes .
While the man was being restrained , police body cam video shows , he often cried out — repeatedly asking for water , and at times for his grandmother .
At one point , he is heard saying he ca n't breathe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I feel terrible about the death of Carlos Ingram-Lopez during his encounter with officers from our department , '' Magnus said in an email to NPR Thursday .
Saying that he met with Ingram-Lopez 's family Wednesday , the police chief added , `` I hope we can learn from this incident , do better , and achieve at least some level of healing within the community . ''
Magnus offered to resign during a news conference Wednesday , where he revealed the results of an internal investigation into the case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Manager will accept my offer to resign but I 'm sure his decision will be based on the perspectives of , and feedback from , the City Council members and Mayor , '' Magnus says .
`` I 'm fine with whatever the direction is that they choose to take . ''
In response to Magnus 's offer to quit , Tucson Mayor Regina Romero issued a statement saying , `` I do not believe the Chief should resign . ''
Crediting Magnus with bringing `` forward thinking changes '' to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the time to work together and rebuild public trust in our police department '' by emphasizing transparency and accountability .
The police chief offered to resign after showing a body cam video from the night when Ingram-Lopez 's grandmother called police around 1 a.m. on April 21 , reportedly saying her grandson was drunk and behaving erratically .
When officers arrived , they followed Ingram-Lopez , 27 , into a dark garage next to the home and restrained him .
After a few moments , they also placed a disposable yellow plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows that Ingram-Lopez seems to have been naked when the officers arrived .
The autopsy report says officers also placed a `` spit hood '' over his head for part of the time .
It 's not clear whether that is a reference to a second blanket that was placed over his upper torso and part of his head .
Ingram-Lopez periodically struggled against the officers , prompting them to tell him to calm down .
An officer also threatened to use a Taser on him .
At times , he was held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at others , by a hand to the center of his back .
Eventually , Ingram-Lopez became quiet and then unresponsive , prompting the officers to try to revive him .
`` Hey ! ''
one officer yelled repeatedly , as he rolled the man onto his side .
`` What happened ? ''
a woman asked , as she tried to enter the garage before being turned away by police .
The officers then radioed in a report that Ingram-Lopez was unconscious .
Believing he may have overdosed , they gave him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overdose-reversing drug .
They then began administering CPR to try to revive him .
When emergency medical personnel arrived , they took over the effort .
But Ingram-Lopez was later declared deceased at the scene , Magnus said .
`` We have determined that three involved officers committed multiple policy violations and failed to handle the incident consistent with their training , '' the police chief said .
`` It is , however , important to note there is no indication of malicious intent , nor did any of the officers deploy strikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knee on Mr. Ingram-Lopez 's neck . ''
Ingram-Lopez was Hispanic .
The three primary officers who responded to the scene were both Black and white .
All three of them resigned last week , as the department investigated the in-custody death .
If the officers had not resigned , Magnus said , they would have been fired , saying their actions fell short of department standards .
`` To demonstrate my willingness to take accountability for these mistakes , I am offering my resignation to the mayor , the city council and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or handle as they deem appropriate , '' Magnus said , according to member station KJZZ 's Fronteras Desk .
`` The mistakes he referenced were twofold , '' the Fronteras Desk reports .
`` First , the incident was never reported to the public until it was reported by the Tucson Sentinel news website .
Law enforcement agencies typically give at least rudimentary information about a death in custody within a few days .
But also the Police Department 's top officials were briefed , but did n't view the body cam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking alongside Magnus , Romero said it was `` simply not acceptable '' that city leaders and the public were left in the dark about the incident , as Arizona Public Media reports .
Both Romero and Magnus laid out plans to improve how in-custody deaths are handled .
An autopsy report from April 22 was inconclusive about the cause of Ingram-Lopez 's death .
The report , from the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner , stated that his death was `` ascribed to sudden cardiac arrest in the setting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cardiac left ventricular hypertrophy as a significant contributing condition . ''
The autopsy report added , `` The manner of death is undetermined . ''
In addition to the administrative inquiry within the police department , the case was also sent to the Pima County prosecutor 's office .
No determination has been made about potential criminal charges over Ingram-Lopez 's death , Magnus said .
The death in police custody in Tucson comes as law enforcement agencies around the country are being closely scrutinized for their use of force .
As protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spread in late May , Magnus — who in the past has expressed pride in his department 's embrace of progressive policies — wrote a column for the Arizona Daily Star in which he said , `` What happened to George Floyd in Minnesota is indefensible .
Every good police officer — every decent human being — is outraged by it . ''
When asked if he had anything to add to that sentiment in the wake of Ingram-Lopez 's death , Magnus said , in part : '' Nothing has changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd and a number of other Black Americans in incidents involving the police are tragic and often avoidable .
We must continue to focus on police organizational culture , building strong ties between police and the community , making sure good policies are in place , and providing police officers with the best possible training and supervision . ''

Tucson Police Chief Offers To Resign Over Man's Death In Officers' Custody
Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus is offering to resign over the death of Carlos Ingram-Lopez – a man who died after being restrained by Tucson officers in April. Ingram-Lopez was handcuffed and kept face-down in a garage for some 12 minutes.
While the man was being restrained, police body cam video shows, he often cried out — repeatedly asking for water, and at times for his grandmother. At one point, he is heard saying he can't breathe.
"I cannot stress strongly enough that I feel terrible about the death of Carlos Ingram-Lopez during his encounter with officers from our department," Magnus said in an email to NPR Thursday.
Saying that he met with Ingram-Lopez's family Wednesday, the police chief added, "I hope we can learn from this incident, do better, and achieve at least some level of healing within the community."
Magnus offered to resign during a news conference Wednesday, where he revealed the results of an internal investigation into the case.
"I don't know whether the City Manager will accept my offer to resign but I'm sure his decision will be based on the perspectives of, and feedback from, the City Council members and Mayor," Magnus says. "I'm fine with whatever the direction is that they choose to take."
In response to Magnus's offer to quit, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero issued a statement saying, "I do not believe the Chief should resign."
Crediting Magnus with bringing "forward thinking changes" to the department, Romero said, "Now is the time to work together and rebuild public trust in our police department" by emphasizing transparency and accountability.
The police chief offered to resign after showing a body cam video from the night when Ingram-Lopez's grandmother called police around 1 a.m. on April 21, reportedly saying her grandson was drunk and behaving erratically.
When officers arrived, they followed Ingram-Lopez, 27, into a dark garage next to the home and restrained him. After a few moments, they also placed a disposable yellow plastic blanket over the man. The video shows that Ingram-Lopez seems to have been naked when the officers arrived.
The autopsy report says officers also placed a "spit hood" over his head for part of the time. It's not clear whether that is a reference to a second blanket that was placed over his upper torso and part of his head.
Ingram-Lopez periodically struggled against the officers, prompting them to tell him to calm down. An officer also threatened to use a Taser on him. At times, he was held down by his arms and legs; at others, by a hand to the center of his back.
Eventually, Ingram-Lopez became quiet and then unresponsive, prompting the officers to try to revive him.
"Hey!" one officer yelled repeatedly, as he rolled the man onto his side.
"What happened?" a woman asked, as she tried to enter the garage before being turned away by police.
The officers then radioed in a report that Ingram-Lopez was unconscious. Believing he may have overdosed, they gave him a dose of Narcan, an opioid overdose-reversing drug. They then began administering CPR to try to revive him.
When emergency medical personnel arrived, they took over the effort. But Ingram-Lopez was later declared deceased at the scene, Magnus said.
"We have determined that three involved officers committed multiple policy violations and failed to handle the incident consistent with their training," the police chief said. "It is, however, important to note there is no indication of malicious intent, nor did any of the officers deploy strikes, use chokeholds, or place a knee on Mr. Ingram-Lopez's neck."
Ingram-Lopez was Hispanic. The three primary officers who responded to the scene were both Black and white. All three of them resigned last week, as the department investigated the in-custody death.
If the officers had not resigned, Magnus said, they would have been fired, saying their actions fell short of department standards.
"To demonstrate my willingness to take accountability for these mistakes, I am offering my resignation to the mayor, the city council and the city manager which they can accept or handle as they deem appropriate," Magnus said, according to member station KJZZ's Fronteras Desk.
"The mistakes he referenced were twofold," the Fronteras Desk reports. "First, the incident was never reported to the public until it was reported by the Tucson Sentinel news website. Law enforcement agencies typically give at least rudimentary information about a death in custody within a few days. But also the Police Department's top officials were briefed, but didn't view the body cam footage, though investigators did."
Speaking alongside Magnus, Romero said it was "simply not acceptable" that city leaders and the public were left in the dark about the incident, as Arizona Public Media reports.
Both Romero and Magnus laid out plans to improve how in-custody deaths are handled.
An autopsy report from April 22 was inconclusive about the cause of Ingram-Lopez's death.
The report, from the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, stated that his death was "ascribed to sudden cardiac arrest in the setting of acute cocaine intoxication and physical restraint with cardiac left ventricular hypertrophy as a significant contributing condition."
The autopsy report added, "The manner of death is undetermined."
In addition to the administrative inquiry within the police department, the case was also sent to the Pima County prosecutor's office. No determination has been made about potential criminal charges over Ingram-Lopez's death, Magnus said.
The death in police custody in Tucson comes as law enforcement agencies around the country are being closely scrutinized for their use of force.
As protests over the death of George Floyd began to spread in late May, Magnus — who in the past has expressed pride in his department's embrace of progressive policies — wrote a column for the Arizona Daily Star in which he said, "What happened to George Floyd in Minnesota is indefensible. Every good police officer — every decent human being — is outraged by it."
When asked if he had anything to add to that sentiment in the wake of Ingram-Lopez's death, Magnus said, in part:
"Nothing has changed in my view that the deaths of George Floyd and a number of other Black Americans in incidents involving the police are tragic and often avoidable. We must continue to focus on police organizational culture, building strong ties between police and the community, making sure good policies are in place, and providing police officers with the best possible training and supervision."


npr--2020-06-25--Virus-Skirting U.S. Warships Set Navy Record: 23 Port Call-Free Weeks At Sea

Thanks to their efforts to steer clear of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic , the U.S. Navy says two American warships that set sail in mid-January broke the modern record on Thursday for consecutive days at sea for U.S. naval surface vessels .
This was hardly in their original mission plan .
When the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto left their home port in Norfolk , Va. , 161 days earlier , the COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus had not yet even been named .
As they steamed toward the waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the minds of the battleships ' sailors than a deadly virus was a strike by Iran on an Iraqi military base a week earlier and the prospect of further conflict in the Persian Gulf region .
The previous at-sea record of 160 days had been set by the USS Theodore Roosevelt , another U.S. aircraft carrier , in the months following the Sept. 11 attacks .
That vessel was forced to dock in Guam in late March by a COVID-19 on-board outbreak that led to the removal of its skipper and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a port call in Vietnam .
As the pandemic spread and the Eisenhower and the battleships escorting it sailed past Mediterranean ports without stopping , eschewing port calls became the official policy of the carrier group .
`` In March , I suspended liberty port visits to reduce the chance of spreading and contracting the virus across the Fleet , '' Vice Adm. James Malloy , commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet , says in a Navy publication highlighting the new record .
`` Throughout this pandemic , maintaining the Fleet 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-being of our Sailors has been my top priority . ''
Despite the occasional `` steel beach picnics '' and barbecues on the carrier 's landing deck meant to ease the non-stop seafaring , the 23 weeks the two record-setting ships have been underway have proven to be a morale-challenging marathon .
`` It 's a bittersweet feeling , '' Bill Goldberg , a naval air crewman aboard the Eisenhower , tells NPR of the record-shattering voyage he 's been a part of .
`` We 'll be in the Navy record book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to do again . ''
`` The hardest part , by far , '' Goldberg adds , `` is being away from friends and family in what has really seemed a tumultuous time in America . ''
The carrier 's commanding officer had only praise for his long-sailing crew .
`` Our ships remain undeterred in the face of adversity and this monumental feat will only make our crews and the Navy stronger , '' Capt .
Kyle Higgins is quoted as telling the carrier group 's public affairs office .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men and women I see on the deck plates each and every day .
Their dedication to the mission is what makes our Navy the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen . ''
It 's not clear how much longer the record-setting warships will remain at sea .
`` The fact of the matter is our work is n't done , '' Capt .
Edward Crossman , the San Jacinto 's commanding officer , tells the Navy 's news service .
`` We are n't headed home yet , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record out of the water . ''
Due to flight operations scheduled for Thursday , a celebration of the two ships ' surpassing the previous record is due to take place Saturday , which will be their 163rd day at sea .
Higgins , the Eisenhower 's commanding officer , tells the Associated Press he 's ordered a surf and turf dinner for the crew to be followed by `` a big cake and ice cream . ''
And there will be yet another record set , but only for one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruises into Norfolk .

Virus-Skirting U.S. Warships Set Navy Record: 23 Port Call-Free Weeks At Sea
Enlarge this image toggle caption Spencer Platt/Getty Images Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Thanks to their efforts to steer clear of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Navy says two American warships that set sail in mid-January broke the modern record on Thursday for consecutive days at sea for U.S. naval surface vessels.
This was hardly in their original mission plan. When the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto left their home port in Norfolk, Va., 161 days earlier, the COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus had not yet even been named.
As they steamed toward the waters off the Middle East, far weightier on the minds of the battleships' sailors than a deadly virus was a strike by Iran on an Iraqi military base a week earlier and the prospect of further conflict in the Persian Gulf region.
The previous at-sea record of 160 days had been set by the USS Theodore Roosevelt, another U.S. aircraft carrier, in the months following the Sept. 11 attacks.
That vessel was forced to dock in Guam in late March by a COVID-19 on-board outbreak that led to the removal of its skipper and the infection of more than 1,000 crew members after a port call in Vietnam.
As the pandemic spread and the Eisenhower and the battleships escorting it sailed past Mediterranean ports without stopping, eschewing port calls became the official policy of the carrier group.
"In March, I suspended liberty port visits to reduce the chance of spreading and contracting the virus across the Fleet," Vice Adm. James Malloy, commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet, says in a Navy publication highlighting the new record. "Throughout this pandemic, maintaining the Fleet's warfighting readiness while ensuring the safety and well-being of our Sailors has been my top priority."
Despite the occasional "steel beach picnics" and barbecues on the carrier's landing deck meant to ease the non-stop seafaring, the 23 weeks the two record-setting ships have been underway have proven to be a morale-challenging marathon.
"It's a bittersweet feeling," Bill Goldberg, a naval air crewman aboard the Eisenhower, tells NPR of the record-shattering voyage he's been a part of. "We'll be in the Navy record book, but for something I'd never want to do again."
"The hardest part, by far," Goldberg adds, "is being away from friends and family in what has really seemed a tumultuous time in America."
The carrier's commanding officer had only praise for his long-sailing crew.
"Our ships remain undeterred in the face of adversity and this monumental feat will only make our crews and the Navy stronger," Capt. Kyle Higgins is quoted as telling the carrier group's public affairs office. "I'm so proud of the young men and women I see on the deck plates each and every day. Their dedication to the mission is what makes our Navy the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen."
It's not clear how much longer the record-setting warships will remain at sea.
"The fact of the matter is our work isn't done," Capt. Edward Crossman, the San Jacinto's commanding officer, tells the Navy's news service. "We aren't headed home yet, and we're on path to blow the previous record out of the water."
Due to flight operations scheduled for Thursday, a celebration of the two ships' surpassing the previous record is due to take place Saturday, which will be their 163rd day at sea.
Higgins, the Eisenhower's commanding officer, tells the Associated Press he's ordered a surf and turf dinner for the crew to be followed by "a big cake and ice cream."
And there will be yet another record set, but only for one of the two warships — the last one that cruises into Norfolk.


npr--2020-06-25--Dutch Minks Contract COVID-19 — And Appear To Infect Humans

Dutch Minks Contract COVID-19 — And Appear To Infect Humans Minks on two fur farms in the Netherlands began getting sick in late April .
Some were coughing , with runny noses ; others had signs of severe respiratory disease .
Soon , they started dying .
Researchers took swabs from the animals and dissected the ones that had died .
The culprit : SARS-COV-2 , the novel coronavirus causing a global pandemic .
It 's part of an emerging pattern of animals getting infected with the novel coronavirus with a new concern : The minks are thought to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since the discovery , more than 500,000 minks have been culled on fur farms in the Netherlands over worries that their mink populations could spread the virus among humans .
The minks were first exposed to the coronavirus by infected farm workers , according to Wim van der Poel , a veterinarian who studies viruses at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands .
Then the virus spread among the animals in the farms like wildfire .
`` The animals are in cages with wire tops and closed walls between them , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Eurosurveillance paper investigating the mink farm infections that was published this month .
`` So it probably spread through droplet or aerosol transmission , from the top of one cage to another , when an animal is coughing or heavily breathing . ''
The Netherlands is one of the world 's top exporters of mink fur for coats and trim .
The outbreak was first reported on two of its approximately 125 farms and has now been found in at least 17 .
Van der Poel says the virus was likely spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who traveled between locations or from virus-contaminated products that moved from one farm to another .
Minks are the latest addition to the list of animals that we know can be infected with the novel coronavirus , says Linfa Wang , director of the emerging infectious diseases program at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore .
`` The first one we noticed was cats , '' he says .
`` Then it was followed by dogs , which are susceptible but not as much as cats .
And then the tigers in the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Laboratory experiments have also confirmed that hamsters and some monkeys can also get sick from the virus .
And the virus is believed to have originated in Chinese horseshoe bats .
The findings from the mink farm adds an concerning layer to our understanding of how the virus spreads because infected minks are thought to have passed the virus back to people , according to Dutch government reports .
At least two farm workers are believed to have caught the novel coronavirus from handling the minks or breathing virus-contaminated clouds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern among researchers which has , until now , been hypothetical : In some animal-to-human interactions , the virus can transmit both ways .
`` It 's another route of transmission that we have to worry about , '' says Kevin Olival , an ecologist at EcoHealth Alliance , a nonprofit that monitors for emerging diseases .
`` And if the virus somehow establishes itself in animal populations or in other wildlife populations around the world , it 'll be really hard to eradicate it if it keeps spilling back into the human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities to cull all the minks on farms where the novel coronavirus has been found .
While many of the animals on affected farms were found to have survived the virus and developed antibodies , it 's unclear how long they might be protected .
And many new pups , presumed to be susceptible to the coronavirus , are born in the late spring , van der Poel says .
So hundreds of thousands of animals are being gassed to ensure that they do not become reservoirs for the virus .
Because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shut down all of its mink farms by the end of the year .
From a disease control perspective , Wang says it 's helpful that the outbreaks were contained to farms and caused symptoms in the infected animals , `` so at least you notice the animal is sick . ''
A less controllable scenario , he says , is if the virus takes root in wandering wildlife populations — for instance , if it were to become established among North American bats , a group that could carry the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wang sees this ability of the novel coronavirus to jump easily between different species as troubling — especially since the virus has spread so rapidly among humans .
Many common viruses , such as measles and hepatitis , mostly infect humans .
On the other hand , some emerging viruses such as Ebola , Nipah and SARS infect a broad spectrum of species .
But outbreaks among humans have been contained .
When it comes to eradicating a disease , `` the worst is an animal virus that jumps over and becomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide host range , '' Wang says , meaning it can infect many different animal species that might pass it back to humans .
`` And that 's SARS-COV-2 . ''
Currently , the novel coronavirus is mainly spreading through close contact between people , says Maria Van Kerkhove , technical lead for the World Health Organization 's health emergencies program .
Still , researchers think the potential for animal reservoirs is something public health officials should be thinking about now .
The lesson from the mink farms , says van der Poel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all kinds of animals for the novel coronavirus as well as keeping a lookout for other novel diseases they may be carrying .
`` We have to have an open mind and open eyes for any new virus that pops up , '' he says .

Dutch Minks Contract COVID-19 — And Appear To Infect Humans
Enlarge this image toggle caption Yuri Tutov /AFP via Getty Images Yuri Tutov /AFP via Getty Images
Minks on two fur farms in the Netherlands began getting sick in late April. Some were coughing, with runny noses; others had signs of severe respiratory disease. Soon, they started dying.
Researchers took swabs from the animals and dissected the ones that had died.
The culprit: SARS-COV-2, the novel coronavirus causing a global pandemic.
It's part of an emerging pattern of animals getting infected with the novel coronavirus with a new concern: The minks are thought to have passed the disease back to humans. Since the discovery, more than 500,000 minks have been culled on fur farms in the Netherlands over worries that their mink populations could spread the virus among humans.
The minks were first exposed to the coronavirus by infected farm workers, according to Wim van der Poel, a veterinarian who studies viruses at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. Then the virus spread among the animals in the farms like wildfire.
"The animals are in cages with wire tops and closed walls between them," says Van der Poel, who co-authored a Eurosurveillance paper investigating the mink farm infections that was published this month. "So it probably spread through droplet or aerosol transmission, from the top of one cage to another, when an animal is coughing or heavily breathing."
The Netherlands is one of the world's top exporters of mink fur for coats and trim. The outbreak was first reported on two of its approximately 125 farms and has now been found in at least 17. Van der Poel says the virus was likely spread to more farms either from infected workers who traveled between locations or from virus-contaminated products that moved from one farm to another.
Minks are the latest addition to the list of animals that we know can be infected with the novel coronavirus, says Linfa Wang, director of the emerging infectious diseases program at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. "The first one we noticed was cats," he says. "Then it was followed by dogs, which are susceptible but not as much as cats. And then the tigers in the New York zoo. And now the minks." Laboratory experiments have also confirmed that hamsters and some monkeys can also get sick from the virus. And the virus is believed to have originated in Chinese horseshoe bats.
The findings from the mink farm adds an concerning layer to our understanding of how the virus spreads because infected minks are thought to have passed the virus back to people, according to Dutch government reports. At least two farm workers are believed to have caught the novel coronavirus from handling the minks or breathing virus-contaminated clouds of dust.
The situation confirms a longstanding concern among researchers which has, until now, been hypothetical: In some animal-to-human interactions, the virus can transmit both ways. "It's another route of transmission that we have to worry about," says Kevin Olival, an ecologist at EcoHealth Alliance, a nonprofit that monitors for emerging diseases. "And if the virus somehow establishes itself in animal populations or in other wildlife populations around the world, it'll be really hard to eradicate it if it keeps spilling back into the human population."
Those concerns prompted Dutch authorities to cull all the minks on farms where the novel coronavirus has been found. While many of the animals on affected farms were found to have survived the virus and developed antibodies, it's unclear how long they might be protected. And many new pups, presumed to be susceptible to the coronavirus, are born in the late spring, van der Poel says. So hundreds of thousands of animals are being gassed to ensure that they do not become reservoirs for the virus.
From a disease control perspective, Wang says it's helpful that the outbreaks were contained to farms and caused symptoms in the infected animals, "so at least you notice the animal is sick." A less controllable scenario, he says, is if the virus takes root in wandering wildlife populations — for instance, if it were to become established among North American bats, a group that could carry the disease without developing symptoms and spread it widely.
Wang sees this ability of the novel coronavirus to jump easily between different species as troubling — especially since the virus has spread so rapidly among humans. Many common viruses, such as measles and hepatitis, mostly infect humans. On the other hand, some emerging viruses such as Ebola, Nipah and SARS infect a broad spectrum of species. But outbreaks among humans have been contained.
When it comes to eradicating a disease, "the worst is an animal virus that jumps over and becomes established in humans — and has a wide host range," Wang says, meaning it can infect many different animal species that might pass it back to humans. "And that's SARS-COV-2."
Currently, the novel coronavirus is mainly spreading through close contact between people, says Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead for the World Health Organization's health emergencies program.
Still, researchers think the potential for animal reservoirs is something public health officials should be thinking about now. The lesson from the mink farms, says van der Poel, is that we should be testing all kinds of animals for the novel coronavirus as well as keeping a lookout for other novel diseases they may be carrying.
"We have to have an open mind and open eyes for any new virus that pops up," he says.
Jerome Socolovsky contributed to this story.


npr--2020-06-25--CDC: At Least 20 Million Americans Have Had Coronavirus. Here's Who's At Highest Risk

CDC : At Least 20 Million Americans Have Had Coronavirus .
Here 's Who 's At Highest Risk Millions of Americans have probably had the coronavirus without knowing it .
That 's the conclusion of officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and many other experts .
`` Our best estimate right now is that for every case that was reported , there actually were 10 other infections , '' Dr. Robert Redfield , the director of the CDC , said during a call with reporters Thursday .
Redfield estimates that between 5 % and 8 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He points to results from communitywide antibody tests and other surveillance measures that point to this range .
But , he emphasizes , that leaves more than 90 % of Americans who have yet to be exposed and who remain susceptible .
To date , 2.3 million Americans have had confirmed coronavirus infections , but by the CDC 's estimates , the real number could be at least 20 million .
The estimates validate what many public health researchers suspected — that the health system has failed to capture much of the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In the beginning , there was n't a lot of testing that was done of younger , asymptomatic individuals , '' Redfield said .
`` So I think it 's important for us to realize that we probably recognized about 10 % of the outbreak by the methods that we used to diagnose between the March , April and May . ''
And certain people are more susceptible to serious illness from COVID-19 .
The CDC points to consistent evidence that a range of conditions put people at a higher risk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) , Type 2 diabetes , obesity , chronic heart disease , sickle cell disease and being immunocompromised .
Age also plays a role in the risk of serious illness , with most deaths from COVID-19 documented in people 65 and older .
And the risk for serious illness or death increases the older a person is .
`` While we are all at risk for COVID-19 , we need to be aware of who is susceptible to severe complications so that we take appropriate measures to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The more risk factors people have , the higher their risk of serious illness or death .
In fact , an analysis in the CDC 's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report , published last week , found that people with chronic conditions were 12 times more likely to die from the virus compared with those who did n't have underlying conditions .
Given that about 60 % of American adults have at least one chronic medical condition , it 's clear that many are at elevated risk of severe illness from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diabetes and obesity are among the most common conditions in the United States .
These conditions can increase inflammation and tamp down the immune system .
In addition , the CDC published an analysis Thursday pointing to increased risks for pregnant women from COVID-19 .
Although pregnant women are not at greater risk of death from the virus , the study finds they are more likely to be hospitalized and more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit .
They 're also more likely to require intubation for breathing support compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Given the risks , Redfield urged Americans to continue to take precautions .
`` This is still serious .
It 's significant , '' he emphasized .
Case counts are on the rise in many Sunbelt states , and the virus continues to circulate widely .
`` The most powerful tool that we have is social distancing , '' Redfield said .
He also pointed to the importance of face coverings and good hand hygiene .
`` It 's really important .
[ These are ] really powerful tools .
And as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter , these are going to be really , really important defense mechanisms . ''

CDC: At Least 20 Million Americans Have Had Coronavirus. Here's Who's At Highest Risk
Enlarge this image toggle caption Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images
Millions of Americans have probably had the coronavirus without knowing it.
That's the conclusion of officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and many other experts.
"Our best estimate right now is that for every case that was reported, there actually were 10 other infections," Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the CDC, said during a call with reporters Thursday.
Redfield estimates that between 5% and 8% of the U.S. population has been exposed. He points to results from communitywide antibody tests and other surveillance measures that point to this range. But, he emphasizes, that leaves more than 90% of Americans who have yet to be exposed and who remain susceptible.
To date, 2.3 million Americans have had confirmed coronavirus infections, but by the CDC's estimates, the real number could be at least 20 million.
The estimates validate what many public health researchers suspected — that the health system has failed to capture much of the spread of the virus within some communities.
"In the beginning, there wasn't a lot of testing that was done of younger, asymptomatic individuals," Redfield said. "So I think it's important for us to realize that we probably recognized about 10% of the outbreak by the methods that we used to diagnose between the March, April and May."
And certain people are more susceptible to serious illness from COVID-19. The CDC points to consistent evidence that a range of conditions put people at a higher risk. These include chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Type 2 diabetes, obesity, chronic heart disease, sickle cell disease and being immunocompromised.
Age also plays a role in the risk of serious illness, with most deaths from COVID-19 documented in people 65 and older. And the risk for serious illness or death increases the older a person is.
"While we are all at risk for COVID-19, we need to be aware of who is susceptible to severe complications so that we take appropriate measures to protect their health and well-being," Redfield said. The more risk factors people have, the higher their risk of serious illness or death. In fact, an analysis in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published last week, found that people with chronic conditions were 12 times more likely to die from the virus compared with those who didn't have underlying conditions.
Given that about 60% of American adults have at least one chronic medical condition, it's clear that many are at elevated risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Lifestyle-related diseases including Type 2 diabetes and obesity are among the most common conditions in the United States. These conditions can increase inflammation and tamp down the immune system.
In addition, the CDC published an analysis Thursday pointing to increased risks for pregnant women from COVID-19. Although pregnant women are not at greater risk of death from the virus, the study finds they are more likely to be hospitalized and more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit. They're also more likely to require intubation for breathing support compared with women who are not pregnant.
Given the risks, Redfield urged Americans to continue to take precautions. "This is still serious. It's significant," he emphasized. Case counts are on the rise in many Sunbelt states, and the virus continues to circulate widely.
"The most powerful tool that we have is social distancing," Redfield said. He also pointed to the importance of face coverings and good hand hygiene. "It's really important. [These are] really powerful tools. And as we go into the fall, in the winter, these are going to be really, really important defense mechanisms."


npr--2020-06-25--Nearly $1.4 Billion In Coronavirus Relief Payments Sent To Dead People

Nearly $ 1.4 Billion In Coronavirus Relief Payments Sent To Dead People The IRS sent nearly $ 1.4 billion in coronavirus relief payments to dead Americans , a new report by an independent government agency shows .
The Government Accountability Office said the error involved almost 1.1 million checks and direct deposits sent to ineligible Americans .
The payments were part of the coronavirus aid package passed in March known as the CARES Act .
So far , the IRS has dispersed over 160 million payments — worth nearly $ 270 billion — to people for coronavirus relief .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether dead people should receive payments , the GAO report concludes .
In the hectic early days , as the IRS was preparing to send out millions of payments , the tax bureau bypassed established protocols , declined to use available death records and did not clearly communicate with the Treasury Department , which oversees its work .
The IRS did not use those death records , which are maintained by the Social Security Administration , for the first three batches of coronavirus relief payments — which account for 72 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had developed a process in 2013 to use death records to prevent improper payments to dead people .
It bypassed these controls for coronavirus relief payments , the GAO found .
Initially , the IRS was unclear about whether the law permitted it to deny relief payments to the deceased .
And the Treasury Department was `` unaware the payments may go to decedents , '' the GAO found .
It was n't until later , after the Treasury Department realized that payments had been made to dead people , that it determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had died as of the date of the payment were not eligible for relief money .
An NPR investigation in May found that Americans who had died as early as January 2018 had received checks from the IRS .
In response to NPR 's story , a bipartisan group of lawmakers demanded answers from the Treasury Department and the IRS about how many dead Americans received the payments and what steps the government will take to recover the improperly dispensed money .
`` While it is essential that our constituents receive stimulus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deceased individuals represent significant government waste and a burden to constituents who mistakenly accept the payments , '' the lawmakers said in a letter .
The Treasury Department previously told NPR that payments made to people who died before the coronavirus relief payment was received should be returned to the government .
The IRS has published instructions on its website for how to return payments .
In its report , the Government Accountability Office said the IRS should consider ways of actively notifying ineligible recipients about how to return improperly dispensed payments .

Nearly $1.4 Billion In Coronavirus Relief Payments Sent To Dead People
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eric Gay/AP Eric Gay/AP
The IRS sent nearly $1.4 billion in coronavirus relief payments to dead Americans, a new report by an independent government agency shows.
The Government Accountability Office said the error involved almost 1.1 million checks and direct deposits sent to ineligible Americans. The payments were part of the coronavirus aid package passed in March known as the CARES Act.
So far, the IRS has dispersed over 160 million payments — worth nearly $270 billion — to people for coronavirus relief.
The improper payments happened because of confusion over whether dead people should receive payments, the GAO report concludes.
In the hectic early days, as the IRS was preparing to send out millions of payments, the tax bureau bypassed established protocols, declined to use available death records and did not clearly communicate with the Treasury Department, which oversees its work.
The IRS did not use those death records, which are maintained by the Social Security Administration, for the first three batches of coronavirus relief payments — which account for 72% of the money dispensed to date.
The IRS had developed a process in 2013 to use death records to prevent improper payments to dead people. It bypassed these controls for coronavirus relief payments, the GAO found.
Initially, the IRS was unclear about whether the law permitted it to deny relief payments to the deceased. And the Treasury Department was "unaware the payments may go to decedents," the GAO found.
It wasn't until later, after the Treasury Department realized that payments had been made to dead people, that it determined in conjunction with legal counsel that those who had died as of the date of the payment were not eligible for relief money.
An NPR investigation in May found that Americans who had died as early as January 2018 had received checks from the IRS.
In response to NPR's story, a bipartisan group of lawmakers demanded answers from the Treasury Department and the IRS about how many dead Americans received the payments and what steps the government will take to recover the improperly dispensed money.
"While it is essential that our constituents receive stimulus payments quickly, these improper payments to deceased individuals represent significant government waste and a burden to constituents who mistakenly accept the payments," the lawmakers said in a letter.
The Treasury Department previously told NPR that payments made to people who died before the coronavirus relief payment was received should be returned to the government.
The IRS has published instructions on its website for how to return payments.
In its report, the Government Accountability Office said the IRS should consider ways of actively notifying ineligible recipients about how to return improperly dispensed payments.


npr--2020-06-25--NASCAR Completes Noose Investigation; Can't Determine How It Got Into Driver's Garage

NASCAR Completes Noose Investigation ; Ca n't Determine How It Got Into Driver 's Garage NASCAR has finished its investigation and says it still does n't know who tied a noose that was discovered this past weekend in the garage stall used by African American stock car driver Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama .
NASCAR also released a photo taken on Sunday by its security personnel of what it says was the garage pull rope tied into a noose at a Talladega race in October of 2019 , and not reported until last weekend .
In a Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve Phelps said investigators conducted a thorough sweep of all garage areas across the tracks where NASCAR races .
That 's 29 tracks and 1,684 garage stalls .
44 of them are at Talladega .
Phelps said they found only 11 stalls using a pull down rope tied in a knot .
And only one was tied into a noose – the one discovered in Wallace 's garage .
`` We further determined , '' Phelps said , `` the noose was not in place when the October 2019 race weekend began , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that weekend . ''
`` Given that timing and the garage access policies and procedures at the time , we were unfortunately unable to determine with any certainty who tied this rope in this manner and why it was done . ''
`` We 'd like to have complete resolution here and have all the answers .
I know that 's unfulfilling .
I wish there 's more we could do but we ca n't and so we 've drawn this matter to a close . ''
Phelps acknowledged the investigation 's findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the noose ] have gone unnoticed by so many people in October 2019 and this past Sunday morning .
The noose was n't reported to a NASCAR official until late Sunday .
`` Our ultimate conclusion for this investigation is to ensure this never happens again , '' Phelps said , `` that no one walks by a noose without recognizing the potential damage it can do . ''
Toward that end , Phelps said NASCAR will be conducting thorough sweeps of garage areas and installing additional cameras in all garages .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all members of our industry complete sensitivity and unconscious bias training , '' he said .
NASCAR 's findings follow an FBI investigation that determined Wallace , the only Black driver in NASCAR 's top racing division , was not the victim of a hate crime .
Federal law enforcement officials confirmed the noose was in Wallace 's garage since last October , long before he and his team were assigned the stall for this past weekend 's scheduled race .
The FBI announcement earlier this week , that no crime was committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wallace had perpetrated a hoax .
`` Bubba Wallace and [ his team ] had nothing to do with this , '' Phelps said .
`` Bubba Wallace has done nothing but represent this sport with courage , class and dignity .
It is offensive seeing anyone suggest otherwise , and frankly it 's further evidence of how far we still need to go as a society . ''
But Phelps acknowledged his words might have fueled the emotions accompanying the roller coaster events that started with Sunday 's report about the noose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that found no crime , nor the person or people who tied the rope into a noose .
Sunday night , Phelps said in the initial statement that NASCAR was `` angry and outraged , and can not state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act . ''
Thursday , Phelps took `` full responsibility '' for using the strong words .
At the time , he said , NASCAR felt one of its drivers had been threatened .
But he said , in hindsight , he should 've used the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` heinous act . ''
`` Should we have toned that message down slightly ? ''
he said , `` Maybe we should have . ''
Phelps said he made the statement in the highly charged environment of recent days .
Wallace has been in the spotlight this month for his successful push to get the Confederate battle flag banned from NASCAR events – a move motivated , in large part , by the nationwide protests after the police killing of George Floyd in late May .
At Talladega last weekend , supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – a procession of cars and trucks flew the flag while a plane overhead pulled a huge Confederate flag and a banner reading `` Defund NASCAR . ''
Phelps hopes the investigation results do n't diminish the impact of what happened before Monday 's Talladega race , when fellow drivers , their teams and NASCAR officials joined together in a slow procession down the track 's pit road in a show of solidarity with Wallace .
`` The world saw our true colors , '' Phelps said , `` and it made us @ @ @ @ @

NASCAR Completes Noose Investigation; Can't Determine How It Got Into Driver's Garage
Enlarge this image toggle caption NASCAR NASCAR
NASCAR has finished its investigation and says it still doesn't know who tied a noose that was discovered this past weekend in the garage stall used by African American stock car driver Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.
NASCAR also released a photo taken on Sunday by its security personnel of what it says was the garage pull rope tied into a noose at a Talladega race in October of 2019, and not reported until last weekend.
In a Thursday conference call with reporters, NASCAR President Steve Phelps said investigators conducted a thorough sweep of all garage areas across the tracks where NASCAR races. That's 29 tracks and 1,684 garage stalls. 44 of them are at Talladega. Phelps said they found only 11 stalls using a pull down rope tied in a knot. And only one was tied into a noose – the one discovered in Wallace's garage.
"We further determined," Phelps said, "the noose was not in place when the October 2019 race weekend began, but was created at some point during that weekend."
"Given that timing and the garage access policies and procedures at the time, we were unfortunately unable to determine with any certainty who tied this rope in this manner and why it was done."
"We'd like to have complete resolution here and have all the answers. I know that's unfulfilling. I wish there's more we could do but we can't and so we've drawn this matter to a close."
Phelps acknowledged the investigation's findings prompt another question – how could [the noose] have gone unnoticed by so many people in October 2019 and this past Sunday morning. The noose wasn't reported to a NASCAR official until late Sunday.
"Our ultimate conclusion for this investigation is to ensure this never happens again," Phelps said, "that no one walks by a noose without recognizing the potential damage it can do."
Toward that end, Phelps said NASCAR will be conducting thorough sweeps of garage areas and installing additional cameras in all garages.
"[And] we will mandate that all members of our industry complete sensitivity and unconscious bias training," he said.
NASCAR's findings follow an FBI investigation that determined Wallace, the only Black driver in NASCAR's top racing division, was not the victim of a hate crime. Federal law enforcement officials confirmed the noose was in Wallace's garage since last October, long before he and his team were assigned the stall for this past weekend's scheduled race.
The FBI announcement earlier this week, that no crime was committed, unleashed allegations on social media that Wallace had perpetrated a hoax.
"Bubba Wallace and [his team] had nothing to do with this," Phelps said. "Bubba Wallace has done nothing but represent this sport with courage, class and dignity. It is offensive seeing anyone suggest otherwise, and frankly it's further evidence of how far we still need to go as a society."
But Phelps acknowledged his words might have fueled the emotions accompanying the roller coaster events that started with Sunday's report about the noose and now have ended with two investigations that found no crime, nor the person or people who tied the rope into a noose.
Sunday night, Phelps said in the initial statement that NASCAR was "angry and outraged, and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act."
Thursday, Phelps took "full responsibility" for using the strong words. At the time, he said, NASCAR felt one of its drivers had been threatened. But he said, in hindsight, he should've used the word "alleged" when describing the "heinous act."
"Should we have toned that message down slightly?" he said, "Maybe we should have."
Phelps said he made the statement in the highly charged environment of recent days.
Wallace has been in the spotlight this month for his successful push to get the Confederate battle flag banned from NASCAR events – a move motivated, in large part, by the nationwide protests after the police killing of George Floyd in late May. At Talladega last weekend, supporters of the flag demonstrated outside the track – a procession of cars and trucks flew the flag while a plane overhead pulled a huge Confederate flag and a banner reading "Defund NASCAR."
Phelps hopes the investigation results don't diminish the impact of what happened before Monday's Talladega race, when fellow drivers, their teams and NASCAR officials joined together in a slow procession down the track's pit road in a show of solidarity with Wallace.
"The world saw our true colors," Phelps said, "and it made us all incredibly proud."


npr--2020-06-25--Germany And France Promise New Financial Support To World Health Organization

Germany And France Promise New Financial Support To World Health Organization Less than a month after President Trump vowed to stop funding the World Health Organization , Germany and France say they will contribute financial backing to the agency in its fight against the coronavirus .
Germany promised to give 500 million euros ( over $ 560 million ) in funding and equipment to the WHO this year , as the country assumes the presidency of the European Union .
`` We need a strong , efficient , transparent and accountable WHO today more than ever , '' said German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference in Geneva .
`` Isolated national answers to international problems are doomed to fail . ''
The pledges follow President Trump 's announcement last month that the U.S. was cutting ties with what he labeled the `` China-centric '' WHO , but his administration has not yet formally notified the United Nations agency .
During the last WHO budget cycle at the end of 2019 , the U.S. provided over 15 % of the WHO 's funding , with a total contribution of $ 893 million .
Trump has criticized the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and too susceptible to Chinese influence .
`` We are getting today all the support we need , politically and financially .
Both Germany and France are long-standing friends of WHO and global health , '' said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a news conference .
France said it would give 90 million euros ( about $ 100 million ) to a WHO research center in Lyon as well as an additional contribution of 50 million euros ( $ 56 million ) .
The WHO is dependent on membership fees and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states , along with donations from international organizations and private donors .
According to the WHO , Germany 's total contribution during the last budget cycle was over $ 292 million .
Germany 's new WHO support package must first be approved by parliament , Health Minister Spahn said , adding that the government is optimistic it will be passed by the beginning of July .
Spahn also pressed for improvements in the WHO , saying Germany 's increased spending `` comes with the clear expectation that remaining challenges are adequately addressed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A senior European health official told Reuters last week that European governments are working with the U.S. on plans to overhaul the WHO , signaling that Europe shares at least some of the concerns that led Washington to announce it would cut its funding of the agency .

Germany And France Promise New Financial Support To World Health Organization
Enlarge this image toggle caption Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
Less than a month after President Trump vowed to stop funding the World Health Organization, Germany and France say they will contribute financial backing to the agency in its fight against the coronavirus.
Germany promised to give 500 million euros (over $560 million) in funding and equipment to the WHO this year, as the country assumes the presidency of the European Union.
"We need a strong, efficient, transparent and accountable WHO today more than ever," said German Health Minister Jens Spahn in a news conference in Geneva. "Isolated national answers to international problems are doomed to fail."
The pledges follow President Trump's announcement last month that the U.S. was cutting ties with what he labeled the "China-centric" WHO, but his administration has not yet formally notified the United Nations agency. During the last WHO budget cycle at the end of 2019, the U.S. provided over 15% of the WHO's funding, with a total contribution of $893 million. Trump has criticized the agency as being too slow in tackling the pandemic and too susceptible to Chinese influence.
"We are getting today all the support we need, politically and financially. Both Germany and France are long-standing friends of WHO and global health," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a news conference.
France said it would give 90 million euros (about $100 million) to a WHO research center in Lyon as well as an additional contribution of 50 million euros ($56 million).
The WHO is dependent on membership fees and voluntary extra contributions from its 194 member states, along with donations from international organizations and private donors. According to the WHO, Germany's total contribution during the last budget cycle was over $292 million.
Germany's new WHO support package must first be approved by parliament, Health Minister Spahn said, adding that the government is optimistic it will be passed by the beginning of July.
Spahn also pressed for improvements in the WHO, saying Germany's increased spending "comes with the clear expectation that remaining challenges are adequately addressed and needed reforms are pushed forward."
A senior European health official told Reuters last week that European governments are working with the U.S. on plans to overhaul the WHO, signaling that Europe shares at least some of the concerns that led Washington to announce it would cut its funding of the agency.