npr--2020-06-17--Trump Told China To 'Go Ahead' With Prison Camps, Bolton Alleges In New Book

Trump Told China To 'Go Ahead ' With Prison Camps , Bolton Alleges In New Book President Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping that he endorsed Beijing 's now-infamous archipelago of prison camps for minority Uighurs , John Bolton writes in his new memoir , The Room Where It Happened .
The former national security adviser quotes U.S. officials who took part in Trump 's meetings with Chinese counterparts and their interpreters ; the U.S. president said he thought building the camps was `` exactly the right thing to do , '' Bolton writes .
Trump generally has been silent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mostly Muslim Uighurs , who are subject to an Orwellian program of surveillance and repression .
Roughly 1 million people have been detained without trial , subjected to `` reeducation '' and other harsh treatment .
Trump 's support for Xi 's program is one of a number of revelatory allegations Bolton makes against Trump in the new memoir , one that details what the former national security adviser calls the president 's transactional dealings with world leaders that went beyond those in the Ukraine affair , for which Trump was impeached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cynicism and `` chaos '' he saw within the White House under Trump , he writes .
Trump also asked Xi to accommodate shifts in trade policy that the president believed would help his electoral fortunes in agricultural states , Bolton writes — and he suggests there are official accounts of those discussions that could back him up .
They do n't appear in the book because of objections by the National Security Council over classification issues , Bolton writes .
The nature of allegations likely will spur calls from members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the records in the way it did with official accounts of conversations in the Ukraine affair .
Bolton dueled for months with the National Security Council over the release of the book , which was first scheduled for publication earlier this year .
The White House has sought to stop or delay that over what it calls concerns about the classification of some material .
On Wednesday evening , the Justice Department filed a motion for an emergency restraining order against Bolton to block publication of his book .
It requested a Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release next Tuesday .
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said the statement was part of his obligation to `` protect the critical work of the Intelligence Community from any and all unauthorized disclosures . ''
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany faulted Bolton earlier on Wednesday because she said he reveals classified information in his book .
`` It 's unacceptable .
It has not gone through the review process , and that 's where we currently stand , '' she said .
Bolton and publisher Simon & Schuster said they concluded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was scheduled for release on June 23 , and copies of the book have been distributed to reviewers and distributors , including NPR 's Ron Elving .
In a statement Wednesday , the publisher called the filing `` a frivolous , politically motivated exercise in futility '' that `` would accomplish nothing . ''
Bolton has become a rare unifying figure in Washington , reviled both by Republicans and Democrats — but for different reasons .
Trump and the White House call him a disgruntled burnout and dismiss the allegations in the book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break with the president .
But Bolton 's allegations create an uncomfortable situation for China hawks within the GOP who 've often allied with Trump and called for Washington to hold a tougher line with Beijing and take the moral high ground over China 's treatment of Uighurs .
On Wednesday , Trump signed into law the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020 , which the president says `` holds accountable perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses such as the systematic use of indoctrination camps , forced labor , and intrusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious beliefs of Uyghurs and other minorities in China . ''
Trump , according to Bolton , dismissed Chinese human rights abuses in its western Xinjiang province and in Hong Kong .
He also downplayed the importance of U.S. obligations to Taiwan , Bolton writes .
`` Although it came in several variations , one of Trump 's favorite comparisons was to point to the tip of one of his Sharpie [ marker 's ] and say , 'this is Taiwan , ' then point to [ his desk in the Oval Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
So much for American commitments and obligations to another democratic ally , '' Bolton writes .
Former Vice President Joe Biden , the likely Democratic nominee for president this year , excoriated Trump in a statement on Wednesday evening following the reports about Bolton 's book .
`` He was willing to trade away our most cherished democratic values for the empty promise of a flimsy trade deal that bailed him out of his disastrous tariff war that did so much damage to our farmers , manufacturers , and consumers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that letting the president of China run the table on us in the long run would give him another term in the short run . ''
Democrats were incensed that Bolton resisted taking part in impeachment proceedings last year and early this year .
He and a key deputy could have told lawmakers what they knew on the record and under oath , Democrats said — but they sought a court ruling on the matter after the White House blocked their testimony .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats had done the right thing by pursuing impeachment .
`` It was clear then and could not be any clearer now : The vote to convict and remove Donald Trump from office was absolutely the right vote , '' Schumer said .
`` The revelations in Mr. Bolton 's book make Senate Republicans ' craven actions on impeachment look even worse — and history will judge them for it . ''
Ultimately , Republicans used their majority in the Senate during Trump 's impeachment trial not to compel Bolton or other witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the record .
Trump supporters argued the underlying conduct in the Ukraine affair was n't impeachable and that , in the case of Bolton , it was n't the Senate 's role to help develop evidence — only to assess it when sitting as a jury in judgment of Trump .
Other allies of the president said on Wednesday that anything Bolton says now is suspect because he is seeking to cash in with a big book advance , sales and publicity .
Trump froze U.S. aid to Ukraine for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce an investigation into Biden and his family .
Ultimately the aid was restored , and the Ukrainians never announced the investigation .
Biden was embarrassed by the attention the story placed on his son , Hunter , who was paid for a time by a Ukrainian company even as Biden was vice president and heading up Ukraine matters for then-President Barack Obama .
No laws were broken , investigators concluded , but Republicans in Congress say they intend to continue looking into the story over the coming year .
Bolton , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was being revealed , opposed Trump 's strategy and said as much to Trump during his time as national security adviser .
That aspect of the story is developed in Bolton 's new book , from his perspective .
But Bolton never told Congress that story officially , and critics have lambasted him for only doing so now , with a book for sale , when the political moment in Washington has moved on to such a degree .
Bolton , according to a statement from the publisher , argues that House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment because what Bolton calls Trump 's improper conduct went so far beyond the Ukraine affair .

Trump Told China To 'Go Ahead' With Prison Camps, Bolton Alleges In New Book
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mark Humphrey/AP Mark Humphrey/AP
Updated at 9:33 p.m. ET
President Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping that he endorsed Beijing's now-infamous archipelago of prison camps for minority Uighurs, John Bolton writes in his new memoir, The Room Where It Happened.
The former national security adviser quotes U.S. officials who took part in Trump's meetings with their Chinese counterparts.
"According to our interpreter, Trump said that Xi should go ahead with building the camps, which he thought was exactly the right thing to do," Bolton writes. Another official said something similar, "which meant we could cross repression of the Uighurs off our list of possible reasons to sanction China, at least as long as trade negotiations continued."
Trump generally has been silent in public about China's treatment of the mostly Muslim Uighurs, who are subject to an Orwellian program of surveillance and repression. Roughly 1 million people have been detained without trial, subjected to "reeducation" and other harsh treatment.
Trump's support for Xi's program is one of a number of revelatory allegations Bolton makes against Trump in the new memoir, one that details what the former national security adviser calls the president's transactional dealings with world leaders that went beyond those in the Ukraine affair, for which Trump was impeached.
Bolton was "astonished" by the cynicism and "chaos" he saw within the White House under Trump, he writes.
Trump also asked Xi to accommodate shifts in trade policy that the president believed would help his electoral fortunes in agricultural states, Bolton writes — and he suggests there are official accounts of those discussions that could back him up.
They don't appear in the book because of objections by the National Security Council over classification issues, Bolton writes.
U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer rejected Bolton's account Wednesday. "Absolutely untrue. Never happened. I was there," he said of that Xi meeting during a Senate Finance hearing. "I was at the meeting ... nothing like that happened ... Completely crazy."
The nature of allegations likely will spur calls from members of Congress for the White House to release the records in the way it did with official accounts of conversations in the Ukraine affair.
Bolton dueled for months with the National Security Council over the release of the book, which was first scheduled for publication earlier this year.
The White House has sought to stop or delay that over what it calls concerns about the classification of some material.
On Wednesday evening, the Justice Department filed a motion for an emergency restraining order against Bolton to block publication of his book. It requested a Friday hearing ahead of the book's scheduled release next Tuesday.
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said the statement was part of his obligation to "protect the critical work of the Intelligence Community from any and all unauthorized disclosures."
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany faulted Bolton earlier on Wednesday because she said he reveals classified information in his book.
"It's unacceptable. It has not gone through the review process, and that's where we currently stand," she said.
Bolton and publisher Simon & Schuster said they concluded negotiating the version of the text that was scheduled for release on June 23, and copies of the book have been distributed to reviewers and distributors, including NPR's Ron Elving. In a statement Wednesday, the publisher called the filing "a frivolous, politically motivated exercise in futility" that "would accomplish nothing."
Bipartisan lightning rod
Bolton has become a rare unifying figure in Washington, reviled both by Republicans and Democrats — but for different reasons.
Trump and the White House call him a disgruntled burnout and dismiss the allegations in the book as not credible because of Bolton's break with the president.
But Bolton's allegations create an uncomfortable situation for China hawks within the GOP who've often allied with Trump and called for Washington to hold a tougher line with Beijing and take the moral high ground over China's treatment of Uighurs. On Wednesday, Trump signed into law the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, which the president says "holds accountable perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses such as the systematic use of indoctrination camps, forced labor, and intrusive surveillance to eradicate the ethnic identity and religious beliefs of Uyghurs and other minorities in China."
Trump, according to Bolton, dismissed Chinese human rights abuses in its western Xinjiang province and in Hong Kong. He also downplayed the importance of U.S. obligations to Taiwan, Bolton writes.
"Although it came in several variations, one of Trump's favorite comparisons was to point to the tip of one of his Sharpie [marker's] and say, 'this is Taiwan,' then point to [his desk in the Oval Office] and say, 'this is China.' So much for American commitments and obligations to another democratic ally," Bolton writes.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the likely Democratic nominee for president this year, excoriated Trump in a statement on Wednesday evening following the reports about Bolton's book.
"He was willing to trade away our most cherished democratic values for the empty promise of a flimsy trade deal that bailed him out of his disastrous tariff war that did so much damage to our farmers, manufacturers, and consumers," Biden said. "He thought that letting the president of China run the table on us in the long run would give him another term in the short run."
Criticism endures
Democrats were incensed that Bolton resisted taking part in impeachment proceedings last year and early this year. He and a key deputy could have told lawmakers what they knew on the record and under oath, Democrats said — but they sought a court ruling on the matter after the White House blocked their testimony.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on Wednesday that Bolton's account proves that Democrats had done the right thing by pursuing impeachment.
"It was clear then and could not be any clearer now: The vote to convict and remove Donald Trump from office was absolutely the right vote," Schumer said.
"The revelations in Mr. Bolton's book make Senate Republicans' craven actions on impeachment look even worse — and history will judge them for it."
Ultimately, Republicans used their majority in the Senate during Trump's impeachment trial not to compel Bolton or other witnesses with subpoena, keeping his official evidence out of the record.
Trump supporters argued the underlying conduct in the Ukraine affair wasn't impeachable and that, in the case of Bolton, it wasn't the Senate's role to help develop evidence — only to assess it when sitting as a jury in judgment of Trump.
Other allies of the president said on Wednesday that anything Bolton says now is suspect because he is seeking to cash in with a big book advance, sales and publicity.
The Ukraine affair
Trump froze U.S. aid to Ukraine for a time while he wanted Ukrainian officials to announce an investigation into Biden and his family. Ultimately the aid was restored, and the Ukrainians never announced the investigation.
Biden was embarrassed by the attention the story placed on his son, Hunter, who was paid for a time by a Ukrainian company even as Biden was vice president and heading up Ukraine matters for then-President Barack Obama.
No laws were broken, investigators concluded, but Republicans in Congress say they intend to continue looking into the story over the coming year.
Bolton, according to others' accounts at the time this was being revealed, opposed Trump's strategy and said as much to Trump during his time as national security adviser. That aspect of the story is developed in Bolton's new book, from his perspective.
But Bolton never told Congress that story officially, and critics have lambasted him for only doing so now, with a book for sale, when the political moment in Washington has moved on to such a degree.
Bolton, according to a statement from the publisher, argues that House Democrats committed "malpractice" with their impeachment because what Bolton calls Trump's improper conduct went so far beyond the Ukraine affair.


npr--2020-06-17--Target Makes Extra Coronavirus Pay Permanent, Boosts Hourly Minimum To $15

Target is raising its starting wage to $ 15 an hour , making permanent a $ 2 salary bump the company gave its U.S. workers during the coronavirus pandemic .
The retailer had previously planned to reach the $ 15-an-hour minimum by the end of 2020 , but on Wednesday said the new pay minimum will kick in on July 5 instead .
Target 's announcement comes as its `` hazard pay '' was slated to expire — after several extensions — at a time when many essential retailers have phased out their pandemic bonuses .
`` Everything we aspire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ builds on the central role our team members play in our strategy , their dedication to our purpose and the connection they create with our guests and communities , '' CEO Brian Cornell said in a statement .
The new minimum will apply to all hourly full-time and part-time workers at stores , distribution centers and headquarters , Target said .
The company had started phasing in wage increases in 2011 , starting at $ 11 an hour and reaching $ 13 last year .
Among Target 's competitors , Amazon raised its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .
That same year , Walmart raised its minimum pay to $ 11 an hour .
Costco announced its $ 15 minimum in 2019 .
The federal minimum wage has been stuck at at $ 7.25 an hour since 2009 , though some states and cities have surpassed it .
Target , which has seen a massive surge in demand as it remained open during the pandemic , on Wednesday also said it will pay a one-time `` recognition bonus '' of $ 200 to eligible frontline workers and touted other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is among NPR 's financial supporters .

Target Makes Extra Coronavirus Pay Permanent, Boosts Hourly Minimum To $15
Enlarge this image toggle caption Nati Harnik/AP Nati Harnik/AP
Target is raising its starting wage to $15 an hour, making permanent a $2 salary bump the company gave its U.S. workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
The retailer had previously planned to reach the $15-an-hour minimum by the end of 2020, but on Wednesday said the new pay minimum will kick in on July 5 instead. Target's announcement comes as its "hazard pay" was slated to expire — after several extensions — at a time when many essential retailers have phased out their pandemic bonuses.
"Everything we aspire to do and be as a company builds on the central role our team members play in our strategy, their dedication to our purpose and the connection they create with our guests and communities," CEO Brian Cornell said in a statement.
The new minimum will apply to all hourly full-time and part-time workers at stores, distribution centers and headquarters, Target said. The company had started phasing in wage increases in 2011, starting at $11 an hour and reaching $13 last year.
Among Target's competitors, Amazon raised its starting salary to $15 an hour in 2018. That same year, Walmart raised its minimum pay to $11 an hour. Costco announced its $15 minimum in 2019. The federal minimum wage has been stuck at at $7.25 an hour since 2009, though some states and cities have surpassed it.
Target, which has seen a massive surge in demand as it remained open during the pandemic, on Wednesday also said it will pay a one-time "recognition bonus" of $200 to eligible frontline workers and touted other perks.
Editor's note: Target is among NPR's financial supporters.


npr--2020-06-17--Former Atlanta Police Officer Who Shot Rayshard Brooks Charged With Felony Murder

Former Atlanta Police Officer Who Shot Rayshard Brooks Charged With Felony Murder The white Atlanta police officer who shot a 27-year-old black man in the back last week in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant will face a charge of felony murder and 10 other charges , a Georgia county prosecutor announced Wednesday .
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said Garrett Rolfe , who fired the fatal shots at Rayshard Brooks , could face a possible sentence of life without parole or the death penalty .
Rolfe , who has since been fired from the police department , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deadly weapon and violations of office .
The other officer , Devin Brosnan , who remains with the Atlanta Police Department and has been placed on administrative desk duty , is also facing charges .
Among them is aggravated assault , which carries a possible sentence of one to 20 years in prison .
Arrests warrants have been issued for both men .
The decision to bring charges comes five days after the officers were called to a Wendy 's fast-food restaurant .
They found Brooks asleep in his car , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been drinking earlier .
Video released by police over the weekend shows that Brooks was speaking with officers for nearly a half-hour .
It includes him doing a field sobriety test , which he failed .
Things took a turn when the officers attempted to put handcuffs on Brooks .
He was able to grab the stun gun of one of the officers and started to run off .
Then , Rolfe pulled up his service weapon and fired .
Howard , the Fulton County district attorney , said during a news briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a threat . ''
`` At the very beginning , he was peacefully sleeping in his car ; after he was awakened by the officer , he was cooperative ; and he was directed to move his car to another location .
He calmly moved his car , '' Howard said .
`` Mr. Brooks never displayed any aggressive behavior , '' he added .
He also noted that for a period of more than two minutes after he was shot , `` there was no medical attention applied to Mr .
Brooks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rolfe kicked Brooks while he was on the ground .
In filing charges , Howard said , prosecutors relied in part on a statement made on the video by Rolfe , `` I got him . ''
Officials said Brosnan , the other officer , stood on Brooks ' shoulder after he was shot .
According to Howard , Brosnan has cooperated with the investigation .
Tomika Miller , Brooks ' widow , said a separate briefing Wednesday evening she was `` very grateful '' the district attorney was providing `` the truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that night .
`` I was very hurt , '' Miller said through tears when asked what was going through her mind about what officers did to Brooks before medical aid was called .
`` I ca n't imagine being there because I do n't know what I would have done if I would have seen that for myself , '' Miller said .
`` I felt everything that he felt just by hearing what he went through . ''
An attorney for Brooks ' family said it would be a long journey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is not the finish line , this is the starting point , '' attorney Justin Miller said .
`` Step two is convictions on all charges .
And then after that , we have to find a way to try to make things right for the Brooks family . ''
Brooks ' killing comes as protests continue across many U.S. cities to call attention to systemic racism and social injustices , including police brutality on communities of color .
Those protests coincide with the recent high-profile killings of black Americans by law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Breonna Taylor and David McAtee in Louisville , Ky. A former police officer is among those accused of murdering Ahmaud Arbery in February in Glynn County , Ga .
In the case of McAtee , Kentucky officials said last week that the investigation is ongoing .
Officials also determined that the fatal shot , on June 1 , came from the Kentucky National Guard , which was working with police .
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said during a Monday news conference that Brooks ' death `` angered me and it saddened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening we saw the murder of Rayshard Brooks , '' Bottoms said .
`` It is clear that we do not have another day , another minute , another hour to waste . ''
She also announced administrative orders aimed at reforming the Atlanta Police Department 's use-of-force rules and de-escalation protocols .
Over the weekend , the mayor accepted the resignation of Police Chief Erika Shields .
As Georgia Public Broadcasting reported , a nationwide search for her replacement is underway , and the mayor has said that Shields will serve in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined . ''
There is also reporting from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Guardian indicating that Rolfe , the officer who killed Brooks , was previously reprimanded for his use of force .
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Rolfe received a written reprimand in 2017 for using his firearm .
His file , according to the paper , included a dozen other incidents ranging from vehicular accidents to complaints from citizens .
`` He was exonerated in nine of those internal investigations , '' the newspaper reported .
The Guardian reported about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other officers shot at Jackie Jermaine Harris , who was caught driving a stolen vehicle .
Harris rammed a law enforcement vehicle , the paper reported , and the officers shot at him multiple times .
`` However , the shooting was not reported by the police involved , '' The Guardian added .
`` Harris , like Brooks , is African American . ''

Former Atlanta Police Officer Who Shot Rayshard Brooks Charged With Felony Murder
Enlarge this image toggle caption Atlanta Police Department via AP Atlanta Police Department via AP
Updated 3:50 a.m. ET Thursday
The white Atlanta police officer who shot a 27-year-old black man in the back last week in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant will face a charge of felony murder and 10 other charges, a Georgia county prosecutor announced Wednesday.
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said Garrett Rolfe, who fired the fatal shots at Rayshard Brooks, could face a possible sentence of life without parole or the death penalty.
Rolfe, who has since been fired from the police department, was also charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and violations of office.
The other officer, Devin Brosnan, who remains with the Atlanta Police Department and has been placed on administrative desk duty, is also facing charges. Among them is aggravated assault, which carries a possible sentence of one to 20 years in prison.
Arrest warrants have been issued for both men.
The decision to bring charges comes five days after the officers were called to a Wendy's fast-food restaurant. They found Brooks asleep in his car, and he admitted to officers that he had been drinking earlier.
The Atlanta Police Department later said a "higher than usual" number of officers had not come to work Wednesday night, following the announcement of the charges. The department refuted claims that officers from each zone in the city had walked off the job and assured the public that the city had "enough resources to maintain operations and remain able to respond to incidents."
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told CNN that some officers were staying on past their scheduled shifts to make up the difference, and the city could call on partners in other departments across the area for assistance if needed.
Video released by police over the weekend shows that Brooks was speaking with officers for nearly a half-hour. It includes him doing a field sobriety test, which he failed.
Things took a turn when the officers attempted to put handcuffs on Brooks. He was able to grab the stun gun of one of the officers. As Brooks starts to run off, he points and fires it in the officers' direction.
Moments later, Rolfe pulls his service weapon and fires, striking Brooks.
Howard, the Fulton County district attorney, said during a news briefing that Brooks "never presented himself as a threat."
"At the very beginning, he was peacefully sleeping in his car; after he was awakened by the officer, he was cooperative; and he was directed to move his car to another location. He calmly moved his car," Howard said.
"Mr. Brooks never displayed any aggressive behavior," he added.
He also noted that for a period of more than two minutes after he was shot, "there was no medical attention applied to Mr. Brooks."
Georgia officials also said that Rolfe kicked Brooks while he was on the ground.
In filing charges, Howard said, prosecutors relied in part on a statement made on the video by Rolfe, "I got him."
Officials said Brosnan, the other officer, stood on Brooks' shoulder after he was shot. According to Howard, Brosnan has cooperated with the investigation.
Tomika Miller, Brooks' widow, said at a separate briefing Wednesday evening she was "very grateful" the district attorney was providing "the truth" of what happened to her husband that night.
"I was very hurt," Miller said through tears when asked what was going through her mind about what officers did to Brooks before medical aid was called.
"I can't imagine being there because I don't know what I would have done if I would have seen that for myself," Miller said. "I felt everything that he felt just by hearing what he went through."
An attorney for Brooks' family said it would be a long journey before justice could be served.
"This is not the finish line, this is the starting point," attorney Justin Miller said. "Step two is convictions on all charges. And then after that, we have to find a way to try to make things right for the Brooks family."
Brooks' killing comes as protests continue across many U.S. cities to call attention to systemic racism and social injustice, including police brutality on communities of color.
Those protests coincide with the recent high-profile killings of black Americans by law enforcement, including George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor and David McAtee in Louisville, Ky. A former police officer is among those accused of murdering Ahmaud Arbery in February in Glynn County, Ga.
In the case of McAtee, Kentucky officials said last week that the investigation is ongoing. Officials also determined that the fatal shot, on June 1, came from the Kentucky National Guard, which was working with police.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said during a Monday news conference that Brooks' death "angered me and it saddened me beyond words."
"Friday evening we saw the murder of Rayshard Brooks," Bottoms said. "It is clear that we do not have another day, another minute, another hour to waste."
She also announced administrative orders aimed at reforming the Atlanta Police Department's use-of-force rules and de-escalation protocols.
Over the weekend, the mayor accepted the resignation of Police Chief Erika Shields. As Georgia Public Broadcasting reported, a nationwide search for her replacement is underway, and the mayor has said that Shields will serve in a role that is "to be determined."
There is also reporting from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Guardian indicating that Rolfe, the officer who killed Brooks, was previously reprimanded for his use of force.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Rolfe received a written reprimand in 2017 for using his firearm. His file, according to the paper, included a dozen other incidents ranging from vehicular accidents to complaints from citizens.
"He was exonerated in nine of those internal investigations," the newspaper reported.
The Guardian reported on a 2015 incident in which Rolfe and two other officers shot at Jackie Jermaine Harris, who was caught driving a stolen vehicle. Harris rammed a law enforcement vehicle, the paper reported, and the officers shot at him multiple times.
"However, the shooting was not reported by the police involved," The Guardian added. "Harris, like Brooks, is African American."


npr--2020-06-17--With Season Still In Jeopardy, Fauci Says MLB Should Finish Before Fall

With Season Still In Jeopardy , Fauci Says MLB Should Finish Before Fall While it 's still unclear when , if ever , Major League Baseball will play a 2020 season , a new recommendation from Dr. Anthony Fauci may have the league consider an earlier ending .
Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said in an interview with The Los Angeles Times that he would recommend the league finish its postseason before October .
`` If the question is time , I would try to keep it in the core summer months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we play the World Series , until the end of October when it 's cold , '' Fauci told the LA Times .
`` I would avoid that . ''
The league , which usually starts play in April and ends in October , put opening day on hold back in March along with most major sports organizations .
Though as states lifted restrictions , the league began eyeing a date to get the season underway .
Unfortunately for fans , however teams and the player 's union have been unable to agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also wavered in his confidence of a 2020 season , going from asserting that he was `` 100 % '' certain to saying this year might not see any MLB games , according to the Associated Press .
Noting that the warmer states of California and Arizona are starting to see resurgences as they open , Fauci said the spread of the coronavirus is still a major threat during the summer months .
Unlike in summer , however , a season that bled into winter would have to face the dual threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If you look at the kinds of things that could happen , there 's no guarantee of anything .
You would want to do it at a time when there is n't the overlap between influenza and the possibility of a fall second wave , `` Fauci said .
Playing games amid both a pandemic and flu seasons , Fauci went on to say , is also only one of the risks a cold weather baseball season may entail .
`` Under most circumstances — but we do n't know for sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather starts to get colder and people start spending more time inside , as opposed to outside , '' Fauci said .
`` The community has a greater chance of getting infected.
`` Fauci was quick to point out , though , that safety is just one concern among many , '' Money disputes between players and owners have loomed largest in recent debates over when many professional sports organizations will resume play .

With Season Still In Jeopardy, Fauci Says MLB Should Finish Before Fall
Enlarge this image toggle caption Elaine Thompson/AP Elaine Thompson/AP
While it's still unclear when, if ever, Major League Baseball will play a 2020 season, a new recommendation from Dr. Anthony Fauci may have the league consider an earlier ending.
Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in an interview with The Los Angeles Times that he would recommend the league finish its postseason before October.
"If the question is time, I would try to keep it in the core summer months and end it not with the way we play the World Series, until the end of October when it's cold," Fauci told the LA Times. "I would avoid that."
The league, which usually starts play in April and ends in October, put opening day on hold back in March along with most major sports organizations. Though as states lifted restrictions, the league began eyeing a date to get the season underway. Unfortunately for fans, however teams and the player's union have been unable to agree on a schedule.
Commissioner Rob Manfred has also wavered in his confidence of a 2020 season, going from asserting that he was "100 %" certain to saying this year might not see any MLB games, according to the Associated Press.
Noting that the warmer states of California and Arizona are starting to see resurgences as they open, Fauci said the spread of the coronavirus is still a major threat during the summer months. Unlike in summer, however, a season that bled into winter would have to face the dual threat of the pandemic and flu season.
"If you look at the kinds of things that could happen, there's no guarantee of anything. You would want to do it at a time when there isn't the overlap between influenza and the possibility of a fall second wave, " Fauci said.
Playing games amid both a pandemic and flu seasons, Fauci went on to say, is also only one of the risks a cold weather baseball season may entail.
"Under most circumstances — but we don't know for sure here — viruses do better when the weather starts to get colder and people start spending more time inside, as opposed to outside," Fauci said. "The community has a greater chance of getting infected. "
Fauci was quick to point out, though, that safety is just one concern among many," Money disputes between players and owners have loomed largest in recent debates over when many professional sports organizations will resume play.


npr--2020-06-17--Amid Confusion About Reopening, An Expert Explains How To Assess COVID-19 Risk

Amid Confusion About Reopening , An Expert Explains How To Assess COVID-19 Risk Across the country , states are loosening the restrictions that had been put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 — with varying results .
New cases are decreasing in some states , including New York , Michigan and Colorado , while case numbers and hospitalizations have swelled recently in several states , including Texas , Arizona and Florida .
`` Since the very first day of this pandemic , I do n't think [ we 've been ] in a more confused position about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` We just are n't quite sure what [ the coronavirus is ] going to do next . ''
Osterholm is the founder and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota .
His 2017 book , Deadliest Enemy : Our War Against Killer Germs , was recently republished with a new foreword about COVID-19 .
Mark Olshaker is the book 's co-author .
From the earliest days of the pandemic , the coronavirus has often been treated as a political issue rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been made of President Trump 's refusal to wear a mask in public .
But Osterholm says that the risks from COVID-19 supersede partisanship .
`` We will all know somebody — we will all love somebody — who will die from this disease , '' he says .
`` Eventually there wo n't be any blue states or red states .
There wo n't be any blue cities or red rural areas .
It 'll all be COVID colored . ''
Osterholm says that face masks and physical distancing remain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus .
But he adds that `` distancing '' should n't mean cutting off all social contact .
`` It 's physical distancing .
... Do n't socially distance .
If there was ever a time when we all need each other , it 's now , '' he says .
`` We need to start an epidemic of kindness right now to take on this pandemic of this virus . ''
On anticipating a second , worse wave of COVID-19 cases If cases should disappear over the course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or at least be greatly reduced , that is not necessarily good news .
It surely seems counterintuitive that we would want cases to happen .
I do n't want anybody to get sick , severely ill or die .
But if we saw a trough of cases in the next two months , I think that would really tell us that we 're likely to have this big second wave , much like we would see with influenza , which could be much worse .
I think the one factor that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that , to date , we have about 5 to 7 % of the U.S. population has been infected with this virus .
That 's it .
All the pain , suffering , death and economic disruption have occurred with 5 to 7 % .
But this virus is not going to slow down transmission overall .
It may come and go , but it will keep transmitting until we get at least 60 or 70 % of the population infected and hopefully develop immunity — or if we get a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And so I want to be really clear : None of us are suggesting this is going to stop and go away , but if we see these starts and stops of the virus in between times , it 's just that we do n't know quite what 's happening .
On the conflicting messages of some places reopening while others remain in lockdown I think right now , most of the world — not just the United States , but most of the world — is quite confused about what to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And what I mean by that is , is that already I think we 've seen pandemic fatigue set in , in the United States .
Right around Memorial Day , the country was ready to say , `` We 're done with this .
We 're unlocking .
We 're going to no longer do the kind of physical distancing that 's been recommended .
We should reopen the economy .
Let 's let the cards fall where they may . ''
And I think to myself , wow , that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population has been infected .
How might we ever get a population to do what it needs to do to reduce transmission to hopefully get to that vaccine before the disease gets us to that 60 or 70 % level .
That 's going to be months and months .
This is not what is going to last for a few more weeks .
And if you look at influenza pandemics , they all did last for years , not for just a couple of months .
And so I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is helping people understand : We 've got to figure out how to live with this virus as much as we 've had to painfully understand how to die with this virus .
On how COVID-19 transmission from surfaces is unlikely ( and you can stop wiping down your packages ) One of the challenges we have with this disease , first of all , is making sure that we really have accurate and actionable information for the public .
The public right now is so confused about what is safe and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the challenges has been is this idea that surfaces play a major role in transmission .
We 've looked very carefully at the data dating back for decades and research about these kinds of respiratory transmitted infections .
And clearly , the surfaces play a very , very little role at all in transmission of this .
I think we 've gone way overboard relative to the disinfection and so forth , and we 've made people feel very nervous about just opening a package , that type of thing .
And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean , this is really all about air .
Breathing someone else 's air where the virus is present .
It 's much , much , much less about environmental contamination .
I would not tell people not to wash your hands , because I deal with a lot of the diseases where hand-washing is very , very important .
But I would also say no one needs to be frightened of their physical environment with this virus .
It 's the air they 're breathing .
And so if that gives people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
...
I do n't worry about food .
I do n't worry about newsprint .
I do n't worry about packages I get here .
I do n't worry about doorknobs and railings any more than I would during the regular cold season .
[ That 's not ] what 's going to be the major challenge with this virus .
...
It 's the air that we share with each other that is critical .
That 's why distancing is so important .
On the risk of transmission from the outdoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurred and we were watching it on our televisions , or being part of the protests themselves , it was clear that we were seeing all these people together for what had just been several months of hardly anyone together .
And so the challenge of would this virus be transmitted in that environment was surely front and center for everyone in public health .
Now , when we looked at that , we realized that it was outdoors largely , which in that case , the virus dissipates quite quickly into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movements around , it literally blows the cloud away and , in a sense , disintegrates it .
And so that would mean a lot less exposure to someone breathing the air near someone else who might be infected .
On the other hand , there were risk factors that we were concerned about , such as people who were exposed to tear gas and smoke that were coughing substantially .
People yelling , shouting , whether they had a mask on or not , which we know can aerosolize the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming out of that voice .
And then on top of that , we had individuals who were arrested , put in holding vehicles , sometimes for several hours before they were transported to the local jails , and they are then processed and put in a jail cell overnight .
All of that would have likely increased cases .
But as I said , we just have n't seen it yet .
I think we 're probably one to two weeks away from having more definitive answers , whether there was really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think right now we are hopeful that we wo n't see a big increase in many of the cities that experienced these large crowds coming together .
On Trump 's forthcoming indoor campaign rally in Tulsa , Okla. , at a venue that holds 19,000 people Right now , we have to understand that the single greatest risk factor we have for transmitting this virus is largely indoor air , where we 're in large crowds , where we are sharing that air with the people right around us .
Any activity that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , shouting , singing , that we all know can enhance the virus being aerosolized or basically put into the air .
So I would just say across the board , without regard to political party or why the event occurred , they should n't be occurring , if we 're trying to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission with this virus .
It 's just simply the last thing you 'd want to do .
It 's almost like putting potential gasoline on a fire .
I think it 's fair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universal recommendation across the board that these kinds of events be avoided .
On how to assess risk based on general airflow There 's an old phrase in the environmental movement , `` The solution to pollution is dilution . ''
And actually in infectious diseases , the same thing is true .
...
When you and I talk , we fill a room full of aerosols .
If you actually had a special camera ( that does exist and you can do this ) , you can actually see aerosols fill the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 or 30 minutes of talking .
So anything that moves air and moves that out more quickly is surely helpful .
... Outdoors has its own natural , in a sense , air conditioning .
I often hear people talking about the risk of going to the beach , and ironically , beaches are probably some of the safest places to go to if you 're not literally cheek and jowl with someone , just because the wind is blowing all the time .
It 's creating , in a sense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where that virus might come out .
If you 're in a building where the heating , ventilation and cooling system is not moving air very frequently , then that aerosol that that person is breathing in that conference room is going to build up over time .
And so , yes , you are going to be a greater risk in that kind of a setting .
On why we need more data to understand the transmission exposure time One of the projects that we 're working on right now with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to measure the exposure that someone likely will have in a public setting , meaning exposure in terms of time and dose .
I think people often think of transmission with this virus almost like tag : I get close to somebody who 's infected , `` Tag !
You 're now it . ''
It 's not at all .
It is time-related .
We 're working on this , and it may be that you need many minutes to be in an environment where this virus is in the air and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the amount of breathing that you do at a certain level before you get infected , it 's not just a yes or no .
It 's a threshold .
So one of the things we 're trying to do over the course of the next month is put out a series of documents that will actually give people just that kind of quantification you 're asking for : If I open a car window , do I reduce my risk by fivefold ?
Tenfold ?
What is my risk at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm with 50 people versus 10 people ?
What are the chances of me actually coming in contact with the virus ?
We need this information badly .
And this is one area where I wish the federal government had done much more to help supply that .
In past public health situations , they did do that .
And unfortunately , we 're not seeing that with the same level of assistance right now as we have in the past .
On why he would n't recommend getting an antibody test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wild west of testing .
The FDA has , I think , done a miserable job of overseeing the regulation and the authorization of antibody tests .
Today , there 's over 100 [ tests ] in the United States where somebody has just filed with the FDA that they are going to offer this , and that 's all they had to do to be able to do it .
We have seen a number of these tests that provide very , very poor results .
...
If I were to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , half of all the test results that came back positive would actually be false positive — meaning they did n't really have the antibody .
...
I would not use it at this point as a way of telling an individual patient that they did or did n't have COVID .
The final piece is , of course , we do n't know what antibody really means in terms of your own protection .
We 're worried that we 're gon na start seeing people take different approaches to how they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antibody positive .
Amy Salit and Joel Wolfram produced and edited the audio of this interview .
Bridget Bentz , Molly Seavy-Nesper , Meghan Sullivan and Carmel Wroth adapted it for the Web .

Amid Confusion About Reopening, An Expert Explains How To Assess COVID-19 Risk
Enlarge this image toggle caption Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images
Across the country, states are loosening the restrictions that had been put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 — with varying results. New cases are decreasing in some states, including New York, Michigan and Colorado, while case numbers and hospitalizations have swelled recently in several states, including Texas, Arizona and Florida.
"Since the very first day of this pandemic, I don't think [we've been] in a more confused position about what's happening," epidemiologist Michael Osterholm says. "We just aren't quite sure what [the coronavirus is] going to do next."
Osterholm is the founder and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. His 2017 book, Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs, was recently republished with a new foreword about COVID-19. Mark Olshaker is the book's co-author.
From the earliest days of the pandemic, the coronavirus has often been treated as a political issue rather than a public health issue — and much has been made of President Trump's refusal to wear a mask in public. But Osterholm says that the risks from COVID-19 supersede partisanship.
"We will all know somebody — we will all love somebody — who will die from this disease," he says. "Eventually there won't be any blue states or red states. There won't be any blue cities or red rural areas. It'll all be COVID colored."
Osterholm says that face masks and physical distancing remain the best practices in terms of curbing the spread of the coronavirus. But he adds that "distancing" shouldn't mean cutting off all social contact.
"It's physical distancing. ... Don't socially distance. If there was ever a time when we all need each other, it's now," he says. "We need to start an epidemic of kindness right now to take on this pandemic of this virus."
Interview highlights
On anticipating a second, worse wave of COVID-19 cases
But this virus is not going to slow down transmission overall. It may come and go, but it will keep transmitting until we get at least 60 or 70% of the population infected and hopefully develop immunity.
If cases should disappear over the course of the next six to eight weeks, or at least be greatly reduced, that is not necessarily good news. It surely seems counterintuitive that we would want cases to happen. I don't want anybody to get sick, severely ill or die. But if we saw a trough of cases in the next two months, I think that would really tell us that we're likely to have this big second wave, much like we would see with influenza, which could be much worse. I think the one factor that we must keep in mind at all times is that, to date, we have about 5 to 7% of the U.S. population has been infected with this virus. That's it. All the pain, suffering, death and economic disruption have occurred with 5 to 7%. But this virus is not going to slow down transmission overall. It may come and go, but it will keep transmitting until we get at least 60 or 70% of the population infected and hopefully develop immunity — or if we get a vaccine, that can get us there too. And so I want to be really clear: None of us are suggesting this is going to stop and go away, but if we see these starts and stops of the virus in between times, it's just that we don't know quite what's happening.
On the conflicting messages of some places reopening while others remain in lockdown
I think right now, most of the world — not just the United States, but most of the world — is quite confused about what to do or why to do it. And what I mean by that is, is that already I think we've seen pandemic fatigue set in, in the United States. Right around Memorial Day, the country was ready to say, ''We're done with this. We're unlocking. We're going to no longer do the kind of physical distancing that's been recommended. We should reopen the economy. Let's let the cards fall where they may." And I think to myself, wow, that's what's happened after 5% of the population has been infected. How might we ever get a population to do what it needs to do to reduce transmission to hopefully get to that vaccine before the disease gets us to that 60 or 70% level. That's going to be months and months. This is not what is going to last for a few more weeks. And if you look at influenza pandemics, they all did last for years, not for just a couple of months. And so I think that that's the challenge we have today is helping people understand: We've got to figure out how to live with this virus as much as we've had to painfully understand how to die with this virus.
On how COVID-19 transmission from surfaces is unlikely (and you can stop wiping down your packages)
toggle caption Hachette Book Group
One of the challenges we have with this disease, first of all, is making sure that we really have accurate and actionable information for the public. The public right now is so confused about what is safe and what's not safe. And one of the challenges has been is this idea that surfaces play a major role in transmission. We've looked very carefully at the data dating back for decades and research about these kinds of respiratory transmitted infections. And clearly, the surfaces play a very, very little role at all in transmission of this. I think we've gone way overboard relative to the disinfection and so forth, and we've made people feel very nervous about just opening a package, that type of thing. And I think that's been unfortunate. I mean, this is really all about air. Breathing someone else's air where the virus is present. It's much, much, much less about environmental contamination. I would not tell people not to wash your hands, because I deal with a lot of the diseases where hand-washing is very, very important. But I would also say no one needs to be frightened of their physical environment with this virus. It's the air they're breathing. And so if that gives people relief, I hope that's helpful. ...
I don't worry about food. I don't worry about newsprint. I don't worry about packages I get here. I don't worry about doorknobs and railings any more than I would during the regular cold season. [That's not] what's going to be the major challenge with this virus. ... It's the air that we share with each other that is critical. That's why distancing is so important.
On the risk of transmission from the outdoor Black Lives Matter protests
When it first occurred and we were watching it on our televisions, or being part of the protests themselves, it was clear that we were seeing all these people together for what had just been several months of hardly anyone together. And so the challenge of would this virus be transmitted in that environment was surely front and center for everyone in public health. Now, when we looked at that, we realized that it was outdoors largely, which in that case, the virus dissipates quite quickly into the air. If there's any air movements around, it literally blows the cloud away and, in a sense, disintegrates it. And so that would mean a lot less exposure to someone breathing the air near someone else who might be infected.
On the other hand, there were risk factors that we were concerned about, such as people who were exposed to tear gas and smoke that were coughing substantially. People yelling, shouting, whether they had a mask on or not, which we know can aerosolize the virus, getting it in terms of the air coming out of that voice. And then on top of that, we had individuals who were arrested, put in holding vehicles, sometimes for several hours before they were transported to the local jails, and they are then processed and put in a jail cell overnight. All of that would have likely increased cases. But as I said, we just haven't seen it yet. I think we're probably one to two weeks away from having more definitive answers, whether there was really an increase or not. And I think right now we are hopeful that we won't see a big increase in many of the cities that experienced these large crowds coming together.
On Trump's forthcoming indoor campaign rally in Tulsa, Okla., at a venue that holds 19,000 people
Right now, we have to understand that the single greatest risk factor we have for transmitting this virus is largely indoor air, where we're in large crowds, where we are sharing that air with the people right around us. Any activity that increases that, such as loud voices, shouting, singing, that we all know can enhance the virus being aerosolized or basically put into the air. So I would just say across the board, without regard to political party or why the event occurred, they shouldn't be occurring, if we're trying to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission with this virus. It's just simply the last thing you'd want to do. It's almost like putting potential gasoline on a fire. I think it's fair to say that this should be a universal recommendation across the board that these kinds of events be avoided.
On how to assess risk based on general airflow
There's an old phrase in the environmental movement, "The solution to pollution is dilution." And actually in infectious diseases, the same thing is true. ... When you and I talk, we fill a room full of aerosols. If you actually had a special camera (that does exist and you can do this), you can actually see aerosols fill the room and these little particles after just 20 or 30 minutes of talking. So anything that moves air and moves that out more quickly is surely helpful. ...
Outdoors has its own natural, in a sense, air conditioning. I often hear people talking about the risk of going to the beach, and ironically, beaches are probably some of the safest places to go to if you're not literally cheek and jowl with someone, just because the wind is blowing all the time. It's creating, in a sense, kind of a cleansing of the air where that virus might come out. If you're in a building where the heating, ventilation and cooling system is not moving air very frequently, then that aerosol that that person is breathing in that conference room is going to build up over time. And so, yes, you are going to be a greater risk in that kind of a setting.
On why we need more data to understand the transmission exposure time
One of the projects that we're working on right now with a group of international experts is really attempting to measure the exposure that someone likely will have in a public setting, meaning exposure in terms of time and dose. I think people often think of transmission with this virus almost like tag: I get close to somebody who's infected — "Tag! You're now it." It's not at all. It is time related. We're working on this, and it may be that you need many minutes to be in an environment where this virus is in the air and you need to inhale it in, and the amount of breathing that you do at a certain level before you get infected, it's not just a yes or no. It's a threshold. So one of the things we're trying to do over the course of the next month is put out a series of documents that will actually give people just that kind of quantification you're asking for: If I open a car window, do I reduce my risk by fivefold? Tenfold? What is my risk at that point? What's my risk if I'm with 50 people versus 10 people? What are the chances of me actually coming in contact with the virus? We need this information badly. And this is one area where I wish the federal government had done much more to help supply that. In past public health situations, they did do that. And unfortunately, we're not seeing that with the same level of assistance right now as we have in the past.
On why he wouldn't recommend getting an antibody test
What we have largely is the Wild, Wild West of testing. The FDA has, I think, done a miserable job of overseeing the regulation and the authorization of antibody tests. Today, there's over 100 [tests] in the United States where somebody has just filed with the FDA that they are going to offer this, and that's all they had to do to be able to do it. We have seen a number of these tests that provide very, very poor results. ... If I were to test a large segment of the population today, half of all the test results that came back positive would actually be false positive — meaning they didn't really have the antibody. ... I would not use it at this point as a way of telling an individual patient that they did or didn't have COVID. The final piece is, of course, we don't know what antibody really means in terms of your own protection. We're worried that we're gonna start seeing people take different approaches to how they protect themselves if they think they're antibody positive.
Amy Salit and Joel Wolfram produced and edited the audio of this interview. Bridget Bentz, Molly Seavy-Nesper, Meghan Sullivan and Carmel Wroth adapted it for the Web.


npr--2020-06-17--George Floyd's Brother To U.N. Human Rights Council: 'I Am Asking You To Help Us'

George Floyd 's Brother To U.N. Human Rights Council : ' I Am Asking You To Help Us' George Floyd struggled desperately to make himself heard during his arrest .
With a Minneapolis police officer 's knee planted on his neck for more than 8 minutes , he pleaded for help , said he could n't breathe — and finally , fell silent .
On Wednesday , more than three weeks after Floyd 's killing , his brother raised a voice on his behalf in a message to international diplomats .
`` My brother , George Floyd , is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have been murdered by police in recent years .
The sad truth is that the case is not unique , '' Philonise Floyd told the U.N. Human Rights Council in a remote address Wednesday .
`` The way you saw my brother tortured and murdered on camera is the way black people are treated by police in America .
You watched my brother die .
That could have been me . ''
During a quickly convened session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva , Floyd asked the group to set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police brutality in the United States — specifically `` police killings of black people and America and the violence used against peaceful protesters . ''
`` I 'm asking you to help him .
I 'm asking you to help me , '' he added .
`` I am asking you to help us : black people in America . ''
Under U.N. guidelines , commissions of inquiry are in effect fact-finding missions .
They are aimed at not only gathering information but also recommending `` measures to redress violations , provide justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perpetrators to account . ''
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has pursued dozens of international commissions of inquiry over the past three decades , from Rwanda to Syria .
The current high commissioner , former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet , led Wednesday 's session .
She opened with a call for `` swift reforms and decisions '' targeting systemic discrimination and supporting `` people of African descent across the world . ''
`` We should go beyond existing recommendations .
We need to build on what has worked from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we already have , '' she told the assembled diplomats .
`` Time is of the essence .
Patience has run out .
Black lives matter .
Indigenous lives matter .
Their life with people of color matter .
All human beings are born equal in dignity and rights . ''
The conversation unfolded without an official U.S. representative present , because the Trump administration withdrew from the Human Rights Council roughly two years ago .
Nikki Haley , then the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations , pointed to the membership of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismissed the council as `` a hypocritical and self-serving organization . ''
So on Wednesday , Ambassador Andrew Bremberg , the U.S. representative in Geneva , looked on from afar as the 47-member body took up a debate proposed by a group of African states led by Burkina Faso .
`` We are not above scrutiny ; however , any HRC resolution on this topic that calls out countries by name should be inclusive , noting the many countries where racism is a problem to be addressed , '' Bremberg said in comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to violence and discrimination practiced by some of the council 's member states .
`` It is time , '' Bremberg added , `` that those regimes , and others like them , be held accountable by the Council and the world . ''

George Floyd's Brother To U.N. Human Rights Council: 'I Am Asking You To Help Us'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Martial Trezzini/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Martial Trezzini/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
George Floyd struggled desperately to make himself heard during his arrest. With a Minneapolis police officer's knee planted on his neck for more than 8 minutes, he pleaded for help, said he couldn't breathe — and finally, fell silent.
On Wednesday, more than three weeks after Floyd's killing, his brother raised a voice on his behalf in a message to international diplomats.
"My brother, George Floyd, is one of the many black men and women that have been murdered by police in recent years. The sad truth is that the case is not unique," Philonise Floyd told the U.N. Human Rights Council in a remote address Wednesday.
"The way you saw my brother tortured and murdered on camera is the way black people are treated by police in America. You watched my brother die. That could have been me."
During a quickly convened session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Floyd asked the group to set up a commission of inquiry into racism and police brutality in the United States — specifically "police killings of black people and America and the violence used against peaceful protesters."
"I'm asking you to help him. I'm asking you to help me," he added. "I am asking you to help us: black people in America."
Under U.N. guidelines, commissions of inquiry are in effect fact-finding missions. They are aimed at not only gathering information but also recommending "measures to redress violations, provide justice and reparation to victims, and hold perpetrators to account."
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has pursued dozens of international commissions of inquiry over the past three decades, from Rwanda to Syria.
The current high commissioner, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, led Wednesday's session. She opened with a call for "swift reforms and decisions" targeting systemic discrimination and supporting "people of African descent across the world."
"We should go beyond existing recommendations. We need to build on what has worked from the enormous body of work and experience we already have," she told the assembled diplomats. "Time is of the essence. Patience has run out. Black lives matter. Indigenous lives matter. Their life with people of color matter. All human beings are born equal in dignity and rights."
The conversation unfolded without an official U.S. representative present, because the Trump administration withdrew from the Human Rights Council roughly two years ago. Nikki Haley, then the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, pointed to the membership of countries such as China and Venezuela and dismissed the council as "a hypocritical and self-serving organization."
So on Wednesday, Ambassador Andrew Bremberg, the U.S. representative in Geneva, looked on from afar as the 47-member body took up a debate proposed by a group of African states led by Burkina Faso.
"We are not above scrutiny; however, any HRC resolution on this topic that calls out countries by name should be inclusive, noting the many countries where racism is a problem to be addressed," Bremberg said in comments emailed to NPR. And he alluded to violence and discrimination practiced by some of the council's member states.
"It is time," Bremberg added, "that those regimes, and others like them, be held accountable by the Council and the world."
NPR's Michele Kelemen contributed to this report.


npr--2020-06-17--Justice Department Proposes Rolling Back Legal Protections For Online Platforms

The Justice Department is proposing legislation to curtail online platforms ' legal protections for the content they carry .
The proposal comes nearly three weeks after President Trump signed an executive order to limit protections for social media companies after Twitter began adding fact checks to some of his tweets .
`` These reforms are targeted at platforms to make certain they are appropriately addressing illegal and exploitive content while continuing to preserve a vibrant , open , and competitive internet , '' Attorney General William Barr said in a statement Wednesday .
`` When it comes to issues of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one who must act on behalf of society at large , '' he said .
`` Law enforcement can not delegate our obligations to protect the safety of the American people purely to the judgment of profit-seeking private firms . ''
In signing the executive order on May 28 , Trump said , the tech companies have `` unchecked power to censor , restrict , edit , shape , hide , alter '' a large sphere of human interaction .
Trump has called for revoking Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that says online platforms are not legally responsible for what users post .
The Justice Department said its proposal would `` update the outdated immunity for online platforms '' under Section 230 .
`` Taken together , these reforms will ensure that Section 230 immunity incentivizes online platforms to be responsible actors , '' Barr said .
The department said its recommendations fall into four main categories : giving online platforms incentives to address illicit content , clarifying federal powers to address unlawful content , and `` promoting open discourse and greater transparency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny of the power of big tech firms like Google , Facebook and Amazon by Congress and federal and state agencies .
Legal observers described Trump 's executive order as `` political theater '' and said it did not change existing federal law and would have no bearing on federal courts .
Twitter has said attempts to erode the decades-old legal immunity may `` threaten the future of online speech and Internet freedoms . ''
Twitter put fact-checking warnings on two of Trump 's tweets that claimed , without evidence , that casting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump said the labels amounted to censorship .
Twitter also put a warning label on a Trump tweet about protesters that the company said violated its terms for glorifying violence .
The president tweeted that `` when the looting starts , the shooting starts . ''
Facebook has taken a different approach , allowing Trump 's posts to stand .
CEO Mark Zuckerberg says that while Trump 's posts are upsetting , Facebook should not police what politicians say on the platform .
Zuckerberg wrote that `` our position is that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless it will cause imminent risk of specific harms or dangers spelled out in clear policies . ''
Zuckerberg 's stance has drawn wide criticism from Facebook employees , lawmakers and civil rights groups .

Justice Department Proposes Rolling Back Legal Protections For Online Platforms
Enlarge this image toggle caption Richard Drew/AP Richard Drew/AP
Updated at 3:36 p.m. ET
The Justice Department is proposing legislation to curtail online platforms' legal protections for the content they carry.
The proposal comes nearly three weeks after President Trump signed an executive order to limit protections for social media companies after Twitter began adding fact checks to some of his tweets.
"These reforms are targeted at platforms to make certain they are appropriately addressing illegal and exploitive content while continuing to preserve a vibrant, open, and competitive internet," Attorney General William Barr said in a statement Wednesday.
"When it comes to issues of public safety, the government is the one who must act on behalf of society at large," he said. "Law enforcement cannot delegate our obligations to protect the safety of the American people purely to the judgment of profit-seeking private firms."
In signing the executive order on May 28, Trump said, the tech companies have "unchecked power to censor, restrict, edit, shape, hide, alter" a large sphere of human interaction.
Trump has called for revoking Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a law passed by Congress in 1996 that says online platforms are not legally responsible for what users post. The Justice Department said its proposal would "update the outdated immunity for online platforms" under Section 230.
"Taken together, these reforms will ensure that Section 230 immunity incentivizes online platforms to be responsible actors," Barr said.
The department said its recommendations fall into four main categories: giving online platforms incentives to address illicit content, clarifying federal powers to address unlawful content, and "promoting open discourse and greater transparency."
The recommendations come amid ongoing scrutiny of the power of big tech firms like Google, Facebook and Amazon by Congress and federal and state agencies.
Legal observers described Trump's executive order as "political theater" and said it did not change existing federal law and would have no bearing on federal courts. Twitter has said attempts to erode the decades-old legal immunity may "threaten the future of online speech and Internet freedoms."
Twitter put fact-checking warnings on two of Trump's tweets that claimed, without evidence, that casting ballots by mail allows for voter fraud. Trump said the labels amounted to censorship. Twitter also put a warning label on a Trump tweet about protesters that the company said violated its terms for glorifying violence. The president tweeted that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts."
Facebook has taken a different approach, allowing Trump's posts to stand. CEO Mark Zuckerberg says that while Trump's posts are upsetting, Facebook should not police what politicians say on the platform. Zuckerberg wrote that "our position is that we should enable as much expression as possible unless it will cause imminent risk of specific harms or dangers spelled out in clear policies."
Zuckerberg's stance has drawn wide criticism from Facebook employees, lawmakers and civil rights groups.


npr--2020-06-17--Man Charged In Shooting At Albuquerque Statue Protest

Police in Albuquerque , N.M. , have arrested and charged a 31-year-old man in a shooting Monday during an attempt by protesters to topple a conquistador statue that also drew armed vigilantes to protect it .
A protester was seriously wounded during the confrontation .
Albuquerque police arrested Steven Ray Baca and charged him with aggravated battery , as NPR member station KUNM reported .
Baca is a onetime candidate for Albuquerque City Council and son of a former sheriff .
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said city officials on Tuesday ultimately removed the bronze statue depicting Juan de Oñate `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ the ] next steps . ''
The shooting occurred during a protest Monday calling for the statue 's removal .
Following a planned vigil , some people tried to pull it down , and at least one person swung at the statue 's base with a pickax .
Bernalillo County District Attorney Raúl Torrez referenced multiple videos circulating on social media that appear to show Baca allegedly assaulting several women during the protest before the shooting occurred , according to the Albuquerque Journal .
Baca then allegedly pepper-sprayed people pursuing him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them hit him with a longboard .
Police said a man named Scott Williams was hit several times in the torso and hospitalized .
The Journal reported that Baca was seen speaking to members of the New Mexico Civil Guard , an armed militia group that came to protect the monument .
The militia has denied is a member of the group .
Police were investigating any possible connections Baca may have to the group .
At least four members of the Civil Guard were taken into custody , along with Baca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Keller said that the city was working with federal authorities to push for armed right-wing organizations — such as the Civil Guard — to be designated as hate groups .
`` Across the nation , we know that there have been outside groups interfering with peaceful protests , and sadly we are not exempt from this right here in Albuquerque , '' Keller said during an update on the shooting .
New Mexico Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham said the armed group was there `` to menace protesters , to present an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A man identified as belonging to the New Mexico Civil Guard told KOB4 that Baca was not part of the group .
He said the militia protected Baca from protesters after the shooting .
Another statue of Oñate , who arrived in 1598 in what is now New Mexico , was taken down in Alcalde , north of Albuquerque , hours before Monday 's shooting .
Officials there removed the statue to avoid protesters removing it themselves , The Associated Press reported .
Oñate is revered among some residents who trace their ancestry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his vicious treatment of Native Americans .
Baca made an unsuccessful bid last year for the Albuquerque City Council , losing in a six-way race , according to Ballotpedia .

Suspect In Shooting At Albuquerque Statue Demonstration Faces New Charges
Enlarge this image toggle caption Paul Ratje/AFP via Getty Images Paul Ratje/AFP via Getty Images
Updated 11:39 p.m. ET
The Bernalillo County District Attorney's office dropped shooting charges against the 31-year-old New Mexico man who allegedly seriously wounded a protester in Albuquerque on Monday.
Steven Ray Baca was initially arrested and charged with a single count of aggravated battery — a third-degree felony — and use of a firearm in a felony, following a violent clash with protesters trying to topple a conquistador statue that also drew armed vigilantes to protect it.
But on Wednesday, District Attorney Raul Torrez said further investigation into the events leading up to the shooting prompted his office to amend the charges against Baca.
"I want to be very clear about our decision at this point," he said, adding that the investigation is ongoing and could result in additional charges against the onetime candidate for Albuquerque City Council and son of a former sheriff.
For now the only charge related to the shooting is one count of unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon.
"Records indicate that Mr. Baca did not have a lawful concealed carry permit," Torrez said in a press conference.
The Investigation Changes Hands
Separate from the shooting, the district attorney said video of the scene showed Baca struck and injured three female protesters and that he would face three charges of battery.
Torrez also announced the Albuquerque Police Department agreed to hand over the investigation to New Mexico State Police at the request of the district attorney's office.
"I specifically noted the presence of undercover officers who were referenced in the original complaint filed by [the Albuquerque Police Department] and the fact that while those officers are now key witnesses, they did not intervene and act to enforce the specific laws or prevent the shooting," Torrez said.
He added, "More troubling, from our perspective, is the fact that after police and APD arrived at the scene, because of the dynamic situation and the tense situation that developed ... there were tactics that were used by the Albuquerque PD that made it impossible for key witnesses to the event to actually make statements."
Vigil turns into violent confrontation
The shooting occurred during a protest Monday calling for the removal of a bronze statue depicting Juan de Oñate, a Spanish colonial governor who founded settlements in the region.
Following a planned vigil, some people tried to pull the statue down with a chain yoke, and at least one person swung at the its base with a pickax.
Torrez cited multiple videos that appear to show Baca allegedly assaulting the women during the protest before the shooting occurred, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Baca then allegedly pepper-sprayed people pursuing him, the Journal reported. At least one of them hit him with a longboard.
Baca then allegedly shot a gun multiple times.
Police said a man named Scott Williams was hit several times in the torso and hospitalized.
The Journal reported that Baca was seen speaking to members of the New Mexico Civil Guard, an armed militia group that came to protect the monument. The militia has denied is a member of the group.
Police were investigating any possible connections Baca may have to the group.
At least four members of the Civil Guard were taken into custody, along with Baca, according to KUNM.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said city officials on Tuesday ultimately removed the bronze statue depicting Juan de Oñate "until the appropriate civic institutions can determine [the] next steps."
Mayor calls for hate group designations
On Tuesday, Keller said that the city was working with federal authorities to push for armed right-wing organizations — such as the Civil Guard — to be designated as hate groups.
"Across the nation, we know that there have been outside groups interfering with peaceful protests, and sadly we are not exempt from this right here in Albuquerque," Keller said during an update on the shooting.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the armed group was there "to menace protesters, to present an unsanctioned show of unregulated force."
A man identified as belonging to the New Mexico Civil Guard told KOB4 that Baca was not part of the group. He said the militia protected Baca from protesters after the shooting.
Another statue of Oñate, who arrived in 1598 in what is now New Mexico, was taken down in Alcalde, north of Albuquerque, hours before Monday's shooting. Officials there removed the statue to avoid protesters removing it themselves, The Associated Press reported.
Oñate is revered among some residents who trace their ancestry to Spanish settlers but also detested for his vicious treatment of Native Americans.
Baca made an unsuccessful bid last year for the Albuquerque City Council, losing in a six-way race, according to Ballotpedia.


npr--2020-06-17--UNC-Chapel Hill Trustees Lift 16-Year Moratorium On Renaming Campus Buildings

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 's Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to lift its 16-year moratorium on the renaming of campus buildings .
`` Many people have realized it 's important to move forward with some of these issues .
And that 's what we intend to do on this campus , '' said Board of Trustees Chair Richard Stevens , as NPR member station WUNC reports .
`` It 's a moment of leadership .
It 's time to do it . ''
The freeze on renaming any campus buildings , monuments , memorials and landscapes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after it voted to change the name of a classroom building named for William Saunders , reputedly a Ku Klux Klan leader .
The board said at the time that the 16-year moratorium would give the university time `` develop new education initiatives and evaluate their effectiveness '' , according to an article in the Carolina Alumni Review .
Even then , some questioned why 16 years were needed .
`` I do n't think it takes 16 years to evaluate if something 's working , '' Deborah Stroman , a UNC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Carolina Black Caucus , told the Alumni Review in 2015 .
The trustees voted 11-2 to end the moratorium , which was due to expire in 2031 .
The board did not discuss any specific buildings that might be candidates for being renamed , but Stevens said the board will immediately study and review potential guidelines for renaming buildings , in collaboration with the chancellor .
According to The Daily Tar Heel , about 30 buildings on the Chapel Hill campus have namesakes with ties to white supremacy or slavery .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ alumnus , Michael Rashaad Galloway , started a petition on Monday to demand the trustees repeal the freeze .
The petition now has more than 9,500 signatures .
In 2018 , protesters tore down Silent Sam , a Confederate monument on the UNC campus .
Where that statue will end up is still unresolved .
`` We are living in a world where change should be fueled by a desire to create and embrace a more inclusive world , not resisted by fear , '' UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz and UNC Board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint statement Wednesday .
`` Today , we are sending a clear message to the Carolina Community that we will reconcile our past and create a future that reflects the inclusivity and equality that our nation and the world deserve and demand . ''

UNC-Chapel Hill Trustees Lift 16-Year Moratorium On Renaming Campus Buildings
Enlarge this image toggle caption Gerry Broome/AP Gerry Broome/AP
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to lift its 16-year moratorium on the renaming of campus buildings.
"Many people have realized it's important to move forward with some of these issues. And that's what we intend to do on this campus," said Board of Trustees Chair Richard Stevens, as NPR member station WUNC reports. "It's a moment of leadership. It's time to do it."
The freeze on renaming any campus buildings, monuments, memorials and landscapes was implemented by the board in 2015, after it voted to change the name of a classroom building named for William Saunders, reputedly a Ku Klux Klan leader.
The board said at the time that the 16-year moratorium would give the university time "develop new education initiatives and evaluate their effectiveness", according to an article in the Carolina Alumni Review. Even then, some questioned why 16 years were needed.
"I don't think it takes 16 years to evaluate if something's working," Deborah Stroman, a UNC faculty member who was then the chair of the Carolina Black Caucus, told the Alumni Review in 2015.
The trustees voted 11-2 to end the moratorium, which was due to expire in 2031.
The board did not discuss any specific buildings that might be candidates for being renamed, but Stevens said the board will immediately study and review potential guidelines for renaming buildings, in collaboration with the chancellor. According to The Daily Tar Heel, about 30 buildings on the Chapel Hill campus have namesakes with ties to white supremacy or slavery.
The Tar Heel reports that a 2017 alumnus, Michael Rashaad Galloway, started a petition on Monday to demand the trustees repeal the freeze. The petition now has more than 9,500 signatures.
In 2018, protesters tore down Silent Sam, a Confederate monument on the UNC campus. Where that statue will end up is still unresolved.
"We are living in a world where change should be fueled by a desire to create and embrace a more inclusive world, not resisted by fear," UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz and UNC Board of Trustees Chair Richard Stevens said in a joint statement Wednesday. "Today, we are sending a clear message to the Carolina Community that we will reconcile our past and create a future that reflects the inclusivity and equality that our nation and the world deserve and demand."


npr--2020-06-17--Montana Is Open, But For Now The Blackfeet Nation Is Closed

Montana Is Open , But For Now The Blackfeet Nation Is Closed Montana has one of the country 's lowest coronavirus infection rates and is welcoming tourists back again .
Earlier this month , it dropped a two-week quarantine requirement for out-of-state visitors put in place in March .
But not everyone is on board with the decision .
The Blackfeet Nation , whose reservation borders Glacier National Park , is maintaining a two-week quarantine order and lodging restrictions for non-residents .
Restrictions are set to expire at the end of the month , but tribal leaders have already extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That uncertainty has businesses dependent on the roughly $ 110 million local tourism economy looking for ways to survive until next season .
For more than 25 years , tribal member and owner of the Lodgepole Art Gallery and Tipi Village Darrel Norman has set up about a dozen tipis on his property , providing guests with a unique place to stay as they explore Glacier National Park about 30 miles away .
`` Bookings are still coming in and all we can say is we 're closed through June , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll open the tipi camp after that .
Costs , just all the things considered , it would probably not be the wisest thing to do . ''
He hopes to salvage his season by mostly selling traditional and contemporary Blackfeet artwork in his home art gallery .
Still , he understands the tribe 's caution in attracting tourists to the reservation .
Tribal leaders say restrictions are protecting reservation residents with limited access to healthcare , particularly elders , who commonly live with their children and grandchildren .
So far there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reservation .
`` We do n't want to be the ones who bring in the first case , '' Norman said .
But tribal member Nathan St. Goddard is pushing the tribe to open back up to visitors sooner rather than later .
He owns Johnson 's of St. Mary restaurant and campground , perched on a hill overlooking Glacier National Park 's currently closed east entrance .
`` Our authority is the Tribal [ Business ] Council and right now , they want to stay closed .
And I think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I personally think social distancing enforcement is more realistic than total shutdown , '' St. Goddard said .
He adds that if the reservation does n't open back up to tourists or the east gate to the park does n't open , he 'll likely have to shutter the business his grandfather started 70 years ago for good .
As tourists flow into the west gate of Glacier , tribal leaders and park officials say they are negotiating when the east gate to the park , just outside of the reservation boundary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 3 million people last year .
Not all of those people crossed or stayed on the reservation , but Blackfeet COVID-19 Incident Commander Robert DesRosier says even a fraction of those numbers would pose a great risk to local residents .
He says it 's unclear what it will take to welcome tourists back .
`` It 's the million-dollar question as far as I 'm concerned , '' DesRosier said .
`` I ca n't tell you we 're going to open up fifth of July , fourth of July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible for me to say that . ''
DesRosier says he understands the tribe 's decisions are causing economic pain , but he says it 's his job to look at this as an issue of protecting human life and not an economic crisis .

Montana Is Open, But For Now The Blackfeet Nation Is Closed
Enlarge this image toggle caption Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio
Montana has one of the country's lowest coronavirus infection rates and is welcoming tourists back again. Earlier this month, it dropped a two-week quarantine requirement for out-of-state visitors put in place in March. But not everyone is on board with the decision.
The Blackfeet Nation, whose reservation borders Glacier National Park, is maintaining a two-week quarantine order and lodging restrictions for non-residents. Restrictions are set to expire at the end of the month, but tribal leaders have already extended them once and could do so again. That uncertainty has businesses dependent on the roughly $110 million local tourism economy looking for ways to survive until next season.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio
For more than 25 years, tribal member and owner of the Lodgepole Art Gallery and Tipi Village Darrel Norman has set up about a dozen tipis on his property, providing guests with a unique place to stay as they explore Glacier National Park about 30 miles away.
"Bookings are still coming in and all we can say is we're closed through June," Norman said. "We doubt we'll open the tipi camp after that. Costs, just all the things considered, it would probably not be the wisest thing to do."
He hopes to salvage his season by mostly selling traditional and contemporary Blackfeet artwork in his home art gallery. Still, he understands the tribe's caution in attracting tourists to the reservation.
Tribal leaders say restrictions are protecting reservation residents with limited access to healthcare, particularly elders, who commonly live with their children and grandchildren. So far there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the reservation.
"We don't want to be the ones who bring in the first case," Norman said.
But tribal member Nathan St. Goddard is pushing the tribe to open back up to visitors sooner rather than later. He owns Johnson's of St. Mary restaurant and campground, perched on a hill overlooking Glacier National Park's currently closed east entrance.
"Our authority is the Tribal [Business] Council and right now, they want to stay closed. And I think it's really frustrating on our end because I personally think social distancing enforcement is more realistic than total shutdown," St. Goddard said.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio
He adds that if the reservation doesn't open back up to tourists or the east gate to the park doesn't open, he'll likely have to shutter the business his grandfather started 70 years ago for good.
As tourists flow into the west gate of Glacier, tribal leaders and park officials say they are negotiating when the east gate to the park, just outside of the reservation boundary, will open.
Glacier attracted a little more than 3 million people last year. Not all of those people crossed or stayed on the reservation, but Blackfeet COVID-19 Incident Commander Robert DesRosier says even a fraction of those numbers would pose a great risk to local residents. He says it's unclear what it will take to welcome tourists back.
"It's the million-dollar question as far as I'm concerned," DesRosier said. "I can't tell you we're going to open up fifth of July, fourth of July, sixth of July. It's impossible for me to say that."
DesRosier says he understands the tribe's decisions are causing economic pain, but he says it's his job to look at this as an issue of protecting human life and not an economic crisis.