npr--2020-12-02--Enrollment By International Students In U.S. Colleges Plummets

Enrollment By International Students In U.S .
Colleges Plummets Nikita Chinchwade moved from India to the U.S. last fall to get a master 's degree .
`` It had been a dream of mine for a very long time because of the quality of education here , '' she says .
The U.S. has historically been a top destination for international students .
At last count there were more than a million .
They 're attracted by the high-tech facilities and opportunities for research ; the easy , nonhierarchical interaction between faculty and students ; and the open , social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in a survey of more than 700 colleges and universities , the Institute of International Education found total international enrollment plummeted 16 % between fall of 2019 and fall of 2020 .
Statistics on new international students was even grimmer — a 43 % drop .
Tens of thousands have deferred enrollment .
`` We 've never had a decrease like that , '' said Allan Goodman , who heads the Institute of International Education .
But he added that he believes the numbers will go back up once the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' enrolling .
`` What we do know is , when pandemics end , there 's tremendous pent-up demand . ''
While the pandemic is an obvious reason for the decline , some experts point out that international student enrollment has been declining since 2016 .
All this has serious consequences for higher education .
To put it simply : These students bring in a lot of money .
Before the pandemic , international students contributed about $ 44 billion a year to the U.S. economy , says Rachel Banks , senior director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NAFSA : Association of International Educators , citing an analysis from the 2018-2019 school year .
And those students support about half a million jobs .
`` They typically pay higher tuition rates than domestic students do , '' Banks says .
`` And in some instances , they 'll even pay more than out-of-state students would .
So schools certainly would feel that directly . ''
These students contribute more than money , bringing social and cultural diversity to U.S. campuses .
`` Everybody is learning from each other .
So you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you can , '' says Martin McFarlane , director of international student services at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign .
The campus has among the highest number of international students of any university in the U.S. , more than 10,500 .
McFarlane says higher education is all about an exchange of ideas : `` We are so interconnected globally that if you are cutting yourself off from that , you 're doing yourself a disservice . ''
A Duke University study found that domestic students who engaged with international students enhanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
U.S. undergrads were also more likely to `` appreciate art [ and ] literature , '' `` place current problems in historical perspective '' and `` read or speak a foreign language . ''
The United States has long recognized the long-term benefit to hosting these students in terms of influence and magnifying the country 's diplomatic `` soft power . ''
A recent study shows that the U.S. educated 62 of last year 's world leaders .
And research has found that international students develop a trust with their host countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and future business interactions .
About half of international students come to the U.S. to study in the STEM fields : science , technology , engineering and math .
A 2017 analysis found that foreign nationals , for example , make up 81 % of full-time graduate students in electrical engineering , 79 % in computer science and 59 % in civil engineering .
Alexis Abramson , dean of the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth , worries about having fewer international students in the STEM fields .
`` We 're all very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitive edge , '' she says .
`` Engineers and scientists invent things and innovate and solve a lot of the most pressing problems facing our world . ''
A recent survey of 500 U.S. university officials found several reasons for fewer international students , including the visa process and high tuition costs as well as the political climate and feeling `` unwelcome . ''
For the first time , a main reason listed was `` global competition . ''
In stark contrast to the U.S. declines over the past few years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen enrollment spikes .
Banks of NAFSA is n't surprised .
She says the Trump administration has made it harder to study in the U.S. through its anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies .
Competitor countries , she adds , are stepping in to fill the void , `` falling over themselves to say , 'Look , the United States does n't want you , but we do ! '
`` Arvind Ganesh always wanted to study in the United States .
He 's 22 and originally from Chennai , India .
But when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduate school , he chose Canada .
`` The education expense is one thing ; the cost of living is another , '' he explained .
The U.S. also has `` the problem of security to international students .
I 'm talking about racial bias . ''
Students like Ganesh have contributed to double-digit increases in Canada .
It has lower tuition costs , generous work-study policies and clear pathways to permanent residency and citizenship .
The U.K. , America 's biggest competitor for international students , is also trying hard to recruit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600,000 students by 2030 .
As part of its Study UK effort , officials have relaxed policies so students can stay and get more work experience after they graduate .
Ganesh starts classes in a month and is excited about making friends and learning about Canada .
He 's not too worried about culture shock , saying he has heard Canadians are very friendly .
`` Even though it 's a very cold country , but you still feel warm when you feel people are welcoming and embracing . ''
He says that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a home away from home .

Enrollment By International Students In U.S. Colleges Plummets
Enlarge this image Grace Heejung Kim for NPR Grace Heejung Kim for NPR
Nikita Chinchwade moved from India to the U.S. last fall to get a master's degree.
"It had been a dream of mine for a very long time because of the quality of education here," she says.
The U.S. has historically been a top destination for international students. At last count there were more than a million. They're attracted by the high-tech facilities and opportunities for research; the easy, nonhierarchical interaction between faculty and students; and the open, social environment on campuses.
But this year, in a survey of more than 700 colleges and universities, the Institute of International Education found total international enrollment plummeted 16% between fall of 2019 and fall of 2020. Statistics on new international students was even grimmer — a 43% drop. Tens of thousands have deferred enrollment.
"We've never had a decrease like that," said Allan Goodman, who heads the Institute of International Education. But he added that he believes the numbers will go back up once the coronavirus pandemic passes, predicting "surges of students" enrolling. "What we do know is, when pandemics end, there's tremendous pent-up demand."
While the pandemic is an obvious reason for the decline, some experts point out that international student enrollment has been declining since 2016.
All this has serious consequences for higher education. To put it simply: These students bring in a lot of money.
Before the pandemic, international students contributed about $44 billion a year to the U.S. economy, says Rachel Banks, senior director for public policy and legislative strategy at NAFSA: Association of International Educators, citing an analysis from the 2018-2019 school year. And those students support about half a million jobs.
"They typically pay higher tuition rates than domestic students do," Banks says. "And in some instances, they'll even pay more than out-of-state students would. So schools certainly would feel that directly."
These students contribute more than money, bringing social and cultural diversity to U.S. campuses.
"Everybody is learning from each other. So you want to cast your net as wide as you can," says Martin McFarlane, director of international student services at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The campus has among the highest number of international students of any university in the U.S., more than 10,500.
McFarlane says higher education is all about an exchange of ideas: "We are so interconnected globally that if you are cutting yourself off from that, you're doing yourself a disservice."
A Duke University study found that domestic students who engaged with international students enhanced their self-confidence, leadership and quantitative skills. U.S. undergrads were also more likely to "appreciate art [and] literature," "place current problems in historical perspective" and "read or speak a foreign language."
The United States has long recognized the long-term benefit to hosting these students in terms of influence and magnifying the country's diplomatic "soft power." A recent study shows that the U.S. educated 62 of last year's world leaders. And research has found that international students develop a trust with their host countries, which also leads to future visits and future business interactions.
About half of international students come to the U.S. to study in the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering and math. A 2017 analysis found that foreign nationals, for example, make up 81% of full-time graduate students in electrical engineering, 79% in computer science and 59% in civil engineering.
Alexis Abramson, dean of the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth, worries about having fewer international students in the STEM fields. "We're all very concerned that the U.S. will lose its competitive edge," she says. "Engineers and scientists invent things and innovate and solve a lot of the most pressing problems facing our world."
A recent survey of 500 U.S. university officials found several reasons for fewer international students, including the visa process and high tuition costs as well as the political climate and feeling "unwelcome." For the first time, a main reason listed was "global competition." In stark contrast to the U.S. declines over the past few years, the U.K., Canada and Australia have seen enrollment spikes.
Banks of NAFSA isn't surprised. She says the Trump administration has made it harder to study in the U.S. through its anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies. Competitor countries, she adds, are stepping in to fill the void, "falling over themselves to say, 'Look, the United States doesn't want you, but we do!' "
Arvind Ganesh always wanted to study in the United States. He's 22 and originally from Chennai, India. But when the time came to make a decision for graduate school, he chose Canada. "The education expense is one thing; the cost of living is another," he explained. The U.S. also has "the problem of security to international students. I'm talking about racial bias."
Students like Ganesh have contributed to double-digit increases in Canada. It has lower tuition costs, generous work-study policies and clear pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
The U.K., America's biggest competitor for international students, is also trying hard to recruit more, with an ambitious goal of 600,000 students by 2030. As part of its Study UK effort, officials have relaxed policies so students can stay and get more work experience after they graduate.
Ganesh starts classes in a month and is excited about making friends and learning about Canada. He's not too worried about culture shock, saying he has heard Canadians are very friendly. "Even though it's a very cold country, but you still feel warm when you feel people are welcoming and embracing."
He says that's what makes a different country feel like a home away from home.


npr--2020-12-02--Immigrant Woman Starts Food Pantry In Her Home To Help Undocumented Families

Immigrant Woman Starts Food Pantry In Her Home To Help Undocumented Families Early in the pandemic , Xiomy De la Cruz was working at a fast food restaurant , but her work hours were cut back .
She is a Peruvian refugee single mother with two children and another on the way .
Like many families , she found herself in various pantry lines to make ends meet .
`` So I said to myself one day , 'why not fill up my car with food and take it to my house ? '
There are so many moms who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for transportation , '' De la Cruz said .
`` I filled up my van and put a 'free food ' sign on my door . ''
De la Cruz began collecting food , diapers and milk and started distributing them to friends and neighbors .
She called it La Bodeguita de la Gente or The People 's Little Cornerstore .
For six months , she stored everything in her Hartford living room .
`` My living room , my entrance , my porch , became the People 's Little Cornerstore .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armchairs , because as more donations were coming in , people began to hear about the store , '' De la Cruz said .
Many of the families who knocked on her front door are undocumented , severly impacted by the pandemic and were ineligible for federal COVID-19 assitance .
The food pantry quickly outgrew her living room , and she borrowed a space in what she describes as the heart of Hartford 's Latino and immigrant community .
On a recent Thursday afternoon , nearly 10 families are lined up at La @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — who co-founded the food pantry with De la Cruz — signs up families patiently waiting in the parking lot right outside the entrance of their storage area .
Over a table , he hands a packed bag with rice , beans , sugar and instant corn flour , the food base of a Latino family .
Food insecurity has nearly tripled among households with children during the pandemic , and Black and Hispanic families are more likely to experience this .
For many undocumented parents who have lost their jobs , pantries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aliviate economic stress .
What began as a food basket distribution to 20 families now helps 150 families , many with young children .
Mabel Romero arrived from Honduras with her children a year and half ago .
She lost her job early in the pandemic .
Her family was ineligible for benefits that could prevent hardship .
`` Because of the pandemic , this was the right place for many of us to go .
There were many of us who did n't have jobs , especially immigrants because in this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't count , '' Romero said .
However , she says she also became part of a community of families who share resources , information and , most importantly , mutual support .
De la Cruz , prides herself in having built that community of families and a rapid-response network that now not only distributes pantry items every week , but also addresses other urgent needs such as immigration updates and domestic violence prevention resources .
`` The only dream I would ever ask for is to put up a refuge home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived here can at least have food , '' she said .
In the meantime , she helped many have a meal this Thanksgiving .

Immigrant Woman Starts Food Pantry In Her Home To Help Undocumented Families
Enlarge this image toggle caption Joe Amon/Connecticut Public Joe Amon/Connecticut Public
Early in the pandemic, Xiomy De la Cruz was working at a fast food restaurant, but her work hours were cut back. She is a Peruvian refugee single mother with two children and another on the way. Like many families, she found herself in various pantry lines to make ends meet.
"So I said to myself one day, 'why not fill up my car with food and take it to my house?' There are so many moms who don't have access to a car for transportation," De la Cruz said. "I filled up my van and put a 'free food' sign on my door."
De la Cruz began collecting food, diapers and milk and started distributing them to friends and neighbors. She called it La Bodeguita de la Gente or The People's Little Cornerstore. For six months, she stored everything in her Hartford living room.
"My living room, my entrance, my porch, became the People's Little Cornerstore. I no longer had a table, no armchairs, because as more donations were coming in, people began to hear about the store," De la Cruz said.
Many of the families who knocked on her front door are undocumented, severly impacted by the pandemic and were ineligible for federal COVID-19 assitance. The food pantry quickly outgrew her living room, and she borrowed a space in what she describes as the heart of Hartford's Latino and immigrant community.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Joe Amon/Connecticut Public Joe Amon/Connecticut Public
On a recent Thursday afternoon, nearly 10 families are lined up at La Bodeguita de la Gente. Ingmar Riveros — who co-founded the food pantry with De la Cruz — signs up families patiently waiting in the parking lot right outside the entrance of their storage area. Over a table, he hands a packed bag with rice, beans, sugar and instant corn flour, the food base of a Latino family. Food insecurity has nearly tripled among households with children during the pandemic, and Black and Hispanic families are more likely to experience this.
For many undocumented parents who have lost their jobs, pantries and food banks are a lifeline to aliviate economic stress. What began as a food basket distribution to 20 families now helps 150 families, many with young children.
Mabel Romero arrived from Honduras with her children a year and half ago. She lost her job early in the pandemic. Her family was ineligible for benefits that could prevent hardship.
"Because of the pandemic, this was the right place for many of us to go. There were many of us who didn't have jobs, especially immigrants because in this country, it seems to be that we don't count," Romero said.
However, she says she also became part of a community of families who share resources, information and, most importantly, mutual support.
De la Cruz, prides herself in having built that community of families and a rapid-response network that now not only distributes pantry items every week, but also addresses other urgent needs such as immigration updates and domestic violence prevention resources.
"The only dream I would ever ask for is to put up a refuge home so that the families who have just arrived here can at least have food," she said.
In the meantime, she helped many have a meal this Thanksgiving.


npr--2020-12-02--On Twitter And TikTok, Biden Grandchildren May Offer Viral View Of White House Life

On Twitter And TikTok , Biden Grandchildren May Offer Viral View Of White House Life In the days of counting that followed election night , there was plenty of stress in the Biden and Harris families .
And the whole world could follow along .
The eldest granddaughter of President-elect Joe Biden , Naomi Biden , joked to her 188,000 Twitter followers that she could n't stop watching cable news and that she 'd `` kill to be one of those people who 'ca n't eat when they 're stressed ' right about now . ''
In the Harris-Emhoff household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 21-year-old stepdaughter of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris , was gaining millions of likes .
Taken by Harris ' niece , Meena , it showed Emhoff trying her first McDonald 's Filet-O-Fish while watching election returns .
And when the race was called for Biden on Nov. 7 , his granddaughters Naomi and Maisy let the world see what it was like as their family finally tasted victory .
While the lives of presidential children and grandchildren have historically been kept mostly private , Biden 's four granddaughters — Naomi , Finnegan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Harris ' stepchildren , Ella and Cole Emhoff , have formed their own public personas .
Ranging in age from their late teens to mid-20s , they use Twitter , Instagram and TikTok .
They did campaign videos and events , took part in magazine interviews and talked with YouTube personalities , comedians and celebrities .
And some , like Naomi Biden , share their political views .
Over the past year , her voice has particularly gotten louder over social media .
From tweeting supportive messages about her `` pop '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's posts have racked up tens of thousands of likes and provided another personal side to the Biden family .
Maisy Biden , 18 , also has been fairly active on her public TikTok account .
The third-eldest grandchild of the president-elect often posts comedic videos that are less overtly political but have featured cameos from her family , including her father , Hunter Biden .
`` In campaigns , operatives used to say , 'Is the candidate somebody you could see sitting at your kitchen table and having a meal with ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ press secretary to Hillary Clinton when she was first lady .
`` I think the Biden grandchildren 's social media presence , led by Naomi , does just that . ''
`` He 's relatable to begin with , '' Caputo added .
`` But to hear it through the voice and through the eyes of his granddaughter and his other grandchildren I think just puts a whole other lens of relatability onto him . ''
Presidential historians say that the increased use of social media over the past decade has amplified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The first children have been mentioned in the past , but they did n't really have the opportunity to broadcast their own opinions in the same way .
And so now social media gives the Biden family an opportunity to do that , '' said historian Tevi Troy , who has studied presidential usage of popular culture .
Troy says that while Twitter was around during the Obama administration , the 44th president 's children were too young and social media was less accessible .
`` The time seems to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bunch of family members who are active on social media , and social media is not a weird or elite thing , '' Troy added .
`` It 's a kind of common thing today . ''
Presidential families have played public roles before .
Historian and journalist Kate Brower pointed to the support President Richard Nixon received from his daughter Julie during the Watergate scandal and the young adult children of President Jimmy Carter campaigning for him , but Brower added that the Biden and Emhoff young adults stand out because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public identities .
`` I think that this is really a first , where we 're seeing this kind of individualism and the support of the family , '' she said .
Brower said she was particularly struck by Ella Emhoff 's presence on Instagram .
Emhoff is an art student at the Parsons School of Design , often posting photos of her visual art and clothing she has made .
Emhoff recently raffled off some of her clothing over Instagram , and the proceeds went to an organization supporting Black transgender people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Brower explained , `` and I think there 's been this sense of uniformity for the past four years in Washington with Ivanka and the Trump kids looking a certain way and being a certain way .
And now you have this blended family representing different cultures . ''
Nearly two years ago , when Biden was deciding whether to run for president again , he spoke about the importance of his family , a factor that prevented him from running four years earlier after his eldest son , Beau Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his granddaughters explained in a video for the Democratic National Convention how they had all encouraged their grandfather to run for president this time around .
`` He thought we were calling a meeting sort of to like discuss , you know , whether or not we wanted him to [ run , ] '' Naomi said , sitting on a white couch squished between Maisy , Finnegan and Natalie .
`` But really we were calling it to be like , 'Get in that race .
Hurry up . '
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has put an added spotlight on his younger son , Hunter Biden , who was repeatedly criticized by Republicans throughout the campaign over his foreign business dealings .
In September , Senate Republicans released a report that characterized his work as `` problematic . ''
The report largely had no repercussions , much like previous information on the topic .
In response , the Biden campaign put out a statement and fact sheet .
`` Though the whole world knows his name , no one knows who he is , '' she wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my dad , Hunter Biden - free of charge to the taxpayers and free of the corrosive influence of power-at-all-costs politics .
The truth of a man filled with love , integrity , and human struggles . ''
In a series of tweets , Naomi cast her father in an emotional and intimate light , detailing his struggle to get into Yale Law School and his commitment to his older brother , Beau , when Beau got sick .
`` The pain [ Hunter ] has endured would be enough to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
But despite the best efforts of [ a ] cruel few to destroy a private man , he is sober , happy , and as at peace as ever today because as long [ as ] his family needs him , he has not lost his purpose , '' she wrote .
Tens of thousands of people retweeted Naomi 's thread , with the first post alone getting 55,700 likes and over 17,000 retweets .
`` I think it really did cut through a lot of the noise , to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her father , '' said Caputo .
`` I found that to be incredibly effective , incredibly thoughtful and incredibly loving . ''
As Inauguration Day approaches , it remains unclear if some of the young adult members of the incoming first and second families will continue to be so public .
As far as presidential history goes , Brower explained that some younger members of past first families have taken a step back after their family 's campaign ends .
`` They tend to disappear , '' she said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandchildren in particular really take this public-facing role once he 's in office , '' Brower added .

On Twitter And TikTok, Biden Grandchildren May Offer Viral View Of White House Life
Enlarge this image toggle caption Democratic National Convention via AP Democratic National Convention via AP
In the days of counting that followed election night, there was plenty of stress in the Biden and Harris families. And the whole world could follow along.
The eldest granddaughter of President-elect Joe Biden, Naomi Biden, joked to her 188,000 Twitter followers that she couldn't stop watching cable news and that she'd "kill to be one of those people who 'can't eat when they're stressed' right about now."
In the Harris-Emhoff household, a TikTok of Ella Emhoff, the 21-year-old stepdaughter of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, was gaining millions of likes. Taken by Harris' niece, Meena, it showed Emhoff trying her first McDonald's Filet-O-Fish while watching election returns.
And when the race was called for Biden on Nov. 7, his granddaughters Naomi and Maisy let the world see what it was like as their family finally tasted victory.
While the lives of presidential children and grandchildren have historically been kept mostly private, Biden's four granddaughters — Naomi, Finnegan, Maisy and Natalie Biden — as well as Harris' stepchildren, Ella and Cole Emhoff, have formed their own public personas.
Ranging in age from their late teens to mid-20s, they use Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. They did campaign videos and events, took part in magazine interviews and talked with YouTube personalities, comedians and celebrities.
And some, like Naomi Biden, share their political views.
Over the past year, her voice has particularly gotten louder over social media. From tweeting supportive messages about her "pop" to sharing Biden-themed memes, the 26-year-old's posts have racked up tens of thousands of likes and provided another personal side to the Biden family.
Maisy Biden, who is in her late teens, also has been fairly active on her public TikTok account. The third-eldest grandchild of the president-elect often posts comedic videos that are less overtly political but have featured cameos from her family, including her father, Hunter Biden.
"In campaigns, operatives used to say, 'Is the candidate somebody you could see sitting at your kitchen table and having a meal with?' " said Lisa Caputo, the press secretary to Hillary Clinton when she was first lady. "I think the Biden grandchildren's social media presence, led by Naomi, does just that."
"He's relatable to begin with," Caputo added. "But to hear it through the voice and through the eyes of his granddaughter and his other grandchildren I think just puts a whole other lens of relatability onto him."
Presidential historians say that the increased use of social media over the past decade has amplified the voices of the first and second families.
"The first children have been mentioned in the past, but they didn't really have the opportunity to broadcast their own opinions in the same way. And so now social media gives the Biden family an opportunity to do that," said historian Tevi Troy, who has studied presidential usage of popular culture.
Troy says that while Twitter was around during the Obama administration, the 44th president's children were too young and social media was less accessible.
"The time seems to be right to have a president who has a bunch of family members who are active on social media, and social media is not a weird or elite thing," Troy added. "It's a kind of common thing today."
Unprecedented individualism
Presidential families have played public roles before. Historian and journalist Kate Brower pointed to the support President Richard Nixon received from his daughter Julie during the Watergate scandal and the young adult children of President Jimmy Carter campaigning for him, but Brower added that the Biden and Emhoff young adults stand out because of their ability to form their own public identities.
"I think that this is really a first, where we're seeing this kind of individualism and the support of the family," she said.
Brower said she was particularly struck by Ella Emhoff's presence on Instagram. Emhoff is an art student at the Parsons School of Design, often posting photos of her visual art and clothing she has made.
Emhoff recently raffled off some of her clothing over Instagram, and the proceeds went to an organization supporting Black transgender people.
"She's capturing that individualism," Brower explained, "and I think there's been this sense of uniformity for the past four years in Washington with Ivanka and the Trump kids looking a certain way and being a certain way. And now you have this blended family representing different cultures."
Nearly two years ago, when Biden was deciding whether to run for president again, he spoke about the importance of his family, a factor that prevented him from running four years earlier after his eldest son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer.
But his granddaughters explained in a video for the Democratic National Convention how they had all encouraged their grandfather to run for president this time around.
"He thought we were calling a meeting sort of to like discuss, you know, whether or not we wanted him to [run,]" Naomi said, sitting on a white couch squished between Maisy, Finnegan and Natalie. "But really we were calling it to be like, 'Get in that race. Hurry up.' "
That said, Biden's run for president has put an added spotlight on his younger son, Hunter Biden, who was repeatedly criticized by Republicans throughout the campaign over his foreign business dealings.
In September, Senate Republicans released a report that characterized his work as "problematic." The report largely had no repercussions, much like previous information on the topic. In response, the Biden campaign put out a statement and fact sheet.
Naomi Biden, Hunter's eldest child, took to Twitter.
"Though the whole world knows his name, no one knows who he is," she wrote. "Here's a thread on my dad, Hunter Biden - free of charge to the taxpayers and free of the corrosive influence of power-at-all-costs politics. The truth of a man filled with love, integrity, and human struggles."
In a series of tweets, Naomi cast her father in an emotional and intimate light, detailing his struggle to get into Yale Law School and his commitment to his older brother, Beau, when Beau got sick.
"The pain [Hunter] has endured would be enough to make a lesser man give up on life all together. But despite the best efforts of [a] cruel few to destroy a private man, he is sober, happy, and as at peace as ever today because as long [as] his family needs him, he has not lost his purpose," she wrote.
Tens of thousands of people retweeted Naomi's thread, with the first post alone getting 55,700 likes and over 17,000 retweets.
"I think it really did cut through a lot of the noise, to see and to read this heartfelt testament to her father," said Caputo. "I found that to be incredibly effective, incredibly thoughtful and incredibly loving."
As Inauguration Day approaches, it remains unclear if some of the young adult members of the incoming first and second families will continue to be so public.
As far as presidential history goes, Brower explained that some younger members of past first families have taken a step back after their family's campaign ends.
"They tend to disappear," she said. "I'm curious to see if the Biden grandchildren in particular really take this public-facing role once he's in office," Brower added.


npr--2020-12-02--Narrow Wins In These Key States Powered Biden To The Presidency

Narrow Wins In These Key States Powered Biden To The Presidency In a contest with historic turnout , President-elect Joe @ @ @ @ @ nearly 7 million votes , and 74 votes in the Electoral College , but his @ @ @ @ @ with narrow margins in a handful of states .
Trump 's legal team has mounted @ @ @ @ @ overturn the results in six key states Biden won .
All six of those states @ @ @ @ @ , providing an opportunity to look back at the final tallies .
The graphic below @ @ @ @ @ six swing states , illustrating the especially close margins in Arizona , Georgia and Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ the trio of states had a big electoral impact .
As NPR 's Domenico Montanaro @ @ @ @ @ just 44,000 votes in Georgia , Arizona and Wisconsin separated Biden and Trump from a @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Of course , Trump is no stranger to narrow victories .
He won @ @ @ @ @ just under 80,000 combined votes in three of those six key states .

Narrow Wins In These Key States Powered Biden To The Presidency
In a contest with historic turnout, President-elect Joe Biden topped President Trump by nearly 7 million votes, and 74 votes in the Electoral College, but his victory really was stitched together with narrow margins in a handful of states.
Trump's legal team has mounted dubious and so-far-unsuccessful efforts to overturn the results in six key states Biden won. All six of those states have now certified their results, providing an opportunity to look back at the final tallies.
The graphic below shows the results in those six swing states, illustrating the especially close margins in Arizona, Georgia and Wisconsin.
The tight races in the trio of states had a big electoral impact. As NPR's Domenico Montanaro has put it, "just 44,000 votes in Georgia, Arizona and Wisconsin separated Biden and Trump from a tie in the Electoral College."
Of course, Trump is no stranger to narrow victories. He won the 2016 election thanks to just under 80,000 combined votes in three of those six key states.


npr--2020-12-02--Hong Kong Activists Sentenced For Their Role In Anti-Government Protest

Hong Kong Activists Sentenced For Their Role In Anti-Government Protest A trio of young Hong Kong opposition activists have been sentenced after pleading guilty to organizing a demonstration last year as part of a larger protest against Hong Kong 's receding autonomy .
Their sentencing on Wednesday is the latest blow to the region 's opposition movement which seeks to preserve Hong Kong 's limited autonomy from Beijing .
The three — Joshua Wong , Agnes Chow and Ivan Lam — have been held without bail since pleading guilty in late November for organizing and participating in the protest last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chow and Lam , all in their 20s , are also founding members of the now-disbanded Demosisto opposition political party .
`` We 're now joining the battle in prison along with many brave protesters , less visible yet essential in the fight for democracy and freedom for HK , '' Wong wrote through his lawyers on Twitter shortly after the sentencing .
This is Wong 's second stint in prison .
He served a two-month term in 2019 related to his leadership in a civil disobedience campaign in 2014 popularly called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested more than 10,000 protesters who took part in months-long demonstrations beginning last year .
The mass rallies were sparked by a proposed extradition bill with mainland China , and the bill was shelved after peaceful marches .
The marches then ballooned into wider calls for democratic reforms to Hong Kong 's government , which is led by a Beijing-appointed chief executive , and later on , reforms of Hong Kong 's police department after allegations of police brutality .
This year , Beijing has acted quickly to legally dismantle Hong Kong 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semi-autonomous institutions under Beijing 's legal heel .
In June , China imposed a new national security law that has effectively outlawed future dissent .
Several protesters have already been charged under the law , which carries life sentences for broad crimes including secession and foreign collusion and allows for defendants to be extradited to mainland China .
Last month , Beijing 's legislature expelled four opposition lawmakers from Hong Kong 's legislature .
The remaining opposition lawmakers resigned in protest , leaving the region 's Legislative Council entirely populated by industry or @ @ @

Hong Kong Activists Sentenced For Their Role In Anti-Government Protest
Enlarge this image toggle caption Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images
A trio of young Hong Kong opposition activists have been sentenced after pleading guilty to organizing a demonstration last year as part of a larger protest against Hong Kong's receding autonomy.
Their sentencing on Wednesday is the latest blow to the region's opposition movement, which seeks to preserve Hong Kong's limited autonomy from Beijing.
The three — Joshua Wong, Agnes Chow and Ivan Lam — have been held without bail since pleading guilty in late November for organizing and participating in the protest last year that surrounded police headquarters. Wong, Chow and Lam, all in their 20s, are also founding members of the now-disbanded Demosisto opposition political party.
"We're now joining the battle in prison along with many brave protesters, less visible yet essential in the fight for democracy and freedom for HK," Wong wrote through his lawyers on Twitter shortly after the sentencing.
Wong received a sentence of 13 1/2 months in jail, Chow was sentenced to 10 months and Lam was sentenced to seven months, The Associated Press reported.
Wong previously served a two-month term in 2019 related to his leadership in a civil disobedience campaign in 2014 popularly called the Umbrella Movement.
Hong Kong has arrested more than 10,000 protesters who took part in months-long demonstrations beginning last year. The mass rallies were sparked by a proposed extradition bill with mainland China, and the bill was shelved after peaceful marches.
The marches then ballooned into wider calls for democratic reforms to Hong Kong's government, which is led by a Beijing-appointed chief executive, and later on, reforms of Hong Kong's police department after allegations of police brutality.
This year, Beijing has acted quickly to legally dismantle Hong Kong's opposition movement and bring the region's semi-autonomous institutions under Beijing's legal heel.
In June, China imposed a new national security law that has effectively outlawed future dissent.
Several protesters have already been charged under the law, which carries life sentences for broad crimes including secession and foreign collusion and allows for defendants to be extradited to mainland China.
Last month, Beijing's legislature expelled four opposition lawmakers from Hong Kong's legislature. The remaining opposition lawmakers resigned in protest, leaving the region's Legislative Council entirely populated by industry or pro-Beijing factions.


npr--2020-12-02--U.K. Approves Pfizer Coronavirus Vaccine For Emergency Use

Updated at 4:30 a.m .
ET The U.K. has formally approved Pfizer 's coronavirus vaccine , becoming the first Western country to OK its use for the general public .
The British regulatory agency , the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority , or MHRA , announced early Wednesday the approval of the vaccine from Pfizer and the German company BioNTech for emergency use .
The vaccine promises up to 95 % protection against COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted his congratulations and said : `` It 's the protection of vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our lives and get the economy moving again . ''
The U.K. 's Secretary of State for Health & Social Care Matt Hancock tweeted Wednesday morning that the National Health Service stands ready to start vaccinating people in high priority groups as early as next week .
News of a vaccine approval offers a glimmer of hope as the world grapples with a record-breaking third surge of COVID-19 infections .
More than 63.5 million cases of COVID-19 and 1.4 million deaths of complications from the disease have been recorded around the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.K. alone has experienced nearly 60,000 deaths .
`` Today 's Emergency Use Authorization in the U.K. marks a historic moment in the fight against COVID-19 , '' Alert Bourla , chairman and chief executive officer for Pfizer , said .
`` As we anticipate further authorizations and approvals , we are focused on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world .
With thousands of people becoming infected , every day matters in the collective race to end this devastating pandemic . ''
Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine to arrive in the U.K. this year .
Healthcare workers , older people and those who reside and work in long-term care facilities , are likely be the first in line for immunization , he said .
After high priority people are provided the two doses of the vaccine , the immunization process would go through each age group , he said .
Pfizer and BioNTech said vaccine delivery is expected to continue in stages throughout 2020 and 2021 .
The logistics of the rollout are made more difficult by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by cooling it to -94 degrees Fahrenheit ( -70 C ) .
The U.K. has already purchased 40 million doses , the pharmaceutical makers say .
U.S. regulators have yet to approve any vaccine — a fact that has drawn criticism from President Trump .
The president and his aides have privately admonished the Food and Drug Administration for not moving quickly enough to approve a vaccine , Politico reports .
The drug makers have filed a request for emergency use authorization with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and have submitted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Medicines Agency and several other regulatory agencies around the world .
U.S. and European regulators are expected to grant emergency use of the vaccine later this month , according to Pfizer and BioNTech .
Rival drug company Moderna recently announced it has also applied for emergency approval in the U.S. and in Europe .
EU regulators are expected to assess Moderna 's vaccine by Jan. 12 .

U.K. Approves Pfizer Coronavirus Vaccine For Emergency Use
Enlarge this image toggle caption Joel Saget/AFP via Getty Images Joel Saget/AFP via Getty Images
Updated at 4:30 a.m. ET
The U.K. has formally approved Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine, becoming the first Western country to OK its use for the general public.
The British regulatory agency, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority, or MHRA, announced early Wednesday the approval of the vaccine from Pfizer and the German company BioNTech for emergency use. The vaccine promises up to 95% protection against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted his congratulations and said: "It's the protection of vaccines that will ultimately allow us to reclaim our lives and get the economy moving again."
U.K. Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock tweeted Wednesday morning that the National Health Service stands ready to start vaccinating people in high-priority groups as early as next week.
News of a vaccine approval offers a glimmer of hope as the world grapples with a record-breaking third surge of COVID-19 infections. More than 63.5 million cases of COVID-19 and 1.4 million deaths of complications from the disease have been recorded around the world, according to Johns Hopkins University. The U.K. alone has experienced nearly 60,000 deaths.
"Today's Emergency Use Authorization in the U.K. marks a historic moment in the fight against COVID-19," Albert Bourla, chairman and chief executive officer for Pfizer, said. "As we anticipate further authorizations and approvals, we are focused on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world. With thousands of people becoming infected, everyday matters in the collective race to end this devastating pandemic."
Hancock said he expects 10 million doses of the vaccine to arrive in the U.K. this year. Health care workers, older people and those who reside and work in long-term care facilities, are likely be the first in line for immunization, he said. After high-priority people are provided the two doses of the vaccine, the immunization process would go through each age group, he said.
Pfizer and BioNTech said vaccine delivery is expected to continue in stages throughout 2020 and 2021. The logistics of the rollout are made more difficult by the specialized freezers that keep the vaccine viable by cooling it to -94 degrees Fahrenheit (-70 C).
The U.K. has already purchased 40 million doses, the pharmaceutical makers say.
Around the world
U.S. regulators have yet to approve any vaccine — a fact that has drawn criticism from President Trump. The president and his aides have privately admonished the Food and Drug Administration for not moving quickly enough to approve a vaccine, Politico reports.
The drugmakers have filed a request for emergency use authorization with the FDA and have submitted the final Conditional Marketing Authorization Application with the European Medicines Agency and several other regulatory agencies around the world.
U.S. and European regulators are expected to grant emergency use of the vaccine later this month, according to Pfizer and BioNTech.
Rival drug company Moderna recently announced it has also applied for emergency approval in the U.S. and in Europe. EU regulators are expected to assess Moderna's vaccine by Jan. 12.


npr--2020-12-02--California Dive Boat Captain Charged In Fire That Killed 34

The captain of a dive boat that caught fire last year off the coast of Santa Barbara , Calif. , was indicted Tuesday on 34 counts of negligent manslaughter .
Thirty-three passengers and one crew member died during the early morning hours of Sept. 2 , 2019 , when a fast moving fire broke out on the 75-foot Conception .
The boat was docked off Santa Cruz Island for a chartered three-day diving trip .
The captain , Jerry Nehl Boylan , 67 , and four other crew members escaped the blaze considered one of California 's deadliest maritime disasters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's manslaughter , which refers to misconduct or negligence in deaths involving vessels on U.S. waters .
Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison .
Prosecutors say the captain `` was responsible for the safety and security of the vessel , its crew , and its passengers '' at the time of the fire , but that Boylan 's misconduct , negligence and failure to `` follow well-established safety rules '' caused the deaths of 34 people that night .
`` A pleasant holiday dive trip turned into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member found themselves trapped in a fiery bunk room with no means of escape , '' said U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna in a statement .
`` The loss of life that day will forever impact the families of the 34 victims . ''
Prosecutors allege that Boylan failed to have a night watch or roving patrol on the boat , neglected to conduct sufficient fire drills and failed to conduct sufficient crew training — all requirements under the Code of Federal Regulations .
The charges filed by federal prosecutors Tuesday follows the conclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board 's investigation into the fire .
The NTSB placed the blame on the boat 's owners , Truth Aquatics Inc .
The 34 victims the night of the fire were asleep in the lower level bunk room while the five other crew members slept on the upper deck .
A crew member woke to find a glow emanating from the main deck .
At that point , the flames quickly spread .
The crew attempted to reach the victims on the lower deck , but were blocked by the inferno .
Investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Conception made it impossible to pinpoint the exact cause .
They said the blaze started on the aft deck , where passengers were recharging their smartphones and other devices containing lithium-ion batteries .
If a crew member had been designated as a night watchman to patrol the vessel , the fire could have been noticed sooner and lives could have been saved , investigators said .
The company and its owners have been subject to lawsuits from the families of victims .
Boylan is expected to turn himself in to authorities @ @ @ @ @

California Dive Boat Captain Charged In Fire That Killed 34
Enlarge this image toggle caption Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP
The captain of a dive boat that caught fire last year off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif., was indicted Tuesday on 34 counts of negligent manslaughter.
Thirty-three passengers and one crew member died during the early morning hours of Sept. 2, 2019, when a fast moving fire broke out on the 75-foot Conception. The boat was docked off Santa Cruz Island for a chartered three-day diving trip.
The captain, Jerry Nehl Boylan, 67, and four other crew members escaped the blaze considered one of California's deadliest maritime disasters. Boylan is being charged with seaman's manslaughter, which refers to misconduct or negligence in deaths involving vessels on U.S. waters. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Prosecutors say the captain "was responsible for the safety and security of the vessel, its crew, and its passengers" at the time of the fire, but that Boylan's misconduct, negligence and failure to "follow well-established safety rules" caused the deaths of 34 people that night.
"A pleasant holiday dive trip turned into a hellish nightmare as passengers and one crew member found themselves trapped in a fiery bunk room with no means of escape," said U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna in a statement. "The loss of life that day will forever impact the families of the 34 victims."
Prosecutors allege that Boylan failed to have a night watch or roving patrol on the boat, neglected to conduct sufficient fire drills and failed to conduct sufficient crew training — all requirements under the Code of Federal Regulations.
The charges filed by federal prosecutors Tuesday follows the conclusion last month of the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the fire. The NTSB placed the blame on the boat's owners, Truth Aquatics Inc.
The 34 victims the night of the fire were asleep in the lower level bunk room while the five other crew members slept on the upper deck. A crew member woke to find a glow emanating from the main deck. At that point, the flames quickly spread. The crew attempted to reach the victims on the lower deck, but were blocked by the inferno.
Investigators said the fast-moving fire and subsequent sinking of the Conception made it impossible to pinpoint the exact cause. They said the blaze started on the aft deck, where passengers were recharging their smartphones and other devices containing lithium-ion batteries.
If a crew member had been designated as a night watchman to patrol the vessel, the fire could have been noticed sooner and lives could have been saved, investigators said.
The company and its owners have been subject to lawsuits from the families of victims.
Boylan is expected to turn himself in to authorities in the coming weeks.


npr--2020-12-01--U.S. Women's Soccer Team Settles Part Of Gender Discrimination Suit

The U.S. Soccer Federation has reached a proposed settlement with the Women 's National Team in a legal battle over working conditions but a dispute over equal pay with that of their male counterparts continues .
The agreement , filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on Tuesday , is a partial victory for the World Cup champion U.S. women 's soccer team , who will see an improvement in hotel accommodations , venues , travel and staffing that will put them on equal footing with players on the Men 's National Team .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope everyone sees that we are a new U.S. Soccer , '' U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone told reporters in a press conference .
She noted a slew of internal personnel changes , including herself and new CEO Will Wilson , saying their `` fresh approach '' is helping to rebuild the strained relationship between the players and the federation .
Among the most notable changes under the proposed settlement is a requirement that `` matches be played on grass in almost all circumstances . ''
The women 's team has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to matches played on artificial surfaces — a condition with which the men 's team rarely contends .
The federation will also provide an equal number of chartered flights to the women 's and men 's teams , and it has agreed to offer comparable hotel accommodations for the teams .
They will also have comparable staff , with 18 to 21 professional positions to provide support services to the respective teams .
`` Coming to an agreement on the working conditions is just the first step , '' Parlow Cone added in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Molly Levinson , a spokesperson for the players was also pleased with the outcome of negotiations on Tuesday , although she confirmed that the WNT 's legal challenge over wages is far from over .
`` We are pleased that the USWNT Players have fought for – and achieved – long overdue equal working conditions , '' Levinson said in a statement .
`` We now intend to file our appeal to the Court 's decision which does not account for the central fact in this case that women players have been paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same job .
We remain as committed as ever to our work to achieve the equal pay that we legally deserve .
Our focus is on the future and ensuring we leave the game a better place for the next generation of women who will play for this team and this country . ''
The case hit a major setback in May when a judge rejected the women 's team 's equal pay claim .
At the time , federal Judge R. Gary Klausner pointed to differences in the structure of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracts to which they agreed in collective bargaining .
`` The WNT rejected an offer to be paid under the same pay-to-play structure as the MNT [ Men 's National Team ] and ... the WNT was willing to forgo higher bonuses for other benefits , such as greater base compensation and the guarantee of a higher number of contracted players , '' Klausner wrote .
`` Accordingly , Plaintiffs can not now retroactively deem their CBA worse than the MNT CBA by reference to what they would have made had they been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they themselves rejected such a structure . ''
On Tuesday , Parlow Cone said the federation and the players are engaged in `` more substantial conversations on the equal pay front . ''
`` We are taking a new approach , '' she said .
`` It is my hope that we continue down this path and are able to find a resolution on all aspects of this litigation . ''
The settlement needs to be approved by the court before it can go into effect .
A final judgment must still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in order for the WNT to file an appeal .

U.S. Women's Soccer Team Settles Part Of Gender Discrimination Suit
Enlarge this image toggle caption Seth Wenig/AP Seth Wenig/AP
The U.S. Soccer Federation has reached a proposed settlement with the Women's National Team in a legal battle over working conditions but a dispute over equal pay with that of their male counterparts continues.
The agreement, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on Tuesday, is a partial victory for the World Cup champion U.S. women's soccer team, who will see an improvement in hotel accommodations, venues, travel and staffing that will put them on equal footing with players on the Men's National Team.
"This is a good day. I hope everyone sees that we are a new U.S. Soccer," U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone told reporters in a press conference.
She noted a slew of internal personnel changes, including herself and new CEO Will Wilson, saying their "fresh approach" is helping to rebuild the strained relationship between the players and the federation.
Among the most notable changes under the proposed settlement is a requirement that "matches be played on grass in almost all circumstances." The women's team has been fighting for years to put an end to matches played on artificial surfaces — a condition with which the men's team rarely contends.
The federation will also provide an equal number of chartered flights to the women's and men's teams, and it has agreed to offer comparable hotel accommodations for the teams. They will also have comparable staff, with 18 to 21 professional positions to provide support services to the respective teams.
"Coming to an agreement on the working conditions is just the first step," Parlow Cone added in a reference to ongoing compensation-related litigation.
Molly Levinson, a spokesperson for the players was also pleased with the outcome of negotiations on Tuesday, although she confirmed that the WNT's legal challenge over wages is far from over.
"We are pleased that the USWNT Players have fought for – and achieved – long overdue equal working conditions," Levinson said in a statement.
"We now intend to file our appeal to the Court's decision which does not account for the central fact in this case that women players have been paid at lesser rates than men who do the same job. We remain as committed as ever to our work to achieve the equal pay that we legally deserve. Our focus is on the future and ensuring we leave the game a better place for the next generation of women who will play for this team and this country."
The case hit a major setback in May when a judge rejected the women's team's equal pay claim. At the time, federal Judge R. Gary Klausner pointed to differences in the structure of the men's and women's contracts — contracts to which they agreed in collective bargaining.
"The WNT rejected an offer to be paid under the same pay-to-play structure as the MNT [Men's National Team] and ... the WNT was willing to forgo higher bonuses for other benefits, such as greater base compensation and the guarantee of a higher number of contracted players," Klausner wrote. "Accordingly, Plaintiffs cannot now retroactively deem their CBA worse than the MNT CBA by reference to what they would have made had they been paid under the MNT's pay-to-play structure when they themselves rejected such a structure."
On Tuesday, Parlow Cone said the federation and the players are engaged in "more substantial conversations on the equal pay front."
"We are taking a new approach," she said. "It is my hope that we continue down this path and are able to find a resolution on all aspects of this litigation."
The settlement needs to be approved by the court before it can go into effect. A final judgment must still be entered on the equal pay claims, in order for the WNT to file an appeal.


npr--2020-12-02--'We Don't Have To Live This Way': Doctors Call For Climate Action

'We Do n't Have To Live This Way ' : Doctors Call For Climate Action Climate change is making people sick and leading to premature death , according to a pair of influential reports on the connections between global warming and health .
Scientists from the World Meteorological Organization released a preliminary report on the global climate which shows that the last decade was the warmest on record and that millions of people were affected by wildfires , floods and extreme heat this year on top of the global pandemic .
Separately , a sprawling analysis published Wednesday by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health data from 2019 , and finds that heat waves , air pollution and extreme weather increasingly damage human health .
It is the most comprehensive annual report yet on the nexus of climate and health , and is routinely cited by climate policymakers .
The authors include dozens of physicians and public health experts from around the world .
Both reports make an explicit connection between death , disease and burning fossil fuels .
`` Many carbon-intensive practices and policies lead to poor air quality , poor food quality , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health of disadvantaged populations , '' the authors of The Lancet analysis write .
Dr. Renee Salas , an emergency room physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and one of the lead authors of the section about the United States , says governments who want to support public health must stop financially supporting the fossil fuel industry .
`` We have to stop investing in something that is a thing of the past , and is actually subsidizing health harms , '' she says .
`` Climate change and air pollution have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fossil fuels . ''
In a speech about climate change on Wednesday , United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on world leaders to dramatically reduce fossil fuel production .
`` Humanity is waging war on nature .
This is suicidal , '' he said .
`` Every country , city , financial institution and company should adopt plans for transitioning to net zero [ greenhouse gas ] emissions by 2050 . ''
The latest global emissions data suggests that widespread lockdowns in 2020 did virtually nothing to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intense heat waves are a particularly deadly effect of global warming around the world , and older people are most at risk .
Over the past 20 years , the number of people over 65 who have died as a result of extreme heat has increased more than 50 % , the Lancet report says .
At least 296,000 people died because of heat in 2018 , the most recent year for which global data are available .
Heat waves are especially deadly in the northern hemisphere , the authors note .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in people over 65 has doubled in the last 20 years .
Nearly 20,000 older people in the U.S. died in connection with heat waves last year .
Previous research has found , in addition , that people who work outside , poor people and student-athletes are all more likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses .
The Lancet analysis also finds that climate change is a threat to public health infrastructure such as hospitals , primary care facilities and emergency services .
Two thirds of the more than 800 cities surveyed by researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` seriously compromise public health infrastructure '' the report notes .
The same survey found that more countries are providing climate and weather information to doctors and hospitals .
In 2019 , 86 countries said that they had connected their meteorological agencies with their public health agencies , compared to just 70 countries the year before .
Helping hospitals and doctors prepare for climate-driven disasters is increasingly important as concurrent disasters become more likely .
Salas , who does research at Mass General on the intersection of health , health care and climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear how ill-equipped the public health apparatus is to handle major disasters .
She says the `` cascading and far-reaching failures '' of the health system this year in the U.S. should be a wake-up call for the Biden-Harris administration to spend more money protecting health , especially in communities where poor people and minorities have been systematically and disproportionately exposed to pollution and denied adequate health care .
The Lancet report catalogues how air pollution from agriculture , vehicles and power plants contributes to asthma and other diseases that make severe cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are two tremendous disasters that are co-occurring in our nation as we speak , '' says Dr. Georges Benjamin , the executive director of the American Public Health Association .
Benjamin says the global economic recovery from the pandemic is an opportunity to adapt to climate change .
`` Climate change is an excellent example of severe inequity , '' he says .
For example , urban areas without green space are increasingly dangerous heat islands that trap hot air and pollution .
Planting trees , reducing highway and industrial pollution and investing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address climate change and prevent premature death , he argues .
`` It 's preventable , '' Benjamin says .
`` We do n't have to live this way . ''

'We Don't Have To Live This Way': Doctors Call For Climate Action
Enlarge this image toggle caption Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
Climate change is making people sick and leading to premature death, according to a pair of influential reports on the connections between global warming and health.
Scientists from the World Meteorological Organization released a preliminary report on the global climate which shows that the last decade was the warmest on record and that millions of people were affected by wildfires, floods and extreme heat this year on top of the global pandemic.
Separately, a sprawling analysis published Wednesday by the medical research journal The Lancet focuses on public health data from 2019, and finds that heat waves, air pollution and extreme weather increasingly damage human health. It is the most comprehensive annual report yet on the nexus of climate and health, and is routinely cited by climate policymakers. The authors include dozens of physicians and public health experts from around the world.
Both reports make an explicit connection between death, disease and burning fossil fuels.
"Many carbon-intensive practices and policies lead to poor air quality, poor food quality, and poor housing quality, which disproportionately harm the health of disadvantaged populations," the authors of The Lancet analysis write.
Dr. Renee Salas, an emergency room physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and one of the lead authors of the section about the United States, says governments who want to support public health must stop financially supporting the fossil fuel industry.
"We have to stop investing in something that is a thing of the past, and is actually subsidizing health harms," she says. "Climate change and air pollution have the same root cause — the burning of fossil fuels."
In a speech about climate change on Wednesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on world leaders to dramatically reduce fossil fuel production. "Humanity is waging war on nature. This is suicidal," he said. "Every country, city, financial institution and company should adopt plans for transitioning to net zero [greenhouse gas] emissions by 2050."
The latest global emissions data suggests that widespread lockdowns in 2020 did virtually nothing to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Longer, more intense heat waves are a particularly deadly effect of global warming around the world, and older people are most at risk. Over the past 20 years, the number of people over 65 who have died as a result of extreme heat has increased more than 50%, the Lancet report says. At least 296,000 people died because of heat in 2018, the most recent year for which global data are available.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Francisco Seco/AP Francisco Seco/AP
Heat waves are especially deadly in the northern hemisphere, the authors note. In the U.S. the number of heat-related deaths in people over 65 has doubled in the last 20 years. Nearly 20,000 older people in the U.S. died in connection with heat waves last year.
Previous research has found, in addition, that people who work outside, poor people and student-athletes are all more likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses.
The Lancet analysis also finds that climate change is a threat to public health infrastructure such as hospitals, primary care facilities and emergency services. Two thirds of the more than 800 cities surveyed by researchers said that they expect climate change to "seriously compromise public health infrastructure" the report notes.
The same survey found that more countries are providing climate and weather information to doctors and hospitals. In 2019, 86 countries said that they had connected their meteorological agencies with their public health agencies, compared to just 70 countries the year before.
Helping hospitals and doctors prepare for climate-driven disasters is increasingly important as concurrent disasters become more likely. Salas, who does research at Mass General on the intersection of health, health care and climate change, says the 2020 pandemic made clear how ill-equipped the public health apparatus is to handle major disasters.
She says the "cascading and far-reaching failures" of the health system this year in the U.S. should be a wake-up call for the Biden-Harris administration to spend more money protecting health, especially in communities where poor people and minorities have been systematically and disproportionately exposed to pollution and denied adequate health care.
The Lancet report catalogues how air pollution from agriculture, vehicles and power plants contributes to asthma and other diseases that make severe cases of COVID-19 more likely.
"These are two tremendous disasters that are co-occurring in our nation as we speak," says Dr. Georges Benjamin, the executive director of the American Public Health Association.
Benjamin says the global economic recovery from the pandemic is an opportunity to adapt to climate change. "Climate change is an excellent example of severe inequity," he says.
For example, urban areas without green space are increasingly dangerous heat islands that trap hot air and pollution. Planting trees, reducing highway and industrial pollution and investing in new housing are all ways to address climate change and prevent premature death, he argues.
"It's preventable," Benjamin says. "We don't have to live this way."


npr--2020-12-02--Grounded: Emotional Support Animals No Longer Guaranteed Free Flights

The Department of Transportation said Wednesday it will no longer require airlines to make the same accommodations for emotional support animals as they do for trained service dogs .
No more guaranteed free flights for comfort cats and dogs , therapy monkeys or miniature horse companions .
A service dog is trained to do work or perform a task to benefit an individual with a disability .
Emotional support and psychiatric service animals function therapeutically .
And starting in 2021 , it will be up to individual airlines to decide whether or not treat the two the same .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , inconsistent service animal definitions , fraudulent representations and animal misbehavior drove the change in policy .
Also , disturbances brought about by requests to transport `` unusual species of animals onboard aircraft , '' have compromised the public trust in recognized service animals , the department said .
In 2018 , a woman in Newark , N.J. , tried to get her peacock , Dexter , onboard a United Airlines flight .
A woman and her emotional support squirrel were booted off a flight out of Orlando , Fla. , later that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horses and Capuchin monkeys that are legitimate service animals , but ultimately decided against it .
The department received comments in support of miniature horses .
Psychiatric Service Dog Partners , a nonprofit group based in South Carolina commented to the DOT , `` Many miniature horses are comparable in size to a St. Bernard , and that many can fold their legs and lie down more easily than their larger equine counterparts . ''
Another service dog organization added that a miniature horse should be 34 inches or shorter , if measured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Great Dane .
Although a Great Dane may be marginally larger than a miniature horse , it can not be discriminated against based on breed .
There are several instances in which a service dog may not be allowed to fly .
According to the new rule , a service dog may be denied if : the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others ; the animal causes significant disruption in the cabin or at the airport ; or the animal 's carrier with a disability fails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animal could also be turned away if it violates `` applicable safety or health requirements of any U.S. federal agency , U.S. territory or foreign government . ''
Individuals traveling to Hawaii with service animals or guide dogs must have appropriate documentation of the animal 's vaccinations .
Australia requires all animals , including service dogs , to undergo a quarantine period , even if accompanied with the appropriate paperwork .
They take it very seriously .
In 2015 , actor Johnny Depp 's Yorkshire terriers , Pistol and Boo , were almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegally , NPR previously reported .
Barnaby Joyce , Australia 's agricultural minister at the time , told Depp the animals would be destroyed if they were n't removed voluntarily .
Pistol and Boo were hustled out of the country .

Grounded: Emotional Support Animals No Longer Guaranteed Free Flights
Enlarge this image toggle caption Julio Cortez/AP Julio Cortez/AP
The Department of Transportation said Wednesday it will no longer require airlines to make the same accommodations for emotional support animals as they do for trained service dogs. No more guaranteed free flights for comfort cats and dogs, therapy monkeys or miniature horse companions.
A service dog is trained to do work or perform a task to benefit an individual with a disability. Emotional support and psychiatric service animals function therapeutically. And starting in 2021, it will be up to individual airlines to decide whether or not treat the two the same.
The DOT said complaints by passengers with disabilities, inconsistent service animal definitions, fraudulent representations and animal misbehavior drove the change in policy. Also, disturbances brought about by requests to transport "unusual species of animals onboard aircraft," have compromised the public trust in recognized service animals, the department said.
In 2018, a woman in Newark, N.J., tried to get her peacock, Dexter, onboard a United Airlines flight. A woman and her emotional support squirrel were booted off a flight out of Orlando, Fla., later that year.
The DOT considered permitting miniature horses and Capuchin monkeys that are legitimate service animals, but ultimately decided against it. The department received comments in support of miniature horses.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Dan Joling/AP Dan Joling/AP
Psychiatric Service Dog Partners, a nonprofit group based in South Carolina commented to the DOT, "Many miniature horses are comparable in size to a St. Bernard, and that many can fold their legs and lie down more easily than their larger equine counterparts." Another service dog organization added that a miniature horse should be 34 inches or shorter, if measured from its withers; slightly smaller than a Great Dane.
Although a Great Dane may be marginally larger than a miniature horse, it cannot be discriminated against based on breed. There are several instances in which a service dog may not be allowed to fly. According to the new rule, a service dog may be denied if: the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others; the animal causes significant disruption in the cabin or at the airport; or the animal's carrier with a disability fails to provide the necessary paperwork.
The animal could also be turned away if it violates "applicable safety or health requirements of any U.S. federal agency, U.S. territory or foreign government." Individuals traveling to Hawaii with service animals or guide dogs must have appropriate documentation of the animal's vaccinations. Australia requires all animals, including service dogs, to undergo a quarantine period, even if accompanied with the appropriate paperwork. They take it very seriously.
In 2015, actor Johnny Depp's Yorkshire terriers, Pistol and Boo, were almost sentenced to death after entering the country illegally, NPR previously reported. Barnaby Joyce, Australia's agricultural minister at the time, told Depp the animals would be destroyed if they weren't removed voluntarily. Pistol and Boo were hustled out of the country.


npr--2020-12-02--Masked Robbers Launch Coordinated Attack On A 2nd Brazilian Bank, Killing 1 Hostage

On Monday , armed and masked gangsters attacked the Southern Brazilian city of Criciúma , in Santa Catarina state , just before midnight .
About 24 hours later and 2,000 miles away — it happened again .
Heavy gunfire erupted in Cametá , Pará state , as at least 20 gangsters descended on the remote river town in the Amazon rainforest , in a coordinated attack and robbery early Wednesday .
The gang wielded high-caliber weapons and explosives while grabbing hostages to use as human shields .
One of the hostages , a young man , was killed and another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Videos on social media show locals fleeing to the sound of gunfire .
The criminals attacked a military police station to prevent officers from responding , according to The Associated Press .
Gangsters used explosives to blow a hole in the Cametá bank in an attempt to rob it .
But state governor Helder Barbalho later said they blew up the wrong safe and no money was taken .
The gangsters fled in cars and later , in boats , according to local news outlet Globo News .
None was caught by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack and shared images of the aftermath .
He said he asked police for a speedy investigation .
Officials found cars and explosives left behind by the attackers .
In the previous day 's incident in Criciúma , gangsters robbed the Bank of Brazil , rounding up some laborers and forcing them to sit in the middle of the street , apparently to prevent police from reaching the area .
Local reports say money was scattered in the street by an explosion used to attack the bank .
The equivalent of about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bank has not disclosed its total losses .
The robbers escaped arrest , though the Brazilian news portal OUL reported late Wednesday that a woman in São Paulo had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the attack .
.
Both attacks were strategically planned and are thought to have been committed by gangsters from outside Santa Catarina and Pará states .
According to the BBC , local media are calling a string of robberies in the last few years `` New Cangaço , '' referencing the widespread banditry that plagued Brazil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centuries .
Small and medium-sized cities have been the preferred targets in the current crime wave .
Criciúma has just over 217,000 people , Cametá about 140,000 .
There have been hundreds of bank robberies in Brazil over the last couple of years , a country with some of the highest crime rates in the world .
But rates are falling .
Pará officials say Wednesday 's incident is the third bank heist in the state this year , down from 15 in 2019 .
The Brazilian Federation of Banks told NPR that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatic effect .
The trade organization said attacks and attempted attacks on bank branches in the first nine months of this year , compared to a year earlier , were down 48.35 % .
Following Monday 's overnight attack in Criciúma , officials told members of the media the assault came as a surprise .
He said police have been working to prevent bank robberies and have seen a decrease since last year .
`` The [ Criciúma ] operation was successful for the criminals , '' Santa Catarina governor Carlos Moisés da @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The New York Times .
`` That 's the truth . ''
Reese Oxner is an intern with NPR 's News Desk .

Masked Robbers Launch Coordinated Attack On A 2nd Brazilian Bank, Killing 1 Hostage
Enlarge this image toggle caption Guilherme Hahn/AP Guilherme Hahn/AP
On Monday, armed and masked gangsters attacked the Southern Brazilian city of Criciúma, in Santa Catarina state, just before midnight.
About 24 hours later and 2,000 miles away — it happened again. Heavy gunfire erupted in Cametá, Pará state, as at least 20 gangsters descended on the remote river town in the Amazon rainforest, in a coordinated attack and robbery early Wednesday.
The gang wielded high-caliber weapons and explosives while grabbing hostages to use as human shields. One of the hostages, a young man, was killed and another hostage was injured with a leg wound. Videos on social media show locals fleeing to the sound of gunfire.
The criminals attacked a military police station to prevent officers from responding, according to The Associated Press.
Gangsters used explosives to blow a hole in the Cametá bank in an attempt to rob it. But state governor Helder Barbalho later said they blew up the wrong safe and no money was taken.
The gangsters fled in cars and later, in boats, according to local news outlet Globo News. None was caught by police.
Barbalho visited the city after the attack and shared images of the aftermath. He said he asked police for a speedy investigation. Officials found cars and explosives left behind by the attackers.
In the previous day's incident in Criciúma, gangsters robbed the Bank of Brazil, rounding up some laborers and forcing them to sit in the middle of the street, apparently to prevent police from reaching the area.
Local reports say money was scattered in the street by an explosion used to attack the bank. The equivalent of about $150,000 was reportedly recovered, though the bank has not disclosed its total losses. The robbers escaped arrest, though the Brazilian news portal OUL reported late Wednesday that a woman in São Paulo had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the attack. .
Both attacks were strategically planned and are thought to have been committed by gangsters from outside Santa Catarina and Pará states.
According to the BBC, local media are calling a string of robberies in the last few years "New Cangaço," referencing the widespread banditry that plagued Brazil in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Small and medium-sized cities have been the preferred targets in the current crime wave. Criciúma has just over 217,000 people, Cametá about 140,000.
There have been hundreds of bank robberies in Brazil over the last couple of years, a country with some of the highest crime rates in the world. But rates are falling. Pará officials say Wednesday's incident is the third bank heist in the state this year, down from 15 in 2019.
The Brazilian Federation of Banks told NPR that efforts to improve security have had a dramatic effect. The trade organization said attacks and attempted attacks on bank branches in the first nine months of this year, compared to a year earlier, were down 48.35%.
Following Monday's overnight attack in Criciúma, officials told members of the media the assault came as a surprise.
"The [Criciúma] operation was successful for the criminals," Santa Catarina governor Carlos Moisés da Silva said Tuesday morning, according to The New York Times. "That's the truth."
Reese Oxner is an intern with NPR's News Desk.
NPR's Philip Reeves and Valdemar Geo in Rio de Janeiro contributed reporting.


npr--2020-12-02--Top Democrats Back Off Demands for Larger COVID-19 Bill

Updated at 4:52 p.m .
ET House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer say a $ 908 billion coronavirus relief proposal should be the starting point for bipartisan aid .
It is the first time Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Schumer , D-N.Y. , have accepted any COVID-19 legislation other than the $ 2.2 trillion bill that passed the House of Representatives in October .
But their shift to the moderates ' plan comes after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , already rejected the bipartisan proposal .
`` In the spirit of compromise we believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be used as the basis for immediate bipartisan , bicameral negotiations , '' Pelosi and Schumer said in a statement .
`` Of course , we and others will offer improvements , but the need to act is immediate and we believe that with good-faith negotiations we could come to an agreement . ''
Both parties are under intense pressure to approve further relief as COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to surge across the country .
Public health officials have warned the pandemic could worsen over the next several months , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rounds of a vaccine .
The bipartisan legislation includes $ 300 in weekly federal unemployment benefits for 18 weeks , $ 288 billion in fresh funding for the Paycheck Protection small business loan program and $ 16 billion for testing and vaccine distribution .
It also includes a temporary block on pandemic-related lawsuits to allow states to craft their own policies on legal liability .
Senate Republicans have offered their own , much smaller legislation — costing roughly over $ 500 billion .
Their latest proposal includes $ 332.7 billion for small businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and $ 31 billion for vaccine distribution , therapies and medical supplies .
It does not include direct aid for states and local governments , a key priority for Democrats .
GOP Sen. John Thune of South Dakota , asked about the top Democrats ' shift on the issue , said it was `` definitely progress , it 's a move in the right direction , and I think hopefully it 'll be helpful in us getting a deal done . ''
McConnell has said he hopes to include some targeted relief in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approved by Dec. 11 .
The GOP leader said Tuesday his goal is for Congress to pass something that has President Trump 's support .
`` Waiting for next year is not an answer , '' McConnell said .
`` It will all likely come in one package . ''

Top Democrats Back Off Demands For Larger COVID-19 Bill
Enlarge this image toggle caption J. Scott Applewhite/AP J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Updated at 4:52 p.m. ET
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer say a $908 billion coronavirus relief proposal should be the starting point for bipartisan aid.
It is the first time Pelosi, D-Calif., and Schumer, D-N.Y., have accepted any COVID-19 legislation other than the $2.2 trillion bill that passed the House of Representatives in October. But their shift to the moderates' plan comes after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., already rejected the bipartisan proposal.
"In the spirit of compromise we believe the bipartisan framework introduced by Senators yesterday should be used as the basis for immediate bipartisan, bicameral negotiations," Pelosi and Schumer said in a statement. "Of course, we and others will offer improvements, but the need to act is immediate and we believe that with good-faith negotiations we could come to an agreement."
Both parties are under intense pressure to approve further relief as COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to surge across the country. Public health officials have warned the pandemic could worsen over the next several months, even as states begin to distribute the first rounds of a vaccine.
The bipartisan legislation includes $300 in weekly federal unemployment benefits for 18 weeks, $288 billion in fresh funding for the Paycheck Protection small business loan program and $16 billion for testing and vaccine distribution. It also includes a temporary block on pandemic-related lawsuits to allow states to craft their own policies on legal liability.
Senate Republicans have offered their own, much smaller legislation — costing roughly over $500 billion. Their latest proposal includes $332.7 billion for small businesses, $105 billion for schools, and $31 billion for vaccine distribution, therapies and medical supplies. It does not include direct aid for states and local governments, a key priority for Democrats.
GOP Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, asked about the top Democrats' shift on the issue, said it was "definitely progress, it's a move in the right direction, and I think hopefully it'll be helpful in us getting a deal done."
McConnell has said he hopes to include some targeted relief in an upcoming spending bill that must be approved by Dec. 11. The GOP leader said Tuesday his goal is for Congress to pass something that has President Trump's support.
"Waiting for next year is not an answer," McConnell said. "It will all likely come in one package."