npr--2020-12-26--From Polio To The COVID Vaccine, Dr. Peter Salk Sees Great Progress

From Polio To The COVID Vaccine , Dr. Peter Salk Sees Great Progress Editor 's Note : As this year winds down , we 're looking back at some people we spoke to earlier in 2020 , when the coronavirus pandemic was in its early stages .
Now that there 's a vaccine , we wanted to check in with someone whose family has a long history with vaccines .
When I spoke to Dr. Peter Salk back in May , he told me the tale of receiving an early polio vaccine - the one invented by his father , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hated injections .
And my father came home with polio vaccine and some syringes and needles that he sterilized on the kitchen stove by boiling in water , lined us kids up and then administered the vaccine , '' Salk said .
`` Somehow the needle must have missed a nerve , and I did n't feel it .
And so that has fixed that moment in my mind . ''
Peter Salk was just 9 when he got that shot in 1953 at the family home outside Pittsburgh .
At that time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the worst single year , 1952 , nearly 60,000 children were infected .
Many were paralyzed , and more than 3,000 died .
Frightened parents kept their children away from swimming pools , movie theaters and other public places .
The vaccine helped eradicate polio , made his father world famous , and shaped Peter Salk 's own life — he also became a doctor of infectious diseases .
Yet when we talked last spring , Peter Salk was worried about the race for a COVID-19 vaccine .
He feared corners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his father , who died in 1995 , needed seven years to develop a vaccine that was both effective and safe .
`` What concerns me is knowing that , in the past , there have been unexpected things that have taken place with vaccines that had not been foreseen , '' Salk said at the time .
Back in the 1950s , one bad batch of the polio vaccine was blamed for 10 deaths , 200 cases of paralysis and for making many Americans wary of getting the shot .
But in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his home in La Jolla , Calif. , just outside San Diego , he was very upbeat about the COVID vaccine .
`` I was bowled over when the first news came out about the Pfizer , BioNTech results and being somewhere on the order of 95 percent effective , '' he said .
`` I just had a really strong emotional reaction that I totally had not anticipated . ''
He 's following the vaccine news closely and has been hugely impressed by the development of a vaccine in less than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , but none that ca n't be solved .
`` In my mind , so far , so good , '' he said .
Dr. Salk is a bit concerned about the number of people who are reluctant , or outright opposed , to getting the vaccine .
But he believes those numbers will shrink as people see the benefits .
And , he said , this `` vaccine hesitancy '' is nothing new .
`` I was surprised when I first learned a few months ago about a Gallup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half the population did not want the polio vaccine , '' he said .
That was the year before the U.S. government authorized nationwide use .
In the end , most everyone received it .
The current pandemic has sharply curtailed Salk 's movements .
He 's still a part-time professor of infectious diseases at the University of Pittsburgh , and has stopped traveling there .
He spends most of his time at home and says his aching knees , as well as the threat of the virus , keep him from getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My wife [ Ellen ] and I have been extremely careful during this whole period , '' he said .
`` I 'm probably going to continue to do social distancing and wear masks and take the precautions that I 've been taking really until this thing is practically gone . ''
Dr. Salk was at the front of the line when he got the polio vaccine as a kid .
And he 's eager to get the new vaccine .
But at age 76 , and in good health overall , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn .
`` We 're going to be somewhere down the line '' when it comes to the vaccine , he said .
`` As far as I 'm concerned , that 's fine with me .
I think it 's really important to prioritize the limited supply of vaccine . ''
As a nation , he predicts it could take until the end of 2021 before life returns to normal for the country as a whole .
Until then , he 'll be playing it safe .
`` I 'm not ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .

From Polio To The COVID Vaccine, Dr. Peter Salk Sees Great Progress
Enlarge this image toggle caption AP AP
Editor's Note: As this year winds down, we're looking back at some people we spoke to earlier in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was in its early stages. Now that there's a vaccine, we wanted to check in with someone whose family has a long history with vaccines.
When I spoke to Dr. Peter Salk back in May, he told me the tale of receiving an early polio vaccine - the one invented by his father, Dr. Jonas Salk.
"I just hated injections. And my father came home with polio vaccine and some syringes and needles that he sterilized on the kitchen stove by boiling in water, lined us kids up and then administered the vaccine," Salk said. "Somehow the needle must have missed a nerve, and I didn't feel it. And so that has fixed that moment in my mind."
Peter Salk was just 9 when he got that shot in 1953 at the family home outside Pittsburgh.
At that time, polio terrorized the country every summer. In the worst single year, 1952, nearly 60,000 children were infected. Many were paralyzed, and more than 3,000 died. Frightened parents kept their children away from swimming pools, movie theaters and other public places.
The vaccine helped eradicate polio, made his father world famous, and shaped Peter Salk's own life — he also became a doctor of infectious diseases.
Yet when we talked last spring, Peter Salk was worried about the race for a COVID-19 vaccine. He feared corners might be cut. He noted that his father, who died in 1995, needed seven years to develop a vaccine that was both effective and safe.
"What concerns me is knowing that, in the past, there have been unexpected things that have taken place with vaccines that had not been foreseen," Salk said at the time.
Back in the 1950s, one bad batch of the polio vaccine was blamed for 10 deaths, 200 cases of paralysis and for making many Americans wary of getting the shot.
But in a recent phone chat with Salk at his home in San Diego, he was very upbeat about the COVID vaccine.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Seth Wenig/AP Seth Wenig/AP
"I was bowled over when the first news came out about the Pfizer, BioNTech results and being somewhere on the order of 95 percent effective," he said. "I just had a really strong emotional reaction that I totally had not anticipated."
He's following the vaccine news closely and has been hugely impressed by the development of a vaccine in less than a year. There could still be hiccups, he said, but none that can't be solved.
"In my mind, so far, so good," he said.
Dr. Salk is a bit concerned about the number of people who are reluctant, or outright opposed, to getting the vaccine. But he believes those numbers will shrink as people see the benefits. And, he said, this "vaccine hesitancy" is nothing new.
"I was surprised when I first learned a few months ago about a Gallup poll in 1954 that indicated that about half the population did not want the polio vaccine," he said.
That was the year before the U.S. government authorized nationwide use. In the end, most everyone received it.
The current pandemic has sharply curtailed Salk's movements. He's still a part-time professor of infectious diseases at the University of Pittsburgh, and has stopped traveling there.
He spends most of his time at home and says his aching knees, as well as the threat of the virus, keep him from getting out much in the neighborhood.
"My wife [Ellen] and I have been extremely careful during this whole period," he said. "I'm probably going to continue to do social distancing and wear masks and take the precautions that I've been taking really until this thing is practically gone."
Dr. Salk was at the front of the line when he got the polio vaccine as a kid. And he's eager to get the new vaccine. But at age 76, and in good health overall, he said he's content to wait his turn.
"We're going to be somewhere down the line" when it comes to the vaccine, he said. "As far as I'm concerned, that's fine with me. I think it's really important to prioritize the limited supply of vaccine."
As a nation, he predicts it could take until the end of 2021 before life returns to normal for the country as a whole. Until then, he'll be playing it safe.
"I'm not ready to throw away the mask," he said.
Follow Greg Myre @gregmyre1.


npr--2020-12-26--Authorities Search For Nashville Bomber As Governor Asks For Emergency Declaration

Authorities Search For Nashville Bomber As Governor Asks For Emergency Declaration One day after a Christmas bombing in downtown Nashville damaged dozens of buildings over several blocks and injured at least three people , police are working with federal authorities to find the perpetrator .
`` It 's just such a contrast , '' Nashville Mayor John Cooper told Weekend All Things Considered on Saturday .
`` Christmas morning , time of peace on earth and goodwill towards each other , and then you have a heinous , deliberate bombing and of course , it gets everybody 's attention .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no answers yet . ''
Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee said on Twitter that he had toured the site of the bombing .
`` The damage is shocking and it is a miracle that no residents were killed . ''
In a letter asking President Trump for federal assistance , the governor noted that the blast affected more than 20 local 911 call centers , residential phone lines and cell service .
A White House spokesman said Friday morning that Trump was briefed on the explosion and was `` grateful for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were injured . ''
As of Saturday afternoon , the president himself had made no mention of the blast on Twitter .
Law enforcement officials have received more than 500 leads and tips , and investigators are combing through the wreckage for clues .
`` It 's like a giant jigsaw puzzle created by a bomb that throws pieces of evidence across multiple city blocks , '' U.S. Attorney Don Cochran said at a news conference on Saturday .
Cochran said he was confident investigators would find the culprit , whom he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Christmas morning , instead of spreading joy and cheer , decided to spread devastation and destruction . ''
Large portions of the state 's communications networks remained out of service , The Associated Press reported .
In his request for an emergency declaration , the governor said communications were affected as far away as Kentucky and northern Alabama .
The blast occurred early Friday morning , hours after an RV appeared around 1 a.m. CT in front of an AT & T building on Second Avenue , a popular strip of honky-tonk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that the vehicle was going to explode , and police went door to door to evacuate residents .
Around 6:30 a.m. , the vehicle exploded , knocking out communications and disrupting local flight control systems , briefly grounding planes at the Nashville International Airport .
Now , local police are working with the FBI as well as the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives to determine who was responsible .
Hundreds of FBI agents , analysts and staff are on the ground in Nashville , said Douglas Korneski , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Memphis field office .
The behavioral analysis unit in Quantico , Va. , is also on the case .
Investigators are n't sure whether one person was acting alone or several people were working together , but there are `` a number of individuals we are looking at , '' Korneski said .
`` Federal agents have poured into downtown to look for pieces of the RV and any other evidence , '' NPR 's John Burnett told Weekend Edition .
`` They 're reviewing videos from security cameras and they 've asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people hospitalized as a result of the explosion and were in stable condition as of Friday night .
So far , no fatalities have been reported .
It 's not clear whether anyone was inside the vehicle when it exploded .
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake says human tissue may have been found at the scene , NPR member station WPLN reports .
At least 41 businesses were `` materially damaged '' by the blast , and several homes were destroyed , according to the mayor .
Shockwaves from the blast were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & T building was one of the properties damaged in the explosion — which authorities described as an `` intentional act '' — and housed telecommunication equipment .
Crews were working to restore power Saturday morning — a task made difficult by the ongoing aftermath of the explosion , such as a fire that reignited overnight and led to an evacuation .
AT & T said Saturday morning that its teams were on site , working with safety and structural engineers to restore service .
`` They have drilled access holes into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to critical equipment , '' the company said in a statement .
`` Technical teams are also working as quickly as possible on rerouting additional services to other facilities in the region to restore service . ''
Nashville 's mayor declared an emergency in the area and imposed a curfew there through Sunday afternoon .
It will be some time before Second Avenue is back to normal , he said .
`` Our partners at the FBI do have a large crime scene to investigate . ''
The FBI has asked anyone with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Authorities Search For Nashville Bomber As Governor Asks For Emergency Declaration
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mark Humphrey/AP Mark Humphrey/AP
Updated at 6:43 p.m. ET
One day after a Christmas bombing in downtown Nashville, Tenn., damaged dozens of buildings over several blocks and injured at least three people, police are working with federal authorities to find the perpetrator.
"It's just such a contrast," Nashville Mayor John Cooper told Weekend All Things Considered on Saturday. "Christmas morning, time of peace on Earth and goodwill towards each other, and then you have a heinous, deliberate bombing and, of course, it gets everybody's attention. How could this be? But there are no answers yet."
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said on Twitter that he had toured the site of the bombing.
"The damage is shocking and it is a miracle that no residents were killed."
In a letter asking President Trump for federal assistance, the governor noted that the blast affected more than 20 local 911 call centers, residential phone lines and cell service.
A White House spokesman said Friday morning that Trump was briefed on the explosion and was "grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured." As of Saturday afternoon, the president himself had made no mention of the blast on Twitter.
Law enforcement officials have received more than 500 leads and tips, and investigators are combing through the wreckage for clues.
"It's like a giant jigsaw puzzle created by a bomb that throws pieces of evidence across multiple city blocks," U.S. Attorney Don Cochran said at a news conference on Saturday.
Cochran said he was confident investigators would find the culprit, whom he described as "this ultimate Scrooge who on Christmas morning, instead of spreading joy and cheer, decided to spread devastation and destruction."
Large portions of the state's communications networks remained out of service, The Associated Press reported. In his request for an emergency declaration, the governor said communications were affected as far away as Kentucky and northern Alabama.
The blast occurred early Friday morning, hours after an RV appeared around 1 a.m. CT in front of an AT&T building on Second Avenue, a popular strip of honky-tonk bars and restaurants. A recorded voice warned that the vehicle was going to explode, and police went door to door to evacuate residents. Around 6:30 a.m., the vehicle exploded, which knocked out communications and disrupted local flight control systems, briefly grounding planes at Nashville International Airport.
Now, local police are working with the FBI, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, to determine who was responsible.
Hundreds of FBI agents, analysts and staff members are on the ground in Nashville, said Douglas Korneski, FBI special agent in charge of the Memphis, Tenn., field office. The behavioral analysis unit in Quantico, Va., is also on the case.
Investigators aren't sure whether one person was acting alone or whether several people were working together, but there are "a number of individuals we are looking at," Korneski said.
"Federal agents have poured into downtown to look for pieces of the RV and any other evidence," NPR's John Burnett told Weekend Edition. "They're reviewing videos from security cameras, and they've asked the public for leads."
Three people hospitalized as a result of the explosion were in stable condition as of Friday night. So far, no fatalities have been reported.
It's unclear whether anyone was inside the vehicle when it exploded. Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake says human tissue may have been found at the scene, NPR member station WPLN reports.
At least 41 businesses were "materially damaged" by the blast, and several homes were destroyed, according to the mayor. Shock waves from the blast were reportedly felt miles away.
The AT&T building was one of the properties damaged in the explosion — which authorities described as an "intentional act" — and housed telecommunication equipment. Crews were working to restore power Saturday morning — a task made difficult by the ongoing aftermath of the explosion, such as a fire that reignited overnight and led to an evacuation.
AT&T said Saturday morning that its teams were on-site, working with safety and structural engineers to restore service.
"They have drilled access holes into the building and are attempting to reconnect power to critical equipment," the company said in a statement. "Technical teams are also working as quickly as possible on rerouting additional services to other facilities in the region to restore service."
Nashville's mayor declared an emergency in the area and imposed a curfew there through Sunday afternoon. It will be some time before Second Avenue is back to normal, he said.
"Our partners at the FBI do have a large crime scene to investigate."
The FBI has asked anyone with information to contact it on its website.


npr--2020-12-26--Barry Lopez, Acclaimed Author And Traveler Beyond Many Horizons, Dies At 75

Barry Lopez , Acclaimed Author And Traveler Beyond Many Horizons , Dies At 75 National Book Award winner Barry Lopez was famous for chronicling his travels to remote places and the landscapes he found there .
But his writings were n't simply accounts of his journeys — they were reminders of how precious life on earth is , and of our responsibility to care for it .
He died on Christmas Day following a years-long battle with prostate cancer , his wife confirmed to NPR .
He was 75 .
Lopez spent more than 30 years writing his last book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend that much time on a project without going through periods of self doubt .
When I met him at his home last year , he told me when he was feeling defeated by the work , he 'd walk along the nearby McKenzie River .
`` Every time I did there was a beaver stick in the water at my feet .
And they 're of course , they 're workers .
So I imagined the beaver were saying 'What the hell 's wrong with you ?
You get back in there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Up in his studio , he had a collection of the sticks , and he showed me how they bore the marks of little teeth .
It was a lesson for Lopez .
`` Everyday I saw the signs of : do n't lose faith in yourself , '' he told me .
This was the world of Barry Lopez — a world where a beaver could teach you the most valuable lessons .
Lopez was born in New York , but his father moved the family to California when he was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oregon , where he gained notice for his writing about the natural world .
He won the 1986 National Book Award for his nonfiction work Arctic Dreams .
At the time , he told NPR how he approached the seemingly empty Arctic environment .
`` I made myself pay attention to places where I thought nothing was going on , '' he said then .
`` And then after a while , the landscape materialized in a in a fuller way .
Its expression was deeper and broader than I had first imagined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lopez 's books , a cloudy sky contains `` grays of pigeon feathers , of slate and pearls . ''
Packs of hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos move `` like swans milling on a city park pond '' Composer John Luther Adams was friend and collaborator of Lopez for nearly four decades He says Lopez 's writing serves as a wake-up call .
`` He surveys the beauty of the world and at the same time , the cruelty and violence that we humans inflict on the Earth and on one another , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Adams says Lopez experienced that cruelty firsthand : As a child he was sexually abused by a family friend .
He first wrote about it in 2013 , and he later told NPR the experience made him feel afraid and shameful around other people .
The animals he encountered in the California wilderness offered something different .
`` They did n't say 'oh we know what you went through , ' '' he said .
`` I felt accepted by the animate world . ''
Lopez would spend his life writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage done to it by climate change .
That hit home for Lopez this past September .
Much of his property was burned in wildfires that tore through Oregon , partly due to abnormally dry conditions .
His wife Debra Gwartney says he lost an archive that stored most of his books , awards , notes and correspondence from the past 50 years , as well as much of the forest around the home .
`` He talked a lot about climate change and how it 's so easy to think that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not to you , '' she says .
`` But it happened to us , it happened to him personally .
The fire was a blow he never could recover from . ''
When I spoke to Lopez last year , he said he always sought to find grace in the middle of devastation .
`` It 's so difficult to be a human being .
There are so many reasons to give up .
To retreat into cynicism or despair .
I hate to see that and I want to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved and capable . ''
In his last days , Lopez 's family brought objects from his home to him in hospice .
Among the items : the beaver sticks from his studio .
This story was edited by Rose Friedman and adapted for the Web by Petra Mayer

Barry Lopez, Acclaimed Author And Traveler Beyond Many Horizons, Dies At 75
Enlarge this image toggle caption John W. Clark John W. Clark
National Book Award winner Barry Lopez was famous for chronicling his travels to remote places and the landscapes he found there. But his writings weren't simply accounts of his journeys — they were reminders of how precious life on earth is, and of our responsibility to care for it. He died on Christmas Day following a years-long battle with prostate cancer, his wife confirmed to NPR. He was 75.
Lopez spent more than 30 years writing his last book, Horizon, and you don't spend that much time on a project without going through periods of self doubt.
Books Writer Barry Lopez Reflects On A Life Traveling Beyond The 'Horizon' Writer Barry Lopez Reflects On A Life Traveling Beyond The 'Horizon' Listen · 8:01 8:01
When I met him at his home last year, he told me when he was feeling defeated by the work, he'd walk along the nearby McKenzie River.
"Every time I did there was a beaver stick in the water at my feet. And they're of course, they're workers. So I imagined the beaver were saying 'What the hell's wrong with you? You get back in there and do your work.'"
Up in his studio, he had a collection of the sticks, and he showed me how they bore the marks of little teeth. It was a lesson for Lopez. "Everyday I saw the signs of: don't lose faith in yourself," he told me.
This was the world of Barry Lopez — a world where a beaver could teach you the most valuable lessons.
Lopez was born in New York, but his father moved the family to California when he was a child. He would eventually settle in Oregon, where he gained notice for his writing about the natural world. He won the 1986 National Book Award for his nonfiction work Arctic Dreams.
At the time, he told NPR how he approached the seemingly empty Arctic environment.
"I made myself pay attention to places where I thought nothing was going on," he said then. "And then after a while, the landscape materialized in a in a fuller way. Its expression was deeper and broader than I had first imagined that at first glance."
In Lopez's books, a cloudy sky contains "grays of pigeon feathers, of slate and pearls." Packs of hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos move "like swans milling on a city park pond"
Composer John Luther Adams was friend and collaborator of Lopez for nearly four decades He says Lopez's writing serves as a wake-up call.
"He surveys the beauty of the world and at the same time, the cruelty and violence that we humans inflict on the Earth and on one another, and he does it with deep compassion," Adams says
Lopez experienced that cruelty firsthand: As a child he was sexually abused by a family friend. He first wrote about it in 2013, and he later told NPR the experience made him feel afraid and shameful around other people. The animals he encountered in the California wilderness offered something different.
"They didn't say 'oh we know what you went through,'" he said. "I felt accepted by the animate world."
Lopez would spend his life writing about that world — in particular the damage done to it by climate change.
It's so difficult to be a human being. There are so many reasons to give up. To retreat into cynicism or despair. I hate to see that and I want to do something that makes people feel safe and loved and capable.
That hit home for Lopez this past September. Much of his property was burned in wildfires that tore through Oregon, partly due to abnormally dry conditions. His wife Debra Gwartney says he lost an archive that stored most of his books, awards, notes and correspondence from the past 50 years, as well as much of the forest around the home.
"He talked a lot about climate change and how it's so easy to think that it's going to happen to other people and not to you," she says. "But it happened to us, it happened to him personally. The fire was a blow he never could recover from."
When I spoke to Lopez last year, he said he always sought to find grace in the middle of devastation.
"It's so difficult to be a human being. There are so many reasons to give up. To retreat into cynicism or despair. I hate to see that and I want to do something that makes people feel safe and loved and capable."
In his last days, Lopez's family brought objects from his home to him in hospice. Among the items: the beaver sticks from his studio.
This story was edited by Rose Friedman and adapted for the Web by Petra Mayer


npr--2020-12-26--How The Pandemic Turned An Introvert Into A Voice For Gig Workers

How The Pandemic Turned An Introvert Into A Voice For Gig Workers Willy Solis never saw himself as an activist .
`` I 'm an introvert , extreme introvert , '' he said .
`` That 's my nature . ''
But 2020 changed that — like so many other things .
The coronavirus pandemic drove many people to recognize gig work as `` essential '' for the first time , but the crisis also revealed the stark disparities between jobs that come with security and benefits and gig work , which does not .
And Solis , the introvert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gig workers , leading calls for better treatment and wages .
He organized walkouts and protests over pay and safety concerns at Shipt , the grocery delivery app owned by Target .
He also joined the Gig Workers Collective , a group pushing for better treatment of workers across apps , including Instacart and Lyft .
No one was more surprised by this newfound activism than Solis himself .
`` It 's taken me to a place where I never thought that I 'd be , '' he said .
The 42-year-old resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shipt and other apps .
While he had some frustrations with gig work before the pandemic , he enjoyed the flexibility it promised and the opportunity to control his own time .
But then in January , Shipt started changing the way it calculates pay for many of the hundreds of thousands of workers who pluck items off the shelves of stores like Target and Kroger and deliver them to customers ' homes .
Solis had been commiserating with fellow workers — whom Shipt calls `` shoppers '' — for months .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge .
`` In a two-week period , I talked to over 600 shoppers , '' he said .
`` And then next thing I know , I 'm finding myself talking to national media . ''
When the pandemic hit just a few weeks later , it made everything worse .
Shipt shoppers struggled to get protective equipment , like masks and gloves .
Solis was on his phone from morning to night , connecting with other workers in Facebook groups and messaging apps .
Soon he was in touch with thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April .
Shoppers refused to accept orders .
They did it again in May , July and October .
A few also protested outside Target 's headquarters in Minneapolis and Shipt 's main office in Birmingham , Ala .
Organizing is now a huge part of Solis ' life .
While sitting in his car waiting for orders to show up on the different apps he works for , he responds to tweets and Facebook messages , checking in with fellow shoppers .
This summer , he was laid up with COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking to reporters and keeping tabs on the organizing work from his sickbed .
`` I know that that sounds crazy , '' he said .
His efforts have forced change .
After Solis and fellow activists raised repeated complaints , Shipt acknowledged in August that some workers were not getting the tips customers paid .
The company said it was `` a system glitch that caused a very small number of tips from being transferred to shoppers . ''
It paid the missing tips and added an extra $ 5 for every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feedback is important to the company .
`` We encourage shoppers to speak freely to Shipt about their shopper experience through multiple feedback channels we offer .
We also have teams dedicated to hearing , logging and sharing shopper feedback we receive among the company , '' spokeswoman Danielle Schumann told NPR in a statement .
The company says the new pay model did not change shoppers ' average pay .
A study by MIT researchers reached the same conclusion , but found pay varies widely , with 41 % of workers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new system .
Solis still thinks the pay is too low .
And , he says , the work is hard .
He waits a long time to get orders , since so many people affected by the pandemic have signed up for gig work to make ends meet .
`` The reality is that I could go out and find another job and bring myself up into a better financial situation , '' he said .
But he feels he is able to speak out , while others can not take that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead and stick it out as long as I possibly can . ''
Solis does n't want to relive his battle with the virus or spread it to others .
So he uses a lot of disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer — more than the 6 ounces a month that Shipt supplies .
( The company provides free reusable face masks , wipes , and hand sanitizer to workers who say they want it .
It also makes free masks and gloves available at Target stores . )
And he works just enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his four kids was a low-key affair this year .
Solis says the trade-offs are worth it .
He found his voice .
`` It 's beyond one person and one family , '' he said .
`` My story is everybody 's story .
And there 's thousands of people that I speak for . ''

How The Pandemic Turned An Introvert Into A Voice For Gig Workers
Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of Willy Solis Courtesy of Willy Solis
Updated at 3:05 p.m. ET
Willy Solis never saw himself as an activist.
"I'm an introvert, extreme introvert," he said. "That's my nature."
But 2020 changed that — like so many other things.
The coronavirus pandemic drove many people to recognize gig work as "essential" for the first time, but the crisis also revealed the stark disparities between jobs that come with security and benefits and gig work, which does not.
And Solis, the introvert, became a voice for thousands of gig workers, leading calls for better treatment and wages. He organized walkouts and protests over pay and safety concerns at Shipt, the grocery delivery app owned by Target. He also joined the Gig Workers Collective, a group pushing for better treatment of workers across apps, including Instacart and Lyft.
No one was more surprised by this newfound activism than Solis himself.
"It's taken me to a place where I never thought that I'd be," he said.
The 42-year-old resident of Denton, Texas, delivers for Shipt and other apps. While he had some frustrations with gig work before the pandemic, he enjoyed the flexibility it promised and the opportunity to control his own time.
But then in January, Shipt started changing the way it calculates pay for many of the hundreds of thousands of workers who pluck items off the shelves of stores like Target and Kroger and deliver them to customers' homes.
Solis had been commiserating with fellow workers — whom Shipt calls "shoppers" — for months. But that pay change pushed him over the edge.
"In a two-week period, I talked to over 600 shoppers," he said. "And then next thing I know, I'm finding myself talking to national media."
When the pandemic hit just a few weeks later, it made everything worse. Shipt shoppers struggled to get protective equipment, like masks and gloves.
Solis was on his phone from morning to night, connecting with other workers in Facebook groups and messaging apps. Soon he was in touch with thousands of people.
The first walkout came in April. Shoppers refused to accept orders. They did it again in May, July and October. A few also protested outside Target's headquarters in Minneapolis and Shipt's main office in Birmingham, Ala.
Organizing is now a huge part of Solis' life. While sitting in his car waiting for orders to show up on the different apps he works for, he responds to tweets and Facebook messages, checking in with fellow shoppers.
This summer, he was laid up with COVID-19. Still, he kept going — talking to reporters and keeping tabs on the organizing work from his sickbed.
"I know that that sounds crazy," he said.
His efforts have forced change. After Solis and fellow activists raised repeated complaints, Shipt acknowledged in August that some workers were not getting the tips customers paid.
The company said it was "a system glitch that caused a very small number of tips from being transferred to shoppers." It paid the missing tips and added an extra $5 for every affected shopper.
Shipt said workers' feedback is important to the company. "We encourage shoppers to speak freely to Shipt about their shopper experience through multiple feedback channels we offer. We also have teams dedicated to hearing, logging and sharing shopper feedback we receive among the company," spokeswoman Danielle Schumann told NPR in a statement.
The company says the new pay model did not change shoppers' average pay. A study by MIT researchers reached the same conclusion, but found pay varies widely, with 41% of workers in its survey earning less under Shipt's new system.
Solis still thinks the pay is too low. And, he says, the work is hard. He waits a long time to get orders, since so many people affected by the pandemic have signed up for gig work to make ends meet.
"The reality is that I could go out and find another job and bring myself up into a better financial situation," he said. But he feels he is able to speak out, while others cannot take that risk. "I decided to go ahead and stick it out as long as I possibly can."
Solis doesn't want to relive his battle with the virus or spread it to others. So he uses a lot of disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer — more than the 6 ounces a month that Shipt supplies. (The company provides free reusable masks, wipes and hand sanitizer to workers who say they want it. It also makes free masks and gloves available at Target stores.) And he works just enough hours to cover his bills. Christmas with his four kids was a low-key affair this year.
Solis says the trade-offs are worth it. He found his voice.
"It's beyond one person and one family," he said. "My story is everybody's story. And there's thousands of people that I speak for."


npr--2020-12-26--Coronavirus Is Surging: How Severe Is Your State's Outbreak?

Coronavirus Is Surging : How Severe Is Your State 's Outbreak ?
More than 18 million people in the U.S. have had confirmed coronavirus infections and more than 325,000 have died of COVID-19 .
Tens of thousands of new cases are reported daily nationwide .
In the graphics below , explore the trends in your state .
View the data via a heat map ( immediately below ) , curve charts , a table of state-by-state trends over four weeks , or a map of total cases and deaths .
The map above shows the risk of infection in each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capita .
The consortium of researchers and public health experts who developed these risk levels advises states in the red category to issue stay-home orders .
They advise orange states to consider stay-home orders , along with increased testing and contact tracing .
Yellow states need to keep up social distancing and mask usage , and all states should continue testing and contact tracing .
To compare state outbreaks , the chart above graphs trend lines for average new daily cases and deaths against each state 's totals to date .
This type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth or decline relative to the overall size of its outbreak .
When both new and total case and death counts grow quickly , the curves bend upward .
As new cases and deaths slow , the curves level or bend down .
In New York , the curve rose sharply before reaching over 170,000 total cases in April .
New cases fell from about 10,000 per day in mid-April to under 900 a day most of the summer , before starting to rise in the fall .
Explore the map above to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country for both new confirmed cases and reported deaths from COVID-19 .
New York was the original epicenter of the pandemic in the U.S. As of mid October , California , Florida and Texas surpass New York for total cases to date , though New York still has the highest death total .
Click here to see a global map of confirmed cases and deaths .
To show trends , the table below shows the change in average new cases per day in each state , week over week for the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of red have growing outbreaks ; those in shades of green , are declining .
The graphics on this page pull from data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University from several sources , including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ; the World Health Organization ; national , state and local government health departments ; 1point3acres ; and local media reports .
The JHU team automates its data uploads and regularly checks them for anomalies .
This may result in occasional data discrepancies on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and updates its feeds .
State-by-state recovery data are unavailable at this time .
There may be discrepancies between what you see here and what you see on your local health department 's website .
Figures shown do not include cases on cruise ships .
Fluctuations in the numbers may happen as health authorities review old cases and or update their methodologies .
For example , in early June , Michigan health authorities started including probable cases in its totals .
This resulted in a brief spike in the state 's daily numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reconcile the historical data .
On June 25 , New Jersey included 1,854 previously-unreported probable deaths in its totals , resulting in a spike in the state 's daily death numbers .
On Sept. 2 , Massachusetts changed its methodology for counting probable cases , which lowered its overall case and death numbers .
The JHU team maintains a list of such changes .
This story was originally published on March 16 , 2020 .
Elena Renken was a co-author on that version .
Sean McMinn and Audrey Carlsen contributed to this story @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Tracking the coronavirus around the U.S.: See how your state is doing
Loading...
Note: This page was last updated on Feb. 1, 2023. It will no longer be updated. For current data on COVID cases and deaths, demographics, and hospitalizations, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of Feb. 1, there have been more than 101 million confirmed coronavirus infections in the U.S. and more than 1 million people have died of COVID-19. In the graphics below, explore the trends in your state.
Loading...
The above charts show average new cases per 100,000 people for each state over the last 12 months.
Note: Actual cases may be substantially higher, since many who test positive with at-home tests don't report their cases.
For additional data about COVID-19 in the U.S, including cases and deaths, demographics, and hospitalizations, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
To show trends, the table below shows the change in average new cases per day in each state, week over week for the last 28 days. States marked in shades of red have growing outbreaks; those in shades of green, are declining.
Loading...
Methodology
The graphics on this page pull from data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University from several sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the World Health Organization; national, state and local government health departments; 1point3acres; and local media reports.
The JHU team automates its data uploads and regularly checks them for anomalies. This may result in occasional data discrepancies on this page as the JHU team resolves anomalies and updates its feeds. There may be discrepancies between what you see here and what you see on your local health department's website. Figures shown do not include cases on cruise ships.
Fluctuations in the numbers may happen as health authorities review old cases, process testing backlogs or update their methodologies. The JHU team maintains a list of such changes.
This story was originally published on March 16, 2020. Elena Renken was a co-author on that version. Sean McMinn and Audrey Carlsen contributed to this story. Carmel Wroth edited this story.


npr--2020-12-26--This Denver Bar Once Welcomed Frank Sinatra And Jack Kerouac. Now It's Closed

This Denver Bar Once Welcomed Frank Sinatra And Jack Kerouac .
Now It 's Closed The legendary El Chapultepec has @ @ @ @ @ business — not only because of the pandemic , but also because Denver has changed @

This Denver Bar Once Welcomed Frank Sinatra And Jack Kerouac. Now It's Closed The legendary El Chapultepec has closed after 87 years in business — not only because of the pandemic, but also because Denver has changed.
Business This Denver Bar Once Welcomed Frank Sinatra And Jack Kerouac. Now It's Closed This Denver Bar Once Welcomed Frank Sinatra And Jack Kerouac. Now It's Closed Listen · 3:38 3:38 The legendary El Chapultepec has closed after 87 years in business — not only because of the pandemic, but also because Denver has changed. Sponsor Message Become an NPR sponsor


npr--2020-12-27--Latest On COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Latest On COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Audio will be available later today .
The European Union begins a rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine to its nearly @ @ @ @ @ 101-year-old nursing home patient became Germany 's first vaccinated person .

Latest On COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout The European Union begins a rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine to its nearly 450 million people. A 101-year-old nursing home patient became Germany's first vaccinated person.


npr--2020-12-27--Investigators In Nashville Looking For The How And Why To Christmas Day Explosion

Investigators In Nashville Looking For The How And Why To Christmas Day Explosion Investigators in Nashville are combing the site @ @ @ @ @ .
Authorities say it was caused by an RV filled with explosives , which issued @ @ @ @ @ blew up .

Investigators In Nashville Looking For The How And Why To Christmas Day Explosion Investigators in Nashville are combing the site of a Christmas morning explosion. Authorities say it was caused by an RV filled with explosives, which issued a 15-minute warning before it blew up.
National Investigators In Nashville Looking For The How And Why To Christmas Day Explosion Investigators In Nashville Looking For The How And Why To Christmas Day Explosion Listen · 4:05 4:05 Investigators in Nashville are combing the site of a Christmas morning explosion. Authorities say it was caused by an RV filled with explosives, which issued a 15-minute warning before it blew up. Sponsor Message Become an NPR sponsor


npr--2020-12-27--Seattle Helps People Living In Vehicles Get Rid Of Waste. Meet The Man Who Does It

Seattle Helps People Living In Vehicles Get Rid Of Waste .
Meet The Man Who Does It Seattle 's public @ @ @ @ @ to knock on RV doors around the city and ask if the occupants want their @ @ @ @

Seattle Helps People Living In Vehicles Get Rid Of Waste. Meet The Man Who Does It Seattle's public utility has designated an employee to knock on RV doors around the city and ask if the occupants want their sewage tank pumped.
National Seattle Helps People Living In Vehicles Get Rid Of Waste. Meet The Man Who Does It Seattle Helps People Living In Vehicles Get Rid Of Waste. Meet The Man Who Does It Listen · 3:38 3:38 Seattle's public utility has designated an employee to knock on RV doors around the city and ask if the occupants want their sewage tank pumped. Sponsor Message Become an NPR sponsor


npr--2020-12-27--A Doctor, Who Is Breastfeeding, Explains Complex Choice To Get COVID-19 Vaccine

A Doctor , Who Is Breastfeeding , Explains Complex Choice To Get COVID-19 Vaccine There 's no data on the @ @ @ @ @ pregnant people or babies who are being breastfed .
Dr. Adeline Goss tells Sarah McCammon @ @ @ @ @ after getting the shot .

A Doctor, Who Is Breastfeeding, Explains Complex Choice To Get COVID-19 Vaccine There's no data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines on pregnant people or babies who are being breastfed. Dr. Adeline Goss tells Sarah McCammon why she chose to nurse after getting the shot.


npr--2020-12-27--Will We Be Better Prepared To Face The Pandemic In 2021?

Will We Be Better Prepared To Face The Pandemic In 2021 ?
Sarah McCammon looks ahead on the COVID-19 front @ @ @ @ @ .

Will We Be Better Prepared To Face The Pandemic In 2021? Sarah McCammon looks ahead on the COVID-19 front with science writer David Quammen.


npr--2020-12-27--Model Train Company Makes Comeback In Quarantine

The model train company Hornby has seen a big increase of sales because families are spending more time at home @ @ @ @ @ , it was described as a `` company in chaos . ''

Model Train Company Makes Comeback In Quarantine The model train company Hornby has seen a big increase of sales because families are spending more time at home. Prior to the pandemic, it was described as a "company in chaos".
Business Model Train Company Makes Comeback In Quarantine Model Train Company Makes Comeback In Quarantine Listen · 4:07 4:07 The model train company Hornby has seen a big increase of sales because families are spending more time at home. Prior to the pandemic, it was described as a "company in chaos." Sponsor Message Become an NPR sponsor


npr--2020-12-27--What It Looks Like To Be A Hospital Chaplain In A Pandemic

What It Looks Like To Be A Hospital Chaplain In A Pandemic Hospital chaplain Matt Norvell has been praying with @ @ @ @ @ decade .
But the last nine months during the coronavirus pandemic have been the most @ @ @ @ @

What It Looks Like To Be A Hospital Chaplain In A Pandemic Hospital chaplain Matt Norvell has been praying with patients for more than a decade. But the last nine months during the coronavirus pandemic have been the most intense of his career.


npr--2020-12-27--What Effect Will Holiday Travel Have On The Pandemic?

What Effect Will Holiday Travel Have On The Pandemic ?
Sarah McCammon speaks with Dr. Teena Chopra , an infectious @ @ @ @ @ holiday travel will impact an already struggling American health system .

What Effect Will Holiday Travel Have On The Pandemic? Sarah McCammon speaks with Dr. Teena Chopra, an infectious disease specialist, about how holiday travel will impact an already struggling American health system.


npr--2020-12-27--Brazil's President Downplays Pandemic Despite Rising Cases In His Hometown

Brazil 's President Downplays Pandemic Despite Rising Cases In His Hometown A second wave of COVID-19 is rippling across Brazil @ @ @ @ @ is Rio de Janeiro , hometown of President Jair Bolsonaro .
Even so , he @ @ @ @ @ to control the pandemic .

Brazil's President Downplays Pandemic Despite Rising Cases In His Hometown A second wave of COVID-19 is rippling across Brazil. The latest hot spot is Rio de Janeiro, hometown of President Jair Bolsonaro. Even so, he is continuing to subvert efforts to control the pandemic.


npr--2020-12-27--Politics Chat: Two Unemployment Benefits Expired, With More To Follow

Politics Chat : Two Unemployment Benefits Expired , With More To Follow Audio will be available later today .
With @ @ @ @ @ his signature or veto , what 's President Trump 's end game ?
A new @ @ @ @ @ a new president in 24 days , and millions of Americans are struggling .

Politics Chat: Two Unemployment Benefits Expired, With More To Follow With another COVID-19 relief bill awaiting his signature or veto, what's President Trump's end game? A new Congress begins Jan. 3, a new president in 24 days, and millions of Americans are struggling.


npr--2020-12-27--Immigrant Detainees Held by ICE Are Going On Hunger Strikes

Immigrant Detainees Held by ICE Are Going On Hunger Strikes Immigrant detainees in the U.S. are often illegally held in @ @ @ @ @ and Customs Enforcement agency .
Activists in New York and New Jersey want ICE to @ @ @ @

Immigrant Detainees Held by ICE Are Going On Hunger Strikes Immigrant detainees in the U.S. are often illegally held in county jails by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Activists in New York and New Jersey want ICE to release detainees now.
National Immigrant Detainees Held by ICE Are Going On Hunger Strikes Immigrant Detainees Held by ICE Are Going On Hunger Strikes Listen · 3:54 3:54 Immigrant detainees in the U.S. are often illegally held in county jails by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Activists in New York and New Jersey want ICE to release detainees now. Sponsor Message Become an NPR sponsor


npr--2020-12-27--Do-It-Yourself Contact Tracing Is A 'Last Resort' In Communities Besieged By COVID-19

Do-It-Yourself Contact Tracing Is A 'Last Resort ' In Communities Besieged By COVID-19 COVID-19 cases are spreading so fast that they 're outpacing the contact-tracing capacities of some local health departments .
Faced with mounting case loads , those departments are asking people who test positive for the novel coronavirus to do their own contact tracing .
The contact tracers of Washtenaw County in Michigan have been deluged with work .
Washtenaw is a county of about 350,000 residents who live in and around the city of Ann Arbor , about 45 minutes from Detroit .
Until mid-October , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing to keep up with the workload .
But when coronavirus cases started to surge in the fall , they struggled to keep up .
By Thanksgiving , more than 1,000 residents were testing positive for the novel coronavirus every week , and the tracers could not keep pace .
In Washtenaw County , the process starts with a group of people called case investigators , who receive lab reports of positive coronavirus tests .
Their job is to call everyone who 's tested positive for the virus , tell them they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the names of people with whom they had close contact .
After creating this list of potentially exposed `` contacts , '' the investigators pass the list over to a new team , who use it to start the actual contact tracing .
The county 's contact tracers are then responsible for calling infected people 's close contacts and telling those people they need to quarantine .
Each person who tests positive typically has several contacts , so as the number of positive cases builds , the number of calls that tracers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks , it 's not just the number of positive cases that has increased , overwhelming the capacity of case investigators , but also the number of contacts that each of those people has , says contact tracer Madeline Bacolor .
`` There 's just so many more people that are gathering and that are exposed , '' she says .
`` It used to be , we had a case , and maybe that person had seen two people , and now it 's a whole classroom full of daycare students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the motivation behind all the phone calls is simple : She tries to keep people who have been exposed to the virus away from people who have not .
That 's crucial work , according to public health professor Angela Beck , because it breaks viral transmission chains and prevents the virus from spreading unchecked through a community .
Beck teaches at the University of Michigan , where she also runs the campus program for tracing coronavirus exposures among students .
When you 're trying to contain an infectious disease , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` not a situation that you want to be in . ''
But it 's happening now in health departments in Michigan and around the U.S. where contact tracing workforces have grown , but not fast enough to keep pace with the pandemic 's spread .
To cope , the overburdened health departments have a new tactic : asking residents who test positive for the virus to do their own contact tracing .
Once billed as one of the fundamental tools for stemming the spread of the virus , contact tracing has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
It 's a systematic breakdown that Lawrence Gostin , a professor of global health law at Georgetown University , says has n't happened since the spread and stigma of HIV and AIDS in the 1980s and '90s .
In Michigan 's rural northern peninsula , a public health district spanning five counties warned residents last month that their tracers were overwhelmed , and they might not receive a call at all , despite testing positive .
The health workers had to focus their efforts on residents over 65 , teens and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people living in group settings .
In the state 's southwest corner , contact tracers in Van Buren and Cass counties can no longer keep up with their calls .
It 's the same situation in Berrien County : `` If you test positive , take action immediately by isolating and notifying close contacts , '' the Berrien County health officer urged residents in a press release .
Health officials have taken similar actions in all regions of the country , including Oregon , North Dakota , Ohio and Virginia .
In many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracers has been exacerbated by a recent change in the quarantine guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — reducing the quarantine period from 14 days to 10 for some individuals exposed to the virus .
The idea behind the change was that the risk of transmission after 10 days of quarantine was low , and shorter quarantine periods might increase people 's willingness to comply with the orders .
But the shift also meant that contact tracers had to spend time learning and explaining the new procedures , at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It makes things more confusing , '' says Bacolor , the contact tracer in Washtenaw County .
`` People might be hearing something different from their job or school than they are from the health department . ''
Bacolor 's experience was common among contact tracers , says Lori Tremmel Freeman , the CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials .
She said local health officials had little warning from the CDC about how the quarantine guidance would be changing .
`` To just issue [ new quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect it to be implemented across the country really is a disservice to local health departments who have to explain it on top of dealing with the pandemic , '' Tremmel Freeman says .
`` They are scrambling right now . ''
Asking infected people , some of whom might be sick , to call their own friends and families — in effect , conduct their own contact tracing operation —is far from ideal , public health experts agree .
`` It is a last resort tool , '' says Beck , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the best that we can do in the situation that we 're in , but it 's a compromised strategy . ''
Contact tracing is more than just alerting people to a potential exposure , so they can quarantine .
Part of the process is to do carefully structured interviews with the exposees , to determine if they 've developed symptoms of COVID-19 .
If so , contacts of those people also need to be traced and told to quarantine , to prevent the virus from proliferating through successive chains of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also often ask valuable questions to learn more about how the virus was transmitted from person to person , so that local health officials can piece together an understanding about which settings and activities seem particularly likely to promote spread — in-person choir rehearsals and crowded bars , for example — and which are unlikely to generate outbreaks .
Contact tracing is one key part of a tried-and-true strategy known as `` test , trace and isolate . ''
Public health professor Angela Beck says that the strategy has been used all over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when there are enough people and enough time to do it properly .
Effective contact tracing can help mitigate the economic pain of a pandemic because it means that only people with known exposures to the virus must keep away from work , school and other activities , she says .
But success requires significant investment in public health infrastructure , something that Beck and other researchers say has been lacking for decades in the U.S .
This story comes from NPR 's health reporting partnership with Kaiser Health News .

Do-It-Yourself Contact Tracing Is A 'Last Resort' In Communities Besieged By COVID-19
Enlarge this image toggle caption David Goldman/AP David Goldman/AP
COVID-19 cases are spreading so fast that they're outpacing the contact-tracing capacities of some local health departments. Faced with mounting case loads, those departments are asking people who test positive for the novel coronavirus to do their own contact tracing.
The contact tracers of Washtenaw County in Michigan have been deluged with work.
Washtenaw is a county of about 350,000 residents who live in and around the city of Ann Arbor, about 45 minutes from Detroit. Until mid-October, a county team of 15 contact tracers was managing to keep up with the workload. But when coronavirus cases started to surge in the fall, they struggled to keep up. By Thanksgiving, more than 1,000 residents were testing positive for the novel coronavirus every week, and the tracers could not keep pace.
In Washtenaw County, the process starts with a group of people called case investigators, who receive lab reports of positive coronavirus tests. Their job is to call everyone who's tested positive for the virus, tell them they need to isolate themselves, and ask them for the names of people with whom they had close contact. After creating this list of potentially exposed "contacts," the investigators pass the list over to a new team, who use it to start the actual contact tracing.
The county's contact tracers are then responsible for calling infected people's close contacts and telling those people they need to quarantine. Each person who tests positive typically has several contacts, so as the number of positive cases builds, the number of calls that tracers have to make swells too.
In recent weeks, it's not just the number of positive cases that has increased, overwhelming the capacity of case investigators, but also the number of contacts that each of those people has, says contact tracer Madeline Bacolor.
"There's just so many more people that are gathering and that are exposed," she says. "It used to be, we had a case, and maybe that person had seen two people, and now it's a whole classroom full of daycare students or a whole workplace."
Bacolor says the motivation behind all the phone calls is simple: She tries to keep people who have been exposed to the virus away from people who have not.
That's crucial work, according to public health professor Angela Beck, because it breaks viral transmission chains and prevents the virus from spreading unchecked through a community.
Beck teaches at the University of Michigan, where she also runs the campus program for tracing coronavirus exposures among students.
When you're trying to contain an infectious disease, she says, running out of contact tracers is "not a situation that you want to be in."
But it's happening now in health departments in Michigan and around the U.S. where contact tracing workforces have grown, but not fast enough to keep pace with the pandemic's spread. To cope, the overburdened health departments have a new tactic: asking residents who test positive for the virus to do their own contact tracing.
Overwhelmed health officials forced to try 'a compromised strategy'
Once billed as one of the fundamental tools for stemming the spread of the virus, contact tracing has fallen apart in many regions of the country. It's a systematic breakdown that Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University, says hasn't happened since the spread and stigma of HIV and AIDS in the 1980s and '90s.
In Michigan's rural northern peninsula, a public health district spanning five counties warned residents last month that their tracers were overwhelmed, and they might not receive a call at all, despite testing positive. The health workers had to focus their efforts on residents over 65, teens and children attending school in person, and people living in group settings.
In the state's southwest corner, contact tracers in Van Buren and Cass counties can no longer keep up with their calls. It's the same situation in Berrien County: "If you test positive, take action immediately by isolating and notifying close contacts," the Berrien County health officer urged residents in a press release.
Health officials have taken similar actions in all regions of the country, including Oregon, North Dakota, Ohio and Virginia.
In many health departments, the shortage of contact tracers has been exacerbated by a recent change in the quarantine guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — reducing the quarantine period from 14 days to 10 for some individuals exposed to the virus.
The idea behind the change was that the risk of transmission after 10 days of quarantine was low, and shorter quarantine periods might increase people's willingness to comply with the orders. But the shift also meant that contact tracers had to spend time learning and explaining the new procedures, at the same time as caseloads were exploding.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Washtenaw County Health Department Washtenaw County Health Department
"It makes things more confusing," says Bacolor, the contact tracer in Washtenaw County. "People might be hearing something different from their job or school than they are from the health department."
Bacolor's experience was common among contact tracers, says Lori Tremmel Freeman, the CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials. She said local health officials had little warning from the CDC about how the quarantine guidance would be changing.
"To just issue [new quarantine guidance] at the federal level and expect it to be implemented across the country really is a disservice to local health departments who have to explain it on top of dealing with the pandemic," Tremmel Freeman says. "They are scrambling right now."
Asking infected people, some of whom might be sick, to call their own friends and families — in effect, conduct their own contact tracing operation —is far from ideal, public health experts agree.
"It is a last resort tool," says Beck, the University of Michigan professor. "It is the best that we can do in the situation that we're in, but it's a compromised strategy."
Contact tracing is more than just alerting people to a potential exposure, so they can quarantine. Part of the process is to do carefully structured interviews with the exposees, to determine if they've developed symptoms of COVID-19. If so, contacts of those people also need to be traced and told to quarantine, to prevent the virus from proliferating through successive chains of people in the community.
Trained contact tracers also often ask valuable questions to learn more about how the virus was transmitted from person to person, so that local health officials can piece together an understanding about which settings and activities seem particularly likely to promote spread — in-person choir rehearsals and crowded bars, for example — and which are unlikely to generate outbreaks.
Contact tracing is one key part of a tried-and-true strategy known as "test, trace and isolate." Public health professor Angela Beck says that the strategy has been used all over the world, and it works — when there are enough people and enough time to do it properly.
Effective contact tracing can help mitigate the economic pain of a pandemic because it means that only people with known exposures to the virus must keep away from work, school and other activities, she says.
But success requires significant investment in public health infrastructure, something that Beck and other researchers say has been lacking for decades in the U.S.
This story comes from NPR's health reporting partnership with Kaiser Health News.


npr--2020-12-26--3 Killed, 3 Others Injured In Shooting At Illinois Bowling Alley

3 Killed , 3 Others Injured In Shooting At Illinois Bowling Alley At least three people were killed and three others injured in a shooting the day after Christmas at a bowling alley in Rockford , Ill. , according to police .
Two teenagers are among the victims , though Police Chief Dan O'Shea said he did not know whether they had been killed or wounded .
A suspect is in custody , and authorities do not believe anyone else was involved as of Saturday evening .
O'Shea told local media outlets that officers responded to reports of `` shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CT .
Shortly after the officers responded , the business — Don Carter Lanes — asked its Facebook followers to `` Pray Please . ''
At this point in the investigation , he said , it does not appear that officers used their weapons in responding to the incident .
`` I do n't know what was occurring here , '' O'Shea said when asked whether the bowling alley was open at the time of the shooting .
Illinois is under `` Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations '' as the country faces another wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the state requires that indoor entertainment spaces like theaters , arcades and museums close .
At Saturday 's press conference , O'Shea said he could not give identifying information on any of the victims or the suspect nor could he speak to whether there was any relationship before the shooting .
Rockford is a city of nearly 150,000 people , located about 85 miles west of Chicago .

Military Member Charged In Shooting At Illinois Bowling Alley That Left 3 Dead
Enlarge this image toggle caption Winnebago County Sheriff's Office via AP Winnebago County Sheriff's Office via AP
Updated at 1:09 p.m. ET Sunday
An active member of the military was charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder on Sunday following a shooting on the day after Christmas at a bowling alley in Rockford, Ill.
The suspect was identified as 37-year-old Duke Webb of Florida.
"We believe this is a completely random act," said Rockford Police Chief Dan O'Shea at a Sunday morning news conference. O'Shea said police do not believe the victims and suspect had any type of relationship. He said police cannot discuss motive at this time.
Three men — ages 65, 69 and 73 — were killed in the shooting. Their identities have not been released by the coroner's office.
Three others were wounded in the shooting. Two of the victims were teenagers — a 14-year-old boy who was shot in the face and a 16-year-old girl who was shot in the shoulder. Authorities said the boy is in stable condition after being airlifted to the hospital and the girl was treated and released.
A 62-year-old man was shot multiple times and underwent surgery overnight. Police said he was still in critical condition as of Sunday morning.
The gunman is believed to have shot from both outside and inside the venue, which had up to 25 people inside, O'Shea said.
Police received multiple 911 calls about the incident and arrived about a minute later, he said. Police apprehended the suspect without using their weapons.
The police chief said the suspect tried to hide his weapons — two handguns — before officers were able to apprehend him.
"A heinous act of violence by an evil coward took innocent life tonight. The entire bowling community mourns the senseless loss of life and prays for the families," Don Carter Lanes, the venue where the shooting occurred, said in a statement. "God please be with their friends and families."
The venue said it will host a candlelight vigil for the victims on Tuesday.
The business was open and in compliance with the city's coronavirus guidelines, O'Shea said, responding to concerns that it should have been closed.
Rockford, a city about 85 miles west of Chicago and with a population of nearly 150,000, has recorded 35 homicides this year, making it the deadliest year on record, according to WREX, the local NBC affiliate.
In October, authorities called gun violence a second "pandemic" plaguing the city.
"This type of violence in the city of Rockford needs to stop," Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said during the media briefing. "This type of violence throughout our country needs to stop."


npr--2020-12-26--Jobless Benefits Lapse For Millions As Trump Withholds Signature On Relief Bill

Jobless Benefits Lapse For Millions As Trump Withholds Signature On Relief Bill Jobless benefits that were expanded for millions of Americans earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic ran out on Saturday , as President Trump renewed his criticism of a recently-passed $ 900 billion relief package that includes an extension of federal unemployment assistance .
Trump caught Washington by surprise this week with his criticism of the relief package .
But without his signature on the bill , two pandemic-related unemployment programs have now come to end .
One of the programs extended benefits to people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as gig and contract workers .
The other provided up to 13 weeks of additional assistance for Americans who have exhausted their state benefits .
The relief package that passed Congress this past week with broad bipartisan support not only would have extended coverage under these programs , but also included a $ 300-per-week supplement to state jobless benefits for those who are unemployed because of the pandemic .
The relief package was passed on Monday following months of negotiations , but on Tuesday , the president deemed the measure a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point of contention with the bipartisan bill — which was negotiated in part by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin — is the size of payouts allotted for individuals .
The bill includes direct relief payments of as much as $ 600 for Americans who meet certain income thresholds , but Trump has insisted that amount is too low .
He is demanding Americans receive $ 2,000 instead .
`` I simply want to get our great people $ 2000 , rather than the measly $ 600 that is now in the bill .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'pork ' , '' the president tweeted Saturday .
Trump left Washington this week without signing the measure , though the legislation was sent to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida .
From there , the president continued to assail the bill throughout the Christmas holiday and into the weekend .
The delay has not only threatened to plunge millions deeper into economic uncertainty , but it has also moved the government closer to a shutdown , with the fate of an attached spending measure of $ 1.4 trillion also in jeopardy .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , find a friendly audience with House Democrats , who attempted to pass an increase in the payments to $ 2,000 on Thursday .
But that effort was blocked by House Republicans .
The additional jobless benefits became a crucial financial lifeline for many Americans following passage in March as part of the CARES act .
Millions lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic , and while many have have since gone back to work , unemployment remains high .
The week before Congress passed the relief package , initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 800,000 .
On Saturday , President-elect Joe Biden issued a statement calling Trump 's delay in signing the measure an `` abdication of responsibility . ''
`` It 's the day after Christmas , and millions of families do n't know if they 'll be able to make ends meet because of President Donald Trump 's refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority , '' Biden said .
The president-elect went on to note that further delay could end an eviction moratorium and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit hard by the pandemic .
Furthermore , the president-elect warned of dire effects if a government shutdown were allowed to happen .
`` This bill is critical .
It needs to be signed into law now , '' Biden said .
While it is unclear whether Trump will sign the legislation , it is also unclear whether Trump will veto it .
If he does so , Congress would have enough votes to override .

Jobless Benefits Lapse For Millions As Trump Withholds Signature On Relief Bill
Enlarge this image toggle caption Patrick Semansky/AP Patrick Semansky/AP
Updated Sunday at 8:23 a.m. ET
Jobless benefits that were expanded for millions of Americans earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic ran out on Saturday, as President Trump renewed his criticism of a recently passed $900 billion relief package that includes an extension of federal unemployment assistance.
Trump caught Washington by surprise this week with his criticism of the relief package. But without his signature on the bill, two pandemic-related unemployment programs have now come to end. One of the programs extended benefits to people who typically do not qualify for jobless aid, such as gig and contract workers. The other provided up to 13 weeks of additional assistance for Americans who have exhausted their state benefits.
The relief package that passed Congress this past week with broad bipartisan support not only would have extended coverage under these programs, but also included a $300-per-week supplement to state jobless benefits for those who are unemployed because of the pandemic. The relief package was passed on Monday following months of negotiations, but on Tuesday, the president deemed the measure a "disgrace."
Trump's main point of contention with the bipartisan bill — which was negotiated in part by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin — is the size of payouts allotted for individuals. The bill includes direct relief payments of as much as $600 for Americans who meet certain income thresholds, but Trump has insisted that amount is too low. He is demanding Americans receive $2,000 instead.
"I simply want to get our great people $2000, rather than the measly $600 that is now in the bill. Also, stop the billions of dollars in 'pork'," the president tweeted Saturday.
Trump left Washington this week without signing the measure, though the legislation was sent to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. From there, the president continued to assail the bill throughout the Christmas holiday and into the weekend.
The delay has not only threatened to plunge millions deeper into economic uncertainty, but it has also moved the government closer to a shutdown, with the fate of an attached spending measure of $1.4 trillion also in jeopardy.
Trump's objection to the bill did, however, find a friendly audience with House Democrats, who attempted to pass an increase in the payments to $2,000 on Thursday. But that effort was blocked by House Republicans.
The additional jobless benefits became a crucial financial lifeline for many Americans following passage in March as part of the CARES Act. Millions lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic, and while many have have since gone back to work, unemployment remains high. The week before Congress passed the relief package, initial claims for unemployment insurance stood at more than 800,000.
On Saturday, President-elect Joe Biden issued a statement calling Trump's delay in signing the measure an "abdication of responsibility."
"It's the day after Christmas, and millions of families don't know if they'll be able to make ends meet because of President Donald Trump's refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority," Biden said.
The president-elect went on to note that further delay could end an eviction moratorium and halt much-needed aid to small business owners hit hard by the pandemic. Furthermore, the president-elect warned of dire effects if a government shutdown were allowed to happen.
"This bill is critical. It needs to be signed into law now," Biden said.
While it is unclear whether Trump will sign the legislation, it is also unclear whether Trump will veto it. If he does so, Congress would have enough votes to override.
NPR's Jim Zarroli contributed to this report.


npr--2020-12-27--Trump Signs COVID-19 Relief Deal After His Criticism Threatened To Derail It

Trump Signs COVID-19 Relief Deal After His Criticism Threatened To Derail It President Trump on Sunday night signed a massive coronavirus relief and spending package , relenting on a measure he had called a `` disgrace '' days earlier .
The legislation , which combines $ 900 billion in COVID-19 aid with government funding through September 2021 , was passed by large majorities in both houses of Congress on Dec. 21 — only to see Trump blindside legislators the next day and blast the bill .
In a statement Sunday night , Trump said lawmakers will pursue some of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partial government shutdown , as spending was set to run out Tuesday , and it puts an end to days of uncertainty over when millions of Americans will receive the desperately needed economic relief provided by the bill .
Among its many provisions , the package includes direct payments to qualifying Americans , worth up to $ 600 per adult and child ; a boost in weekly unemployment benefits ; and funds for small-business aid and vaccine distribution .
But his delay in signing the package has cost millions of Americans a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs expired Saturday .
In a statement Sunday night , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , alluded to those expired benefits .
`` The signing of the bipartisan , bicameral coronavirus relief legislation is welcome news for the fourteen million Americans who just lost the lifeline of unemployment benefits on Christmas Weekend , and for the millions more struggling to stay afloat during this historic pandemic and economic crisis , '' she said .
In a statement of his own , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , applauded Trump for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump 's demands .
`` The compromise bill is not perfect , but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Kentuckians and Americans across the country who need help now , '' McConnell said .
How we got here The path to the president signing the first major piece of pandemic relief legislation since the $ 2 trillion CARES Act in March was a long and circuitous one .
After months of bitter negotiations between Republicans and Democrats , Congress passed the combined coronavirus aid and spending bill last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blasted the legislation , calling it a `` disgrace . ''
He criticized Congress for not providing more in direct payments for Americans , suggesting the number should increase to up to $ 2,000 per qualifying individual and $ 4,000 for couples .
That 's despite the fact that it was members of Trump 's own party who had rejected proposals for higher payments during negotiations .
Senate Republicans blocked a bipartisan effort to include $ 1,200 direct payments in the relief deal .
Trump also complained that too much money was being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not related to the coronavirus pandemic .
The reality is that congressional leaders passed the relief bill in combination with a broader spending bill that funds the government .
The president has signed bills including money for these programs in the past couple of years .
On Christmas Eve , House Democrats sought to follow Trump 's lead and pursue larger direct payments by unanimous consent , while House Republicans attempted to revisit the foreign aid section of the omnibus bill .
Both changes were blocked by the other party .
In his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House will vote Monday on a previously planned bill to increase payments to individuals from $ 600 to $ 2,000 .
Trump added : `` The Senate will start the process for a vote that increases checks to $ 2,000 . ''
The president also said that he `` will sign the Omnibus and Covid package with a strong message that makes clear to Congress that wasteful items need to be removed . ''
The Democratic-led House is highly unlikely to take up those spending items .
Trump 's statement also includes items @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and spending measure .
`` Congress has promised that Section 230 , which so unfairly benefits Big Tech at the expense of the American people , will be reviewed and either be terminated or substantially reformed , '' he wrote .
`` Likewise , the House and Senate have agreed to focus strongly on the very substantial voter fraud which took place in the November 3 Presidential election . ''
There 's no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the election , which Trump falsely claims he won .
President-elect Joe Biden is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A lack of a repeal of Section 230 , which provides some legal protections for technology companies , was one of the reasons Trump said he vetoed the annual defense authorization bill .
Both congressional chambers are planning to return to Washington , D.C. , in the coming days to attempt to override that veto .

Trump Signs COVID-19 Relief Deal After His Criticism Threatened To Derail It
Enlarge this image toggle caption Al Drago/Getty Images Al Drago/Getty Images
Updated at 9:30 p.m. ET
President Trump on Sunday night signed a massive coronavirus relief and spending package, relenting on a measure he had called a "disgrace" days earlier.
The legislation, which combines $900 billion in COVID-19 aid with government funding through September 2021, was passed by large majorities in both chambers of Congress on Dec. 21 — only to see Trump blindside legislators the next day and blast the bill.
In a statement Sunday night, Trump said lawmakers will pursue some of his sought-after changes.
His signature avoids a partial government shutdown, as spending was set to run out Tuesday, and it puts an end to days of uncertainty over when millions of Americans will receive the desperately needed economic relief provided by the bill.
Among its many provisions, the package includes direct payments to qualifying Americans, worth up to $600 per adult and child; a boost in weekly unemployment benefits; and funds for small-business aid and vaccine distribution.
But his delay in signing the package has cost millions of Americans a week of unemployment benefits, as two pandemic-related programs expired Saturday.
In a statement Sunday night, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., alluded to those expired benefits.
"The signing of the bipartisan, bicameral coronavirus relief legislation is welcome news for the fourteen million Americans who just lost the lifeline of unemployment benefits on Christmas Weekend, and for the millions more struggling to stay afloat during this historic pandemic and economic crisis," she said.
In a statement of his own, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., applauded Trump for signing the package, without mentioning any of Trump's demands.
"The compromise bill is not perfect, but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Kentuckians and Americans across the country who need help now," McConnell said.
How we got here
The path to the president signing the first major piece of pandemic relief legislation since the $2 trillion CARES Act in March was a long and circuitous one.
After months of bitter negotiations between Republicans and Democrats, Congress passed the combined coronavirus aid and spending bill last Monday.
But on Tuesday, Trump blasted the legislation, calling it a "disgrace."
He criticized Congress for not providing more in direct payments to Americans, suggesting the amount should increase to up to $2,000 per qualifying individual and $4,000 for couples.
That's despite the fact that it was members of Trump's own party who had rejected proposals for higher payments during negotiations. Senate Republicans blocked a bipartisan effort to include $1,200 direct payments in the relief deal.
Trump also complained that too much money was being allocated to foreign aid and domestic projects not related to the coronavirus pandemic. The reality is that congressional leaders passed the relief bill in combination with a broader spending bill that funds the government. The president has signed bills including money for these programs in the past couple of years.
On Christmas Eve, House Democrats sought to follow Trump's lead and pursue larger direct payments by unanimous consent, while House Republicans attempted to revisit the foreign aid section of the omnibus bill. Both changes were blocked by the other party.
In his statement Sunday night, Trump said the House will vote Monday on a previously planned bill to increase payments to individuals from $600 to $2,000. Trump added: "The Senate will start the process for a vote that increases checks to $2,000."
The president also said that he "will sign the Omnibus and Covid package with a strong message that makes clear to Congress that wasteful items need to be removed."
The Democratic-led House is highly unlikely to take up those spending items.
Trump's statement also mentions items that are not part of the relief and spending measure.
"Congress has promised that Section 230, which so unfairly benefits Big Tech at the expense of the American people, will be reviewed and either be terminated or substantially reformed," he wrote. "Likewise, the House and Senate have agreed to focus strongly on the very substantial voter fraud which took place in the November 3 Presidential election."
There's no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the election, which Trump falsely claims he won. President-elect Joe Biden is set to be sworn in on Jan. 20.
A lack of a repeal of Section 230, which provides some legal protections for technology companies, was one of the reasons Trump said he vetoed the annual defense authorization bill. Both congressional chambers are planning to return to Washington, D.C., in the coming days to attempt to override that veto.


npr--2020-12-27--What's On The Menu In Ancient Pompeii? Duck, Goat, Snail, Researchers Say

What 's On The Menu In Ancient Pompeii ?
Duck , Goat , Snail , Researchers Say Ever wonder what a 2,000-year-old fast food restaurant might look like ?
Well , new photos from researchers might give you an idea .
Archaeologists said on Saturday they excavated a complete thermopolium — a Roman food counter — in the ancient city of Pompeii .
Researchers are analyzing the findings to create a more complete picture of the daily life — and diet — of a person in Pompeii .
`` As well as being another insight into daily life at Pompeii @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thermopolium are exceptional , because for the first time an area of this type has been excavated in its entirety , '' Massimo Osanna , interim director general of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii , said in a statement .
Archaeologists have made discoveries in Pompeii , about 18 miles southeast of Naples , for centuries .
The community was buried in ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79 , killing at least hundreds of people .
The remains of two humans were found inside the stall .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city 's inhabitants , serving as an archeological gold mine .
These types of food stalls were common in Rome , and researchers have discovered 80 in Pompeii .
But this stall was the first to be excavated in its entirety .
So what 's on the menu for an ancient Roman street food vendor ?
The researchers found remnants of duck , goat , pig , fish and snails in earthen pots , sometimes combined in the same dish .
The storekeeper lowered the pots of hot food into circular holes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found in a jar , likely used to modify the taste and color of wine .
Researchers discovered paintings of animals — including a rooster and ducks — possibly a menu to indicate some of the food sold at the stall .
Archaeologists also found ceramic jars , wine flasks , amphora and a bronze patera — a drinking bowl .
A cistern , fountain and water fountain sit in the small square in front of the former business .
And a painting of a sea nymph riding a sea-horse decorates the counter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depiction of the stall itself , almost like a logo or trademark .
The researchers say this is only the beginning of discoveries they made from the stall .
More will be uncovered as the excavation continues and researchers run tests .
`` The finds will be further analysed in the laboratory , '' Osanna wrote in the statement , `` and in particular those remains found in the dolia ( terracotta containers ) of the counter are expected to yield exceptional data for informing an understanding of what was sold and what @ @ @ @ @ @

What's On The Menu In Ancient Pompeii? Duck, Goat, Snail, Researchers Say
Enlarge this image toggle caption Luigi Spina/Archaeological Park of Pompeii via AP Luigi Spina/Archaeological Park of Pompeii via AP
Ever wonder what a 2,000-year-old fast-food restaurant might look like?
Well, new photos from researchers might give you an idea. Archaeologists said on Saturday they excavated a complete thermopolium — a Roman food counter — in the ancient city of Pompeii.
Researchers are analyzing the findings to create a more complete picture of the daily life — and diet — of a person in Pompeii.
"As well as being another insight into daily life at Pompeii, the possibilities for study of this Thermopolium are exceptional, because for the first time an area of this type has been excavated in its entirety," Massimo Osanna, interim director general of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, said in a statement.
Archaeologists have made discoveries in Pompeii, about 18 miles southeast of Naples, Italy, for centuries. The community was buried in ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, killing at least hundreds of people. The remains of two humans were found inside the stall.
But the ash preserved items showing everyday life of the city's inhabitants, serving as an archaeological gold mine.
These types of food stalls were common in Rome, and researchers have discovered 80 in Pompeii. But this stall was the first to be excavated in its entirety.
So what's on the menu for an ancient Roman street food vendor? The researchers found remnants of duck, goat, pig, fish and snails in earthen pots, sometimes combined in the same dish.
The storekeeper lowered the pots of hot food into circular holes in the counter. Crushed beans were found in a jar, likely used to modify the taste and color of wine.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Luigi Spina/Archaeological Park of Pompeii via AP Luigi Spina/Archaeological Park of Pompeii via AP
Researchers discovered paintings of animals — including a rooster and ducks — possibly a menu to indicate some of the food sold at the stall. Archaeologists also found ceramic jars, wine flasks, amphora and a bronze patera — a drinking bowl.
A cistern, fountain and water fountain sit in the small square in front of the former business. And a painting of a sea nymph riding a sea horse decorates the counter.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Luigi Spina/Archaeological Park of Pompeii via AP Luigi Spina/Archaeological Park of Pompeii via AP
Another illustration appears to be a depiction of the stall itself, almost like a logo or trademark.
The researchers said this is only the beginning of discoveries they made from the stall. More will be uncovered as the excavation continues and researchers run tests.
"The finds will be further [analyzed] in the laboratory," Osanna wrote in the statement, "and in particular those remains found in the dolia (terracotta containers) of the counter are expected to yield exceptional data for informing an understanding of what was sold and what the diet was like."