npr--2020-02-17--14 Americans Taken Off Cruise Ship And Flown To U.S. Test Positive For Coronavirus

14 Americans Taken Off Cruise Ship And Flown To U.S. Test Positive For Coronavirus Fourteen U.S. passengers evacuated from a cruise ship in Japan and flown to military bases in California and Texas have tested positive for the new coronavirus , U.S. officials confirm .
Earlier , on Sunday , U.S. officials announced that 44 people from the Diamond Princess ship had tested positive for coronavirus .
Those who were sick were to remain in Japan to be treated .
The State Department said it was in the process of transporting more than 300 Americans who had been quarantined on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when it got word of the positive tests for the disease now known as COVID-19 .
`` During the evacuation process , after passengers had disembarked the ship and initiated transport to the airport , U.S. officials received notice that 14 passengers , who had been tested 2-3 days earlier , had tested positive for COVID-19 , '' the State Department said in a joint statement with the Department of Health and Human Services .
The officials said those Americans were separated from the other evacuees , even though the 14 individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` These individuals were moved in the most expeditious and safe manner to a specialized containment area on the evacuation aircraft to isolate them in accordance with standard protocols , '' the statement read .
It added : `` Passengers that develop symptoms in flight and those with positive test results will remain isolated on the flights and will be transported to an appropriate location for continued isolation and care . ''
Passengers on the two charter flights landed either at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas or at Travis Air Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roughly 60 miles northeast of San Francisco .
All passengers will remain under a mandatory a two-week quarantine .
The Diamond Princess has been under Japan-ordered quarantine since Feb. 5 , after a passenger who had disembarked earlier tested positive for the virus in Hong Kong .
Although Japanese authorities originally said the quarantine period for the ship would expire Wednesday , that date might now be pushed back , NPR 's Jason Beaubien reported .
Health officials in Asia say more than 450 people aboard the Diamond Princess have been diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wuhan , China .
A second cruise ship , the MS Westerdam , docked in Cambodia on Thursday after it was turned away by several other countries .
Cruise operator Holland America said passengers and crew were screened for illness and that `` there was no indication of COVID-19 on the ship . ''
Cambodian officials allowed people onboard to disembark .
But now an 83-year-old American woman who left the ship and took a flight to Malaysia has tested positive .
It 's not clear when she became infected , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other passengers from the Westerdam might be infected and carrying the virus as they travel home to various countries .
The Associated Press reports that the American woman and her husband , who was diagnosed with pneumonia , remain in Malaysia for treatment .
Several hundred passengers from the ship flew out of Cambodia on Friday and Saturday , according to the AP .
Some passengers and crew are staying in hotels in Phnom Penh while others are still on the ship .
Worldwide , around 71,000 cases of the new coronavirus have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the vast majority of them in mainland China — have died of COVID-19 , according to the World Health Organization .
Of the new cases , 94 % of them are in China 's Hubei province , which has been the center for the outbreak .
Outside China , there have been reports of 694 cases , causing three deaths .
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , WHO 's director-general , said that a new report from China sheds some light on the virus and its severity .
The latest data suggests COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SARS and MERS .
`` More than 80 % of patients have mild disease and will recover , '' Tedros said in a media briefing on Monday .
`` In about 14 % of cases , the virus causes severe disease , including pneumonia and shortness of breath .
And about 5 % of patients have critical disease including respiratory failure , septic shock and multi-organ failure .
In 2 % of reported cases , the virus is fatal , and the risk of death increases the older you are . ''
Cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rare , he said , though researchers do n't yet know why .
As some passengers are taken off the Diamond Princess in Japan , the WHO said during Monday 's briefing that cruise ships present unique challenges to controlling infections .
`` The infection prevention and control measures are difficult to implement in a ship environment , '' said Sylvia Briand , WHO 's director of global infection .
She said that 's been the case on many occasions , such as with other infections like norovirus .
`` We need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health objective , which is to contain the virus , and not to contain the people , '' she said .
That requires balancing the health risks to people on land with the needs of people onboard the ship .
The WHO 's experts said such challenges do n't necessitate sweeping bans on cruise ships sailing in Asia .
`` We need to reflect on the fact that the vast majority of these cases are within China , '' said Dr. Michael Ryan , the head of WHO 's health emergencies program .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates within China , even within Hubei and Wuhan , we 're talking about an overall attack rate of about 4 per 100,000 . ''
`` Outside of Hubei , this epidemic is affecting a very tiny , tiny , tiny proportion of people , '' he continued .
`` So if we 're going to disrupt every cruise ship in the world on the off chance that there might be some potential contact with some potential pathogen , then where do we stop ?
Do we shut down the buses around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries are affected — do we take the same measures in that case ? ''
`` We need to be extremely measured with what we do , '' Ryan said .
`` And everything we do needs to be based on public health .
It needs to be based on evidence .
It needs to be based on the principle that there 's no such thing as zero risk . ''

14 Americans Taken Off Cruise Ship And Flown To U.S. Test Positive For Coronavirus
Enlarge this image toggle caption Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images
Updated at 2:25 p.m. ET
Fourteen U.S. passengers evacuated from a cruise ship in Japan and flown to military bases in California and Texas have tested positive for the new coronavirus, U.S. officials confirm.
Earlier, on Sunday, U.S. officials announced that 44 people from the Diamond Princess ship had tested positive for coronavirus. Those who were sick were to remain in Japan to be treated.
The State Department said it was in the process of transporting more than 300 Americans who had been quarantined on the Diamond Princess off Yokohama, Japan, when it got word of the positive tests for the disease now known as COVID-19.
"During the evacuation process, after passengers had disembarked the ship and initiated transport to the airport, U.S. officials received notice that 14 passengers, who had been tested 2-3 days earlier, had tested positive for COVID-19," the State Department said in a joint statement with the Department of Health and Human Services.
The officials said those Americans were separated from the other evacuees, even though the 14 individuals weren't showing symptoms of the virus.
"These individuals were moved in the most expeditious and safe manner to a specialized containment area on the evacuation aircraft to isolate them in accordance with standard protocols," the statement read.
It added: "Passengers that develop symptoms in flight and those with positive test results will remain isolated on the flights and will be transported to an appropriate location for continued isolation and care."
Passengers on the two charter flights landed either at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas or at Travis Air Force Base in Solano County, California, roughly 60 miles northeast of San Francisco.
All passengers will remain under a mandatory a two-week quarantine.
The Diamond Princess has been under Japan-ordered quarantine since Feb. 5, after a passenger who had disembarked earlier tested positive for the virus in Hong Kong. Although Japanese authorities originally said the quarantine period for the ship would expire Wednesday, that date might now be pushed back, NPR's Jason Beaubien reported.
Health officials in Asia say more than 450 people aboard the Diamond Princess have been diagnosed with the coronavirus that emerged in late December in Wuhan, China.
Concerns after passenger on Cambodia ship tests positive
A second cruise ship, the MS Westerdam, docked in Cambodia on Thursday after it was turned away by several other countries. Cruise operator Holland America said passengers and crew were screened for illness and that "there was no indication of COVID-19 on the ship." Cambodian officials allowed people onboard to disembark.
But now an 83-year-old American woman who left the ship and took a flight to Malaysia has tested positive. It's not clear when she became infected, and her positive diagnosis has caused concern that other passengers from the Westerdam might be infected and carrying the virus as they travel home to various countries. The Associated Press reports that the American woman and her husband, who was diagnosed with pneumonia, remain in Malaysia for treatment.
Several hundred passengers from the ship flew out of Cambodia on Friday and Saturday, according to the AP. Some passengers and crew are staying in hotels in Phnom Penh while others are still on the ship.
The latest global numbers
Worldwide, around 71,000 cases of the new coronavirus have been reported and more than 1,700 people — the vast majority of them in mainland China — have died of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization.
Of the new cases, 94% of them are in China's Hubei province, which has been the center for the outbreak. Outside China, there have been reports of 694 cases, causing three deaths.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's director-general, said that a new report from China sheds some light on the virus and its severity. The latest data suggests COVID-19 is less deadly than other coronaviruses including SARS and MERS.
"More than 80% of patients have mild disease and will recover," Tedros said in a media briefing on Monday. "In about 14% of cases, the virus causes severe disease, including pneumonia and shortness of breath. And about 5% of patients have critical disease including respiratory failure, septic shock and multi-organ failure. In 2% of reported cases, the virus is fatal, and the risk of death increases the older you are."
Cases of the virus in children are relatively rare, he said, though researchers don't yet know why.
The cruise ship conundrum
As some passengers are taken off the Diamond Princess in Japan, the WHO said during Monday's briefing that cruise ships present unique challenges to controlling infections.
"The infection prevention and control measures are difficult to implement in a ship environment," said Sylvia Briand, WHO's director of global infection. She said that's been the case on many occasions, such as with other infections like norovirus.
"We need to make sure we focus on our public health objective, which is to contain the virus, and not to contain the people," she said. That requires balancing the health risks to people on land with the needs of people onboard the ship.
The WHO's experts said such challenges don't necessitate sweeping bans on cruise ships sailing in Asia.
"We need to reflect on the fact that the vast majority of these cases are within China," said Dr. Michael Ryan, the head of WHO's health emergencies program. "When you look at the population-attack rates within China, even within Hubei and Wuhan, we're talking about an overall attack rate of about 4 per 100,000."
"Outside of Hubei, this epidemic is affecting a very tiny, tiny, tiny proportion of people," he continued. "So if we're going to disrupt every cruise ship in the world on the off chance that there might be some potential contact with some potential pathogen, then where do we stop? Do we shut down the buses around the world? And what happens when other countries are affected — do we take the same measures in that case?"
"We need to be extremely measured with what we do," Ryan said. "And everything we do needs to be based on public health. It needs to be based on evidence. It needs to be based on the principle that there's no such thing as zero risk."


npr--2020-02-17--As Warm Winters Mess With Nut Trees' Sex Lives, Farmers Help Them 'Netflix And Chill'

As Warm Winters Mess With Nut Trees ' Sex Lives , Farmers Help Them 'Netflix And Chill' In love , timing is everything , the saying goes .
The same is true for fruit and nut orchards in California 's Central Valley , which depend on a synchronized springtime bloom for pollination .
But as winters warm with climate change , that seasonal cycle is being thrown off .
Cold is a crucial ingredient for California 's walnuts , cherries , peaches , pears and pistachios , which ultimately head to store shelves around the country .
The state grows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walnut and pistachio crop .
Over the winter , the trees are bare and dormant , essentially snoozing until they wake up for a key reproductive rite .
`` In the pistachios , the females need to be pollinated by the males trees , '' says Jonathan Battig , farm manager for Strain Farming Company in Arbuckle , Calif. `` Ideally , you 'd like the males to be pushing out the pollen as the females are receptive . ''
In Battig 's orchard , one male tree is planted for every 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could n't tell them apart .
`` I know by just looking at them , '' says Battig .
`` The buds on the males are usually more swollen . ''
In March or April , if all goes well , both trees will bloom so the wind carries the male trees ' pollen to the females .
`` For that to happen , the timing needs to line up pretty close , '' he says .
But several times in the last decade , that timing has been out of sync .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time as females because the winter was too warm .
Pistachios and many other trees need to experience `` chill hours , '' spending hundreds of hours below 45 degrees .
( Another way to measure is with `` chill portions , '' which take a broader range of temperatures into account . )
The most common male pistachio variety requires more chill hours than the female trees .
Without that down time , the trees do n't wake up normally in the spring and they bloom late or erratically .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ harvest time , farmers will find `` blanks , '' shells with no nut inside .
`` Now , with the weather changing , it 's becoming more of a challenge to get those chill hours , '' Battig says .
Plus , if winter daytime temperatures are really warm , that cancels out chill hours the trees have already accumulated .
So , Battig is teaming up with scientists in search of a way to `` trick '' the trees into thinking they 've been colder .
`` So , what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different chill accumulation milestones , '' says Gurreet Brar , a professor at California State University , Fresno , as he clips pistachio buds in a test plot that Battig manages .
These test trees have been `` oiled , '' covered in an oil-based horticultural spray .
Normally , the spray is used on fruit and nut trees to control insects , but it 's also been known to alter the tree 's dormancy period .
`` It 's supposed to help the tree and the buds wake up normally and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hope is that in warm winters , farmers could use the oil to wake the trees up on time .
But so far , the results have n't been very predictable .
`` The oil sprays work in some cases , '' he says .
`` In some cases , they do n't .
So it has been hit or miss . ''
Horticultural oil is one of several chemicals that scientists are looking into , as a way to help farmers cope with warming temperatures .
According to one study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 60 percent in the Central Valley by the end of the century .
Battig says not all of his neighbors talk about that .
`` This is a pretty conservative area , '' he says .
`` But me personally , I do feel something is going on and the climate is getting warmer .
There are people who choose to ignore it , but I do n't . ''
`` We 're on this march and it 's really just a matter of how bad it 's going to be , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says Katherine Jarvis-Shean , an orchard specialist with the University of California Cooperative Extension who helps farmers adapt to climate change .
`` Threatening those crops is really threatening the livelihoods of a lot of Californians . ''
Central Valley winters have already warmed 2 degrees Fahrenheit on average or more , depending on the location .
So , varieties of orchard trees requiring the most chill will run into trouble by mid-century .
That includes some kinds of peaches , apricots and pears , as well as Golden Delicious apples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Bing cherries , which is really the marquee variety in California , wo n't get enough chill , '' she says .
`` We 'll need to be breeding new varieties that still have that rich ruby flesh and that juicy flavor that can do well under those low chill conditions . ''
Better-adapted trees may be the only strategy in the long-run , she says .
Efforts are already underway to breed new varieties of pistachios that can handle warmer winters .
Still , breeding new trees can take 20 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon , she says .
Orchards live for three to four decades , so the trees being planted today will have to cope with a very different climate .

As Warm Winters Mess With Nut Trees' Sex Lives, Farmers Help Them 'Netflix And Chill'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Lauren Sommer/NPR Lauren Sommer/NPR
In love, timing is everything, the saying goes. The same is true for fruit and nut orchards in California's Central Valley, which depend on a synchronized springtime bloom for pollination. But as winters warm with climate change, that seasonal cycle is being thrown off.
Cold is a crucial ingredient for California's walnuts, cherries, peaches, pears and pistachios, which ultimately head to store shelves around the country. The state grows around 99% of the country's walnut and pistachio crop.
Over the winter, the trees are bare and dormant, essentially snoozing until they wake up for a key reproductive rite.
"In the pistachios, the females need to be pollinated by the males trees," says Jonathan Battig, farm manager for Strain Farming Company in Arbuckle, Calif. "Ideally, you'd like the males to be pushing out the pollen as the females are receptive."
In Battig's orchard, one male tree is planted for every 20 female trees, though an untrained eye couldn't tell them apart.
"I know by just looking at them," says Battig. "The buds on the males are usually more swollen."
In March or April, if all goes well, both trees will bloom so the wind carries the male trees' pollen to the females.
"For that to happen, the timing needs to line up pretty close," he says.
But several times in the last decade, that timing has been out of sync. The male trees haven't bloomed at the same time as females because the winter was too warm.
Pistachios and many other trees need to experience "chill hours," spending hundreds of hours below 45 degrees. (Another way to measure is with "chill portions," which take a broader range of temperatures into account.) The most common male pistachio variety requires more chill hours than the female trees.
Without that down time, the trees don't wake up normally in the spring and they bloom late or erratically. That means fewer pistachios — or at harvest time, farmers will find "blanks," shells with no nut inside.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Lauren Sommer/NPR Lauren Sommer/NPR
"Now, with the weather changing, it's becoming more of a challenge to get those chill hours," Battig says.
Plus, if winter daytime temperatures are really warm, that cancels out chill hours the trees have already accumulated. So, Battig is teaming up with scientists in search of a way to "trick" the trees into thinking they've been colder.
"So, what we are doing is we are spraying at different chill accumulation milestones," says Gurreet Brar, a professor at California State University, Fresno, as he clips pistachio buds in a test plot that Battig manages.
These test trees have been "oiled," covered in an oil-based horticultural spray. Normally, the spray is used on fruit and nut trees to control insects, but it's also been known to alter the tree's dormancy period.
"It's supposed to help the tree and the buds wake up normally and have a normal bloom," says Brar.
The hope is that in warm winters, farmers could use the oil to wake the trees up on time. But so far, the results haven't been very predictable.
"The oil sprays work in some cases," he says. "In some cases, they don't. So it has been hit or miss."
Horticultural oil is one of several chemicals that scientists are looking into, as a way to help farmers cope with warming temperatures. According to one study, winter chill could decline as much as 60 percent in the Central Valley by the end of the century. Battig says not all of his neighbors talk about that.
"This is a pretty conservative area," he says. "But me personally, I do feel something is going on and the climate is getting warmer. There are people who choose to ignore it, but I don't."
"We're on this march and it's really just a matter of how bad it's going to be, not whether it's happening or not," says Katherine Jarvis-Shean, an orchard specialist with the University of California Cooperative Extension who helps farmers adapt to climate change. "Threatening those crops is really threatening the livelihoods of a lot of Californians."
Central Valley winters have already warmed 2 degrees Fahrenheit on average or more, depending on the location. So, varieties of orchard trees requiring the most chill will run into trouble by mid-century. That includes some kinds of peaches, apricots and pears, as well as Golden Delicious apples, Chandler walnuts and Kerman pistachios.
"Bing cherries, which is really the marquee variety in California, won't get enough chill," she says. "We'll need to be breeding new varieties that still have that rich ruby flesh and that juicy flavor that can do well under those low chill conditions."
Better-adapted trees may be the only strategy in the long-run, she says. Efforts are already underway to breed new varieties of pistachios that can handle warmer winters.
Still, breeding new trees can take 20 years — and farmers will need those trees soon, she says. Orchards live for three to four decades, so the trees being planted today will have to cope with a very different climate.


npr--2020-02-18--Losing Sleep Over The Quest For A Perfect Night's Rest

Losing Sleep Over The Quest For A Perfect Night 's Rest If you 're having a hard time falling asleep , that sleep tracker on your wrist might be to blame .
And there 's a name for this new kind of insomnia of the digital age : orthosomnia .
It 's `` when you just really become fixated on having this perfect sleep via tracker , '' said Seema Khosla , medical director at the North Dakota Center for Sleep .
`` And then you start worrying about it , and you wind up giving yourself insomnia . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ They come in the form of watches , wristbands , rings and even mattresses .
The gadgets measure how you breathe , how fast your heart is beating , how much you 're tossing and turning .
They crunch that data to produce a sleep score , usually through a smartphone app .
But in an irony of our digital lifestyles , for some people , perfecting that sleep score becomes an end unto itself — so much so that they can lose sleep over it .
Khosla sees this is her own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients complain they are aiming for a sleep score of 100 but are getting only 80 .
It keeps them up at night .
`` I 'll ask them just to put their tracker away for a couple of weeks .
And honestly , sometimes you can just see the relief on their faces , '' she said .
She was traveling around the world as an economist for the World Bank , and getting good sleep was a priority .
`` Basically , if I was n't on a plane , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Bangladesh , Nepal , Bhutan , '' she said .
`` I 've never been a good sleeper .
...
But during that time , I really had developed insomnia and some serious sleep issues . ''
`` I actually realized that I 'm even more stressed out to see kind of like in writing ... that I 'm not sleeping well , '' she said .
`` Instead of addressing the root cause , I was more concerned about [ continuing ] measuring , measuring . ''
Hamm tried other solutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mattresses .
But nothing worked .
Finally , she tried a weighted blanket .
These heavy covers are usually filled with plastic or glass beads .
They 're used in therapy to help kids with autism and sensory problems .
Fans like Hamm say the weight lifts anxiety , allowing them to relax .
`` I tried one of these on a Saturday afternoon to nap with it for a short time .
And I woke up four hours later , '' Hamm said .
Her problem is one that millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans say they do n't get the recommended seven hours of sleep a night , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
That 's fueling a boom in products promising to help people improve their sleep .
The sleep market is worth tens of billions of dollars , from weighted blankets to tech gadgets like trackers and meditation headbands .
Not getting enough rest is unhealthy .
It increases the risk of conditions from depression to heart disease .
Sleep doctors blame technology in part for bad sleep habits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constantly connected and stimulated .
Like jet lag from travel , social jet lag occurs when we interrupt our bodies ' internal clocks .
`` We are just on our phones too long , '' Khosla said .
`` We are not getting enough sleep or not prioritizing sleep or staying up late because of work demands or parenting or whatever demand . ''
Some new sleep products are trying to help people break away from those distractions .
A company called Hatch sells a combination reading light and noise machine .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meditation , plays white noise while you 're sleeping and wakes you up with a simulated sunrise and bird song .
Many of those functions can be found through smartphone apps .
But Hatch co-founder Ann Crady Weiss says the intention is to help people leave their phone outside their bedroom .
`` The reason we have our phones by our bedside is because they 're super-helpful .
Yeah , I can listen to my meditation [ app ] .
I can , you know , use it as an alarm , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at 4 a.m. , when you wake up [ and ] go to put that meditation back on , Twitter is calling your name and Instagram .
And that 's really , really harmful for our sleep . ''
As for Hamm , the World Bank economist who could n't get to sleep ?
Weighted blankets helped her so much that she quit her job and started her own company , Bearaby , selling them .

Losing Sleep Over The Quest For A Perfect Night's Rest
Enlarge this image toggle caption Yiu Yu Hoi/Getty Images Yiu Yu Hoi/Getty Images
If you're having a hard time falling asleep, that sleep tracker on your wrist might be to blame.
And there's a name for this new kind of insomnia of the digital age: orthosomnia.
It's "when you just really become fixated on having this perfect sleep via tracker," said Seema Khosla, medical director at the North Dakota Center for Sleep. "And then you start worrying about it, and you wind up giving yourself insomnia."
Sleep trackers have become increasingly popular. They come in the form of watches, wristbands, rings and even mattresses.
The gadgets measure how you breathe, how fast your heart is beating, how much you're tossing and turning. They crunch that data to produce a sleep score, usually through a smartphone app.
But in an irony of our digital lifestyles, for some people, perfecting that sleep score becomes an end unto itself — so much so that they can lose sleep over it.
Khosla sees this is her own practice as a sleep doctor. Stressed-out patients complain they are aiming for a sleep score of 100 but are getting only 80. It keeps them up at night.
She has a simple solution.
"I'll ask them just to put their tracker away for a couple of weeks. And honestly, sometimes you can just see the relief on their faces," she said.
Kathrin Hamm experienced this problem firsthand.
She was traveling around the world as an economist for the World Bank, and getting good sleep was a priority.
"Basically, if I wasn't on a plane, I was on the road kind of around in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan," she said. "I've never been a good sleeper. ... But during that time, I really had developed insomnia and some serious sleep issues."
Tracking her sleep made things worse.
"I actually realized that I'm even more stressed out to see kind of like in writing ... that I'm not sleeping well," she said. "Instead of addressing the root cause, I was more concerned about [continuing] measuring, measuring."
Hamm tried other solutions, including noise machines, expensive pillows and mattresses. But nothing worked.
Finally, she tried a weighted blanket. These heavy covers are usually filled with plastic or glass beads. They're used in therapy to help kids with autism and sensory problems.
Fans like Hamm say the weight lifts anxiety, allowing them to relax.
"I tried one of these on a Saturday afternoon to nap with it for a short time. And I woke up four hours later," Hamm said.
Her problem is one that millions of people can relate to. A third of Americans say they don't get the recommended seven hours of sleep a night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That's fueling a boom in products promising to help people improve their sleep.
The sleep market is worth tens of billions of dollars, from weighted blankets to tech gadgets like trackers and meditation headbands.
Not getting enough rest is unhealthy. It increases the risk of conditions from depression to heart disease.
Sleep doctors blame technology in part for bad sleep habits — particularly the smartphones that keep us constantly connected and stimulated.
Khosla calls this problem "social jet lag."
Like jet lag from travel, social jet lag occurs when we interrupt our bodies' internal clocks.
"We are just on our phones too long," Khosla said. "We are not getting enough sleep or not prioritizing sleep or staying up late because of work demands or parenting or whatever demand."
Some new sleep products are trying to help people break away from those distractions.
A company called Hatch sells a combination reading light and noise machine. At bedtime, it starts with a guided meditation, plays white noise while you're sleeping and wakes you up with a simulated sunrise and bird song.
Many of those functions can be found through smartphone apps. But Hatch co-founder Ann Crady Weiss says the intention is to help people leave their phone outside their bedroom.
"The reason we have our phones by our bedside is because they're super-helpful. Yeah, I can listen to my meditation [app]. I can, you know, use it as an alarm," she acknowledged. "The problem is, at 4 a.m., when you wake up [and] go to put that meditation back on, Twitter is calling your name and Instagram. And that's really, really harmful for our sleep."
As for Hamm, the World Bank economist who couldn't get to sleep?
Weighted blankets helped her so much that she quit her job and started her own company, Bearaby, selling them.
There's no technology involved.


npr--2020-02-18--Voters Of Color Are Set To Have A Bigger Say As Democrats Enter A Crucial Phase

Voters Of Color Are Set To Have A Bigger Say As Democrats Enter A Crucial Phase The Democratic presidential nominating contest now heads into a critical phase .
The candidates have so far stood for elections in two of the whitest states in the country , Iowa and New Hampshire .
But Nevada and South Carolina — the next two states to vote — will provide far more diverse electorates .
Nevada and South Carolina will be proving grounds for the candidates to demonstrate that they have broad appeal and , importantly , for whether moderate Democrats coalesce around one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernie Sanders .
If not , the Vermont senator will likely continue to have the inside track for the nomination .
The Democratic Party is diverse , and no one can likely win the nomination without strong support from black and brown voters .
In 2016 , the Nevada Democratic caucus electorate was 41 % nonwhite ( including 19 % Latino , 13 % black and 4 % Asian ) , while South Carolina 's primary was 61 % black .
Do n't see the graphic above ?
Click here .
With a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front-runner , these two states will be a crucial test and may reveal clearer signs of whom the fight for the Democratic nomination is really between .
So far , Sanders and former South Bend , Ind.
, Mayor Pete Buttigieg are the delegate-count leaders , with Buttigieg ahead of Sanders by one , 22 to 21 .
But only 2 % of the delegates have been allocated so far , and there 's a long way to go .
How long ?
The magic number to become the nominee is 1,991 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa and New Hampshire — and the `` moderate '' vote being split up — Sanders has to be feeling good about his chances to win the nomination , though the Vermont senator won only a little more than a quarter of the vote in both Iowa and New Hampshire .
He 's poised to get his share of the votes in Nevada , where he lost the last presidential caucuses by just 5 percentage points but won the Latino vote .
South Carolina is a different story .
Sanders was wiped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But he 's hoping to show growth there , especially with younger African Americans .
Buttigieg has struggled to win over voters of color so far , and he needs to show some signs of doing well with them if he wants to have any hope of being the nominee .
No one has more riding on the line in Nevada and South Carolina than former Vice President Joe Biden .
After leading in national polls and many state polls for the better part of the last year , Biden is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa and fifth in New Hampshire , and he 's not inspiring confidence in voters who want to like him .
He has been the far-and-away leader with black voters in South Carolina , but now he 's battling wealthy venture capitalist Tom Steyer , who has poured in millions of dollars in ads and on the ground trying to win them over .
If Biden ca n't do well , especially in South Carolina , his quest for the nomination is likely effectively over .
Sen. Amy Klobuchar 's surprising third-place finish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tips of tongues of many center-left Democrats .
They like her clear uplifting message and well-articulated case against President Trump .
But , like Buttigieg , the Minnesota senator has had limited appeal among voters of color thus far , and she needs to demonstrate that she can win them over .
If she does and surprises again , she could be the one to beat .
The moderate candidates had better figure it out quickly , because that lane gets more crowded on March 3 , Super Tuesday .
Michael Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has not campaigned in the first four states and is not on the ballot in those contests , but he has now spent more than $ 350 million of his own money on ads and is getting very well known in those Super Tuesday states .
That 's a huge day , because a third of all delegates are up for grabs , with big states like California , Texas and North Carolina holding their contests .

Voters Of Color Are Set To Have A Bigger Say As Democrats Enter A Crucial Phase
Enlarge this image toggle caption Matt Rourke/AP Matt Rourke/AP
The Democratic presidential nominating contest now heads into a critical phase.
The candidates have so far stood for elections in two of the whitest states in the country, Iowa and New Hampshire. But Nevada and South Carolina — the next two states to vote — will provide far more diverse electorates.
Nevada and South Carolina will be proving grounds for the candidates to demonstrate whether they have broad appeal and, importantly, for whether moderate Democrats coalesce around one candidate who could be an alternative to Bernie Sanders. If not, the Vermont senator will likely continue to have the inside track for the nomination.
The Democratic Party is diverse, and no one can likely win the nomination without strong support from black and brown voters. In 2016, the Nevada Democratic caucus electorate was 41% nonwhite (including 19% Latino, 13% black and 4% Asian), while South Carolina's primary was 61% black.
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With a muddled race and no clear or overwhelming front-runner, these two states will be a crucial test and may reveal clearer signs of whom the fight for the Democratic nomination is really between.
So far, Sanders and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg are the delegate-count leaders, with Buttigieg ahead of Sanders by one, 22 to 21. But only 2% of the delegates have been allocated so far, and there's a long way to go. How long? The magic number to become the nominee is 1,991.
With Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren fading in Iowa and New Hampshire — and the "moderate" vote being split up — Sanders has to be feeling good about his chances to win the nomination, though the Vermont senator won only a little more than a quarter of the vote in both Iowa and New Hampshire.
He's poised to get his share of the votes in Nevada, where he lost the last presidential caucuses by just 5 percentage points but won the Latino vote. South Carolina is a different story. Sanders was wiped out there in 2016 by almost 50 points. But he's hoping to show growth there, especially with younger African Americans.
Buttigieg has struggled to win over voters of color so far, and he needs to show some signs of doing well with them if he wants to have any hope of being the nominee.
No one has more riding on the line in Nevada and South Carolina than former Vice President Joe Biden. After leading in national polls and many state polls for the better part of the past year, Biden is in free-fall. He finished fourth in Iowa and fifth in New Hampshire, and he's not inspiring confidence in voters who want to like him.
He has been the far-and-away leader with black voters in South Carolina, but now he's battling wealthy venture capitalist Tom Steyer, who has poured in millions of dollars in ads and on the ground trying to win them over. If Biden can't do well, especially in South Carolina, his quest for the nomination is likely effectively over.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar's surprising third-place finish in New Hampshire has put her on the tips of tongues of many center-left Democrats. They like her clear uplifting message and well-articulated case against President Trump.
But, like Buttigieg, the Minnesota senator has had limited appeal among voters of color thus far, and she needs to demonstrate that she can win them over. If she does and surprises again, she could be the one to beat.
The moderate candidates had better figure it out quickly, because that lane gets more crowded on March 3, Super Tuesday.
Michael Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor, has not campaigned in the first four states and is not on the ballot in those contests, but he has now spent more than $350 million of his own money on ads and is getting very well known in those Super Tuesday states.
That's a huge day, because a third of all delegates are up for grabs, with big states like California, Texas and North Carolina holding their contests.


npr--2020-02-18--NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll: Sanders Leads, Bloomberg Qualifies For Debate

Updated at 7:08 a.m .
ET Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has opened up a double-digit lead in the Democratic nominating contest , according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll .
Sanders has 31 % support nationally , up 9 points since December , the last time the poll asked about Democratic voters ' preferences .
His next closest contender has 19 % .
But that second-place rival is former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg .
Many Americans have become familiar with Bloomberg lately in this race because of his ubiquitous TV ads .
But now get ready to see him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time Wednesday .
With this poll , Bloomberg has qualified for the Nevada debate , despite not being on the ballot there for Saturday 's caucuses .
Bloomberg 's campaign has said he will participate in the debate if he qualifies .
Campaign manager Kevin Sheekey called the new poll result the latest evidence of a `` groundswell '' for the candidate .
To qualify , a candidate needed to have won at least one delegate in the first two contests , have four national polls showing the candidate with 10 % or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Carolina or Nevada showing the candidate with 12 % or more support .
Bloomberg previously cracked 10 % in polls from Quinnipiac University , Monmouth University and Fox News .
Bloomberg , a multi-billionaire , has spent more than $ 300 million of his own money on ads , and despite not competing in the first four states of the nominating process , he 's vaulted now into second place nationally .
In recent days , Sanders and Bloomberg have upped attacks against each other .
Sanders has taken aim at Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent in the campaign , accusing him of trying to buy the nomination .
He tweeted that Bloomberg `` will not create the kind of excitement and energy we need to defeat Donald Trump . ''
Bloomberg responded by tweeting a video compilation of attacks leveled against fellow competitors by Sanders supporters online and stressing it 's important to `` unite '' and that `` this type of 'energy ' is not going to get us there . ''
Third among Democratic voters and Democratic-leaning independents is former Vice President Joe Biden with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December .
The debate Wednesday , as well as Biden 's performance in Nevada Saturday and South Carolina a week later , are critical to whether the former vice president has a real chance at the nomination after disappointing fourth- and fifth-place showings in Iowa and New Hampshire , respectively .
Do n't see the graphic above ?
Click here .
Following Biden is Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 12 % , also down from December — by 5 percentage points — after poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire .
Next is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She 's up from 4 % in December after surprisingly good finishes in the first two contests , and she has leaped ahead of Pete Buttigieg in this national survey .
The former South Bend , Ind.
, mayor is at just 8 % , down from 13 % in December , not a good sign for the candidate after very solid finishes in the first two contests .
Buttigieg is the delegate leader , one ahead of Sanders .
He won the most national delegates out of Iowa and , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Hampshire , they tied with the same number of delegates out of the state .
The poll result is especially inauspicious for Buttigieg heading into Super Tuesday , March 3 , in what will be essentially a national primary , with 16 contests and more than a third of all delegates up for grabs on that single day .
The one thing Biden can continue to hang his hat on is how well he does against President Trump .
All of the top six Democrats the poll tested beat Trump in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , beating Trump by 6 points and the only candidate to reach 50 % .
Do n't see the graphic above ?
Click here .
Next best is Bloomberg , who beats Trump by 4 points , 48 % to 44 % ; followed by Sanders , 48 % to 45 % ; Buttigieg and Klobuchar do the same against the incumbent president , 47 % to 45 % ; Warren runs about even with Trump , just 1 point ahead , 47 % to 46 % .
In this survey , Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as expected , with those under 45 , progressives , in cities and among those without college degrees .
But he also leads with women ; college graduates , including white college graduates ; in the suburbs and rural areas ; and is second with black voters , within the margin of error , to Biden .
Bloomberg leads with moderates and voters over 45 , showing the clear split in the party , and where Bloomberg 's appeal is and might grow if he does well on Super Tuesday .
Bloomberg is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a college degree and in rural areas .
He also is third with black voters , showing that if Biden does n't do well in South Carolina and drops out before Super Tuesday , Bloomberg might stand to benefit .
Two candidates who have to be worried about their lack of support with black voters , especially as the race is about to take a turn to the South , are Buttigieg and Klobuchar .
They each get only 4 % and 3 % , respectively , with black voters .
Klobuchar does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 80 % of African Americans saying they would vote for her over Trump .
Buttigieg gets just 74 % saying they will vote for him .
In 2016 , Democrat Hillary Clinton won 89 % of black voters nationally against Trump , according to exit polls .
The live-caller telephone survey of 527 Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents was conducted by the Marist Poll at the Marist Institute for Public Opinion .
The poll has a margin of error of +/- 5.4 percentage points .

Poll: Sanders Leads The Field, Bloomberg Qualifies For His 1st Debate
Enlarge this image toggle caption David Zalubowski/AP David Zalubowski/AP
Updated at 7:08 a.m. ET
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has opened up a double-digit lead in the Democratic nominating contest, according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll.
Sanders has 31% support nationally, up 9 points since December, the last time the poll asked about Democratic voters' preferences.
His next closest contender has 19%. But that second-place rival is former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. With this poll, Bloomberg has qualified for the Nevada debate, despite not being on the ballot there for Saturday's caucuses.
Many Americans have become familiar with Bloomberg lately in this race because of his ubiquitous TV ads. But now get ready to see him on the debate stage for the first time Wednesday.
Bloomberg campaign manager Kevin Sheekey called the new poll result the latest evidence of a "groundswell" for the candidate.
To qualify, a candidate needed to have won at least one delegate in the first two contests, have four national polls showing the candidate with 10% or more or two state polls from either South Carolina or Nevada showing the candidate with 12% or more support. Bloomberg previously cracked 10% in polls from Quinnipiac University, Monmouth University and Fox News.
Bloomberg, a multibillionaire, has spent more than $300 million of his own money on ads, and despite not competing in the first four states of the nominating process, he's vaulted now into second place nationally.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Brett Carlsen/Getty Images Brett Carlsen/Getty Images
In recent days, Sanders and Bloomberg have upped attacks against each other. Sanders has taken aim at Bloomberg for the amount of money he has spent in the campaign, accusing him of trying to buy the nomination.
He tweeted that Bloomberg "will not create the kind of excitement and energy we need to defeat Donald Trump." Bloomberg responded by tweeting a video compilation of attacks leveled against fellow competitors by Sanders supporters online and stressing it's important to "unite" and that "this type of 'energy' is not going to get us there."
Third among Democratic voters and Democratic-leaning independents is former Vice President Joe Biden with 15%, down 9 points since December.
The debate Wednesday, as well as Biden's performance in Nevada Saturday and South Carolina a week later, are critical to whether the former vice president has a real chance at the nomination after disappointing fourth- and fifth-place showings in Iowa and New Hampshire, respectively.
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Following Biden is Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 12%, also down from December — by 5 points — after poor showings in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Next is Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar at 9%. She's up from 4% in December after surprisingly good finishes in the first two contests, and she has leaped ahead of Pete Buttigieg in this national survey.
The former South Bend, Ind., mayor is at just 8%, down from 13% in December, not a good sign for the candidate after very solid finishes in the first two contests. Buttigieg is the delegate leader, one ahead of Sanders. He won the most national delegates out of Iowa and, though he narrowly finished second to Sanders in New Hampshire, they tied with the same number of delegates out of the state.
The poll result is especially inauspicious for Buttigieg heading into Super Tuesday, March 3, in what will be essentially a national primary, with 16 contests and more than a third of all delegates up for grabs on that single day.
The one thing Biden can continue to hang his hat on is how well he does against President Trump. All of the top six Democrats the poll tested beat Trump in a head-to-head matchup, but Biden does best, beating Trump by 6 points and the only candidate to reach 50%.
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Next best is Bloomberg, who beats Trump by 4 points, 48% to 44%; followed by Sanders, 48% to 45%; Buttigieg and Klobuchar do the same against the incumbent president, 47% to 45%; Warren runs about even with Trump, just 1 point ahead, 47% to 46%.
In this survey, Sanders has broad support. He leads, as expected, with those younger than 45, progressives, in cities and among those without college degrees. But he also leads with women; college graduates, including white college graduates; in the suburbs and rural areas; and is second with black voters, within the margin of error, to Biden.
Bloomberg leads with moderates and voters older than 45, showing the clear split in the party, and where Bloomberg's appeal is and might grow if he does well on Super Tuesday. Bloomberg is also second with women, voters without a college degree and in rural areas. He also is third with black voters, showing that if Biden doesn't do well in South Carolina and drops out before Super Tuesday, Bloomberg might stand to benefit.
Two candidates who have to be worried about their lack of support with black voters, especially as the race is about to take a turn to the South, are Buttigieg and Klobuchar. They each get only 4% and 3%, respectively, with black voters. Klobuchar does better against Trump with black voters, with 80% of African Americans saying they would vote for her over Trump. Buttigieg gets just 74% saying they will vote for him.
In 2016, Democrat Hillary Clinton won 89% of black voters nationally against Trump, according to exit polls.
The live-caller telephone survey of 527 Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents was conducted by the Marist Poll at the Marist Institute for Public Opinion. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 5.4 percentage points.


npr--2020-02-18--Boy Scouts Of America Files For Bankruptcy

The Boy Scouts of America has filed for bankruptcy , a sign of the century-old organization 's financial instability as it faces some 300 lawsuits from men who say they were sexually abused as scouts .
The Boy Scouts has been exploring the possibility of bankruptcy since at least December 2018 , when the group hired a law firm for a possible Chapter 11 filing .
Amid high-profile sexual abuse scandals in organizations from the Catholic Church to USA Gymnastics , some states have changed their laws to allow more time for victims of sexual abuse to sue their perpetrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new lawsuits from victims whose cases were prevented previously by statutes of limitations .
`` For years , organizations like the Boy Scouts counted on these laws protecting them , '' says Paul Mones , an attorney in Los Angeles who is representing many men who are suing the Boy Scouts .
`` Now those laws are not there , and the Boy Scouts have fallen under their own weight of these abuse allegations and the potential cases that will be filed . ''
In a statement to NPR prior to filing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was `` exploring all options available so we can live up to our social and moral responsibility to equitably compensate victims who suffered abuse during their time in Scouting , while also ensuring that we carry out our mission to serve youth , families and local communities through our programs .
No decisions have been made and we continue to fully meet our financial obligations to our vendors , creditors and other stakeholders . ''
The Boy Scouts ' potential liability is large .
Mones points to just one case he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2010 , where the judgment against the organization was nearly $ 20 million .
For many years , the Boy Scouts had insurance that would cover them against sexual abuse claims .
But in recent years these carriers have been withdrawing coverage , arguing that the Boy Scouts knew about the abuse and did n't tell their insurance companies .
That has left the Boy Scouts with the prospect of having to fund any litigation and settlements themselves .
The Boy Scout 's most recent tax filing shows total revenue of more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holdings across the U.S. , the organization 's assets in 2018 totaled $ 1.4 billion .
The national organization may hope that its bankruptcy filing will shield the assets of its local councils , similar to how Catholic dioceses were able to protect their properties and parishes from claims .
Local Boy Scout councils and other affiliated nonprofits separately hold $ 3.3 billion in assets , The Wall Street Journal reported last month .
Mones says this case could be a warning for any organization that has n't properly reckoned with reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization by far in the United States can be crippled under the weight of doing nothing about their sexual abuse allegations and covering the problem up , I think it is a warning shot across the bow to all churches and youth organizations and schools that have this problem and do n't act proactively to resolve it , '' he says .

Boy Scouts Of America Files For Bankruptcy As It Faces Hundreds Of Sex-Abuse Claims
Enlarge this image toggle caption Tony Gutierrez/AP Tony Gutierrez/AP
Updated at 10:30 a.m. ET
The Boy Scouts of America has filed for bankruptcy, a sign of the century-old organization's financial instability as it faces some 300 lawsuits from men who say they were sexually abused as Scouts.
The organization says it will use the Chapter 11 process to create a trust to provide compensation to victims. Scouting programs will continue throughout.
The Boy Scouts had been exploring the possibility of bankruptcy since at least December 2018, when the group hired a law firm for a possible Chapter 11 filing. Chapter 11 usually involves the debtor making a reorganization plan to keep its business alive and pay its creditors over time.
The filing was made in Delaware and is expected to set a new deadline for victims' claims to be made.
The Boy Scouts also published a carefully worded open letter to victims of abuse. The letter, signed by BSA National Chair Jim Turley, reads in part:
"I am outraged that individuals took advantage of our programs to commit these heinous acts. "I am also outraged that there were times when volunteers and employees ignored our procedures or forgave transgressions that are unforgivable. In some cases, this led to tragic acts of abuse. While those instances were limited, they mean we didn't do enough to protect the children in our care — to protect you. "On behalf of myself and the entire Scouting community: I am sorry. I am devastated that there were times in the past when we failed the very children we were supposed to protect."
The letter encourages people who were abused to come forward and file claims so they can receive compensation from the trust that will be created.
Amid high-profile sexual abuse scandals in organizations from the Catholic Church to USA Gymnastics, some states have changed their laws to allow more time for victims of sexual abuse to sue their perpetrators. That has brought a wave of new lawsuits from victims whose cases were prevented previously by statutes of limitations.
"For years, organizations like the Boy Scouts counted on these laws protecting them," says Paul Mones, an attorney in Los Angeles who is representing many men who are suing the Boy Scouts. "Now those laws are not there, and the Boy Scouts have fallen under their own weight of these abuse allegations and the potential cases that will be filed."
The Boy Scouts' potential liability is large. Mones points to just one case he won in Portland, Ore., in 2010, where the judgment against the organization was nearly $20 million.
For many years, the Boy Scouts had insurance that would cover sexual abuse claims. But in recent years these carriers have been withdrawing coverage, arguing that the Boy Scouts knew about the abuse and didn't tell the insurance companies. That has left the organization with the prospect of having to fund any litigation and settlements itself.
The Boy Scouts' most recent tax filing shows total revenue of more than $285 million. With significant land holdings across the U.S., the organization's assets in 2018 totaled $1.4 billion.
The national organization might hope that its bankruptcy filing will shield the assets of its local councils, similar to how Catholic dioceses were able to protect their properties and parishes from claims.
BSA was clear on this point in its statement on Tuesday: "Local councils, which provide programming, financial, facility and administrative support to Scouting units in their communities, have not filed for bankruptcy. They are legally separate, distinct and financially independent from the national organization."
Local Boy Scout councils and other affiliated nonprofits separately hold $3.3 billion in assets, The Wall Street Journal reported last month.
At least 20 Catholic dioceses in the U.S. have filed for bankruptcy amid the wave of sex abuse lawsuits against the church. Some victims' attorneys have complained that bankruptcy filings shift the emphasis to the diocese's finances, rather than uncovering documents and information about what church leaders knew.
Mones says the Boy Scouts' case could be a warning for any organization that hasn't properly reckoned with reports of abuse.
"If the largest youth organization by far in the United States can be crippled under the weight of doing nothing about their sexual abuse allegations and covering the problem up, I think it is a warning shot across the bow to all churches and youth organizations and schools that have this problem and don't act proactively to resolve it," he says.


npr--2020-02-18--Banking Giant HSBC To Cut 35,000 Jobs Amid Restructuring

British bank HSBC announced plans Tuesday to cut nearly 15 % of its global workforce — some 35,000 jobs — and shed $ 100 billion in investments as it refocuses on growth markets in Asia .
Interim CEO Noel Quinn says the world 's seventh-largest bank had a resilient performance last year but that parts of the business , including Global Banking and investment markets in Europe and the U.S. , `` are not delivering acceptable returns . ''
`` We are taking decisive action today to address those underperforming parts of the business , to redistribute capital to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and in so doing reduce the cost base of HSBC , '' Quinn said in a statement .
`` But it 's for a purpose , and that purpose is to grow . ''
HSBC , which is based in London but does most of its business in Asia , has dealt with many recent uncertainties , including Brexit , protests in Hong Kong , U.S.-China trade disputes and now the novel coronavirus , The Associated Press reports .
The bank , which currently has 235,000 employees worldwide , says it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater agility and a less bureaucratic environment . ''
Job reductions are expected to take place over three years through a mix of layoffs and attrition .
HSBC has about 10,000 employees in the U.S. and operates branches in California , Connecticut , the District of Columbia , Florida , Maryland , New Jersey , New York , Pennsylvania , Virginia and Washington state .
Robert Sherman , an HSBC spokesperson for U.S. operations , said in a statement emailed to NPR that the bank is not sharing specific information on which jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notified .
However , Sherman said the bank will close about 80 branches this year in the U.S. alone , a reduction of about 30 % .
But he added that it will continue to open new branches on the West Coast to better serve the large Asian communities there .
HSBC 's troubles reflect trends in the wider banking industry , which is under pressure from low interest rates around the world , the AP noted .
Banks tend to make less money when rates are low , as its squeezes their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profit fell 53 % , to nearly $ 6 billion , last year , according to its annual report .
HSBC also delivered an 8 % return but hopes to reach returns of 10 % to 12 % in the next few years .
On news of the restructuring , HSBC stock fell more than 6 % on the London Stock Exchange .

Banking Giant HSBC To Cut 35,000 Jobs Amid Restructuring
Enlarge this image toggle caption Kin Cheung/AP Kin Cheung/AP
British bank HSBC announced plans Tuesday to cut nearly 15% of its global workforce — some 35,000 jobs — and shed $100 billion in investments as it refocuses on growth markets in Asia.
Interim CEO Noel Quinn says the world's seventh-largest bank had a resilient performance last year but that parts of the business, including Global Banking and investment markets in Europe and the U.S., "are not delivering acceptable returns."
"We are taking decisive action today to address those underperforming parts of the business, to redistribute capital to the growth opportunity, to simplify our business — and in so doing reduce the cost base of HSBC," Quinn said in a statement. "But it's for a purpose, and that purpose is to grow."
HSBC, which is based in London but does most of its business in Asia, has dealt with many recent uncertainties, including Brexit, protests in Hong Kong , U.S.-China trade disputes and now the novel coronavirus, The Associated Press reports.
The bank, which currently has 235,000 employees worldwide, says it is simplifying operations for "greater pace, greater agility and a less bureaucratic environment." Job reductions are expected to take place over three years through a mix of layoffs and attrition.
HSBC has about 10,000 employees in the U.S. and operates branches in California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington state.
Robert Sherman, an HSBC spokesperson for U.S. operations, said in a statement emailed to NPR that the bank is not sharing specific information on which jobs will be affected until those employees are notified.
However, Sherman said the bank will close about 80 branches this year in the U.S. alone, a reduction of about 30%. But he added that it will continue to open new branches on the West Coast to better serve the large Asian communities there.
HSBC's troubles reflect trends in the wider banking industry, which is under pressure from low interest rates around the world, the AP noted. Banks tend to make less money when rates are low, as its squeezes their lending business.
The bank's net profit fell 53%, to nearly $6 billion, last year, according to its annual report. HSBC also delivered an 8% return but hopes to reach returns of 10% to 12% in the next few years.
On news of the restructuring, HSBC stock fell more than 6% on the London Stock Exchange.


npr--2020-02-18--Hundreds Of Homes Flooded In Mississippi As More Rain Is Expected

Hundreds Of Homes Flooded In Mississippi As More Rain Is Expected Mississippians had been braced for historic floods after days of heavy downpours .
When the Pearl River crested in Jackson on Monday , the water was 8 feet above flood stage — but that was lower than many had feared .
The river crested at 36.7 feet in the state 's capital city .
The full extent of the damage is n't yet clear , but authorities estimated that up to 1,000 homes in central Mississippi had been flooded .
Jackson resident Yvonne Magee is among those forced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surround her home .
`` Really , truly , if it does come in and damage everything in there , I 'll have to start over , '' she told the Clarion-Ledger .
`` I 'll be without nothing , because everything I got , I own .
But I will be grateful because I got me and my kids .
I ca n't get me and my kids ' life back . ''
Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves said in a news conference Monday that teams had performed 16 search-and-rescue operations since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents for following calls to evacuate dangerous areas , keeping first responders out of harm 's way .
`` We as a state are not in the clear yet , '' Reeves warned .
`` Do not walk or drive through floodwaters .
Turn around , do n't drown .
If you were told to evacuate , please heed these orders and do not return until officials have told you it 's safe . ''
A flash flood warning is in effect in the area until Wednesday morning , as up to 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Reeves said Monday that forecasters expected the water to recede over the following two to three days , but he noted that the receding water would be flowing fast .
More rain is predicted for the area on Thursday and possibly Friday .
The water is n't expected to rise further in central Mississippi , but the governor said continued rains could imperil counties downriver .
Reeves stressed the importance of residents photographing and reporting damage to assist in citizens ' insurance claims as well as for the state to get federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resident Shaunta Durr told Mississippi Public Broadcasting that her home had taken on water .
Durr and her husband and daughters left on Friday and returned a few days later to take photos of damage to their home .
`` Of course I know that it has flooded in , '' she said .
`` I think there 's a possibility of a lot of mold that will settle in .
I 'm really concerned about the smells . ''
The state 's emergency management agency says that even with so many homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 17 people Monday night as most people are staying with relatives .
The agency says it will interview affected people to determine their long-term shelter needs .
The high waters hit parts of Tennessee , as well .
In the southwest town of Morris Chapel , two homes collapsed after the land beneath them gave way .
`` It is a chess match we 're playing with Mother Nature , '' Jim Hopson , spokesman for the Tennessee Valley Authority , told The Associated Press .
`` We have engineers on duty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most effective way to move this water downstream with the least impact .
They feel it .
I feel it . ''

Hundreds Of Homes Flooded In Mississippi As More Rain Is Expected
Enlarge this image toggle caption Rogelio V. Solis/AP Rogelio V. Solis/AP
Mississippians had been braced for historic floods after days of heavy downpours. When the Pearl River crested in Jackson on Monday, the water was 8 feet above flood stage — but that was lower than many had feared.
The river crested at 36.7 feet in the state's capital city. The full extent of the damage isn't yet clear, but authorities estimated that up to 1,000 homes in central Mississippi had been flooded.
Jackson resident Yvonne Magee is among those forced to flee because of the waters that now surround her home.
"Really, truly, if it does come in and damage everything in there, I'll have to start over," she told the Clarion-Ledger. "I'll be without nothing, because everything I got, I own. But I will be grateful because I got me and my kids. I can't get me and my kids' life back."
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said in a news conference Monday that teams had performed 16 search-and-rescue operations since the waters started rising. He thanked residents for following calls to evacuate dangerous areas, keeping first responders out of harm's way.
"We as a state are not in the clear yet," Reeves warned. "Do not walk or drive through floodwaters. Turn around, don't drown. If you were told to evacuate, please heed these orders and do not return until officials have told you it's safe."
A flash flood warning is in effect in the area until Wednesday morning, as up to 2 inches of rain are expected to fall.
Reeves said Monday that forecasters expected the water to recede over the following two to three days, but he noted that the receding water would be flowing fast.
More rain is predicted for the area on Thursday and possibly Friday. The water isn't expected to rise further in central Mississippi, but the governor said continued rains could imperil counties downriver.
Reeves stressed the importance of residents photographing and reporting damage to assist in citizens' insurance claims as well as for the state to get federal recovery funds to rebuild infrastructure.
Jackson resident Shaunta Durr told Mississippi Public Broadcasting that her home had taken on water. Durr and her husband and daughters left on Friday and returned a few days later to take photos of damage to their home.
"Of course I know that it has flooded in," she said. "I think there's a possibility of a lot of mold that will settle in. I'm really concerned about the smells."
The state's emergency management agency says that even with so many homes affected, its shelter in Jackson housed only 17 people Monday night as most people are staying with relatives. The agency says it will interview affected people to determine their long-term shelter needs.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Melvin Martin/Hardin County Fire Department via AP Melvin Martin/Hardin County Fire Department via AP
The high waters hit parts of Tennessee, as well. In the southwest town of Morris Chapel, two homes collapsed after the land beneath them gave way.
"It is a chess match we're playing with Mother Nature," Jim Hopson, spokesman for the Tennessee Valley Authority, told The Associated Press. "We have engineers on duty 24-7 trying to figure out what's the most effective way to move this water downstream with the least impact. They feel it. I feel it."


npr--2020-02-18--Trump Commutes Sentence Of Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich

President Trump has commuted the sentence of the ex-governor of Illinois , Rod Blagojevich , who has been imprisoned since being convicted on corruption charges over his attempt to sell the Senate seat vacated by then-President Barack Obama .
On Tuesday , the White House announced that Blagojevich is among 11 people who will be receiving clemency .
Those individuals include Edward DeBartolo Jr. , the former San Francisco 49ers owner convicted in a gambling fraud scandal ; convicted Wall Street financier Michael Milken , who became known as the `` junk bond king '' ; and Bernard Kerik , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who pleaded guilty in 2009 to tax fraud and lying to federal officials .
`` Oftentimes , pretty much all the time , I really rely on the recommendations of people who know them , '' Trump told reporters .
For years , Blagojevich 's family and allies have been attempting to persuade the White House to intervene in the case after exhausting all legal appeals .
His wife , Patti , has made repeated pleas on Fox News and other national outlets .
In a statement , the White House said Blagojevich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his eight years in prison .
`` He tutors and teaches GED classes , mentors prisoners regarding personal and professional development , and speaks to them about their civic duties , '' the statement said .
A 2015 filing from Blagojevich 's lawyers noted that the former Illinois governor studied guitar and vocals with another federal inmate and they formed a band called `` The Jailhouse Rockers . ''
The filing also noted he taught other inmates Civil War history .
Such prison behavior helped pave the way for his commutation , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyers during the corruption trials .
`` To this day , if you look at what goes on in the state of Illinois and throughout the country , the bribery that happens every day , it is a bit of a headscratcher a ) that he was convicted on so many counts and b ) that he was sentenced so significantly . ''
Others criticized Trump 's move , including Republicans in Illinois .
`` In a state where corrupt , machine-style politics is still all too common , it 's important that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its entirety , '' said Tim Schneider , the chairman of the Illinois Republican Party .
The move will free Blagojevich from prison four years before his scheduled release date .
The commutation will keep his corruption convictions in place .
Blagojevich , once seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party , was a contestant on Trump 's former reality show The Celebrity Apprentice .
Trump has made sympathetic comments about Blagojevich in the past , having said publicly multiple times that Blagojevich 's sentence was unfair .
Blagojevich , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for `` being stupid , saying things that every other politician , you know , that many other politicians say . ''
Among the evidence federal prosecutors gathered on Blagojevich was his now-famous profanity on a phone call , secretly recorded by the FBI , about his attempt to profit from Obama 's vacated Illinois Senate seat .
`` I 've got this thing , and it 's f****** golden , '' Blagojevich said in the wiretapped call .
`` And I 'm not just giving it up for f****** nothing . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any means , '' Goldstein , his former lawyer , said on Tuesday of the the comments on the recorded call .
Yet Goldstein continued to defend the blunt statements from his former client .
`` Blagojevich , whether you want to call it stupidity or hubris or what , said those words that many , many people think to themselves , '' Goldstein said .
A U.S. appeals court in 2015 threw out five of Blagojevich 's extortion convictions but the court described the evidence against him , `` much of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` overwhelming . ''
The team that prosecuted Blagojevich reacted to the news of his commutation , saying in a statement to WBEZ that extortion by a public official is a `` very serious crime . ''
`` While the President has the power to reduce Mr. Blagojevich 's sentence , the fact remains that the former governor was convicted of very serious crimes .
His prosecution serves as proof that elected officials who betray those they are elected to serve will be held to account , '' the prosecution team said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 14-year prison sentence since 2012 , and he would be eligible for release in 2024 .
In 2010 , after Blagojevich was removed as governor of Illinois over the corruption scandal , he appeared on Apprentice , where Trump fired Blagojevich before saying , `` I feel badly for him .
He tried , but I feel badly . ''
A jury convicted Blagojevich in 2010 on one count of lying to FBI agents and was unable to reach a consensus on 23 other charges .
But in 2011 , another jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 counts of wire fraud and one count of soliciting bribes .
A judge sentenced him to 14 years in federal prison .

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Released Following Trump's Commutation
Enlarge this image toggle caption Charles Rex Arbogast/AP Charles Rex Arbogast/AP
Updated at 8:43 p.m. ET
Ex-governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich was released from federal prison Tuesday evening following a commutation earlier in the day from President Trump that cut short his punishment on corruption charges over his attempt to sell the Senate seat vacated by then-President Barack Obama.
The White House announced that Blagojevich is among 11 people who received clemency.
Those individuals include Edward DeBartolo Jr., the former San Francisco 49ers owner convicted in a gambling fraud scandal; convicted Wall Street financier Michael Milken, who became known as the "junk bond king"; and Bernard Kerik, the former New York City police commissioner who pleaded guilty in 2009 to tax fraud and lying to federal officials.
"Oftentimes, pretty much all the time, I really rely on the recommendations of people who know them," Trump told reporters.
For years, Blagojevich's family and allies have been attempting to persuade the White House to intervene in the case after exhausting all legal appeals. His wife, Patti, has made repeated pleas on Fox News and other national outlets.
In a statement, the White House said Blagojevich has exhibited "exemplary character" during his eight years in prison.
"He tutors and teaches GED classes, mentors prisoners regarding personal and professional development, and speaks to them about their civic duties," the statement said.
A 2016 court filing from Blagojevich's lawyers noted that the former Illinois governor studied guitar and vocals with another federal inmate and they formed a band called "The Jailhouse Rockers."
The legal memo also noted he taught other inmates Civil War history.
Such prison behavior helped pave the way for his commutation, said Aaron Goldstein, one of Blagojevich's lawyers during the corruption trials.
"To this day, if you look at what goes on in the state of Illinois and throughout the country, the bribery that happens every day, it is a bit of a headscratcher a) that he was convicted on so many counts and b) that he was sentenced so significantly."
Others criticized Trump's move, including Republicans in Illinois.
"In a state where corrupt, machine-style politics is still all too common, it's important that those found guilty serve their prison sentence in its entirety," said Tim Schneider, the chairman of the Illinois Republican Party.
The move freed Blagojevich from prison four years before his scheduled release date. The commutation will keep his corruption convictions in place.
Blagojevich, once seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, was a contestant on Trump's former reality show The Celebrity Apprentice.
Trump has made sympathetic comments about Blagojevich in the past, having said publicly multiple times that Blagojevich's sentence was unfair.
Blagojevich, Trump said in 2018, was convicted for "being stupid, saying things that every other politician, you know, that many other politicians say."
Among the evidence federal prosecutors gathered on Blagojevich was his now-famous profanity on a phone call, secretly recorded by the FBI, about his attempt to profit from Obama's vacated Illinois Senate seat.
"I've got this thing, and it's f****** golden," Blagojevich said in the wiretapped call. "And I'm not just giving it up for f****** nothing."
"They don't sound good by any means," Goldstein, his former lawyer, said on Tuesday of the the comments on the recorded call.
Yet Goldstein continued to defend the blunt statements from his former client.
"Blagojevich, whether you want to call it stupidity or hubris or what, said those words that many, many people think to themselves," Goldstein said.
A U.S. appeals court in 2015 threw out five of Blagojevich's extortion convictions but the court described the evidence against him, "much of it from Blagojevich's own mouth" as "overwhelming."
The team that prosecuted Blagojevich reacted to the news of his commutation, saying in a statement to WBEZ that extortion by a public official is a "very serious crime."
"While the President has the power to reduce Mr. Blagojevich's sentence, the fact remains that the former governor was convicted of very serious crimes. His prosecution serves as proof that elected officials who betray those they are elected to serve will be held to account," the prosecution team said.
Blagojevich, 63, has been serving a 14-year prison sentence since 2012, and he would be eligible for release in 2024.
In 2010, after Blagojevich was removed as governor of Illinois over the corruption scandal, he appeared on Apprentice, where Trump fired Blagojevich before saying, "I feel badly for him. He tried, but I feel badly."
A jury convicted Blagojevich in 2010 on one count of lying to FBI agents and was unable to reach a consensus on 23 other charges. But in 2011, another jury convicted him on 17 counts, including 10 counts of wire fraud and one count of soliciting bribes.
A judge sentenced him to 14 years in federal prison.
WBEZ's Dave McKinney contributed to this report.


npr--2020-02-18--Many Tornado Alley Residents With Disabilities Lack Safe Options In A Storm

Many Tornado Alley Residents With Disabilities Lack Safe Options In A Storm John High has diabetes , which led to his leg being amputated below the knee two years ago .
He 's been using a wheelchair since then , and has n't gotten used to having to work out solutions to everyday problems — such as getting in and out of the shower in the small rental house he shares with his son in Norman , Okla .
But when he hears a tornado siren blaring out its high-pitched warning he feels a spasm of fear and dread .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own .
`` I just pray .
That 's all I can do , '' High says .
`` They expect people to 'shelter in place , ' but I do n't have anywhere safe to go . ''
Other Oklahomans have had to adapt too .
Few homes have basements , so those who can afford do so build or purchase their own shelters .
But High ca n't afford the kind he would need — one that would allow him to quickly roll his motorized chair right inside .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this as a problem .
`` One person told me 'put on a football helmet and go into your kitchen , ' `` High recalls with a bitter smile .
He gestures toward the walls : `` I 've got a window in every room of this house , so there 's really no place for me to go . ''
He was n't always in this situation .
High chose this rental house in 2008 because of its proximity to a public school that was an officially-designated public shelter .
From his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school just down the street .
It would take just four minutes for him to roll down a ramp , travel along the sidewalk , and get inside the school gym .
But access to most places that have served as public shelters in the past , including that gym , ended a few years ago , after fire officials and others argued that the public shelters were n't up to federal standards .
Effectively , that change in policy left Oklahomans like High to fend for themselves .
The protective gold standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions , is a storm shelter also known as a safe room .
You can buy them at big box hardware stores , or have concrete shelters built by specialty companies , but they range in price from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars , depending on the size and materials .
The base model is just a concrete room set into the ground , usually in a backyard .
But to get inside , people must climb down a ladder or steep set of stairs .
There are above-ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those cost more .
High relies on federal disability payments for his income , and says he simply ca n't afford to pay for his own shelter .
`` What bill am I going to not pay , to try to save up $ 3,800 ?
I live day to day .
Every month is really rough , '' he says .
Local towns started closing public shelters in Oklahoma a few years ago , to avoid the costs of making them tornado-safe .
There was no mandate that they keep them open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state government needs to step in and help people with disabilities acquire their own storm shelters .
`` We 're [ in ] tornado alley .
We 're known for it .
Why are n't they helping to protect us ? ''
he says .
`` Instead it 's 'Well , just duck your head and go in your house . '
'' Data collected and analyzed by the Center for Public Integrity found that between 2009 and 2018 , Oklahoma had the highest number of major disaster declarations in the country : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fires , to ice storms and tornadoes .
According to the 2018 National Climate Assessment , many of these weather-related hazards are expected to become worse and more frequent because of climate change .
`` If you 're able to install a safe room in your home , or on your property , we recommend that you do that , '' says Keli Cain , a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management .
`` It 's the safest place that you can be during a storm . ''
Despite experiencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the nation , Oklahoma has no state laws requiring storm shelters in homes , apartments or businesses .
Instead , storm shelters are marketed as a desirable , extra amenity in some new housing developments .
If a community wants to open a local storm shelter for the public , that 's up to local officials , Cain explains .
`` Community shelters are funded on their own , either through bond issues or other funding methods , '' she says .
There also is no database that Oklahomans can consult , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located .
`` We do n't have a listing of the community shelters , '' Cain says .
`` They do n't have to register it through the state or anything , unless it 's funded by a [ federal ] grant program . ''
Oklahoma does offer a storm shelter rebate program , funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency .
Cain says the annual grant is enough to help about 50 households a year to install storm shelters , with applicants getting up to $ 2,000 to help cover the cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a lottery system that does n't take socioeconomic status into account — and it 's restricted to homeowners .
Renters , like John High , ca n't even apply for the grants .
Cain blamed FEMA rules for that exclusion , acknowledging its particular impact on people with disabilities .
`` There is no specific program to help people with disabilities get a storm shelter , '' Cain says .
`` Some people might have to leave their homes a couple hours before the storm , and go to a place that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do restrict disaster-aid funding to homeowners , and that has spurred litigation .
In July 1990 , President George H.W .
Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law .
The ADA attempted to break down the barriers by requiring businesses , schools and other organizations to take basic steps to accommodate a range of health challenges , including impairments of sight , sound and mobility .
`` Fifteen percent of the population is over the age of 65 , '' says Marcie Roth , CEO of the World Institute on Disability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this will grow to 1 in 4 people in the United States .
In an emergency , you can count on the fact that people with disabilities will be affected . ''
The ADA has been modified over the years to include emergency preparedness , but the problem remains , bursting into public consciousness after major weather events like Superstorm Sandy , which hit New York and New Jersey in 2012 , and Hurricane Harvey , which devastated the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast in 2017 .
In the aftermath of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disabilities were left without access to vital medicines and care ; she blames poor disaster planning on both the state and local levels .
As a consequence of those storms , and the resulting backlash from many in the disability community over the lack of planning , the federal government sent the states guidance on how to comply with the ADA in emergency situations .
But the implementation of those directives has been haphazard , Roth says , as evidenced by the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria , a deadly Category 4 hurricane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islands and Dominica in 2017 .
`` Interruption of medical care and disability services was the primary cause of almost 3,000 deaths following Hurricane Maria , '' Roth says .
`` Emergency planning needs to be inclusive of the whole community and it needs to be equally accessible to everyone in the community . ''
Sara Pratt is a former official at the Department of Housing and Urban Development specializing in housing and disability rights , and helped write the guidance sent to states .
Now a civil rights lawyer in Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be violating the ADA .
`` The idea that we do n't have to serve people with disabilities who are renters is not consistent with federal law , '' says Pratt .
Federal civil rights laws , including the Fair Housing Act and the ADA , require accommodations for people with disabilities in all disaster programs , Pratt says , including mitigation .
`` The programs that are being offered to assist people who are sheltering in their homes should be available to both homeowners and renters if they have disabilities and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` There has to be an opportunity for a person with a disability to shelter . ''
More than 630,000 people in Oklahoma have a disability , but the state does n't know how many of them need storm shelters .
Some local governments keep track of how many households already have one , but there is no shelter reporting-requirement .
John High says he 'd like to see the public shelters reopened .
`` Some people do n't even know the shelters are gone yet , '' he says .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't think about it until it 's necessary . ''
If the shelters do n't reopen , High says he 'll keep trying to get financial assistance to get an accessible storm shelter in his home .
He plans to put it in the garage , so he can easily drive his wheelchair in , but so far he 's encountered a web of regulations .
`` Every time I hear the tornado siren , I fear — I fear for my life , '' he says .
`` If a tornado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be dead . ''
This story was first reported as part of The Center for Public Integrity 's series on insufficient protections for vulnerable people against natural disasters .
It is part of NPR 's reporting partnership with StateImpact Oklahoma and Kaiser Health News .
You can follow Jackie Fortier on Twitter : @ JackieFortier .

Many Tornado Alley Residents With Disabilities Lack Safe Options In A Storm
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jackie Fortier/StateImpact Oklahoma Jackie Fortier/StateImpact Oklahoma
John High has diabetes, which led to his leg being amputated below the knee two years ago. He's been using a wheelchair since then, and hasn't gotten used to having to work out solutions to everyday problems — such as getting in and out of the shower in the small rental house he shares with his son in Norman, Okla. But when he hears a tornado siren blaring out its high-pitched warning he feels a spasm of fear and dread. In this situation, he's on his own.
"I just pray. That's all I can do," High says. "They expect people to 'shelter in place,' but I don't have anywhere safe to go."
Other Oklahomans have had to adapt too. Few homes have basements, so those who can afford do so build or purchase their own shelters. But High can't afford the kind he would need — one that would allow him to quickly roll his motorized chair right inside. And no one but him seems to see this as a problem.
toggle caption Jackie Fortier /StateImpact Oklahoma
"One person told me 'put on a football helmet and go into your kitchen,' " High recalls with a bitter smile. He gestures toward the walls: "I've got a window in every room of this house, so there's really no place for me to go."
He wasn't always in this situation. High chose this rental house in 2008 because of its proximity to a public school that was an officially-designated public shelter. From his driveway, High can see the elementary school just down the street. It would take just four minutes for him to roll down a ramp, travel along the sidewalk, and get inside the school gym.
But access to most places that have served as public shelters in the past, including that gym, ended a few years ago, after fire officials and others argued that the public shelters weren't up to federal standards. Effectively, that change in policy left Oklahomans like High to fend for themselves.
The protective gold standard, for people who live in tornado-prone regions, is a storm shelter also known as a safe room. You can buy them at big box hardware stores, or have concrete shelters built by specialty companies, but they range in price from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and materials. The base model is just a concrete room set into the ground, usually in a backyard. But to get inside, people must climb down a ladder or steep set of stairs. There are above-ground models that are wheelchair accessible, but those cost more.
High relies on federal disability payments for his income, and says he simply can't afford to pay for his own shelter.
"What bill am I going to not pay, to try to save up $3,800? I live day to day. Every month is really rough," he says.
Local towns started closing public shelters in Oklahoma a few years ago, to avoid the costs of making them tornado-safe. There was no mandate that they keep them open. High now thinks the federal or state government needs to step in and help people with disabilities acquire their own storm shelters.
"We're [in] tornado alley. We're known for it. Why aren't they helping to protect us?" he says. "Instead it's 'Well, just duck your head and go in your house.'"
Climate change is making storms worse
Data collected and analyzed by the Center for Public Integrity found that between 2009 and 2018, Oklahoma had the highest number of major disaster declarations in the country: They ranged from severe storms, floods and fires, to ice storms and tornadoes. According to the 2018 National Climate Assessment, many of these weather-related hazards are expected to become worse and more frequent because of climate change.
"If you're able to install a safe room in your home, or on your property, we recommend that you do that," says Keli Cain, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. "It's the safest place that you can be during a storm."
Despite experiencing some of the most severe weather-related events in the nation, Oklahoma has no state laws requiring storm shelters in homes, apartments or businesses. Instead, storm shelters are marketed as a desirable, extra amenity in some new housing developments.
If a community wants to open a local storm shelter for the public, that's up to local officials, Cain explains. "Community shelters are funded on their own, either through bond issues or other funding methods," she says.
There also is no database that Oklahomans can consult, showing where public or wheelchair-accessible shelters are located. "We don't have a listing of the community shelters," Cain says. "They don't have to register it through the state or anything, unless it's funded by a [federal] grant program."
Oklahoma does offer a storm shelter rebate program, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Cain says the annual grant is enough to help about 50 households a year to install storm shelters, with applicants getting up to $2,000 to help cover the cost. But the grants are allocated randomly through a lottery system that doesn't take socioeconomic status into account — and it's restricted to homeowners. Renters, like John High, can't even apply for the grants.
Cain blamed FEMA rules for that exclusion, acknowledging its particular impact on people with disabilities.
"There is no specific program to help people with disabilities get a storm shelter," Cain says. "Some people might have to leave their homes a couple hours before the storm, and go to a place that is safe."
Many FEMA programs do restrict disaster-aid funding to homeowners, and that has spurred litigation.
Americans with Disabilities Act turns 30
In July 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. The ADA attempted to break down the barriers by requiring businesses, schools and other organizations to take basic steps to accommodate a range of health challenges, including impairments of sight, sound and mobility.
"Fifteen percent of the population is over the age of 65," says Marcie Roth, CEO of the World Institute on Disability. "Within the next 40 years, this will grow to 1 in 4 people in the United States. In an emergency, you can count on the fact that people with disabilities will be affected."
The ADA has been modified over the years to include emergency preparedness, but the problem remains, bursting into public consciousness after major weather events like Superstorm Sandy, which hit New York and New Jersey in 2012, and Hurricane Harvey, which devastated the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast in 2017. In the aftermath of those storms, Roth says, people with disabilities were left without access to vital medicines and care; she blames poor disaster planning on both the state and local levels.
As a consequence of those storms, and the resulting backlash from many in the disability community over the lack of planning, the federal government sent the states guidance on how to comply with the ADA in emergency situations. But the implementation of those directives has been haphazard, Roth says, as evidenced by the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, a deadly Category 4 hurricane that ravaged Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Dominica in 2017.
"Interruption of medical care and disability services was the primary cause of almost 3,000 deaths following Hurricane Maria," Roth says. "Emergency planning needs to be inclusive of the whole community and it needs to be equally accessible to everyone in the community."
Sara Pratt is a former official at the Department of Housing and Urban Development specializing in housing and disability rights, and helped write the guidance sent to states. Now a civil rights lawyer in Washington, D.C., Pratt thinks that Oklahoma may be violating the ADA.
"The idea that we don't have to serve people with disabilities who are renters is not consistent with federal law," says Pratt.
Federal civil rights laws, including the Fair Housing Act and the ADA, require accommodations for people with disabilities in all disaster programs, Pratt says, including mitigation.
"The programs that are being offered to assist people who are sheltering in their homes should be available to both homeowners and renters if they have disabilities and have disability-related needs," she says. "There has to be an opportunity for a person with a disability to shelter."
More than 630,000 people in Oklahoma have a disability, but the state doesn't know how many of them need storm shelters. Some local governments keep track of how many households already have one, but there is no shelter reporting-requirement.
Request for financial assistance
John High says he'd like to see the public shelters reopened.
"Some people don't even know the shelters are gone yet," he says. "If you don't need something, you don't think about it until it's necessary."
If the shelters don't reopen, High says he'll keep trying to get financial assistance to get an accessible storm shelter in his home. He plans to put it in the garage, so he can easily drive his wheelchair in, but so far he's encountered a web of regulations.
"Every time I hear the tornado siren, I fear — I fear for my life," he says. "If a tornado comes through here, I'm going to be dead."
This story was first reported as part of The Center for Public Integrity's series on insufficient protections for vulnerable people against natural disasters. It is part of NPR's reporting partnership with StateImpact Oklahoma and Kaiser Health News. You can follow Jackie Fortier on Twitter: @JackieFortier.