npr--2020-07-03--U.S. Surpasses Global Record For New COVID-19 Cases Recorded In A Day

U.S. Surpasses Global Record For New COVID-19 Cases Recorded In A Day The United States has reached a daily global record for the coronavirus pandemic — reporting more than 55,000 new COVID-19 cases .
The daily U.S. tally stood at 55,274 late Thursday , which exceeds the previous single-day record of 54,771 set by Brazil on June 19 .
Johns Hopkins University & Medicine 's Coronavirus Resource Center , which tracks the virus worldwide , says the total number of cases reported in the U.S. stands at 2,739,879 , an increase of 53,399 over Wednesday 's figure .
Brazil has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,496,858 .
Russia rounds out the top three with 660,231 cases .
U.S. deaths attributed to the coronavirus stands at 128,740 .
Brazil ranks second with 61,884 deaths and the United Kingdom third with 44,080 deaths .
As infections spike in the U.S. , a number of states are taking action to try to slow the spread of cases .
Florida 's surge of COVID-19 cases shows no signs of slowing down .
The state Department of Heath reported Florida set another daily record Thursday , with 10,109 cases , surpassing Saturday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues a marked upturn in cases that began last month , weeks after Florida started allowing businesses to reopen .
In Texas , another coronavirus hot spot , wearing face masks is now required in most of the state .
Gov .
Greg Abbott issued an executive order on Thursday requiring Texans to wear face coverings in public in counties with 20 or more COVID-19 cases .
The announcement comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to surge , with the state reporting 7,915 new cases on Thursday .
Kansas is also now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike in infections there last week .
Gov .
Laura Kelly 's order , with some exceptions , requires people to wear masks indoors or outdoors where 6 feet of social distancing can not be maintained .
Arizona is contending with one of the worst outbreaks of any state as coronavirus cases surge .
Hospitals are bracing for a wave of seriously ill patients , and health officials are pleading with the public to wear masks and heed guidance about social distancing — even in the absence of a second stay-at-home order .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses and reopen its economy , beginning in early May .
Most new cases have come in just the past month .
California , another coronavirus epicenter , saw positive tests climb 37 % with hospitalizations up 56 % over the past two weeks .
The Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Department West Hollywood Station stepped up enforcement of an order from California Gov .
Gavin Newsom , saying in a Facebook post that it would issue citations that come with a $ 250 fine and $ 50 in fees .
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health officials will be on alert .
Following May 's Memorial Day holiday , coronavirus hospitalizations rose sharply in several states .

U.S. Surpasses Global Record For New COVID-19 Cases Recorded In A Day
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jae C. Hong/AP Jae C. Hong/AP
The United States has reached a daily global record for the coronavirus pandemic — reporting more than 55,000 new COVID-19 cases. The daily U.S. tally stood at 55,274 late Thursday, which exceeds the previous single-day record of 54,771 set by Brazil on June 19.
Johns Hopkins University & Medicine's Coronavirus Resource Center, which tracks the virus worldwide, says the total number of cases reported in the U.S. stands at 2,739,879, an increase of 53,399 over Wednesday's figure.
Brazil has the next highest number of cases with 1,496,858. Russia rounds out the top three with 660,231 cases. U.S. deaths attributed to the coronavirus stands at 128,740. Brazil ranks second with 61,884 deaths and the United Kingdom third with 44,080 deaths.
As infections spike in the U.S., a number of states are taking action to try to slow the spread of cases.
Florida's surge of COVID-19 cases shows no signs of slowing down. The state Department of Heath reported Florida set another daily record Thursday, with 10,109 cases, surpassing Saturday's record of 9,585 cases.
The milestone continues a marked upturn in cases that began last month, weeks after Florida started allowing businesses to reopen.
In Texas, another coronavirus hot spot, wearing face masks is now required in most of the state.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order on Thursday requiring Texans to wear face coverings in public in counties with 20 or more COVID-19 cases. The announcement comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to surge, with the state reporting 7,915 new cases on Thursday.
Kansas is also now requiring face coverings after a 46% spike in infections there last week. Gov. Laura Kelly's order, with some exceptions, requires people to wear masks indoors or outdoors where 6 feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.
Arizona is contending with one of the worst outbreaks of any state as coronavirus cases surge. Hospitals are bracing for a wave of seriously ill patients, and health officials are pleading with the public to wear masks and heed guidance about social distancing — even in the absence of a second stay-at-home order.
Arizona was quick to relax restrictions on businesses and reopen its economy, beginning in early May. Most new cases have come in just the past month.
California, another coronavirus epicenter, saw positive tests climb 37% with hospitalizations up 56% over the past two weeks.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department West Hollywood Station stepped up enforcement of an order from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, saying in a Facebook post that it would issue citations that come with a $250 fine and $50 in fees.
As the country celebrates the July Fourth holiday weekend, health officials will be on alert. Following May's Memorial Day holiday, coronavirus hospitalizations rose sharply in several states.


npr--2020-07-02--No Federal Mandates For Masks On Planes Or Empty Middle Seats

No Federal Mandates For Masks On Planes Or Empty Middle Seats The Trump administration is urging airlines to leave some airplane seats empty to help protect travelers and crew members from the coronavirus but it is stopping short of requiring airlines to keep seats open to create physical distancing on flights .
The federal COVID-19 guidelines also encourage all passengers to wear face coverings or masks but again , the administration will not mandate it .
And that 's a problem , according to some consumer groups , public health officials , airline employee unions and members of Congress , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal rules that are consistent across the air travel industry to minimize the risk for transmission of the virus .
As air travel demand begins to slowly recover from the pandemic , the U.S .
Departments of Homeland Security , Transportation , and Health and Human Services jointly issued guidelines for the air travel industry Thursday in a report called the Runway to Recovery .
It encourages airlines and airports to promote social distancing , enhance disinfection and cleaning procedures , create barriers such as plastic shields at counters , conduct health assessments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information for possible contact tracing ; all are measures most airlines and airports have already implemented , as they follow recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention months ago .
A Transportation Department press release says , `` The guidance will enhance public health risk reduction to support an increase in travel volume while ensuring that aviation safety and security are not compromised . ''
`` This document provides clear guidance to airlines and airports to protect the traveling public , and we encourage people to pay attention to it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
But traveler and consumer advocacy groups say the guidelines are inadequate .
`` Americans are rightfully concerned that they may be putting their health and safety at risk if they choose to fly during a global pandemic , '' said William McGee , aviation advisor for Consumer Reports .
`` The DOT should n't leave it up to the airlines and airports to decide which COVID-19 safety precautions they will follow to keep passengers safe . ''
Consumer groups , airline employee unions and some members of Congress say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health standards to ensure passengers are protected when they travel during the pandemic .
`` There 's very few , I think , worse environments to be in than trapped in a tube that 's crammed full of people who are rubbing shoulders with recirculated air for five or six hours while flying across the country , '' said Rep. Peter DeFazio , D-Ore. , chair of the House Transportation Committee , who says the administration `` should require masks under the penalty of federal law on airplanes . ''
While many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverings , enforcement has been inconsistent .
United , Delta and a few others say they have removed some passengers from planes and prohibited others from boarding for not wearing masks , but such enforcement actions have only been taken recently after a rising number of complaints from other passengers .
And flight attendants are somewhat frustrated because they are the ones who often must police the mask wearing and social distancing requirements .
`` Without a federal mandate and a coordinated effort to address these issues , we 're left to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inconsistent , leave people confused and leave us to deal with the consequences on the front lines , '' said Sara Nelson , president of the Association of Flight Attendants .
The new federal guidance encouraging airlines to leave some seats open comes in a week in which American Airlines joined rival United and discount carrier Spirit in saying they 'll fill every seat on every plane if there is enough demand .
It 's a move that drew sharp criticism from two of the nation 's top public health officials in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
`` I think it sends the wrong message , '' said Dr. Robert Redfield , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` Obviously that is something that is of concern .
I 'm not sure what went into that decision making , '' Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and a member of the White House coronavirus task force told senators .
`` I think in the confines of an airplane that ( lack of physical distancing ) becomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Delta , Southwest and JetBlue say they will continue to temporarily block out middle seats or keep planes no more than two-thirds full in order to create more space between passengers .
But officials at United and American defend their decisions to fully book flights saying social distancing is impossible on a plane .
Even if the middle seats are empty , passengers are less than three feet apart , and there is even less distance between rows in economy seating .
`` You ca n't employ distancing on an airplane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line , '' said Nick Calio , president of the industry group Airlines for America in a conference call with reporters this week .
He contends other safety measures , such as enhanced cleaning of airplane cabins , physical distancing when boarding and deplaning , and wearing face coverings will minimize the risk of transmitting the coronavirus .
`` We do n't fly people if we feel it 's not safe to fly them , '' Calio said .
Nonetheless , many people are still reluctant to return to flying .
In regard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get there this summer , `` things are still incredibly uncertain and confusing , '' says Melanie Lieberman , senior travel editor at The Points Guy website , who adds , `` Air travel is definitely one of the more complicated ways of traveling . ''
To minimize potential risk , she suggests travelers consider short haul flights rather than long haul flights , airlines that have more stringent airplane cleaning regimens , and airlines that are still blocking out middle seats or restricting capacity in other ways .
Some airline pilots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that regard .
The Allied Pilots Association , which represents pilots at American Airlines , wants the next federal coronavirus relief package to include funding to `` purchase enough seats on each flight to eliminate the need for any passenger to sit next to a stranger . ''
APA President Capt .
Eric Ferguson says under that sort of `` uniform social distancing , passengers would be encouraged to fly more , airlines would be encouraged to operate more flights , and the government would ensure the preservation of critical transportation infrastructure @ @ @ @ @

No Federal Mandates For Masks On Planes Or Empty Middle Seats
Enlarge this image toggle caption Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
The Trump administration is urging airlines to leave some airplane seats empty to help protect travelers and crew members from the coronavirus but it is stopping short of requiring airlines to keep seats open to create physical distancing on flights.
The federal COVID-19 guidelines also encourage all passengers to wear face coverings or masks but again, the administration will not mandate it.
And that's a problem, according to some consumer groups, public health officials, airline employee unions and members of Congress, who say there needs to be enforceable federal rules that are consistent across the air travel industry to minimize the risk for transmission of the virus.
As air travel demand begins to slowly recover from the pandemic, the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Transportation, and Health and Human Services jointly issued guidelines for the air travel industry Thursday in a report called the Runway to Recovery.
It encourages airlines and airports to promote social distancing, enhance disinfection and cleaning procedures, create barriers such as plastic shields at counters, conduct health assessments of passengers and employees and collect passenger information for possible contact tracing; all are measures most airlines and airports have already implemented, as they follow recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention months ago.
A Transportation Department press release says, "The guidance will enhance public health risk reduction to support an increase in travel volume while ensuring that aviation safety and security are not compromised."
"This document provides clear guidance to airlines and airports to protect the traveling public, and we encourage people to pay attention to it," added Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in a statement.
But traveler and consumer advocacy groups say the guidelines are inadequate.
"Americans are rightfully concerned that they may be putting their health and safety at risk if they choose to fly during a global pandemic," said William McGee, aviation advisor for Consumer Reports. "The DOT shouldn't leave it up to the airlines and airports to decide which COVID-19 safety precautions they will follow to keep passengers safe."
Consumer groups, airline employee unions and some members of Congress say the Trump administration needs to create mandatory public health standards to ensure passengers are protected when they travel during the pandemic.
"There's very few, I think, worse environments to be in than trapped in a tube that's crammed full of people who are rubbing shoulders with recirculated air for five or six hours while flying across the country," said Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chair of the House Transportation Committee, who says the administration "should require masks under the penalty of federal law on airplanes."
While many airlines are requiring passengers masks or face coverings, enforcement has been inconsistent. United, Delta and a few others say they have removed some passengers from planes and prohibited others from boarding for not wearing masks, but such enforcement actions have only been taken recently after a rising number of complaints from other passengers.
And flight attendants are somewhat frustrated because they are the ones who often must police the mask wearing and social distancing requirements.
"Without a federal mandate and a coordinated effort to address these issues, we're left to the airlines putting in place policies that are inconsistent, leave people confused and leave us to deal with the consequences on the front lines," said Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants.
The new federal guidance encouraging airlines to leave some seats open comes in a week in which American Airlines joined rival United and discount carrier Spirit in saying they'll fill every seat on every plane if there is enough demand.
It's a move that drew sharp criticism from two of the nation's top public health officials in a Senate committee hearing on the coronavirus pandemic Tuesday.
"I think it sends the wrong message," said Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Obviously that is something that is of concern. I'm not sure what went into that decision making," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and a member of the White House coronavirus task force told senators. "I think in the confines of an airplane that (lack of physical distancing) becomes even more problematic."
Other airlines, including Delta, Southwest and JetBlue say they will continue to temporarily block out middle seats or keep planes no more than two-thirds full in order to create more space between passengers.
But officials at United and American defend their decisions to fully book flights saying social distancing is impossible on a plane. Even if the middle seats are empty, passengers are less than three feet apart, and there is even less distance between rows in economy seating.
"You can't employ distancing on an airplane like you can in a grocery store line," said Nick Calio, president of the industry group Airlines for America in a conference call with reporters this week. He contends other safety measures, such as enhanced cleaning of airplane cabins, physical distancing when boarding and deplaning, and wearing face coverings will minimize the risk of transmitting the coronavirus.
"We don't fly people if we feel it's not safe to fly them," Calio said.
Nonetheless, many people are still reluctant to return to flying.
In regard to where to travel safely and how to get there this summer, "things are still incredibly uncertain and confusing," says Melanie Lieberman, senior travel editor at The Points Guy website, who adds, "Air travel is definitely one of the more complicated ways of traveling."
To minimize potential risk, she suggests travelers consider short haul flights rather than long haul flights, airlines that have more stringent airplane cleaning regimens, and airlines that are still blocking out middle seats or restricting capacity in other ways.
Some airline pilots would like to see more government help in that regard. The Allied Pilots Association, which represents pilots at American Airlines, wants the next federal coronavirus relief package to include funding to "purchase enough seats on each flight to eliminate the need for any passenger to sit next to a stranger."
APA President Capt. Eric Ferguson says under that sort of "uniform social distancing, passengers would be encouraged to fly more, airlines would be encouraged to operate more flights, and the government would ensure the preservation of critical transportation infrastructure and associated jobs."


npr--2020-07-02--Washington NFL Team's Sponsor FedEx Formally Asks For Team Name Change

FedEx , the title sponsor of the Washington Redskins ' stadium , is asking the team to change its name following a report that investors are lobbying for the company to cut ties with the National Football League team .
FedEx , which paid $ 205 million in 1999 for the naming rights to the team 's stadium in Landover , Md.
, said in a statement on Thursday that it had `` communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name . ''
The request follows a report in AdWeek on Wednesday that letters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth $ 620 billion had asked FedEx , Nike and PepsiCo to cut business ties with the team unless it agrees to the name change .
FedEx CEO Fred Smith is a minority owner of the team .
However , the majority owner , Daniel Snyder — who bought the team in 1999 — has shown no inclination to change the name .
A letter to Nike from investors cited Black Lives Matter as having `` focused the world 's attention on centuries of systemic racism . ''
`` [ We ] are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team name , '' it said .
`` Therefore , it is time for Nike to meet the magnitude of this moment , to make their opposition to the racist team name clear , and to take tangible and meaningful steps to exert pressure on the team to cease using it . ''
Although a poll taken in 2016 found that most Native Americans did not find the team 's name offensive , a survey published by the University of California at Berkeley earlier this year showed that nearly half of 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the name of the Washington team is offensive .
The controversy over the name has gone on for years .
But the recent Black Lives Matter protest has provided a new impetus for change .
An NFL official confirmed Thursday that the league intends to play `` Lift Every Voice and Sing , '' often called the Black national anthem , at each team 's season opening game after `` The Star Spangled Banner . ''
In another sign of change , NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last month said that he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in league three years after the quarterback was effectively shut out of the NFL for calling attention to racial injustice by taking a knee during the pregame rendition of the national anthem .

Washington NFL Team's Sponsor FedEx Formally Asks For Team Name Change
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mark Tenally/AP Mark Tenally/AP
FedEx, the title sponsor of the Washington Redskins' stadium, is asking the team to change its name following a report that investors are lobbying for the company to cut ties with the National Football League team.
FedEx, which paid $205 million in 1999 for the naming rights to the team's stadium in Landover, Md., said in a statement on Thursday that it had "communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name."
STATEMENT FROM FEDEX ABOUT THE @Redskins NAME:
“We have communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name.“@fox5dc reached out to the team. They have no comment at this time. #Redskins — Ike Ejiochi (@IkeEjiochi) July 2, 2020
The request follows a report in AdWeek on Wednesday that letters signed by 87 investment firms and shareholders worth $620 billion had asked FedEx, Nike and PepsiCo to cut business ties with the team unless it agrees to the name change.
FedEx CEO Fred Smith is a minority owner of the team. However, the majority owner, Daniel Snyder — who bought the team in 1999 — has shown no inclination to change the name.
A letter to Nike from investors cited Black Lives Matter as having "focused the world's attention on centuries of systemic racism."
"[We] are witnessing a fresh outpouring of opposition to the team name," it said. "Therefore, it is time for Nike to meet the magnitude of this moment, to make their opposition to the racist team name clear, and to take tangible and meaningful steps to exert pressure on the team to cease using it."
Although a poll taken in 2016 found that most Native Americans did not find the team's name offensive, a survey published by the University of California at Berkeley earlier this year showed that nearly half of 1,000 Native Americans polled agreed or strongly agreed that the name of the Washington team is offensive.
The controversy over the name has gone on for years. But the recent Black Lives Matter protest has provided a new impetus for change.
An NFL official confirmed Thursday that the league intends to play "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often called the Black national anthem, at each team's season opening game after "The Star Spangled Banner."
In another sign of change, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last month said that he would welcome former San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick back in league three years after the quarterback was effectively shut out of the NFL for calling attention to racial injustice by taking a knee during the pregame rendition of the national anthem.


npr--2020-07-02--LA Sheriff To Fine $300 For Not Wearing A Mask In Public

LA Sheriff To Fine $ 300 For Not Wearing A Mask In Public As new cases of the coronavirus continue to rise in California , one Golden State sheriff 's office announced on Wednesday that it would impose a fine of $ 300 on people caught in public without a mask .
The Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Department West Hollywood Station stepped up enforcement of an order from California Gov .
Gavin Newsom , saying in a Facebook post that it would issue citations that come with a $ 250 fine and $ 50 in fees .
California is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , an 85 % increase from the same figure two weeks ago .
`` The COVID-19 infection rate is moving up in California , '' Capt .
Edward Ramirez said in the post .
`` The Governor has recently issued an Order for everyone to wear a face cover/mask while in public .
West Hollywood Sheriff 's Station has been educating people about face covers/masks since the first Order ... Our last option was to conduct enforcement by issuing an Administrative Citation , but the risk to Community health is too great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have made orders similar to Newsom 's .
Pennsylvania called for all residents to wear masks when they leave their homes ; Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown required that people wear masks in indoor public spaces .
Other states with mask mandates include North Carolina , California , Nevada , Rhode Island , New York , Delaware , Connecticut , New Mexico , Illinois and Washington .
While West Hollywood made it clear that they would enforce Newsom 's mandate , some sheriffs offices in other states are n't enforcing mask wearing — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kansas .

LA Sheriff To Fine $300 For Not Wearing A Mask In Public
Enlarge this image toggle caption Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag
As new cases of the coronavirus continue to rise in California, one Golden State sheriff's office announced on Wednesday that it would impose a fine of $300 on people caught in public without a mask.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department West Hollywood Station stepped up enforcement of an order from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, saying in a Facebook post that it would issue citations that come with a $250 fine and $50 in fees.
California is currently logging around 6,094 new cases per day, an 85% increase from the same figure two weeks ago.
"The COVID-19 infection rate is moving up in California," Capt. Edward Ramirez said in the post. "The Governor has recently issued an Order for everyone to wear a face cover/mask while in public. West Hollywood Sheriff's Station has been educating people about face covers/masks since the first Order... Our last option was to conduct enforcement by issuing an Administrative Citation, but the risk to Community health is too great."
Officials of several other states have made orders similar to Newsom's. Pennsylvania called for all residents to wear masks when they leave their homes; Oregon Gov. Kate Brown required that people wear masks in indoor public spaces. Other states with mask mandates include North Carolina, California, Nevada, Rhode Island, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, New Mexico, Illinois and Washington.
While West Hollywood made it clear that they would enforce Newsom's mandate, some sheriffs offices in other states aren't enforcing mask wearing — including one in North Carolina and several in Kansas.


npr--2020-07-03--FBI Files Charges In Vanessa Guillen Case

For months , Spc .
Vanessa Guillen 's family held out hope that their daughter and sister , last seen at Fort Hood in Texas , was alive .
But this week , remains were found near the Leon River , north of Austin .
The FBI is awaiting a positive DNA analysis , but the family believes the body is Guillen 's .
On Thursday the FBI filed a criminal complaint alleging what her family had feared from the beginning : Guillen had been murdered on the base by a fellow soldier and buried near the river .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Robinson , killed himself Tuesday as law enforcement was closing in .
The FBI has since charged Robinson 's girlfriend , 22-year-old Cecily Aguilar , with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence .
Guillen 's family believes her death was linked to sexual harassment she said she was enduring on base .
Now they are pushing for congressional legislation to create an independent agency for soldiers who are victims of sexual harassment and assault .
Guillen never reported any sexual harassment .
Speaking to NPR 's Mary Louise Kelly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because she did n't think such a report would be taken seriously .
`` My sister was too afraid to report the harassment because no one would listen to her , '' Lupe Guillen said .
`` They take sexual harassment , sexual assault , as a joke .
They do n't care . ''
In a statement , Fort Hood officials said the criminal investigation `` has not found any connection between sexual harassment and Vanessa 's disappearance . ''
Investigators said they plan to further examine the sexual harassment allegations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt said he has requested an investigation of Fort Hood 's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program , which is designed to prevent sexual assault .
Efflandt wants to `` assess whether the command climate is supportive of Soldiers reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault , '' and to `` identify any potentially systemic issues with the SHARP program at Fort Hood , as well as any resource constraints . ''
`` Those SHARP classes have n't worked at all , '' Lupe Guillen told NPR .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Guillen 's murder : Robinson allegedly struck Guillen multiple times in the head with a hammer , killing her .
He then allegedly put her inside a box , and then took the box to a remote location near the Leon River in Belton , Texas .
According to the complaint , Robinson picked up Aguilar from work and drove her to where the box was located .
Aguilar told investigators she helped Robinson dismember the body using an ax and a machete , removing her limbs and head .
After first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two then allegedly buried her remains in three separate holes .
If convicted , Aguilar faces up to 20 years in federal prison .
Lupe Guillen tells NPR that her sister wanted to be in the military since she was a little girl .
`` She used to tell my mom how she wanted to be a soldier because she wanted to protect and serve the nation , '' Guillen said .
`` She wanted to be a fighter .
She wanted to be a hero .
She wanted to be someone in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

FBI Says Soldier Vanessa Guillen Was Killed
Enlarge this image toggle caption U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command
For months, Spc. Vanessa Guillen's family held out hope that their daughter and sister, last seen at Fort Hood in Texas, was alive.
But this week, remains were found near the Leon River, north of Austin. The FBI is awaiting a positive DNA analysis, but the family believes the body is Guillen's. On Thursday, the FBI filed a criminal complaint alleging what her family had feared from the beginning: Guillen had been killed on the base by a fellow soldier and buried near the river.
The suspect, 20-year-old Spc. Aaron David Robinson, killed himself Tuesday as law enforcement was closing in. The FBI has since charged Robinson's girlfriend, 22-year-old Cecily Aguilar, with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence.
Guillen's family believes her death was linked to sexual harassment she said she was enduring on the base. Now they are pushing for congressional legislation to create an independent agency for soldiers who are victims of sexual harassment and assault.
Guillen never reported any sexual harassment. Speaking to NPR's Mary Louise Kelly, her sister Lupe Guillen said that's because she didn't think such a report would be taken seriously. "My sister was too afraid to report the harassment because no one would listen to her," Lupe Guillen said. "They take sexual harassment, sexual assault, as a joke. They don't care."
In a statement, Fort Hood officials said the criminal investigation "has not found any connection between sexual harassment and Vanessa's disappearance." Investigators said they plan to further examine the sexual harassment allegations that have come out since Guillen disappeared.
Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt said he has requested an investigation of Fort Hood's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program, which is designed to prevent sexual assault. Efflandt wants to "assess whether the command climate is supportive of Soldiers reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault" and to "identify any potentially systemic issues with the SHARP program at Fort Hood, as well as any resource constraints."
"Those SHARP classes haven't worked at all," Lupe Guillen told NPR.
The criminal complaint lays out the gruesome details of Guillen's death: Robinson struck Guillen multiple times in the head with a hammer, killing her. He then put her inside a box, and then took the box to a remote location near the Leon River in Belton, Texas.
According to the complaint, Robinson picked up Aguilar from work and drove her to where the box was located. Aguilar told investigators she helped Robinson dismember Guillen's body using an ax and a machete, removing her limbs and head. After first attempting to burn the body, the two then allegedly buried her remains in three separate holes.
If convicted, Aguilar faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Lupe Guillen tells NPR that her sister wanted to be in the military since she was a little girl.
"She used to tell my mom how she wanted to be a soldier because she wanted to protect and serve the nation," Guillen said. "She wanted to be a fighter. She wanted to be a hero. She wanted to be someone in life. ... The military failed her."


npr--2020-07-03--Khashoggi Murder Trial Begins In Turkey

Khashoggi Murder Trial Begins In Turkey

Twenty Saudi Arabians were put on trial Friday in Istanbul , accused of killing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 .
None of the accused were present in the courtroom because the Saudi government has refused to extradite them .
It 's the first public trial over the murder of Khashoggi , who was lured to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul under the impression that he would be getting paperwork needed to marry his Turkish fiancée .
Khashoggi , whose Washington Post columns were critical of the Saudi government , would never walk out of the building .
His body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never been found .
His fiancée , Hatice Cengiz , who had waited outside the consulate that October day , was in court for Friday 's hearing .
Authorities in Turkey are seeking life sentences for the Saudi nationals , who include two former aides to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman .
The prince , commonly known as MBS , was widely condemned after the killing but has repeatedly denied any prior knowledge or involvement .
The Turkish indictment accuses of of the suspects , Saudi Arabia 's former deputy intelligence chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and assembling a team to carry it out .
During Friday 's hearing , Yasin Aktay , Khashoggi 's friend and an adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , reportedly testified that Khashoggi was concerned when MBS became crown prince and said it `` would bring darker days for the kingdom . ''
`` We used to talk about the operations carried out by the Saudis against dissenters abroad , '' he said , according to the state-run news agency Anadolu .
Aktay also testified that he contacted the head of Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left the consulate after five hours , according to The Associated Press , citing Turkish media .
Aktay said the intelligence chief responded , `` I wish he had n't gone in . ''
Friday 's hearing in Istanbul was the first opportunity to get the facts of Khashoggi 's death on the record , said Agnès Callamard , the United Nations special rapporteur on extra-judicial executions .
In a private Saudi trial last year , eight men were found guilty for their roles in Khashoggi 's killing .
Five were sentenced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentences for their role in the cover-up .
But many details were kept secret — such as the identity of the men on trial .
`` The Saudi process was anything but justice .
It was a travesty of justice , '' Callamard told reporters after Friday 's hearing , according to The Washington Post .
Turkey 's trial was important because it provides `` a space where the victims are heard in a way they have never been heard before , '' she said .
The trial in Istanbul has been adjourned @ @ @ @

Khashoggi Murder Trial Begins In Turkey
Enlarge this image toggle caption Emrah Gurel/AP Emrah Gurel/AP
Twenty Saudi Arabians were put on trial Friday in Istanbul, accused of killing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. None of the accused were present in the courtroom because the Saudi government has refused to extradite them.
It's the first public trial over the murder of Khashoggi, who was lured to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul under the impression that he would be getting paperwork needed to marry his Turkish fiancée. Khashoggi, whose Washington Post columns were critical of the Saudi government, would never walk out of the building. His body was dismembered, and his remains have never been found.
His fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, who had waited outside the consulate that October day, was in court for Friday's hearing.
Authorities in Turkey are seeking life sentences for the Saudi nationals, who include two former aides to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The prince, commonly known as MBS, was widely condemned after the killing but has repeatedly denied any prior knowledge or involvement.
The Turkish indictment accuses of of the suspects, Saudi Arabia's former deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Assiri, of planning the murder and assembling a team to carry it out.
During Friday's hearing, Yasin Aktay, Khashoggi's friend and an adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reportedly testified that Khashoggi was concerned when MBS became crown prince and said it "would bring darker days for the kingdom."
"We used to talk about the operations carried out by the Saudis against dissenters abroad," he said, according to the state-run news agency Anadolu.
Aktay also testified that he contacted the head of Turkish intelligence and others when Khashoggi hadn't left the consulate after five hours, according to The Associated Press, citing Turkish media. Aktay said the intelligence chief responded, "I wish he hadn't gone in."
Friday's hearing in Istanbul was the first opportunity to get the facts of Khashoggi's death on the record, said Agnès Callamard, the United Nations special rapporteur on extra-judicial executions.
In a private Saudi trial last year, eight men were found guilty for their roles in Khashoggi's killing. Five were sentenced to death, and three were given prison sentences for their role in the cover-up. But many details were kept secret — such as the identity of the men on trial.
"The Saudi process was anything but justice. It was a travesty of justice," Callamard told reporters after Friday's hearing, according to The Washington Post. Turkey's trial was important because it provides "a space where the victims are heard in a way they have never been heard before," she said.
The trial in Istanbul has been adjourned until Nov 24.


npr--2020-07-03--Major League Baseball Cancels 2020 All-Star Game Because Of Coronavirus

Major League Baseball is cancelling the 2020 All-Star game over concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and restricting on mass gatherings , the league says .
This year 's Mid Summer Classic , planned for July 14 , is the first All-Star Game cancelled since World War II .
A week of fan activities around the the American and National League exhibition match-up — including the Home Run Derby — will also be put on hold this year .
The Los Angeles Dodgers were set to host for the first time since 1980 .
`` Once it became clear we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All-Star festivities , we wanted to award the Dodgers with the next available All-Star Game , which is 2022 , '' said baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr said in a statement .
Cancelling the All-Star game is the latest hit the league has taken since the pandemic began .
In March , the league put a stop to spring training , just two weeks shy of what would have been opening day .
Disagreements between the player 's union and MLB over money and safety concerns further delayed the league 's shortened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both sides agreed to have opening day on July 23 or 24 , with players resuming training at the beginning of the month .
MLB recently introduced new rules to stem the spread of the virus among players , including a ban on spitting by players during the game .
First played in 1933 , the All-Star Game has a been an annual event , save for 1945 when wartime travel restrictions interfered .
The 2021 edition is set to be played in Atlanta at the Braves ' Truist Park .

Major League Baseball Cancels 2020 All-Star Game Because Of Coronavirus
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mario Tama/Getty Images Mario Tama/Getty Images
Major League Baseball is cancelling the 2020 All-Star game over concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and restricting on mass gatherings, the league says.
This year's Mid Summer Classic, planned for July 14, is the first All-Star Game cancelled since World War II. A week of fan activities around the the American and National League exhibition match-up — including the Home Run Derby — will also be put on hold this year.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were set to host for the first time since 1980.
"Once it became clear we were unable to hold this year's All-Star festivities, we wanted to award the Dodgers with the next available All-Star Game, which is 2022," said baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr said in a statement.
Cancelling the All-Star game is the latest hit the league has taken since the pandemic began. In March, the league put a stop to spring training, just two weeks shy of what would have been opening day. Disagreements between the player's union and MLB over money and safety concerns further delayed the league's shortened 60-game season.
Late last month, both sides agreed to have opening day on July 23 or 24, with players resuming training at the beginning of the month.
MLB recently introduced new rules to stem the spread of the virus among players, including a ban on spitting by players during the game.
First played in 1933, the All-Star Game has a been an annual event, save for 1945 when wartime travel restrictions interfered.
The 2021 edition is set to be played in Atlanta at the Braves' Truist Park.


npr--2020-07-03--Widespread Use Of Face Masks Could Save Tens Of Thousands Of Lives, Models Project

Widespread Use Of Face Masks Could Save Tens Of Thousands Of Lives , Models Project More widespread wearing of face masks could prevent tens of thousands of deaths by COVID-19 , epidemiologists and mathematicians project .
A model from the University of Washington 's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation shows that near-universal wearing of cloth or homemade masks could prevent between 17,742 and 28,030 deaths across the US before Oct. 1 .
The group , which advises the White House as well as state and local governments , is submitting the model for peer review , says Theo Vos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IHME .
Another projection developed by researchers at Arizona State University in April showed that 24–65 % of projected deaths could be prevented in Washington state in April and May if 80 % of people wore cloth or homemade masks in public .
These projections shed light on the promises face masks might hold as COVID-19 cases surge in some states and more local authorities mandate the wearing of face masks .
Texas is now mandating face masks in public in most of the state ; Jacksonville Fl , host city of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing face masks in public and indoor locations where people can not otherwise social distance on June 29 .
Republican leaders including Vice President Mike Pence , Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , Tim Scott of South Carolina , Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Marco Rubio of Florida , have joined public health officials urging the public to wear facemasks .
Dr. Anthony Fauci and members of Congress appealed to the public to wear face masks in a congressional hearing Tuesday .
And President Trump , in a change of tone , told Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks . '
But public health professionals lament that trust in face masks is hampered by the government 's earlier recommendation against them .
Fauci told TheStreet mid-June that he did not recommend face masks at the beginning of the outbreak to conserve supplies for healthcare workers .
On Thursday Fauci told NPR that the administration 's initial ambivalence towards face masks was 'detrimental in getting the message across . '
The World Health Organization gave NPR the same reasoning for not recommending masks to the general public in April .
The organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cowling , Professor and head of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong , has studied effects of face masks for ten years and co-wrote a commentary in The Lancet advocating more face mask usage in March .
He says while he understands the authorities ' desire to preserve supplies for medical workers , the messaging made the public distrust masks .
`` Few months ago , medical experts were saying that they do n't work and you do n't need them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change in the evidence base , they 're suddenly saying that they do work and you should wear them . ''
Cowling says , ' I think that that 's unhelpful .
Mask adoption in the US has been uneven .
A survey from the data collection firm Premise shows that the percentage of people who 'always wear a mask when going out ' ranges from 15 % in Tennessee to 62 % in Massachusetts as of June 19 .
For both ASU and IHME 's models , the proportion of deaths face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location and during different stages of the pandemic because transmission rates in the community at the time of projection affect outcomes .
In ASU 's model , widespread community transmission would call for more effective face masks - for example , the surgical masks used in hospitals - to significantly reduce the number of projected deaths .
But in places where transmission is not as widespread , most people wearing simple cloth masks would be able to prevent a significant portion of deaths .
In IHME 's model , the more people each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the more deaths masking can prevent .
It also projects that the virus would follow seasonal patterns and pick up again in the fall .
Vos says this means places that have relatively safe levels of the spread now could see more pressure to contain the virus later .
`` The use of masks ... in those places is going to become a lot more marked and beneficial . ''
Vos says .
Regardless of community transmission rates , both models show that the more universal face masks are worn , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's difficult to know whether the projections are correct because it 's difficult to know how the public is actually wearing masks .
But considering that research on face masks show that they can tamp down transmission , modellers agree that they should help save lives when worn by a large portion of the population .
`` Clearly , clearly the data shows that every model and study that we have seen , every public health policy in the world has said exactly the same thing , '' says Abba Gumel , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear a face mask . '
Andrea Hsu and Courtney Dorning produced and edited the audio version of this story .

Widespread Use Of Face Masks Could Save Tens Of Thousands Of Lives, Models Project
Enlarge this image toggle caption Ted Shaffrey/AP Ted Shaffrey/AP
More widespread wearing of face masks could prevent tens of thousands of deaths by COVID-19, epidemiologists and mathematicians project.
A model from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation shows that near-universal wearing of cloth or homemade masks could prevent between 17,742 and 28,030 deaths across the US before Oct. 1.
The group, which advises the White House as well as state and local governments, is submitting the model for peer review, says Theo Vos, Professor of Health Metrics Sciences at IHME.
Loading...
Another projection developed by researchers at Arizona State University in April showed that 24–65% of projected deaths could be prevented in Washington state in April and May if 80% of people wore cloth or homemade masks in public.
These projections shed light on the promises face masks might hold as COVID-19 cases surge in some states and more local authorities mandate the wearing of face masks.
Texas is now mandating face masks in public in most of the state; Jacksonville Fl, host city of the Republican National Convention in August, mandated wearing face masks in public and indoor locations where people cannot otherwise social distance on June 29.
Shots - Health News Fauci: Mixed Messaging On Masks Set U.S. Public Health Response Back Fauci: Mixed Messaging On Masks Set U.S. Public Health Response Back Listen · 11:10 11:10
Republican leaders including Vice President Mike Pence, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Tim Scott of South Carolina, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Marco Rubio of Florida, have joined public health officials urging the public to wear facemasks. Dr. Anthony Fauci and members of Congress appealed to the public to wear face masks in a congressional hearing Tuesday. And President Trump, in a change of tone, told Fox Business on Wednesday he's 'all for masks.'
But public health professionals lament that trust in face masks is hampered by the government's earlier recommendation against them.
Fauci told TheStreet mid-June that he did not recommend face masks at the beginning of the outbreak to conserve supplies for healthcare workers. On Thursday Fauci told NPR that the administration's initial ambivalence towards face masks was 'detrimental in getting the message across.'
The World Health Organization gave NPR the same reasoning for not recommending masks to the general public in April. The organization has since updated its guidelines.
Benjamin Cowling, Professor and head of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong, has studied effects of face masks for ten years and co-wrote a commentary in The Lancet advocating more face mask usage in March. He says while he understands the authorities' desire to preserve supplies for medical workers, the messaging made the public distrust masks.
"Few months ago, medical experts were saying that they don't work and you don't need them. And now suddenly, without any change in the evidence base, they're suddenly saying that they do work and you should wear them." Cowling says, 'I think that that's unhelpful.
Mask adoption in the US has been uneven. A survey from the data collection firm Premise shows that the percentage of people who 'always wear a mask when going out' ranges from 15% in Tennessee to 62% in Massachusetts as of June 19.
For both ASU and IHME's models, the proportion of deaths face masks could prevent differs from location to location and during different stages of the pandemic because transmission rates in the community at the time of projection affect outcomes.
In ASU's model, widespread community transmission would call for more effective face masks - for example, the surgical masks used in hospitals - to significantly reduce the number of projected deaths. But in places where transmission is not as widespread, most people wearing simple cloth masks would be able to prevent a significant portion of deaths.
In IHME's model, the more people each infected individual can spread the virus to, the more deaths masking can prevent. It also projects that the virus would follow seasonal patterns and pick up again in the fall. Vos says this means places that have relatively safe levels of the spread now could see more pressure to contain the virus later.
"The use of masks...in those places is going to become a lot more marked and beneficial." Vos says.
Regardless of community transmission rates, both models show that the more universal face masks are worn, the more deaths can be prevented.
It's difficult to know whether the projections are correct because it's difficult to know how the public is actually wearing masks. But considering that research on face masks show that they can tamp down transmission, modellers agree that they should help save lives when worn by a large portion of the population.
"Clearly, clearly the data shows that every model and study that we have seen, every public health policy in the world has said exactly the same thing," says Abba Gumel, who led the ASU project, 'We have to wear a face mask.'
Andrea Hsu and Courtney Dorning produced and edited the audio version of this story.


npr--2020-07-03--Business As Usual During The Pandemic, This Time Through Plexiglass

Business As Usual During The Pandemic , This Time Through Plexiglass With coronavirus cases surging in the U.S. , many people are concluding they 'll have to learn to live with the virus until a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available — and that 's led to a huge increase in orders for plexiglass and other types of clear plastic barriers meant to keep us safe .
`` Demand is ridiculously high , '' said Jackie Yong , a 17-year employee of J. Freeman , Inc. , a plastics distributor and sign supplier in Boston whose products include plexiglass and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been flying out the door . ''
That 's the story of the plexiglass industry these days : As many businesses struggle to reopen safely during the pandemic , from nail salons to barbershops to restaurants to casinos , they 're installing protective barriers to try to prevent employees and customers from catching the virus .
`` People are afraid they 're going to lose their businesses , and so they 're trying to put up as much protection as possible so that when people come , they 'll feel safe , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jacqueline Freeman .
`` We 've had people asking for massive amounts — 400 , 500 , 600 sheets , '' she added .
`` Before it even hits our building , it 's gone . ''
The crush of orders began in March , after the World Health Organization labeled the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic and recommended using glass or plastic barriers to reduce exposure to COVID-19 .
`` Quickly , overnight , demand increased roughly by four times what it was the prior year , '' said Craig Saunders , president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a trade group .
`` And this was n't a local demand in North America ; this was a global demand . ''
According to Saunders , that has created six-month waits for the product and more orders than manufacturers can keep up with .
He said demand will likely remain strong as states continue their phased reopenings , and as schools and colleges try to bring students back to campus safely .
`` There just is no material in the pipeline , '' he added .
`` Everything that is received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost immediately . ''
As demand outstrips supply , some prices for plastic sheets , which are generically known as acrylics and polycarbonates , are also rising .
According to J. Freeman , Inc. , one of its vendors recently wanted five times the usual price .
This worldwide clamor for barriers has been a lifeline for what had been a declining industry .
`` This was previously a sector that was actually quite unprofitable , whereas now it really is the sector to be in , '' said Katherine Sale of Independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on global commodities markets .
According to Sale , demand for plastics had been shrinking in the decade prior to the pandemic .
That 's partly because as products such as flat-screen televisions get thinner , for example , they do n't require as much plastic to be manufactured .
And when the pandemic shut down the construction and automotive industries , that reduced demand for clear plastic car parts like headlights and taillights .
But the rush for protective plastic barriers has been a boon for manufacturers , which are already booking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And if they could produce more , they said that they could sell ten times what they 're currently selling , if not more , '' she added .
`` It 's completely out of hand , '' said Russ Miller , store manager of TAP Plastics in San Leandro , California , which has 18 locations on the West Coast .
`` In 40 years of selling plastic sheets , I 've never seen anything like this . ''
TAP 's sales were up more than 200 percent in April , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only reason its sales have declined since then is the company has no more full plastic sheets to sell , even though earlier this year TAP ordered a massive supply that it had expected to last for the rest of the year .
`` That was gone in two months , '' Miller said .
`` A year 's supply , gone in two months ! ''
Meanwhile , the uses for clear plastic barriers are becoming more creative and unusual .
Miller said he 's seen designs for protective guards and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' including one that mounts on your chest , curves in front of your face , and is meant to be worn while walking around .
A French designer has created a lampshade-shaped clear plastic dome that hangs over the heads of guests at restaurants .
And an Italian designer has made a clear plastic box for social distancing on beaches — basically , a plexiglass cabana .
It may be difficult to envision some of these inventions becoming part of society , but if the pandemic ca n't be controlled , contraptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may become a reality .
For instance , Miller said his company is now selling plastic sheets to numerous schools , which are developing ways to separate students during lunchtime and in other group settings . '
'' They wanted dividers for nap time , '' recalled Miller , `` which was kind of sad . ''
But to exist during a pandemic without a vaccine , that may be what the world has to look like .

Business As Usual During The Pandemic, This Time Through Plexiglass
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images
With coronavirus cases surging in the U.S., many people are concluding they'll have to learn to live with the virus until a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available — and that's led to a huge increase in orders for plexiglass and other types of clear plastic barriers meant to keep us safe.
"Demand is ridiculously high," said Jackie Yong, a 17-year employee of J. Freeman, Inc., a plastics distributor and sign supplier in Boston whose products include plexiglass and other plastic sheets. "Everything's just been flying out the door."
That's the story of the plexiglass industry these days: As many businesses struggle to reopen safely during the pandemic, from nail salons to barbershops to restaurants to casinos, they're installing protective barriers to try to prevent employees and customers from catching the virus.
"People are afraid they're going to lose their businesses, and so they're trying to put up as much protection as possible so that when people come, they'll feel safe," said J. Freeman, Inc., owner Jacqueline Freeman.
"We've had people asking for massive amounts — 400, 500, 600 sheets," she added. "Before it even hits our building, it's gone."
The crush of orders began in March, after the World Health Organization labeled the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic and recommended using glass or plastic barriers to reduce exposure to COVID-19.
"Quickly, overnight, demand increased roughly by four times what it was the prior year," said Craig Saunders, president of the International Association of Plastics Distribution, a trade group. "And this wasn't a local demand in North America; this was a global demand."
Enlarge this image toggle caption Rich Pedroncelli/AP Rich Pedroncelli/AP
According to Saunders, that has created six-month waits for the product and more orders than manufacturers can keep up with. He said demand will likely remain strong as states continue their phased reopenings, and as schools and colleges try to bring students back to campus safely.
"There just is no material in the pipeline," he added. "Everything that is received in is already confirmed for and sold almost immediately."
As demand outstrips supply, some prices for plastic sheets, which are generically known as acrylics and polycarbonates, are also rising. According to J. Freeman, Inc., one of its vendors recently wanted five times the usual price.
This worldwide clamor for barriers has been a lifeline for what had been a declining industry.
"This was previously a sector that was actually quite unprofitable, whereas now it really is the sector to be in," said Katherine Sale of Independent Commodity Intelligence Services, which gathers data on global commodities markets.
According to Sale, demand for plastics had been shrinking in the decade prior to the pandemic. That's partly because as products such as flat-screen televisions get thinner, for example, they don't require as much plastic to be manufactured. And when the pandemic shut down the construction and automotive industries, that reduced demand for clear plastic car parts like headlights and taillights.
But the rush for protective plastic barriers has been a boon for manufacturers, which are already booking orders for 2021, Sale said.
"And if they could produce more, they said that they could sell ten times what they're currently selling, if not more," she added.
"It's completely out of hand," said Russ Miller, store manager of TAP Plastics in San Leandro, California, which has 18 locations on the West Coast. "In 40 years of selling plastic sheets, I've never seen anything like this."
TAP's sales were up more than 200 percent in April, according to Miller, and he said the only reason its sales have declined since then is the company has no more full plastic sheets to sell, even though earlier this year TAP ordered a massive supply that it had expected to last for the rest of the year.
"That was gone in two months," Miller said. "A year's supply, gone in two months!"
Meanwhile, the uses for clear plastic barriers are becoming more creative and unusual. Miller said he's seen designs for protective guards and shields that he considers "bizarre," including one that mounts on your chest, curves in front of your face, and is meant to be worn while walking around.
A French designer has created a lampshade-shaped clear plastic dome that hangs over the heads of guests at restaurants. And an Italian designer has made a clear plastic box for social distancing on beaches — basically, a plexiglass cabana.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alain Jocard/AFP via Getty Images Alain Jocard/AFP via Getty Images
It may be difficult to envision some of these inventions becoming part of society, but if the pandemic can't be controlled, contraptions that might have previously stretched the imagination may become a reality.
For instance, Miller said his company is now selling plastic sheets to numerous schools, which are developing ways to separate students during lunchtime and in other group settings.
'"They wanted dividers for nap time," recalled Miller, "which was kind of sad."
But to exist during a pandemic without a vaccine, that may be what the world has to look like.


npr--2020-07-03--Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Easier Voting By Mail In Alabama During Coronavirus

Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Easier Voting By Mail In Alabama During Coronavirus The U.S. Supreme Court in an emergency ruling Thursday evening temporarily blocked a lower court 's decision that , citing the COVID-19 pandemic , would have made it easier for residents of three Alabama counties to vote by absentee ballot in July 14 primary runoff elections .
The high court split 5-4 in the decision , with Elena Kagan , Ruth Bader Ginsburg , Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor — the four justices appointed by Democratic presidents — all in opposition .
There was no reasoning provided by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is typical for such an emergency decision .
The decision means voters who are 65 and older or disabled in Mobile , Jefferson and Lee counties , where coronavirus infections have soared in recent weeks , will have to provide a copy of a photo ID while applying for a mail-in ballot .
And to be counted , all absentee ballots will have to be accompanied by an affidavit signed either by a notary public or two adult witnesses .
Election officials in those counties had been blocked from enforcing those requirements in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kallon of the U.S. District Court in Birmingham .
The Obama appointee agreed with plaintiffs from those counties that the requirements were excessive in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic .
`` The court finds that the burdens imposed by the challenged election laws on voters at high risk of severe complications or death from COVID-19 , '' Kallon wrote in his opinion , `` are not justified by the state 's interests in enforcing laws . ''
The judge also ruled against Alabama 's de facto ban on curbside collection of absentee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed in any jurisdictions that wished to do so .
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta on June 25 denied the state of Alabama 's request to put the ruling easing the voting requirements on hold .
`` The photo ID and the witness requirements force at least some Alabamians , including the individual plaintiffs here , '' wrote Circuit Judges Robin Rosenbaum and Jill Pryor , `` to increase their risk of contracting COVID-19 by foregoing nationwide and statewide social distancing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and successfully vote absentee . ''
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill then sought the intervention of the Supreme Court , whose ruling blocks Judge Kallon 's preliiminary injunction against enforcement of the voting requirements while the case works its way through appeals .
`` I am excited that the United States Supreme Court has ruled in favor of those who believe in strict interpretation of the Constitution , '' Merrill wrote on Twitter Thursday evening , `` and has decided to grant the Stay and not endorse legislating from the bench .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lawsuit 's plaintiffs that the requirements for mail-in voting , such as obtaining copies of photo ID 's , were too onerous and risky for voters facing a deadly pandemic .
`` When I come to your house and show you how to use your printer I can also teach you how to tie your shoes and to tie your tie , '' Merrill tweeted in late April .
`` I could also go with you to Walmart or Kinko 's and make sure that you know how to get a copy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buying cigarettes or alcohol . ''
The high court ruling came on a day when the number of new COVID-19 cases in Alabama reached 1,758 , a record daily total for the state , according to the BamaTracker website .
`` Devastating !
Sup Court ruling means most vulnerable Alabama voters must risk their lives to VOTE during the Covid-19 pandemic ! ''
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell , D-Ala. , wrote of the decision on Twitter .
`` With the surge of confirmed cases in AL , this is simply unacceptable ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 31 was moved by Alabama Republican Gov .
Kay Ivey to July 14 because of the pandemic .
Along with some more local races , it will determine whether former U.S .
Senator and Attorney General Jeff Sessions or former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville will be the Republican challenging Democratic incumbent Doug Jones in the November U.S. Senate election .
The Supreme Court 's conservative majority had issued a similar ruling in April , in which a lower court 's decision to grant six extra days for absentee ballots to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was overturned .
Like the one in Alabama , the reasoning behind the Wisconsin court 's decision had been to mitigate the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic faced by voters .

Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Easier Voting By Mail In Alabama During Coronavirus
The U.S. Supreme Court in an emergency ruling Thursday evening temporarily blocked a lower court's decision that, citing the COVID-19 pandemic, would have made it easier for residents of three Alabama counties to vote by absentee ballot in July 14 primary runoff elections.
The high court split 5-4 in the decision, with Elena Kagan, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor — the four justices appointed by Democratic presidents — all in opposition. There was no reasoning provided by the court for the ruling, which is typical for such an emergency decision.
The decision means voters who are 65 and older or disabled in Mobile, Jefferson and Lee counties, where coronavirus infections have soared in recent weeks, will have to provide a copy of a photo ID while applying for a mail-in ballot. And to be counted, all absentee ballots will have to be accompanied by an affidavit signed either by a notary public or two adult witnesses.
Election officials in those counties had been blocked from enforcing those requirements in a June 15 ruling by Judge Abdul Kallon of the U.S. District Court in Birmingham. The Obama appointee agreed with plaintiffs from those counties that the requirements were excessive in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic.
"The court finds that the burdens imposed by the challenged election laws on voters at high risk of severe complications or death from COVID-19," Kallon wrote in his opinion, "are not justified by the state's interests in enforcing laws."
The judge also ruled against Alabama's de facto ban on curbside collection of absentee ballots, writing that the practice should be allowed in any jurisdictions that wished to do so.
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta on June 25 denied the state of Alabama's request to put the ruling easing the voting requirements on hold.
"The photo ID and the witness requirements force at least some Alabamians, including the individual plaintiffs here," wrote Circuit Judges Robin Rosenbaum and Jill Pryor, "to increase their risk of contracting COVID-19 by foregoing nationwide and statewide social distancing and self-isolation rules and recommendations to apply for and successfully vote absentee."
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill then sought the intervention of the Supreme Court, whose ruling blocks Judge Kallon's preliminary injunction against enforcement of the voting requirements while the case works its way through appeals.
"I am excited that the United States Supreme Court has ruled in favor of those who believe in strict interpretation of the Constitution," Merrill wrote on Twitter Thursday evening, "and has decided to grant the Stay and not endorse legislating from the bench."
Merrill had earlier belittled claims by the lawsuit's plaintiffs that the requirements for mail-in voting, such as obtaining copies of photo IDs, were too onerous and risky for voters facing a deadly pandemic.
"When I come to your house and show you how to use your printer I can also teach you how to tie your shoes and to tie your tie," Merrill tweeted in late April. "I could also go with you to Walmart or Kinko's and make sure that you know how to get a copy of your ID made while you're buying cigarettes or alcohol."
The high court ruling came on a day when the number of new COVID-19 cases in Alabama reached 1,758, a record daily total for the state, according to the BamaTracker website.
"Devastating! Sup Court ruling means most vulnerable Alabama voters must risk their lives to VOTE during the Covid-19 pandemic!" U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., wrote of the decision on Twitter. "With the surge of confirmed cases in AL, this is simply unacceptable!"
A primary runoff election originally scheduled for March 31 was moved by Alabama Republican Gov. Kay Ivey to July 14 because of the pandemic.
Along with some more local races, it will determine whether former U.S. Sen. and Attorney General Jeff Sessions or former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville will be the Republican challenging Democratic incumbent Doug Jones in the November U.S. Senate election.
The Supreme Court's conservative majority had issued a similar ruling in April, in which a lower court's decision to grant six extra days for absentee ballots to be received in Wisconsin's statewide balloting was overturned. Like the one in Alabama, the reasoning behind the Wisconsin court's decision had been to mitigate the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic faced by voters.


npr--2020-07-03--Washington Redskins Say Team Name Will Undergo A 'Thorough Review'

Washington Redskins And Cleveland Indians Are Rethinking Their Names The Washington Redskins football team is conducting a `` thorough review '' of its name , an apparent break from the NFL franchise 's longtime resistance to consider such a move .
A short time later , Major League Baseball 's Cleveland Indians said it would consider the `` best path forward with regard to our team name . ''
It said the team wants to embrace responsibility to advance social justice .
Friday 's announcement by the Washington team came a day after FedEx , the title sponsor of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the team change its name .
`` In light of recent events around our country and feedback from our community , the Washington Redskins are announcing the team will undergo a thorough review of the team 's name , '' the franchise said in a statement .
`` This review formalizes the initial discussions the team has been having with the league in recent weeks . ''
Team owner Dan Snyder , who has previously resisted changing a name that many find offensive to Native Americans , said : `` This process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni , the organization , sponsors , the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field . ''
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league backs the team 's review .
`` In the last few weeks we have had ongoing discussions with Dan and we are supportive of this important step , '' Goodell said in a statement , according to NFL.com .
In 2015 , a federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be cancelled because the name `` may disparage '' Native Americans .
But two years later , the group of Native Americans who had sued dropped their legal fight after the Supreme Court ruled in a separate case that federal trademark protections could n't be denied over the use of disparaging and offensive terms .
`` Although a poll taken in 2016 found that most Native Americans did not find the team 's name offensive , a survey published by the University of California at Berkeley earlier this year showed that nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or strongly agreed that the name of the Washington team is offensive , '' NPR 's Scott Neuman has reported .
In recent days , corporate sponsors have put pressure on the team to ditch the name .
On Thursday , FedEx issued a one-sentence statement saying it had `` communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name . ''
FedEx paid $ 205 million in the late 1990s for the naming rights to the team 's stadium in Landover , Md .
And company CEO Fred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
Earlier this week , AdWeek reported that 87 investment firms and shareholders worth $ 620 billion sent letters asking FedEx , Nike and PepsiCo to stop doing business with the team if it does n't find a new name .
The letter to Nike cited the Black Lives Matter movement and said that `` we are witnessing a fresh outpouring of opposition to the team name . ''
`` Therefore , it is time for Nike to meet the magnitude of this moment , to make their opposition to the racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tangible and meaningful steps to exert pressure on the team to cease using it . ''
In Friday 's announcement , Washington head coach Ron Rivera said , `` This issue is of personal importance to me and I look forward to working closely with Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our Military . ''

Washington Redskins And Cleveland Indians Are Rethinking Their Names
Enlarge this image toggle caption Nick Wass/AP Nick Wass/AP
Updated at 9:35 p.m. ET
The Washington Redskins football team is conducting a "thorough review" of its name, an apparent break from the NFL franchise's longtime resistance to consider such a move.
A short time later, Major League Baseball's Cleveland Indians said it would consider the "best path forward with regard to our team name." It said the team wants to embrace responsibility to advance social justice.
Friday's announcement by the Washington team came a day after FedEx, the title sponsor of the team's stadium, said it requested that the team change its name.
"In light of recent events around our country and feedback from our community, the Washington Redskins are announcing the team will undergo a thorough review of the team's name," the franchise said in a statement. "This review formalizes the initial discussions the team has been having with the league in recent weeks."
Team owner Dan Snyder, who has previously resisted changing a name that many find offensive to Native Americans, said: "This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni, the organization, sponsors, the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league backs the team's review.
"In the last few weeks we have had ongoing discussions with Dan and we are supportive of this important step," Goodell said in a statement, according to NFL.com.
In 2015, a federal judge ruled that the franchise's trademark should be cancelled because the name "may disparage" Native Americans. But two years later, the group of Native Americans who had sued dropped their legal fight after the Supreme Court ruled in a separate case that federal trademark protections couldn't be denied over the use of disparaging and offensive terms.
"Although a poll taken in 2016 found that most Native Americans did not find the team's name offensive, a survey published by the University of California at Berkeley earlier this year showed that nearly half of 1,000 Native Americans polled agreed or strongly agreed that the name of the Washington team is offensive," NPR's Scott Neuman has reported.
In recent days, corporate sponsors have put pressure on the team to ditch the name.
On Thursday, FedEx issued a one-sentence statement saying it had "communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name."
FedEx paid $205 million in the late 1990s for the naming rights to the team's stadium in Landover, Md. And company CEO Fred Smith is a minority owner of the team.
Earlier this week, AdWeek reported that 87 investment firms and shareholders worth $620 billion sent letters asking FedEx, Nike and PepsiCo to stop doing business with the team if it doesn't find a new name.
The letter to Nike cited the Black Lives Matter movement and said that "we are witnessing a fresh outpouring of opposition to the team name."
"Therefore, it is time for Nike to meet the magnitude of this moment, to make their opposition to the racist team name clear, and to take tangible and meaningful steps to exert pressure on the team to cease using it."
In Friday's announcement, Washington head coach Ron Rivera said, "This issue is of personal importance to me and I look forward to working closely with Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our Military."


npr--2020-07-03--England To Lift Quarantine Rule For More Than 50 Nations — But Not For The U.S.

England To Lift Quarantine Rule For More Than 50 Nations — But Not For The U.S. England will lift a 14-day quarantine requirement on travelers from more than 50 countries and territories that have been a deemed a `` reduced risk '' for spreading the coronavirus , the U.K. government has announced .
The rule change will go into effect on July 10 and will apply to places such as Italy , Spain , Germany and France , according to the government .
The U.S. , however , is not listed among the countries exempt from the self-isolation rule .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be included , and travelers from a smaller list of countries will also be exempt from contact tracing requirements .
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland set their own public health policies and have not announced changes to the restrictions .
Currently , with more than 285,000 cases , the United Kingdom leads Western Europe in the number of reported coronavirus infections .
The Department for Transport said officials will continue to review the list of exempt countries and reinstate the quarantine rule if the risk of coronavirus spread increases .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to this stage , therefore safety must remain our watch word and we will not hesitate to move quickly to protect ourselves if infection rates rise in countries we are reconnecting with , '' Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in the announcement .
The requirement for foreign travelers to self-isolate has been in place for a month , NPR 's Frank Langfitt reports , noting the rule has been blamed for devastating the British travel industry .
Officials also hope that exempt countries would , in turn , reduce restrictions on travelers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer holiday gets well underway .
`` This will mean that holidaymakers travelling to and from certain destinations will not need to self-isolate on either leg of their journey , '' the announcement stated .
Earlier this week , the European Union also left the U.S. off its list of more than a dozen countries deemed approved travel partners because they have been able to bring the coronavirus under control .
The United States has more than 2.7 million confirmed cases , according to Johns Hopkins University 's coronavirus tracker , though health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far higher .

England To Lift Quarantine Rule For More Than 50 Nations — But Not For The U.S.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Matt Dunham/AP Matt Dunham/AP
England will lift a 14-day quarantine requirement on travelers from more than 50 countries and territories that have been a deemed a "reduced risk" for spreading the coronavirus, the U.K. government has announced.
The rule change will go into effect on July 10 and will apply to places such as Italy, Spain, Germany and France, according to the government. The U.S., however, is not listed among the countries exempt from the self-isolation rule.
All international forms of travel to England will be included, and travelers from a smaller list of countries will also be exempt from contact tracing requirements.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own public health policies and have not announced changes to the restrictions.
Currently, with more than 285,000 cases, the United Kingdom leads Western Europe in the number of reported coronavirus infections.
The Department for Transport said officials will continue to review the list of exempt countries and reinstate the quarantine rule if the risk of coronavirus spread increases.
"The entire nation has worked tirelessly to get to this stage, therefore safety must remain our watch word and we will not hesitate to move quickly to protect ourselves if infection rates rise in countries we are reconnecting with," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in the announcement.
The requirement for foreign travelers to self-isolate has been in place for a month, NPR's Frank Langfitt reports, noting the rule has been blamed for devastating the British travel industry.
Officials also hope that exempt countries would, in turn, reduce restrictions on travelers from the U.K., particularly as the summer holiday gets well underway.
"This will mean that holidaymakers travelling to and from certain destinations will not need to self-isolate on either leg of their journey," the announcement stated.
Earlier this week, the European Union also left the U.S. off its list of more than a dozen countries deemed approved travel partners because they have been able to bring the coronavirus under control.
The United States has more than 2.7 million confirmed cases, according to Johns Hopkins University's coronavirus tracker, though health experts believe the actual number may be far higher.