npr--2020-10-23--A NASA Probe Is So Full of Asteroid Material That It Now Has A Problem

A NASA Probe Is So Full of Asteroid Material That It Now Has A Problem A NASA spacecraft sent out to collect a sample of rock and dust from an asteroid has nabbed so much that it 's created an unexpected problem .
Rocks are jammed in the device in a way that 's keeping a Mylar flap open , creating a gap that 's letting some of the collected pebbles and dust drift out into space .
`` We had a successful sample collection attempt — almost too successful .
Material is escaping , '' says Dante Lauretta of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigator for the OSIRIS-REx mission .
`` We think we 're losing a small fraction of material , but it 's more than I 'm comfortable with .
I was pretty concerned when I saw these images coming in . ''
To prevent any further loss , the team is now preparing to stow the sample collection device quickly into its return capsule , possibly starting the stowing process as soon as Tuesday .
The capsule is expected to return to Earth in 2023 .
Researchers believe they collected hundreds of grams of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sure until the capsule returns to Earth .
They had been planning a maneuver that would spin the spacecraft and let them make a precise determination of how much rock and dusty material they 'd gotten .
The thinking was that if they had n't managed to collect much , they might have another go at touching the asteroid in January and getting some more .
But they called off the spacecraft-spinning trick when they realized that the collector is so full that material is jamming it open and that stuff is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to minimize the spacecraft 's movement until the rock and dust sample is safely sealed up in the return capsule .
`` It would risk loss of material , '' Lauretta says .
`` We have enough evidence of successful sample collection . ''
Nothing like this problem was ever seen in simulations of the mission that the team did on Earth , he says .
It 's now looking like the collection device must have penetrated farther down into the asteroid 's surface than expected — perhaps as deep as 48 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a half .
`` I basically directed the team to put as minimal activity on the spacecraft as necessary and start focusing on the early stow of sample , '' Lauretta says .
`` It 's very exciting , very surprising , but overall , excellent news . ''

A NASA Probe Is So Full of Asteroid Material That It Now Has A Problem
Enlarge this image toggle caption NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona
A NASA spacecraft sent out to collect a sample of rock and dust from an asteroid has nabbed so much that it's created an unexpected problem.
Rocks are jammed in the device in a way that's keeping a Mylar flap open, creating a gap that's letting some of the collected pebbles and dust drift out into space.
"We had a successful sample collection attempt — almost too successful. Material is escaping," says Dante Lauretta of the University of Arizona, the principal investigator for the OSIRIS-REx mission. "We think we're losing a small fraction of material, but it's more than I'm comfortable with. I was pretty concerned when I saw these images coming in."
Notes This series of three images taken on Thursday shows that the sampler head on NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is full of rocks and dust collected from the surface of the asteroid Bennu. They show also that some of these particles are slowly escaping the sampler head, possibly through small gaps where the head's Mylar flap is slightly wedged open. The Mylar flap (the black bulge on the left inside the ring) is designed to keep the collected material locked inside, and these unsealed areas appear to be caused by larger rocks that didn't fully pass through the flap.
To prevent any further loss, the team is now preparing to stow the sample collection device quickly into its return capsule, possibly starting the stowing process as soon as Tuesday. The capsule is expected to return to Earth in 2023.
Researchers believe they collected hundreds of grams of material, but they won't know for sure until the capsule returns to Earth.
They had been planning a maneuver that would spin the spacecraft and let them make a precise determination of how much rock and dusty material they'd gotten. The thinking was that if they hadn't managed to collect much, they might have another go at touching the asteroid in January and getting some more.
But they called off the spacecraft-spinning trick when they realized that the collector is so full that material is jamming it open and that stuff is being lost.
That's because they want to minimize the spacecraft's movement until the rock and dust sample is safely sealed up in the return capsule. "It would risk loss of material," Lauretta says. "We have enough evidence of successful sample collection."
Nothing like this problem was ever seen in simulations of the mission that the team did on Earth, he says. It's now looking like the collection device must have penetrated farther down into the asteroid's surface than expected — perhaps as deep as 48 centimeters, or about a foot and a half.
"I basically directed the team to put as minimal activity on the spacecraft as necessary and start focusing on the early stow of sample," Lauretta says. "It's very exciting, very surprising, but overall, excellent news."


npr--2020-10-23--Veggie Burgers Can Be Called Burgers, European Parliament Says

Veggie Burgers Can Be Called Burgers , European Parliament Says The European Parliament came together Friday to vote on a variety of issues , including whether a veggie burger is a burger .
Farmer lobbyists argued no .
Environmentalists said yes .
The Parliament said yes , too , in a decisive vote against a measure that would ban plant-based meat alternatives from being referred to by the names of their meat counterparts .
This means terms like steak , sausage and burger .
`` Reason prevailed , and climate sinners lost , '' Nikolaj Villumsen , a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's worth celebrating with a veggie burger . ''
It 's `` common sense , '' according to Camille Perrin , the senior food policy officer at the European Consumer Organization .
`` Consumers are in no way confused by a soy steak or chickpea-based sausage , so long as it is clearly labelled as vegetarian or vegan , '' she said in a statement .
Terms like `` burger '' and `` steak '' for plant-based foods help consumers understand how to integrate them into their meals , Perrin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's largest farmer association Copa-Cogeca argued these types of names hurt farmers and promote `` misleading and unfair marketing . ''
`` We simply call for the work of millions of European farmers and livestock sector workers to be acknowledged and respected , '' said Jean-Pierre Fleury , Copa-Cogeca chairman , said in a statement earlier this month .
`` I am not afraid to say that this is an obvious case of cultural hijacking.
`` But while veggie meat alternatives are safe , vegan dairy alternatives — like almond milk or tofu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banned labeling plant-based dairy alternatives as milk with some exceptions .
Now the Parliament tightened restrictions and could prohibit descriptors such as `` yogurt-style , '' `` butter alternative '' or `` creamy , '' according to Politico .
`` The votes wo n't change the fact that more and more people are eating more vegetables and switching to meat and dairy alternatives , '' Contiero said in a statement , `` and will continue to call dairy-free products 'yoghurt ' and 'cheese ' anyway . ''
These debates are n't confined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banned the use of meat-like terms to describe vegetarian products .
And stateside , organizations have battled over legislation to ban the labeling of meat alternatives as meat .
Similarly , some states have argued over labeling oat or almond milk as `` milk . ''
Prior to the vote , Greenpeace took to Twitter to oppose the proposal to ban the names .
`` Seems very petty , but the industrial meat lobby wants the European Parliament to ban the word 'veggie burger ' because they say it 's confusing , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If they 're confused by the word 'veggie burger ' ... what do they think a 'hot dog ' is ?
! ''
Reese Oxner is an intern on NPR 's News Desk .

Veggie Burgers Can Be Called Burgers, European Parliament Says
Enlarge this image toggle caption Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
The European Parliament came together Friday to vote on a variety of issues, including whether a veggie burger is a burger.
Farmer lobbyists argued no. Environmentalists said yes.
The Parliament said yes, too, in a decisive vote against a measure that would ban plant-based meat alternatives from being referred to by the names of their meat counterparts. This means terms like steak, sausage and burger.
"Reason prevailed, and climate sinners lost," Nikolaj Villumsen, a member of the European Parliament tweeted following the vote. "It's worth celebrating with a veggie burger."
It's "common sense," according to Camille Perrin, the senior food policy officer at the European Consumer Organization.
"Consumers are in no way confused by a soy steak or chickpea-based sausage, so long as it is clearly labelled as vegetarian or vegan," she said in a statement.
Terms like "burger" and "steak" for plant-based foods help consumers understand how to integrate them into their meals, Perrin said.
Before the vote, Europe's largest farmer association Copa-Cogeca argued these types of names hurt farmers and promote "misleading and unfair marketing."
"We simply call for the work of millions of European farmers and livestock sector workers to be acknowledged and respected," said Jean-Pierre Fleury, Copa-Cogeca chairman, said in a statement earlier this month. "I am not afraid to say that this is an obvious case of cultural hijacking. "
Milk substitutes
But while veggie meat alternatives are safe, vegan dairy alternatives — like almond milk or tofu butter — aren't.
Europe already banned labeling plant-based dairy alternatives as milk with some exceptions.
Now the Parliament tightened restrictions and could prohibit descriptors such as "yogurt-style," "butter alternative" or "creamy," according to Politico.
Greenpeace EU agriculture policy director Marco Contiero called the move "disgraceful."
"The votes won't change the fact that more and more people are eating more vegetables and switching to meat and dairy alternatives," Contiero said in a statement, "and will continue to call dairy-free products 'yoghurt' and 'cheese' anyway."
Worldwide debate
These debates aren't confined to the EU.
In 2018, France banned the use of meat-like terms to describe vegetarian products.
And stateside, organizations have battled over legislation to ban the labeling of meat alternatives as meat. Similarly, some states have argued over labeling oat or almond milk as "milk."
Prior to the vote, Greenpeace took to Twitter to oppose the proposal to ban the names.
"Seems very petty, but the industrial meat lobby wants the European Parliament to ban the word 'veggie burger' because they say it's confusing," the tweet said before concluding:
"If they're confused by the word 'veggie burger'... what do they think a 'hot dog' is?!"
Reese Oxner is an intern on NPR's News Desk.


npr--2020-10-23--Scientists Discover Unmarked Coffins During Search For 1921 Tulsa Massacre Victims

Researchers in Tulsa , Okla. , have concluded their latest round of test excavations in the search for remains of Black victims killed during a race massacre nearly a century ago .
Tulsa officials said at least 11 coffins were discovered over four days of digging in specific areas of the city-owned Oaklawn Cemetery .
It is one of the locations historians and researchers believe mass graves exist stemming from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre .
The newly discovered coffins are in addition to one that was previously thought to be in the section of the cemetery known as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovered to 12 .
The dig got underway on Monday .
While officials are hopeful these findings will provide clues , they also caution that more research and tests must be done to determine if they are conclusively associated with the tragic event .
Historians say that 99 years ago , white mobs targeted an area of Tulsa known as the Greenwood District , killing between 150 and 300 Black residents , while looting and burning businesses , homes and churches to the ground .
Many of the victims from the area , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought to have been buried in mass graves , but there are few recordds that exist from the massacre or the burials .
`` This is just an incredible , incredible moment .
We still have many questions to answer , '' Kary Stackelbeck , State Archaeologist of Oklahoma and a member of the excavation team said at a press conference Thursday .
She added there are indicators that more remains may be present .
`` We are definitely a step closer to getting answers , '' she said .
Those answers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year though .
Crews worked to document and photograph what had already been unearthed , including caskets , nails , and human remains including bone , teeth and skull fragments .
None of the remains recovered had headstones , Tulsa World reports , which adds that researchers were looking for as many as 18 Black men .
Researchers said they preserved the burial site by filling a portion of it with sand and laying plywood over the immediate area , before refilling it with dirt .
`` We just have to wait a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the circumstances together , because these remains ca n't be examined in place in the time frame we have , '' said Phoebe Stubblefield , a forensic anthropologist , also working on the project .
She said the focus now turns to compiling the necessary documents to submit to a court for exhumation approval .
`` So we want to appeal to a judge that we have grounds for disturbing these unmarked individuals , '' Stubblefield said .
Scott Ellsworth , a historian with the project , said he was `` optimistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also said it is an important moment for not just Tulsa , but for the country .
`` This is the only time any level of American government , municipal state or county has ever gone out to search the hidden remains of victims of racial violence in American history , '' Ellsworth said .
'Who 's in it and how did they get there ? '
Officials expect to resume the search in 2021 when weather conditions permit , according to a statement from the city .
It also said preservation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideal '' and added that experts did not expose the remains for a full excavation and analysis .
Mayor G.T .
Bynum thanked the residents of Tulsa who he said `` reversed nearly a century of conventional wisdom of this being something we do n't want to talk about , '' speaking of the decades-old massacre .
`` This generation of Tulsans is not doing that , '' he added .
`` As we are at this stage where we are far enough through this investigation that we have now found a mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's in it and how did they get there ? ''
There were high hopes in July when the initial test excavation got underway in the Sexton area of Oaklawn Cemetery .
But after more than a week of searching , the city announced it found `` no evidence of human remains '' in the excavated area , according to a statement .
That search got underway after scientists previously reported they found `` anomalies '' in the cemetery that could indicate the existence of an unmarked burial ground .
The 1921 Massacre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and June 1 , was most likely triggered after an incident in an elevator involving a Black man and a white woman , according to a 2001 report .
The commission that studied the events determined that Dick Rowland likely accidentally stepped on the foot of Sarah Page , who screamed .
Rowland fled , according the report , but was later caught , accused of sexual assault and jailed .
White mobs later gathered outside the Tulsa County Courthouse demanding Rowland be released to them , the report states .
The massacre @ @ @ @

Scientists Discover Unmarked Coffins During Search For 1921 Tulsa Massacre Victims
Enlarge this image toggle caption Sue Ogrocki/AP Sue Ogrocki/AP
Researchers in Tulsa, Okla., have concluded their latest round of test excavations in the search for remains of Black victims killed during a race massacre nearly a century ago.
Tulsa officials said at least 11 coffins were discovered over four days of digging in specific areas of the city-owned Oaklawn Cemetery. It is one of the locations historians and researchers believe mass graves exist stemming from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
The newly discovered coffins are in addition to one that was previously thought to be in the section of the cemetery known as the Original 18 site, bringing the total discovered to 12. The dig got underway on Monday.
While officials are hopeful these findings will provide clues, they also caution that more research and tests must be done to determine if they are conclusively associated with the tragic event.
Closer to getting answers
Historians say that 99 years ago, white mobs targeted an area of Tulsa known as the Greenwood District, killing between 150 and 300 Black residents, while looting and burning businesses, homes and churches to the ground.
Many of the victims from the area, also called Black Wall Street, are thought to have been buried in mass graves, but there are few recordds that exist from the massacre or the burials.
"This is just an incredible, incredible moment. We still have many questions to answer," Kary Stackelbeck, State Archaeologist of Oklahoma and a member of the excavation team said at a press conference Thursday.
She added there are indicators that more remains may be present.
"We are definitely a step closer to getting answers," she said.
Text Excavations Done Until 2021
Those answers will have to wait until at least next year though.
Crews worked to document and photograph what had already been unearthed, including caskets, nails, and human remains including bone, teeth and skull fragments.
None of the remains recovered had headstones, Tulsa World reports, which adds that researchers were looking for as many as 18 Black men.
Researchers said they preserved the burial site by filling a portion of it with sand and laying plywood over the immediate area, before refilling it with dirt.
"We just have to wait a little while longer to get the rest of the circumstances together, because these remains can't be examined in place in the time frame we have," said Phoebe Stubblefield, a forensic anthropologist, also working on the project.
She said the focus now turns to compiling the necessary documents to submit to a court for exhumation approval.
"So we want to appeal to a judge that we have grounds for disturbing these unmarked individuals," Stubblefield said.
Scott Ellsworth, a historian with the project, said he was "optimistic" after the discoveries this week. He also said it is an important moment for not just Tulsa, but for the country.
"This is the only time any level of American government, municipal state or county has ever gone out to search the hidden remains of victims of racial violence in American history," Ellsworth said.
'Who's in it and how did they get there?'
Officials expect to resume the search in 2021 when weather conditions permit, according to a statement from the city. It also said preservation of the remains was "less than ideal" and added that experts did not expose the remains for a full excavation and analysis.
Mayor G.T. Bynum thanked the residents of Tulsa who he said "reversed nearly a century of conventional wisdom of this being something we don't want to talk about," speaking of the decades-old massacre.
"This generation of Tulsans is not doing that," he added. "As we are at this stage where we are far enough through this investigation that we have now found a mass grave, now the question is who's in it and how did they get there?"
There were high hopes in July when the initial test excavation got underway in the Sexton area of Oaklawn Cemetery.
But after more than a week of searching, the city announced it found "no evidence of human remains" in the excavated area, according to a statement.
That search got underway after scientists previously reported they found "anomalies" in the cemetery that could indicate the existence of an unmarked burial ground.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alvin C. Krupnick Co./Library of Congress Via AP Alvin C. Krupnick Co./Library of Congress Via AP
The 1921 Massacre, which took place between May 31 and June 1, was most likely triggered after an incident in an elevator involving a Black man and a white woman, according to a 2001 report.
The commission that studied the events determined that Dick Rowland likely accidentally stepped on the foot of Sarah Page, who screamed.
Rowland fled, according the report, but was later caught, accused of sexual assault and jailed.
White mobs later gathered outside the Tulsa County Courthouse demanding Rowland be released to them, the report states. The massacre started soon afterward.


npr--2020-10-23--With Debates Behind Them, Biden And Trump Enter The Final Stretch Before Election Day

With Debates Behind Them , Biden And Trump Enter The Final Stretch Before Election Day In front of television cameras on Friday , President Trump chatted with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over speaker phone , lauding a new agreement between Israel and Sudan to normalize relations .
Two hours later in Wilmington , Del.
, Democratic nominee Joe Biden outlined his plans to combat the coronavirus pandemic , a graphic of the country 's spiking daily case counts flanking the stage .
With the last debate behind them , the campaigns are working to define the race in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running out .
With Election Day 11 days away , tens of millions of Americans have already cast their ballots , and polls suggest that just a small proportion of voters remain undecided .
On Friday , the president held court with Netanyahu as his campaign sought to emphasize Biden 's debate answer saying he wants to `` transition '' from the oil industry — a remark the Democrat later sought to clarify by saying he intended to end `` subsidies for fossil fuels , '' not shut down the industry .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on unverified allegations about the business dealings of the former vice president 's son Hunter Biden .
The Biden campaign has been disciplined about keeping the president 's handling of the coronavirus front and center , both at the debate and in his policy speech in Wilmington .
`` He just wants us to go numb to this death toll and the pain it 's causing so many Americans , '' Biden said .
His remarks came after the U.S. recorded 71,671 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Thursday , the most in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July .
During Biden 's address — more policy speech than campaign stop — he ticked through four planks of his plan to curb the pandemic .
The former vice president said he would encourage governors to issue mask mandates , stand up a national testing strategy , issue clear guidance to states about how to make reopening decisions and invoke the Defense Production Act to beef up supplies of personal protective equipment .
He also said treatments and vaccines should be made free and accessible to everyone once they 're available .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the country , '' Biden said .
`` I 'm going to shut down the virus . ''
While Biden has made the pandemic a centerpiece of his message in the final days of the campaign , Trump has tried to shift the conversation away from it and defended his administration 's response .
During Thursday 's debate , Trump said the coronavirus pandemic `` will go away , and as we say , we 're rounding the turn .
We 're rounding the corner .
It 's going away . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser Jason Miller said the president 's two main goals for the debate were to remind voters he is the candidate fighting to get the economy open and that he is the outsider , while Biden is a `` creature of the swamp . ''
Both candidates will hit the road this weekend , with just a little more than a week left to go before Election Day .
On Friday , the president held campaign rallies in Florida before heading to North Carolina , Ohio and Wisconsin on Saturday and New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't sound like a typical Washington politician , it 's because I 'm not a politician .
It 's because I 'm not .
It 's what you want , '' Trump told supporters in Pensacola , Fla. , on Friday .
`` A vote for Republicans is a vote for the American dream , not the American nightmare , '' he said .
Biden is campaigning Saturday in Pennsylvania , making stops near Scranton and in the Philadelphia suburbs .

With Debates Behind Them, Biden And Trump Enter The Final Stretch Before Election Day
Enlarge this image toggle caption Andrew Harnik/AP Andrew Harnik/AP
Updated at 9:20 p.m. ET
In front of television cameras on Friday, President Trump chatted with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over speaker phone, lauding a new agreement between Israel and Sudan to normalize relations. Two hours later in Wilmington, Del., Democratic nominee Joe Biden outlined his plans to combat the coronavirus pandemic, a graphic of the country's spiking daily case counts flanking the stage.
With the last debate behind them, the campaigns are working to define the race in its final stretch — and time is quickly running out. With Election Day 11 days away, tens of millions of Americans have already cast their ballots, and polls suggest that just a small proportion of voters remain undecided.
On Friday, the president held court with Netanyahu as his campaign sought to emphasize Biden's debate answer saying he wants to "transition" from the oil industry — a remark the Democrat later sought to clarify by saying he intended to end "subsidies for fossil fuels," not shut down the industry. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign has continued to focus on unverified allegations about the business dealings of the former vice president's son Hunter Biden.
The Biden campaign has been disciplined about keeping the president's handling of the coronavirus front and center, both at the debate and in his policy speech in Wilmington.
"He just wants us to go numb to this death toll and the pain it's causing so many Americans," Biden said. His remarks came after the U.S. recorded 71,671 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Thursday, the most in one day since the outbreak spiked in July.
During Biden's address — more policy speech than campaign stop — he ticked through four planks of his plan to curb the pandemic.
The former vice president said he would encourage governors to issue mask mandates, stand up a national testing strategy, issue clear guidance to states about how to make reopening decisions and invoke the Defense Production Act to beef up supplies of personal protective equipment. He also said treatments and vaccines should be made free and accessible to everyone once they're available.
"I'm not going to shut down the country," Biden said. "I'm going to shut down the virus."
While Biden has made the pandemic a centerpiece of his message in the final days of the campaign, Trump has tried to shift the conversation away from it and defended his administration's response.
During Thursday's debate, Trump said the coronavirus pandemic "will go away, and as we say, we're rounding the turn. We're rounding the corner. It's going away."
In a campaign call Friday, Trump adviser Jason Miller said the president's two main goals for the debate were to remind voters he is the candidate fighting to get the economy open and that he is the outsider, while Biden is a "creature of the swamp."
Both candidates will hit the road this weekend, with just a little more than a week left to go before Election Day.
On Friday, the president held campaign rallies in Florida before heading to North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin on Saturday and New Hampshire on Sunday.
"If I don't sound like a typical Washington politician, it's because I'm not a politician. It's because I'm not. It's what you want," Trump told supporters in Pensacola, Fla., on Friday.
"A vote for Republicans is a vote for the American dream, not the American nightmare," he said.
Biden is campaigning Saturday in Pennsylvania, making stops near Scranton and in the Philadelphia suburbs.
Alana Wise contributed to this report.


npr--2020-10-23--1st 'Murder Hornet' Nest In U.S. Is Found In Washington State

1st 'Murder Hornet ' Nest In U.S. Is Found In Washington State Remember the `` murder hornets '' ?
You know , the terrifyingly large Asian giant hornets that are threatening to wipe out the North American bee population ?
Entomologists with the Washington State Department of Agriculture have now located a nest of them – the first to be found in the U.S. , the agency says .
The nest was discovered in the cavity of a tree on a property in the city of Blaine , near the Canadian border .
This achievement closely follows another advance : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hornets .
This week , they were able to collect four live Asian giant hornets using a new type of trap – and managed to attach radio trackers to three of them .
One of those tagged hornets led staffers to the nest .
The plan now ?
Destroy the nest .
The agency says it intends to eradicate it on Saturday , removing the tree if necessary .
Asian giant hornets are an invasive pest that prey on honeybees and other insects .
`` Only a couple of hornets can slaughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a matter of a few hours , '' Sven-Erik Spichiger , chief entomologist for the state 's agriculture department , told NPR last week .
The hornets can leave a path of deadly destruction , as NPR 's Christianna Silva reported in August : '' According to the WSDA , the hornets could have 'negative impacts on the environment , economy , and public health of Washington State . '
In Japan , they kill up to 50 people a year .
Experts are also worried about their presence in North America because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an alarming sight on a continent already grappling with a rapidly declining bee population .
When these hornets are finished attacking , they can leave what amounts to piles of bees with their heads torn from their bodies . ''

1st 'Murder Hornet' Nest In U.S. Is Found In Washington State
Enlarge this image toggle caption Karla Salp/Washington State Department of Agriculture Karla Salp/Washington State Department of Agriculture
Remember the "murder hornets"? You know, the terrifyingly large Asian giant hornets that are threatening to wipe out the North American bee population?
Entomologists with the Washington State Department of Agriculture have now located a nest of them – the first to be found in the U.S., the agency says.
The nest was discovered in the cavity of a tree on a property in the city of Blaine, near the Canadian border.
This achievement closely follows another advance: State entomologists had recently had luck trapping the hornets. This week, they were able to collect four live Asian giant hornets using a new type of trap – and managed to attach radio trackers to three of them.
One of those tagged hornets led staffers to the nest.
The plan now? Destroy the nest. The agency says it intends to eradicate it on Saturday, removing the tree if necessary.
Asian giant hornets are an invasive pest that prey on honeybees and other insects.
"Only a couple of hornets can slaughter an entire healthy honeybee hive in just a matter of a few hours," Sven-Erik Spichiger, chief entomologist for the state's agriculture department, told NPR last week.
The hornets can leave a path of deadly destruction, as NPR's Christianna Silva reported in August:
"According to the WSDA, the hornets could have 'negative impacts on the environment, economy, and public health of Washington State.' In Japan, they kill up to 50 people a year. Experts are also worried about their presence in North America because they eat bees and destroy their colonies, an alarming sight on a continent already grappling with a rapidly declining bee population. When these hornets are finished attacking, they can leave what amounts to piles of bees with their heads torn from their bodies."


npr--2020-10-23--Coronavirus FAQs: What's Up With Bubble Dining? Should You Hand Out Halloween Candy?

Coronavirus FAQs : What 's Up With Bubble Dining ?
Should You Hand Out Halloween Candy ?
Each week , we answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis .
If you have a question you 'd like us to consider for a future post , email us at goatsandsoda @ npr.org with the subject line : `` Weekly Coronavirus Questions . ''
Is it safe to eat in an outdoor plastic dome ?
Oh , to dine in a giant plastic bubble ...
It 's certainly not the most romantic culinary experience .
But post-pandemic ?
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's popping up in New York and other cities , too , like San Francisco .
It 's easy to understand the quirky appeal of bubbles , igloos , tents or plastic domes – whichever term you prefer .
Who would n't want to say they dined in a giant hamster ball !
Yet experts are worried about the safety implications of using bubbles as an outdoor dining strategy .
It may actually be counterproductive .
The reasoning behind the bubble strategy is that shrouded in plastic , diners can withstand the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits of outdoor dining in a pandemic — namely , air flow reduces the risk of transmission of COVID-19 .
But a closer look reveals some pitfalls of the strategy , says Dennis Clements , director of the Duke Global Health Institute '' First of all , being outdoors [ with no bubble ] is a big help , '' Clements explains .
`` When you enclose yourself in a bubble , it stops airflow . ''
Tiffany Harris , associate professor of epidemiology at the Columbia University Medical Center , agrees that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for two reasons : First , she explains , many people are dining with friends who are n't a part of their immediate household .
While outdoors , there 's wind to act as a buffer and disperse any infectious viral particles , lowering the risk of transmission .
But sitting in a bubble effectively erects `` artificial walls , '' doing the opposite — i.e .
allowing viral particles to linger in the air .
That 's not all .
Even though restaurants say they 're taking care to sanitize the bubbles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worries : `` I have concerns about everything being cleaned properly and how often cleaning is happening — especially given that we do n't understand everything about COVID sterilization . ''
And some questions remain unanswered ... like , how long must one air out a bubble to get a good clean after a party leaves ?
And , Clements explains , you 're not totally isolated in a dining igloo anyways .
Presumably , you would be interacting often with waiters and other restaurant staff , bringing your food and drink .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ diseased , their viral particles are contained in the bubble , '' Clements says .
`` That ruins the reason for eating outdoors to begin with — dispersal of aerosols by breeze . ''
Our sources agree : As it stands , dining outside a bubble is probably a safer bet than eating inside a bubble .
After all , what 's the point of sitting outside if the bubble in effect means you 're ... inside ?
If the concern is cold weather , Harris says eating outdoors with a nearby heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warmth .
Is there a safe way to trick-or treat this year ?
With Halloween around the corner , parents are struggling with this question .
Experts agree that Halloween can not look the same as it has in previous years : you at your door happily handing dropping candy into the hands of costumed kids or letting them forage in a bucket full of goodies .
The risk , they say , is far too high .
`` We certainly do n't want people to be opening the door and saying hello @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the Duke Global Health Institute , says .
`` You 'd be introducing into a close space whatever people are breathing out '' — and that applies to both the candy hander outer and the recipients .
His view : `` There 's no good way to do it . ''
That said , there are some lower-risk ideas that people can consider if they 're feeling comfortable , say Clements as well as Harris .
One risk-reduction strategy — suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clements and Harris — is pre-loading zip-locked baggies with candy and leaving them outside for trick-or-treaters to pick up .
That procedure would significantly reduce the amount of contamination that might occur if a parade of kids scoops their bare hands into a huge bowl or jar of candy .
But even the Ziploc idea has weaknesses .
What if you are asymptomatic or presymptomatic while preparing the bags ?
It 's also critical for parents and trick-or-treaters to be conscious of the groups they are traveling in ( the gold standard is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart from one another ) .
Health experts also advise that children wear a COVID-19 mask : A regular Halloween mask does not offer as much protection as a COVID mask .
`` [ The biggest risk is ] most likely an issue of cross-contamination from other kids , '' Clements says .
Harris cautions that even if your community sets certain guidelines , `` guidance could change , so it 's important to stay abreast of what the big health agencies are saying .
Halloween is still a week away , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
With all the risks at play , some are turning to extreme measures to keep Halloween alive ... loading up giant catapults with candy to fling at trick-or-treaters from a distance — or sending candy down a chute that would go from a window to the driveway .
When he heard these ideas , Clements chuckled .
`` As long as the person loading the machine does n't have the disease , I guess it 's OK , '' Clements says .
`` Otherwise you 're assisting the spread by some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Can the virus enter your body and infect you via the ear canal ?
The short answer , our experts say : Probably not .
`` While there 's no randomized control trials on the question , it 's very , very unlikely , '' Harris explains .
The reason is the type of skin , she says : The skin coating the ear canal is comparable to that on arms and the body , which acts as a natural barrier to the outside world .
On the other hand , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that covers your eyes and nose ) is much more susceptible to external particles .
`` I would n't worry very much about the ears , '' Clements says .

Coronavirus FAQs: What's Up With Bubble Dining? Should You Hand Out Halloween Candy?
Enlarge this image toggle caption Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Each week, we answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question you'd like us to consider for a future post, email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject line: "Weekly Coronavirus Questions."
Is it safe to eat in an outdoor plastic dome?
Oh, to dine in a giant plastic bubble ...
It's certainly not the most romantic culinary experience. But post-pandemic? It's kind of the new rave. It's popping up in New York and other cities, too, like San Francisco.
It's easy to understand the quirky appeal of bubbles, igloos, tents or plastic domes – whichever term you prefer. Who wouldn't want to say they dined in a giant hamster ball!
Yet experts are worried about the safety implications of using bubbles as an outdoor dining strategy. It may actually be counterproductive.
The reasoning behind the bubble strategy is that shrouded in plastic, diners can withstand the cold air of winter while enjoying the benefits of outdoor dining in a pandemic — namely, air flow reduces the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
But a closer look reveals some pitfalls of the strategy, says Dennis Clements, director of the Duke Global Health Institute
"First of all, being outdoors [with no bubble] is a big help," Clements explains. "When you enclose yourself in a bubble, it stops airflow."
Tiffany Harris, associate professor of epidemiology at the Columbia University Medical Center, agrees that cutting off airflow is a big concern for two reasons:
First, she explains, many people are dining with friends who aren't a part of their immediate household. While outdoors, there's wind to act as a buffer and disperse any infectious viral particles, lowering the risk of transmission. But sitting in a bubble effectively erects "artificial walls," doing the opposite — i.e. allowing viral particles to linger in the air.
That's not all. Even though restaurants say they're taking care to sanitize the bubbles after every use, Harris still has worries: "I have concerns about everything being cleaned properly and how often cleaning is happening — especially given that we don't understand everything about COVID sterilization."
And some questions remain unanswered ... like, how long must one air out a bubble to get a good clean after a party leaves?
And, Clements explains, you're not totally isolated in a dining igloo anyways. Presumably, you would be interacting often with waiters and other restaurant staff, bringing your food and drink.
"If whoever enters the bubble is diseased, their viral particles are contained in the bubble," Clements says. "That ruins the reason for eating outdoors to begin with — dispersal of aerosols by breeze."
Our sources agree: As it stands, dining outside a bubble is probably a safer bet than eating inside a bubble. After all, what's the point of sitting outside if the bubble in effect means you're ... inside?
If the concern is cold weather, Harris says eating outdoors with a nearby heat lamp is a safer alternative than bubble warmth.
Is there a safe way to trick-or treat this year?
With Halloween around the corner, parents are struggling with this question.
Experts agree that Halloween cannot look the same as it has in previous years: you at your door happily handing dropping candy into the hands of costumed kids or letting them forage in a bucket full of goodies. The risk, they say, is far too high.
"We certainly don't want people to be opening the door and saying hello to everybody," Dennis Clements, director of the Duke Global Health Institute, says. "You'd be introducing into a close space whatever people are breathing out" — and that applies to both the candy hander outer and the recipients.
His view: "There's no good way to do it."
That said, there are some lower-risk ideas that people can consider if they're feeling comfortable, say Clements as well as Harris.
One risk-reduction strategy — suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of its Halloween guidance and also by Clements and Harris — is pre-loading zip-locked baggies with candy and leaving them outside for trick-or-treaters to pick up. That procedure would significantly reduce the amount of contamination that might occur if a parade of kids scoops their bare hands into a huge bowl or jar of candy.
But even the Ziploc idea has weaknesses. What if you are asymptomatic or presymptomatic while preparing the bags?
It's also critical for parents and trick-or-treaters to be conscious of the groups they are traveling in (the gold standard is small groups from one family spread far apart from one another). Health experts also advise that children wear a COVID-19 mask: A regular Halloween mask does not offer as much protection as a COVID mask.
"[The biggest risk is] most likely an issue of cross-contamination from other kids," Clements says.
Harris cautions that even if your community sets certain guidelines, "guidance could change, so it's important to stay abreast of what the big health agencies are saying. Halloween is still a week away, and a lot can change in a week."
With all the risks at play, some are turning to extreme measures to keep Halloween alive ... loading up giant catapults with candy to fling at trick-or-treaters from a distance — or sending candy down a chute that would go from a window to the driveway.
When he heard these ideas, Clements chuckled.
"As long as the person loading the machine doesn't have the disease, I guess it's OK," Clements says. "Otherwise you're assisting the spread by some poor guy shooting that stuff out!"
Can the virus enter your body and infect you via the ear canal?
The short answer, our experts say: Probably not.
"While there's no randomized control trials on the question, it's very, very unlikely," Harris explains.
The reason is the type of skin, she says: The skin coating the ear canal is comparable to that on arms and the body, which acts as a natural barrier to the outside world.
On the other hand, the mucosal membrane (aka – the lining that covers your eyes and nose) is much more susceptible to external particles.
"I wouldn't worry very much about the ears," Clements says.
Pranav Baskar is a freelance journalist.


npr--2020-10-23--Man Arrested In N.C. Had Plan To Kill Joe Biden, Feds Say

Man Arrested In N.C. Had Plan To Kill Joe Biden , Feds Say In late May , employees at a bank in Kannapolis , N.C. , called the local police to report an abandoned white Ford van in the bank 's parking lot .
When officers arrived , they looked into the van 's windows and saw an array of items : an AR-15 rifle , the box for a handgun , a canister of explosive material , and a box of ammunition , according to a court document .
Police say they towed and searched the van , finding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawings of swastikas and planes crashing into buildings , books on survival and bomb-making , and a half-dozen firearms .
Later that day , Alexander Hillel Treisman , 19 , reportedly walked into the bank and asked after the towed van – and was promptly arrested .
Officers booked him for carrying a concealed weapon and turned him over to federal authorities pending further investigation , according to Kannapolis Chief of Police Terry Spry .
Now the man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on child pornography charges .
And federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fascination with mass shootings and terrorist attacks — and had plotted to assassinate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden .
According to government testimony , between March and May of this year , Treisman searched online for Biden 's home address and looked up state gun laws , rifle parts and night vision goggles .
In April , he is said to have posted a meme online with the caption `` should I kill joe biden ? ''
Treisman bought the AR-15 rifle in New Hampshire and then traveled to a Wendy 's restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Delaware , federal agents say .
He allegedly wrote out a checklist that had as its last task : `` execute . ''
After his arrest , Treisman was interviewed by Kannapolis police and investigators from the Joint Terrorism Task Forces .
He allegedly told them that he has an interest in terrorist incidents and mass shootings and that he had lost friends over jokes he had made about mass shootings and the Sept. 11 , 2001 , attacks .
Investigators found video on Treisman 's cell phone that apparently was taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Las Vegas — the site of a deadly 2017 mass shooting — as a male voice is heard saying , `` There it is .
That 's it .
That 's the one , that 's where they did it .
Allah Akbar !
Ah hah , nice . ''
Another video on the phone , taken at Chicago 's O'Hare International Airport , includes a male voice suggesting it would be `` awesome '' to hijack a plane and fly it into a building .
The evidence also suggests Treisman may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flee the country .
Treisman told investigators that he had traveled across the country and purchased guns in Washington , Kansas , New Hampshire and West Virginia , according to the court document .
His wallet contained three different state IDs , including a counterfeit Florida driver 's license with the name Alexander Theiss .
An image on one of his hard drives showed a Polish passport edited to show his face .
And he had apparently rented an apartment in Quebec .
There was also , according to the legal document , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Treisman in jail to his mother , in which she suggests he `` jump bail . ''
On Sept. 28 , Treisman was indicted on three counts of child pornography — investigators say they found such images on his phone and on eight devices seized from his vehicles .
It 's not clear whether he will face additional charges .
But so far the U.S. government has argued successfully that the evidence is sufficient to keep Treisman in detention as his case proceeds .
U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe L. Webster wrote that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combination of available release conditions would reasonably assure the safety of the community , and that a preponderance of evidence establishes that no conditions would ensure Defendant 's presence in court . ''

Man Arrested In N.C. Had Plan To Kill Joe Biden, Feds Say
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carolyn Kaster/AP Carolyn Kaster/AP
In late May, employees at a bank in Kannapolis, N.C., called the local police to report an abandoned white Ford van in the bank's parking lot.
When officers arrived, they looked into the van's windows and saw an array of items: an AR-15 rifle, the box for a handgun, a canister of explosive material, and a box of ammunition, according to a court document. Police say they towed and searched the van, finding more than $500,000 in cash, drawings of swastikas and planes crashing into buildings, books on survival and bomb-making, and a half-dozen firearms.
Later that day, Alexander Hillel Treisman, 19, reportedly walked into the bank and asked after the towed van – and was promptly arrested.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Kannapolis Police Department Kannapolis Police Department
Officers booked him for carrying a concealed weapon and turned him over to federal authorities pending further investigation, according to Kannapolis Chief of Police Terry Spry.
Now the man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on child pornography charges. And federal agents presented evidence indicating Treisman had a fascination with mass shootings and terrorist attacks — and had plotted to assassinate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
According to government testimony, between March and May of this year, Treisman searched online for Biden's home address and looked up state gun laws, rifle parts and night vision goggles. In April, he is said to have posted a meme online with the caption "should I kill joe biden?"
Treisman bought the AR-15 rifle in New Hampshire and then traveled to a Wendy's restaurant within 4 miles of Biden's home in Delaware, federal agents say. He allegedly wrote out a checklist that had as its last task: "execute."
After his arrest, Treisman was interviewed by Kannapolis police and investigators from the Joint Terrorism Task Forces. He allegedly told them that he has an interest in terrorist incidents and mass shootings and that he had lost friends over jokes he had made about mass shootings and the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Investigators found video on Treisman's cell phone that apparently was taken while driving by Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas — the site of a deadly 2017 mass shooting — as a male voice is heard saying, "There it is. That's it. That's the one, that's where they did it. Allah Akbar! Ah hah, nice." Another video on the phone, taken at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, includes a male voice suggesting it would be "awesome" to hijack a plane and fly it into a building.
The evidence also suggests Treisman may have taken steps to disguise his identity and flee the country.
Treisman told investigators that he had traveled across the country and purchased guns in Washington, Kansas, New Hampshire and West Virginia, according to the court document. His wallet contained three different state IDs, including a counterfeit Florida driver's license with the name Alexander Theiss. An image on one of his hard drives showed a Polish passport edited to show his face. And he had apparently rented an apartment in Quebec.
There was also, according to the legal document, a recording of a May 29 call from Treisman in jail to his mother, in which she suggests he "jump bail."
On Sept. 28, Treisman was indicted on three counts of child pornography — investigators say they found such images on his phone and on eight devices seized from his vehicles.
It's not clear whether he will face additional charges.
But so far the U.S. government has argued successfully that the evidence is sufficient to keep Treisman in detention as his case proceeds.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe L. Webster wrote that the evidence had established "that no combination of available release conditions would reasonably assure the safety of the community, and that a preponderance of evidence establishes that no conditions would ensure Defendant's presence in court."


npr--2020-10-23--Sudan And Israel Agree To Normalize Relations In U.S.-Brokered Deal

Sudan And Israel Agree To Normalize Relations In U.S.-Brokered Deal Israel and Sudan have agreed to normalize their relations and open economic and trade ties , the countries and the U.S. announced Friday .
The U.S. said earlier this week that it would remove Sudan from the state sponsors of terrorism list as part of the agreement .
`` This is an incredible deal for Israel and Sudan , '' President Trump said in the Oval Office , according to a White House pool report .
`` For decades , Sudan has been at a state of war with Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of war and boycotted Israeli goods .
There was no relationship whatsoever . ''
Sudan has had a transitional government since last year , when the military ousted longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir following a popular uprising .
The country recently agreed to pay $ 335 million into a fund for U.S. terrorism victims and their families , as Trump announced earlier this week .
`` Once deposited , I will lift Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list , '' Trump said .
Sudan has been desperately trying to get out from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list , taking steps such as settling claims related to the bombing of the USS Cole 20 years ago and agreeing to payments over the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings in Nairobi and Tanzania .
But Sudan recently ran into a new hurdle in getting off the terror list , after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the country it would also need to `` sign on to the Trump administration 's Middle East agenda and normalize ties with Israel , '' as NPR 's Michele Kelemen reported early this month .
Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promise to lift the terrorism-sponsor label quickly increased speculation that Sudan would join Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates in agreeing to establish ties with Israel .
Palestinian leaders have long asked Arab countries not to establish ties with Israel until a mutual peace is reached between Israel and the Palestinians .
On Friday , Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ' office condemned the Israel-Sudan deal .
As part of the agreements reached this week , the U.S. will also help Sudan address billions of dollars in international debt .
Trump promised that other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Israel — perhaps even including Iran .
`` I could see Iran ultimately — it sounds , right now , it does n't sound like something that would happen , but I see it happening , '' the president said .
`` Ultimately , they 'll all be one unified family , '' Trump added .
`` It 'll be an amazing thing .
Probably has never happened in the Middle East , because the Middle East is known for conflict and fighting . ''
Leaders of the U.S. , Israel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's historic progress toward democracy and opportunities to advance peace in the region , '' the joint statement released Friday says .
It adds that the historic shift will bolster regional security and open new opportunities for people in Sudan and Israel as well as their neighbors .
Resolving the terrorism compensation claims against Sudan could also give closure to a complicated and painful legal process : In 2018 , the Trump administration sided with Sudan and against USS Cole survivors , agreeing that the survivors ' lawsuit seeking damages should have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khartoum rather than to its embassy in Washington .
The U.S. Supreme Court threw out a $ 315 million judgment last year , agreeing with Sudan and the U.S. government .

Sudan And Israel Agree To Normalize Relations In U.S.-Brokered Deal
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images
Israel and Sudan have agreed to normalize their relations and open economic and trade ties, the countries and the U.S. announced Friday. The U.S. said earlier this week that it would remove Sudan from the state sponsors of terrorism list as part of the agreement.
"This is an incredible deal for Israel and Sudan," President Trump said in the Oval Office, according to a White House pool report. "For decades, Sudan has been at a state of war with Israel. They have been in a state of war and boycotted Israeli goods. There was no relationship whatsoever."
Sudan has had a transitional government since last year, when the military ousted longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir following a popular uprising. The country recently agreed to pay $335 million into a fund for U.S. terrorism victims and their families, as Trump announced earlier this week.
"Once deposited, I will lift Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list," Trump said.
Sudan has been desperately trying to get out from under U.S. sanctions tied to the terror list, taking steps such as settling claims related to the bombing of the USS Cole 20 years ago and agreeing to payments over the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings in Nairobi and Tanzania.
But Sudan recently ran into a new hurdle in getting off the terror list, after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the country it would also need to "sign on to the Trump administration's Middle East agenda and normalize ties with Israel," as NPR's Michele Kelemen reported early this month.
Trump's announcement of the payment agreement and his promise to lift the terrorism-sponsor label quickly increased speculation that Sudan would join Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates in agreeing to establish ties with Israel.
Palestinian leaders have long asked Arab countries not to establish ties with Israel until a mutual peace is reached between Israel and the Palestinians. On Friday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' office condemned the Israel-Sudan deal.
As part of the agreements reached this week, the U.S. will also help Sudan address billions of dollars in international debt.
Trump promised that other nations will also want to establish relations with Israel — perhaps even including Iran.
"I could see Iran ultimately — it sounds, right now, it doesn't sound like something that would happen, but I see it happening," the president said.
"Ultimately, they'll all be one unified family," Trump added. "It'll be an amazing thing. Probably has never happened in the Middle East, because the Middle East is known for conflict and fighting."
Leaders of the U.S., Israel and Sudan "spoke today to discuss Sudan's historic progress toward democracy and opportunities to advance peace in the region," the joint statement released Friday says. It adds that the historic shift will bolster regional security and open new opportunities for people in Sudan and Israel as well as their neighbors.
Resolving the terrorism compensation claims against Sudan could also give closure to a complicated and painful legal process: In 2018, the Trump administration sided with Sudan and against USS Cole survivors, agreeing that the survivors' lawsuit seeking damages should have been mailed to Sudan's foreign ministry in Khartoum rather than to its embassy in Washington. The U.S. Supreme Court threw out a $315 million judgment last year, agreeing with Sudan and the U.S. government.


npr--2020-10-23--Wales Imposes 'Firebreak Lockdown' As Coronavirus Cases Spike

Wales is heading into a 17-day lockdown on Friday evening , as many parts of Europe reimpose safety measures because of rising coronavirus case counts .
The `` firebreak lockdown '' went into effect at 6 p.m. local time and requires that people remain home with few exceptions .
Pubs , restaurants and nonessential shops will shut , along with libraries and community and recycling centers .
The Welsh government is also banning gatherings involving people from different households , both indoors and outside .
Wales has had 182 cases per 100,000 people in the past week .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingdom , behind Northern Ireland .
`` We know that if we do not act now , it will continue to accelerate and there is a very real risk that our NHS will be overwhelmed , '' said Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford , referring to the need to protect the National Health Service .
The Welsh government is also focused on both the economic and social impact of the pandemic .
`` If we do this now and if we then have a consistent set of national rules , to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a lower level , then we can have a much more normal Christmas season for businesses , '' Vaughan Gething , Welsh health minister , told BBC Radio Wales .
In England , Greater Manchester , which has a population of about 2.8 million , joined Liverpool City Region and Lancashire in closing pubs and bars – unless they serve substantial meals .
People in those regions are also banned from mixing with other households .
On Thursday , Ireland became the first country in Europe to reimpose a lockdown , telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within about 3 miles of their homes .
Police will continue to use road checkpoints to deter longer and nonessential journeys during the six-week lockdown .
Most retail shops will close , while pubs and restaurants will only be able to serve takeaway .
Schools will remain open .
Irish public health officials say they believe children and teens are not major spreaders of the virus .
`` If we all pull together , and follow the spirit of these new rules , it [ Christmas ] will be a very special time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the hardship of the last seven months , '' said Micheál Martin , the country 's prime minister .
`` Our journey through the coming weeks and months will not be easy , but our future is in our hands . ''
The total number of cases in Ireland have risen by nearly 90 % since the beginning of September .
The country has recorded nearly 55,261 confirmed cases , and there were nearly 1,900 coronavirus-related deaths .

Wales Imposes 'Firebreak Lockdown' As Coronavirus Cases Spike
Enlarge this image toggle caption Ben Birchall/AP Ben Birchall/AP
Wales is heading into a 17-day lockdown on Friday evening, as many parts of Europe reimpose safety measures because of rising coronavirus case counts.
The "firebreak lockdown" went into effect at 6 p.m. local time and requires that people remain home with few exceptions.
Pubs, restaurants and nonessential shops will shut, along with libraries and community and recycling centers. The Welsh government is also banning gatherings involving people from different households, both indoors and outside.
Wales has had 182 cases per 100,000 people in the past week. That's the third highest rate in the United Kingdom, behind Northern Ireland.
"We know that if we do not act now, it will continue to accelerate and there is a very real risk that our NHS will be overwhelmed," said Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, referring to the need to protect the National Health Service.
The Welsh government is also focused on both the economic and social impact of the pandemic.
"If we do this now and if we then have a consistent set of national rules, to keep the transmission and the intensity of the virus at a lower level, then we can have a much more normal Christmas season for businesses," Vaughan Gething, Welsh health minister, told BBC Radio Wales.
In England, Greater Manchester, which has a population of about 2.8 million, joined Liverpool City Region and Lancashire in closing pubs and bars – unless they serve substantial meals. People in those regions are also banned from mixing with other households.
On Thursday, Ireland became the first country in Europe to reimpose a lockdown, telling its nearly 5 million people to stay within about 3 miles of their homes. Police will continue to use road checkpoints to deter longer and nonessential journeys during the six-week lockdown. Most retail shops will close, while pubs and restaurants will only be able to serve takeaway.
Schools will remain open. Irish public health officials say they believe children and teens are not major spreaders of the virus.
"If we all pull together, and follow the spirit of these new rules, it [Christmas] will be a very special time, and give us all some respite from the hardship of the last seven months," said Micheál Martin, the country's prime minister. "Our journey through the coming weeks and months will not be easy, but our future is in our hands."
The total number of cases in Ireland have risen by nearly 90% since the beginning of September. The country has recorded nearly 55,261 confirmed cases, and there were nearly 1,900 coronavirus-related deaths.


npr--2020-10-23--With Florida On The Line, Both Political Parties Work To Fire Up Voters

With Florida On The Line , Both Political Parties Work To Fire Up Voters President Trump is holding two rallies this week in Florida , a play to energize the voters he needs to deliver the must-win state .
Early voting and vote by mail numbers indicate Floridians are already engaged – more than 4 million have cast a ballot already .
A new poll from Republican pollster the Listener Group shows Trump with a sizable lead in the northwest region of the state – up more than 28 points .
That 's typical of the GOP advantage in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a part of Florida with more in common politically with neighboring Alabama and Georgia than Miami , is one of the stops for Trump .
The president remains popular in that part of the state , but Democrats are trying to make inroads .
`` I just wish him out the office '' On the industrial west side of town , Phyllis Hale-Benjamin , wearing a `` Black Voters Matter '' mask , is canvassing at a strip center .
First stop , the Mr .
Bubbles Laundromat where she hands out postcards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need a ride to the polls , if you need to know where your precinct is , whatever you need to know if you call that number , it will give you all your information , '' she says .
Kenneth McElroy tells her he 's 43 , and has voted in every election since he was old enough to vote .
He says there 's a lot on the line in this election , in the middle of a pandemic .
`` Health , safety , living , '' says McElroy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so he 's been living out of his car for more than a month .
He wo n't be voting for Trump .
`` He ai n't fit for the part , '' he says .
`` I wish him good health , and , you know , always no animosity or bad on him .
I just wish him out the office . ''
`` Some of the things that have come out of his mouth as a president has been very disappointing to me , '' she says .
She supports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 'll be able to change as much as he has promised .
`` But at least we wo n't have to hear all of the noise , and we wo n't be so divided , '' Hale-Benjamin says .
The former hairdresser is a registered Democrat and says many of her friends are white and Republican .
This election has strained relationships .
`` They 're scared to talk to me , and I 'm scared to talk to them because you do n't know what 's going to come out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she says .
`` I do n't think we should have to walk around like that . ''
That political divide by race is evident when you look at voter registration in Florida .
Only 1.3 % of registered Republicans identify as Black .
`` He 's the best president we 've ever had '' '' Deep red '' is how Clover Lawson of Pensacola describes the local politics .
`` These people work hard for their money , and they want to keep as much of it as possible . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , and he 's coming to Pensacola on Friday night to rally his base .
This part of Florida is in the central time zone so Republican candidates typically get a boost an hour after the polls close in the rest of the state .
That can be the difference in razor-tight races .
Lawson , 51 , is a Second Amendment activist who works for a gun manufacturer , and says she switched her party affiliation from independent to Republican before the last presidential election because she thought politics needed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in party politics .
She 's campaigning for a local state House candidate .
Her parents , Simone and Ted Lawson , were equally as frustrated with politics and got behind Trump .
They 're sticking with him this year , too .
`` My verdict today is that he 's the best president we 've ever had , '' Ted Lawson says .
He 's a Vietnam veteran , who retired from the civil service .
Simone Lawson had a screen printing business .
The couple practice Catholic charismatic renewal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Freedom of religion is much more open with Trump as president , '' Simone Lawson says .
`` Freedom period , right ? ''
They say he 's kept his promise to move ahead with a border wall , and the retirees are big fans of his Supreme Court nominees .
Trump 's personality had given Simone Lawson pause in 2016 .
`` Oh , I did n't like him at first at all , '' she says .
His tone irritated her , but not so much anymore .
The Lawsons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is .
`` Most of the people I know that do n't like him , do n't like him for those very reasons that he 's a braggart .
He 's got a big mouth .
He 's a bully , '' Ted Lawson says .
`` But he 's our bully , '' his wife interjects .
`` I did n't vote for Trump because he was a nice , gracious man , '' Ted Lawson says .
`` I voted for him because he got stuff done . ''
Clover Lawson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In her view , Trump has done some `` boneheaded '' things that are distractions .
`` For someone who does n't have any experience being a politician , you can tell , '' she says .
But she thinks he 's getting a bad rap when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` I think he was handed a really bad apple this year , and to judge the other years based on this year would be terribly unfair , '' Lawson says .
But Trump 's handling of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 're in a pandemic right now , and it 's chaos , '' says Sharia Beasley of Pensacola .
She says she 's lost several family members to COVID-19 and wants a change in leadership .
`` I think we just need a little break from chaos for these four more years , '' says Beasley , co-founder of Real Women Radio , an Internet radio station created by and for African American women in Pensacola .
Now the station is focused on the election .
`` I 've been preaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vote .
Vote .
Vote .
Vote , '' she says .
`` Get your plan in order .
Go do what you got to do .
Take your mama and them , your daddy and them , your sister and them , your brother .
Take everybody .
Go vote . ''
Beasley says she has n't always been so engaged and recalls skipping the presidential election in 2000 when she was in her 20s .
`` I thought at that point that Al Gore had the presidency in the bag , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working and I thought why should I even go and vote ? ''
Of course , Florida 's results were so close that the state headed for a recount and prolonged election dispute that eventually resulted in a victory for Republican George W. Bush .
She 's been passionate about convincing people to vote ever since despite what she perceives as obstacles to exercising the franchise — long lines for early voting and problems with Florida 's online voter registration system , for instance .
Beasley is also concerned about the specter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She thinks the president has empowered extremists .
`` Trump has said that he 's not a racist , '' Beasley says .
`` But I just think that doors have been opened up to say , 'Go ahead , it 's a free country , do whatever you want to do . '
`` There are also outside threats to the U.S. election .
The government this week said Iran and Russia have taken actions to influence public opinion related to U.S. elections .
`` What is the truth ? ''
Clover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a proliferation of misinformation and conspiracy theories that reach her parents ' inbox , and she tries to debunk them .
Her dad says it 's hard to sort out what to believe .
`` When I read an article on Facebook and it kind of tricks my starter , my children say , you know , 'Do n't repost it . '
So I do n't because it 's probably not true , '' Ted Lawson says .
`` But what is the truth ? ''
The Lawson family is skeptical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden .
`` He has to win , '' Simone Lawson says .
Her husband wonders whether Americans will accept the outcome of the election no matter who wins .
`` On both sides , they wo n't accept it , '' he says .
`` If the Republicans lose , they wo n't accept that .
I wo n't accept that . ''
Simone Lawson says they 've accepted every election in their lifetime .
`` A lot of times it was n't our choice , but we always respected the office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But in this case , Trump has to win . ''
The Lawsons say they will be voting in person on Nov. 3 .
Clover Lawson plans to cast an absentee ballot , something she 's always done as a former military spouse .
Out on the streets of Pensacola , David Sims , a canvasser with Real Women Radio , has been working with ex-offenders re-enfranchised by a constitutional amendment approved by Florida voters two years ago .
Advocacy groups say about 67,000 former felons are newly registered this election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has complicated things .
`` They pass one law saying you can vote , and they pass another law saying you have to pay your fines , '' Sims says .
`` That 's further disenfranchisement . ''
Sims says he believes the system is stacked against encouraging full participation by Black voters such as himself .
`` If I know you 're gon na vote against me , I 'm going to make it where you ca n't vote at all , '' Sims says .
`` They 're trying to silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're out here . ''

With Florida On The Line, Both Political Parties Work To Fire Up Voters
Enlarge this image toggle caption Debbie Elliott/NPR Debbie Elliott/NPR
President Trump is holding two rallies this week in Florida, a play to energize the voters he needs to deliver the must-win state.
Early voting and vote by mail numbers indicate Floridians are already engaged, as more than 4 million have cast a ballot already.
A new poll from Republican pollster the Listener Group shows Trump with a sizable lead in the northwest region of the state — up more than 28 points. That's typical of the GOP advantage in the Panhandle. Pensacola, a city in a part of Florida with more in common politically with neighboring Alabama and Georgia than Miami, is one of the stops for Trump.
The president remains popular in that part of the state, but Democrats are trying to make inroads.
"I just wish him out the office"
On the industrial west side of town, Phyllis Hale-Benjamin, wearing a "Black Voters Matter" mask, is canvassing at a strip center. First stop is the Mr. Bubbles Laundromat, where she hands out postcards with voting details.
"If you need a ride to the polls, if you need to know where your precinct is, whatever you need to know if you call that number, it will give you all your information," she says.
Elections They Took A Gamble And Voted Trump In 2016. Whom Are They Going To Vote For In 2020? They Took A Gamble And Voted Trump In 2016. Whom Are They Going To Vote For In 2020? Listen · 5:07 5:07
Politics Activists Rally Black Voters In Traditional Red Counties In Florida's Panhandle Activists Rally Black Voters In Traditional Red Counties In Florida's Panhandle Listen · 5:10 5:10
Kenneth McElroy tells her he's 43, and has voted in every election since he was old enough to vote. He says there's a lot on the line in this election, in the middle of a pandemic.
"Health, safety, living," says McElroy, whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Sally so he's been living out of his car for more than a month. He won't be voting for Trump.
"He ain't fit for the part," he says. "I wish him good health, and, you know, always no animosity or bad on him. I just wish him out the office."
Outside the laundromat, Hale-Benjamin expresses a similar sentiment.
"Some of the things that have come out of his mouth as a president has been very disappointing to me," she says.
She supports Democrat Joe Biden but doesn't think he'll be able to change as much as he has promised.
"But at least we won't have to hear all of the noise, and we won't be so divided," Hale-Benjamin says.
The former hairdresser is a registered Democrat and says many of her friends are white and Republican. This election has strained relationships.
"They're scared to talk to me, and I'm scared to talk to them because you don't know what's going to come out of somebody's mouth and all that," she says. "I don't think we should have to walk around like that."
That political divide by race is evident when you look at voter registration in Florida. Only 1.3% of registered Republicans identify as Black.
"He's the best president we've ever had"
"Deep red" is how Clover Lawson of Pensacola describes the local politics. "These people work hard for their money, and they want to keep as much of it as possible."
The region voted overwhelmingly for Trump in 2016, and he's coming to Pensacola on Friday night to rally his base. This part of Florida is in the central time zone so Republican candidates typically get a boost an hour after the polls close in the rest of the state. That can be the difference in razor-tight races.
Lawson, 51, is a Second Amendment activist who works for a gun manufacturer, and says she switched her party affiliation from independent to Republican before the last presidential election because she thought politics needed a reset. Lawson backed Trump and got involved in party politics. She's campaigning for a local state House candidate.
Her parents, Simone and Ted Lawson, were equally as frustrated with politics and got behind Trump. They're sticking with him this year, too.
"My verdict today is that he's the best president we've ever had," Ted Lawson says. He's a Vietnam veteran, who retired from the civil service. Simone Lawson had a screen printing business. The couple practice Catholic charismatic renewal and say their faith informs their vote.
"Freedom of religion is much more open with Trump as president," Simone Lawson says. "Freedom period, right?"
They say he's kept his promise to move ahead with a border wall, and the retirees are big fans of his Supreme Court nominees.
Trump's personality had given Simone Lawson pause in 2016.
"Oh, I didn't like him at first at all," she says.
His tone irritated her, but not so much anymore. The Lawsons say Trump just tells it like it is.
"Most of the people I know that don't like him, don't like him for those very reasons that he's a braggart. He's got a big mouth. He's a bully," Ted Lawson says.
"But he's our bully," his wife interjects.
"I didn't vote for Trump because he was a nice, gracious man," Ted Lawson says. "I voted for him because he got stuff done."
Clover Lawson has two sons who are young adults. In her view, Trump has done some "boneheaded" things that are distractions.
"For someone who doesn't have any experience being a politician, you can tell," she says.
But she thinks he's getting a bad rap when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I think he was handed a really bad apple this year, and to judge the other years based on this year would be terribly unfair," Lawson says.
But Trump's handling of coronavirus is what's driving many voters.
"We're in a pandemic right now, and it's chaos," says Sharia Beasley of Pensacola.
She says she's lost several family members to COVID-19 and wants a change in leadership.
"I think we just need a little break from chaos for these four more years," says Beasley, co-founder of Real Women Radio, an Internet radio station created by and for African American women in Pensacola.
Now the station is focused on the election.
"I've been preaching for the last couple of months: Vote. Vote. Vote. Vote," she says. "Get your plan in order. Go do what you got to do. Take your mama and them, your daddy and them, your sister and them, your brother. Take everybody. Go vote."
Enlarge this image toggle caption Debbie Elliott/NPR Debbie Elliott/NPR
Beasley says she hasn't always been so engaged and recalls skipping the presidential election in 2000 when she was in her 20s.
"I thought at that point that Al Gore had the presidency in the bag," she recalls. "I was working and I thought why should I even go and vote?"
Of course, Florida's results were so close that the state headed for a recount and prolonged election dispute that eventually resulted in a victory for Republican George W. Bush. She's been passionate about convincing people to vote ever since despite what she perceives as obstacles to exercising the franchise — long lines for early voting and problems with Florida's online voter registration system, for instance.
Beasley is also concerned about the specter of armed militias trying to intimidate voters. She thinks the president has empowered extremists.
"Trump has said that he's not a racist," Beasley says. "But I just think that doors have been opened up to say, 'Go ahead, it's a free country, do whatever you want to do.' "
There are also outside threats to the U.S. election. The government this week said Iran and Russia have taken actions to influence public opinion related to U.S. elections.
"What is the truth?"
Clover Lawson is alarmed by what she sees as a proliferation of misinformation and conspiracy theories that reach her parents' inbox, and she tries to debunk them.
Her dad says it's hard to sort out what to believe.
"When I read an article on Facebook and it kind of tricks my starter, my children say, you know, 'Don't repost it.' So I don't because it's probably not true," Ted Lawson says. "But what is the truth?"
The Lawson family is skeptical of national polls that show Trump trailing Biden.
"He has to win," Simone Lawson says.
Her husband wonders whether Americans will accept the outcome of the election no matter who wins.
"On both sides, they won't accept it," he says. "If the Republicans lose, they won't accept that. I won't accept that."
Simone Lawson says they've accepted every election in their lifetime. "A lot of times it wasn't our choice, but we always respected the office of the president," she says. "But in this case, Trump has to win."
The Lawsons say they will be voting in person on Nov. 3. Clover Lawson plans to cast an absentee ballot, something she's always done as a former military spouse.
Out on the streets of Pensacola, David Sims, a canvasser with Real Women Radio, has been working with ex-offenders re-enfranchised by a constitutional amendment approved by Florida voters two years ago. Advocacy groups say about 67,000 former felons are newly registered this election.
But Sims says the Republican-controlled Legislature has complicated things.
"They pass one law saying you can vote, and they pass another law saying you have to pay your fines," Sims says. "That's further disenfranchisement."
Sims says he believes the system is stacked against encouraging full participation by Black voters such as himself.
"If I know you're gonna vote against me, I'm going to make it where you can't vote at all," Sims says. "They're trying to silence us, and that's why we're out here."