npr--2020-11-15--Astronauts Prepare To Launch To Space Station Aboard SpaceX Rocket

Four astronauts are set to lift off Sunday night from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX rocket bound for the International Space Station .
The crewed flight will be the second for SpaceX 's Dragon capsule and the first since NASA officially certified the small spacecraft to carry people .
Aboard will be NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins , Shannon Walker , and Victor Glover , along with Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi .
`` As a crew , we are ready , '' said Hopkins , the mission commander , in a press conference last week .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are ready for the six months of work that is waiting for us on board the International Space Station , and we are ready for the return . ''
The Dragon is a relatively new ride for astronauts .
Its first crewed flight took place in May , when Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken launched on a jaunt to the station .
They stayed for roughly two months before returning to earth and splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico in early August .
That flight was the first launch of American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shuttle program ended in 2011 .
Following the shuttle 's retirement , NASA spent the better part of a decade paying the Russian space agency for seats aboard its Soyuz rockets .
It hopes the Dragon can end that dependence by providing an American-made system to get astronauts into low earth orbit .
This mission , known as `` Crew-1 '' , is supposed to be the first of many routine flights that will ferry astronauts to and from the station .
Unlike the Soyuz , which has room for three crew members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven passengers into orbit , according to the company .
While the design fundamentally resembles older spacecraft like the Apollo capsules used to reach the moon , Dragon sports some modern upgrades such as a sleek white interior and touch-screen control panels .
The arrival of four astronauts to the station will bring the total crew to seven .
Normally the ISS is staffed with anywhere from three to six crew members , and space will be tight .
Hopkins said he will likely have to make due with the capsule as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The extra crew will help NASA to conduct more scientific research aboard the station , Hopkins said .
`` I think they 're going to keep us pretty busy . ''
Liftoff is set for 7:27 p.m. and the flight to the station will take roughly 28 hours .
Docking will occur Monday evening around 11 p.m. and will be televised by NASA TV .

Liftoff! Astronauts Head To Space Station On SpaceX Rocket
Enlarge this image toggle caption John Raoux/AP John Raoux/AP
Updated at 7:48 p.m. ET
Four astronauts lifted off Sunday night from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX rocket bound for the International Space Station.
Liftoff occurred right on schedule at 7:27 p.m., despite concerns about weather earlier in the day. NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins, Shannon Walker, Victor Glover, and Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi reached orbit after a 12-minute ride to space.
The crewed flight is the second for SpaceX's Dragon capsule and the first since NASA officially certified the small spacecraft to carry people. The Dragon's first crewed flight took place in May, when Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken launched on a jaunt to the station. They stayed for roughly two months before returning to earth and splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico in early August.
That flight was the first launch of American astronauts from American soil since the space shuttle program ended in 2011. Following the shuttle's retirement, NASA spent the better part of a decade paying the Russian space agency for seats aboard its Soyuz rockets. It hopes the Dragon can end that dependence by providing an American-made system to get astronauts into low earth orbit. This mission, known as "Crew-1," is supposed to be the first of many routine flights that will ferry astronauts to and from the station.
Unlike the Soyuz, which has room for three crew members, the Dragon can carry up to seven passengers into orbit, according to the company. While the design fundamentally resembles older spacecraft like the Apollo capsules used to reach the moon, Dragon sports some modern upgrades such as a sleek white interior and touch-screen control panels.
The arrival of four astronauts to the station will bring the total crew to seven. Normally the ISS is staffed with anywhere from three to six crew members, and space will be tight. Hopkins said he will likely have to make do with the capsule as his bedroom for the duration of the mission.
The extra crew will help NASA to conduct more scientific research aboard the station, Hopkins said. "I think they're going to keep us pretty busy."
The four astronauts will spend the next 28 hours enroute to the station aboard the capsule. Docking will occur Monday evening around 11 p.m. and will be televised by NASA TV.


npr--2020-11-14--Judge Rules Acting DHS Secretary Lacked Authority To Suspend DACA Program

A federal judge in New York City says Chad Wolf was not legally serving as the acting secretary of homeland security when he issued a memo in July that stopped new applicants to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program .
Therefore , Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of New York ruled Saturday , Wolf 's memo is invalid .
It 's the latest court ruling against the Trump administration 's attempts to undo the Obama-era program that currently protects about 640,000 young immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocked the Trump administration 's attempt in 2017 to cancel DACA , saying the administration 's reasoning was `` arbitrary and capricious . ''
In July , a federal court in Maryland told the administration to start accepting new applicants .
Instead , Wolf issued a memo on July 28 that , Judge Garaufis wrote , `` effectively suspended DACA '' pending a Department of Homeland Security review .
Wolf 's memo said the administration would reject new applicants .
It also said the administration would renew protections for immigrants who already have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , instead of two years , which was the previous policy .
Wolf has been serving as acting homeland security secretary since November 2019 ; he has not been confirmed by the Senate .
The last homeland security secretary to be confirmed by the Senate was Kirstjen Nielsen , who resigned in April 2019 .
In August , Trump said he would nominate Wolf to the official job .
The Trump administration has previously been chided by another federal judge and a government watchdog for violating the rules of succession at the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolf 's appointment violated the Homeland Security Act of 2002 .
He ordered the parties of the case to schedule conferences with the court by Sunday to inform the judge of any planned motions in response to the ruling .
`` Today 's decision is another win for DACA recipients and those who have been waiting years to apply to the program for the first time , '' wrote Karen Tumlin of the Justice Action Center , who represents DACA recipients in the case .

Judge Rules Acting DHS Secretary Lacked Authority To Suspend DACA Program
Enlarge this image toggle caption Greg Nash/Pool/Getty Images Greg Nash/Pool/Getty Images
A federal judge in New York City says Chad Wolf was not legally serving as the acting secretary of homeland security when he issued a memo in July that stopped new applicants to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Therefore, Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of New York ruled Saturday, Wolf's memo is invalid.
It's the latest court ruling against the Trump administration's attempts to undo the Obama-era program that currently protects about 640,000 young immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.
In June, the Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration's attempt in 2017 to cancel DACA, saying the administration's reasoning was "arbitrary and capricious." In July, a federal court in Maryland told the administration to start accepting new applicants.
Instead, Wolf issued a memo on July 28 that, Judge Garaufis wrote, "effectively suspended DACA" pending a Department of Homeland Security review. Wolf's memo said the administration would reject new applicants. It also said the administration would renew protections for immigrants who already have them, but for just one year, instead of two years, which was the previous policy.
Wolf has been serving as acting homeland security secretary since November 2019; he has not been confirmed by the Senate. The last homeland security secretary to be confirmed by the Senate was Kirstjen Nielsen, who resigned in April 2019. In August, Trump said he would nominate Wolf to the official job.
The Trump administration has previously been chided by another federal judge and a government watchdog for violating the rules of succession at the Department of Homeland Security.
Judge Garaufis said Wolf's appointment violated the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
He ordered the parties of the case to schedule conferences with the court by Sunday to inform the judge of any planned motions in response to the ruling.
"Today's decision is another win for DACA recipients and those who have been waiting years to apply to the program for the first time," wrote Karen Tumlin of the Justice Action Center, who represents DACA recipients in the case.


npr--2020-11-14--Trump Supporters, Counterprotesters Clash At DC Rally Contesting Biden's Victory

Updated at 1:27 a.m .
ET on Sunday Thousands of President Trump 's most fervent supporters were out in Washington , D.C. , on Saturday for a day of rallying that echoed the false assertion that the presidential election was marked by fraud .
One week after Joe Biden 's presidential victory brought about spontaneous celebrations in the nation 's capital , a crowd that included the group Women for America First , right-wing activists and conspiracy theorists gathered in the city 's downtown near the White House .
Members of the Proud Boys , a white-nationalist movement designated as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Law Center , were also seen out on the streets of Washington .
A rally and a march to insist that Trump rightfully won a second term were planned for the day .
The events are going by several names , including the Million MAGA March , the March for Trump and Stop the Steal DC .
By late Saturday morning , hundreds had assembled in Freedom Plaza near the White House .
The demonstrations unfolded peacefully for most of the day , but counterprotesters clashed with the president 's supporters , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were seen overturning tables of vendors selling Trump merchandise , as well as stealing Trump hats and flags and setting them on fire , according to The Washington Post .
Two officers were injured and at least 20 people were arrested , according to the D.C. Mayor 's Office .
Of those arrests , four were for firearm violations , two for simple assault , one for an assault on a police officer , and two for disorderly conduct , D.C. police told member station WAMU .
Seven guns were recovered .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belonged to Trump supporters or counterprotesters .
Scattered clashes turned violent around 8 p.m. , when Trump supporters armed with batons and counterprotesters collided in a brawl five blocks from the White House , The Post reported , before police broke up the groups .
A city fire official said a young man was transported to the hospital for serious injuries after he was stabbed in the back during the fight , according to the newspaper .
Videos from earlier in the day showed attendees waving American and Trump 2020 flags .
Few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even as the U.S. on Friday announced a new daily record of 184,000 confirmed coronavirus cases .
At one point , the crowd was greeted by Trump himself , who rode past demonstrators in his motorcade shortly after 10 a.m. Trump , who has refused to concede the election to Biden , waved to supporters who held out signs reading `` Best prez ever '' and `` Stop the steal . ''
Trump had teased a possible appearance in a tweet on Friday , saying it was `` heartwarming '' to see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to stop by and say hello . ''
Supporters came from far and wide , with many reportedly documenting their trips to Saturday 's events .
Luis Huerta told member station WAMU that he and his family had driven without stopping from Midland-Odessa , Texas , for the rallies .
`` It 's about time our voices were heard and about time we stop giving ground , '' Huerta said while holding a `` Texans for Trump '' sign .
Later in the afternoon , protesters moved onto the Supreme Court for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years '' and `` USA ! ''
Among speakers was the right-wing media personality and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones .
Tammy Summers , who traveled to Washington from Missouri , said she was there to show her support for Trump as he continues to contest the election results .
`` We 're here to tell President Trump that we totally support him , '' Summers said .
`` He should never give up the fight and never give in . ''
Summers also questioned findings concluding that there was no widespread fraud in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were saying there was no evidence of fraud .
Now they 're saying there 's no widespread evidence of fraud .
I 'm sorry , one incident of fraud against our election system is too many , '' she said .
Election officials — both Democratic and Republican — across the U.S. have thoroughly debunked claims of fraud and malfeasance in the 2020 presidential election .
They were joined on Thursday by the Department of Homeland Security , which in a statement concluded , `` There is no evidence that any voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes , or was in any way compromised . ''
The statement , which was put out by agencies within the department responsible for election integrity , called the Nov. 3 election `` the most secure in American history . ''
Planned counterprotests were also happening in the city .
The group Refuse Fascism DC posted a video of its demonstration starting in Black Lives Matter Plaza .
At the Supreme Court , police separated Trump supporters from a group of anti-fascist and anti-Trump protesters , according to video posted to Twitter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on from the Supreme Court demonstration .
The arrival of the so-called `` stop the steal '' caravans had earlier raised concerns in the overwhelmingly Democratic city .
A handful of skirmishes broke out Friday as counterprotesters attempted to prevent the removal of signs on fencing around the White House .
On Saturday morning , video posted by local activists showed what appeared to be a small group of rallygoers ripping down anti-racism and police brutality artwork in Black Lives Matter Plaza .
That section of the city was renamed during massive racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that attendees would bring guns — as was the case during anti-lockdown protests in several states in recent months — were also high .
On Saturday , D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine tweeted out a reminder of local gun laws , which prohibit openly carrying a firearm and restrict where permitted conceal-carry weapons are allowed .
`` No firearms are allowed around the White House , the National Mall , the Tidal Basin or the US Capitol – permit or no permit , '' Racine tweeted .
Ahead of the demonstrations , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions .
NPR 's Hannah Allam , Tom Bowman and member station WAMU contributed to this story .

Trump Supporters, Counterprotesters Clash At D.C. Rally Contesting Biden's Victory
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Updated at 1:27 a.m. ET on Sunday
Thousands of President Trump's most fervent supporters were out in Washington, D.C., on Saturday for a day of rallying that echoed the false assertion that the presidential election was marked by fraud.
One week after Joe Biden's presidential victory brought about spontaneous celebrations in the nation's capital, a crowd that included the group Women for America First, right-wing activists and conspiracy theorists gathered in the city's downtown near the White House.
Members of the Proud Boys, a Western-chauvinistic movement designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, were also seen out on the streets of Washington.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR Carol Guzy for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR Carol Guzy for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Tyrone Turner/WAMU Tyrone Turner/WAMU
A rally and a march to insist that Trump rightfully won a second term were planned for the day. The events went by several names, including the Million MAGA March, the March for Trump and Stop the Steal DC.
By late Saturday morning, hundreds had assembled in Freedom Plaza near the White House.
The demonstrations unfolded peacefully for most of the day, but counterprotesters clashed with the president's supporters and violence erupted as night fell. Counterprotesters were seen overturning tables of vendors selling Trump merchandise, as well as stealing Trump hats and flags and setting them on fire, according to The Washington Post.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR Carol Guzy for NPR
toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR Carol Guzy for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR Carol Guzy for NPR
Two officers were injured and at least 20 people were arrested, according to the D.C. Mayor's Office. Of those arrests, four were for firearm violations, two for simple assault, one for an assault on a police officer and two for disorderly conduct, D.C. police told member station WAMU. Seven guns were recovered. It was not immediately clear if the guns belonged to Trump supporters or counterprotesters.
Scattered clashes turned violent around 8 p.m., when Trump supporters armed with batons and counterprotesters collided in a brawl five blocks from the White House, The Post reported, before police broke up the groups. A city fire official said a young man was transported to the hospital for serious injuries after he was stabbed in the back during the fight, according to the newspaper.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Dee Dwyer for NPR Dee Dwyer for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR Carol Guzy for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Dee Dwyer for NPR Dee Dwyer for NPR
Videos from earlier in the day showed attendees waving American flags and Trump 2020 flags. Few could be seen wearing masks, even as the U.S. on Friday announced a new daily record of 184,000 confirmed coronavirus cases.
At one point, the crowd was greeted by Trump himself, who rode past demonstrators in his motorcade shortly after 10 a.m. Trump, who has refused to concede the election to Biden, waved to supporters, who held out signs reading "Best prez ever" and "Stop the steal."
Trump had teased a possible appearance in a tweet on Friday, saying that it was "heartwarming" to see the support and that "I may even try to stop by and say hello."
Enlarge this image toggle caption Dee Dwyer for NPR Dee Dwyer for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Tyrone Turner/WAMU Tyrone Turner/WAMU
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Supporters came from far and wide, with many reportedly documenting their trips to Saturday's events. Luis Huerta told member station WAMU that he and his family had driven without stopping from Midland-Odessa, Texas, for the rallies.
"It's about time our voices were heard and about time we stop giving ground," Huerta said while holding a "Texans for Trump" sign.
Later in the afternoon, protesters moved to the Supreme Court for a rally, chanting "Four more years!" and "USA!" Among speakers was the far-right media personality and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR Carol Guzy for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR Eman Mohammed for NPR
Tammy Summers, who traveled to Washington from Missouri, said she was there to show her support for Trump as he continues to contest the election results.
"We're here to tell President Trump that we totally support him," Summers said. "He should never give up the fight and never give in."
Summers also questioned findings that concluded that there was no widespread fraud in the 2020 election.
"First, they were saying there was no evidence of fraud. Now they're saying there's no widespread evidence of fraud. I'm sorry, one incident of fraud against our election system is too many," she said.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Dee Dwyer for NPR Dee Dwyer for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR Carol Guzy for NPR
toggle caption Eman Mohammed for NPR
Election officials — both Democratic and Republican — across the U.S. have thoroughly debunked claims of fraud and malfeasance in the 2020 presidential election.
They were joined on Thursday by the Department of Homeland Security, which in a statement concluded, "There is no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or was in any way compromised." The statement, which was put out by agencies within the department responsible for election integrity, called the Nov. 3 election "the most secure in American history."
Planned counterprotests also took place in the city.
The group Refuse Fascism DC posted a video of its demonstration starting in Black Lives Matter Plaza.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR Carol Guzy for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR Carol Guzy for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Carol Guzy for NPR Carol Guzy for NPR
At the Supreme Court, police separated Trump supporters from a group of anti-fascist and anti-Trump protesters, according to video posted to Twitter. After several hours, counterprotesters eventually moved on from the Supreme Court demonstration.
The arrival of the "stop the steal" caravans had earlier raised concerns in the overwhelmingly Democratic city.
A handful of skirmishes broke out Friday as counterprotesters attempted to prevent the removal of signs on fencing around the White House.
On Saturday morning, video posted by local activists showed what appeared to be a small group of rallygoers ripping down anti-racism and anti-police-brutality artwork in Black Lives Matter Plaza. That section of the city was renamed during massive racial justice protests over the summer.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Dee Dwyer for NPR Dee Dwyer for NPR
Enlarge this image toggle caption Dee Dwyer for NPR Dee Dwyer for NPR
Fears that attendees would bring guns — as was the case during anti-lockdown protests in several states in recent months — were also high.
On Saturday, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine tweeted out a reminder about local gun laws, which prohibit openly carrying a firearm and restrict where permitted conceal-carry weapons are allowed.
"No firearms are allowed around the White House, the National Mall, the Tidal Basin or the US Capitol – permit or no permit," Racine tweeted.
Washington, D.C.'s chief of police offered a similar warning.
Ahead of the demonstrations, police in Washington announced road closures and parking restrictions.
NPR's Hannah Allam, Tom Bowman and member station WAMU contributed to this story.


npr--2020-11-16--Philadelphia Bans Nearly All Indoor Gatherings For The Rest Of The Year

Philadelphia Bans Nearly All Indoor Gatherings For The Rest Of The Year Philadelphia is prohibiting most indoor gatherings through Jan. 1. , joining cities across the U.S. that have begun to button up again as the coronavirus spreads relentlessly .
High schools and colleges in Philadelphia are moving to remote learning .
Restaurants must revert back to takeout , delivery and outdoor dining only .
Businesses like bowling alleys , movie theaters and arcades will once again have to shut their doors .
Religious institutions have some leeway , but must limit their indoor gatherings to five people per 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` safer at home '' restrictions go into effect this Friday and will run into the beginning of the new year , with extensions and additional restrictions possible , according to the new order .
This time around , public and private gatherings are the main target .
Indoor gatherings involving more than one household are prohibited , both in public and in private spaces .
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said this means no indoor parties , watching football games or visits between households .
`` While we wo n't prohibit people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to strongly discourage that , because it 's increasingly unsafe to interact with anyone , '' he said .
`` We know that 's a very strong policy , but this gets at the most important sites of spread . ''
Additionally , outdoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people per 1,000 square feet , with a cap of no more than 2,000 individuals for the largest of gatherings .
And to make sure people keep their masks on , no food or beverages can be served at these outdoor events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas including the city 's parks , trails and playgrounds will remain open for individual use .

Philadelphia Bans Nearly All Indoor Gatherings For The Rest Of The Year
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mark Makela/Getty Images Mark Makela/Getty Images
Philadelphia is prohibiting most indoor gatherings through Jan. 1, joining cities across the U.S. that have begun to button up again as the coronavirus spreads relentlessly.
High schools and colleges in Philadelphia are moving to remote learning. Restaurants must revert back to takeout, delivery and outdoor dining only. Businesses like bowling alleys, movie theaters and arcades will once again have to shut their doors.
Religious institutions have some leeway, but must limit their indoor gatherings to five people per 1,000 square feet.
The new series of "safer at home" restrictions go into effect this Friday and will run into the beginning of the new year, with extensions and additional restrictions possible, according to the new order. This time around, public and private gatherings are the main target.
Indoor gatherings involving more than one household are prohibited, both in public and in private spaces. Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said this means no indoor parties, watching football games or visits between households.
"While we won't prohibit people from leaving home and interacting, we want to strongly discourage that, because it's increasingly unsafe to interact with anyone," he said. "We know that's a very strong policy, but this gets at the most important sites of spread."
Additionally, outdoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people per 1,000 square feet, with a cap of no more than 2,000 individuals for the largest of gatherings. And to make sure people keep their masks on, no food or beverages can be served at these outdoor events.
On the bright side, outdoor areas including the city's parks, trails and playgrounds will remain open for individual use.


npr--2020-11-16--Trump Administration Rushes To Sell Oil Rights In Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Starting Tuesday , oil and gas companies can pick which parts of Alaska 's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge they 're interested in drilling .
It 's the latest push by the Trump administration to auction off development rights in the pristine landscape before President-elect Joe Biden takes office .
The official `` call for nominations '' launches a 30-day comment period .
It will also allow the Bureau of Land Management to move forward with a lease sale , which it must announce 30 days in advance .
The exact timing is not clear , but it raises the possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days before Biden 's inauguration .
`` It 's been quite a lot of work to get to this point , '' says Kevin Pendergast , Deputy State Director for Resources with the BLM in Alaska .
In a separate statement , the agency said the lease sale will be a historic move `` advancing this administration 's policy of energy independence . ''
In a dramatic shift after nearly four decades of protections , a Republican-led Congress in 2017 approved legislation that opened up part of the refuge to oil development .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coastal section of the Arctic Refuge within seven years , with the first one to be held by the end of 2021 .
But conservation groups are blasting the Trump administration 's decision to push forward with the sale now , just a couple months before Inauguration Day , saying it 's rushing the process `` to open one of the nation 's most iconic and sacred landscapes to oil drilling . ''
The Arctic refuge 's coastal plain is about 1.6-million-acres — an area roughly the size of Delaware that makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuge .
It 's a place where caribou migrate , polar bears den and migratory birds feed .
It 's also an area believed to hold billions of barrels of untapped oil .
`` This timeline indicates that they 're trying to cram this through in a way that would cut out consideration for public concern , '' says Brook Brisson , senior staff attorney at Trustees for Alaska , an Anchorage-based environmental law firm .
Trustees for Alaska is among several groups , and a coalition of 15 states , that filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drilling plans for the Arctic refuge .
The suits are still winding their way through the court system .
The American Petroleum Institute , a national trade association , welcomed the call for nominations , saying in a statement that development in the Arctic refuge is long overdue , will create good-paying jobs , and provide more revenue for Alaska .
It said the industry will work with wildlife organizations and local communities `` to safely and responsibly develop these important energy resources . ''
Alaska Natives are split on the issue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others decry the impact on wildlife , most notably the Gwich'in , whose culture and diet revolve around migrating caribou .
`` Any company thinking about participating in this corrupt process should know that they will have to answer to the Gwich'in people and the millions of Americans who stand with us , '' said Bernadette Demientieff , executive director of the Gwich'in Steering Committee , in a statement .
But it 's not clear how much interest there will be in drilling .
For one thing , it 's expensive in such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trick is doing the math around the marginal cost of producing a barrel of oil in that area of the world , '' says Andy Mack , a former commissioner with Alaska 's Department of Natural Resources who 's pushed for the refuge 's opening .
Other challenges are low oil prices , the coming change in administration , and the risk of more litigation over environmental concerns .
Some investors have said they wo n't fund new oil and gas projects in the Arctic .
Biden says he plans to permanently protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil and gas permitting on all public lands and waters .
If drilling leases are finalized before Biden takes office they could be difficult to revoke , says Mack .
But even if not , Biden would still face that federal law that mandates a lease sale by the end of 2021 .
Still , Mack says the next administration could impose restrictions .
`` What they would try to do is make it so difficult and so onerous to get the array of permits , '' he says , `` that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not going to spend ten years just trying to get a simple permit , we 're going to put our money and our investment elsewhere . '
''

Trump Administration Rushes To Sell Oil Rights In Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Enlarge this image toggle caption U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/AP U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/AP
Starting Tuesday, oil and gas companies can pick which parts of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge they're interested in drilling. It's the latest push by the Trump administration to auction off development rights in the pristine landscape before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.
The official "call for nominations" launches a 30-day comment period. It will also allow the Bureau of Land Management to move forward with a lease sale, which it must announce 30 days in advance. The exact timing is not clear, but it raises the possibility that a lease sale might happen just days before Biden's inauguration.
"It's been quite a lot of work to get to this point," said Kevin Pendergast, deputy state director for resources with the bureau in Alaska. In a separate statement, the agency said the lease sale will be a historic move "advancing this administration's policy of energy independence."
In a dramatic shift after nearly four decades of protections, a Republican-led Congress in 2017 approved legislation that opened up part of the refuge to oil development. It called for two lease sales in the coastal section of the Arctic refuge within seven years, with the first one to be held by the end of 2021.
But conservation groups are blasting the Trump administration's decision to push forward with the sale now, about two months before Inauguration Day, saying it's rushing the process "to open one of the nation's most iconic and sacred landscapes to oil drilling."
The Arctic refuge's coastal plain is about 1.6 million acres — an area roughly the size of Delaware that makes up about 8% of the vast refuge. It's a place where caribou migrate, polar bears den and migratory birds feed. It's also an area believed to hold billions of barrels of untapped oil.
"This timeline indicates that they're trying to cram this through in a way that would cut out consideration for public concern," said Brook Brisson, senior staff attorney at Trustees for Alaska, an Anchorage-based environmental law firm.
Trustees for Alaska is among several groups, and a coalition of 15 states, that filed lawsuits this year aimed at derailing drilling plans for the Arctic refuge. The suits are still winding their way through the court system.
The American Petroleum Institute, a national trade association, welcomed the call for nominations, saying in a statement that development in the Arctic refuge is long overdue, will create good-paying jobs and provide more revenue for Alaska. It said the industry will work with wildlife organizations and local communities "to safely and responsibly develop these important energy resources."
Alaska Natives are split on the issue, with some seeing opportunity from drilling, while others decry the impact on wildlife, most notably the Gwich'in, whose culture and diet revolve around migrating caribou.
"Any company thinking about participating in this corrupt process should know that they will have to answer to the Gwich'in people and the millions of Americans who stand with us," Bernadette Demientieff, executive director of the Gwich'in Steering Committee, said in a statement.
But it's not clear how much interest there will be in drilling. For one thing, it's expensive in such a remote area.
"The real trick is doing the math around the marginal cost of producing a barrel of oil in that area of the world," said Andy Mack, a former commissioner with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources who has pushed for the refuge's opening.
Other challenges are low oil prices, the coming change in administration and the risk of more litigation over environmental concerns. Some investors have said they won't fund new oil and gas projects in the Arctic.
Biden has said he plans to protect the Arctic refuge permanently and ban new oil and gas permitting on all public lands and waters.
If drilling leases are finalized before Biden takes office, they could be difficult to revoke, Mack said. But even if not, Biden would still face that federal law that mandates a lease sale by the end of 2021. Still, Mack said the next administration could impose restrictions.
"What they would try to do is make it so difficult and so onerous to get the array of permits," he said, "that the companies just say, 'Well, we're not going to spend 10 years just trying to get a simple permit, we're going to put our money and our investment elsewhere.' "


npr--2020-11-16--Over 1 Million Children Tested Positive For Coronavirus In The United States

Over 1 Million Children Tested Positive For Coronavirus In The United States Children now make up at least 1 in 11 of all reported U.S. coronavirus cases .
That 's according to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children 's Hospital Association .
On Monday , the AAP said more than 1 million children have tested positive for the coronavirus in the United States .
`` As a pediatrician who has practiced medicine for over three decades , I find this number staggering and tragic .
We have n't seen a virus flash through our communities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for measles and polio , '' AAP President Sally Goza said in a statement .
The data are compiled from state reports and show 1,039,464 children have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Nov. 12 .
In the one-week period ending that day , there were nearly 112,000 new cases in children , the largest one-week increase .
The virus has had a disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic children , the AAP said .
They have suffered a higher number of infections and are more likely to be affected by economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other critical services .
The number of children with the coronavirus is thought to be widely underestimated .
Because most have no or few symptoms , and it is rare for them to experience severe symptoms , many children are never tested , the AAP noted .
Babies under 1 year old and children with certain underlying conditions may be more likely to have severe illness from the virus , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Some children can experience a rare complication associated with COVID-19 that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health is also being affected by the pandemic .
According to a recent CDC report , children ages 5 to 11 made emergency room visits related to mental health about 24 % more than last year .
Visits from children ages 12 to 17 increased about 31 % .
As winter approaches and people stay indoors more , the AAP 's Goza emphasized the need to get a coronavirus vaccine approved .
She also highlighted other immediate control measures .
`` We urgently need a new , nationwide strategy to control the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health measures like mask-wearing and physical distancing , '' Goza said .
`` This pandemic is taking a heavy toll on children , families and communities as well as on physicians and other front-line medical teams . ''
Reese Oxner is an intern on NPR 's News Desk .

Over 1 Million Children Tested Positive For Coronavirus In The United States
Enlarge this image toggle caption Stephanie Keith/Getty Images Stephanie Keith/Getty Images
Children now make up at least 1 in 11 of all reported U.S. coronavirus cases.
That's according to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association. On Monday, the AAP said more than 1 million children have tested positive for the coronavirus in the United States.
"As a pediatrician who has practiced medicine for over three decades, I find this number staggering and tragic. We haven't seen a virus flash through our communities in this way since before we had vaccines for measles and polio," AAP President Sally Goza said in a statement.
The data are compiled from state reports and show 1,039,464 children have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Nov. 12. In the one-week period ending that day, there were nearly 112,000 new cases in children, the largest one-week increase.
The virus has had a disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic children, the AAP said. They have suffered a higher number of infections and are more likely to be affected by economic harms and lack of access to education and other critical services.
The number of children with the coronavirus is thought to be widely underestimated. Because most have no or few symptoms, and it is rare for them to experience severe symptoms, many children are never tested, the AAP noted.
Babies under 1 year old and children with certain underlying conditions may be more likely to have severe illness from the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some children can experience a rare complication associated with COVID-19 that can cause organ inflammation.
Children's mental health is also being affected by the pandemic. According to a recent CDC report, children ages 5 to 11 made emergency room visits related to mental health about 24% more than last year. Visits from children ages 12 to 17 increased about 31%.
As winter approaches and people stay indoors more, the AAP's Goza emphasized the need to get a coronavirus vaccine approved. She also highlighted other immediate control measures.
"We urgently need a new, nationwide strategy to control the pandemic, and that should include implementing proven public health measures like mask-wearing and physical distancing," Goza said. "This pandemic is taking a heavy toll on children, families and communities as well as on physicians and other front-line medical teams."
Reese Oxner is an intern on NPR's News Desk.


npr--2020-11-16--California 'Sounding The Alarm' With New Restrictions Amid Coronavirus Spike

California 'Sounding The Alarm ' With New Restrictions Amid Coronavirus Spike As California 's `` unprecedented '' coronavirus surge worsens , Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Monday that he 's pulling `` the emergency brake '' and implementing the state 's most restrictive safety measures across most counties , ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday .
The shift into the `` purple tier '' for 41 of 58 counties comes as the number of daily new coronavirus cases doubled in the past 10 days in California , Newsom told reporters .
`` We are sounding the alarm , '' the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a detrimental impact on businesses .
`` California is experiencing the fastest increase in cases we have seen yet — faster than what we experienced at the outset of the pandemic or even this summer , '' Newsom said .
`` The spread of COVID-19 , if left unchecked , could quickly overwhelm our health care system and lead to catastrophic outcomes . ''
Last week , the state became the second in the U.S. to surpass 1 million cases of the virus .
In Los Angeles County , officials recorded more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The governor also suggested a curfew could be imminent .
The state is operating under a four-tier color-coded system called the Blueprint for a Safer Economy .
It ranges in severity from purple — the most restrictive for businesses — to red , orange and yellow — the most flexible .
California 's health and human services secretary , Mark Ghaly , said the troubling rise in cases this month has come at a faster pace than a spike in mid-June .
He stressed that the number of infections is only likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people congregate indoors .
He also anticipates that without the latest round of changes , the number of hospitalizations could surpass the peak experienced this summer .
Ghaly implored Californians to stay home , limit public mingling and wear masks .
He also pleaded with people to avoid unnecessary travel — including for Thanksgiving .
Those who do travel , he said , should quarantine for 14 days upon their return .
Newsom , who has come under fire for attending a birthday party in Napa on Nov. 6 that exceeded the statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I made a bad mistake , '' Newsom said .
`` I should have stood up and ... got back in my car and drove back to my house .
`` The spirit of what I 'm preaching all the time was contradicted , '' he added .
`` I need to preach and practice , not just preach .
... You should expect nothing less from me . ''

California 'Sounding The Alarm' With New Restrictions Amid Coronavirus Spike
Enlarge this image toggle caption Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
As California's "unprecedented" coronavirus surge worsens, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that he's pulling "the emergency brake" and implementing the state's most restrictive safety measures across most counties, ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The shift into the "purple tier" for 41 of 58 counties comes as the number of daily new coronavirus cases doubled in the past 10 days in California, Newsom told reporters.
"We are sounding the alarm," the governor said, acknowledging the move will have a detrimental impact on businesses.
"California is experiencing the fastest increase in cases we have seen yet — faster than what we experienced at the outset of the pandemic or even this summer," Newsom said. "The spread of COVID-19, if left unchecked, could quickly overwhelm our health care system and lead to catastrophic outcomes."
Last week, the state became the second in the U.S. to surpass 1 million cases of the virus. In Los Angeles County, officials recorded more than 6,800 new coronavirus cases over the weekend.
The governor also suggested a curfew could be imminent.
The state is operating under a four-tier color-coded system called the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. It ranges in severity from purple — the most restrictive for businesses — to red, orange and yellow — the most flexible.
California's health and human services secretary, Mark Ghaly, said the troubling rise in cases this month has come at a faster pace than a spike in mid-June. He stressed that the number of infections is only likely to worsen as temperatures drop and more people congregate indoors.
He also anticipates that without the latest round of changes, the number of hospitalizations could surpass the peak experienced this summer.
Ghaly implored Californians to stay home, limit public mingling and wear masks. He also pleaded with people to avoid unnecessary travel — including for Thanksgiving. Those who do travel, he said, should quarantine for 14 days upon their return.
Newsom, who has come under fire for attending a birthday party in Napa on Nov. 6 that exceeded the statewide gathering limit, apologized for his actions.
"I made a bad mistake," Newsom said. "I should have stood up and ... got back in my car and drove back to my house.
"The spirit of what I'm preaching all the time was contradicted," he added. "I need to preach and practice, not just preach. ... You should expect nothing less from me."


npr--2020-11-16--Iowa Doctor Says Money And Staffing Needed To Handle Coronavirus In Nursing Homes

Iowa Doctor Says Money And Staffing Needed To Handle Coronavirus In Nursing Homes Iowa is one of several states , mostly in the Midwest , where coronavirus cases in nursing homes are rising faster than in nursing homes nationally .
While national cases in nursing home residents and staff rose by 8 % between September and October , the numbers in Iowa more than doubled in that time , according to the AARP .
Hospitalizations are also climbing .
Iowa is one of a handful of states with the highest number of people hospitalized per million residents .
Dr. Glenn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at seven nursing homes in and around Council Bluffs in western Iowa , says nursing homes and hospitals both play a part .
Hospitalized patients typically need to do rehabilitation at a nursing home after they leave the hospital , he says .
Sometimes they 're there for weeks .
`` If your hospitals are bottlenecked and you open up that bottleneck with more beds or field hospitals or however you do that , but you do n't open the bottleneck at the nursing home , and we 're just going to fill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and everybody will be stuck , '' he tells Rachel Martin on Morning Edition .
In an effort to control the virus in Iowa nursing homes , visitors have been strictly limited for months .
Here are excerpts of the interview : So what needs to happen ?
We have to be thinking about the patients who do n't have COVID and protecting them .
And that 's what I have been doing with nursing homes in our county .
This is a frail population .
Forty-eight percent of all deaths in Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
... We 've got to prevent the condition from coming in to the facility and infecting those people .
But at the same time , we 've got to be able to provide rehabilitation care for those patients who did have COVID and were hospitalized and ventilated and need some rehab time .
Back in March , we looked at trying to open a nursing home that had been closed in the community as a COVID space .
It would save us staffing issues .
It would provide beds and appropriate care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support from the government to do that .
This is largely a financial issue ?
Money could solve a lot of this problem in terms of space to take care of patients .
Here in western Iowa we 're also dealing with a staffing problem .
There just are n't enough nurses and [ certified nursing assistants ] who are able and willing to do this work .
We 've got to train people up quickly .
How are you managing the expectations of residents who , especially around the holidays , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connect with family ?
Residents , family , staff , everybody is on an emotional roller coaster through this crisis .
We take care of these people on a daily basis .
We know their likes , their senses of humor , their kindness towards one another and the relationships with one another .
And we value that in the same way that we value the relationships with their families and the same way we value relationships with one another .
And the isolation absolutely has a negative effect on that family relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had an outbreak and six patients died .
And I assure you that the pain that those patients suffered , losing their friends that they see on a daily basis , and trying to recover through that whole outbreak process was far greater trauma than the separations that we 're seeing with family that we do mitigate with window visits and with assisting them using the computer and online technology to have some face-to-face time .
The holidays will be difficult .
Taylor Haney and Catherine Whelan produced and edited the audio interview @

Iowa Doctor Says Money And Staffing Needed To Handle Coronavirus In Nursing Homes
Iowa is one of several states, mostly in the Midwest, where coronavirus cases in nursing homes are rising faster than in nursing homes nationally.
While national cases in nursing home residents and staff rose by 8% between September and October, the numbers in Iowa more than doubled in that time, according to the AARP.
Hospitalizations are also climbing. Iowa is one of a handful of states with the highest number of people hospitalized per million residents.
Dr. Glenn Hurst, who is the medical director at seven nursing homes in and around Council Bluffs in western Iowa, says nursing homes and hospitals both play a part.
Hospitalized patients typically need to do rehabilitation at a nursing home after they leave the hospital, he says. Sometimes they're there for weeks.
"If your hospitals are bottlenecked and you open up that bottleneck with more beds or field hospitals or however you do that, but you don't open the bottleneck at the nursing home, and we're just going to fill up all those beds in the hospital and everybody will be stuck," he tells Rachel Martin on Morning Edition.
In an effort to control the virus in Iowa nursing homes, visitors have been strictly limited for months.
Here are excerpts of the interview:
So what needs to happen?
We have to be thinking about the patients who don't have COVID and protecting them. And that's what I have been doing with nursing homes in our county. This is a frail population. Forty-eight percent of all deaths in Iowa from COVID are people from nursing homes. ...
We've got to prevent the condition from coming in to the facility and infecting those people. But at the same time, we've got to be able to provide rehabilitation care for those patients who did have COVID and were hospitalized and ventilated and need some rehab time.
Back in March, we looked at trying to open a nursing home that had been closed in the community as a COVID space. It would save us staffing issues. It would provide beds and appropriate care. But we didn't get the support from the government to do that.
This is largely a financial issue?
Money could solve a lot of this problem in terms of space to take care of patients. Here in western Iowa we're also dealing with a staffing problem. There just aren't enough nurses and [certified nursing assistants] who are able and willing to do this work. We've got to train people up quickly.
How are you managing the expectations of residents who, especially around the holidays, will expect or hope to be able to connect with family?
Residents, family, staff, everybody is on an emotional roller coaster through this crisis. We take care of these people on a daily basis. We know their likes, their senses of humor, their kindness towards one another and the relationships with one another. And we value that in the same way that we value the relationships with their families and the same way we value relationships with one another.
And the isolation absolutely has a negative effect on that family relationship. But I had a facility that had an outbreak and six patients died. And I assure you that the pain that those patients suffered, losing their friends that they see on a daily basis, and trying to recover through that whole outbreak process was far greater trauma than the separations that we're seeing with family that we do mitigate with window visits and with assisting them using the computer and online technology to have some face-to-face time. The holidays will be difficult.
Taylor Haney and Catherine Whelan produced and edited the audio interview.


npr--2020-11-16--White House Orders Thousands Of U.S. Troops Withdrawn From Afghanistan And Iraq

White House Orders Thousands Of U.S .
Troops Withdrawn From Afghanistan And Iraq The White House will bring home 2,500 troops from Afghanistan and Iraq by the end of the year against the guidance of top military officials , a drawdown order that reduces the American presence by about a third , from 4,500 to 2,500 in Afghanistan and 3,000 to 2,500 in Iraq , according to a U.S. official .
NPR 's Tom Bowman reported the move is opposed by senior military leaders , given Afghanistan 's fragile state .
Peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have risen 50 % in recent months .
Army Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , and Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie , head of U.S. Central Command , have advised the troop reduction be pushed to the spring , Bowman reported .
The cutbacks can only be so surprising .
National security adviser Robert O'Brien had called the play one month ago when he said the number of troops in Afghanistan would drop to 2,500 .
Milley , in an interview with NPR at the time , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the United States was attempting to wind down these wars `` responsibly . ''
O'Brien countered that President Trump had approved the number .
Trump campaigned in 2016 on bringing the U.S. military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan to an end .
Last month , the president tweeted , `` We should have the small remaining number of our BRAVE Men and Women serving in Afghanistan home by Christmas ! ''
The withdrawal will likely have little effect on the ground , Bowman reported , since U.S. forces will still be training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airstrikes against Taliban forces will also continue since forces fly out of Kuwait and other countries in the region .

White House Orders Thousands Of U.S. Troops Withdrawn From Afghanistan And Iraq
Enlarge this image toggle caption Qassim Abdul-Zahra/AP Qassim Abdul-Zahra/AP
The White House will bring home 2,500 troops from Afghanistan and Iraq by the end of the year against the guidance of top military officials, a drawdown order that reduces the American presence by about a third, from 4,500 to 2,500 in Afghanistan and 3,000 to 2,500 in Iraq, according to a U.S. official.
NPR's Tom Bowman reported the move is opposed by senior military leaders, given Afghanistan's fragile state. Peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban have seemingly stalled, and violent attacks have risen 50% in recent months. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, have advised the troop reduction be pushed to the spring, Bowman reported.
The cutbacks can only be so surprising. National security adviser Robert O'Brien had called the play one month ago when he said the number of troops in Afghanistan would drop to 2,500. Milley, in an interview with NPR at the time, said that number was "speculation" and that the United States was attempting to wind down these wars "responsibly."
O'Brien countered that President Trump had approved the number.
Trump campaigned in 2016 on bringing the U.S. military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan to an end. Last month, the president tweeted, "We should have the small remaining number of our BRAVE Men and Women serving in Afghanistan home by Christmas!"
The withdrawal will likely have little effect on the ground, Bowman reported, since U.S. forces will still be training elements of the Afghan military. U.S. airstrikes against Taliban forces will also continue since forces fly out of Kuwait and other countries in the region.


npr--2020-11-16--'More People May Die': Biden Chides Trump For Blocking Presidential Transition

'More People May Die ' : Biden Chides Trump For Blocking Presidential Transition President-elect Joe Biden on Monday outlined his plan for rehabilitating the U.S. economy , emphasizing the importance of getting control of the coronavirus pandemic .
As Biden spoke , the shadow of President Trump 's refusal to concede was apparent , with the president-elect making clear that he was being kept from information that would be vital to taking over the presidency early next year .
`` More people may die if we do n't coordinate , '' Biden said on plans for vaccine distribution .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the impact that a delayed transition could have on his ability to hit the ground running after he takes office .
`` They say they have this Warp Speed program , '' he continued , referring to the Trump administration 's vaccine development and delivery program , Operation Warp Speed .
`` If we have to wait until Jan. 20 to start that planning , it puts us behind . ''
The president-elect did say , as he has been , that his transition is moving along in many other ways as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate and union leaders he brought together via Zoom on Monday — and works to fill key administration positions .
`` I find this more embarrassing for the country than debilitating for my ability to get started , '' Biden said of Trump .
Final votes were cast in the general election nearly two weeks ago .
Trump has repeatedly refused to concede in the race , baselessly citing disproven accusations of widespread voter fraud .
`` We 're going into a very dark winter .
Things are going to get much tougher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` That requires sparing no effort to fight COVID .
So that we can open our businesses safely , resume our lives and put this pandemic behind us .
It 's going to be difficult , but it can be done , '' he continued , criticizing Trump for withholding valuable health information that he said would better inform the incoming administration on how to combat the pandemic .
The virus has so far killed more than 240,000 Americans .
`` There 's so much we can do .
The only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we work together .
I know we can do this . ''
Meanwhile , Vice President Pence praised the Trump administration 's efforts to combat the pandemic in a tweet Monday .
`` Under President Trump 's leadership , we 're ensuring every state has what they need to deliver a vaccine to every American ! ''
Pence tweeted after biotechnology company Moderna announced positive steps toward developing a coronavirus vaccine .

'More People May Die': Biden Chides Trump For Blocking Presidential Transition
Enlarge this image toggle caption Joe Raedle/Getty Images Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Updated at 4:52 p.m. ET
President-elect Joe Biden on Monday outlined his plan for rehabilitating the U.S. economy, emphasizing the importance of getting control of the coronavirus pandemic.
As Biden spoke, the shadow of President Trump's refusal to concede was apparent, with the president-elect making clear that he was being kept from information that would be vital to taking over the presidency early next year.
"More people may die if we don't coordinate," Biden said on plans for vaccine distribution.
The comments are his most stark to date about the impact that a delayed transition could have on his ability to hit the ground running after he takes office.
"They say they have this Warp Speed program," he continued, referring to the Trump administration's vaccine development and delivery program, Operation Warp Speed. "If we have to wait until Jan. 20 to start that planning, it puts us behind."
The president-elect did say, as he has been, that his transition is moving along in many other ways as he meets with different groups — like corporate and union leaders he brought together via Zoom on Monday — and works to fill key administration positions.
"I find this more embarrassing for the country than debilitating for my ability to get started," Biden said of Trump.
Final votes were cast in the general election nearly two weeks ago. Trump has repeatedly refused to concede in the race, baselessly citing disproven accusations of widespread voter fraud.
"We're going into a very dark winter. Things are going to get much tougher before they get easier," Biden said.
"That requires sparing no effort to fight COVID. So that we can open our businesses safely, resume our lives and put this pandemic behind us. It's going to be difficult, but it can be done," he continued, criticizing Trump for withholding valuable health information that he said would better inform the incoming administration on how to combat the pandemic. The virus has so far killed more than 240,000 Americans.
"There's so much we can do. The only way we do any of this is if we work together. I know we can do this."
Meanwhile, Vice President Pence praised the Trump administration's efforts to combat the pandemic in a tweet Monday.
"Under President Trump's leadership, we're ensuring every state has what they need to deliver a vaccine to every American!" Pence tweeted after biotechnology company Moderna announced positive steps toward developing a coronavirus vaccine.


npr--2020-11-16--Navajo Nation Enters New Lockdown As Coronavirus Cases Rise

After warning of `` uncontrolled spread '' of the coronavirus last week , the Navajo Nation entered a lockdown Monday in an effort to stop infections .
Nonessential businesses are closed .
Schools have been moved to online learning .
Roads within the nation are closed to visitors .
The lockdown will last at least three weeks .
`` Unfortunately , it appears that this pandemic is going to get worse before it gets better .
The projections from our health care experts indicate that the Navajo Nation , as well as the country , is on an upward trajectory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in a Sunday statement .
`` Please hold yourselves and your loved ones accountable and please pray for our Nation . ''
The reservation spreads across parts of Arizona , New Mexico and Utah .
The government ordered a lockdown for the nation of over 170,000 between March and August in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Now , cases are rising again , both within the reservation and in the surrounding states .
The government has shifted its reopening status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown protocols .
On Sunday , the nation reported 117 new cases and four more deaths .
Overall the government has recorded 13,373 cases .
Contract tracers found the infections spread from outside the nation , KJZZ 's Laurel Morales reported , when residents visit family or friends and then return Tribal officials say they still have a few ICU beds left .
The surrounding states ' hospitals that the tribe relies on are close to capacity .
Nez recently vetoed a plan to reopen the nation 's casinos at a reduced capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explore relief options to support Navajo businesses .
`` We can not put a price tag on the health , safety , and lives of our Navajo people .
Revenues do not outweigh the precious lives of our elders , children , and gaming employees , '' Nez said .
In August , the government distributed $ 24.6 million in CARES Act funds to avoid layoffs of gaming employees .
The nation is battling pandemic fatigue among its residents , NPR 's Dustin Jones reported .
Previously , its department of health eased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deter outside travel .
The rise in cases comes as the United States is facing surging case counts all over the country .
Since the start of the pandemic , the U.S. has recorded more than 11 million cases .
`` We all have a role to play to protect ourselves and our relatives , '' said Dr. Jill Jim , executive director of the nation 's health department , in a statement .
She said cases are approaching the nation 's record high of early May .

Navajo Nation Enters New Lockdown As Coronavirus Cases Rise
Enlarge this image toggle caption Sharon Chischilly/Getty Images Sharon Chischilly/Getty Images
After warning of "uncontrolled spread" of the coronavirus last week, the Navajo Nation entered a lockdown Monday in an effort to stop infections.
Nonessential businesses are closed. Schools have been moved to online learning. Roads within the nation are closed to visitors. The lockdown will last at least three weeks.
"Unfortunately, it appears that this pandemic is going to get worse before it gets better. The projections from our health care experts indicate that the Navajo Nation, as well as the country, is on an upward trajectory in terms of new cases of COVID-19," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in a Sunday statement. "Please hold yourselves and your loved ones accountable and please pray for our Nation."
The reservation spreads across parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The government ordered a lockdown for the nation of over 170,000 between March and August in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Now, cases are rising again, both within the reservation and in the surrounding states. The government has shifted its reopening status to code red, invoking its strictest lockdown protocols.
On Sunday, the nation reported 117 new cases and four more deaths. Overall the government has recorded 13,373 cases.
Contract tracers found the infections spread from outside the nation, KJZZ's Laurel Morales reported, when residents visit family or friends and then return
Tribal officials say they still have a few ICU beds left. The surrounding states' hospitals that the tribe relies on are close to capacity.
Nez recently vetoed a plan to reopen the nation's casinos at a reduced capacity. He said the government will instead explore relief options to support Navajo businesses.
"We cannot put a price tag on the health, safety, and lives of our Navajo people. Revenues do not outweigh the precious lives of our elders, children, and gaming employees," Nez said.
In August, the government distributed $24.6 million in CARES Act funds to avoid layoffs of gaming employees.
The nation is battling pandemic fatigue among its residents, NPR's Dustin Jones reported. Previously, its department of health eased weekend restrictions to combat fatigue and to deter outside travel.
The rise in cases comes as the United States is facing surging case counts all over the country. Since the start of the pandemic, the U.S. has recorded more than 11 million cases.
"We all have a role to play to protect ourselves and our relatives," said Dr. Jill Jim, executive director of the nation's health department, in a statement. She said cases are approaching the nation's record high of early May.


npr--2020-11-16--Hurricane Iota Makes Landfall In Nicaragua, Region Braces For 'Catastrophic' Impact

Central America is bracing for a potentially catastrophic slam from Hurricane Iota , as the Category 5 barreled down on the northern coast of Nicaragua at about 7 p.m .
ET on Monday .
That country as well as Honduras , Guatemala , and southern Belize , which are flanked by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean , are still trying to recover from the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Eta .
That storm left tens of thousands homeless , as the Category 4 which battered the region on Nov. 3 .
At the time , Eta was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the month of November .
The National Hurricane Center reported the western eyewall of Iota is over Nicaragua and warned of `` catastrophic winds , life-threatening storm surge , and torrential rainfall '' across Central America .
Besides Iota 's unbelievable wind strength ( which is expected to rip apart roofs and shatter some buildings completely ) , it 's also bringing a massive storm surge , rain and flooding .
Water is always the biggest killer in any tropical event and this will be no exception ; Iota is a `` bigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how wide the windfield is .
That means more people will feel the effects of the storm .
This is the record 30th named storm and strongest hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic Season .
Iota has continued to outperform forecasts .
Among its achievements : • Iota intensified 100 mph in 36 hours .
Prior to 2020 , 8 storms did this in 169 years of recordkeeping .
In the last two months , three storms have done it ( Delta , Eta and Iota ) • In terms of pressure , Iota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on record Relief organizations , already stretched by their response to Hurricane Eta , are preparing for the damage Iota will most certainly cause throughout Central America .
The life-threatening storm was made more likely by climate change , research shows .
Hurricanes are more likely to be larger and more powerful when they form over hotter oceans , because they draw their energy from the water .
Climate change is causing sea surface temperatures to rise around the world , and in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico , the water is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was a century ago .
The hurricane center 's description of damage resulting from a Category 5 storm said that `` a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed .
...
Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas .
Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months .
Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months . ''
Conor Walsh , who manages Catholic Relief Services in Honduras , said the capital , Tegucigalpa , is highly vulnerable — as is the rest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big , it 's going to go right across the whole country , and we expect widespread damage and widespread suffering , '' Walsh said .
Timothy Hansell , manager of Catholic Relief Services in Nicaragua , said the charity is working to provide cleaning supplies and toilet paper to local residents , rebuild homes damaged in Hurricane Eta and help farmers recover from damage to crops .
Nations Still Trying To Recover From Hurricane Eta Hurricane Eta hit two parts of Nicaragua hardest , Hansell said .
`` One is the Caribbean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's where we 're getting the really strong winds and heavy flooding and houses destroyed , '' Hansell said .
`` The other area is the northern and central area of the country , which is where a lot of the farming areas are , and they 're reporting ... 50 % loss in the current season for beans [ and ] a lot of damage in rice and corn as well as in vegetables . ''
The storm 's impact on farms extends throughout the region .
`` These two storms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because ... farmers are just getting ready to harvest , and they lost massive amounts of beans and other basic grains to the storm , '' Walsh said .
`` So we 're going to have to think about their immediate food security and then the long-term recovery of the agricultural sector . ''
This coming week , Mercy Corps , a global humanitarian aid organization in Guatemala , plans to install water storage tanks at evacuation shelters in Alta Verapaz to ensure evacuees have access to clean water .
But Miriam Aguilar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she anticipated flash flooding that may cut off her organization 's access to the shelters .
The risk from COVID-19 and waterborne diseases will only increase as more evacuees seek shelter , Aguilar said .
`` We are really concerned about the spread of COVID-19 , '' she said .
`` In addition to formal shelters , including the ones that we have already been providing [ personal protective equipment ] and other urgent supplies ... there are also many informal shelters ... set up by communities themselves .
They improvise the structures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Hurricane Iota Makes Landfall In Nicaragua, Region Braces For 'Catastrophic' Impact
Enlarge this image toggle caption NOAA/AP NOAA/AP
Updated at 5:05 a.m. ET on Tuesday
Hurricane Iota has made landfall in Nicaragua as a Category 4 storm, with the Central American region bracing for the possibility of catastrophic damage.
Iota crossed into Nicaragua near the town of Haulover, approximately 15 miles south of where Hurricane Eta also struck as a Category 4 on Nov. 3.
Nicaragua, along with Honduras, Guatemala, and southern Belize, which are flanked by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, are still trying to recover from the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Eta, which left tens of thousands homeless.
At the time, Eta was the strongest storm to ever hit Nicaragua in the month of November.
The National Hurricane Center has warned of "catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surge, and torrential rainfall" across Central America from the latest storm.
When it made landfall, Iota had sustained winds of 155 mph – a Category 4 hurricane, but by 4 a.m. ET, it had lost strength, becoming a Category 2 storm, with winds at 105 mph, according to the U.S.-based National Hurricane Center. The storm was centered about 10 miles east-northeast of El Pia, Nicaragua. Before making landfall, Iota reached Category 5 for a time.
Besides Iota's incredible strong winds — expected to rip apart roofs and shatter some buildings completely — it is also bringing a massive storm surge, rain and flooding. Water is always the biggest killer in any tropical event and this will be no exception; Iota is a "bigger" storm than Eta in terms of how wide the windfield is. That means more people will feel the effects of the storm.
This is the record 30th named storm and strongest hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic Season.
As the National Hurricane Center warns:
"Through Thursday, heavy rainfall from Iota will likely lead to life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding across portions of Central America. Flooding and mudslides in Honduras and Nicaragua could be exacerbated by Hurricane Etas recent effects there, resulting in significant to potentially catastrophic impacts."
Iota has continued to outperform forecasts. Among its achievements:
Iota intensified 100 mph in 36 hours. Prior to 2020, 8 storms did this in 169 years of recordkeeping. In the last two months, three storms have done it (Delta, Eta and Iota)
In terms of pressure, Iota is the 20th most intense Atlantic hurricane on record
Enlarge this image toggle caption Moises Castillo/AP Moises Castillo/AP
Relief organizations, already stretched by their response to Hurricane Eta, are preparing for the damage Iota will most certainly cause throughout Central America.
Climate Change Behind Larger, More Powerful Storms
The life-threatening storm was made more likely by climate change, research shows. Hurricanes are more likely to be larger and more powerful when they form over hotter oceans, because they draw their energy from the water. Climate change is causing sea surface temperatures to rise around the world, and in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, the water is consistently about 2 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than it was a century ago.
The hurricane center's description of damage resulting from a Category 5 storm said that "a high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed. ... Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months."
Conor Walsh, who manages Catholic Relief Services in Honduras, said the capital, Tegucigalpa, is highly vulnerable — as is the rest of the country.
Enlarge this image toggle caption National Hurricane Center National Hurricane Center
"This storm is so big, it's going to go right across the whole country, and we expect widespread damage and widespread suffering," Walsh said.
Timothy Hansell, manager of Catholic Relief Services in Nicaragua, said the charity is working to provide cleaning supplies and toilet paper to local residents, rebuild homes damaged in Hurricane Eta and help farmers recover from damage to crops.
Nations Still Trying To Recover From Hurricane Eta
Hurricane Eta hit two parts of Nicaragua hardest, Hansell said.
"One is the Caribbean [coastal] Indigenous communities, and that's where we're getting the really strong winds and heavy flooding and houses destroyed," Hansell said. "The other area is the northern and central area of the country, which is where a lot of the farming areas are, and they're reporting ... 50% loss in the current season for beans [and] a lot of damage in rice and corn as well as in vegetables."
The storm's impact on farms extends throughout the region.
"These two storms are hitting at the worst possible time because ... farmers are just getting ready to harvest, and they lost massive amounts of beans and other basic grains to the storm," Walsh said. "So we're going to have to think about their immediate food security and then the long-term recovery of the agricultural sector."
Risk of COVID-19 Increases Among Evacuees
This coming week, Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian aid organization in Guatemala, plans to install water storage tanks at evacuation shelters in Alta Verapaz to ensure evacuees have access to clean water. But Miriam Aguilar, a Mercy Corps representative, said she anticipated flash flooding that may cut off her organization's access to the shelters.
The risk from COVID-19 and waterborne diseases will only increase as more evacuees seek shelter, Aguilar said.
"We are really concerned about the spread of COVID-19," she said.
"In addition to formal shelters, including the ones that we have already been providing [personal protective equipment] and other urgent supplies ... there are also many informal shelters ... set up by communities themselves. They improvise the structures, and they are lacking basic resources."


npr--2020-11-16--Michelle Obama Urges U.S. Leaders To 'Encourage A Smooth Transition Of Power'

Michelle Obama Urges U.S .
Leaders To 'Encourage A Smooth Transition Of Power' Former first lady Michelle Obama called on Americans , `` especially our nation 's leaders , regardless of power , '' to `` honor the electoral process and do your part to encourage a smooth transition of power , '' as President Trump continues to dispute the results of the November election .
Obama warned that a refusal to commit to an orderly transfer of power could put the country at risk .
`` Our love of country requires us to respect the results of an election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or wish it had gone differently — the presidency does n't belong to any one individual or any one party , '' she said .
`` To pretend that it does , to play along with these groundless conspiracy theories — whether for personal or political gain — is to put our country 's health and security in danger . ''
Obama 's comments , made in a lengthy Instagram post on Monday , come after she played a somewhat limited role during the 2020 presidential campaign .
The former first lady recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not appear at any campaign events in person .
The comments also come as her husband , former President Barack Obama is making the rounds to promote his new memoir , which will be released on Tuesday .
In Monday 's post , Obama described her feelings in the immediate aftermath of the 2016 election , which delivered Trump the presidency .
She described herself as `` hurt and disappointed , '' but said that `` the votes had been counted and Donald Trump had won . ''
`` The American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great responsibilities of the presidency is to listen when they do , '' she said .

Michelle Obama Urges U.S. Leaders To 'Encourage A Smooth Transition Of Power'
Enlarge this image toggle caption The Democratic National Convention via AP The Democratic National Convention via AP
Former first lady Michelle Obama called on Americans, "especially our nation's leaders, regardless of power," to "honor the electoral process and do your part to encourage a smooth transition of power," as President Trump continues to dispute the results of the November election.
Obama warned that a refusal to commit to an orderly transfer of power could put the country at risk.
"Our love of country requires us to respect the results of an election even when we don't like them or wish it had gone differently — the presidency doesn't belong to any one individual or any one party," she said. "To pretend that it does, to play along with these groundless conspiracy theories — whether for personal or political gain — is to put our country's health and security in danger."
Obama's comments, made in a lengthy Instagram post on Monday, come after she played a somewhat limited role during the 2020 presidential campaign. The former first lady recorded videos for the Biden campaign, but did not appear at any campaign events in person. The comments also come as her husband, former President Barack Obama is making the rounds to promote his new memoir, which will be released on Tuesday.
In Monday's post, Obama described her feelings in the immediate aftermath of the 2016 election, which delivered Trump the presidency. She described herself as "hurt and disappointed," but said that "the votes had been counted and Donald Trump had won."
"The American people had spoken. And one of the great responsibilities of the presidency is to listen when they do," she said.


npr--2020-11-16--National Security Adviser Says It Looks Like Biden Has Won The Election

National Security Adviser Says It Looks Like Biden Has Won The Election National security adviser Robert O'Brien promised a `` professional transition '' with the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden , partly diverging from the mode in use by President Trump , who says he contests the election .
`` If the Biden-Harris ticket is determined to be the winner — and , obviously , things look that way now — we 'll have a very professional transition with the National Security Council , no doubt about it , '' O'Brien said .
His remarks , which were made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Soufan Center 's Global Security Forum .
Trump has refused to acknowledge the results of the Nov. 3 election , which he lost to Biden .
He has falsely proclaimed several times on Twitter that he `` won the election '' or complained about the process .
The president 's supporters have sought to make clear they believe Trump has the right to make his series of legal challenges , few of which have met with success .
Some Republicans , however , are dropping that pose , including Arkansas Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on NBC 's Meet the Press and said , `` We want to make sure that there is a smooth transition . ''
Trump took aim Monday at another onetime ally , Ohio Republican Gov .
Mike DeWine , who also has acknowledged the results of the race and contemplated the incoming Biden administration .
Trump suggested on Twitter he might throw his support behind a primary challenger when DeWine is up for reelection in 2022 .
O'Brien , meanwhile , addressed the personnel he expected to encounter in the incoming administration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are coming in to take these positions , many of whom have been here before and spent a lot of time in the White House in prior administrations . ''
It was n't clear whether O'Brien might pay a price within the White House for his divergence from the official line .
Trump not only has attacked politicians who 've acknowledged the results of the election , but the administration also has fired a number of officials in various Cabinet departments and may remove more of them .
Tension between the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for years , often over contradictions between what they say is true and Trump 's statements or his objectives .
Intelligence and national security officials told members of Congress they did not believe North Korea would ever surrender its nuclear program , for example , even as Trump continued to try to achieve that aim by negotiating with dictator Kim Jong Un .
O'Brien suggested in his remarks released Monday , which alluded to the delayed transition following the 2000 election , that eventually the process of handing over responsibility would begin in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has .
`` The great thing is , this is the United States of America ; we 've passed the baton and had peaceful successful transitions even in the most contentious periods . ''

National Security Adviser Says It Looks Like Biden Has Won The Election
Enlarge this image toggle caption Vietnam News Agency/Via AP Vietnam News Agency/Via AP
Updated at 12:37 p.m. ET
National security adviser Robert O'Brien promised a "professional transition" with the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, partly diverging from the mode in use by President Trump, who says he contests the election.
"If the Biden-Harris ticket is determined to be the winner — and, obviously, things look that way now — we'll have a very professional transition with the National Security Council, no doubt about it," O'Brien said.
His remarks, which were made last week, were streamed online Monday by the Soufan Center's Global Security Forum.
Trump has refused to acknowledge the results of the Nov. 3 election, which he lost to Biden. He has falsely proclaimed several times on Twitter that he "won the election" or complained about the process.
The president's supporters have sought to make clear they believe Trump has the right to make his series of legal challenges, few of which have met with success.
Some Republicans, however, are dropping that pose, including Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who appeared Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press and said, "We want to make sure that there is a smooth transition."
Trump took aim Monday at another onetime ally, Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who also has acknowledged the results of the race and contemplated the incoming Biden administration. Trump suggested on Twitter he might throw his support behind a primary challenger when DeWine is up for reelection in 2022.
Latest break between president, national security bosses
O'Brien, meanwhile, addressed the personnel he expected to encounter in the incoming administration, specialists he called "very professional folks who are coming in to take these positions, many of whom have been here before and spent a lot of time in the White House in prior administrations."
It wasn't clear whether O'Brien might pay a price within the White House for his divergence from the official line. Trump not only has attacked politicians who've acknowledged the results of the election, but the administration also has fired a number of officials in various Cabinet departments and may remove more of them.
Tension between the president and his national security advisers has run for years, often over contradictions between what they say is true and Trump's statements or his objectives.
Intelligence and national security officials told members of Congress they did not believe North Korea would ever surrender its nuclear program, for example, even as Trump continued to try to achieve that aim by negotiating with dictator Kim Jong Un.
O'Brien suggested in his remarks released Monday, which alluded to the delayed transition following the 2000 election, that eventually the process of handing over responsibility would begin in earnest and move ahead as it always has.
"The great thing is, this is the United States of America; we've passed the baton and had peaceful successful transitions even in the most contentious periods."


npr--2020-11-16--Whitmer: 'Not Going To Be Bullied' Over Michigan Coronavirus Restrictions

Whitmer : 'Not Going To Be Bullied ' Over Michigan Coronavirus Restrictions As coronavirus cases spike in Michigan at an alarming rate , state officials announced a new emergency order sharply limiting indoor gatherings for three weeks .
Then a top Trump administration coronavirus adviser urged the state 's residents to `` rise up '' against such measures , prompting the governor to respond that she is `` not going to be bullied . ''
White House coronavirus adviser Dr. Scott Atlas tweeted Sunday , `` The only way this stops is if people rise up .
You get what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took my breath away , to tell you the truth , '' Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , a Democrat , said in an interview with MSNBC 's Morning Joe .
On Sunday , Michigan health officials announced the `` three-week pause '' that seeks to limit indoor social gatherings and group activities .
The measures , which are set to go into effect Wednesday , include the temporary suspension of in-person learning at colleges and high schools , closing casinos and movie theaters , and restricting indoor services at bars and restaurants .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the Trump administration and Whitmer .
The first-term governor , who the FBI said was the target of an alleged kidnapping plot by a group of men linked to a far-right militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen , pushed back on Atlas ' call to action .
`` We know the White House likes to single us out here in Michigan , me out in particular , '' Whitmer told CNN Sunday evening .
`` I 'm not going to be bullied into not following reputable scientists and medical professionals . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have actually studied and are well-respected worldwide on these issues , '' Whitmer continued , `` not the individual that is doing the president 's bidding on this one . ''
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel agreed , blasting the response from the Trump administration as `` disappointing , irresponsible , and the reason why the United States finds itself in such desperate circumstances regarding COVID-19 . ''
The tweet from Atlas mirrors one in April from President Trump , who called on residents to `` LIBERATE MICHIGAN ! ''
in an apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed in the spring .
Several hours after Atlas ' original tweet , he added , `` I NEVER was talking at all about violence .
People vote , people peacefully protest .
NEVER would I endorse or incite violence . ''
Michigan officials said the upcoming measures are less restrictive than those imposed months ago , saying it `` is not a blanket stay-home action like in the spring , '' according to a statement .
Health officials said the new order allows for those who work in manufacturing , construction and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It also said outdoor dining and parks remain open .
Other `` individualized activities '' such as shopping , riding public transportation and personal-care services including haircuts by appointment and exercise at gyms can continue , so long as the activities follow distancing and facial covering protocols .
The state 's new coronavirus order allows professional and college sports as long as they meet `` extraordinary standards for risk mitigation . ''
Spectators will not be permitted at the events .
`` In the spring , we listened to public health experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of lives together .
Now , we must channel that same energy and join forces again to protect our families , frontline workers and small businesses , '' Whitmer said in a statement .
According to Johns Hopkins University , Michigan has had more than 275,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 8,300 deaths .
Over the weekend , the United States topped 11 million coronavirus cases , adding 1 million over the past week .
According to Johns Hopkins , more than 246,000 people in the U.S. have died from virus-related @ @

Whitmer: 'Not Going To Be Bullied' Over Michigan Coronavirus Restrictions
Enlarge this image toggle caption Michigan Office of the Governor via AP Michigan Office of the Governor via AP
As coronavirus cases spike in Michigan at an alarming rate, state officials announced a new emergency order sharply limiting indoor gatherings for three weeks.
Then a top Trump administration coronavirus adviser urged the state's residents to "rise up" against such measures, prompting the governor to respond that she is "not going to be bullied."
White House coronavirus adviser Dr. Scott Atlas tweeted Sunday, "The only way this stops is if people rise up. You get what you accept."
"It actually took my breath away, to tell you the truth," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, said in an interview with MSNBC's Morning Joe.
On Sunday, Michigan health officials announced the "three-week pause" that seeks to limit indoor social gatherings and group activities.
The measures, which are set to go into effect Wednesday, include the temporary suspension of in-person learning at colleges and high schools, closing casinos and movie theaters, and closing indoor services at bars and restaurants.
Atlas' comments appear to renew tensions between the Trump administration and Whitmer.
The first-term governor, who the FBI said was the target of an alleged kidnapping plot by a group of men linked to a far-right militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen, pushed back on Atlas' call to action.
"We know the White House likes to single us out here in Michigan, me out in particular," Whitmer told CNN Sunday evening. "I'm not going to be bullied into not following reputable scientists and medical professionals."
"I listen to people that actually have actually studied and are well-respected worldwide on these issues," Whitmer continued, "not the individual that is doing the president's bidding on this one."
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel agreed, blasting the response from the Trump administration as "disappointing, irresponsible, and the reason why the United States finds itself in such desperate circumstances regarding COVID-19."
The tweet from Atlas mirrors one in April from President Trump, who called on residents to "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" in an apparent reference to the governor's stay-at-home orders imposed in the spring.
Several hours after Atlas' original tweet, he added, "I NEVER was talking at all about violence. People vote, people peacefully protest. NEVER would I endorse or incite violence."
Michigan officials said the upcoming measures are less restrictive than those imposed months ago, saying it "is not a blanket stay-home action like in the spring," according to a statement.
Health officials said the new order allows for those who work in manufacturing, construction and health occupations to continue to do so. It also said outdoor dining and parks remain open.
Other "individualized activities" such as shopping, riding public transportation and personal-care services including haircuts by appointment and exercise at gyms can continue, so long as the activities follow distancing and facial covering protocols.
The state's new coronavirus order allows professional and college sports as long as they meet "extraordinary standards for risk mitigation." Spectators will not be permitted at the events.
"In the spring, we listened to public health experts, stomped the curve, and saved thousands of lives together. Now, we must channel that same energy and join forces again to protect our families, frontline workers and small businesses," Whitmer said in a statement.
According to Johns Hopkins University, Michigan has had more than 275,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 8,300 deaths.
Over the weekend, the United States topped 11 million coronavirus cases, adding 1 million over the past week. According to Johns Hopkins, more than 246,000 people in the U.S. have died from virus-related complications.