npr--2020-03-04--Twitter Vows That As Disinformation Tactics Change, Its Policies Will Keep Pace

Twitter Vows That As Disinformation Tactics Change , Its Policies Will Keep Pace Twitter is deploying new features on Thursday that it says will keep pace with disinformation and influence operations targeting the 2020 election .
A new policy on `` synthetic and manipulated media , '' attempts to flag and provide greater context for content that the platform believes to have been `` significantly and deceptively altered or fabricated . ''
Starting Thursday , when users scroll through posts , they may begin seeing Twitter 's new labeling system — a blue exclamation point and the words `` manipulated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or other media that the platform believes to have been tampered with or deceptively shared .
This could include deepfakes — high tech videos that depict events that never happened — or `` cheepfakes '' made with low-tech editing , like speeding up a video or slowing it down .
Twitter 's head of site integrity , Yoel Roth , told NPR that moderators will be watching for two things : '' We 're looking for evidence that the video or image or audio have been significantly altered in a way that changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In the event that we find evidence that the media was significantly modified , the next question we ask ourselves is , is it being shared on Twitter in a way that is deceptive or misleading ? ''
If the media has been modified to the extent that it could `` impact public safety or cause serious harm , '' then Twitter says it will remove the content entirely .
Twitter says this could include threats to the physical safety of a person or a group or an individual 's ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in elections .
When users tap on newly labelled posts , they 'll provide `` expert context '' explaining why the content is n't trustworthy .
If someone tries to retweet or `` like '' the content , they 'll receive a message asking if they really want to amplify an item that is likely to mislead others .
Twitter says they may also reduce the visibility of the misleading content .
Twitter was caught `` flat-footed '' by the active measures that targeted the U.S. election in 2016 , Roth said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fake accounts across social media to spread disinformation and amplify discord .
That work never really stopped , national security officials have said , and officials warned ahead of Super Tuesday 's primaries that it continues at a comparatively low but steady state .
Roth told NPR that while Twitter has not traced specific tweets about the 2020 campaign back to Russia , it is trying to apply what it learned from the last presidential race , including about the use of fake personae .
`` These would be accounts that were pretending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain parts of the conversation , '' Roth said in an interview with NPR 's Ari Shapiro .
While this tactic has remained a part of Russia 's toolkit , the playbook also has continued to expand .
In 2018 , Russia did n't just interfere in the election , influence-mongers tried to make it look like there was more interference than there actually was .
`` We saw activity that we believe to have been connected with the Russian Internet Research Agency that was specifically targeting journalists in an attempt to convince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity on the platform that did n't actually happen , '' Roth said .
This time around , rather than create its own messaging , Russia and other foreign actors are amplifying the voices of real Americans , Roth said .
By re-sharing extreme — albeit authentic content — they 're able to manipulate the platform without introducing any additional misinformation .
`` I think in 2020 , we 're facing a particularly divisive political moment here in the United States and attempts to capitalize on those divisions among Americans seem to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roth said .
The social network has studied fake accounts and coordinated manipulation efforts and have put its new policies to the test during elections in the European Union and India .
Roth says Twitter has also built a community of experts , including community moderators and partners in government and academia .
Another priority is transparency .
When the platform uncovers `` state-backed information operations '' it shares the information publicly .
Foreign actors are n't the only ones likely to be impacted by this new policy .
Misinformation can also come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media to their advantage .
Roth says he 's already seen American 2020 candidates employ questionable tactics to get voters ' attention .
`` We 've seen ... accounts that are pretending to be compromised .
So they 'll sort of pretend that they were hacked and then share content that they might otherwise not have , '' Roth said , along with `` large scale attempts to mobilize volunteers to share content on the service . ''
While neither of these actions necessarily violate Twitter 's policies , there are moments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg 's presidential campaign hired hundreds of temporary employees to post campaign messages on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Twitter decided to suspend dozens of these pro-Bloomberg accounts .
Roth says their decision was not based on the fact that these individuals were being paid to post content .
`` Our focus whenever we 're enforcing our policies is to look at the behavior that the accounts are engaged in , not who we think is behind them or what their motivations were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know , '' Roth said .
Twitter determined that the suspended accounts were `` engaged in spam . ''
If a large number of people organically decide to post the same message or similar messages at the same time , that is n't likely to qualify as spam , Roth said .
But if individual users create multiple accounts just for the purpose of tweeting a specific message , then it does .
They 're over amplifying their voice in a way that constitutes manipulation .
According to an NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will read misleading information on social media this election .
Three quarters said they do n't trust tech companies to prevent their platforms from being misused for election interference .
Roth said the investments Twitter has made since 2018 to protect the `` integrity of the platform '' and ensure the security of its users has been significant — but he called that a balancing act .
This is why Twitter 's new policy does n't remove all manipulated content .
To combat false information , Roth says Twitter is trying to highlight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Twitter is n't removing all false information regarding the coronavirus , it 's making sure that information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is displayed prominently .
`` I think a platform has a responsibility to create a space where credible voices can reach audiences that are interested in understanding what they have to say , '' Roth said .
`` That does n't mean that we do n't allow discussion of these issues throughout the product , but we want to ensure that when you first come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our product is going to come from authoritative sources . ''

Twitter Vows That As Disinformation Tactics Change, Its Policies Will Keep Pace
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jeff Chiu/AP Jeff Chiu/AP
Twitter is deploying new features on Thursday that it says will keep pace with disinformation and influence operations targeting the 2020 election.
A new policy on "synthetic and manipulated media," attempts to flag and provide greater context for content that the platform believes to have been "significantly and deceptively altered or fabricated."
Starting Thursday, when users scroll through posts, they may begin seeing Twitter's new labeling system — a blue exclamation point and the words "manipulated media" underneath a video, photo or other media that the platform believes to have been tampered with or deceptively shared.
This could include deepfakes — high tech videos that depict events that never happened — or "cheepfakes" made with low-tech editing, like speeding up a video or slowing it down.
toggle caption Facebook
Twitter's head of site integrity, Yoel Roth, told NPR that moderators will be watching for two things:
"We're looking for evidence that the video or image or audio have been significantly altered in a way that changes their meaning," Roth said. "In the event that we find evidence that the media was significantly modified, the next question we ask ourselves is, is it being shared on Twitter in a way that is deceptive or misleading?"
If the media has been modified to the extent that it could "impact public safety or cause serious harm," then Twitter says it will remove the content entirely.
Twitter says this could include threats to the physical safety of a person or a group or an individual's ability to express their human rights such as participating in elections.
When users tap on newly labelled posts, they'll provide "expert context" explaining why the content isn't trustworthy.
If someone tries to retweet or "like" the content, they'll receive a message asking if they really want to amplify an item that is likely to mislead others.
Twitter says they may also reduce the visibility of the misleading content.
Evolution of interference
Twitter was caught "flat-footed" by the active measures that targeted the U.S. election in 2016, Roth said. During that year, influence specialists used fake accounts across social media to spread disinformation and amplify discord.
That work never really stopped, national security officials have said, and officials warned ahead of Super Tuesday's primaries that it continues at a comparatively low but steady state.
Roth told NPR that while Twitter has not traced specific tweets about the 2020 campaign back to Russia, it is trying to apply what it learned from the last presidential race, including about the use of fake personae.
Technology Twitter's Head Of Site Integrity, On Fighting Election Disinformation Twitter's Head Of Site Integrity, On Fighting Election Disinformation Listen · 5:00 5:00
"These would be accounts that were pretending to be Americans to try and influence certain parts of the conversation," Roth said in an interview with NPR's Ari Shapiro.
While this tactic has remained a part of Russia's toolkit, the playbook also has continued to expand.
In 2018, Russia didn't just interfere in the election, influence-mongers tried to make it look like there was more interference than there actually was.
"We saw activity that we believe to have been connected with the Russian Internet Research Agency that was specifically targeting journalists in an attempt to convince them that there had been large scale activity on the platform that didn't actually happen," Roth said.
This time around, rather than create its own messaging, Russia and other foreign actors are amplifying the voices of real Americans, Roth said. By re-sharing extreme — albeit authentic content — they're able to manipulate the platform without introducing any additional misinformation.
"I think in 2020, we're facing a particularly divisive political moment here in the United States and attempts to capitalize on those divisions among Americans seem to be where malicious actors are heading," Roth said.
The social network has studied fake accounts and coordinated manipulation efforts and have put its new policies to the test during elections in the European Union and India.
Roth says Twitter has also built a community of experts, including community moderators and partners in government and academia. Another priority is transparency.
When the platform uncovers "state-backed information operations" it shares the information publicly.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Amr Alfiky/AP Amr Alfiky/AP
Weaponizing deception
Foreign actors aren't the only ones likely to be impacted by this new policy. Misinformation can also come from American political campaigns trying to use social media to their advantage.
Roth says he's already seen American 2020 candidates employ questionable tactics to get voters' attention.
"We've seen ... accounts that are pretending to be compromised. So they'll sort of pretend that they were hacked and then share content that they might otherwise not have," Roth said, along with "large scale attempts to mobilize volunteers to share content on the service."
While neither of these actions necessarily violate Twitter's policies, there are moments where they can cross the line.
For example, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's presidential campaign hired hundreds of temporary employees to post campaign messages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Twitter decided to suspend dozens of these pro-Bloomberg accounts. Roth says their decision was not based on the fact that these individuals were being paid to post content.
"Our focus whenever we're enforcing our policies is to look at the behavior that the accounts are engaged in, not who we think is behind them or what their motivations were, because in most instances we don't know," Roth said.
Twitter determined that the suspended accounts were "engaged in spam."
If a large number of people organically decide to post the same message or similar messages at the same time, that isn't likely to qualify as spam, Roth said.
But if individual users create multiple accounts just for the purpose of tweeting a specific message, then it does. They're over amplifying their voice in a way that constitutes manipulation.
According to an NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll, 82 percent of Americans think they will read misleading information on social media this election. Three quarters said they don't trust tech companies to prevent their platforms from being misused for election interference.
Roth said the investments Twitter has made since 2018 to protect the "integrity of the platform" and ensure the security of its users has been significant — but he called that a balancing act.
This is why Twitter's new policy doesn't remove all manipulated content. To combat false information, Roth says Twitter is trying to highlight information from trustworthy sources.
For example, while Twitter isn't removing all false information regarding the coronavirus, it's making sure that information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is displayed prominently.
"I think a platform has a responsibility to create a space where credible voices can reach audiences that are interested in understanding what they have to say," Roth said.
"That doesn't mean that we don't allow discussion of these issues throughout the product, but we want to ensure that when you first come to Twitter at the information that you see in our product is going to come from authoritative sources."


npr--2020-03-04--Coronavirus Deaths Reported In California, Washington State; LA Declares Emergency

The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 has risen to 11 people , after officials reported fatalities in California and Washington state on Wednesday .
The most recent death is connected to a cruise ship that traveled from the U.S. to Mexico .
Officials in Placer County , Calif. , announced that an elderly resident has become the first person to die from the illness in California .
The patient , who was not identified , had underlying health conditions , according to the county .
The patient tested positive for the coronavirus illness on Tuesday and `` was likely exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Princess cruise ship that departed from San Francisco to Mexico , '' according to a statement published on Placer County 's website .
Roughly a week passed from the end of the cruise to when the patient was hospitalized , officials say .
An ambulance took the patient to a hospital on Feb. 27 ; in the interval , the person had `` minimal community exposure , '' the county says .
The patient had been in isolation at Kaiser Permanente Roseville .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom extended his condolences to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state is working with federal agencies to trace people who might have had contact with the patient .
Placer County spans a wide area , from the outskirts of Sacramento to Lake Tahoe .
California has more than 50 positive coronavirus cases , according to state health officials , including 24 people who arrived in the U.S. on repatriation flights from outbreak locations in Asia .
The other cases include seven people who were infected via person-to-person exposure and 12 travel-related cases .
`` Approximately 515 persons have been tested to date , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
To prevent the virus from spreading , health experts recommend washing hands for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer .
Face masks should be worn only by people who are either sick or are caring for someone who is , according to the World Health Organization .
Washington state raised its own death toll from COVID-19 to 10 people earlier Wednesday .
The state now has 39 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease , with 31 of them in Seattle and King County .
The other eight cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the cases are linked to Life Care Center of Kirkland , Wash. , the long-term care facility northeast of Seattle that is at the center of the outbreak in King County .
On Wednesday afternoon , officials in Seattle and King County issued recommendations for vulnerable residents to try to contain the spread of coronavirus in the area .
`` People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible , including public places with lots of people and large gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others , '' they said in a statement .
That group includes people 60 and older ; people with underlying health conditions such as heart disease , lung disease or diabetes ; those with weakened immune systems ; and people who are pregnant .
In addition , officials said companies should take steps to allow employees to work from home and recommended that people avoid visiting hospitals , long-term care facilities and nursing homes .
More than 230 people in Washington state are under supervision out of concern that they may have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health says .
Los Angeles declared a health emergency over the coronavirus Wednesday , citing the need to address the possibility of community transmission of the disease that has caused more than 3,200 deaths globally .
The move comes after Los Angeles County confirmed six new cases of the coronavirus and seven overall , according to Dr. Barbara Ferrer , director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health .
`` I have signed a declaration of local emergency for the City of Los Angeles , '' Mayor Eric Garcetti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are only a few known active COVID-19 cases in the region , the declaration helps us access state and federal funding to strengthen and support our efforts to prepare our region and keep our communities safe . ''
Los Angeles County mirrored the city 's move , in a step that the chair of the county 's board of supervisors , Kathryn Barger , said was a planned reaction to the virus .
`` This is not a response rooted in panic , '' Barger said , adding that the emergency declaration would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus in a county where more than 10 million people live .
One person has been hospitalized while five others are being monitored at home , Ferrer said .
The county 's first patient , a Chinese national who was diagnosed in January , has recovered from the virus , she said .
`` Three of the new cases were travelers who were traveling together in northern Italy , '' Ferrer said at a news conference .
Two others are relatives of a person who was infected with the coronavirus outside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sixth case is a person who works in a field that exposes them to international travelers , Ferrer added .
There are at least 80 confirmed cases of COVID-19 that originated in the U.S. , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said earlier Wednesday .
That number does n't include the 49 Americans diagnosed with COVID-19 who have been repatriated from outbreaks in Wuhan , China , and aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship .
At least 13 states have reported coronavirus cases since late January .
While international travel has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the cause of transmission is still under investigation in 40 cases .
Person-to-person spread in the U.S. has caused infection in 16 cases , according to the CDC .
The CDC data reflects numbers that were reported by 4 p.m .
ET the previous day — meaning the actual number of cases in the U.S. might be higher than the most recent posting by the agency .
`` States are now testing and publicly reporting their cases , '' the CDC says .
`` In the event of a discrepancy , state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date . ''
In addition to California and Washington , other states reporting coronavirus cases include Arizona , Florida , Georgia , Illinois , Massachusetts , New Hampshire , New York , North Carolina , Oregon , Rhode Island and Wisconsin .

Coronavirus Deaths In Washington State And California, Where Gov. Declares Emergency
Enlarge this image toggle caption Rich Pedroncelli/AP Rich Pedroncelli/AP
Updated at 8:45 p.m. ET
The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 has risen to 11 people, after officials reported fatalities in California and Washington state on Wednesday. The most recent death is connected to a cruise ship that traveled from the U.S. to Mexico.
Officials in Placer County, Calif., announced that an elderly resident has become the first person to die from the illness in California. The patient, who was not identified, had underlying health conditions, according to the county.
The patient tested positive for the coronavirus illness on Tuesday and "was likely exposed during international travel from Feb. 11-21 on a Princess cruise ship that departed from San Francisco to Mexico," according to a statement published on Placer County's website.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Roughly a week passed from the end of the cruise to when the patient was hospitalized, officials say. An ambulance took the patient to a hospital on Feb. 27; in the interval, the person had "minimal community exposure," the county says. The patient had been in isolation at Kaiser Permanente Roseville.
Gov. Gavin Newsom extended his condolences to the patient's loved ones and said the state is working with federal agencies to trace people who might have had contact with the patient. Later Wednesday, Newsom declared a state of emergency over coronavirus in California, which has more than 50 confirmed cases, according to health officials.
Placer County spans a wide area, from the outskirts of Sacramento to Lake Tahoe.
Among California's cases are 24 people who arrived in the U.S. on repatriation flights from outbreak locations in Asia.
The other cases include seven people who were infected via person-to-person exposure and 12 travel-related cases.
"Approximately 515 persons have been tested to date," the California Department of Public Health says.
To prevent the virus from spreading, health experts recommend washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer. Face masks should be worn only by people who are either sick or are caring for someone who is, according to the World Health Organization.
Washington state
Washington state raised its own death toll from COVID-19 to 10 people earlier Wednesday. The state now has 39 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease, with 31 of them in Seattle and King County. The other eight cases are in neighboring Snohomish County.
Many of the cases are linked to Life Care Center of Kirkland, Wash., the long-term care facility northeast of Seattle that is at the center of the outbreak in King County.
On Wednesday afternoon, officials in Seattle and King County issued recommendations for vulnerable residents to try to contain the spread of coronavirus in the area.
"People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others," they said in a statement.
That group includes people 60 and older; people with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes; those with weakened immune systems; and people who are pregnant.
In addition, officials said companies should take steps to allow employees to work from home, if possible, and recommended that people avoid visiting hospitals, long-term care facilities and nursing homes.
More than 230 people in Washington state are under supervision out of concern that they may have been exposed to the pathogen, the Washington Department of Health says.
Los Angeles declares emergency
Hours before Gov. Newsom declared an emergency for the entire state, the city of Los Angeles declared a health emergency over the coronavirus, citing the need to address the possibility of community transmission of the disease that has caused more than 3,200 deaths globally.
The move comes after Los Angeles County confirmed six new cases of the coronavirus and seven overall, according to Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
"I have signed a declaration of local emergency for the City of Los Angeles," Mayor Eric Garcetti announced via Facebook. "While there are only a few known active COVID-19 cases in the region, the declaration helps us access state and federal funding to strengthen and support our efforts to prepare our region and keep our communities safe."
Los Angeles County mirrored the city's move, in a step that the chair of the county's board of supervisors, Kathryn Barger, said was a planned reaction to the virus.
"This is not a response rooted in panic," Barger said, adding that the emergency declaration would help agencies coordinate their response and contain the virus in a county where more than 10 million people live.
One person has been hospitalized while five others are being monitored at home, Ferrer said. The county's first patient, a Chinese national who was diagnosed in January, has recovered from the virus, she said.
"Three of the new cases were travelers who were traveling together in northern Italy," Ferrer said at a news conference. Two others are relatives of a person who was infected with the coronavirus outside of the county, she said. The sixth case is a person who works in a field that exposes them to international travelers, Ferrer added.
Later Wednesday, the Los Angeles Times reported that a worker at the city's international airport who screened incoming flights from China and nearby countries had tested positive for the virus.
Cases rise in U.S.
There are at least 80 confirmed cases of COVID-19 that originated in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said earlier Wednesday. That number doesn't include the 49 Americans diagnosed with COVID-19 who have been repatriated from outbreaks in Wuhan, China, and aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
At least 13 states have reported coronavirus cases since late January.
While international travel has been linked to 24 of the U.S. cases, the cause of transmission is still under investigation in 40 cases. Person-to-person spread in the U.S. has caused infection in 16 cases, according to the CDC .
The CDC data reflects numbers that were reported by 4 p.m. ET the previous day — meaning the actual number of cases in the U.S. might be higher than the most recent posting by the agency.
"States are now testing and publicly reporting their cases," the CDC says. "In the event of a discrepancy, state case counts are the most up to date."
In addition to California and Washington, other states reporting coronavirus cases include Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin.
Although Texas previously had cases from people returning from China or who had been aboard the Diamond Princess, officials on Wednesday reported a newly detected infection in a person who had recently traveled aboard.
"Having a COVID-19 case in Texas is a significant development in this outbreak, but it doesn't change the fact that the immediate risk to most Texans is low," said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. "This travel-related case reinforces the fact that we should all be taking basic hygiene steps that are extremely effective in limiting limit the spread of COVID-19 and all respiratory illnesses."


npr--2020-03-04--U.S. Launches 'Defensive Strike' At Taliban As Fragile Afghan Peace Deal Teeters

U.S. Launches 'Defensive Strike ' At Taliban As Fragile Afghan Peace Deal Teeters Just days after the U.S. and Taliban announced the terms of a deal lauded as a foundation for peace , Afghanistan is once more embroiled in deadly violence .
On Wednesday , the U.S. carried out its first airstrike on the Islamist militant group since announcing the agreement .
A U.S. military spokesman said the `` defensive strike '' in Helmand province was aimed at disrupting Taliban fighters `` who were actively attacking an [ Afghan security ] checkpoint . ''
`` Taliban leadership promised the [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not increase attacks , '' Col. Sonny Leggett of the U.S. forces in Afghanistan said in a series of tweets , noting that Tuesday alone saw the militant group launch 43 attacks on checkpoints across Helmand .
`` We call on the Taliban to stop needless attacks and uphold their commitments .
As we have demonstrated , we will defend our partners when required . ''
In a span of just 24 hours , a wave of Taliban assaults has left civilians and security forces dead in more than a dozen provinces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs .
Local media report that at least 16 Afghan soldiers were killed in an attack in the province of Kunduz .
`` Yes , there was significant numbers of attacks , small attacks , '' Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Mark Milley told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday .
`` But the Taliban have signed up to a whole series of conditions , '' he said .
`` There 's no attacks on 34 provincial capitals , there 's no attacks on Kabul , there 's no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suicides , no attacks against U.S. forces , no attacks against coalition [ forces ] — there 's a whole laundry list of these things that are n't happening . ''
At that same Senate oversight hearing , Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the results of the peace agreement so far have been mixed .
`` The Taliban are honoring their piece [ of the agreement ] in terms of not attacking U.S. and coalition forces , but not in terms of sustaining a reduction of violence , '' Esper told the panel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on board is a challenge — they 've got their range of hard-liners and soft-liners , and so they 're wrestling with that , too.
`` With intra-Afghan negotiations due to begin next Tuesday under the terms of the agreement , Esper said U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has traveled to Afghanistan to try to bring together the warring parties .
Esper said the U.S. airstrikes defending the Afghan security forces are allowed under the peace agreement .
`` It 's the commitment I made to the Afghans when I was [ in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would continue to defend the Afghans , support them . ''
Amid the Taliban offensive , President Trump spoke on the phone Tuesday with the group 's chief negotiator , Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar , making history with what is thought to be the first direct call between a president and a top Taliban official since the U.S. invaded Afghanistan nearly two decades ago .
`` We had a good conversation .
We 've agreed there 's no violence .
We do n't want violence , '' Trump told journalists Tuesday after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll see what happens .
They 're dealing with Afghanistan , but we 'll see what happens . ''
The White House has not officially released a readout , but the Taliban , in their own summary of the 35-minute conversation , say the president commended Baradar .
`` You are a tough people and have a great country , and I understand that you are fighting for your homeland , '' Trump told the Taliban official , according to the group 's readout .
`` We have been there for 19 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan now is in the interest of everyone . ''
More than 2,400 Americans have died in Afghanistan since the U.S. invaded the country with the intent to overthrow the Taliban — which had harbored Osama bin Laden , leader of al-Qaida and orchestrator of the Sept. 11 , 2001 , attacks .
The financial cost of the war has been estimated at $ 1 trillion .
Now the Trump administration is seeking an exit from the longest war in U.S. history .
The deal announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all American troops and supporting personnel within 14 months , beginning with a 135-day window to reduce its troop levels in Afghanistan to 8,600 .
U.S. officials , though , have insisted that the drawdown is conditioned on the Taliban 's commitment to severing ties with — and preventing operations by — other insurgents , such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State .
And Leggett , the U.S. forces spokesman , said Wednesday that American troops have the responsibility of defending their partners in the Afghan security forces .
Taliban fighters `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] and ignoring the will of the people for peace , '' Leggett added .
Other signs of trouble for the deal have surfaced in the capital , Kabul , where Afghan President Ashraf Ghani earlier this week rejected the timeline of another key element of the agreement : a prisoner swap that includes the release of up to 5,000 Taliban fighters in exchange for up to 1,000 Afghan security forces .
`` It can be part of the negotiations , '' Ghani told a news conference Sunday , `` but it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observers , including the United Nations , have called for the Taliban to halt their offensive and resume the `` reduction in violence '' deal that lapsed late last month .
The partial truce , according to the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan , is necessary to maintain `` an environment conducive to the start of intra-Afghan negotiations , which should lead to a permanent ceasefire and a lasting political settlement . ''

U.S. Launches 'Defensive Strike' At Taliban As Fragile Afghan Peace Deal Teeters
Enlarge this image toggle caption Noorullah Shirzada/AFP via Getty Images Noorullah Shirzada/AFP via Getty Images
Updated 5:50 p.m. ET
Just days after the U.S. and Taliban announced the terms of a deal lauded as a foundation for peace, Afghanistan is once more embroiled in deadly violence.
On Wednesday, the U.S. carried out its first airstrike on the Islamist militant group since announcing the agreement. A U.S. military spokesman said the "defensive strike" in Helmand province was aimed at disrupting Taliban fighters "who were actively attacking an [Afghan security] checkpoint."
"Taliban leadership promised the [international] community they would reduce violence and not increase attacks," Col. Sonny Leggett of the U.S. forces in Afghanistan said in a series of tweets, noting that Tuesday alone saw the militant group launch 43 attacks on checkpoints across Helmand.
"We call on the Taliban to stop needless attacks and uphold their commitments. As we have demonstrated, we will defend our partners when required."
In a span of just 24 hours, a wave of Taliban assaults has left civilians and security forces dead in more than a dozen provinces, according to a spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs. Local media report that at least 16 Afghan soldiers were killed in an attack in the province of Kunduz.
"Yes, there was significant numbers of attacks, small attacks," Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Mark Milley told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.
"But the Taliban have signed up to a whole series of conditions," he said. "There's no attacks on 34 provincial capitals, there's no attacks on Kabul, there's no suicide bombers, there's no vehicle-borne suicides, no attacks against U.S. forces, no attacks against coalition [forces] — there's a whole laundry list of these things that aren't happening."
At that same Senate oversight hearing, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the results of the peace agreement so far have been mixed.
"The Taliban are honoring their piece [of the agreement] in terms of not attacking U.S. and coalition forces, but not in terms of sustaining a reduction of violence," Esper told the panel. "Keeping that group of people on board is a challenge — they've got their range of hard-liners and soft-liners, and so they're wrestling with that, too. "
With intra-Afghan negotiations due to begin next Tuesday under the terms of the agreement, Esper said U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has traveled to Afghanistan to try to bring together the warring parties.
Esper said the U.S. airstrikes defending the Afghan security forces are allowed under the peace agreement. "It's the commitment I made to the Afghans when I was [in Kabul] on Saturday, that we would continue to defend the Afghans, support them."
Amid the Taliban offensive, President Trump spoke on the phone Tuesday with the group's chief negotiator, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, making history with what is thought to be the first direct call between a president and a top Taliban official since the U.S. invaded Afghanistan nearly two decades ago.
"We had a good conversation. We've agreed there's no violence. We don't want violence," Trump told journalists Tuesday after the Taliban publicized the call. "We'll see what happens. They're dealing with Afghanistan, but we'll see what happens."
The White House has not officially released a readout, but the Taliban, in their own summary of the 35-minute conversation, say the president commended Baradar.
"You are a tough people and have a great country, and I understand that you are fighting for your homeland," Trump told the Taliban official, according to the group's readout. "We have been there for 19 years and that is a very long time, and withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan now is in the interest of everyone."
More than 2,400 Americans have died in Afghanistan since the U.S. invaded the country with the intent to overthrow the Taliban — which had harbored Osama bin Laden, leader of al-Qaida and orchestrator of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The financial cost of the war has been estimated at $1 trillion.
Politics Trump Says He Spoke To Taliban Leader Following Peace Agreement Trump Says He Spoke To Taliban Leader Following Peace Agreement Listen · 3:26 3:26
Now the Trump administration is seeking an exit from the longest war in U.S. history. The deal announced Saturday lays the groundwork for the withdrawal of all American troops and supporting personnel within 14 months, beginning with a 135-day window to reduce its troop levels in Afghanistan to 8,600.
U.S. officials, though, have insisted that the drawdown is conditioned on the Taliban's commitment to severing ties with — and preventing operations by — other insurgents, such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State. And Leggett, the U.S. forces spokesman, said Wednesday that American troops have the responsibility of defending their partners in the Afghan security forces.
Taliban fighters "appear intent on squandering this [opportunity] and ignoring the will of the people for peace," Leggett added.
Other signs of trouble for the deal have surfaced in the capital, Kabul, where Afghan President Ashraf Ghani earlier this week rejected the timeline of another key element of the agreement: a prisoner swap that includes the release of up to 5,000 Taliban fighters in exchange for up to 1,000 Afghan security forces.
"It can be part of the negotiations," Ghani told a news conference Sunday, "but it cannot be a precondition."
International observers, including the United Nations, have called for the Taliban to halt their offensive and resume the "reduction in violence" deal that lapsed late last month.
The partial truce, according to the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, is necessary to maintain "an environment conducive to the start of intra-Afghan negotiations, which should lead to a permanent ceasefire and a lasting political settlement."


npr--2020-03-04--Who Faces The Greatest Risk Of Severe Illness From Coronavirus?

Who Faces The Greatest Risk Of Severe Illness From Coronavirus ?
Anyone can catch COVID-19 , the disease caused by the newly identified coronavirus .
But certain populations appear to be more vulnerable to its effects .
Consider the 11 deaths so far in the United States — one in California and the rest in Washington state .
The person who died in Placer County , Calif. , was described by officials as `` an elderly adult with underlying health conditions . ''
Most of the people who died in Washington were residents of Life Care Center , a nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the victims in Washington were over age 70 .
The younger people who died include one man in his 40s and two men in their 50s .
Officials said these individuals had underlying medical problems that could have made them particularly susceptible to the virus , but officials would not detail what the problems were .
`` There are too few patients to say specifically whether one underlying condition is more of a risk factor than another at this point , '' said Dr. Jeff Duchin , a public health official for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a press briefing on the outbreak in Washington on Monday .
`` This disease was n't even known to us two months ago .
So we 're still learning a lot about specific risk factors for disease , '' he said .
Still , he said , public health workers do know enough to say , generally , what may make someone more susceptible .
`` It 's apparent from what 's been reported from China and from what we are seeing here locally that the patients who are having serious illness are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with weakened immune systems due to age , or have underlying chronic diseases , '' said Duchin .
Those diseases include `` chronic lung disease , chronic cardiac disease , diabetes , '' he said , explaining that these are the same conditions that typically put people at greater risk of severe illness from seasonal influenza , another respiratory viral disease .
Much of what public health experts know about this virus comes from China , where the number of cases now tops 80,000 .
There , children and younger people seem only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report from China described nine hospitalized children under 1 year old and found that none required intensive care or had any severe complications .
In China , where the outbreak originated , one study found that only 0.9 % of 44,672 confirmed cases were in kids age 9 and under and that 1.2 % were in youngsters age 10 to 19 .
Most confirmed cases were among people age 30 to 79 , and 80.9 % of all illnesses were considered mild .
Estimates for the overall fatality rate for this coronavirus have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the figure at 2.3 % in China .
But that study found that in people age 80 or older , the death rate was much higher : 14.8 % .
Another study out of China that looked at the same 44,672 cases noted that the case fatality rate was 8 % in patients age 70 to 79 .
Overall , the data coming out of China suggest that older people and people with underlying health conditions `` were about twice as likely to develop serious outcomes [ of COVID-19 ] versus otherwise younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Messonnier , director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` We are particularly concerned about these people , given the growing number of cases in the United States , '' she added in a press briefing on Tuesday .
It has long been recognized that people over 65 are at greater risk of developing severe complications from seasonal influenza .
The CDC says that in recent years , between 70 % and 85 % of seasonal flu deaths have occurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many of the same precautions taken for the flu should be taken to reduce the risk of coronavirus infections in this population , such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing hands often .
`` If you are 65 and older , and particularly if you live in areas where there is ongoing community spread , '' says Messonnier , `` you need to think about what actions you can take to reduce your exposure . ''

Here's Who Faces The Greatest Risk Of Severe Illness From Coronavirus
Enlarge this image toggle caption David Ryder/Getty Images David Ryder/Getty Images
Anyone can catch COVID-19, the disease caused by the newly identified coronavirus. But certain populations appear to be more vulnerable to its effects.
Consider the 11 deaths so far in the United States — one in California and the rest in Washington state.
The person who died in Placer County, Calif., was described by officials as "an elderly adult with underlying health conditions." Most of the people who died in Washington were residents of Life Care Center, a nursing facility in Kirkland. All but three of the victims in Washington were over age 70.
The younger people who died include one man in his 40s and two men in their 50s. Officials said these individuals had underlying medical problems that could have made them particularly susceptible to the virus, but officials would not detail what the problems were.
"There are too few patients to say specifically whether one underlying condition is more of a risk factor than another at this point," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, a public health official for Seattle and King County who spoke at a press briefing on the outbreak in Washington on Monday.
"This disease wasn't even known to us two months ago. So we're still learning a lot about specific risk factors for disease," he said.
Still, he said, public health workers do know enough to say, generally, what may make someone more susceptible.
"It's apparent from what's been reported from China and from what we are seeing here locally that the patients who are having serious illness are those who are either very old, with weakened immune systems due to age, or have underlying chronic diseases," said Duchin.
Those diseases include "chronic lung disease, chronic cardiac disease, diabetes," he said, explaining that these are the same conditions that typically put people at greater risk of severe illness from seasonal influenza, another respiratory viral disease.
Much of what public health experts know about this virus comes from China, where the number of cases now tops 80,000.
There, children and younger people seem only mildly affected by the virus. A report from China described nine hospitalized children under 1 year old and found that none required intensive care or had any severe complications.
In China, where the outbreak originated, one study found that only 0.9% of 44,672 confirmed cases were in kids age 9 and under and that 1.2% were in youngsters age 10 to 19.
Most confirmed cases were among people age 30 to 79, and 80.9% of all illnesses were considered mild.
Estimates for the overall fatality rate for this coronavirus have varied, with one large study putting the figure at 2.3% in China. But that study found that in people age 80 or older, the death rate was much higher: 14.8%. Another study out of China that looked at the same 44,672 cases noted that the case fatality rate was 8% in patients age 70 to 79.
Overall, the data coming out of China suggest that older people and people with underlying health conditions "were about twice as likely to develop serious outcomes [of COVID-19] versus otherwise younger, healthier people," said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"We are particularly concerned about these people, given the growing number of cases in the United States," she added in a press briefing on Tuesday.
It has long been recognized that people over 65 are at greater risk of developing severe complications from seasonal influenza. The CDC says that in recent years, between 70% and 85% of seasonal flu deaths have occurred in people age 65 and above.
Many of the same precautions taken for the flu should be taken to reduce the risk of coronavirus infections in this population, such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing hands often.
"If you are 65 and older, and particularly if you live in areas where there is ongoing community spread," says Messonnier, "you need to think about what actions you can take to reduce your exposure."


npr--2020-03-04--Sanders Wins California, Largest Super Tuesday Prize, Fueled By Latino Vote

Former Vice President Joe Biden may have won the most states on Super Tuesday , but Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders captured the one with the most delegates : California .
There are 415 delegates at stake in California , the largest haul of any state .
With 79 % of the state 's precincts reporting , Sanders had 33.5 % of the vote to Biden 's 24.8 % .
Sanders was always expected to do well in California , with its large population of Latino voters and energized progressives .
On Tuesday , he lived up to those expectations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote , the state 's largest minority group , and 49 % of voters who call themselves very liberal , according to exit polls .
Sanders was helped by some $ 7 million in ad spending in California , compared to about $ 350,000 by Biden through Sunday .
With his victory , Sanders was perhaps able to erase memories of his 7-point loss to Hillary Clinton in California in 2016 .
It is expected to be days before the final delegate allocation is known , because counting in California is complicated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were postmarked by Tuesday , and same day registration means there a large number of provisional ballots .
Of the delegates assigned so far , Sanders has 72 and Biden 21 .
Some 4 million votes were cast before Tuesday , and as they are counted it 's possible Biden will see his percentage increase , as exit polls showed late-deciding voters trending his way .
Officials have until April 2 to complete their tally .
Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg was running in third place , and may win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the 15 % threshold .
Before suspending his campaign on Wednesday morning , Bloomberg had spent more than $ 71 million of his fortune on ads in California .
Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, is in fourth place and in danger of coming away with zero delegates unless she is able to clear the 15 % threshold .
Exit polls show Sanders did well in California — as he has elsewhere — with younger voters , winning a whopping 68 % of those 18 to 24 and 48 % of 25- to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bracket for Biden .
However , these voters accounted for only 13 % of the overall electorate in California .
Among the biggest age group , voters 65 and older , Biden won 32 % of the vote , double the haul of Sanders .
But Sanders made up for it by winning white and nonwhite college graduates , as well as voters who identified themselves as Democrats ( 32 % to 23 % ) .
Among voters calling themselves independent , Sanders had a wider lead over Biden , 44 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the South , Biden won big with black voters , 33 % to 16 % , but these voters made up just 7 % of California 's electorate .
Voters who call themselves politically moderate also favored Biden , 31 % to 23 % .
Voters who said they decided on their candidate in the last few days broke for Biden 35 % to 16 % .
But most voters said they made up their minds before February , and they favored Sanders 45 % to 18 % .
Interestingly , when asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee in November no matter who it is , most voters said yes .
But of the 13 % who said no , 34 % were Sanders voters .

Sanders Wins California, Largest Super Tuesday Prize, Fueled By Latino Vote
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images
Former Vice President Joe Biden may have won the most states on Super Tuesday, but Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders captured the one with the most delegates: California.
There are 415 delegates at stake in California, the largest haul of any state.
With 79% of the state's precincts reporting, Sanders had 33.5% of the vote to Biden's 24.8%.
Sanders was always expected to do well in California, with its large population of Latino voters and energized progressives. On Tuesday, he lived up to those expectations.
Sanders carried 49% of the Latino vote, the state's largest minority group, and 49% of voters who call themselves very liberal, according to exit polls.
Sanders was helped by some $7 million in ad spending in California, compared to about $350,000 by Biden through Sunday. With his victory, Sanders was perhaps able to erase memories of his 7-point loss to Hillary Clinton in California in 2016.
It is expected to be days before the final delegate allocation is known, because counting in California is complicated. Mail-in ballots will count as long as they were postmarked by Tuesday, and same day registration means there a large number of provisional ballots. Of the delegates assigned so far, Sanders has 72 and Biden 21.
Some 4 million votes were cast before Tuesday, and as they are counted it's possible Biden will see his percentage increase, as exit polls showed late-deciding voters trending his way. Officials have until April 2 to complete their tally.
Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg was running in third place, and may win some delegates as well if he remains at the 15% threshold. Before suspending his campaign on Wednesday morning, Bloomberg had spent more than $71 million of his fortune on ads in California.
Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is in fourth place and in danger of coming away with zero delegates unless she is able to clear the 15% threshold.
Exit polls show Sanders did well in California — as he has elsewhere — with younger voters, winning a whopping 68% of those 18 to 24 and 48% of 25- to 29-year-olds compared to 5% in each bracket for Biden. However, these voters accounted for only 13% of the overall electorate in California.
Among the biggest age group, voters 65 and older, Biden won 32% of the vote, double the haul of Sanders.
But Sanders made up for it by winning white and nonwhite college graduates, as well as voters who identified themselves as Democrats (32% to 23%). Among voters calling themselves independent, Sanders had a wider lead over Biden, 44% to 12%.
Like he did across the South, Biden won big with black voters, 33% to 16%, but these voters made up just 7% of California's electorate. Voters who call themselves politically moderate also favored Biden, 31% to 23%.
Voters who said they decided on their candidate in the last few days broke for Biden 35% to 16%. But most voters said they made up their minds before February, and they favored Sanders 45% to 18%.
Interestingly, when asked if they will vote for the Democratic nominee in November no matter who it is, most voters said yes. But of the 13% who said no, 34% were Sanders voters.


npr--2020-03-04--Robert Durst Murder Case Featured In HBO Documentary Goes To Trial

Robert Durst Murder Case Featured In HBO Documentary Goes To Trial A few days before Christmas in 2000 , Beverly Hills police received an unsigned note in the mail with the word `` CADAVER '' written in block letters on one side .
On the other was an address , the home of Susan Berman where police found the body of the 55-year-old friend , confidante and former employee of Robert Durst , the eccentric heir to a massive real estate fortune .
Berman had been shot at point-blank range in the back of the head .
The case went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one clue — the anonymous tipoff letter ; they believed the writer was key to solving the mystery of Berman 's killing .
On Wednesday , prosecutor in Los Angeles will begin presenting evidence to prove that Durst killed Berman to cover up an earlier killing .
Durst was the subject of a 2015 HBO documentary series , The Jinx : The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst .
During the filming , the millionaire appeared unable to distinguish his own handwriting from that on the mysterious note .
He even had the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beverley . ''
In the final episode of the HBO series , Durst compared the incriminating piece of paper with a letter he had sent Berman a year earlier .
The writing appeared identical , but he insisted he was not the author of the note .
`` Only the killer could have written '' it , he explained .
The scene was captured on camera , but it is what happened next that prosecutors think is the most incriminating evidence tying Durst to Berman 's death and two others .
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a restroom where he was off camera but still wired to a microphone .
As he washed and dried his hands , Durst could be heard muttering and burping .
`` What the hell did I do ? ''
`` Killed them all , of course . ''
The FBI arrested Durst in New Orleans on the eve of the airing of the bombshell finale episode in The Jinx series .
Since then , Durst has maintained his innocence and adamantly denied that he wrote the letter to law enforcement , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district attorney 's office that he was `` high on meth '' throughout the filming of the documentary .
Then , in an unexpected twist in December , Durst 's lawyers acknowledged he was behind the note but said , `` This does not change the facts that Bob Durst did n't kill Susan Berman and he does n't know who did . ''
The Los Angeles County District Attorney 's office does n't buy that .
After nearly 20 years , Durst is on trial , charged with one count of murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to convince a jury that Durst killed Berman to stop her from speaking to law enforcement in New York , where officials had reopened the case of Kathleen McCormack Durst 's disappearance .
She was Durst 's first wife and had vanished in 1982 , shortly after the two had discussed divorcing .
Her body has never been found .
Prosecutors allege in court documents that Durst enlisted Berman in helping to cover up his wife 's death and that it `` became [ the ] defendant 's motive for eventually killing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now 76 , has never been charged with his wife 's disappearance , this is not the first time he has been on trial on murder charges .
Following new questions about his wife 's disappearance , the millionaire moved into a $ 300-a-month apartment in Galveston , Texas , and assumed the identity of mute woman .
In 2003 , Durst was accused of killing Morris Black , a 71-year-old neighbor .
He told jurors that he had shot Black in the head then dismembered and dumped his body into Galveston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun at him .
Durst 's defense team argued that their panicked client shot Black in self-defense and then cleaned up the scene , assuming no one would believe his version of events .
Prosecutors contended that Durst killed Black after the older man discovered Durst 's true identity : son of wealthy New York real estate family — once the presumptive heir of a massive fortune — whose name was splattered across tabloid headlines and was suspected in the disappearance of his first wife .
During jury questioning in the latest case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're in for an extraordinary legal experience .
`` This is a fascinating case , '' Windham said during jury selection last month .
`` If you 're going to have one trial where you 're going to be a juror , this is the trial . ''
`` You 're never going to have an experience like this , '' he added .
After a seven-year investigation , the district attorney 's office has amassed more than 2,000 exhibits and identified more than 100 witnesses whom prosecutors plan to call to testify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to five months .

Robert Durst Murder Case Featured In HBO Documentary Goes To Trial
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jae C. Hong/AP Jae C. Hong/AP
A few days before Christmas in 2000, Beverly Hills police received an unsigned note in the mail with the word "CADAVER" written in block letters on one side.
On the other was an address, the home of Susan Berman where police found the body of the 55-year-old friend, confidante and former employee of Robert Durst, the eccentric heir to a massive real estate fortune. Berman had been shot at point-blank range in the back of the head.
The case went cold, but investigators had at least one clue — the anonymous tipoff letter; they believed the writer was key to solving the mystery of Berman's killing.
On Wednesday, prosecutor in Los Angeles will begin presenting evidence to prove that Durst killed Berman to cover up an earlier killing.
Durst was the subject of a 2015 HBO documentary series, The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst. During the filming, the millionaire appeared unable to distinguish his own handwriting from that on the mysterious note. He even had the same habit of misspelling Beverly as "Beverley."
In the final episode of the HBO series, Durst compared the incriminating piece of paper with a letter he had sent Berman a year earlier. The writing appeared identical, but he insisted he was not the author of the note. "Only the killer could have written" it, he explained.
The scene was captured on camera, but it is what happened next that prosecutors think is the most incriminating evidence tying Durst to Berman's death and two others.
At the end of the interview, Durst wandered into a restroom where he was off camera but still wired to a microphone. As he washed and dried his hands, Durst could be heard muttering and burping.
"You're caught!"
"What a disaster."
"What the hell did I do?"
"Killed them all, of course."
The FBI arrested Durst in New Orleans on the eve of the airing of the bombshell finale episode in The Jinx series. Since then, Durst has maintained his innocence and adamantly denied that he wrote the letter to law enforcement, even going so far as to tell the district attorney's office that he was "high on meth" throughout the filming of the documentary.
Then, in an unexpected twist in December, Durst's lawyers acknowledged he was behind the note but said, "This does not change the facts that Bob Durst didn't kill Susan Berman and he doesn't know who did."
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office doesn't buy that. After nearly 20 years, Durst is on trial, charged with one count of murder.
On Wednesday, prosecutors will start trying to convince a jury that Durst killed Berman to stop her from speaking to law enforcement in New York, where officials had reopened the case of Kathleen McCormack Durst's disappearance. She was Durst's first wife and had vanished in 1982, shortly after the two had discussed divorcing. Her body has never been found.
Prosecutors allege in court documents that Durst enlisted Berman in helping to cover up his wife's death and that it "became [the] defendant's motive for eventually killing Susan as well."
Although Durst, now 76, has never been charged with his wife's disappearance, this is not the first time he has been on trial on murder charges.
Following new questions about his wife's disappearance, the millionaire moved into a $300-a-month apartment in Galveston, Texas, and assumed the identity of mute woman.
In 2003, Durst was accused of killing Morris Black, a 71-year-old neighbor. He told jurors that he had shot Black in the head then dismembered and dumped his body into Galveston Bay after the elderly man waved a gun at him.
Durst's defense team argued that their panicked client shot Black in self-defense and then cleaned up the scene, assuming no one would believe his version of events.
Prosecutors contended that Durst killed Black after the older man discovered Durst's true identity: son of wealthy New York real estate family — once the presumptive heir of a massive fortune — whose name was splattered across tabloid headlines and was suspected in the disappearance of his first wife.
Durst was acquitted.
During jury questioning in the latest case, Judge Mark Windham promised jurors they're in for an extraordinary legal experience.
"This is a fascinating case," Windham said during jury selection last month. "If you're going to have one trial where you're going to be a juror, this is the trial."
"You're never going to have an experience like this," he added.
After a seven-year investigation, the district attorney's office has amassed more than 2,000 exhibits and identified more than 100 witnesses whom prosecutors plan to call to testify.
The trial is expected to last up to five months.


npr--2020-03-04--Coronavirus Fears Lead To Canceled Flights And Concerns Within The Travel Industry

Coronavirus Fears Lead To Canceled Flights And Concerns Within The Travel Industry Across the country and around the world , flights are being canceled , trade shows are being called off and businesses are cutting back on employee travel — all because of fears related to the spread of the new coronavirus .
The sudden and unforeseen slowdown could cost the travel industry billions of dollars .
The Global Business Travel Association estimates that if coronavirus-related travel restrictions continue , whether the travel cutbacks are self-imposed or ordered by governments , spending on travel around the world could drop by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry a whopping $ 46.6 billion a month and nearly $ 560 billion in a year .
`` The last time we saw anything like this was 9/11 , '' says Scott Solombrino , the organization 's executive director .
`` But that was a complete shutdown of travel .
Thank God we 're nowhere near that . ''
Not yet , anyway .
But if coronavirus fears continue to lead corporations to pull sales staff , consultants and other employees off the road and if leisure travelers cancel weekend getaways and destination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staggering .
Airlines in particular are already feeling deep pain .
Several airlines are revising their financial outlook for the year , and it now may be difficult to turn a profit .
The New York Stock Exchange airline index plunged 30 % last week , more than double the drop of the Dow Jones Industrial Average .
`` Right now , across the Pacific especially , it 's a bit of a mess for airlines , '' says Joe Schwieterman , a transportation professor at DePaul University in Chicago , who notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and China in particular , are seeing business screech to a near halt .
And travel to Europe , the Middle East and other global destinations is starting to slump too .
`` International travel and international bookings are dropping .
Some companies have just banned international travel altogether , '' Schwieterman says .
And while there have n't been layoffs yet , pilots , flight attendants and other airline workers could lose pay as flight schedules are pared back and planes sit on the ground , as even domestic travel is slowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apprehension , '' Schwieterman says , as the uncertainty of where the coronavirus may spread is leading travelers to hold off on booking `` even cruises , summer trips .
People are hedging their bets . ''
The travel industry is being hurt further by the cancellation of big trade shows , conferences and conventions , including an energy summit in Houston that was expected to draw 4,000 people , a physics conference in Denver this week that expected to bring 10,000 people to that city , and the International Housewares Association 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was expected to bring in nearly 60,000 people March 14 to 17 .
The city 's tourism agency , Choose Chicago , projected that the trade show would 've been a $ 92 million boost to the local economy .
`` These big shows are lifebloods for the big cities , '' Schwieterman says , as the convention business often fills local hotels and restaurants .
`` You take that away , and there are a lot places that are financially on the edge right now and it 's going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that pain , to some degree , is unwarranted , says Solombrino , of the Global Business Travel Association , noting that many people are abandoning travel plans unnecessarily .
He says it 's certainly appropriate to limit or halt travel to China , some other parts of Asia and a few other destinations around the world .
`` But in the United States , there are no travel restrictions that have been put in place on anybody by the federal government or a state government , '' he says , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Latin and South America , most of Europe and many other places .
`` So what we 're trying to tell people and message people is that , 'Look , travel is still safe , ' `` Solombrino says .
`` Take the normal precautions you would take : Wash your hands , do n't be coughing on people , you know , try to be diligent while you 're traveling .
But we do n't see any reason why people would n't be traveling , certainly domestically . ''
Nonetheless , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both in the U.S. and abroad has travelers worked up .
`` Everyone 's freaking out , [ saying ] 'Oh my God , I got ta cancel my plans , my trip , my this , my that , ' `` says Tammy Levent , CEO of Elite Travel .
Worried clients have her phone ringing off the hook and her email inbox overflowing .
`` Travel agents have to become psychiatrists , OK ?
We have to become therapists for all these people who call in . ''
Levent says she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend a lot of time educating their clients about the coronavirus and the relatively small risk to most travelers .
Levent has been able to talk most clients out of canceling their plans .
`` I 've had one cancellation in all of our thousands of clients , which was to Japan . ''
Many airlines are offering more flexible flight-change and cancellation policies , even waiving the often hefty fees for changing or canceling a flight booked to certain destinations that are considered at higher risk .
United Airlines , for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change fees for any bookings — domestic and international — made between now and March 31 , in an effort to spur travel or at least cut its losses .
But Levent warns that those trying to cancel or change flights to destinations where there are no travel restrictions will likely have to pay the full penalty if they do cancel and that regular travel insurance may not help .
Only `` cancel for any reason '' policies will allow you to get your money back .
Still , many of those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too worried .
Arriving in Los Angeles from Cologne , Germany , Adrian Schmetz , 34 , says he thinks the media is overhyping the coronavirus danger .
`` It 's not as lethal as it 's made to look like at the moment , '' Schmetz says .
`` It 's not going to affect my choice of travel at all . ''
But Los Angeles International Airport parking attendant Myla Maramba says business there is already slowing down , and she worries that a bigger travel slump could lead to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's going to affect a lot of people 's livelihoods , '' she says .
And that 's certainly true as the tentacles of the travel economy reach into the pockets of millions around the world .

Coronavirus Fears Lead To Canceled Flights And Concerns Within The Travel Industry
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images
Across the country and around the world, flights are being canceled, trade shows are being called off and businesses are cutting back on employee travel — all because of fears related to the spread of the new coronavirus.
The sudden and unforeseen slowdown could cost the travel industry billions of dollars.
The Global Business Travel Association estimates that if coronavirus-related travel restrictions continue, whether the travel cutbacks are self-imposed or ordered by governments, spending on travel around the world could drop by more than 37%, costing the industry a whopping $46.6 billion a month and nearly $560 billion in a year.
"The last time we saw anything like this was 9/11," says Scott Solombrino, the organization's executive director. "But that was a complete shutdown of travel. Thank God we're nowhere near that."
Not yet, anyway.
But if coronavirus fears continue to lead corporations to pull sales staff, consultants and other employees off the road and if leisure travelers cancel weekend getaways and destination vacations, the economic cost could be staggering.
Airlines in particular are already feeling deep pain. Several airlines are revising their financial outlook for the year, and it now may be difficult to turn a profit.
The New York Stock Exchange airline index plunged 30% last week, more than double the drop of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
"Right now, across the Pacific especially, it's a bit of a mess for airlines," says Joe Schwieterman, a transportation professor at DePaul University in Chicago, who notes that airlines with routes to Asia, and China in particular, are seeing business screech to a near halt. And travel to Europe, the Middle East and other global destinations is starting to slump too.
"International travel and international bookings are dropping. Some companies have just banned international travel altogether," Schwieterman says.
National Delays In Coronavirus Testing Creates Confusion, Questions Delays In Coronavirus Testing Create Confusion, Raise Questions Listen · 3:41 3:41
And while there haven't been layoffs yet, pilots, flight attendants and other airline workers could lose pay as flight schedules are pared back and planes sit on the ground, as even domestic travel is slowing significantly.
"We're seeing buyer apprehension," Schwieterman says, as the uncertainty of where the coronavirus may spread is leading travelers to hold off on booking "even cruises, summer trips. People are hedging their bets."
The travel industry is being hurt further by the cancellation of big trade shows, conferences and conventions, including an energy summit in Houston that was expected to draw 4,000 people, a physics conference in Denver this week that expected to bring 10,000 people to that city, and the International Housewares Association's huge annual Inspired Home Show in Chicago, which was expected to bring in nearly 60,000 people March 14 to 17. The city's tourism agency, Choose Chicago, projected that the trade show would've been a $92 million boost to the local economy.
"These big shows are lifebloods for the big cities," Schwieterman says, as the convention business often fills local hotels and restaurants. "You take that away, and there are a lot places that are financially on the edge right now and it's going to create some severe pain."
But that pain, to some degree, is unwarranted, says Solombrino, of the Global Business Travel Association, noting that many people are abandoning travel plans unnecessarily. He says it's certainly appropriate to limit or halt travel to China, some other parts of Asia and a few other destinations around the world.
"But in the United States, there are no travel restrictions that have been put in place on anybody by the federal government or a state government," he says, adding that there are also no restrictions on travel to Latin and South America, most of Europe and many other places.
"So what we're trying to tell people and message people is that, 'Look, travel is still safe,' " Solombrino says. "Take the normal precautions you would take: Wash your hands, don't be coughing on people, you know, try to be diligent while you're traveling. But we don't see any reason why people wouldn't be traveling, certainly domestically."
Nonetheless, the media coverage of the spreading coronavirus both in the U.S. and abroad has travelers worked up.
"Everyone's freaking out, [saying] 'Oh my God, I gotta cancel my plans, my trip, my this, my that,' " says Tammy Levent, CEO of Elite Travel. Worried clients have her phone ringing off the hook and her email inbox overflowing.
"Travel agents have to become psychiatrists, OK? We have to become therapists for all these people who call in."
Levent says she and many of her fellow travel professionals spend a lot of time educating their clients about the coronavirus and the relatively small risk to most travelers. Levent has been able to talk most clients out of canceling their plans.
"I've had one cancellation in all of our thousands of clients, which was to Japan."
Many airlines are offering more flexible flight-change and cancellation policies, even waiving the often hefty fees for changing or canceling a flight booked to certain destinations that are considered at higher risk.
United Airlines, for example, just announced that it is waiving change fees for any bookings — domestic and international — made between now and March 31, in an effort to spur travel or at least cut its losses.
But Levent warns that those trying to cancel or change flights to destinations where there are no travel restrictions will likely have to pay the full penalty if they do cancel and that regular travel insurance may not help. Only "cancel for any reason" policies will allow you to get your money back.
Still, many of those who are flying this week don't seem too worried.
Arriving in Los Angeles from Cologne, Germany, Adrian Schmetz, 34, says he thinks the media is overhyping the coronavirus danger.
"It's not as lethal as it's made to look like at the moment," Schmetz says. "It's not going to affect my choice of travel at all."
But Los Angeles International Airport parking attendant Myla Maramba says business there is already slowing down, and she worries that a bigger travel slump could lead to a cut in hours or layoffs.
"It's going to affect a lot of people's livelihoods," she says.
And that's certainly true as the tentacles of the travel economy reach into the pockets of millions around the world.


npr--2020-03-04--Deadly Tornado Leaves Nashville's Music Community Reeling – And Sticking Together

Early Tuesday morning , a tornado ripped through Nashville and greater middle Tennessee , causing extensive destruction to homes and businesses and claiming the lives of 24 people across four counties .
While not the only neighborhood to sustain widespread damage , East Nashville was hit particularly hard , delivering a harsh blow to the city 's vibrant music and arts communities .
One of the first businesses to be reported as damaged was the Basement East , a beloved venue that opened in 2015 and has since been host both to national touring acts and to favorite local artists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm , photos of the venue 's collapsed outer wall — with its `` I Believe in Nashville '' mural still intact — began flooding social media , accompanied by heartbroken tributes from artists and music fans .
Just hours before the tornado touched down , the `` Beast , '' as the venue is affectionately known , played host to the second night of `` Berniefest , '' a collaborative concert that sought to raise funds and awareness for Bernie Sanders ' presidential campaign .
Artists who performed Monday night include Lissie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liz Longley .
At 1:55 Tuesday morning , the Basement East tweeted , `` All staff working tonight are okay !
Building sustained significant damage . ''
In a later post to Facebook , Basement East staff said they were working to relocate or cancel upcoming shows , and to `` bear with us as this process could take a few days to weeks . ''
One such show — country singer-songwriter Hailey Whitters ' March 10 date at the Beast — has already found a home on the same date at Exit/In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tornado relief .
Emilee Warner co-produced Berniefest alongside local musician and producer Dean Moore .
Speaking with NPR Music via phone , Warner says of the venue , `` The Basement East is so special because of the community it supports and creates .
What the Basement East represents is more of a community than a building .
And Mike [ Grimes ] and Dave [ Brown ] put that venue in East Nashville intentionally , knowing that it would thrive because the artists and the fans live nearby .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : in their neighborhood . ''
The Basement East is located near East Nashville 's popular Five Points Neighborhood , home to numerous bars , restaurants and shops , as well as the historic and densely populated residential neighborhoods Lockeland Springs and Edgefield .
East Nashville is known not only as a popular hangout destination for musicians and music fans , but also where much of Nashville 's music community works and lives .
Many of the businesses that were lost in the tornado , like restaurant Burger Up and clothing store Molly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's vibrant service industry , which often serves as an employment hub for up-and-coming musicians across the city .
Nashville singer-songwriter Mercy Bell tells NPR Music that , when the tornado hit , she was working at Five Points-adjacent bar Rosemary , which she describes as being `` run by musicians and music industry folks . ''
Bell and her co-workers huddled in the bar 's basement for safety when they first heard tornado sirens , before eventually venturing out into Five Points to see if their friends at other establishments were safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the street dumbfounded and heartbroken , '' Bell says , describing the moment she saw the destruction of establishments like Burger Up .
`` This was the neighborhood and community that 's given me my music and it was demolished .
I felt the wind taken out of me .
I do n't know how to explain what it feels like to look at a place you 've called home for years in ruins . ''
Dualtone Records , whose roster includes Shovels & Rope and Angie McMahon , lost its headquarters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from the Beast .
Dualtone president Paul Roper tells NPR Music that their McFerrin Ave. office was `` hit really hard '' and that the label `` will be rebuilding over the coming months . ''
`` It is an emotional thing seeing our neighbor 's building at Basement East devastated , and much of Five Points in what now looks like a war zone , '' Roper adds .
`` Amidst it all , we are grateful to so many who have reached out with their love and support .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt nowhere more closely than in Nashville .
We saw this with the flood of 2010 and you can feel it again now : This city will lift one another up and come back stronger through it all . ''
Neighborhoods north of downtown Nashville were also hit hard .
Germantown , Salemtown and Historic Buena Vista all suffered massive property damage , with many displaced residents sheltering , for a time , at the nearby Nashville Farmers Market .
These neighborhoods run alongside historic Jefferson Street , a main drag known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and R & B communities , and as a hub for the city 's black businesses and historically black colleges and universities , including Fisk University and Meharry Medical College .
The Donelson neighborhood also suffered great damage .
The community , which lies just across the Cumberland River from East Nashville , also boasts a high number of musical and creative residents , both for its proximity to East Nashville and for its affordable housing .
And while the national spotlight shines on Nashville , neighboring suburbs like Mt .
Juliet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tornado , with Putnam bearing the brunt of the death toll at 18 killed and many others still missing .
Tuesday also marked `` Super Tuesday '' in Tennessee , with many residents heading to the polls at alternate locations late into Tuesday evening .
Many artists , both local and otherwise , have already started initiatives to raise funds and collect donations for victims of the tornado .
Early Tuesday , country singer-songwriter Margo Price tweeted , `` My heart is breaking for Nashville today .
We left Five Points just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it was coming .
I feel lucky to be alive and still have a home , '' before embarking on a day-long effort to deliver supplies to the Red Cross .
Fellow Nashvillian and country artist Kacey Musgraves announced , via Instagram story , her plans to sell some of her clothing and accessories to Stage to Closet , with proceeds benefiting tornado relief .
Brittany Howard , known for her solo work and with bands Bermuda Triangle and the Alabama Shakes , posted an Instagram photo of her hands , presumably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sift through the wreckage of their homes , with the caption , `` I love this community so much .
I do n't know what else to say , really .
Everyone is out here today helping with each other and it 's really moving , '' along with links to aid organizations like Hands on Nashville , the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Red Cross of Tennessee .
( For those both in and outside of Nashville looking to help victims of the tornado , the Nashville Scene has compiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept both donations of money and aid items , as well as resources for those hoping to volunteer their time toward the recovery effort . )
Price , Musgraves and Howard are but three of many already working tirelessly to raise funds and help out on the ground throughout their middle Tennessee communities .
Emergency crews are still working to find missing persons , clear roadways and restore power to thousands of residents .

Deadly Tornado Leaves Nashville's Music Community Reeling – And Sticking Together
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jason Kempin/Getty Images Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Early Tuesday morning, a tornado ripped through Nashville and greater middle Tennessee, causing extensive destruction to homes and businesses and claiming the lives of 24 people across four counties. While not the only neighborhood to sustain widespread damage, East Nashville was hit particularly hard, delivering a harsh blow to the city's vibrant music and arts communities.
One of the first businesses to be reported as damaged was the Basement East, a beloved venue that opened in 2015 and has since been host both to national touring acts and to favorite local artists alike. In the hours after the storm, photos of the venue's collapsed outer wall — with its "I Believe in Nashville" mural still intact — began flooding social media, accompanied by heartbroken tributes from artists and music fans.
Just hours before the tornado touched down, the "Beast," as the venue is affectionately known, played host to the second night of "Berniefest," a collaborative concert that sought to raise funds and awareness for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign. Artists who performed Monday night include Lissie, Sarah Potenza, Darrin Bradbury and Liz Longley.
At 1:55 Tuesday morning, the Basement East tweeted, "All staff working tonight are okay! Building sustained significant damage." In a later post to Facebook, Basement East staff said they were working to relocate or cancel upcoming shows, and to "bear with us as this process could take a few days to weeks." One such show — country singer-songwriter Hailey Whitters' March 10 date at the Beast — has already found a home on the same date at Exit/In, with all proceeds to be donated to tornado relief.
Emilee Warner co-produced Berniefest alongside local musician and producer Dean Moore. Speaking with NPR Music via phone, Warner says of the venue, "The Basement East is so special because of the community it supports and creates. What the Basement East represents is more of a community than a building. And Mike [Grimes] and Dave [Brown] put that venue in East Nashville intentionally, knowing that it would thrive because the artists and the fans live nearby. That's where they want to go see music: in their neighborhood."
The Basement East is located near East Nashville's popular Five Points Neighborhood, home to numerous bars, restaurants and shops, as well as the historic and densely populated residential neighborhoods Lockeland Springs and Edgefield. East Nashville is known not only as a popular hangout destination for musicians and music fans, but also where much of Nashville's music community works and lives. Many of the businesses that were lost in the tornado, like restaurant Burger Up and clothing store Molly Green, were part of the city's vibrant service industry, which often serves as an employment hub for up-and-coming musicians across the city.
Nashville singer-songwriter Mercy Bell tells NPR Music that, when the tornado hit, she was working at Five Points-adjacent bar Rosemary, which she describes as being "run by musicians and music industry folks." Bell and her co-workers huddled in the bar's basement for safety when they first heard tornado sirens, before eventually venturing out into Five Points to see if their friends at other establishments were safe.
"I stood in the middle of the street dumbfounded and heartbroken," Bell says, describing the moment she saw the destruction of establishments like Burger Up. "This was the neighborhood and community that's given me my music and it was demolished. I felt the wind taken out of me. I don't know how to explain what it feels like to look at a place you've called home for years in ruins."
Dualtone Records, whose roster includes Shovels & Rope and Angie McMahon, lost its headquarters, which was situated just a block away from the Beast. Dualtone president Paul Roper tells NPR Music that their McFerrin Ave. office was "hit really hard" and that the label "will be rebuilding over the coming months."
"It is an emotional thing seeing our neighbor's building at Basement East devastated, and much of Five Points in what now looks like a war zone," Roper adds. "Amidst it all, we are grateful to so many who have reached out with their love and support. This music community is strong and that is felt nowhere more closely than in Nashville. We saw this with the flood of 2010 and you can feel it again now: This city will lift one another up and come back stronger through it all."
Neighborhoods north of downtown Nashville were also hit hard. Germantown, Salemtown and Historic Buena Vista all suffered massive property damage, with many displaced residents sheltering, for a time, at the nearby Nashville Farmers Market. These neighborhoods run alongside historic Jefferson Street, a main drag known for its deep roots in Nashville's soul and R&B communities, and as a hub for the city's black businesses and historically black colleges and universities, including Fisk University and Meharry Medical College.
The Donelson neighborhood also suffered great damage. The community, which lies just across the Cumberland River from East Nashville, also boasts a high number of musical and creative residents, both for its proximity to East Nashville and for its affordable housing. And while the national spotlight shines on Nashville, neighboring suburbs like Mt. Juliet and nearby Putnam County were also devastated by the tornado, with Putnam bearing the brunt of the death toll at 18 killed and many others still missing. Tuesday also marked "Super Tuesday" in Tennessee, with many residents heading to the polls at alternate locations late into Tuesday evening.
Many artists, both local and otherwise, have already started initiatives to raise funds and collect donations for victims of the tornado. Early Tuesday, country singer-songwriter Margo Price tweeted, "My heart is breaking for Nashville today. We left Five Points just minutes before the tornado hit completely unaware that it was coming. I feel lucky to be alive and still have a home," before embarking on a day-long effort to deliver supplies to the Red Cross. Fellow Nashvillian and country artist Kacey Musgraves announced, via Instagram story, her plans to sell some of her clothing and accessories to Stage to Closet, with proceeds benefiting tornado relief.
Brittany Howard, known for her solo work and with bands Bermuda Triangle and the Alabama Shakes, posted an Instagram photo of her hands, presumably dirty after a day of helping neighbors sift through the wreckage of their homes, with the caption, "I love this community so much. I don't know what else to say, really. Everyone is out here today helping with each other and it's really moving," along with links to aid organizations like Hands on Nashville, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Red Cross of Tennessee. (For those both in and outside of Nashville looking to help victims of the tornado, the Nashville Scene has compiled a handy guide to local organizations who accept both donations of money and aid items, as well as resources for those hoping to volunteer their time toward the recovery effort.)
Price, Musgraves and Howard are but three of many already working tirelessly to raise funds and help out on the ground throughout their middle Tennessee communities.
Emergency crews are still working to find missing persons, clear roadways and restore power to thousands of residents.