csmonitor--2020-04-24--Boston’s car-free streets offer glimpse of low-carbon future

“ Transit is key to carbon neutrality and moving people out of cars onto bicycles and other carbon-free modes is very important , ” says Vineet Gupta , the director of planning and engineering at the Boston Transportation Department .
“ That comes first.
” This pandemic-driven automotive vanishing act has not just reduced pollution in the city , it has also offered a potential vision of the future .
Like many other cities around the globe , Boston has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 .
To achieve that , the city will have to dethrone the car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it with a mix of bikes , trains , electric buses , and improved infrastructure for all modes of transportation .
Massachusetts Gov .
Charlie Baker ’ s stay-at-home advisory has transformed one of the Bay State ’ s most enduring icons : Boston traffic .
Mostly gone are the honking and cursing hordes for whom red lights are a suggestion and turn signals a sign of weakness .
Taking their place on the city ’ s famously convoluted roadways are cyclists and pedestrians ; people who , whatever other faults they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Helmet on , Peter Cheung zips up his bright green jacket , matching the rest of his attire , down to the sunglasses .
Without his signature outfit , people don ’ t recognize him .
Mr. Cheung knows the busy streets of Boston intimately .
Biking in the city since his college years , the Aruba native is now a leader in Boston ’ s biking community .
But ever since the coronavirus pandemic emptied the streets , Mr. Cheung ’ s rides feel eerily quiet .
From Boston ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Brookline , Needham , and Newton , the cyclist now often goes through his almost daily 10-mile ride without seeing anyone on the road .
“ [ There ’ s ] definitely less stress , ” he says .
“ And it seems like cars are respecting cyclists more because they know that people are out trying to get some exercise.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
For years , organizations addressing climate change have been advocating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the road .
It ’ s a goal many Boston commuters can agree with , if not for environmental reasons then in hopes of taming some of the nation ’ s worst traffic congestion .
But so far , any agreement on how to limit cars on the road has remained elusive .
Then came the pandemic .
Within a month , average distances driven in Boston fell by 75 % compared to February ’ s average .
As cars step back , leaving space for other modes of transportation , the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon-neutral future could look like .
Boston , like many other cities in the United States and around the world , is trying to reach its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 .
But with 65 % of Boston 's transportation emissions coming from personal vehicles , the city will have to dethrone gasoline-powered cars as king of the road .
“ Transit is key to carbon neutrality and moving people out of cars onto bicycles and other carbon-free modes is very important , ” says Vineet Gupta , the director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Transportation Department .
“ That comes first.
” While a mostly-car-free city may look uncanny in the middle of a global pandemic , there used to be a time when that was the norm .
At the turn of the 20th century , when cars first appeared on U.S. roads , they had to share the paved streets with the previous tenants – horses , bicycles , pedestrians , and carriages .
Today , cars hold a near-monopoly .
Eighty-five percent of Americans drive alone to their jobs every day .
In 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the country with drivers spending 149 hours in traffic that year .
And the rest of the country is no different – San Francisco , Chicago , Los Angeles , Philadelphia , and New York all face congestion and pollution problems .
“ America is car-centric .
You see it everywhere .
In advertising at the Super Bowl , there are car commercials .
Buy this car – faster , stronger , ” Mr. Cheung says .
But as the pandemic forced millions to work remotely , the reduced number of cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in greenhouse gas emissions .
Recent NASA satellite data shows that nitrogen dioxide levels – primarily emitted from burning fossil fuels for transportation and electricity – were about 30 % lower on average in March 2020 over the Northeast compared with the previous five years .
While these statistics look encouraging , experts expect air pollution levels to rise again when economies restart .
To reach carbon neutrality , cities will need to implement lasting changes .
“ You ’ ve got to make driving , you know , the worst option in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joan Fitzgerald , professor of public policy and urban affairs at Boston 's Northeastern University .
Improving bus lines and adding lanes on the road , transitioning to electric modes of transportation – whether it be buses or cars – and adding bicycle lanes throughout cities are ways to push people onto other modes of transportation , and meeting the 2050 goal .
“ That ’ s really the future of cities , ” Julia Wallerce , the Boston program manager at the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy , says .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed some of its streets to automobile traffic to offer more space for pedestrians , runners , and cyclists .
Cities globally are already brainstorming ways to transform initiatives taken during the pandemic into more permanent urban redesign .
In Milan , over the summer , city officials will implement a bold plan to transform its streets to expand cycling and walking spaces and reduce car use as residents go back to work .
Sharing the roads with cars – that ’ s what Mr. Cheung and the Boston Cyclists Union , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have been fighting for .
For 10 years , the BCU has been campaigning for better bike infrastructure with additional bike lanes , and safer , more accessible streets throughout Boston .
Riding through a quieter and cleaner Boston , Mr. Cheung enjoys the newfound , but temporary , freedom and safety on the streets .
“ A lot of people have been depressed and sad .
But everyone has been saying that when they go out on their bike ride , it just totally makes them feel better , healthier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s just been great just to be out on a bicycle .
It really , really helps a lot of people to go through these times.
” The solutions to achieve carbon neutrality are already here , says Craig Altemose at Better Future Project , a Massachusetts organization addressing climate change ; we just need to use them .
The 2050 goal might even be underambitious , he says , and we might not have 30 years to tackle climate change .
“ We have electric buses , we have electric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have bike paths , we have sidewalks – none of this is new technology .
We know how to do all of this , ” he says .
“ It is purely a question of political will to implement solutions.
” He adds : “ As we see more wildfires , more hurricanes , more heat waves , more severe storms , more droughts , more floods , the political will for bold and aggressive action is only going to increase exponentially.
” This story was published as part of Covering Climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage of the climate story .
Editor ’ s note : This story has been updated to clarify that the Boston Cyclist 's Union is a nonprofit with paid staff and to clarify that personal vehicles account for 65 % of the city 's transportation-related emissions .
As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

As the global coronavirus pandemic disrupts nearly every aspect of how we live, work, and travel, it might reveal pathways to alternative ways of organizing our communities.
“Transit is key to carbon neutrality and moving people out of cars onto bicycles and other carbon-free modes is very important,” says Vineet Gupta, the director of planning and engineering at the Boston Transportation Department. “That comes first.”
This pandemic-driven automotive vanishing act has not just reduced pollution in the city, it has also offered a potential vision of the future. Like many other cities around the globe, Boston has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve that, the city will have to dethrone the car as king of the road, replacing it with a mix of bikes, trains, electric buses, and improved infrastructure for all modes of transportation.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s stay-at-home advisory has transformed one of the Bay State’s most enduring icons: Boston traffic. Mostly gone are the honking and cursing hordes for whom red lights are a suggestion and turn signals a sign of weakness. Taking their place on the city’s famously convoluted roadways are cyclists and pedestrians; people who, whatever other faults they may have, aren’t burning gas.
Helmet on, Peter Cheung zips up his bright green jacket, matching the rest of his attire, down to the sunglasses. Without his signature outfit, people don’t recognize him. Mr. Cheung knows the busy streets of Boston intimately. Biking in the city since his college years, the Aruba native is now a leader in Boston’s biking community.
But ever since the coronavirus pandemic emptied the streets, Mr. Cheung’s rides feel eerily quiet. From Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood, to the towns of Brookline, Needham, and Newton, the cyclist now often goes through his almost daily 10-mile ride without seeing anyone on the road.
“[There’s] definitely less stress,” he says. “And it seems like cars are respecting cyclists more because they know that people are out trying to get some exercise.”
Why We Wrote This As the global coronavirus pandemic disrupts nearly every aspect of how we live, work, and travel, it might reveal pathways to alternative ways of organizing our communities.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
For years, organizations addressing climate change have been advocating for a reduced number of cars on the road. It’s a goal many Boston commuters can agree with, if not for environmental reasons then in hopes of taming some of the nation’s worst traffic congestion. But so far, any agreement on how to limit cars on the road has remained elusive. Then came the pandemic.
Within a month, average distances driven in Boston fell by 75% compared to February’s average. As cars step back, leaving space for other modes of transportation, the pandemic offers a glimpse of what one possible carbon-neutral future could look like.
Boston, like many other cities in the United States and around the world, is trying to reach its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. But with 65% of Boston's transportation emissions coming from personal vehicles, the city will have to dethrone gasoline-powered cars as king of the road.
“Transit is key to carbon neutrality and moving people out of cars onto bicycles and other carbon-free modes is very important,” says Vineet Gupta, the director of planning and engineering at the Boston Transportation Department. “That comes first.”
“The worst option”
While a mostly-car-free city may look uncanny in the middle of a global pandemic, there used to be a time when that was the norm. At the turn of the 20th century, when cars first appeared on U.S. roads, they had to share the paved streets with the previous tenants – horses, bicycles, pedestrians, and carriages.
Today, cars hold a near-monopoly. Eighty-five percent of Americans drive alone to their jobs every day. In 2019, Boston was the most congested city in the country with drivers spending 149 hours in traffic that year. And the rest of the country is no different – San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York all face congestion and pollution problems.
“America is car-centric. You see it everywhere. In advertising at the Super Bowl, there are car commercials. Buy this car – faster, stronger,” Mr. Cheung says.
But as the pandemic forced millions to work remotely, the reduced number of cars on the road led to a drop in greenhouse gas emissions. Recent NASA satellite data shows that nitrogen dioxide levels – primarily emitted from burning fossil fuels for transportation and electricity – were about 30% lower on average in March 2020 over the Northeast compared with the previous five years.
While these statistics look encouraging, experts expect air pollution levels to rise again when economies restart. To reach carbon neutrality, cities will need to implement lasting changes.
“You’ve got to make driving, you know, the worst option in order to change things,” says Joan Fitzgerald, professor of public policy and urban affairs at Boston's Northeastern University.
Improving bus lines and adding lanes on the road, transitioning to electric modes of transportation – whether it be buses or cars – and adding bicycle lanes throughout cities are ways to push people onto other modes of transportation, and meeting the 2050 goal.
“That’s really the future of cities,” Julia Wallerce, the Boston program manager at the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy, says. “Cars are not.”
Recently, Boston closed some of its streets to automobile traffic to offer more space for pedestrians, runners, and cyclists. Cities globally are already brainstorming ways to transform initiatives taken during the pandemic into more permanent urban redesign. In Milan, over the summer, city officials will implement a bold plan to transform its streets to expand cycling and walking spaces and reduce car use as residents go back to work.
A breath of fresh air
Sharing the roads with cars – that’s what Mr. Cheung and the Boston Cyclists Union, a nonprofit group of cyclists with paid staff, have been fighting for. For 10 years, the BCU has been campaigning for better bike infrastructure with additional bike lanes, and safer, more accessible streets throughout Boston.
Riding through a quieter and cleaner Boston, Mr. Cheung enjoys the newfound, but temporary, freedom and safety on the streets.
“A lot of people have been depressed and sad. But everyone has been saying that when they go out on their bike ride, it just totally makes them feel better, healthier, fresher,” he says. “It’s just been great just to be out on a bicycle. It really, really helps a lot of people to go through these times.”
The solutions to achieve carbon neutrality are already here, says Craig Altemose at Better Future Project, a Massachusetts organization addressing climate change; we just need to use them. The 2050 goal might even be underambitious, he says, and we might not have 30 years to tackle climate change.
“We have electric buses, we have electric trains, we have electric cars. We have bike paths, we have sidewalks – none of this is new technology. We know how to do all of this,” he says. “It is purely a question of political will to implement solutions.”
He adds: “As we see more wildfires, more hurricanes, more heat waves, more severe storms, more droughts, more floods, the political will for bold and aggressive action is only going to increase exponentially.”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was published as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify that the Boston Cyclist's Union is a nonprofit with paid staff and to clarify that personal vehicles account for 65% of the city's transportation-related emissions. As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-04-23--Daily for April 23, 2020

Daily for April 23, 2020

With the world caught in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic , the global threat that much of the international community once worried about most – the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the risk of a cataclysmic nuclear winter – has largely vanished from public thought .
The issue has quite literally retreated from the international stage – the pandemic having forced the postponement of the every-five-years review conference of the half-century-old Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons , or NPT .
The gathering of hundreds of diplomats and nuclear-issues officials from the NPT ’ s 191 member states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Nations in New York for a month beginning next week .
U.N. officials have delayed the conference until 2021 .
Yet while predictions of a rancorous and divisive NPT review conference were flying high earlier this year , the postponement is increasingly being viewed as an opportunity .
Among other reasons for the dour predictions : The world ’ s nuclear weapons states , including the United States , Russia , and China , were in for a drubbing from non-nuclear states for undoing disarmament accords and modernizing and expanding nuclear arsenals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in nuclear issues , the year ahead now opens the door to serious discussion of ways of fortifying the NPT , particularly by hardening the consequences of member states withdrawing from the treaty , as North Korea did in 2003 .
With the leaders of Iran , Turkey , Saudi Arabia , and other countries musing at times about the treaty ’ s unacceptable limits or even leaving the NPT , some say it ’ s time to focus on barring the door to a future wave of nuclear-arms proliferation .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be used to consider other ideas and priorities than what typically consumes the conversation , and new ways of interpreting the treaty to preserve its integrity , ” says Henry Sokolski , executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center in Washington .
It would be smart to focus a bit more on nonproliferation , and maybe a bit less on disarmament , “ which tends to consume everyone but doesn ’ t get the traction people are looking for , ” he says .
Some see a “ silver lining ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers an opportunity for global leadership .
“ The pandemic has thrown everything up in the air [ but ] leaders will be looking for ways to show their leadership and put it in a good light , ” says Rose Gottemoeller , a former undersecretary of state for arms control and international security , and until recently a deputy secretary general at NATO .
For example , she says President Donald Trump is likely to want a big foreign policy win to tout in his reelection campaign , and that could prompt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – such as extending the New START arms reduction treaty with Russia – before the November election .
More broadly , Ms. Gottemoeller says the context of a global pandemic can actually be a boon to the search for more cooperation on other issues .
“ I continue to believe that the coronavirus pandemic is providing an opportunity for leaders to come together around international institutions and agreements and to restate commitments to international cooperation , ” says Ms. Gottemoeller , now a distinguished lecturer at Stanford University ’ s Center for International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California .
“ The NPT regime is no different , ” she adds , “ so I believe we ’ ll see [ treaty signatories ] … coming together around the position that ‘ this is a good treaty , let ’ s recommit to it and strengthen it going forward.
’ ” Yet despite his hopes for new thinking on nuclear issues in the months ahead , Mr. Sokolski says he worries that a remarkably successful 50-year-old treaty might not last another decade .
The NPT took effect in 1970 based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states of the U.N. Security Council ( the U.S. , Russia , China , France , and the United Kingdom ) would move toward the elimination of all nuclear weapons , while the non-nuclear states committed to not seeking or developing such weapons but would have access to peaceful nuclear energy uses .
The NPT took effect in a world where many countries had nuclear weapons programs , but today only India , Pakistan , Israel , and North Korea stand outside the treaty .
Over the last half-century , the two largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have indeed sharply reduced their stockpiles .
But more recently those two powers have shifted to modernizing their arsenals , as China has moved to expand its arsenal .
Moreover the U.S. and Russia have moved away from disarmament treaties , with the last major treaty between them , New START , set to expire in February 2021 .
Increasingly non-weapons states see the nuclear powers as failing to hold up their end of the NPT bargain , a sentiment that has prompted some NPT members to pursue new initiatives without the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries signed on to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons , a document rejected by the nuclear weapons states .
Given the percolating ire of the non-nuclear states , some experts say they are not certain that the postponement of the NPT review conference will lead to greater global unity on disarmament and nonproliferation down the road .
“ For sure the review conference ” set for next week “ was a train wreck waiting to happen , but nothing guarantees that we ’ ll find ourselves in nine months or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” says Waheguru Pal Sidhu , an expert on multilateral and U.N. issues at New York University ’ s Center for Global Affairs .
“ The opportunity is there , but there ’ s also a risk of even more disunity.
” Much will depend on how countries , and especially the major powers , choose to address the coronavirus pandemic , Mr. Sidhu says .
Proceeding with a spirit of “ we ’ re one world in this together ” could in turn foster a greater sense of cooperation on other issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But a “ you ’ re on your own ” approach could sour the atmosphere of a major international effort like the NPT review .
“ People are talking about international solidarity for addressing COVID-19 , but on the other hand we have the proliferation really of these nation-first approaches – America first , Brazil first , India first – that set a tone that does not encourage greater cooperation , ” he says .
Some experts worry that what Ms. Gottemoeller calls the “ mischief-makers ” in the nuclear arena – foremost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could use the months before the NPT conference to advance their nuclear programs and further weaken the global nuclear nonproliferation regime .
But even there , Ms. Gottemoeller says the pandemic has changed her thinking on how some states are likely to proceed on nuclear issues over the coming months .
“ My view has shifted on this , I think the pandemic means they have less time and less incentive to make mischief , because they need the help of the international community , ” she says .
She cites the example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nonproliferation community with talk of purchasing nuclear facilities that could leave it in possession of the fuel and other building blocks for an eventual nuclear weapons program .
But other challenges are likely to put provocative moves like a nuclear program on the back burner , Ms. Gottemoeller says .
“ I don ’ t think they ’ ll be focused at this moment on buying nuclear reactors .
”

States band together to take next step against coronavirus Collapse
David Postman was looking forward to his first day off in more than six weeks. As chief of staff to the governor of Washington state – where the novel coronavirus burst early in the United States – he figured the Easter weekend might provide that opportunity.
It was not to be. Instead, he spent the weekend teleconferencing and texting with his counterparts in Oregon and California. The three chiefs of staff were working on a formal collaboration between their West Coast states, and the governors wanted to move quickly. Rumblings were coming from President Donald Trump about an upcoming decision to reopen states’ economies.
“We need to be out there. We want to show people that we are working together,” says Mr. Postman, recalling the urgency of the moment.
On Monday morning, the governors – all of them Democrats – agreed to guidelines for reopening their economies, including a decline in the rate of the virus’s spread, more testing, and protecting vulnerable populations. The same day, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, also a Democrat, announced a coalition of Northeastern states, followed later in the week by a bipartisan Great Lakes group.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
On one hand, states cooperate on a daily basis, from local agreements on transport to larger ones that affect regions – such as Eastern states capping greenhouse gases and Western ones sharing Colorado River water. And when hurricanes, fires, or floods hit, states are quick to send firefighters and utility trucks.
But nothing is testing governors like COVID-19. It stretches across the entire country, and it is unpredictable and harder to control. While governors say they will rely on science to open up their economies, the science is not so clear. And opening up will be harder than shutting down, as governors compete for equipment and struggle to maintain health standards in the face of mounting pushback, costs, and skyrocketing unemployment.
Al Drago/Reuters View caption Hide caption President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence watch a video of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaking during the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington April 19, 2020.
To this point, that is the key question binding these partnerships: How do they reopen responsibly and strategically? For instance, when is it OK to allow elective surgeries, or how to conduct contact tracing? The coalitions are a reminder that even as the “political poison” in Congress has “leaked” into the states, relationships among governors are “nothing like it is in Washington,” says former New Jersey Gov. Thomas Kean.
Members of Congress are graded on speeches and votes, he explains. Governors, on the other hand, “get graded on what you’ve done. Period.”
That means getting the next steps right. And governors know they’ll need one another.
“The effect of this pandemic is so much more widespread than any other calamity, or emergency, or crisis in anyone’s memory – and its path and duration are hard to predict,” says John Weingart, director of the Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University in New Jersey. “No one wants restrictions relaxed too soon, but what nobody knows is the definition of ‘too soon.’”
Remember Dick Thornburgh
Emergency planning is the very first thing new governors learn about when they gather after Election Day for training by the National Governors Association. A telling example for the newbies: Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburgh. In 1979, after less than three months in office, he had to deal with the accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant.
States should be able to count on federal help with resources, guidance, and expertise, Mr. Weingart says. On Thursday, Congress passed nearly $500 billion in coronavirus-related aid on top of $2.5 trillion already passed.
But generally, “states would prefer to rely on each other, as opposed to the federal government,” says Raymond Scheppach, former executive director of the National Governors Association. “They understand each other and they’ll get answers quicker.” They even have a formal compact that allows them to share assistance during emergencies – including smokejumpers, National Guardsmen, and equipment.
In today’s crisis, regional cooperation is “the only way to do it,” says Mr. Kean, a popular two-term governor in the 1980s. What if New Jersey were to open its beaches before New York? he posits. “All the people in New York are going to come to our beaches.”
He and Democrat Mario Cuomo, a former New York governor, met at least once a month over dinner or lunch. They became close friends. Good relationships with the governors of Massachusetts and North Carolina also led to the governors “stealing” ideas from one another, he says.
That same approach must apply now, many governors say. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts spoke in a local TV interview Monday about the need to get over “the baloney and the noise” of partisan politics. “We’re all in this together and we need to behave and act like that,” he said, rattling off the names of his counterparts from Maine to New Jersey, most of whom are Democrats.
Michael Conroy/AP View caption Hide caption Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb answers questions at the Statehouse in Indianapolis on March 24, 2020. His state has joined a regional coronavirus partnership.
Regional cooperation is vital, he said last week, given how integrated New England states’ economies are. About 250,000 out-of-state drivers enter Massachusetts on an average weekday, including nearly 150,000 commuters from New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
“Part of the planning also requires listening to and learning from our neighboring states,” Governor Baker said, though he emphasized that he would always act first and foremost in the interest of Massachusetts citizens.
That is the balancing act ahead – weighing one state’s needs, and even counties within states, against the needs of neighbors. The point was stressed by the seven Midwestern governors who formed a bipartisan coalition in the broader Great Lakes area. (The group includes Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.)
“Phasing in sectors of our economy will be most effective when we work together as a region,” they said in an April 16 statement. “This doesn’t mean our economy will reopen all at once, or that every state will take the same steps at the same time. But close coordination will ensure we get this right.”
Relationship with D.C.
Some governors have butted heads with the president over his authority, over shortages of tests and personal protective equipment, and his encouragement of protesters to “liberate” certain Democratic states from restrictions. But they have generally praised the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its expertise and Vice President Mike Pence for his outreach. And Wednesday saw California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom – who has led the Democratic “resistance” against the president – touting a “very good phone call” with President Trump. More testing swabs are on the way, the president assured him.
In that way, the cooperation between states is not just about filling federal gaps, suggests Mr. Weingart. “It seems clear that the effect of the virus is different in different parts of the country, or on a different schedule, and it’s a healthy response for states to band together in some instances.”
This week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that six Southeastern states, all led by Republican governors, are also forming a coalition to share ideas about reopening. They are moving more quickly and broadly to loosen restrictions than their Democratic counterparts, though Colorado’s Democratic governor announced he will let his state’s stay-at-home order expire next week and allow businesses to reopen with restrictions.
Mr. Scheppach expects that governors will become closer because of this challenge, and hopes their efforts will lead to greater cooperation in the future. So far, the American public has given governors high marks for their handling of the crisis, with 76% of Democrats and 73% of Republicans praising their state’s governor, according to a Monmouth University poll released last month.
“We know we need each other’s expertise, support, ideas, troubleshooting,” says Washington state’s Mr. Postman. Should states face something like this again, “let’s go back and remember what we did [to collaborate] in 2020.”
Staff writer Christa Case Bryant contributed to this report from Boston.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-04-24--As rescue money flows, so can honesty and accountability

One of the most trusted people in the United States is Jerome Powell , head of the central bank .
Some 58 % of Americans have confidence in the Federal Reserve chairman , according to an April Gallup Poll .
Yet as the Fed begins to disburse trillions of dollars to distressed companies , Mr. Powell knows he must work hard to keep that trust – by preventing corruption in the use of the taxpayers ’ money .
On Thursday the Fed said it would disclose the names of companies receiving its assistance along with the terms of the loans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a website at least every 30 days .
The Fed ’ s unusual transparency is one example of officials around the world trying to maintain support during the fight against COVID-19 .
When people are sacrificing so much for the collective good , leaders can not afford anger at government malfeasance or at private actors who take advantage of the crisis for their own benefit .
A few countries like Taiwan have shown in their response to the coronavirus that open and accountable government can be an effective virus killer and perhaps an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s anti-bribery body just issued guidelines to its 50 member states on ways to prevent corruption .
And the group of wealthy countries known as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says it will help countries safeguard public procurement , transparency , and whistleblowers .
“ It is in moments of disaster response and relief that the values of open government can come under intense pressure , but can also meaningfully contribute to better outcomes , ” says the international group Open Government Partnership .
Citizens also seem to be taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department ’ s National Center for Disaster Fraud has received more than 9,000 tips in recent weeks about consumer fraud , price gouging , hoarding , and other potential crimes related to the crisis .
More than 3,000 of the tips were deemed worthy of investigation .
“ The pandemic opened up a business opportunity for predatory criminals , ” states a report by Europol , the European Union ’ s law enforcement arm .
Both officials and citizens have strong incentives to keep that door of opportunity shut .
Their best tools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies like the Fed handing out trillions of dollars .
Honesty is a powerful disinfectant .

One of the most trusted people in the United States is Jerome Powell, head of the central bank. Some 58% of Americans have confidence in the Federal Reserve chairman, according to an April Gallup Poll. Yet as the Fed begins to disburse trillions of dollars to distressed companies, Mr. Powell knows he must work hard to keep that trust – by preventing corruption in the use of the taxpayers’ money.
On Thursday the Fed said it would disclose the names of companies receiving its assistance along with the terms of the loans. The information will be listed on a website at least every 30 days.
The Fed’s unusual transparency is one example of officials around the world trying to maintain support during the fight against COVID-19. When people are sacrificing so much for the collective good, leaders cannot afford anger at government malfeasance or at private actors who take advantage of the crisis for their own benefit.
A few countries like Taiwan have shown in their response to the coronavirus that open and accountable government can be an effective virus killer and perhaps an economy saver. The Council of Europe’s anti-bribery body just issued guidelines to its 50 member states on ways to prevent corruption. And the group of wealthy countries known as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says it will help countries safeguard public procurement, transparency, and whistleblowers.
“It is in moments of disaster response and relief that the values of open government can come under intense pressure, but can also meaningfully contribute to better outcomes,” says the international group Open Government Partnership.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
Citizens also seem to be taking up the cause. The U.S. Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud has received more than 9,000 tips in recent weeks about consumer fraud, price gouging, hoarding, and other potential crimes related to the crisis. More than 3,000 of the tips were deemed worthy of investigation.
“The pandemic opened up a business opportunity for predatory criminals,” states a report by Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement arm. Both officials and citizens have strong incentives to keep that door of opportunity shut. Their best tools are transparency and accountability, especially in agencies like the Fed handing out trillions of dollars. Honesty is a powerful disinfectant.


csmonitor--2020-04-14--A profound statistic to consider

A profound statistic to consider

I keep hearing authorities say , in relation to COVID-19 , that it ’ s the numbers that tell us the real story of how things are spreading , how hospitals will cope , and when it will be safe to return to normal .
I so appreciate the systematic and attentive care being given to seeing our way through this pandemic as quickly and safely as possible , yet it is all too easy to become fascinated by , and fearful of , these statistics .
In light of that , I am impelled to share a healing I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me on a number of a different kind , namely the amount of influence God actually has on our lives .
My grandson Collin ’ s school was facing a flu outbreak .
A caring note was sent home that said , in effect , “ Sixty-five percent of the children are absent from school ; please watch your children carefully for symptoms , and keep them home until they are healthy.
” Accordingly , my daughter kept Collin home the next day , as he woke up listless and feverish .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so I had Collin over to my house .
I thought of a passage I love in the Bible .
The 91st Psalm assures us that we are safe in God , who is divine Love , and our awareness of this spiritual reality is like being in a secret place that can not be assailed by illness or injury .
We can experience this tangibly when we ’ re listening for spiritual and pure thoughts from God , who is also divine Mind .
These thoughts help us know the oneness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of God ’ s entire creation .
They awaken us to the spiritual view of creation , how God sees each of us : as spiritual ideas that are always held safely in divine Mind .
I was inspired by these ideas , and by lunchtime Collin was able to eat some soup .
When his mom picked him up in the late afternoon , he bounded joyfully to the car , free of the symptoms he ’ d been experiencing previously .
But just after Collin left , I suddenly felt quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collin had had earlier , and had to sit down .
My heart went out in protest against the notion that caregivers could somehow be punished for expressing God ’ s love toward others .
God ’ s love is powerful and healing – more powerful than any disease .
Then the 65 % figure from the letter sent home from school came to thought .
It occurred to me that , as the Bible declares , God is all-powerful – not just 35 % powerful , but 100 % supreme .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casting down ” whatever would hinder “ the knowledge of God , and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ ” ( 10:5 ) .
In my prayers , I was really defending my right to know what Jesus knew to prompt such healing effects , to entertain the Christly understanding that God is All .
And I refused to marginalize God by seeing divine Mind as merely a possible source of help that could be appealed to with only a vague hope .
With great inspiration , I felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 100 % of the power in our lives , and I saw that this is the most profound and significant statistic , because God having this amount of authority means that divine goodness is the only true determiner of our health .
A dynamic one-liner from the textbook of Christian Science , “ Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures , ” declares , “ The allness of Deity is His oneness ” ( p. 267 ) .
The book , written by Mary Baker Eddy , also says of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ As a drop of water is one with the ocean , a ray of light one with the sun , even so God and man , Father and son , are one in being ” ( p. 361 ) .
In our spiritual oneness with our heavenly Father , God , we have perfect health .
At that moment , I got up .
I ’ d been completely healed within the 10 minutes I ’ d been praying .
I went on to fix dinner and have a normal evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in support of efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic , we can shelter in “ the secret place of the most High ” ( Psalms 91:1 ) , the one God , whose power is truly 100 % .
Caregivers on the front lines , patients , others yearning to help the best we can – no one is helpless .
Through prayer , each of us can become more aware of the spiritual reality that God ’ s love is always enveloping , comforting , reassuring , and supporting everyone , @ @

I keep hearing authorities say, in relation to COVID-19, that it’s the numbers that tell us the real story of how things are spreading, how hospitals will cope, and when it will be safe to return to normal. I so appreciate the systematic and attentive care being given to seeing our way through this pandemic as quickly and safely as possible, yet it is all too easy to become fascinated by, and fearful of, these statistics.
In light of that, I am impelled to share a healing I had years ago that helped shed light for me on a number of a different kind, namely the amount of influence God actually has on our lives.
My grandson Collin’s school was facing a flu outbreak. A caring note was sent home that said, in effect, “Sixty-five percent of the children are absent from school; please watch your children carefully for symptoms, and keep them home until they are healthy.” Accordingly, my daughter kept Collin home the next day, as he woke up listless and feverish. But she needed to go to work, so I had Collin over to my house.
I thought of a passage I love in the Bible. The 91st Psalm assures us that we are safe in God, who is divine Love, and our awareness of this spiritual reality is like being in a secret place that cannot be assailed by illness or injury. We can experience this tangibly when we’re listening for spiritual and pure thoughts from God, who is also divine Mind. These thoughts help us know the oneness, allness, goodness, and harmony of God’s entire creation. They awaken us to the spiritual view of creation, how God sees each of us: as spiritual ideas that are always held safely in divine Mind.
I was inspired by these ideas, and by lunchtime Collin was able to eat some soup. When his mom picked him up in the late afternoon, he bounded joyfully to the car, free of the symptoms he’d been experiencing previously.
But just after Collin left, I suddenly felt quite ill with all of the symptoms that Collin had had earlier, and had to sit down. My heart went out in protest against the notion that caregivers could somehow be punished for expressing God’s love toward others. God’s love is powerful and healing – more powerful than any disease.
Then the 65% figure from the letter sent home from school came to thought. It occurred to me that, as the Bible declares, God is all-powerful – not just 35% powerful, but 100% supreme. A passage from 2 Corinthians refers to “casting down” whatever would hinder “the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (10:5). In my prayers, I was really defending my right to know what Jesus knew to prompt such healing effects, to entertain the Christly understanding that God is All. And I refused to marginalize God by seeing divine Mind as merely a possible source of help that could be appealed to with only a vague hope.
With great inspiration, I felt the certainty that God, good, is 100% of the power in our lives, and I saw that this is the most profound and significant statistic, because God having this amount of authority means that divine goodness is the only true determiner of our health. A dynamic one-liner from the textbook of Christian Science, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” declares, “The allness of Deity is His oneness” (p. 267). The book, written by Mary Baker Eddy, also says of all of us as God’s creation, “As a drop of water is one with the ocean, a ray of light one with the sun, even so God and man, Father and son, are one in being” (p. 361). In our spiritual oneness with our heavenly Father, God, we have perfect health.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
At that moment, I got up. I’d been completely healed within the 10 minutes I’d been praying. I went on to fix dinner and have a normal evening.
Even as we are sheltering in place in support of efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic, we can shelter in “the secret place of the most High” (Psalms 91:1), the one God, whose power is truly 100%. Caregivers on the front lines, patients, others yearning to help the best we can – no one is helpless. Through prayer, each of us can become more aware of the spiritual reality that God’s love is always enveloping, comforting, reassuring, and supporting everyone, everywhere.


csmonitor--2020-04-14--Epiphany’s epiphany: One church’s story

Epiphany’s epiphany: One church’s story

The point is not a new one , but is important precisely because it is so persistent .
Mainline Christian congregations are declining , and Jeff drives home this point by looking at itinerant preachers .
The tradition of clergy preaching to multiple congregations has its roots in the 19th century .
But back then , the phenomenon grew from an excess of need .
An expanding America – stretched over more and more space – had a dearth of preachers .
Today , itinerant preachers are a cost-saving mechanism .
Congregations are doubling up on clergy they can no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the question : Can itinerant preachers be part of a revival – a reimagining of American mainline Christianity that brings people back to pews ?
There is anecdotal evidence in Jeff ’ s piece that this can happen .
One Episcopal church in Newport , New Hampshire , saw its congregation double , from 12 to 24 , when it began sharing its priest .
But the story of the Church of the Epiphany is about more than the Rev .
Jay MacLeod , the priest it shares with a church about 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story of Messy Church – another experiment at Epiphany that uses a “ casual , intergenerational format ” and once brought 65 people .
It is the story of the decision behind the decision to share Mr. MacLeod with nearby St. Andrew ’ s Church , which one person described as a choice to shut down , merge with another church , or make “ big changes.
” Epiphany chose to make big changes .
The fact is , declining membership is not a problem unique to Christian churches .
As sociologist Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Bowling Alone , ” America has undergone a dramatic decline in “ social capital ” during recent decades .
Put simply , people aren ’ t investing as much in neighbors and acquaintances as they once did .
As a result , everything from Elks Clubs to labor unions are declining , too .
This recognition , however , does not come with a solution : No one really knows how you rebuild social capital .
Yet here ’ s one thing we do know , and which the coronavirus has only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Experts who study the internet will tell you that it ’ s not really about information .
People use it for connection .
This is the secret of YouTube ’ s success .
It is a platform for creating communities around personalities and shared interests .
Professor Putnam found that megachurches were fantastically good at doing this , too .
“ They have the mountain bikers for God group , the volleyball players for God , ... and so on , ” he tells The Guardian newspaper .
They are connection engines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is discovering .
The answer to Jeff ’ s question is not itinerant preachers or even Messy Church , per se .
It is the choice to look at the problem in new ways .
How humanity finds meaningful fellowship is evolving , and everything from coronavirus quarantines to YouTube channels is offering clues about what shape that future will take .

Jeff MacDonald’s cover story makes a point and implicitly asks a question.
The point is not a new one, but is important precisely because it is so persistent. Mainline Christian congregations are declining, and Jeff drives home this point by looking at itinerant preachers. The tradition of clergy preaching to multiple congregations has its roots in the 19th century. But back then, the phenomenon grew from an excess of need. An expanding America – stretched over more and more space – had a dearth of preachers.
Today, itinerant preachers are a cost-saving mechanism. Congregations are doubling up on clergy they can no longer afford alone.
Which leads to the question: Can itinerant preachers be part of a revival – a reimagining of American mainline Christianity that brings people back to pews? There is anecdotal evidence in Jeff’s piece that this can happen. One Episcopal church in Newport, New Hampshire, saw its congregation double, from 12 to 24, when it began sharing its priest.
But the story of the Church of the Epiphany is about more than the Rev. Jay MacLeod, the priest it shares with a church about 10 miles away. It is also the story of Messy Church – another experiment at Epiphany that uses a “casual, intergenerational format” and once brought 65 people. It is the story of the decision behind the decision to share Mr. MacLeod with nearby St. Andrew’s Church, which one person described as a choice to shut down, merge with another church, or make “big changes.” Epiphany chose to make big changes.
The fact is, declining membership is not a problem unique to Christian churches. As sociologist Robert Putnam notes in his groundbreaking book, “Bowling Alone,” America has undergone a dramatic decline in “social capital” during recent decades. Put simply, people aren’t investing as much in neighbors and acquaintances as they once did. As a result, everything from Elks Clubs to labor unions are declining, too.
This recognition, however, does not come with a solution: No one really knows how you rebuild social capital. Yet here’s one thing we do know, and which the coronavirus has only underlined. Humans do still want connection.
Experts who study the internet will tell you that it’s not really about information. People use it for connection. This is the secret of YouTube’s success. It is a platform for creating communities around personalities and shared interests.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
Professor Putnam found that megachurches were fantastically good at doing this, too. “They have the mountain bikers for God group, the volleyball players for God, ... and so on,” he tells The Guardian newspaper. They are connection engines. So is Messy Church, Epiphany is discovering.
The answer to Jeff’s question is not itinerant preachers or even Messy Church, per se. It is the choice to look at the problem in new ways. How humanity finds meaningful fellowship is evolving, and everything from coronavirus quarantines to YouTube channels is offering clues about what shape that future will take.


csmonitor--2020-04-27--Coronavirus conundrum: What do we do when nature gets crowded?

Says David Nieman , a biologist at Appalachian State University in North Carolina : “ If everyone follows the guidelines , I think the benefits outweigh the risks.
” At a time of stay-at-home orders , nature has been a crucial source of well-being for many Americans .
But as these green spaces have become crowded , public health officials have had to consider the right balance .
In Los Angeles , the city dumped sand in a skate park to stop people from congregating .
But in general , many parks are staying open .
Yet the city did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrary , use of the trail grew from last year as Austin residents sought a refuge in the heart of the city , strolling among the wildflowers along Lady Bird Lake .
And health officials don ’ t disagree with the decision .
Heidi Anderson was convinced that officials in Austin , Texas , were going to shut down the Butler hiking trail .
She knows more about the trail than anyone , as CEO of The Trail Foundation , a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and improving the path .
And in places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodate social distancing .
Michael Gately and his girlfriend used to go on walks a couple of times a week .
Since they ’ ve been required to stay home because of the coronavirus pandemic , they ’ ve been going almost every day .
“ It ’ s unquestionably the bright spot of my day , ” he says .
Although , he adds , “ there ’ s not much else you can do right now.
” On a sunny Monday afternoon , he ’ s joined dozens of people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail , a popular 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake in the heart of Austin .
The trail , like public parks around the city , has stayed open even as the rest of the city has locked down .
How long that will be the case , Mr. Gately doesn ’ t know .
But judging by the crowds , and the narrowness of the trail at points , he says he ’ d understand if it is closed .
“ Health officials have a real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
“ They want us out here , but at what cost ?
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
Austin is one of hundreds of cities across the country navigating this dilemma .
With people confined to their homes , outdoor activity has become crucial to maintaining physical and mental health – and it ’ s also one of the only activities people can do outside their homes .
Around the world , those self-isolating have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yet in the age of social distancing , can crowded public spaces , even green ones , comply ?
Could closing them provoke a backlash that ’ s even more dangerous for public health ?
The issue has been a vexing one , and responses have varied .
In Britain , park closures have been threatened , but for the most part not implemented .
In most Texas cities , parks have stayed open .
In Los Angeles , city parks and beaches have closed .
In New Jersey , all county and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New York City – a COVID-19 hot spot right next door – Central Park has remained open .
The arguments to keep them open are compelling .
“ No drug or supplements are as good as [ physical ] activity in helping the immune system do its job better , ” says David Nieman , director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Appalachian State University in Kannapolis , North Carolina .
He argues that public green spaces should be closed only as a last resort .
“ I put everything on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There are risks , yes , but if everyone follows the guidelines , I think the benefits outweigh the risks.
” The Quigleys may hike now For parks that have remained open , a variety of rules have come in to keep users safe .
In New York City , Central Park ’ s leafy 843 acres are one of the few places where social distancing can be safely practiced .
Staff with the Central Park Conservancy has been cleaning and maintaining benches , landscapes , and water bodies in the park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Katy Trail is being regulated alphabetically .
For example , those with last names beginning with A through L should use the trail on Thursday and Saturday .
And in Austin , new rules include limiting parking spaces and having park rangers remind visitors of social distancing guidelines .
Traffic on the Butler trail is now moving clockwise only .
“ We assumed it would be closed by the city .
It was decided they didn ’ t want to take that step yet , ” says Heidi Anderson , CEO of The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting and improving the trail .
“ The trail doesn ’ t accommodate high traffic and allow for 6-feet distancing around the whole loop.
” But usage of the Butler trial increased from 134,000 people in March last year to 146,000 people in March this year .
“ We hear over and over again people use the trail not just for exercise but because it ’ s their church , ” says Ms. Anderson .
Green spaces have certainly been a blessing for Austin ’ s Megan Divvern .
She ’ s working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school , and spending time outdoors “ helps take your mind off things.
” She could make do walking around her apartment complex or the surrounding streets if the city decided to close parks .
But she doesn ’ t think there ’ s too much risk keeping them open .
“ I think that ’ s on people , on individuals , to keep their distance , ” she says .
Cities have at times had to crack down .
Parks and trails were closed in Asheville , North Carolina , last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking lots .
And in Los Angeles , the city dumped sand in a shuttered skate park where locals kept gathering .
“ If people can ’ t keep 6 feet apart because it ’ s so crowded , I agree at that point you just have to close it down , ” says Dr. Nieman .
“ That ’ s why I encourage people to go at off-hours or [ exercise ] some other place .
I ’ d encourage people to not [ ruin ] it for everyone else.
” Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that .
“ It ’ s so beautiful , ” he says .
“ It ’ s a reminder we can still have positive experiences , even during a time like this.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

Says David Nieman, a biologist at Appalachian State University in North Carolina: “If everyone follows the guidelines, I think the benefits outweigh the risks.”
At a time of stay-at-home orders, nature has been a crucial source of well-being for many Americans. But as these green spaces have become crowded, public health officials have had to consider the right balance. In Los Angeles, the city dumped sand in a skate park to stop people from congregating. But in general, many parks are staying open.
Coronavirus lockdowns have made nature even more of a refuge. So as officials consider how to adjust rules for now-crowded parks, the public’s mental well-being is a big part of the equation.
Yet the city did not shut it down. To the contrary, use of the trail grew from last year as Austin residents sought a refuge in the heart of the city, strolling among the wildflowers along Lady Bird Lake. And health officials don’t disagree with the decision.
Heidi Anderson was convinced that officials in Austin, Texas, were going to shut down the Butler hiking trail. She knows more about the trail than anyone, as CEO of The Trail Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and improving the path. And in places, the trail is too narrow to accommodate social distancing.
Michael Gately and his girlfriend used to go on walks a couple of times a week. Since they’ve been required to stay home because of the coronavirus pandemic, they’ve been going almost every day.
“It’s unquestionably the bright spot of my day,” he says. Although, he adds, “there’s not much else you can do right now.”
On a sunny Monday afternoon, he’s joined dozens of people who have spilled out of their homes onto the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a popular 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake in the heart of Austin. The trail, like public parks around the city, has stayed open even as the rest of the city has locked down.
Why We Wrote This Coronavirus lockdowns have made nature even more of a refuge. So as officials consider how to adjust rules for now-crowded parks, the public’s mental well-being is a big part of the equation.
How long that will be the case, Mr. Gately doesn’t know. But judging by the crowds, and the narrowness of the trail at points, he says he’d understand if it is closed.
“Health officials have a real dilemma on their hands,” he says. “They want us out here, but at what cost?”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
Austin is one of hundreds of cities across the country navigating this dilemma. With people confined to their homes, outdoor activity has become crucial to maintaining physical and mental health – and it’s also one of the only activities people can do outside their homes.
Around the world, those self-isolating have been surging into parks and onto trails. Yet in the age of social distancing, can crowded public spaces, even green ones, comply? Could closing them provoke a backlash that’s even more dangerous for public health? The issue has been a vexing one, and responses have varied.
In Britain, park closures have been threatened, but for the most part not implemented. In most Texas cities, parks have stayed open. In Los Angeles, city parks and beaches have closed. In New Jersey, all county and many city parks are closed. While in New York City – a COVID-19 hot spot right next door – Central Park has remained open.
The arguments to keep them open are compelling.
“No drug or supplements are as good as [physical] activity in helping the immune system do its job better,” says David Nieman, director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Appalachian State University in Kannapolis, North Carolina. He argues that public green spaces should be closed only as a last resort.
“I put everything on a benefit-risk continuum,” he adds. “There are risks, yes, but if everyone follows the guidelines, I think the benefits outweigh the risks.”
The Quigleys may hike now
For parks that have remained open, a variety of rules have come in to keep users safe.
In New York City, Central Park’s leafy 843 acres are one of the few places where social distancing can be safely practiced. Staff with the Central Park Conservancy has been cleaning and maintaining benches, landscapes, and water bodies in the park.
In Dallas, use of the Katy Trail is being regulated alphabetically. For example, those with last names beginning with A through L should use the trail on Thursday and Saturday.
Tony Gutierrez/AP View caption Hide caption Dallas marshals patrol along the Katy trail, as patrons, jog, ride bikes, and walk their dogs Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Texas is among the states weighing how best to balance the stress relieving effects of nature and exercise with a need for social distancing during the pandemic.
And in Austin, new rules include limiting parking spaces and having park rangers remind visitors of social distancing guidelines. Traffic on the Butler trail is now moving clockwise only.
“We assumed it would be closed by the city. It was decided they didn’t want to take that step yet,” says Heidi Anderson, CEO of The Trail Foundation, a nonprofit focused on protecting and improving the trail. “The trail doesn’t accommodate high traffic and allow for 6-feet distancing around the whole loop.”
But usage of the Butler trial increased from 134,000 people in March last year to 146,000 people in March this year. “We hear over and over again people use the trail not just for exercise but because it’s their church,” says Ms. Anderson.
Sand in skate parks
Green spaces have certainly been a blessing for Austin’s Megan Divvern. She’s working at a pharmacy while going to pharmacy school, and spending time outdoors “helps take your mind off things.”
She could make do walking around her apartment complex or the surrounding streets if the city decided to close parks. But she doesn’t think there’s too much risk keeping them open.
“I think that’s on people, on individuals, to keep their distance,” she says.
Cities have at times had to crack down. Parks and trails were closed in Asheville, North Carolina, last month after large groups were gathering in parking lots. And in Los Angeles, the city dumped sand in a shuttered skate park where locals kept gathering.
“If people can’t keep 6 feet apart because it’s so crowded, I agree at that point you just have to close it down,” says Dr. Nieman. “That’s why I encourage people to go at off-hours or [exercise] some other place. I’d encourage people to not [ruin] it for everyone else.”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
Mr. Gately hopes it doesn’t come to that. “It’s so beautiful,” he says. “It’s a reminder we can still have positive experiences, even during a time like this.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-04-27--Military chaplains innovate to support soldiers from a distance

Maj. Brian Minietta 's eyes are locked down the barrel of a camera lens .
He sways gently back and forth in silence , then his gruff voice belts out , in singsong : `` A little patience ... yeah , yeah ! ''
He finishes the chorus – it 's the 1989 Guns N ’ Roses hit “ Patience.
” And he tells the Green Berets he counsels as an Army chaplain : “ Yeah .
Patience .
That 's the word we 're going to talk about today.
” For two years , Major Minietta has served the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fort Bragg , North Carolina , though many of the soldiers have spent more time bouncing from deployments to conflict zones in Afghanistan , Iraq , and Syria than at home .
As Green Berets – the better-known moniker for the elite soldiers of the Special Forces – these operators specialize in unconventional warfare , foreign internal defense , and counterinsurgency .
Now , the coronavirus outbreak has upended the norm on base and beyond .
Some training and deployments continue , but many have been sidelined .
Only essential workers are reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by military police officers wearing masks .
A chaplain ’ s ministry – no matter the religion – has always been about in-person connections .
How does that continue when the flock is forced apart ?
Major Minietta and others are figuring it out on the fly , with the help of technology , all while tensions are high for soldiers .
“ Whether that ’ s anxiety , whether that ’ s fear , whether it ’ s the family dynamics that come up from being home – we have the opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This has given us the opportunity to be innovative and creative.
” Major Minietta ’ s patience-themed video message is the third he ’ s recorded since the pandemic began .
He ’ s also preached about fear and hope in video clips uploaded to his group ’ s Facebook page .
The Green Berets he serves are known as quiet professionals .
They 've done a lot , seen a lot – but they do n't talk about it much .
Gaining their trust takes time and effort , Major Minietta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t go through the Special Forces selection process , they train , deploy , and are airborne qualified , jumping out of airplanes alongside the operators they serve .
Major Minietta , after spending years as a missionary and youth pastor , was commissioned in 2007 and has deployed seven times .
When Capt .
Scott Britton , a fellow Fort Bragg chaplain who serves the Green Berets of 3rd Group 's 3rd Battalion , joined the Army in 2012 , he felt he was walking among giants .
But through his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels connected to his soldiers .
“ This style of ministry allows the shepherd to smell like the sheep , ” Captain Britton said .
“ We get to experience a lot of the same things the soldiers do , and I think for a lot of chaplains that ’ s a comfortable place to be.
” This month , Captain Britton preached his Easter sermon alone on his back porch , while 35 soldiers training in the field listened on the phone .
It was certainly a first , he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both chaplains say they 're used to being out of their comfort zones .
Working with soldiers whose lives are grounded in chaos and loss can be hard .
Since 2002 , the 3rd Special Forces Group has lost 60 Green Berets in action .
Sixteen times , Major Minietta has knocked on doors alongside casualty assistance officers who are giving families the worst kind of news .
“ Every time I knock on a door , there are an unbelievable amount of nerves , ” he said .
Major Minietta brings up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his video message .
He tells the camera he could n't have done it without patience – patience to know the worst thing is never the last thing , whether it ’ s death , divorce , or a pandemic .
“ May we remember that Axl Rose ultimately had it right , ” he told his video audience .
“ All we need is a little patience.
” This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s free .

Maj. Brian Minietta's eyes are locked down the barrel of a camera lens. He sways gently back and forth in silence, then his gruff voice belts out, in singsong: "A little patience ... yeah, yeah!"
He finishes the chorus – it's the 1989 Guns N’ Roses hit “Patience.” And he tells the Green Berets he counsels as an Army chaplain: “Yeah. Patience. That's the word we're going to talk about today.”
For two years, Major Minietta has served the 3rd Special Forces Group, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, though many of the soldiers have spent more time bouncing from deployments to conflict zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria than at home. As Green Berets – the better-known moniker for the elite soldiers of the Special Forces – these operators specialize in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and counterinsurgency.
Now, the coronavirus outbreak has upended the norm on base and beyond. Some training and deployments continue, but many have been sidelined. Only essential workers are reporting on post, ushered through gates patrolled by military police officers wearing masks.
A chaplain’s ministry – no matter the religion – has always been about in-person connections. How does that continue when the flock is forced apart? Major Minietta and others are figuring it out on the fly, with the help of technology, all while tensions are high for soldiers.
“Whether that’s anxiety, whether that’s fear, whether it’s the family dynamics that come up from being home – we have the opportunity to support," he said. "This has given us the opportunity to be innovative and creative.”
Major Minietta’s patience-themed video message is the third he’s recorded since the pandemic began. He’s also preached about fear and hope in video clips uploaded to his group’s Facebook page.
The Green Berets he serves are known as quiet professionals. They've done a lot, seen a lot – but they don't talk about it much. Gaining their trust takes time and effort, Major Minietta said. And while most chaplains don’t go through the Special Forces selection process, they train, deploy, and are airborne qualified, jumping out of airplanes alongside the operators they serve. Major Minietta, after spending years as a missionary and youth pastor, was commissioned in 2007 and has deployed seven times.
When Capt. Scott Britton, a fellow Fort Bragg chaplain who serves the Green Berets of 3rd Group's 3rd Battalion, joined the Army in 2012, he felt he was walking among giants. But through his training and building relationships, he now feels connected to his soldiers.
“This style of ministry allows the shepherd to smell like the sheep,” Captain Britton said. “We get to experience a lot of the same things the soldiers do, and I think for a lot of chaplains that’s a comfortable place to be.”
This month, Captain Britton preached his Easter sermon alone on his back porch, while 35 soldiers training in the field listened on the phone. It was certainly a first, he said, but "we do find ways.”
Both chaplains say they're used to being out of their comfort zones. Working with soldiers whose lives are grounded in chaos and loss can be hard.
Since 2002, the 3rd Special Forces Group has lost 60 Green Berets in action. Sixteen times, Major Minietta has knocked on doors alongside casualty assistance officers who are giving families the worst kind of news.
“Every time I knock on a door, there are an unbelievable amount of nerves,” he said.
Major Minietta brings up those door knocks at the end of his video message. He tells the camera he couldn't have done it without patience – patience to know the worst thing is never the last thing, whether it’s death, divorce, or a pandemic.
“May we remember that Axl Rose ultimately had it right,” he told his video audience. “All we need is a little patience.”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-05-26--The nuts and bolts of integrity in the US election

The warm weather of an election year has arrived in the United States without the usual pageantry of democracy .
Bus tours , rallies , and rope lines are all on hold .
The party nominating conventions are in doubt .
That may be welcome news to some .
Opinion polls in recent years have shown that two-thirds of voters think elections last far too long .
The first candidate entered the current presidential race 1,194 days before Election Day – twice as early as the first candidate four years ago .
In Japan , campaigns are limited by law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s disruption of normal campaign activity has further sharpened the partisan tenor of the contest .
It also has raised concerns about the integrity of the November ballot .
The once-normal and healthy encounters between candidates and voters , played out in passion and poignancy , humor and gaffes , have given way to exaggerated barbs on social media and in political advertising .
The prospect of mail-in voting has divided Republicans and Democrats in Washington even as some governors from both parties embrace it .
Beneath all that , the coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time when the ideal of self-government appears to be faltering around the world .
A report published by Cambridge University in January , based on 3,500 country surveys from 1973 to the present , found that popular dissatisfaction with democracy had reached a global high by the start of 2020 , particularly in developed democracies .
Then the pandemic hit , and the contrasting reactions by governments have accentuated the same factors that affect how people view democracy .
The Cambridge report found high public satisfaction with political institutions that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corruption during a period of shock .
In Europe , Switzerland , Denmark , and the Netherlands stand out .
The list extends to most Asian democracies , which saw strong public confidence in how government responded to COVID-19 .
Such countries met the pandemic with institutional capacity , science , transparency , and compassion .
The key factor , writes scholar Francis Fukuyama in The Atlantic , is “ whether citizens trust their leaders , and whether those leaders preside over a competent and effective state.
” That lesson should not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign shaped by the challenge of COVID-19 .
A recent Pew survey found nearly 3 out of 4 voters feel that low trust in government – and in one another – makes it harder to solve urgent public problems .
Even without the usual rituals of campaigning , the 2020 election still provides an essential opportunity to affirm the tools that strengthen American democracy and heal a public health crisis .
How the election is held may be as important as who wins .

The warm weather of an election year has arrived in the United States without the usual pageantry of democracy. Bus tours, rallies, and rope lines are all on hold. The party nominating conventions are in doubt. That may be welcome news to some. Opinion polls in recent years have shown that two-thirds of voters think elections last far too long. The first candidate entered the current presidential race 1,194 days before Election Day – twice as early as the first candidate four years ago. In Japan, campaigns are limited by law to 12 days.
The pandemic’s disruption of normal campaign activity has further sharpened the partisan tenor of the contest. It also has raised concerns about the integrity of the November ballot. The once-normal and healthy encounters between candidates and voters, played out in passion and poignancy, humor and gaffes, have given way to exaggerated barbs on social media and in political advertising. The prospect of mail-in voting has divided Republicans and Democrats in Washington even as some governors from both parties embrace it.
Beneath all that, the coronavirus crisis has underscored the resilience of many democracies at a time when the ideal of self-government appears to be faltering around the world.
A report published by Cambridge University in January, based on 3,500 country surveys from 1973 to the present, found that popular dissatisfaction with democracy had reached a global high by the start of 2020, particularly in developed democracies. Then the pandemic hit, and the contrasting reactions by governments have accentuated the same factors that affect how people view democracy. The Cambridge report found high public satisfaction with political institutions that are transparent, responsive, and free of corruption during a period of shock.
In Europe, Switzerland, Denmark, and the Netherlands stand out. The list extends to most Asian democracies, which saw strong public confidence in how government responded to COVID-19. Such countries met the pandemic with institutional capacity, science, transparency, and compassion. The key factor, writes scholar Francis Fukuyama in The Atlantic, is “whether citizens trust their leaders, and whether those leaders preside over a competent and effective state.”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
That lesson should not be lost in the U.S. during an election campaign shaped by the challenge of COVID-19. A recent Pew survey found nearly 3 out of 4 voters feel that low trust in government – and in one another – makes it harder to solve urgent public problems.
Even without the usual rituals of campaigning, the 2020 election still provides an essential opportunity to affirm the tools that strengthen American democracy and heal a public health crisis. How the election is held may be as important as who wins.


csmonitor--2020-05-26--God cares for all of us

God cares for all of us

I love that the Monitor Daily so often celebrates victories in the introduction .
Like the one in the April 17 edition that tells about a woman whose house burned to inhabitability when it caught fire during preparation for a Passover meal .
But by that evening , her friends had an apartment and food for her , and she continued with a virtual Passover meal for friends and family across the country even in the midst of her own needs .
Evidence of the kind of caring expressed by this woman and her friends is so encouraging , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when it can seem that we ’ re being cut off from familiar means of comfort and support .
Over the years , my prayer and study of the Bible-based teachings of Christian Science have strengthened my awareness of God as the source we can always depend on for comfort and support .
My understanding and experience has grown of God as our divine Father and Mother , protecting and nurturing all of us as dearly loved children .
This care and uplift is inexhaustible , and it ’ s the divine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to feel it .
This truth is voiced so simply , using everyday images , by Christ Jesus , whose every healing thought and act was animated by his perfect clarity of God ’ s supreme guardianship of creation .
For instance : “ Five sparrows are sold for just two pennies , but God doesn ’ t forget a one of them .
Even the hairs on your head are counted .
So don ’ t be afraid !
” ( Luke 12:6 , 7 , Contemporary English Version ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth of each of us and the courage we can take from this .
I experienced this years ago when , in my mid-20s , I moved a couple thousand miles away to another part of the country .
When I look back at that year , I am still in awe as to how God not only took care of me day by day but also showed me more about the real meaning of caring .
During that time , which was filled with uncertainty about my future , I prayed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , “ God saw every thing that he had made , and , behold , it was very good ” ( Genesis 1:31 ) .
In other words , God , Spirit , who is all good , made me ( and everyone ) spiritual and complete in His likeness .
Our true , spiritual identity already includes all that is worthy , useful , and purposeful – all that is good .
God ’ s plan – divine Love ’ s plan – leaves no one out .
It unfolds more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His creation .
As I affirmed in my prayers this divine design of all-powerful good that holds each of us uniquely treasured , anxious thoughts lessened .
I saw they did not come from God and were never a part of God ’ s plan , the only true reality for me or anyone else .
Every page of “ Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures ” by Mary Baker Eddy , the discoverer of Christian Science and founder of this news organization , is filled with the benevolence of infinite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study and divine revelation .
In one instance she wrote , “ Spirit , God , gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels , and unfolds these thoughts , even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear ” ( p. 506 ) .
Although the circumstances often suggested I was separated from good , the Christ – described in Science and Health as “ the true idea voicing good , the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness ” ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something different .
Taking to heart the Christly message of God ’ s love for me removed worry and empowered me to discern and more selflessly take productive , inspired steps forward .
For instance , over that year , kind and supportive friends both new and old let me live with them , and I was able to help and give back to these really caring people .
At the end of that year , work opportunities opened up for me in ways I never could have mapped out .
They gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enabled me to serve others in a particular capacity for many years .
How simple yet powerful is God ’ s deep love for each of us !
Recognizing and accepting this universal love can empower us profoundly .
Prayerful listening for God ’ s messages of love and guidance , which are present under all circumstances , brings a comforting serenity and an assuring guiding light that meets the need , even in the most difficult times .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all the Monitor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ articles from this column .
There ’ s also a special free section of JSH-Online.com on a healing response to the global pandemic .
There is no paywall for any of this coverage .

I love that the Monitor Daily so often celebrates victories in the introduction. Like the one in the April 17 edition that tells about a woman whose house burned to inhabitability when it caught fire during preparation for a Passover meal. But by that evening, her friends had an apartment and food for her, and she continued with a virtual Passover meal for friends and family across the country even in the midst of her own needs.
Evidence of the kind of caring expressed by this woman and her friends is so encouraging, especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, when it can seem that we’re being cut off from familiar means of comfort and support.
Over the years, my prayer and study of the Bible-based teachings of Christian Science have strengthened my awareness of God as the source we can always depend on for comfort and support. My understanding and experience has grown of God as our divine Father and Mother, protecting and nurturing all of us as dearly loved children. This care and uplift is inexhaustible, and it’s the divine right of everyone, in every moment, to feel it.
This truth is voiced so simply, using everyday images, by Christ Jesus, whose every healing thought and act was animated by his perfect clarity of God’s supreme guardianship of creation. For instance: “Five sparrows are sold for just two pennies, but God doesn’t forget a one of them. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid!” (Luke 12:6, 7, Contemporary English Version). This says so much about the inestimable worth of each of us and the courage we can take from this.
I experienced this years ago when, in my mid-20s, I moved a couple thousand miles away to another part of the country. When I look back at that year, I am still in awe as to how God not only took care of me day by day but also showed me more about the real meaning of caring.
During that time, which was filled with uncertainty about my future, I prayed to grasp that, as the Bible puts it, “God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). In other words, God, Spirit, who is all good, made me (and everyone) spiritual and complete in His likeness. Our true, spiritual identity already includes all that is worthy, useful, and purposeful – all that is good. God’s plan – divine Love’s plan – leaves no one out. It unfolds more and more of what is beneficial for His creation.
As I affirmed in my prayers this divine design of all-powerful good that holds each of us uniquely treasured, anxious thoughts lessened. I saw they did not come from God and were never a part of God’s plan, the only true reality for me or anyone else.
Every page of “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” by Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science and founder of this news organization, is filled with the benevolence of infinite Love that Mrs. Eddy perceived through Bible study and divine revelation. In one instance she wrote, “Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear” (p. 506).
Although the circumstances often suggested I was separated from good, the Christ – described in Science and Health as “the true idea voicing good, the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness” (p. 332) – was telling me something different. Taking to heart the Christly message of God’s love for me removed worry and empowered me to discern and more selflessly take productive, inspired steps forward.
For instance, over that year, kind and supportive friends both new and old let me live with them, and I was able to help and give back to these really caring people. At the end of that year, work opportunities opened up for me in ways I never could have mapped out. They gave me an authentic sense of purpose and enabled me to serve others in a particular capacity for many years.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
How simple yet powerful is God’s deep love for each of us! Recognizing and accepting this universal love can empower us profoundly. Prayerful listening for God’s messages of love and guidance, which are present under all circumstances, brings a comforting serenity and an assuring guiding light that meets the need, even in the most difficult times.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all the Monitor’s coronavirus coverage is free, including articles from this column. There’s also a special free section of JSH-Online.com on a healing response to the global pandemic. There is no paywall for any of this coverage.