csmonitor--2020-04-06--Premier for a pandemic: How millennial Sanna Marin won Finland’s approval

As minister of the interior , Maria Ohisalo is responsible for managing the non-essential travel ban around the capital region .
She stresses that combating the epidemic has been very much a group effort , involving not only the government , but the entire Finnish society .
“ I feel that the Finnish people have been really supportive of our course of action , and that is very gratifying.
” The new government reflects a modern face of Finland that ’ s more confident on the world stage , say observers .
“ Sanna Marin is a one-in-a-generation natural political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paavo Lipponen .
“ I have been greatly impressed by the way the five government parties and their young women leaders have been able to work together .
They are all competent , hard-working , solution-oriented politicians.
” In the United States , she wouldn ’ t be old enough to be president .
But four months into the job as prime minister of Finland , Sanna Marin and her mostly young and female cabinet is managing one of Europe ’ s lowest rates of COVID-19 , and earning high approval in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already made heroes and goats of many leaders , as the pandemic that envelops the world is revealing whether their governments are equal to the crisis .
Among the former is Sanna Marin , the world ’ s youngest head of government at the time she became prime minister of Finland last December .
In a recent poll , 85 % of Finns supported her handling of the pandemic , a striking level of confidence in these uneasy times .
When she took office last year , Ms. Marin and her mostly female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism .
“ Spice Girls ” was one taunt , “ Lipstick Cabinet ” another .
Four of the cabinet ’ s five parties on a left-to-center spectrum – a so-called red-green coalition government – are headed by women in their 30s .
Ms. Marin is 34 .
But as the severity of the health crisis has become clear , skepticism of Ms. Marin has fallen away .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
“ Marin has really stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an American who has lived in Finland since the 1970s and reports for Finnish Broadcasting .
“ Her performance at press conferences and in parliament , has been just what works best for Finns – clear , concise , unemotional ; but with an undertone of warmth.
” Mr. Hawkins adds that Ms. Marin ’ s style complements that of Sauli Niinistö , Finland ’ s popular 71-year-old president , with each effectively appealing to different demographics .
Ms. Marin , who was elected to parliament in 2015 , is well known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her as vice chair of the Tampere city council , calmly cutting off one long-winded member after another during a fractious debate about transportation needs in 2016 , has nearly half a million hits .
She easily won reelection last spring , after which her Social Democratic predecessor , Antti Rinne , appointed her his minister of transportation .
Now , Ms. Marin is learning how to be prime minister while also steering Finland through its greatest crisis since World War II .
Paavo Lipponen , prime minister from 1995 to 2003 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanna Marin is a one-in-a-generation natural political talent , ” he says .
He feels that the new government reflects a modern face of Finland that is more confident on the world stage .
“ She is a very balanced person , focused on the job , with a human touch , but without populism.
” Mr. Lipponen , who helped oversee Finland ’ s recovery from the worst recession in its history in the 1990s , adds , “ I have been greatly impressed by the way the five government parties and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work together .
They are all competent , hard-working , solution-oriented politicians.
” Like Ms. Marin , he is a Social Democrat .
Ms. Marin “ comes across very much as primus inter pares ” ( first among equals ) , says Mr. Hawkins , the journalist , and notes her willingness to defer to her fellow ministers .
“ That ’ s a style that works very well here , post-Kekkonen , ” referring to Urho Kekkonen , Finland ’ s authoritarian president from 1956 to 1981 .
The success of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic within its borders remains to be seen .
At 2,176 cases in a population of 5.5 million , the country ’ s COVID-19 rates are still low compared with its Nordic neighbors , and most of the rest of Europe .
Its health care system ’ s high state of preparedness includes an ability to tap into a national stockpile of personal protective equipment that it has amassed since the 1950s , the New York Times reports .
Yet many Finns are still upset about how slowly the government enacted a quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early March from areas with high COVID-19 rates .
Officials blamed the contretemps on an information disconnect between the government ’ s Institute of Health and Welfare and the state company running Helsinki ’ s bustling international airport .
Nevertheless , Prime Minister Marin refused to pass the buck .
“ I can ’ t say that we the government will be completely successful in all its actions , ” she conceded March 26 , in response to a query about the airport imbroglio .
“ We live in insecure times , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment.
” “ But I can say , ” she continued , “ that we are doing our best to control the disease and save lives.
” Ms. Marin and her cabinet colleagues are keenly aware of the social impact of the approach they recommended March 25 .
Most notably , nonessential travel is prohibited in and out of Uusimaa , the region where the capital is located , and the area hardest hit by the contagion .
“ I feel badly that as a result of the measures we feel necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustain our health care system , problems in less privileged households are escalating , ” concedes Maria Ohisalo , the Finnish minister of the interior , of the Green League .
“ Mental health problems , shortcomings in child support , and drug use represent the dark side of the lockdown.
” Ms. Ohisalo stresses that combating the epidemic has been very much a group effort , involving not only the government , but the entire Finnish society .
She says that she is pleased by the way the blockade of Uusimaa – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a large proportion of the national police force – has been accepted by the country .
“ I feel that the Finnish people have been really supportive of our course of action , ” she told the Monitor , “ and that is very gratifying.
” Some observers have likened the spirit and virtual unanimity with which the Finnish people have responded to the crisis , as well as the entire government ’ s coordinated strategy for dealing with it , with the way Finns responded to the Soviet invasion of 1939 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , the invader is an invisible one .
For young Finns , “ of course she is a role model , ” says Vuokko Schoultz , a 26-year-old graduate student in history .
“ Look at where she came from , ” she says , referring to Ms. Marin ’ s humble roots , which included a stint as a cashier while at university .
“ I think she is the best prime minister we have had in many years.
” “ I think anyone who serves the country at this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schoultz .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

How do they do it? Finland is known for superlative levels of happiness, its education system, and the social safety net. Now it’s showing that being young and female can mean effective leadership.
As minister of the interior, Maria Ohisalo is responsible for managing the non-essential travel ban around the capital region. She stresses that combating the epidemic has been very much a group effort, involving not only the government, but the entire Finnish society. “I feel that the Finnish people have been really supportive of our course of action, and that is very gratifying.”
The new government reflects a modern face of Finland that’s more confident on the world stage, say observers. “Sanna Marin is a one-in-a-generation natural political talent,” says former Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen. “I have been greatly impressed by the way the five government parties and their young women leaders have been able to work together. They are all competent, hard-working, solution-oriented politicians.”
In the United States, she wouldn’t be old enough to be president. But four months into the job as prime minister of Finland, Sanna Marin and her mostly young and female cabinet is managing one of Europe’s lowest rates of COVID-19, and earning high approval in the country of 5.5 million.
COVID-19 has already made heroes and goats of many leaders, as the pandemic that envelops the world is revealing whether their governments are equal to the crisis.
Among the former is Sanna Marin, the world’s youngest head of government at the time she became prime minister of Finland last December. In a recent poll, 85% of Finns supported her handling of the pandemic, a striking level of confidence in these uneasy times.
When she took office last year, Ms. Marin and her mostly female cabinet faced a minor storm of social-media criticism. “Spice Girls” was one taunt, “Lipstick Cabinet” another. Four of the cabinet’s five parties on a left-to-center spectrum – a so-called red-green coalition government – are headed by women in their 30s. Ms. Marin is 34.
Why We Wrote This How do they do it? Finland is known for superlative levels of happiness, its education system, and the social safety net. Now it’s showing that being young and female can mean effective leadership.
But as the severity of the health crisis has become clear, skepticism of Ms. Marin has fallen away.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
“Marin has really stepped up,” says Eddy Hawkins, an American who has lived in Finland since the 1970s and reports for Finnish Broadcasting. “Her performance at press conferences and in parliament, has been just what works best for Finns – clear, concise, unemotional; but with an undertone of warmth.” Mr. Hawkins adds that Ms. Marin’s style complements that of Sauli Niinistö, Finland’s popular 71-year-old president, with each effectively appealing to different demographics.
Ms. Marin, who was elected to parliament in 2015, is well known for her straight-shooting style. A YouTube clip of her as vice chair of the Tampere city council, calmly cutting off one long-winded member after another during a fractious debate about transportation needs in 2016, has nearly half a million hits. She easily won reelection last spring, after which her Social Democratic predecessor, Antti Rinne, appointed her his minister of transportation.
Now, Ms. Marin is learning how to be prime minister while also steering Finland through its greatest crisis since World War II.
Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/AP View caption Hide caption Minister of Education Li Andersson (from left), Minister of the Interior Maria Ohisalo, Prime Minister Sanna Marin, and Minister of Finance Katri Kulmuni on the day they took office in Helsinki, Finland, Dec. 10, 2019. Of the 19 ministers in Ms. Marin's cabinet, 12 are women.
Paavo Lipponen, prime minister from 1995 to 2003, gives her high marks. “Sanna Marin is a one-in-a-generation natural political talent,” he says. He feels that the new government reflects a modern face of Finland that is more confident on the world stage. “She is a very balanced person, focused on the job, with a human touch, but without populism.”
Mr. Lipponen, who helped oversee Finland’s recovery from the worst recession in its history in the 1990s, adds, “I have been greatly impressed by the way the five government parties and their young women leaders have been able to work together. They are all competent, hard-working, solution-oriented politicians.” Like Ms. Marin, he is a Social Democrat.
Ms. Marin “comes across very much as primus inter pares” (first among equals), says Mr. Hawkins, the journalist, and notes her willingness to defer to her fellow ministers. “That’s a style that works very well here, post-Kekkonen,” referring to Urho Kekkonen, Finland’s authoritarian president from 1956 to 1981.
The success of Finland’s strategy in controlling the epidemic within its borders remains to be seen. At 2,176 cases in a population of 5.5 million, the country’s COVID-19 rates are still low compared with its Nordic neighbors, and most of the rest of Europe. Its health care system’s high state of preparedness includes an ability to tap into a national stockpile of personal protective equipment that it has amassed since the 1950s, the New York Times reports.
Yet many Finns are still upset about how slowly the government enacted a quarantine for the 200,000 nationals who returned in early March from areas with high COVID-19 rates. Officials blamed the contretemps on an information disconnect between the government’s Institute of Health and Welfare and the state company running Helsinki’s bustling international airport.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister Marin refused to pass the buck. “I can’t say that we the government will be completely successful in all its actions,” she conceded March 26, in response to a query about the airport imbroglio. “We live in insecure times, and only one day at a time at the moment.”
“But I can say,” she continued, “that we are doing our best to control the disease and save lives.”
Ms. Marin and her cabinet colleagues are keenly aware of the social impact of the approach they recommended March 25. Most notably, nonessential travel is prohibited in and out of Uusimaa, the region where the capital is located, and the area hardest hit by the contagion.
“I feel badly that as a result of the measures we feel necessary to save people’s lives and sustain our health care system, problems in less privileged households are escalating,” concedes Maria Ohisalo, the Finnish minister of the interior, of the Green League. “Mental health problems, shortcomings in child support, and drug use represent the dark side of the lockdown.”
Ms. Ohisalo stresses that combating the epidemic has been very much a group effort, involving not only the government, but the entire Finnish society. She says that she is pleased by the way the blockade of Uusimaa – involving one-third of Finland’s population and a large proportion of the national police force – has been accepted by the country. “I feel that the Finnish people have been really supportive of our course of action,” she told the Monitor, “and that is very gratifying.”
Some observers have likened the spirit and virtual unanimity with which the Finnish people have responded to the crisis, as well as the entire government’s coordinated strategy for dealing with it, with the way Finns responded to the Soviet invasion of 1939 during the Winter War. Except this time, the invader is an invisible one.
For young Finns, “of course she is a role model,” says Vuokko Schoultz, a 26-year-old graduate student in history. “Look at where she came from,” she says, referring to Ms. Marin’s humble roots, which included a stint as a cashier while at university. “I think she is the best prime minister we have had in many years.”
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“I think anyone who serves the country at this time is a hero,” says Ms. Schoultz.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-04-08--On lockdown with an abuser: When staying home brings threat of violence

The French government will also open around 20 pop-up counseling centers in stores across Paris and in the northern city of Lille , where women can drop in while shopping .
It has designated 1 million euros to help domestic abuse organizations , and said it will pay for up to 20,000 hotel rooms for victims .
Amid the uptick in reports , the French government ramped up its efforts .
Following on the heels of a Spanish program , the French government announced that French women should utilize their local pharmacies to discreetly report abuse .
The lockdown has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in France – where in recent years , one woman has been killed due to domestic violence every three days .
French police recorded a 36 % jump in reports of domestic abuse in Paris during the first week after France went into lockdown on March 17 and a 32 % rise elsewhere in France .
Britain ’ s National Domestic Abuse Helpline has seen a 25 % rise in calls and online reporting of domestic abuse , while Spain ’ s emergency number for domestic violence noted 18 % more calls during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same period one month prior .
Jill Bourdais has run a bi-weekly support group for survivors of domestic violence since 2011 , and usually receives around five calls per week from her clients .
But since France ’ s coronavirus lockdown began , the Paris-based clinical psychologist has gotten fewer calls and emails than ever .
She says she hasn ’ t received a single call since March 27 .
“ If [ women ] are not currently living with their abuser and they ’ re not calling me , maybe there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Ms. Bourdais .
“ But if they ’ re not calling me and they live with an abuser ; it ’ s too risky … they have much less freedom to reach out.
” The phenomenon that Ms. Bourdais observed is not unique .
Many rights groups , as well as France ’ s free domestic abuse hotline , have noted a reduction in the number of calls they receive since France went into lockdown on March 17 – showing how difficult it is for victims to reach out for advice or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , the number of couples who 've reached the breaking point has gone up ; French police recorded a 36 % jump in reports of domestic abuse in Paris during the first week and a 32 % rise elsewhere in France .
It ’ s a trend seen across Europe since lockdowns began .
Britain ’ s National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 25 % rise in calls and online reporting , while Spain ’ s emergency number for domestic violence noted 18 % more calls during the first two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one month prior .
The numbers prompted United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to tweet on Apr .
5 : “ I urge all governments to put women ’ s safety first as they respond to the pandemic.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , we ’ ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .
The lockdown has highlighted the vulnerability of many women in France – where in recent years , one woman has been killed due to domestic violence every three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could change just how high a priority domestic abuse is for the state .
“ There ’ s been a real awareness since the # MeToo movement that this type of violence is not a private affair , that it ’ s unacceptable and a real societal problem , ” says Olivia Mons , the spokesperson for victims ’ rights group France Victimes .
“ But the state still needs to work on better coordination between different actors and invest more money to help victims – it ’ s a very good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A serious problem even before the pandemic France has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Europe , according to EU figures from 2017 .
Each year , around 200,000 women suffer physical or sexual abuse by a partner .
In 2019 , 149 women died at the hands of their partners – up from 121 the year before – and 950 violent partners were held in police custody .
Responding to increasing public pressure , the French government unveiled a nationwide action plan , dubbed “ Grenelle , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promising more wide-scale use of electronic bracelets for offenders and the creation of 1,000 places in shelters for victims .
And amid the pandemic lockdown , the government ramped up its efforts further .
Following on the heels of a Spanish program where women can speak the code words “ mask 19 ” in pharmacies to indicate they have suffered domestic abuse , the French government announced that French women should utilize their local pharmacies for similar reporting .
The French government will also open around 20 pop-up counseling centers in stores across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lille , where women can drop in while shopping .
It has designated 1 million euros to help domestic abuse organizations , and said it will pay for up to 20,000 hotel rooms for victims .
But the measures haven ’ t gone far enough , say campaigners .
In 2018 , France ’ s High Council for Gender Equality said that 11,000 additional places in shelters were in fact needed , and rights groups say that at least 500 million euros must be dedicated to the cause .
Many anti-domestic abuse groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the woman who must change her daily life to accommodate her abuser , and not the other way around .
The Observatory for Violence Against Women for the Seine-Saint-Denis region , just outside Paris , announced at the end of March that it would work with a local tribunal to finance hotel rooms during the lockdown period – not for female victims , but for their violent offenders .
“ When women leave for a hotel , often with their children , they don ’ t have their beds , their toys , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unbearable , ” says Ernestine Ronai , the director of the Observatory for Violence Against Women for the Seine-Saint-Denis region .
“ The violent man is the one who absolutely needs to leave.
” Campaigners also say that the French justice system favors offenders instead of victims of abuse .
A November 2019 report by weekly Le Journal du Dimanche showed that officials did not follow through on domestic violence complaints 80 % of the time .
Eléonore , a Toulouse-based woman who asked that her last name not be printed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boyfriend in Paris in September 2016 .
With the help of friends , she finally reported the incident to police , only to have the situation turned around on her .
The officer who took her case pressured Eléonore to sign a main courante , which records an offense but doesn ’ t take the complaint any further .
He convinced her that doing otherwise would have grave consequences for her partner .
“ They put the blame on me , saying that my boyfriend was just expressing desire and pleasure to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boyfriend had just returned from a long trip when the event took place .
“ I wasn ’ t allowed to have any emotions about it.
” Eléonore tried to take her case to another police station , but despite her efforts the case was never pursued and her boyfriend never received any punishment .
As French people are increasingly confined to their homes during lockdown , solidarity between neighbors has taken on greater importance – whether it ’ s to lend a helping hand or simply wave across an apartment complex .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ save lives .
Kate LeBlanc says she called the police last August when she heard a couple yelling in a neighboring building , in the Paris suburb of Puteaux .
Although the police showed up in five minutes , Ms. LeBlanc says she ’ s not sure if they would be as reactive now , amid the pressures of the current lockdown situation .
More police have been tasked to patrol the streets for potential rule-breakers , and answering house calls entails a public health risk .
“ I would call the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not sure what kind of response I would get , ” says Ms. LeBlanc .
“ I could speculate that it wouldn ’ t be as quick.
” Ms. Mons , of France Victimes , says that even if the police are under “ extreme pressure , ” victims shouldn ’ t hesitate to contact them about domestic abuse incidents .
France Victimes has trained police forces in how to handle complaints and the official directive is to be especially proactive when it comes to such domestic violence .
France must go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources and money to help victims – in order to take the burden off the health and social services sectors now and in the future .
But she adds that the # MeToo movement , coupled with France ’ s Grenelle action plan , have better prepared France to handle domestic abuse complaints during the lockdown period , which could potentially last beyond these early days in confinement .
It is news such as this that makes Eléonore , in Toulouse , consider whether she should reopen her rape case .
But this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring a lawsuit against not only the officer who dismissed her case the second time back in 2017 , but against the French state .
“ In my head , it ’ s still a possibility but I haven ’ t made up my mind about it , ” says Eléonore .
“ I do have hope that things have changed since then.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , we ’ ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

The French government will also open around 20 pop-up counseling centers in stores across Paris and in the northern city of Lille, where women can drop in while shopping. It has designated 1 million euros to help domestic abuse organizations, and said it will pay for up to 20,000 hotel rooms for victims.
Amid the uptick in reports, the French government ramped up its efforts. Following on the heels of a Spanish program, the French government announced that French women should utilize their local pharmacies to discreetly report abuse.
The lockdown has particularly highlighted the vulnerability of many women in France – where in recent years, one woman has been killed due to domestic violence every three days. French police recorded a 36% jump in reports of domestic abuse in Paris during the first week after France went into lockdown on March 17 and a 32% rise elsewhere in France.
Stay-at-home orders are meant to keep people safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. But how do you protect people who live with their abusers?
Britain’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline has seen a 25% rise in calls and online reporting of domestic abuse, while Spain’s emergency number for domestic violence noted 18% more calls during the first two weeks of lockdown than the same period one month prior.
It’s a trend seen across Europe since lockdowns began to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
Jill Bourdais has run a bi-weekly support group for survivors of domestic violence since 2011, and usually receives around five calls per week from her clients.
But since France’s coronavirus lockdown began, the Paris-based clinical psychologist has gotten fewer calls and emails than ever. She says she hasn’t received a single call since March 27.
“If [women] are not currently living with their abuser and they’re not calling me, maybe there’s no real damage,” says Ms. Bourdais. “But if they’re not calling me and they live with an abuser; it’s too risky … they have much less freedom to reach out.”
Why We Wrote This Stay-at-home orders are meant to keep people safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. But how do you protect people who live with their abusers?
The phenomenon that Ms. Bourdais observed is not unique. Many rights groups, as well as France’s free domestic abuse hotline, have noted a reduction in the number of calls they receive since France went into lockdown on March 17 – showing how difficult it is for victims to reach out for advice or resources when trapped inside with their aggressors. Meanwhile, the number of couples who've reached the breaking point has gone up; French police recorded a 36% jump in reports of domestic abuse in Paris during the first week and a 32% rise elsewhere in France.
It’s a trend seen across Europe since lockdowns began. Britain’s National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 25% rise in calls and online reporting, while Spain’s emergency number for domestic violence noted 18% more calls during the first two weeks of lockdown than the same period one month prior. The numbers prompted United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to tweet on Apr. 5: “I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, we’ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.
The lockdown has highlighted the vulnerability of many women in France – where in recent years, one woman has been killed due to domestic violence every three days. And as a result, it could change just how high a priority domestic abuse is for the state.
“There’s been a real awareness since the #MeToo movement that this type of violence is not a private affair, that it’s unacceptable and a real societal problem,” says Olivia Mons, the spokesperson for victims’ rights group France Victimes. “But the state still needs to work on better coordination between different actors and invest more money to help victims – it’s a very good investment for the victim and the state.”
A serious problem even before the pandemic
France has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Europe, according to EU figures from 2017. Each year, around 200,000 women suffer physical or sexual abuse by a partner. In 2019, 149 women died at the hands of their partners – up from 121 the year before – and 950 violent partners were held in police custody.
Responding to increasing public pressure, the French government unveiled a nationwide action plan, dubbed “Grenelle,” against domestic violence in September 2019, promising more wide-scale use of electronic bracelets for offenders and the creation of 1,000 places in shelters for victims.
Christian Hartmann/Reuters View caption Hide caption Domestic violence has been a major issue in France even before the pandemic, as this Nov. 23, 2019 demonstration against femicide and violence against women in Paris indicates.
And amid the pandemic lockdown, the government ramped up its efforts further. Following on the heels of a Spanish program where women can speak the code words “mask 19” in pharmacies to indicate they have suffered domestic abuse, the French government announced that French women should utilize their local pharmacies for similar reporting.
The French government will also open around 20 pop-up counseling centers in stores across Paris and in the northern city of Lille, where women can drop in while shopping. It has designated 1 million euros to help domestic abuse organizations, and said it will pay for up to 20,000 hotel rooms for victims.
But the measures haven’t gone far enough, say campaigners. In 2018, France’s High Council for Gender Equality said that 11,000 additional places in shelters were in fact needed, and rights groups say that at least 500 million euros must be dedicated to the cause.
Many anti-domestic abuse groups say too often, it’s the woman who must change her daily life to accommodate her abuser, and not the other way around. The Observatory for Violence Against Women for the Seine-Saint-Denis region, just outside Paris, announced at the end of March that it would work with a local tribunal to finance hotel rooms during the lockdown period – not for female victims, but for their violent offenders.
“When women leave for a hotel, often with their children, they don’t have their beds, their toys, they can’t cook. It’s unbearable,” says Ernestine Ronai, the director of the Observatory for Violence Against Women for the Seine-Saint-Denis region. “The violent man is the one who absolutely needs to leave.”
Campaigners also say that the French justice system favors offenders instead of victims of abuse. A November 2019 report by weekly Le Journal du Dimanche showed that officials did not follow through on domestic violence complaints 80% of the time.
Eléonore, a Toulouse-based woman who asked that her last name not be printed, says she was raped by her boyfriend in Paris in September 2016. With the help of friends, she finally reported the incident to police, only to have the situation turned around on her. The officer who took her case pressured Eléonore to sign a main courante, which records an offense but doesn’t take the complaint any further. He convinced her that doing otherwise would have grave consequences for her partner.
“They put the blame on me, saying that my boyfriend was just expressing desire and pleasure to see me,” says Eléonore, whose boyfriend had just returned from a long trip when the event took place. “I wasn’t allowed to have any emotions about it.”
Eléonore tried to take her case to another police station, but despite her efforts the case was never pursued and her boyfriend never received any punishment.
Neighbors and police
As French people are increasingly confined to their homes during lockdown, solidarity between neighbors has taken on greater importance – whether it’s to lend a helping hand or simply wave across an apartment complex. For domestic violence victims, neighbors can save lives.
Kate LeBlanc says she called the police last August when she heard a couple yelling in a neighboring building, in the Paris suburb of Puteaux. Although the police showed up in five minutes, Ms. LeBlanc says she’s not sure if they would be as reactive now, amid the pressures of the current lockdown situation. More police have been tasked to patrol the streets for potential rule-breakers, and answering house calls entails a public health risk.
“I would call the police as quickly now, but I’m not sure what kind of response I would get,” says Ms. LeBlanc. “I could speculate that it wouldn’t be as quick.”
Ms. Mons, of France Victimes, says that even if the police are under “extreme pressure,” victims shouldn’t hesitate to contact them about domestic abuse incidents. France Victimes has trained police forces in how to handle complaints and the official directive is to be especially proactive when it comes to such domestic violence.
France must go further, she says, to dedicate resources and money to help victims – in order to take the burden off the health and social services sectors now and in the future. But she adds that the #MeToo movement, coupled with France’s Grenelle action plan, have better prepared France to handle domestic abuse complaints during the lockdown period, which could potentially last beyond these early days in confinement.
It is news such as this that makes Eléonore, in Toulouse, consider whether she should reopen her rape case. But this time, she says, she would bring a lawsuit against not only the officer who dismissed her case the second time back in 2017, but against the French 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.
“In my head, it’s still a possibility but I haven’t made up my mind about it,” says Eléonore. “I do have hope that things have changed since then.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, we’ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-04-01--Why Amazon fired a warehouse worker who organized a walkout

Amazon fired a worker who organized a walkout at a New York warehouse to demand greater protection against the new coronavirus , saying the employee himself flouted distancing rules and put others at risk .
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio ordered the city 's Commission on Human Rights to investigate whether the dismissal was retaliatory .
New York Attorney General Letitia James called on the National Labor Relations Board to investigate and said her office is also considering legal options .
`` It is disgraceful that Amazon would terminate an employee who bravely stood up to protect himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
Amazon said the worker , Christian Smalls , received several warnings for violating social distancing guidelines .
Amazon said Mr. Smalls showed up at the protest at the Staten Island warehouse Monday despite an order to remain home for 14 days with pay because he had come into contact with a co-worker who had been diagnosed with the virus .
But Mr. Smalls said his contact with the infected worker was limited and felt Amazon put him on leave to get him out of the way .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last Tuesday and encouraged the person in a brief conversation to go home .
Mr. Smalls said that Tuesday had been his first day back at work after more than a week because he had been using paid and unpaid time off to avoid going to a job where he felt exposed to the virus .
After the worker tested positive , Mr. Smalls said he and others workers asked if the warehouse would be shut down for cleaning but were told it would stay open .
After that , Mr. Smalls said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to the warehouse without clocking in , instead spending each day in the break room leading protests .
`` Everybody is scared .
People are scared to lose their jobs .
Who 's their voice ?
I 'm their voice .
It cost me my job but so be it , '' Mr. Smalls said .
Amazon said a small fraction of the 5,000 workers work at the warehouse joined the walkout .
The company said it had asked `` anyone who was in close contact with the diagnosed individual to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specify how many .
The Seattle-based company said it has taken aggressive steps to protect its employees from the virus , including cleaning and distancing measures .
Amazon is checking the temperature of anyone entering the Staten Island warehouse , a step the company said would be implemented in other facilities as soon as possible .
The company said it consults with local and federal health authorities on how to handle building closures if an employee tests positive , including evaluating the worker 's interactions with others .
`` We have taken extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon said in a statement .
`` The truth is the vast majority of employees continue to show up and do the heroic work of delivering for customers every day . ''
Several walkouts and protests have drawn attention to fear and discontent among low-wage workers on the front lines of the pandemic , particularly those packing and delivering groceries and other essentials for millions of people hunkering down at home .
A group of workers at Whole Foods , which is owned by Amazon , planned to stage a `` sick out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate closure , and cleaning of stores if a worker tests positive for the virus and health benefits for part-time and seasonal workers .
It was unclear how widespread the protest was .
Whole Foods said the protest was being led by a `` small but vocal group , '' including many who do n't work for the company .
In a statement , Whole Foods said the sick-out had `` no operational impact '' on its services .
Whole Foods said it offers workers up to two weeks of paid time off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are quarantined , an additional $ 2 per hour on top of hourly base pay , and increased overtime pay .
Amazon is also offering an additional $ 2 per hour for its hourly workers .
Amazon is hiring 100,000 more workers to meet a surge in demand for deliveries , one of several companies that have announced such hiring sprees .
Despite the hazards of the jobs , many people are applying as layoffs soar retail , restaurants , airlines , and other industries .
Instacart , the San Francisco-based grocery delivery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , saying orders have surged 150 % in recent weeks compared to last year .
Some Instacart workers walked off the job Monday to demand hazard pay and more protective gear against the virus .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writer Karen Matthews contributed to this story from New York .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Amazon fired a worker who organized a walkout at a New York warehouse to demand greater protection against the new coronavirus, saying the employee himself flouted distancing rules and put others at risk.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio ordered the city's Commission on Human Rights to investigate whether the dismissal was retaliatory.
New York Attorney General Letitia James called on the National Labor Relations Board to investigate and said her office is also considering legal options.
"It is disgraceful that Amazon would terminate an employee who bravely stood up to protect himself and his colleagues," Ms. James said in a statement.
Amazon said the worker, Christian Smalls, received several warnings for violating social distancing guidelines. Amazon said Mr. Smalls showed up at the protest at the Staten Island warehouse Monday despite an order to remain home for 14 days with pay because he had come into contact with a co-worker who had been diagnosed with the virus.
But Mr. Smalls said his contact with the infected worker was limited and felt Amazon put him on leave to get him out of the way. He said he noticed the worker looked ill last Tuesday and encouraged the person in a brief conversation to go home.
Mr. Smalls said that Tuesday had been his first day back at work after more than a week because he had been using paid and unpaid time off to avoid going to a job where he felt exposed to the virus.
After the worker tested positive, Mr. Smalls said he and others workers asked if the warehouse would be shut down for cleaning but were told it would stay open. After that, Mr. Smalls said he spent the rest of the week going to the warehouse without clocking in, instead spending each day in the break room leading protests.
"Everybody is scared. People are scared to lose their jobs. Who's their voice? I'm their voice. It cost me my job but so be it," Mr. Smalls said.
Amazon said a small fraction of the 5,000 workers work at the warehouse joined the walkout. The company said it had asked "anyone who was in close contact with the diagnosed individual to stay home with pay" but did not specify how many.
The Seattle-based company said it has taken aggressive steps to protect its employees from the virus, including cleaning and distancing measures. Amazon is checking the temperature of anyone entering the Staten Island warehouse, a step the company said would be implemented in other facilities as soon as possible.
The company said it consults with local and federal health authorities on how to handle building closures if an employee tests positive, including evaluating the worker's interactions with others.
"We have taken extreme measures to keep people safe," Amazon said in a statement. "The truth is the vast majority of employees continue to show up and do the heroic work of delivering for customers every day."
Several walkouts and protests have drawn attention to fear and discontent among low-wage workers on the front lines of the pandemic, particularly those packing and delivering groceries and other essentials for millions of people hunkering down at home.
A group of workers at Whole Foods, which is owned by Amazon, planned to stage a "sick out" Tuesday to demand hazard pay, immediate closure, and cleaning of stores if a worker tests positive for the virus and health benefits for part-time and seasonal workers. It was unclear how widespread the protest was.
Whole Foods said the protest was being led by a "small but vocal group," including many who don't work for the company. In a statement, Whole Foods said the sick-out had "no operational impact" on its services.
Whole Foods said it offers workers up to two weeks of paid time off if they test positive for COVID-19 or are quarantined, an additional $2 per hour on top of hourly base pay, and increased overtime pay. Amazon is also offering an additional $2 per hour for its hourly workers.
Amazon is hiring 100,000 more workers to meet a surge in demand for deliveries, one of several companies that have announced such hiring sprees. Despite the hazards of the jobs, many people are applying as layoffs soar retail, restaurants, airlines, and other industries.
Instacart, the San Francisco-based grocery delivery app, is hiring 300,000 more contracted workers, saying orders have surged 150% in recent weeks compared to last year. Some Instacart workers walked off the job Monday to demand hazard pay and more protective gear against the virus.
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This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writer Karen Matthews contributed to this story from New York.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-06-04--With new urgency, parents learn how to talk to kids about race

As an African American parent , Cassandre Dunbar in Charlotte , North Carolina , always knew she and her husband would have “ the talk ” with their son , the one preparing him for interactions with law enforcement .
But she never dreamed it would be necessary at 5 years old .
“ I thought the cops were supposed to help us ?
Are they only helpful to white people ?
” he asked after taking in TV coverage of protests and overhearing his parents discuss the deaths of George Floyd , Ahmaud Arbery , and Breonna Taylor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Some people have a hard time understanding that skin color doesn ’ t have anything to do with what kind of person you are .
I said that , yes , cops are meant to help us all , but some cops aren ’ t good cops and the bad ones really aren ’ t helpful to people who look like us.
” Many parents of all races are struggling with similar conversations after a week of outrage and sadness that spilled into streets worldwide after video of Mr. Floyd 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of family togetherness in coronavirus lockdown , a time when kids have been cut off from schools and peers .
Mr. Floyd , a handcuffed black man , died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck as he pleaded for air .
To help her kids going forward , Ms. Dunbar has been reaching out for guidance from child therapists , early childhood educators , and seasoned parents .
How conversations with kids about race and racism play out can be intensely personal for parents .
Many white parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for such discussions at age 10 or 11 , said Andrew Grant-Thomas , co-founder of Embrace Race , a nonprofit that provides resources for parents and educators .
“ They think that kids are too naive and fragile and will crumple the moment you even mention the word , ” he said .
” By not engaging kids explicitly , essentially you ’ re leaving them to flounder in this tidal wave of communication about race that they are receiving from a very early age , but without you there to deliberately mediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get.
” Howard Stevenson , a clinical psychologist in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania , works with educators and families to understand the trauma and stress of race-based hate .
Insights that he offered online in 2016 have been shared by school districts around the country in the past week with parents .
“ Both verbal and non-verbal approaches influence what children not only know about race but whether they should speak to it or how they should manage the stress of it , ” Mr. Stevenson told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what their parents do n't do during racial moments as much as what they actually purposely teach.
” He said research shows that the more parents talk to children about race , the more those children “ tend to be less overwhelmed by the politics.
” For African American mom Sonya Horton in Brooklyn , New York , that means putting it all on the line for her 11-year-old daughter , Samirah , a budding DJ and anti-bullying activist who attends a predominantly white private school .
The sixth-grader belongs to a school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they feel free to discuss slights from classmates over things like how they wear their hair , certain foods they particularly like , and family traditions .
Of her white classmates , Samirah said : “ I feel like they know what racism is but not to the full extent of the meaning of it .
I feel like they might think making an inappropriate joke could be racist , but racist could be imitating someone or saying a comment that 's not particularly nice.
” Ms. Horton , whose husband is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never “ sugar-coated things ” for their child .
“ I never feel that she 's too young to know or to understand , '' Ms. Horton said .
`` We live in a world where it 's out there , and if you 're not open and you 're not talking about it then they may come away with misinformation and miseducation.
” For parents , the first step is checking their own feelings , Mr. Stevenson and other experts said .
A good second step is listening to the experiences of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and accept that racism does exist .
Val Whiting , who is African American and lives in suburban Seattle , said her 19-year-old son , the eldest of two teen boys , has had plenty of practice handling racism in their predominantly white neighborhood , from racial slurs on the soccer field to a car full of young people shouting the “ N-word ” before speeding off .
“ I wanted to pull out a bazooka and blow up that car full of cowards , ” she said .
“ But we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nurture relationships with other people of color , so he immediately contacted a Facebook group he belongs to in order to share what happened , and get support and guidance .
I ’ m OK with that.
” In Myrtle Beach , South Carolina , Traci Sumter would n't allow her black 15-year-old son to participate in protests .
“ I 've read threats and horrible comments online by neighbors , teachers , and people I had considered friends , ” she said .
“ I cried when I saw the George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I watched my son watch it .
The look of disappointment on his face let me know that he felt the world had failed him .
Again.
” Ibram X. Kendi is a National Book Award winner , activist , history professor , and founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University .
When his daughter was born , Mr. Kendi found few books on race and racism for the very young .
He wrote his own , a board book in rhyme out this month from the Penguin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Antiracist Baby , ” it 's one of a surge of titles on racism making their way up the Amazon bestseller list .
“ The data points to the fact that children as young as 5 or 6 months begin recognizing race , and children as young as 2 to 3 years old start recognizing or even believing in racist ideas , ” Mr. Kendi said .
“ Typically parents don ’ t even know how to begin to have these conversations with these very , very young people , let alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Through illustrations by Ashley Lukashevsky , Mr. Kendi shows that the first step toward making racial equity a reality is opening your eyes to all skin colors .
“ Antiracist Baby learns all the colors , not because race is true , ” he writes .
“ If you claim to be color-blind , you deny what 's right in front of you.
” At Manhattan 's Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School , Alisa Soriano is an assistant principal who filled in this week as a first-grade teacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning meetings , the recent protests and deaths were discussed via Zoom .
The progressive school is committed to diversity , equity , and inclusion work year-round , so even the youngest children were n't taken aback , Ms. Soriano said .
“ When you speak to young children with passion and with respect , and with information that is valid to their lives , they listen , '' she said .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

As an African American parent, Cassandre Dunbar in Charlotte, North Carolina, always knew she and her husband would have “the talk” with their son, the one preparing him for interactions with law enforcement.
But she never dreamed it would be necessary at 5 years old.
“I thought the cops were supposed to help us? Are they only helpful to white people?” he asked after taking in TV coverage of protests and overhearing his parents discuss the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor.
Ms. Dunbar explained to her eldest child: “Some people have a hard time understanding that skin color doesn’t have anything to do with what kind of person you are. I said that, yes, cops are meant to help us all, but some cops aren’t good cops and the bad ones really aren’t helpful to people who look like us.”
Many parents of all races are struggling with similar conversations after a week of outrage and sadness that spilled into streets worldwide after video of Mr. Floyd's death emerged. It came after months of family togetherness in coronavirus lockdown, a time when kids have been cut off from schools and peers.
Mr. Floyd, a handcuffed black man, died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck as he pleaded for air.
To help her kids going forward, Ms. Dunbar has been reaching out for guidance from child therapists, early childhood educators, and seasoned parents.
How conversations with kids about race and racism play out can be intensely personal for parents. Many white parents in particular believe children are too young for such discussions at age 10 or 11, said Andrew Grant-Thomas, co-founder of Embrace Race, a nonprofit that provides resources for parents and educators.
“They think that kids are too naive and fragile and will crumple the moment you even mention the word,” he said. ”By not engaging kids explicitly, essentially you’re leaving them to flounder in this tidal wave of communication about race that they are receiving from a very early age, but without you there to deliberately mediate how they make sense of what they get.”
Howard Stevenson, a clinical psychologist in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, works with educators and families to understand the trauma and stress of race-based hate. Insights that he offered online in 2016 have been shared by school districts around the country in the past week with parents.
“Both verbal and non-verbal approaches influence what children not only know about race but whether they should speak to it or how they should manage the stress of it,” Mr. Stevenson told The Associated Press. “Children watch what their parents don't do during racial moments as much as what they actually purposely teach.”
He said research shows that the more parents talk to children about race, the more those children “tend to be less overwhelmed by the politics.”
For African American mom Sonya Horton in Brooklyn, New York, that means putting it all on the line for her 11-year-old daughter, Samirah, a budding DJ and anti-bullying activist who attends a predominantly white private school.
The sixth-grader belongs to a school club for black and brown students where they feel free to discuss slights from classmates over things like how they wear their hair, certain foods they particularly like, and family traditions.
Of her white classmates, Samirah said: “I feel like they know what racism is but not to the full extent of the meaning of it. I feel like they might think making an inappropriate joke could be racist, but racist could be imitating someone or saying a comment that's not particularly nice.”
Ms. Horton, whose husband is a retired police officer, said they have never “sugar-coated things” for their child.
“I never feel that she's too young to know or to understand," Ms. Horton said. "We live in a world where it's out there, and if you're not open and you're not talking about it then they may come away with misinformation and miseducation.”
For parents, the first step is checking their own feelings, Mr. Stevenson and other experts said. A good second step is listening to the experiences of parents and children of color without judgment, and accept that racism does exist.
Val Whiting, who is African American and lives in suburban Seattle, said her 19-year-old son, the eldest of two teen boys, has had plenty of practice handling racism in their predominantly white neighborhood, from racial slurs on the soccer field to a car full of young people shouting the “N-word” before speeding off.
“I wanted to pull out a bazooka and blow up that car full of cowards,” she said. “But we've taught him how to make connections and nurture relationships with other people of color, so he immediately contacted a Facebook group he belongs to in order to share what happened, and get support and guidance. I’m OK with that.”
In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Traci Sumter wouldn't allow her black 15-year-old son to participate in protests.
“I've read threats and horrible comments online by neighbors, teachers, and people I had considered friends,” she said. “I cried when I saw the George Floyd video. I cried again when I watched my son watch it. The look of disappointment on his face let me know that he felt the world had failed him. Again.”
Ibram X. Kendi is a National Book Award winner, activist, history professor, and founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University.
He's also dad to 4-year-old Imani.
When his daughter was born, Mr. Kendi found few books on race and racism for the very young. He wrote his own, a board book in rhyme out this month from the Penguin Young Readers imprint Kokila Books.
Titled “Antiracist Baby,” it's one of a surge of titles on racism making their way up the Amazon bestseller list.
“The data points to the fact that children as young as 5 or 6 months begin recognizing race, and children as young as 2 to 3 years old start recognizing or even believing in racist ideas,” Mr. Kendi said. “Typically parents don’t even know how to begin to have these conversations with these very, very young people, let alone recognizing the importance of having these conversations.”
Through illustrations by Ashley Lukashevsky, Mr. Kendi shows that the first step toward making racial equity a reality is opening your eyes to all skin colors.
“Antiracist Baby learns all the colors, not because race is true,” he writes. “If you claim to be color-blind, you deny what's right in front of you.”
At Manhattan's Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School, Alisa Soriano is an assistant principal who filled in this week as a first-grade teacher. At the school's regular classroom morning meetings, the recent protests and deaths were discussed via Zoom.
The progressive school is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion work year-round, so even the youngest children weren't taken aback, Ms. Soriano said.
“When you speak to young children with passion and with respect, and with information that is valid to their lives, they listen," she said.
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--2020-06-04--Floyd protests calmer as police officers face new charges

Demonstrations in cities across the United States to condemn racism and police abuses remained large but turned notably more subdued on the eve of a Thursday memorial service for George Floyd that kicks off a series of events to mourn the man whose death empowered a national movement .
The calmer protests came on the same day that prosecutors charged three more police officers and filed a new , tougher charge against the officer at the center of the case .
The most serious new charge Wednesday was an accusation of second-degree murder against Derek Chauvin , who was caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd 's neck .
The three other officers at the scene were charged for the first time with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter .
If convicted , they could be sentenced to up to four decades in prison .
The move by prosecutors punctuated an unprecedented week in modern American history , in which largely peaceful protests took place in communities of all sizes but were rocked by bouts of violence , including deadly attacks on officers , rampant thefts , and arson in some places .
Nationwide , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection with unrest , an Associated Press tally shows .
More than a dozen deaths have been reported , though the circumstances in many cases are still being sorted out .
Mr. Floyd 's name has become a rallying cry in other countries , too , unleashing protests against police violence and racial injustice .
In the U.S. , protests were still big , but largely peaceful in California , where NBA stars Steph Curry and Klay Thompson marched with protesters in Oakland .
Some demonstrators lay down to represent the amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knee into Mr. Floyd 's neck while he pleaded for air .
But police kept a mainly hands-off policy during the day even after curfews took effect .
The first of three memorial gatherings for the man whose name has been chanted by hundreds of thousands of people was planned Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis at a service where the Rev .
Al Sharpton , the civil rights leader , and family attorney Ben Crump will speak .
Mr. Floyd 's body will then travel to Raeford , North Carolina , where he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public viewing and private family service Saturday .
There will be a large service Monday in Houston , where Mr. Floyd spent most of his life , and will include addresses from Mr. Sharpton , Mr. Crump , and the Rev .
Remus E. Wright , the family pastor .
Former Vice President Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , may attend .
A private burial will follow .
Mr. Crump called the additional charges against the officers `` a bittersweet moment '' and `` a significant step forward on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new charges were announced , Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz , said the state and nation need to `` seize the moment '' and use the wrenching events of the past week to confront the effects of racism , including unequal educational and economic opportunities .
`` I think this is probably our last shot , as a state and as a nation , to fix this systemic issue , '' he said .
Hundreds of protesters were in New York City 's Washington Square Park when the charges were announced .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonathan Roldan said , insisting all four officers should have been charged from the start .
`` Right now , we 're still marching because it 's not enough that they got arrested .
There needs to be systematic change . ''
But the mood in New York turned somber later in the day after a police officer on an anti-looting patrol was ambushed by a man who walked up behind him and stabbed him in the neck .
That set off a struggle in which two other officers suffered gunshot injuries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter , counts that still stand .
The new second-degree murder charge alleges that Mr. Chauvin caused Mr. Floyd 's death without intent while committing another felony , namely third-degree assault .
It carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison , compared with a maximum of 25 years for third-degree murder .
The other officers – Thomas Lane , J. Kueng , and Tou Thao – face the same maximum penalties for aiding and abetting .
All three men were in custody by Wednesday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would offer a jury more options to find them guilty .
Also Wednesday , the Hennepin County Medical Examiner 's Office released the full autopsy report on Mr. Floyd , which noted he had previously tested positive for COVID-19 but was apparently asymptomatic .
The report was released with the family 's permission after summary findings Monday that said he had a heart attack while being restrained by officers .
President Donald Trump has pushed the nation 's governors to take a hard line against the violence .
He again tweeted Wednesday : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overpowering security force – including officers from the FBI Hostage Rescue Team , the Secret Service , the Drug Enforcement Administration , the Bureau of Prisons and , according to a senior defense official , at least 2,200 National Guard soldiers – was out in force Wednesday as thousands of peaceful protesters demonstrated in the nation 's capital .
Military vehicles were parked on streets near the White House .
An FBI plane , an Army surveillance plane , and a Park Police helicopter circled overhead .
At one point near the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grace '' as they knelt in view of officers in riot gear .
`` We are not going anywhere ! ''
they chanted .
There were no signs of confrontations .
Protester Jade Jones said the demonstrations would continue despite the new charges .
`` That 's the least they could do , '' Ms. Jones said .
`` It 's not going to wipe away 400 years of pain . ''
In New York City , where high-end stores were looted in earlier days , some retailers fortified their property .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , windows were boarded up , then covered in chain-link fencing and razor wire .
The front of the store was guarded by a line of tattooed men with dogs .
The protests have also taken root internationally as Mr. Floyd 's name has quickly become familiar around the world .
When other black men were killed at the hands of U.S. police in recent years , the news reached global headlines , but not the streets .
This time is different .
Silent protesters in front of the U.S. Embassy in Paris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd '' – in French .
Protesters waved banners bearing his name from Johannesburg to London , Tel Aviv , and Sydney , and seized the moment to call attention to police violence , racial injustice , or other problems closer to home .
`` It 's a solidarity question .
We stand with our brothers , internationally , our sisters as well , but the same thing is happening here .
It 's no different , '' Isaak Kabenge said Wednesday while at a protest in Stockholm .
This story was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Merchant reported from Houston .
AP journalists across the U.S. and the world contributed to this report .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Demonstrations in cities across the United States to condemn racism and police abuses remained large but turned notably more subdued on the eve of a Thursday memorial service for George Floyd that kicks off a series of events to mourn the man whose death empowered a national movement.
The calmer protests came on the same day that prosecutors charged three more police officers and filed a new, tougher charge against the officer at the center of the case.
The most serious new charge Wednesday was an accusation of second-degree murder against Derek Chauvin, who was caught on video pressing his knee to Mr. Floyd's neck. The three other officers at the scene were charged for the first time with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to four decades in prison.
The move by prosecutors punctuated an unprecedented week in modern American history, in which largely peaceful protests took place in communities of all sizes but were rocked by bouts of violence, including deadly attacks on officers, rampant thefts, and arson in some places.
Nationwide, more than 10,000 people have been arrested in connection with unrest, an Associated Press tally shows. More than a dozen deaths have been reported, though the circumstances in many cases are still being sorted out.
Mr. Floyd's name has become a rallying cry in other countries, too, unleashing protests against police violence and racial injustice.
In the U.S., protests were still big, but largely peaceful in California, where NBA stars Steph Curry and Klay Thompson marched with protesters in Oakland.
Some demonstrators lay down to represent the amount of time a white police officer pressed a knee into Mr. Floyd's neck while he pleaded for air. But police kept a mainly hands-off policy during the day even after curfews took effect.
The first of three memorial gatherings for the man whose name has been chanted by hundreds of thousands of people was planned Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis at a service where the Rev. Al Sharpton, the civil rights leader, and family attorney Ben Crump will speak.
Mr. Floyd's body will then travel to Raeford, North Carolina, where he was born 46 years ago, for a public viewing and private family service Saturday.
There will be a large service Monday in Houston, where Mr. Floyd spent most of his life, and will include addresses from Mr. Sharpton, Mr. Crump, and the Rev. Remus E. Wright, the family pastor. Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, may attend. A private burial will follow.
Mr. Crump called the additional charges against the officers "a bittersweet moment" and "a significant step forward on the road to justice."
After the new charges were announced, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, said the state and nation need to "seize the moment" and use the wrenching events of the past week to confront the effects of racism, including unequal educational and economic opportunities.
"I think this is probably our last shot, as a state and as a nation, to fix this systemic issue," he said.
Hundreds of protesters were in New York City's Washington Square Park when the charges were announced.
"It's not enough," protester Jonathan Roldan said, insisting all four officers should have been charged from the start. "Right now, we're still marching because it's not enough that they got arrested. There needs to be systematic change."
But the mood in New York turned somber later in the day after a police officer on an anti-looting patrol was ambushed by a man who walked up behind him and stabbed him in the neck. That set off a struggle in which two other officers suffered gunshot injuries to their hands.
Mr. Chauvin was initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, counts that still stand.
The new second-degree murder charge alleges that Mr. Chauvin caused Mr. Floyd's death without intent while committing another felony, namely third-degree assault. It carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, compared with a maximum of 25 years for third-degree murder.
The other officers – Thomas Lane, J. Kueng, and Tou Thao – face the same maximum penalties for aiding and abetting. All three men were in custody by Wednesday evening.
The multiple charges against each officer would offer a jury more options to find them guilty.
Also Wednesday, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office released the full autopsy report on Mr. Floyd, which noted he had previously tested positive for COVID-19 but was apparently asymptomatic. The report was released with the family's permission after summary findings Monday that said he had a heart attack while being restrained by officers.
President Donald Trump has pushed the nation's governors to take a hard line against the violence. He again tweeted Wednesday: "LAW & ORDER!"
An overpowering security force – including officers from the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, the Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Prisons and, according to a senior defense official, at least 2,200 National Guard soldiers – was out in force Wednesday as thousands of peaceful protesters demonstrated in the nation's capital.
Military vehicles were parked on streets near the White House. An FBI plane, an Army surveillance plane, and a Park Police helicopter circled overhead.
At one point near the White House, protesters began singing "Amazing Grace" as they knelt in view of officers in riot gear. "We are not going anywhere!" they chanted. There were no signs of confrontations.
Protester Jade Jones said the demonstrations would continue despite the new charges.
"That's the least they could do," Ms. Jones said. "It's not going to wipe away 400 years of pain."
In New York City, where high-end stores were looted in earlier days, some retailers fortified their property. At the luxury department store Saks Fifth Avenue, windows were boarded up, then covered in chain-link fencing and razor wire. The front of the store was guarded by a line of tattooed men with dogs.
The protests have also taken root internationally as Mr. Floyd's name has quickly become familiar around the world.
When other black men were killed at the hands of U.S. police in recent years, the news reached global headlines, but not the streets. This time is different.
Silent protesters in front of the U.S. Embassy in Paris carried signs reading "We are all George Floyd" – in French. Protesters waved banners bearing his name from Johannesburg to London, Tel Aviv, and Sydney, and seized the moment to call attention to police violence, racial injustice, or other problems closer to home.
"It's a solidarity question. We stand with our brothers, internationally, our sisters as well, but the same thing is happening here. It's no different," Isaak Kabenge said Wednesday while at a protest in Stockholm.
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This story was reported by The Associated Press. Nomaan Merchant reported from Houston. AP journalists across the U.S. and the world contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-04-02--National Orchestra of France delivers rousing 'Boléro' from home

Look closely : The kettle drum player has a wooden spoon in one hand , a ladle in the other ... and does n't even have his drums .
But , hey , cutting a few corners can be forgiven of an orchestra that managed the remarkable feat of performing `` Bolero '' while its musicians are scattered far and wide under coronavirus lockdowns .
Why ?
To send this message to music lovers : We are still here for you .
Like building a musical jigsaw puzzle , the National Orchestra of France used the magic of technology to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its musicians , who filmed themselves playing alone in their homes into a seamless , rousing whole .
Posting a video of their stitched-together performance on YouTube was a way of keeping in touch with each other and with audiences they sorely miss playing for .
`` For us , the public is essential .
Without the public , we do n't really exist , '' said Didier Benetti , the kettle drum player .
The video posted Sunday has quickly racked up hundreds of thousands of views .
The performance starts with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violinist , and a percussionist with `` Stay home '' written on his red drum .
The musical tension and power builds as more and more join , until they are an orchestra of 50 .
Mr. Benetti rearranged French composer Maurice Ravel 's work , chopping it down from the usual 15 minutes to a more manageable and social media-friendly length of just under four minutes .
The musicians got their scores by email .
They also got an audio track to listen to through headphones as they played .
That audio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the ticking sound of a metronome , to help them keep time and stay in perfect unison despite being scattered to the winds .
The musicians filmed themselves over four days in the final week of March .
One violinist played outside , with a beautiful seascape as his backdrop .
Most of the others filmed themselves inside , making the performance feel particularly intimate .
No black tie .
The clothes were casual , with open shirts , T-shirts , jeans .
Dimitri Scapolan , a video producer and sound engineer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together the musicians ' self-shot footage into a remarkably coherent musical and visual patchwork .
For a smoother sound , Mr. Scapolan also blended in audio of a previous performance that the orchestra recorded before the new coronavirus turned the world upside down .
France is one of Europe 's hardest-hit countries , with more than 57,000 confirmed cases and 4,000 dead .
When France went into lockdown on March 17 , Mr. Benetti could n't take his hefty kettle drums home .
So unlike other musicians , he had to improvise for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two chairs in his living room with utensils he took from his kitchen .
Performing for the video was `` very therapeutic , '' but still felt like second-best compared to being all together on stage , Mr. Benetti said .
But isolation is having an unforeseen upside .
`` We are starting to realize that we really need each other , '' he said .
`` Music is sharing . ''
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Look closely: The kettle drum player has a wooden spoon in one hand, a ladle in the other ... and doesn't even have his drums.
But, hey, cutting a few corners can be forgiven of an orchestra that managed the remarkable feat of performing "Bolero" while its musicians are scattered far and wide under coronavirus lockdowns.
Why? To send this message to music lovers: We are still here for you.
Like building a musical jigsaw puzzle, the National Orchestra of France used the magic of technology to weave together the sight and sounds of its musicians, who filmed themselves playing alone in their homes into a seamless, rousing whole.
Posting a video of their stitched-together performance on YouTube was a way of keeping in touch with each other and with audiences they sorely miss playing for.
"For us, the public is essential. Without the public, we don't really exist," said Didier Benetti, the kettle drum player.
The video posted Sunday has quickly racked up hundreds of thousands of views.
The performance starts with three musicians: a cellist, a violinist, and a percussionist with "Stay home" written on his red drum.
A flutist joins, haunting, bewitching, seemingly playing in his lounge.
The musical tension and power builds as more and more join, until they are an orchestra of 50.
Mr. Benetti rearranged French composer Maurice Ravel's work, chopping it down from the usual 15 minutes to a more manageable and social media-friendly length of just under four minutes.
The musicians got their scores by email. They also got an audio track to listen to through headphones as they played. That audio included a previous recording of the music and the ticking sound of a metronome, to help them keep time and stay in perfect unison despite being scattered to the winds.
The musicians filmed themselves over four days in the final week of March. One violinist played outside, with a beautiful seascape as his backdrop. Most of the others filmed themselves inside, making the performance feel particularly intimate. No black tie. The clothes were casual, with open shirts, T-shirts, jeans.
Dimitri Scapolan, a video producer and sound engineer, burned the midnight oil to stitch together the musicians' self-shot footage into a remarkably coherent musical and visual patchwork.
For a smoother sound, Mr. Scapolan also blended in audio of a previous performance that the orchestra recorded before the new coronavirus turned the world upside down. France is one of Europe's hardest-hit countries, with more than 57,000 confirmed cases and 4,000 dead.
When France went into lockdown on March 17, Mr. Benetti couldn't take his hefty kettle drums home. So unlike other musicians, he had to improvise for the video, enthusiastically pretending to bang two chairs in his living room with utensils he took from his kitchen.
Performing for the video was "very therapeutic," but still felt like second-best compared to being all together on stage, Mr. Benetti said.
But isolation is having an unforeseen upside.
"We are starting to realize that we really need each other," he said. "Music is sharing."
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--2020-04-01--As virus cases surge, nations set aside differences to help

European nations facing extraordinary demand for hospital intensive-care beds are putting up makeshift hospitals , unsure whether they will find enough healthy medical staff to run them .
London is just days from unveiling a 4,000-bed temporary hospital built in a huge convention center to take non-critical patients so British hospitals can stay ahead of an expected surge .
In a remarkable turnaround , rich economies where virus cases have exploded are welcoming help from less wealthy ones .
Russia sent medical equipment and masks to the United States .
Cuba sent doctors to France .
Turkey dispatched masks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Italy and Spain .
Over the weekend , the U.S. Coast Guard issued new rules directing all cruise ships to remain at sea where they may be sequestered `` indefinitely '' during the outbreak and be prepared to send any severely ill passengers to the countries where the vessels are registered .
Worldwide , more than 870,000 people have been infected and over 43,000 have died , according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University .
Everywhere , the real figures are believed to be much higher because of testing shortages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and large numbers of mild cases that have gone unreported .
Even as the virus has slowed its growth in overwhelmed Italy and in China , where it first emerged , hospitals in Spain and France are reaching their breaking points , and the U.S. and Britain are bracing for waves of ill people .
`` It feels like we are in a Third World country .
We do n't have enough masks , enough protective equipment , and by the end of the week we might be in need of more medication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christophe Prudhomme .
Spain , which hit a record Wednesday of deaths in one day , has boosted its hospital beds by 20 % .
Hotspots in Madrid and Catalonia have almost tripled their ICU capacity .
Dozens of hotels across Spain have been turned into recovery rooms , and authorities are building field hospitals in sports centers , libraries , and exhibition halls .
The pressure is easing on hard-hit Italian cities like Bergamo and Brescia as the rate of new infections slows .
With over 12,400 dead so far , Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation .
The strain facing some of the world 's best health care systems has been aggravated by hospital budget cuts over the past decade in Italy , Spain , France , and Britain .
They have called in medical students , retired doctors , and even laid-off flight attendants with first aid certification to help fight the virus , although all need re-training .
The medical staffing shortage has been exacerbated by the high numbers of infected personnel .
In Italy alone , nearly 10,000 medical workers have been infected and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible reason Germany is in better shape than other European countries is its high proportion of ICU beds , at 33.9 per 100,000 people compared to 8.6 in Italy .
Germany has only 775 virus deaths .
China , where the outbreak began late last year , on Wednesday reported just 36 new COVID-19 cases .
But China 's numbers are being questioned .
Bloomberg reports : `` China has concealed the extent of the coronavirus outbreak in its country , under-reporting both total cases and deaths it ’ s suffered from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a classified report to the White House , according to three U.S .
officials . ''
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writers around the world contributed including Joseph Wilson in Barcelona ; Danica Kirka and Jill Lawless in London ; Frank Jordans in Berlin ; Karen Matthews in New York ; and Nick Perry in Wellington , New Zealand .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

European nations facing extraordinary demand for hospital intensive-care beds are putting up makeshift hospitals, unsure whether they will find enough healthy medical staff to run them. London is just days from unveiling a 4,000-bed temporary hospital built in a huge convention center to take non-critical patients so British hospitals can stay ahead of an expected surge.
In a remarkable turnaround, rich economies where virus cases have exploded are welcoming help from less wealthy ones. Russia sent medical equipment and masks to the United States. Cuba sent doctors to France. Turkey dispatched masks, hazmat suits, goggles, and disinfectants to Italy and Spain.
Over the weekend, the U.S. Coast Guard issued new rules directing all cruise ships to remain at sea where they may be sequestered "indefinitely" during the outbreak and be prepared to send any severely ill passengers to the countries where the vessels are registered.
Worldwide, more than 870,000 people have been infected and over 43,000 have died, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. Everywhere, the real figures are believed to be much higher because of testing shortages, differences in counting the dead, and large numbers of mild cases that have gone unreported.
Even as the virus has slowed its growth in overwhelmed Italy and in China, where it first emerged, hospitals in Spain and France are reaching their breaking points, and the U.S. and Britain are bracing for waves of ill people.
"It feels like we are in a Third World country. We don't have enough masks, enough protective equipment, and by the end of the week we might be in need of more medication too," said Paris emergency worker Christophe Prudhomme.
Spain, which hit a record Wednesday of deaths in one day, has boosted its hospital beds by 20%. Hotspots in Madrid and Catalonia have almost tripled their ICU capacity. Dozens of hotels across Spain have been turned into recovery rooms, and authorities are building field hospitals in sports centers, libraries, and exhibition halls.
The pressure is easing on hard-hit Italian cities like Bergamo and Brescia as the rate of new infections slows. With over 12,400 dead so far, Italy has the most coronavirus deaths of any nation.
The strain facing some of the world's best health care systems has been aggravated by hospital budget cuts over the past decade in Italy, Spain, France, and Britain. They have called in medical students, retired doctors, and even laid-off flight attendants with first aid certification to help fight the virus, although all need re-training.
The medical staffing shortage has been exacerbated by the high numbers of infected personnel. In Italy alone, nearly 10,000 medical workers have been infected and more than 60 doctors have died.
One possible reason Germany is in better shape than other European countries is its high proportion of ICU beds, at 33.9 per 100,000 people compared to 8.6 in Italy. Germany has only 775 virus deaths.
China, where the outbreak began late last year, on Wednesday reported just 36 new COVID-19 cases. But China's numbers are being questioned. Bloomberg reports: "China has concealed the extent of the coronavirus outbreak in its country, under-reporting both total cases and deaths it’s suffered from the disease, the U.S. intelligence community concluded in a classified report to the White House, according to three U.S. officials."
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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. AP writers around the world contributed including Joseph Wilson in Barcelona; Danica Kirka and Jill Lawless in London; Frank Jordans in Berlin; Karen Matthews in New York; and Nick Perry in Wellington, New Zealand.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-04-04--Points of Progress: Tapirs return to Brazilian forest, and more

The Pentagon is working to diversify American military leadership by focusing on minorities in its recruiting and mentoring strategies .
In January , President Donald Trump announced an initiative to expand ROTC programs at the nation ’ s 102 historically black colleges and universities .
While African Americans make up nearly 1 in 5 of the enlisted ranks , they account for only 9 % of officers .
Military officials say they are increasingly pushing young officers of color into jobs that aren ’ t their first choice to give them a better shot at career advancement .
Fewer than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ combat arms , ” which primarily generates top generals in the Army , as opposed to 25 % of white officers , according to the Military Leadership Diversity Commission .
Virtually all U.S. combat brigade commanders – a steppingstone to becoming a general – are white .
Click here to read more .
The first birth of a wild tapir in Rio de Janeiro ’ s Atlantic Forest in over a century is “ more than just symbolic , ” biologists say .
A second is possibly on its way .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and implementation , is working to bring back the animal to Brazil ’ s most endangered ecosystem .
Experts say the tapir ’ s return will help accelerate restoration of the Atlantic Forest , just like wolves in Yellowstone and beavers in the United Kingdom .
The tapir , a piglike animal often described as a “ forest gardener , ” plays an important role in distributing seeds through its dung and could make reforestation quicker and cheaper .
The Atlantic Forest , which suffered from deforestation , now covers only 7 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 386,000 square miles .
( The Guardian ) A new national forest will run the length and width of Wales at an expense of £25 million ( $ 30 million ) , the government has announced .
By connecting ancient woodland with new patches of tree plantings , the forest will be an ecological network that addresses biodiversity loss and protects existing woodland areas .
In planting the trees , the Welsh government aims to improve air quality , build resilience against flooding , and increase tourism .
The national forest will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coast Path that has already proved to be popular with tourists .
Constructing and supporting the national forest will be a collective effort among government , communities , farmers , and organizations .
( South Wales Guardian ) Lithuania now recycles plastic at a record level , thanks to a deposit refund program .
Almost three-quarters of plastic packaging waste was recycled in 2017 , the highest proportion in Europe .
The deposit refund program , introduced in 2016 , returns a €0.10 surcharge on drink containers when the empty bottles are fed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the bottles go to recycling centers .
By the end of 2017 , nearly all bottles and cans sold in Lithuania were being returned ( 92 % ) , close to triple the amount before the program began .
The overall plastic packaging recycling rate increased by almost 20 % .
( The Economist ) Saudi Arabia has launched the country ’ s first women ’ s soccer league , Saudi Women ’ s Football League ( WFL ) , two years after women were allowed in soccer stadiums for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reforms – from granting women the right to drive in 2017 to allowing women to travel abroad independently and ending segregation in restaurants in 2019 – the ultraconservative kingdom has continued a pursuit of modernization under Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman .
Saudi women have only recently been allowed to practice sports in public .
The new league is not part of Saudi Arabia ’ s national soccer federation , according to the Saudi Sports for All Federation , but will consist of regional competitions .
The winners will compete for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set at more than $ 133,000 .
( CNN )

1. United States
The Pentagon is working to diversify American military leadership by focusing on minorities in its recruiting and mentoring strategies. In January, President Donald Trump announced an initiative to expand ROTC programs at the nation’s 102 historically black colleges and universities. While African Americans make up nearly 1 in 5 of the enlisted ranks, they account for only 9% of officers. Military officials say they are increasingly pushing young officers of color into jobs that aren’t their first choice to give them a better shot at career advancement. Fewer than 10% of young black officers chose “combat arms,” which primarily generates top generals in the Army, as opposed to 25% of white officers, according to the Military Leadership Diversity Commission. Virtually all U.S. combat brigade commanders – a steppingstone to becoming a general – are white. Click here to read more.
2. Brazil
Why We Wrote This This is more than feel-good news – it’s where the world is making concrete progress. A roundup of positive stories to inspire you.
The first birth of a wild tapir in Rio de Janeiro’s Atlantic Forest in over a century is “more than just symbolic,” biologists say. A second is possibly on its way. The reintroduction project, eight years in planning and implementation, is working to bring back the animal to Brazil’s most endangered ecosystem. Experts say the tapir’s return will help accelerate restoration of the Atlantic Forest, just like wolves in Yellowstone and beavers in the United Kingdom. The tapir, a piglike animal often described as a “forest gardener,” plays an important role in distributing seeds through its dung and could make reforestation quicker and cheaper. The Atlantic Forest, which suffered from deforestation, now covers only 7% to 15% of its once more than 386,000 square miles. (The Guardian)
Reuters/File View caption Hide caption The tapir is an endangered species. A new arrival in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest in January is welcome news for that degraded ecosystem.
3. Britain
A new national forest will run the length and width of Wales at an expense of £25 million ($30 million), the government has announced. By connecting ancient woodland with new patches of tree plantings, the forest will be an ecological network that addresses biodiversity loss and protects existing woodland areas. In planting the trees, the Welsh government aims to improve air quality, build resilience against flooding, and increase tourism. The national forest will be an addition to the 870-mile-long Wales Coast Path that has already proved to be popular with tourists. Constructing and supporting the national forest will be a collective effort among government, communities, farmers, and organizations. (South Wales Guardian)
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4. Lithuania
Lithuania now recycles plastic at a record level, thanks to a deposit refund program. Almost three-quarters of plastic packaging waste was recycled in 2017, the highest proportion in Europe. The deposit refund program, introduced in 2016, returns a €0.10 surcharge on drink containers when the empty bottles are fed into reverse vending machines. From there, the bottles go to recycling centers. By the end of 2017, nearly all bottles and cans sold in Lithuania were being returned (92%), close to triple the amount before the program began. The overall plastic packaging recycling rate increased by almost 20%. (The Economist)
Hassan Ammar/AP/File View caption Hide caption A member of a Saudi female soccer team practices in Riyadh on May 21, 2012. Only recently were they allowed to practice in public.
5. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has launched the country’s first women’s soccer league, Saudi Women’s Football League (WFL), two years after women were allowed in soccer stadiums for the first time. Through a string of gender reforms – from granting women the right to drive in 2017 to allowing women to travel abroad independently and ending segregation in restaurants in 2019 – the ultraconservative kingdom has continued a pursuit of modernization under Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi women have only recently been allowed to practice sports in public. The new league is not part of Saudi Arabia’s national soccer federation, according to the Saudi Sports for All Federation, but will consist of regional competitions. The winners will compete for the WFL Champions Cup, with a prize set at more than $133,000. (CNN)