csmonitor--2020-07-18--Remembering John Lewis, rights icon and `American hero'

People paid great heed to John Lewis for much of his life in the civil rights movement .
But at the very beginning — when he was just a kid wanting to be a minister someday — his audience didn ’ t care much for what he had to say .
A son of Alabama sharecroppers , the young Mr. Lewis first preached moral righteousness to his family ’ s chickens .
His place in the vanguard of the 1960s campaign for Black equality had its roots in that hardscrabble Alabama farm and all those clucks .
Mr. Lewis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the youngest and last survivor of the Big Six civil rights activists who organized the 1963 March on Washington , and spoke shortly before the group ’ s leader , Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. , gave his “ I Have a Dream ” speech to a vast sea of people .
If that speech marked a turning point in the civil rights era — or at least the most famous moment — the struggle was far from over .
Two more hard years passed before truncheon-wielding state troopers beat Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he led 600 protesters over Selma ’ s Edmund Pettus Bridge .
Searing TV images of that brutality helped to galvanize national opposition to racial oppression and embolden leaders in Washington to pass the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act five months later .
“ The American public had already seen so much of this sort of thing , countless images of beatings and dogs and cursing and hoses , ” Mr. Lewis wrote in his memoirs .
“ But something about that day in Selma touched a nerve deeper than anything that had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touchstone in Mr. Lewis ’ life .
He returned there often during his decades in Congress representing the Atlanta area , bringing lawmakers from both parties to see where “ Bloody Sunday ” went down .
More brutality would loom in his life 's last chapter .
He wept watching the video of George Floyd ’ s death at the hands of police in Minnesota .
“ I kept saying to myself : How many more ?
How many young Black men will be murdered ?
” he said last month .
Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hope : “ We ’ re one people , we ’ re one family .
We all live in the same house , not just the American house but the world house.
” Mr. Lewis earned bipartisan respect in Washington , where some called him the “ conscience of Congress.
” His humble manner contrasted with the puffed chests on Capitol Hill .
But as a liberal on the losing side of many issues , he lacked the influence he ’ d summoned at the segregated lunch counters of his youth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as a steadfast voice for the poor and disenfranchised .
He was a guiding voice for a young Illinois senator who became the first Black president .
“ I told him that I stood on his shoulders , ” former President Barack Obama wrote in a statement marking Mr. Lewis 's death .
“ When I was elected President of the United States , I hugged him on the inauguration stand before I was sworn in and told him I was only there because of the sacrifices he made.
” Mr. Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee , when he joined King and four other civil rights leaders at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York to plan and announce the Washington demonstration .
The others were Whitney Young of the National Urban League ; A. Philip Randolph of the Negro American Labor Council ; James L. Farmer Jr. , of the interracial Congress of Racial Equality ; and Roy Wilkins of the NAACP .
At the National Mall months later , he had a speaking slot before King and toned down his intended remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” him .
“ I wanted it to have an air of militancy , ” Mr. Lewis said .
He dropped a reference to leading a “ scorched earth ” campaign across the South , like Civil War Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman ’ s March to the Sea .
( “ John , that doesn ’ t sound like you , ” he recalled King telling him . )
He scaled back criticism of President John Kennedy ’ s civil rights record .
It was a potent speech nonetheless .
He vowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands , our determination and our numbers , we shall splinter the segregated South into a thousand pieces and put them together in an image of God and democracy.
” His words were soon and for all time overshadowed by the speech of King .
“ He changed us forever , ” Mr. Lewis said of King ’ s oratory that day .
But the change the movement sought would take many more sacrifices .
After months of training in nonviolent protest , demonstrators led by Mr. Lewis and the Rev .
Hosea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 miles from Selma to Alabama ’ s capital in Montgomery .
They didn ’ t get far : On March 7 , 1965 , a phalanx of police blocked their exit from the Selma bridge .
Authorities swung truncheons , fired tear gas and charged on horseback , sending many to the hospital .
The nation was horrified .
“ This was a face-off in the most vivid terms between a dignified , composed , completely nonviolent multitude of silent protesters and the truly malevolent force of a heavily armed , hateful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
“ The sight of them rolling over us like human tanks was something that had never been seen before .
People just couldn ’ t believe this was happening , not in America.
” King swiftly returned to the scene with a multitude , and the march to Montgomery was made whole before the end of the month .
Mr. Lewis was born on Feb. 21 , 1940 , outside Troy , in Alabama ’ s Pike County .
He attended segregated public schools and was denied a library card because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books and newspapers avidly , and could rattle off obscure historical facts even in his later years .
He was a teenager when he first heard King , then a young minister from Atlanta , preach on the radio .
They met after Mr. Lewis wrote him seeking support to become the first Black student at his local college .
He ultimately attended the American Baptist Theological Seminary and Fisk University instead , in Nashville , Tennessee .
Soon , the young man King nicknamed “ the boy from Troy ” was organizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a Freedom Rider , enduring beatings and arrests while challenging segregation around the South .
Mr. Lewis helped form the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to organize this effort , led the group from 1963 to 1966 and kept pursuing civil rights work and voter registration drives for years thereafter .
President Jimmy Carter appointed Mr. Lewis to lead ACTION , a federal volunteer agency , in 1977 .
In 1981 , he was elected to the Atlanta City Council , and then won a seat in Congress in 1986 .
Humble and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Capitol Hill .
When Democrats controlled the House , he tried to keep them unified as his party ’ s senior deputy whip , a behind-the-scenes leadership post .
The opening of the Smithsonian ’ s National Museum of African American History and Culture was a key victory .
But as one of the most liberal members of Congress , spending much of his career in the minority , he often lost policy battles , from his effort to stop the Iraq War to his defense of young immigrants .
Mr. Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2006 when he led efforts to renew the Voting Rights Act , but the Supreme Court invalidated much of the law in 2013 , and it became once again what it was in his youth , a work in progress .
Mr. Lewis initially endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary , but belatedly backed Mr. Obama when it became clear he had more Black support .
After Mr. Obama ’ s swearing-in , he signed a commemorative photograph for Mr. Lewis that reflected much more than his endorsement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Barack Obama.
” Later , they marched hand in hand in Selma on the 50th anniversary of the attack .
And when Mr. Obama was succeeded by a president who sought to dismantle much of his legacy , Mr. Lewis made no effort to hide his pain .
Mr. Lewis refused to attend President Donald Trump ’ s inauguration , saying he didn ’ t consider him a “ legitimate president ” because Russians had conspired to get him elected .
When Mr. Trump later complained about immigrants from “ s -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ I think he is a racist ... we have to try to stand up and speak up and not try to sweep it under the rug.
” Mr. Trump — while not tweeting or issuing a statement himself about Mr. Lewis ' death — ordered flags at half-staff at the White House and all federal public buildings and grounds , including embassies abroad and all military posts and naval stations , throughout the day Saturday .
Mr. Lewis said he ’ d been arrested 40 times in the 1960s , five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he told a rally he ’ d do it again to help reunite immigrant families separated by the Trump administration .
“ There can not be any peace in America until these young children are returned to their parents and set all of our people free , ” Mr. Lewis said .
“ If we fail to do it , history will not be kind to us , ” he shouted .
“ I will go to the border .
I ’ ll get arrested again .
If necessary , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and the racial diversity of the crowds protesting racism and police brutality gave him encouragement in his last weeks even as the unrest exposed anguished division that would not be overcome in his lifetime .
“ It was very moving , very moving to see hundreds and thousands of people from all over America and around the world take to the streets to speak up , to speak out , ” he said on “ CBS This Morning.
” He urged protesters seeking justice in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confronting them to be nonviolent , because `` there ’ s something cleansing , something wholesome , about being peaceful and orderly.
” Associated Press writer Michael Warren contributed to this report .

People paid great heed to John Lewis for much of his life in the civil rights movement. But at the very beginning — when he was just a kid wanting to be a minister someday — his audience didn’t care much for what he had to say.
A son of Alabama sharecroppers, the young Mr. Lewis first preached moral righteousness to his family’s chickens. His place in the vanguard of the 1960s campaign for Black equality had its roots in that hardscrabble Alabama farm and all those clucks.
Mr. Lewis, who died Friday at age 80, was the youngest and last survivor of the Big Six civil rights activists who organized the 1963 March on Washington, and spoke shortly before the group’s leader, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., gave his “I Have a Dream” speech to a vast sea of people.
If that speech marked a turning point in the civil rights era — or at least the most famous moment — the struggle was far from over. Two more hard years passed before truncheon-wielding state troopers beat Mr. Lewis bloody and fractured his skull as he led 600 protesters over Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge.
Searing TV images of that brutality helped to galvanize national opposition to racial oppression and embolden leaders in Washington to pass the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act five months later.
“The American public had already seen so much of this sort of thing, countless images of beatings and dogs and cursing and hoses,” Mr. Lewis wrote in his memoirs. “But something about that day in Selma touched a nerve deeper than anything that had come before.”
That bridge became a touchstone in Mr. Lewis’ life. He returned there often during his decades in Congress representing the Atlanta area, bringing lawmakers from both parties to see where “Bloody Sunday” went down.
More brutality would loom in his life's last chapter. He wept watching the video of George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in Minnesota. “I kept saying to myself: How many more? How many young Black men will be murdered?” he said last month.
Yet he declared, or at least dared to hope: “We’re one people, we’re one family. We all live in the same house, not just the American house but the world house.”
Mr. Lewis earned bipartisan respect in Washington, where some called him the “conscience of Congress.” His humble manner contrasted with the puffed chests on Capitol Hill. But as a liberal on the losing side of many issues, he lacked the influence he’d summoned at the segregated lunch counters of his youth, or later, within the Democratic Party, as a steadfast voice for the poor and disenfranchised.
He was a guiding voice for a young Illinois senator who became the first Black president.
“I told him that I stood on his shoulders,” former President Barack Obama wrote in a statement marking Mr. Lewis's death. “When I was elected President of the United States, I hugged him on the inauguration stand before I was sworn in and told him I was only there because of the sacrifices he made.”
Mr. Lewis was a 23-year-old firebrand, a founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, when he joined King and four other civil rights leaders at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York to plan and announce the Washington demonstration. The others were Whitney Young of the National Urban League; A. Philip Randolph of the Negro American Labor Council; James L. Farmer Jr., of the interracial Congress of Racial Equality; and Roy Wilkins of the NAACP.
At the National Mall months later, he had a speaking slot before King and toned down his intended remarks, bowing to pressure that “incensed” him.
“I wanted it to have an air of militancy,” Mr. Lewis said.
He dropped a reference to leading a “scorched earth” campaign across the South, like Civil War Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s March to the Sea. (“John, that doesn’t sound like you,” he recalled King telling him.) He scaled back criticism of President John Kennedy’s civil rights record.
It was a potent speech nonetheless. He vowed: “By the forces of our demands, our determination and our numbers, we shall splinter the segregated South into a thousand pieces and put them together in an image of God and democracy.”
His words were soon and for all time overshadowed by the speech of King. “He changed us forever,” Mr. Lewis said of King’s oratory that day.
But the change the movement sought would take many more sacrifices.
After months of training in nonviolent protest, demonstrators led by Mr. Lewis and the Rev. Hosea Williams began a march of more than 50 miles from Selma to Alabama’s capital in Montgomery. They didn’t get far: On March 7, 1965, a phalanx of police blocked their exit from the Selma bridge. Authorities swung truncheons, fired tear gas and charged on horseback, sending many to the hospital. The nation was horrified.
“This was a face-off in the most vivid terms between a dignified, composed, completely nonviolent multitude of silent protesters and the truly malevolent force of a heavily armed, hateful battalion of troopers,” Mr. Lewis wrote. “The sight of them rolling over us like human tanks was something that had never been seen before. People just couldn’t believe this was happening, not in America.”
King swiftly returned to the scene with a multitude, and the march to Montgomery was made whole before the end of the month.
Mr. Lewis was born on Feb. 21, 1940, outside Troy, in Alabama’s Pike County. He attended segregated public schools and was denied a library card because of his race, but he read books and newspapers avidly, and could rattle off obscure historical facts even in his later years.
He was a teenager when he first heard King, then a young minister from Atlanta, preach on the radio. They met after Mr. Lewis wrote him seeking support to become the first Black student at his local college. He ultimately attended the American Baptist Theological Seminary and Fisk University instead, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Soon, the young man King nicknamed “the boy from Troy” was organizing sit-ins at whites-only lunch counters and volunteering as a Freedom Rider, enduring beatings and arrests while challenging segregation around the South. Mr. Lewis helped form the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to organize this effort, led the group from 1963 to 1966 and kept pursuing civil rights work and voter registration drives for years thereafter.
President Jimmy Carter appointed Mr. Lewis to lead ACTION, a federal volunteer agency, in 1977. In 1981, he was elected to the Atlanta City Council, and then won a seat in Congress in 1986.
Humble and unfailingly friendly, Mr. Lewis was revered on Capitol Hill. When Democrats controlled the House, he tried to keep them unified as his party’s senior deputy whip, a behind-the-scenes leadership post. The opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture was a key victory. But as one of the most liberal members of Congress, spending much of his career in the minority, he often lost policy battles, from his effort to stop the Iraq War to his defense of young immigrants.
Mr. Lewis also met bipartisan success in Congress in 2006 when he led efforts to renew the Voting Rights Act, but the Supreme Court invalidated much of the law in 2013, and it became once again what it was in his youth, a work in progress.
Mr. Lewis initially endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary, but belatedly backed Mr. Obama when it became clear he had more Black support. After Mr. Obama’s swearing-in, he signed a commemorative photograph for Mr. Lewis that reflected much more than his endorsement, writing “Because of you, John. Barack Obama.” Later, they marched hand in hand in Selma on the 50th anniversary of the attack.
And when Mr. Obama was succeeded by a president who sought to dismantle much of his legacy, Mr. Lewis made no effort to hide his pain.
Mr. Lewis refused to attend President Donald Trump’s inauguration, saying he didn’t consider him a “legitimate president” because Russians had conspired to get him elected. When Mr. Trump later complained about immigrants from “s---hole countries,” Mr. Lewis declared, “I think he is a racist ... we have to try to stand up and speak up and not try to sweep it under the rug.”
Mr. Trump — while not tweeting or issuing a statement himself about Mr. Lewis' death — ordered flags at half-staff at the White House and all federal public buildings and grounds, including embassies abroad and all military posts and naval stations, throughout the day Saturday.
Mr. Lewis said he’d been arrested 40 times in the 1960s, five more as a congressman. At 78, he told a rally he’d do it again to help reunite immigrant families separated by the Trump administration.
“There cannot be any peace in America until these young children are returned to their parents and set all of our people free,” Mr. Lewis said. “If we fail to do it, history will not be kind to us,” he shouted. “I will go to the border. I’ll get arrested again. If necessary, I’m prepared to go to jail.”
The rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and the racial diversity of the crowds protesting racism and police brutality gave him encouragement in his last weeks even as the unrest exposed anguished division that would not be overcome in his lifetime.
“It was very moving, very moving to see hundreds and thousands of people from all over America and around the world take to the streets to speak up, to speak out,” he said on “CBS This Morning.”
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He urged protesters seeking justice in Floyd’s killing and the authorities confronting them to be nonviolent, because "there’s something cleansing, something wholesome, about being peaceful and orderly.”
Associated Press writer Michael Warren contributed to this report.


The postwar ‘we’

It is telling that Peter Ford ’ s cover story on America ’ s retreat from global leadership appears so close to the 75th anniversary of America ’ s arrival on the world stage as its premier actor : the unconditional surrender of imperial Japan on Aug. 15 , 1945 .
There was no question then that U.S. military and economic power were unsurpassed .
America was depleted , but – thanks to its geography – astonishingly unscathed .
Its economic powerhouse had been awakened .
It was the last great power standing tall .
Two months later , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Nations , initially footing 40 % of its annual budget .
Three years after that , Congress passed an aid package for war-torn Europe so generous that its name became shorthand for a massive – and massively effective – government program .
The Marshall Plan ’ s breathtaking price tag was $ 12 billion , the equivalent of nearly $ 130 billion in today ’ s dollars .
The founding of NATO followed one year later .
Many books have been written and many more will be about how and why that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world slowed and then abruptly seemed to shift into reverse in recent years .
It has yet to be seen what comes next , for both America and the world .
Which brings us back to Peter ’ s cover story .
The Monitor ’ s global affairs correspondent , based in Paris , explores what has happened to America ’ s leadership and how the rest of the world is coping with the vacuum left by the U.S. Look at the list of international trade , arms control , and environmental agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with global health and court systems .
Nations in Europe and the Pacific are scrambling , forming small-bore trade alliances , even a barter group to try to keep the Iran nuclear pact alive in the face of U.S. sanctions .
Many American cities and corporations have pledged to abide by the Paris Agreement on climate , despite the Trump administration ’ s rejection of it .
But who can fill the global role the U.S. seems to be abandoning ?
Peter ’ s sources point to either the European Union or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mounk , who teaches international relations at Harvard University in Cambridge , Massachusetts , is that “ China does not want to , and Europe is not able to ” play the role that America has played .
Stay tuned .
There ’ s much more to say about the character of the post-postwar era we ’ re entering .
Peter ’ s story is part of a major Monitor series titled “ Navigating uncertainty : The search for global bearings.
” The articles have been appearing in the Monitor Daily ; a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weekly as well .
Included have been stories on the rise of China , the roots of Russia ’ s distrust of the West , democracy under siege , climate change , and the rise of “ compassionate capitalism.
” We are now at work on the series ’ final installment , which will appear later this year .

It is telling that Peter Ford’s cover story on America’s retreat from global leadership appears so close to the 75th anniversary of America’s arrival on the world stage as its premier actor: the unconditional surrender of imperial Japan on Aug. 15, 1945.
There was no question then that U.S. military and economic power were unsurpassed. America was depleted, but – thanks to its geography – astonishingly unscathed. Its economic powerhouse had been awakened. It was the last great power standing tall.
Two months later, the United States was instrumental in founding the United Nations, initially footing 40% of its annual budget. Three years after that, Congress passed an aid package for war-torn Europe so generous that its name became shorthand for a massive – and massively effective – government program. The Marshall Plan’s breathtaking price tag was $12 billion, the equivalent of nearly $130 billion in today’s dollars.
The founding of NATO followed one year later.
Many books have been written and many more will be about how and why that postwar era of American leadership in the world slowed and then abruptly seemed to shift into reverse in recent years. It has yet to be seen what comes next, for both America and the world.
Which brings us back to Peter’s cover story. The Monitor’s global affairs correspondent, based in Paris, explores what has happened to America’s leadership and how the rest of the world is coping with the vacuum left by the U.S. Look at the list of international trade, arms control, and environmental agreements America has announced it will exit, along with global health and court systems.
Nations in Europe and the Pacific are scrambling, forming small-bore trade alliances, even a barter group to try to keep the Iran nuclear pact alive in the face of U.S. sanctions. Many American cities and corporations have pledged to abide by the Paris Agreement on climate, despite the Trump administration’s rejection of it.
But who can fill the global role the U.S. seems to be abandoning?
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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.
Peter’s sources point to either the European Union or China. The problem, says Yascha Mounk, who teaches international relations at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is that “China does not want to, and Europe is not able to” play the role that America has played. Stay tuned.
There’s much more to say about the character of the post-postwar era we’re entering. Peter’s story is part of a major Monitor series titled “Navigating uncertainty: The search for global bearings.” The articles have been appearing in the Monitor Daily; a few have been featured in the Monitor Weekly as well. Included have been stories on the rise of China, the roots of Russia’s distrust of the West, democracy under siege, climate change, and the rise of “compassionate capitalism.” We are now at work on the series’ final installment, which will appear later this year.


csmonitor--2020-07-19--Globally, where officials are eyeing tougher steps to curb virus

Signs of governments reassessing their coronavirus response were scattered around the world Sunday , with the mayor of Los Angeles saying the city was reopened too quickly , Ohio 's governor warning his state is “ going the wrong way , ” Hong Kong issuing tougher new rules on wearing face masks , and Spain closing overcrowded beaches .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Los Angeles was “ on the brink ” of new widespread stay-at-home orders as Los Angeles County continued to see the state ’ s largest increase in confirmed coronavirus cases .
California reported on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases , with more than 9,000 .
Appearing on CNN Sunday , Mayor Garcetti was asked about a Los Angeles Times editorial that criticized the rapid reopening of California , which was followed by a spike in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations .
“ I do agree those things happened too quickly , ” Mr. Garcetti said , adding that the decisions were made at the state and county levels , not by city officials .
But he also said people in general had become less vigilant about taking precautions to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just what ’ s open and closed , ” he said .
“ It ’ s also about what we do individually.
” Infections have been soaring in U.S. states including California , Florida , Texas , and Arizona , with many blaming a haphazard , partisan approach to lifting lockdowns as well as the resistance of some Americans to wearing masks .
In Florida , where health officials reported nearly 12,500 new infections and nearly 90 additional deaths on Sunday , U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio called for consistent , nonpartisan messaging .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these things turned into sort of a partisan fight or a political statement , ” he told South Florida television station , CBS4 , on Sunday .
Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine , like Senator Rubio a Republican , said he would not rule out a statewide mandate on wearing masks , as infections in his state grew .
He has already issued such orders in 19 counties accounting for nearly 60 % of the state ’ s population .
“ We ’ re going the wrong way .
We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeWine said on NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press.
” Top Republicans in Congress were expecting to meet Monday with President Donald Trump on the next COVID-19 aid package as the administration objected to giving more money to virus testing and interjected other priorities that could complicate quick passage .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out the $ 1 trillion package in a matter of days .
But divisions between the Senate GOP majority and the White House posed fresh challenges .
Congress was returning to session this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoped would have improved by now only worsened — and just as earlier federal emergency relief was expiring .
McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy were set to meet with Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin “ to fine-tune ” the legislation , acting chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Fox News .
Globally , the World Health Organization said that 259,848 new infections were reported Saturday , its highest one-day tally yet .
India , which has now confirmed more than 1 million infections , on Sunday reported a 24-hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francis said “ the pandemic is showing no sign of stopping ” and urged compassion for those whose suffering during the outbreak has been worsened by conflicts .
In Europe , where infections are far below their peak but local outbreaks are causing concern , leaders of the 27-nation European Union haggled for a third day in Brussels over a proposed 1.85 trillion-euro ( $ 2.1 trillion ) EU budget and coronavirus recovery fund .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there is “ a lot of good will , but there are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks , which have have laid bare divisions about how the countries hit hardest by the pandemic , such as Italy and Spain , should be helped .
She said the talks , which were initially scheduled to end on Saturday , could still end without a deal .
Confirmed global virus deaths have risen to more than 603,000 , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .
The United States tops the list with over 140,000 , followed by more than 78,000 in Brazil .
Europe as a continent has seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed infections worldwide has passed 14.3 million , with 3.7 million in the United States and more than 2 million in Brazil .
Experts believe the pandemic 's true toll around the world is much higher because of testing shortages and data collection issues .
New York City has been cleared to enter the next phase of reopening on Monday , but indoor restaurants , bars , museums , and shopping malls will remain closed , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Friday .
Phase four reopening will allow for more outdoor activities such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and gardens .
Even where the situation has been largely brought under control , new outbreaks are prompting the return of restrictions .
Following a recent surge in cases , Hong Kong made the wearing of masks mandatory in all public places and told non-essential civil servants to work from home .
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said the situation in the Asian financial hub is “ really critical ” and that she sees “ no sign ” that it ’ s under control .
Police in Barcelona have limited access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaches because sunbathers were ignoring social distancing regulations amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections .
Slaughterhouses also have featured in outbreaks in the U.S. , Germany and elsewhere .
Authorities in northwestern Germany 's Vechta county said 66 workers at a chicken slaughterhouse tested positive , though most appeared to have been infected in their free time .
An earlier outbreak at a slaughterhouse in western Germany infected over 1,400 and prompted a partial lockdown .
Cases in the Australian state of Victoria rose again Sunday , prompting a move to make masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district of Mitchell for people who leave their homes for exercise or to purchase essential goods .
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said those who fail to wear a mask will be fined 200 Australian dollars ( $ 140 ) .
“ There ’ s no vaccine to this wildly infectious virus and it ’ s a simple thing , but it ’ s about changing habits , it ’ s about becoming a simple part of your routine , ” Andrews said .
Moulson contributed from Berlin and Calvan from Tallahassee , Fla. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this report .

Signs of governments reassessing their coronavirus response were scattered around the world Sunday, with the mayor of Los Angeles saying the city was reopened too quickly, Ohio's governor warning his state is “going the wrong way,” Hong Kong issuing tougher new rules on wearing face masks, and Spain closing overcrowded beaches.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Los Angeles was “on the brink” of new widespread stay-at-home orders as Los Angeles County continued to see the state’s largest increase in confirmed coronavirus cases. California reported on Saturday its fourth-highest daily total of newly confirmed coronavirus cases, with more than 9,000.
Appearing on CNN Sunday, Mayor Garcetti was asked about a Los Angeles Times editorial that criticized the rapid reopening of California, which was followed by a spike in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
“I do agree those things happened too quickly,” Mr. Garcetti said, adding that the decisions were made at the state and county levels, not by city officials. But he also said people in general had become less vigilant about taking precautions to avoid transmission.
“It’s not just what’s open and closed,” he said. “It’s also about what we do individually.”
Infections have been soaring in U.S. states including California, Florida, Texas, and Arizona, with many blaming a haphazard, partisan approach to lifting lockdowns as well as the resistance of some Americans to wearing masks.
In Florida, where health officials reported nearly 12,500 new infections and nearly 90 additional deaths on Sunday, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio called for consistent, nonpartisan messaging.
“We’ve seen a lot of these things turned into sort of a partisan fight or a political statement,” he told South Florida television station, CBS4, on Sunday.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, like Senator Rubio a Republican, said he would not rule out a statewide mandate on wearing masks, as infections in his state grew. He has already issued such orders in 19 counties accounting for nearly 60% of the state’s population.
“We’re going the wrong way. We’re at a crucial time,” Governor DeWine said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Top Republicans in Congress were expecting to meet Monday with President Donald Trump on the next COVID-19 aid package as the administration objected to giving more money to virus testing and interjected other priorities that could complicate quick passage.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out the $1 trillion package in a matter of days. But divisions between the Senate GOP majority and the White House posed fresh challenges. Congress was returning to session this week as the coronavirus crisis many had hoped would have improved by now only worsened – and just as earlier federal emergency relief was expiring.
Mr. McConnell and House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy were set to meet with Mr. Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin “to fine-tune” the legislation, acting chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Fox News.
Globally, the World Health Organization said that 259,848 new infections were reported Saturday, its highest one-day tally yet. India, which has now confirmed more than 1 million infections, on Sunday reported a 24-hour record of 38,902 new cases.
Pope Francis said “the pandemic is showing no sign of stopping” and urged compassion for those whose suffering during the outbreak has been worsened by conflicts.
In Europe, where infections are far below their peak but local outbreaks are causing concern, leaders of the 27-nation European Union haggled for a third day in Brussels over a proposed 1.85 trillion-euro ($2.1 trillion) EU budget and coronavirus recovery fund.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there is “a lot of good will, but there are also a lot of positions” in the talks, which have have laid bare divisions about how the countries hit hardest by the pandemic, such as Italy and Spain, should be helped. She said the talks, which were initially scheduled to end on Saturday, could still end without a deal.
Confirmed global virus deaths have risen to more than 603,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The United States tops the list with over 140,000, followed by more than 78,000 in Brazil. Europe as a continent has seen about 200,000 deaths.
The number of confirmed infections worldwide has passed 14.3 million, with 3.7 million in the United States and more than 2 million in Brazil. Experts believe the pandemic's true toll around the world is much higher because of testing shortages and data collection issues.
New York City has been cleared to enter the next phase of reopening on Monday, but indoor restaurants, bars, museums, and shopping malls will remain closed, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday. Phase four reopening will allow for more outdoor activities such as attendance at zoos, outdoor films, and gardens.
Even where the situation has been largely brought under control, new outbreaks are prompting the return of restrictions.
Following a recent surge in cases, Hong Kong made the wearing of masks mandatory in all public places and told non-essential civil servants to work from home. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said the situation in the Asian financial hub is “really critical” and that she sees “no sign” that it’s under control.
Police in Barcelona have limited access to some of the city’s beloved beaches because sunbathers were ignoring social distancing regulations amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections.
Slaughterhouses also have featured in outbreaks in the U.S., Germany, and elsewhere. Authorities in northwestern Germany's Vechta county said 66 workers at a chicken slaughterhouse tested positive, though most appeared to have been infected in their free time. An earlier outbreak at a slaughterhouse in western Germany infected over 1,400 and prompted a partial lockdown.
Cases in the Australian state of Victoria rose again Sunday, prompting a move to make masks mandatory in metropolitan Melbourne and the nearby district of Mitchell for people who leave their homes for exercise or to purchase essential goods.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said those who fail to wear a mask will be fined 200 Australian dollars ($140).
“There’s no vaccine to this wildly infectious virus and it’s a simple thing, but it’s about changing habits, it’s about becoming a simple part of your routine,” Mr. Andrews said.
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This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writers around the world contributed to this report.
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csmonitor--2020-07-19--The Black Lives Matter generation remembers John Lewis

Of all the ways that John Lewis influenced American life and politics , his indelible impact on young people may be among the most enduring .
From student activist to elder statesman , Lewis continually encouraged the nation 's youth to start “ good trouble ” — and modeled just how to do that .
He was arrested alongside millennial activists pushing for comprehensive reform of U.S. immigration laws in 2013 .
He led a sit-in in the House of Representatives over gun control following a mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando in 2016 .
And when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young people understand history , as when he cosplayed as his younger self at San Diego ’ s Comic-Con to celebrate the release of his Selma , Alabama-themed graphic novel series in 2015 .
Lewis , the Black civil rights icon who some called the “ conscience of Congress , ” died Friday .
In one of his last public appearances , he posed for a picture in June , standing on the Black Lives Matter Plaza mural painted just outside of the White House amid nationwide protests over the death of George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation , the connection to Lewis is deeper than many may realize .
As a young man , through clouds of teargas and a hail of billy clubs , Lewis nearly lost his life marching against segregation and for voting rights .
As a Georgia congressman , Lewis was generous with his time , taking meetings and sharing stages with activists who , from Sanford , Florida , to Ferguson , Missouri , Baltimore to Minneapolis , also withstood teargas — as well as rubber bullets , pepper spray and arrests — in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He didn ’ t have to stand with us , he chose to , '' Malkia Devich Cyril , the founder and senior fellow of MediaJustice , which advocates for open and democratic media and technology platforms , told The Associated Press .
`` That ’ s real leadership.
” In exclusive interviews with the AP , prominent organizers from the Black Lives Matter movement reflected on Lewis ’ example and his kinship with their generation : “ I remember sitting on the other side of President Obama from ( Lewis ) at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting , and understanding the optical placement of the generations in that moment .
And I just kept thinking to myself , do not let John Lewis down .
… I was finally able to thank him , face to face , eye to eye , for treading the path my generation was now walking .
… With kindness in his eyes and determination in his voice , he reminded me that the road to freedom is never easy — and that ’ s precisely why we have to keep taking it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ he told me .
‘ Keep going .
Be consistent .
You will get there.
’ ” PHILLIP AGNEW , co-founder of the Dream Defenders , a police and prison abolition group , and organizer in the Movement for Black Lives : “ I think the first time I ever met him was at ( Congressional Black Caucus Foundation ) , the legislative forum that they have every year .
This is kind of after Dream Defenders had taken over the Capitol of Florida , and there was a big buzz about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I didn ’ t think that he would know who I was — I absolutely knew who he was .
… And I remember him coming and speaking to me and saying how proud he was , looking at the things that we had done in Florida.
” PATRISSE CULLORS , co-founder of Black Lives Matter and its global network of chapters : “ The first time I was introduced to Congressman Lewis was through ( the 1990 PBS docuseries ) ‘ Eyes on the Prize.
’ And I was like , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ He was a young , radical Black man who was challenging not just the status quo in government , but also the older leadership in the movement .
And I felt really moved by him .
… What I witnessed significantly in ‘ Eyes on the Prize ’ was police terror and police brutality , and the way that it was used against the ( Edmund ) Pettus Bridge protesters … who were brutalized fighting for a more equitable America , for Black people in particular .
And so , we fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been in the streets , and the same tactics of the police being used against us as a way to deter us from fighting for Black freedom .
And yet , that never deterred Congressman Lewis .
... That is a deeply moving commitment to Black people.
” “ I had the opportunity to staff ( former Democratic presidential candidate ) Sen. Elizabeth Warren , when we did the Edmund Pettus Bridge crossing , the Sunday before Super Tuesday , when I was working on her campaign .
And ( Lewis ) came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing the torch to everyone who was there .
... That symbol of him coming from his sick bed , all the way to Selma was just so , wow , I ’ m actually getting emotional thinking about that .
… He was so intentional and persistent about ensuring that people who are fighting know that they have his support and his admiration .
He talked about how he admires how young people are showing up now.
” ASH-LEE WOODARD HENDERSON , co-executive director of the Highlander Center for Research and Education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I ’ ve been thinking about how important John Lewis ’ life has been and will continue to be for weeks .
And this moment still feels so freaking unfair .
...
I remember the stories and encouragement .
The never-wavering mandate .
… I will remember a man who reminded us all that our optimism isn ’ t futile .
That building a global neighborhood and a building beloved community are similar but not the same .
… That ’ s the legacy .
That ’ s the work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this sea of grief , for such a divine human who loved us so deeply.
” CHARLENE CARRUTHERS , founding national director of BYP100 , a Black youth organizing group , and Movement for Black Lives organizer : “ Looking at his work and his story , if I can even do half of that with my life then I ’ d consider it a worthy contribution .
And it ’ s not about being perfect .
But it is about saying , ‘ I ’ m going to be in this for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this thing .
Not for fame , not for glory .
He could have done something else .
His legacy is one of making a lifetime commitment to Black people.
” CHELSEA FULLER , spokesperson for the Movement for Black Lives and deputy communications director for Blackbird , which supports grassroots movements : “ In 2000 , I was 12 years old and , like most children that age , struggling to comprehend the possibilities of who I could become .
… He asked me if I liked school and what I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grown up .
I told him I didn ’ t know , but that I liked to write and that I liked Black history , but didn ’ t think there was much I could do outside of being a professor .
He took my hand and looked me square in the eye and said that loving my people and being a storyteller were not small things ; but that they were powerful .
… Congressman John Lewis encouraged me to see the power in stories about our people and our fight for @ @ @

Of all the ways that John Lewis influenced American life and politics, his indelible impact on young people may be among the most enduring. From student activist to elder statesman, Lewis continually encouraged the nation's youth to start “good trouble” – and modeled just how to do that.
He was arrested alongside millennial activists pushing for comprehensive reform of United States immigration laws in 2013. He led a sit-in in the House of Representatives over gun control following a mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando in 2016. And when he was not protesting, he was helping young people understand history, as when he cosplayed as his younger self at San Diego’s Comic-Con to celebrate the release of his Selma, Alabama-themed graphic novel series in 2015.
Mr. Lewis, the Black civil rights icon who some called the “conscience of Congress,” died Friday.
In one of his last public appearances, he posed for a picture in June, standing on the Black Lives Matter Plaza mural painted just outside of the White House amid nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd.
For the Black Lives Matter generation, the connection to Mr. Lewis is deeper than many may realize. As a young man, through clouds of teargas and a hail of billy clubs, Mr. Lewis nearly lost his life marching against segregation and for voting rights. As a Georgia congressman, Mr. Lewis was generous with his time, taking meetings and sharing stages with activists who, from Sanford, Florida, to Ferguson, Missouri, Baltimore to Minneapolis, also withstood teargas – as well as rubber bullets, pepper spray, and arrests – in their own protests against racism.
“He didn’t have to stand with us, he chose to," Malkia Devich Cyril, the founder and senior fellow of MediaJustice, which advocates for open and democratic media and technology platforms, told The Associated Press. "That’s real leadership.”
In exclusive interviews with the AP, prominent organizers from the Black Lives Matter movement reflected on Lewis’ example and his kinship with their generation:
Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Ferguson activist and educator:
“I remember sitting on the other side of President Obama from [Lewis] at this pretty historic, multigenerational civil rights meeting, and understanding the optical placement of the generations in that moment. And I just kept thinking to myself, do not let John Lewis down. … I was finally able to thank him, face to face, eye to eye, for treading the path my generation was now walking. … With kindness in his eyes and determination in his voice, he reminded me that the road to freedom is never easy – and that’s precisely why we have to keep taking it. ‘You’ll have setbacks,’ he told me. ‘Keep going. Be consistent. You will get there.’”
Phillip Agnew, co-founder of the Dream Defenders, a police and prison abolition group, and organizer in the Movement for Black Lives:
“I think the first time I ever met him was at [Congressional Black Caucus Foundation], the legislative forum that they have every year. This is kind of after Dream Defenders had taken over the Capitol of Florida, and there was a big buzz about our little fledgling group at that time. I didn’t think that he would know who I was – I absolutely knew who he was. … And I remember him coming and speaking to me and saying how proud he was, looking at the things that we had done in Florida.”
Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter and its global network of chapters:
“The first time I was introduced to Congressman Lewis was through [the 1990 PBS docuseries] ‘Eyes on the Prize.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, that’s me.’ He was a young, radical Black man who was challenging not just the status quo in government, but also the older leadership in the movement. And I felt really moved by him. … What I witnessed significantly in ‘Eyes on the Prize’ was police terror and police brutality, and the way that it was used against the [Edmund] Pettus Bridge protesters … who were brutalized fighting for a more equitable America, for Black people in particular. And so, we fast forward to 2020, when we have been in the streets, and the same tactics of the police being used against us as a way to deter us from fighting for Black freedom. And yet, that never deterred Congressman Lewis. ... That is a deeply moving commitment to Black people.”
Alencia Johnson, political strategist:
“I had the opportunity to staff [former Democratic presidential candidate] Sen. Elizabeth Warren, when we did the Edmund Pettus Bridge crossing, the Sunday before Super Tuesday, when I was working on her campaign. And [Mr. Lewis] came. It was like he was literally passing the torch to everyone who was there. ... That symbol of him coming from his sick bed, all the way to Selma was just so, wow, I’m actually getting emotional thinking about that. … He was so intentional and persistent about ensuring that people who are fighting know that they have his support and his admiration. He talked about how he admires how young people are showing up now.”
Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, co-executive director of the Highlander Center for Research and Education, a social justice leadership training school:
“I’ve been thinking about how important John Lewis’ life has been and will continue to be for weeks. And this moment still feels so freaking unfair. … I remember the stories and encouragement. The never-wavering mandate. … I will remember a man who reminded us all that our optimism isn’t futile. That building a global neighborhood and a building beloved community are similar but not the same. … That’s the legacy. That’s the work. I’m so grateful, in this sea of grief, for such a divine human who loved us so deeply.”
Charlene Carruthers, founding national director of BYP100, a Black youth organizing group, and Movement for Black Lives organizer:
“Looking at his work and his story, if I can even do half of that with my life then I’d consider it a worthy contribution. And it’s not about being perfect. But it is about saying, ‘I’m going to be in this for my entire life.’ I’m in this thing. Not for fame, not for glory. He could have done something else. His legacy is one of making a lifetime commitment to Black people.”
Chelsea Fuller, spokesperson for the Movement for Black Lives and deputy communications director for Blackbird, which supports grassroots movements:
“In 2000, I was 12 years old and, like most children that age, struggling to comprehend the possibilities of who I could become. … He asked me if I liked school and what I wanted to do when I was all grown up. I told him I didn’t know, but that I liked to write and that I liked Black history, but didn’t think there was much I could do outside of being a professor. He took my hand and looked me square in the eye and said that loving my people and being a storyteller were not small things; but that they were powerful. … Congressman John Lewis encouraged me to see the power in stories about our people and our fight for freedom.”
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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--2020-07-19--Why Democrats want federal agents out of Portland, Oregon

Top leaders in the U.S. House said Sunday they were “ alarmed ” by the Trump administration ’ s tactics against protesters in Portland , Oregon , and other cities , including Washington , D.C. , and called on federal inspectors general investigate .
“ This is a matter of utmost urgency , ” wrote House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler , D-New York , Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson , D-Mississippi , and Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney , D-New York , in a letter to the inspectors general of Department of Justice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers are seeking an investigation “ into the use of federal law enforcement agencies by the Attorney General and the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security to suppress First Amendment protected activities in Washington , D.C. , Portland , and other communities across the United States.
” The mayor of Oregon 's largest city said Sunday the presence of federal agents is exacerbating tensions in Portland , which has seen nearly two months of nightly protests since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Speaking on CNN 's ‘ State of the Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal officers “ are not wanted here .
We have n't asked them here .
In fact , we want them to leave.
” President Donald Trump has decried the demonstrations , and Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf blasted the protesters as “ lawless anarchists ” in a visit to the city on Thursday .
“ We are trying to help Portland , not hurt it , ” Trump tweeted Sunday .
“ Their leadership has , for months , lost control of the anarchists and agitators .
They are missing in action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AND OUR PEOPLE .
These were not merely protesters , these are the real deal !
” Kenneth Cuccinelli , acting deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security , told The Washington Post Sunday that the agency had deployed tactical units from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to help defend federal buildings and officers in the Pacific Northwest city .
He said DHS had expanded its numbers in other cities as well , including Washington , D.C. , as demonstrations escalated in recent months .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other parts of the country , the president has made no secret of the fact that he expects us where we can cooperate or have jurisdiction to step forward and expand our policing efforts there to bring down the level of violence , ” Cuccinelli said in an interview Sunday .
Late Saturday , protesters broke into a building , set it on fire and started dumpster fires , police said .
The fire at the Portland Police Association building was put out a short time later , Portland police said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a riot , and began working to clear the area in North Portland .
“ As the crowd was dispersed , several people in the crowd were arrested and officers were able to extinguish the fire .
Portland Police did not use any CS gas , ” the bureau said in a statement early Sunday .
Police said protesters had first gathered at the Portland Police Bureau ’ s North Precinct , vandalizing patrol vehicles and taunting officers as they reported for work .
Police dispersed the group , which then went to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas was deployed against another group of demonstrators near the federal courthouse in downtown Portland on Saturday night , the Oregonian/Oregon Live reported .
Fencing that had been placed around the courthouse had also been removed by protesters and made into barricades , police tweeted .
Before the aggressive language and action from federal officials , the unrest had frustrated Wheeler and other local authorities , who had said a small cadre of violent activists were drowning out the message of peaceful protesters in the city .
But Wheeler said the federal presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tense situation .
`` What we 're seeing is a blatant abuse of police tactics by the federal government , Wheeler said Sunday .
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum sued Homeland Security and the Marshals Service in federal court late Friday .
The complaint said unidentified federal agents have grabbed people off Portland ’ s streets “ without warning or explanation , without a warrant , and without providing any way to determine who is directing this action.
” Rosenblum said she was seeking a temporary restraining order to “ immediately stop federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , federal officers and Portland police advanced simultaneously on demonstrators to clear the streets early Saturday , making arrests as protesters threw bottles and pieces of metal fencing .
The action by Portland 's police was condemned by Jo Ann Hardesty , a prominent member of the City Council .
Hardesty said Saturday that local police “ joined in the aggressive clampdown of peaceful protest.
” Hardesty also slammed Wheeler , telling the mayor he needed to better control local law enforcement .
Hardesty , who oversees the city 's fire department and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open letter to Wheeler if `` you can ’ t control the police , give me the Portland Police Bureau.
” In a statement Saturday , Portland Police said as they responded to the overnight protests some federal agencies took action “ under their own supervision and direction.
” Portland Police said city officers arrested seven people , and one officer sustained a minor injury .
AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro in Washington , D.C. , contributed to this report .

Top leaders in the U.S. House said Sunday they were “alarmed” by the Trump administration’s tactics against protesters in Portland, Oregon, and other cities, including Washington, D.C., and called on federal inspectors general investigate.
“This is a matter of utmost urgency,” wrote House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson, D-Mississippi, and Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney, D-New York, in a letter to the inspectors general of Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security.
The Democratic lawmakers are seeking an investigation “into the use of federal law enforcement agencies by the Attorney General and the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security to suppress First Amendment protected activities in Washington, D.C., Portland, and other communities across the United States.”
The mayor of Oregon's largest city said Sunday the presence of federal agents is exacerbating tensions in Portland, which has seen nearly two months of nightly protests since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Speaking on CNN's ‘State of the Union,’ Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler said federal officers “are not wanted here. We haven't asked them here. In fact, we want them to leave.”
President Donald Trump has decried the demonstrations, and Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf blasted the protesters as “lawless anarchists” in a visit to the city on Thursday.
“We are trying to help Portland, not hurt it,” Trump tweeted Sunday. “Their leadership has, for months, lost control of the anarchists and agitators. They are missing in action. We must protect Federal property, AND OUR PEOPLE. These were not merely protesters, these are the real deal!”
Kenneth Cuccinelli, acting deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, told The Washington Post Sunday that the agency had deployed tactical units from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to help defend federal buildings and officers in the Pacific Northwest city. He said DHS had expanded its numbers in other cities as well, including Washington, D.C., as demonstrations escalated in recent months.
“You can expect that if violence continues in other parts of the country, the president has made no secret of the fact that he expects us where we can cooperate or have jurisdiction to step forward and expand our policing efforts there to bring down the level of violence,” Cuccinelli said in an interview Sunday.
Late Saturday, protesters broke into a building, set it on fire and started dumpster fires, police said.
The fire at the Portland Police Association building was put out a short time later, Portland police said on Twitter. The department declared the gathering a riot, and began working to clear the area in North Portland.
“As the crowd was dispersed, several people in the crowd were arrested and officers were able to extinguish the fire. Portland Police did not use any CS gas,” the bureau said in a statement early Sunday.
Police said protesters had first gathered at the Portland Police Bureau’s North Precinct, vandalizing patrol vehicles and taunting officers as they reported for work. Police dispersed the group, which then went to the Portland Police Association building.
Tear gas was deployed against another group of demonstrators near the federal courthouse in downtown Portland on Saturday night, the Oregonian/Oregon Live reported. Fencing that had been placed around the courthouse had also been removed by protesters and made into barricades, police tweeted.
Before the aggressive language and action from federal officials, the unrest had frustrated Wheeler and other local authorities, who had said a small cadre of violent activists were drowning out the message of peaceful protesters in the city. But Wheeler said the federal presence in the city is now exacerbating a tense situation.
"What we're seeing is a blatant abuse of police tactics by the federal government, Wheeler said Sunday.
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum sued Homeland Security and the Marshals Service in federal court late Friday. The complaint said unidentified federal agents have grabbed people off Portland’s streets “without warning or explanation, without a warrant, and without providing any way to determine who is directing this action.”
Rosenblum said she was seeking a temporary restraining order to “immediately stop federal authorities from unlawfully detaining Oregonians.”
However, federal officers and Portland police advanced simultaneously on demonstrators to clear the streets early Saturday, making arrests as protesters threw bottles and pieces of metal fencing.
The action by Portland's police was condemned by Jo Ann Hardesty, a prominent member of the City Council. Hardesty said Saturday that local police “joined in the aggressive clampdown of peaceful protest.”
Hardesty also slammed Wheeler, telling the mayor he needed to better control local law enforcement. Hardesty, who oversees the city's fire department and other first-responder agencies, said in an open letter to Wheeler if "you can’t control the police, give me the Portland Police Bureau.”
In a statement Saturday, Portland Police said as they responded to the overnight protests some federal agencies took action “under their own supervision and direction.” Portland Police said city officers arrested seven people, and one officer sustained a minor injury.
___
AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.


csmonitor--2020-07-20--Monday Sunrise Briefing: Who do Americans trust to lead?

As U.S. coronavirus cases rise , trust in President Trump is slipping .
A new Washington Post-ABC News poll of registered voters shows Mr. Trump still ahead of Joe Biden when asked who do you trust to handle the economy .
But Mr. Trump trails Biden on trust in handling the coronavirus outbreak , race relations , and crime .
Twenty one states reached new records for COVID-19 cases this week .
With 105 days until the November election , the poll finds Mr. Trump ’ s trust deficit is concentrated in states where coronavirus cases are rising sharply , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Georgia .
Mr. Trump led by double digits in these states in May , but this survey shows Mr. Biden with a slight advantage now .
Nationally , Mr. Biden has a 20-point lead on the issue .
Mr. Trump said the U.S. faces virus “ embers ” and “ flames ” but insisted “ it 's going to disappear , and I 'll be right , '' in a contentious interview on “ Fox News Sunday.
” Globally , some countries are moving back toward more restrictions .
2 .
Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oregon is emerging as a test for how to curb violent , urban protests .
Federal , state , and local politicians clashed this weekend after federal and local law enforcement officers moved against violent protesters in Portland , Oregon .
Police cars were vandalized and a police union building was lit on fire Saturday night .
The mayor said Sunday federal agents are exacerbating tensions in Portland , which has seen nearly two months of nightly protests since the killing of George Floyd .
“ We are trying to help Portland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
“ Their leadership has , for months , lost control of the anarchists and agitators .
… We must protect Federal property , AND OUR PEOPLE….
” Democratic lawmakers on Sunday issued a letter seeking a federal investigation “ into the use of federal law enforcement agencies … to suppress First Amendment protected activities in Washington , D.C. , Portland , and other communities across the United States.
” 3 .
The ‘ conscience of Congress.
’ This weekend was marked by remembrances of Rep. John Lewis , who died Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big Six civil rights activists who organized the 1963 March on Washington , when Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. , gave his “ I Have a Dream ” speech .
Mr. Lewis advocated nonviolent protest but he was often confrontational .
He was famously beaten by police in Selma , Alabama , during a 1965 march , and was arrested 45 times in his lifetime while demonstrating for social justice .
Mr. Lewis earned bipartisan respect in Washington , where some called him the “ conscience of Congress.
” He was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing , causes .
The Georgia congressman was generous with his time , meeting and supporting activists from around the country .
He urged them to “ get in good trouble ” and “ get in the way.
” A timely alliance .
Black social justice organizers and labor union activists are planning a short ( 8 minutes ) but sweeping Strike for Black Lives in more than 25 U.S. cities at noon .
Among the key demands : Higher wages and permission to form unions to advocate for improved health care , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Congress goes back to work : After a two-week recess , the House and Senate return to work with major legislation pending , including coming to agreement about another pandemic economic relief package .
Expect the Republican relief bill to be introduced in the Senate this week .
Reimagining policing , part II .
The Minneapolis Charter Commission hears public testimony on a proposal to eliminate the Minneapolis Police Department and replace it with a new agency .
An initial hearing was held last week Baseball returns .
This is opening day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will play a 60-game schedule entirely against teams in their own geographic region to limit travel .
China 's Mars mission .
China is expected to launch its Tianwen-1 Mars orbiter and rover today , although no official launch date has been announced .
The Mars orbiter carries seven science payloads and is designed to operate for one Mars year , or 687 Earth days .
Justice delayed .
A verdict is expected in the German trial of a former Nazi concentration camp guard for complicity in the murder of more than 5,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returns .
The WNBA season opens with a racial justice message .
The players have been given warm-up shirts with the words `` Black Lives Matter '' on the front and `` Say Her Name '' on the back , alongside Breonna Taylor 's name .
South Africans honored the late Nelson Mandela on Saturday with 67 minutes of giving - as they have each year since 2009 .
( Sixty-seven represents the number of years of public service by the 1993 Nobel Prize winner . )
This year , many acts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here are a few examples : • In Cape Town , Ladles of Love is a nonprofit organization that feeds the homeless .
On Mandela Day , the group set a new world record by making 125,000 sandwiches in one hour .
They invited volunteers to pick up free loaves of bread and jam on Friday , and deliver their homemade sandwiches at 13 drop off locations on Saturday .
• It ’ s winter in South Africa , so a cup of soup would go well with those sandwiches .
Some 300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Compassion to prep 268,000 cups of soup in major cities throughout South Africa .
• Hope in a jar .
On Saturday , the Robin Hood Foundation teamed up with the Gateway Shopping Mall in Durban to collect jars of soup mixes .
It asked shoppers , boy and girl scout troops , and the community at large to donate a glass jar with ½ cup of rice , ½ cup of soup , ½ cup of lentils , one unwrapped stocked cube , and one packet of soup powder .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four people .
The annual day of giving reflects the qualities that Mandela himself lived , Dr Imtiaz Sooliman , founder of the Gift of the Givers , told the Daily Maverick : “ service , ” “ sacrifice , ” and “ forgiveness.
” Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers : When the world stood still , they found freedom on roller skates In tonight ’ s Daily Edition , watch for a commentary appreciation of the life and legacy of John Lewis .
Finally , check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Friday 's subscription-only Daily Edition : • America has bungled the pandemic .
Now what ?
• ‘ Justice needs to be served ’ : Minnapolis businesses put principles first • Can Iraq rein in Shiite militias ?
What one killing tells us .
• When Black athletes choose Black schools : Commentary on activism in sports Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
This is a beta test - an experiment with an early Monday news update .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ link below and let us know what you think .
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As U.S. coronavirus cases rise, trust in President Trump is slipping. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll of registered voters shows Mr. Trump still ahead of Joe Biden when asked who do you trust to handle the economy. But Mr. Trump trails Biden on trust in handling the coronavirus outbreak, race relations, and crime. Twenty one states reached new records for COVID-19 cases this week. With 105 days until the November election, the poll finds Mr. Trump’s trust deficit is concentrated in states where coronavirus cases are rising sharply, including Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Georgia. Mr. Trump led by double digits in these states in May, but this survey shows Mr. Biden with a slight advantage now. Nationally, Mr. Biden has a 20-point lead on the issue. Mr. Trump said the U.S. faces virus “embers” and “flames” but insisted “it's going to disappear, and I'll be right," in a contentious interview on “Fox News Sunday.” Globally, some countries are moving back toward more restrictions.
2. Federal vs. local law enforcement. Portland, Oregon is emerging as a test for how to curb violent, urban protests. Federal, state, and local politicians clashed this weekend after federal and local law enforcement officers moved against violent protesters in Portland, Oregon. Police cars were vandalized and a police union building was lit on fire Saturday night. The mayor said Sunday federal agents are exacerbating tensions in Portland, which has seen nearly two months of nightly protests since the killing of George Floyd. “We are trying to help Portland, not hurt it,” Trump tweeted Sunday. “Their leadership has, for months, lost control of the anarchists and agitators. … We must protect Federal property, AND OUR PEOPLE….” Democratic lawmakers on Sunday issued a letter seeking a federal investigation “into the use of federal law enforcement agencies … to suppress First Amendment protected activities in Washington, D.C., Portland, and other communities across the United States.”
3. The ‘conscience of Congress.’ This weekend was marked by remembrances of Rep. John Lewis, who died Friday and was the last survivor of the Big Six civil rights activists who organized the 1963 March on Washington, when Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. Mr. Lewis advocated nonviolent protest but he was often confrontational. He was famously beaten by police in Selma, Alabama, during a 1965 march, and was arrested 45 times in his lifetime while demonstrating for social justice. Mr. Lewis earned bipartisan respect in Washington, where some called him the “conscience of Congress.” He was a passionate champion of liberal, and often losing, causes. The Georgia congressman was generous with his time, meeting and supporting activists from around the country. He urged them to “get in good trouble” and “get in the way.”
Why We Wrote This Good morning! Welcome to your Monday, July 20, 2020, sunrise briefing. Here are three news events from this past weekend (while you may have been tubing, volunteering, and enjoying an offline life). Also, what to look for in the news this week.
REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah View caption Hide caption A mission called Hope. The first attempt by the United Arab Emirates to go interplanetary lifted off from Japan Sunday, on a seven-month journey to Mars. People watched the launch on a screen at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai, July 20, 2020.
Look Ahead
Monday, July 20
A timely alliance. Black social justice organizers and labor union activists are planning a short (8 minutes) but sweeping Strike for Black Lives in more than 25 U.S. cities at noon. Among the key demands: Higher wages and permission to form unions to advocate for improved health care, sick leave, and other benefits.
U.S. Congress goes back to work: After a two-week recess, the House and Senate return to work with major legislation pending, including coming to agreement about another pandemic economic relief package. Expect the Republican relief bill to be introduced in the Senate this week.
Tuesday, July 22
Reimagining policing, part II. The Minneapolis Charter Commission hears public testimony on a proposal to eliminate the Minneapolis Police Department and replace it with a new agency. An initial hearing was held last week
Wednesday, July 23
Baseball returns. This is opening day for Major League Baseball. Every team will play a 60-game schedule entirely against teams in their own geographic region to limit travel.
China's Mars mission. China is expected to launch its Tianwen-1 Mars orbiter and rover today, although no official launch date has been announced. The Mars orbiter carries seven science payloads and is designed to operate for one Mars year, or 687 Earth days.
Thursday, July 24
Justice delayed. A verdict is expected in the German trial of a former Nazi concentration camp guard for complicity in the murder of more than 5,000 people during World War II.
Saturday, July 26
Basketball returns. The WNBA season opens with a racial justice message. The players have been given warm-up shirts with the words "Black Lives Matter" on the front and "Say Her Name" on the back, alongside Breonna Taylor's name.
Generosity Watch
REUTERS/Shafiek Tassiem View caption Hide caption Volunteers from SA Harvest and Chefs with Compassion hand out food packages in Eikenhof, South Africa, and nine other cities in celebration of Mandela Day, in South Africa, July 18, 2020.
South Africans honored the late Nelson Mandela on Saturday with 67 minutes of giving - as they have each year since 2009. (Sixty-seven represents the number of years of public service by the 1993 Nobel Prize winner.) This year, many acts of generosity revolved around helping the hungry.
Here are a few examples:
In Cape Town, Ladles of Love is a nonprofit organization that feeds the homeless. On Mandela Day, the group set a new world record by making 125,000 sandwiches in one hour. They invited volunteers to pick up free loaves of bread and jam on Friday, and deliver their homemade sandwiches at 13 drop off locations on Saturday.
It’s winter in South Africa, so a cup of soup would go well with those sandwiches. Some 300 chefs joined with SA Harvest and Chefs with Compassion to prep 268,000 cups of soup in major cities throughout South Africa.
Hope in a jar. On Saturday, the Robin Hood Foundation teamed up with the Gateway Shopping Mall in Durban to collect jars of soup mixes. It asked shoppers, boy and girl scout troops, and the community at large to donate a glass jar with ½ cup of rice, ½ cup of soup, ½ cup of lentils, one unwrapped stocked cube, and one packet of soup powder. They said one jar can feed up to four people.
The annual day of giving reflects the qualities that Mandela himself lived, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the Gift of the Givers, told the Daily Maverick: “service,” “sacrifice,” and “forgiveness.”
Hidden gem
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers:
When the world stood still, they found freedom on roller skates
Sneak preview
In tonight’s Daily Edition, watch for a commentary appreciation of the life and legacy of John Lewis.
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csmonitor--2020-07-20--NASA’s spacesuits have a gender problem. These women are fixing it.

Despite the initial stumble , two women came up for the spacewalking job once again .
In October 2019 , astronauts Ms. Koch and Jessica Meir finally took that history-making step outside the ISS .
The first all-female spacewalk attempt helped “ throw into sharp relief longstanding circumstances that are about gradual change , ” says Margaret Weitekamp , chair of the space history department at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum .
But it also “ shows , in some ways , the maturity of the program and the persistent presence of women in it.
” Barriers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure , like the spacesuits .
But that failed attempt may also represent the long-term progress that has been made toward including women at NASA more readily – and in workplaces in general .
For the first time in history , an entirely female team of astronauts was about to embark on a spacewalk last spring .
But just days before astronauts Anne McClain and Christina Koch were set to venture outside of the International Space Station , NASA swapped a man for Ms. McClain , saying they did n't have spacesuits that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go .
It was going to be a historic moment : Last spring , for the first time , an entirely female team of astronauts was to embark on a spacewalk .
But just days before Anne McClain and Christina Koch were to venture outside the International Space Station , NASA swapped Ms. McClain for a man .
They ’ d realized there weren ’ t two spacesuits ready that would work for both women .
That reversal drew scorn .
Instead of being a moment to celebrate the agency ’ s progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expose how much work remained in supporting female astronauts .
Barriers to equality can be baked into infrastructure , like spacesuits , for years .
But what happened with the first attempt at an all-female spacewalk may also represent long-term progress toward including women at NASA – and in workplaces in general .
“ Women ’ s history tends to proceed with these fits and starts , ” says Margaret Weitekamp , chair of the space history department at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and author “ Right Stuff , Wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Space Program.
” The first all-female spacewalk attempt helped “ throw into sharp relief longstanding circumstances that are about gradual change , ” Dr. Weitekamp says .
It also “ shows , in some ways , the maturity of the program and the persistent presence of women in it.
” In the 1960s , NASA ’ s spacesuits were custom made for individual astronauts , who , at the time , were all men .
In the 1970s , the agency ’ s priorities shifted and more astronauts flew , so NASA opted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobility units , or EMUs – that could be used by multiple astronauts to save money and time .
These suits are modular , with separate pieces for arms , legs , and torsos .
Women , the thinking went , could fit into the same sizes made for smaller men .
That plan might have worked acceptably , but later budget cuts led to NASA slashing some of the sizes , leaving only the mediums and larges .
During the space shuttle era , astronauts who didn ’ t fit the available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they couldn ’ t do a spacewalk , says former astronaut Bonnie Dunbar .
But that changed with the International Space Station , as all astronauts are expected to perform spacewalks .
Before launching , Ms. McClain had trained for spacewalks underwater like every other astronaut , testing out different-sized suits .
But once aboard the space station , she had the opportunity to do a spacewalk ( with a male astronaut ) , and after experiencing true microgravity , she realized she needed a different torso size .
Sizing is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flew on the space shuttle five times and now is director of the Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory at Texas A & M University .
“ If [ the joints of the spacesuit ] are not in the right place , you have to really work at it to make it bend , ” sometimes making it impossible to function in the suit at all .
A request to tweak a spacesuit once aboard the space station is “ not uncommon , ” says Lindsay Aitchison , a NASA spacesuit engineer .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few days later , and reconfiguring the life-support system to a different torso piece would take too long .
The crew decided together to change who did the spacewalk , Ms. Aitchison says .
“ It is actually a sign of women ’ s secure and equal standing in the astronaut corps that Anne McClain was able to make the call that she did , even after all of the public pressure of the publicity , ” Dr. Weitekamp says .
“ For her to be able to say 'the equipment doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be able to perform well ' means that she knew they wouldn ’ t just yank her from the rotation.
” Recently , women have held some of the highest offices at NASA , and are designing the next generation of spacewalking suits .
Last fall , NASA revealed new spacesuits designed for the Artemis program , in which the agency aims to land the first woman on the moon .
Those new suits , called exploration extravehicular mobility units , or xEMUs for short , will still be modular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ design team .
But the team uses digital renderings of about 100 body shapes and sizes as a guide .
“ We ’ re designing spacesuits for humans , not men or women specifically , just humans .
But over the years , we ’ ve really had to evolve our thinking about what that means .
It ’ s kind of a shift from thinking not just of men as bigger women or women as small men , ” Ms. Aitchison says .
“ Our bodies are truly different.
” Recent classes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They ’ re the future of the space program , ” says Amy Foster , associate professor of history at the University of Central Florida and author of `` Integrating Women Into the Astronaut Corps . ''
So systems are being designed with them in mind .
But the aerospace industry more broadly hasn ’ t yet reached parity .
And the fields ( research , science and engineering , and the military ) that people start in before becoming astronauts are still mostly male .
`` The opportunities are there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's just about recruiting and encouraging more young people – regardless of gender .
In October 2019 , two women had come up for the spacewalking job once again , and astronauts Ms. Koch and Jessica Meir performed the first all-female spacewalk .
It ’ s something to celebrate , says Dr. Foster .
“ It ’ s one of those hopeful things that I ’ m proud that I got to witness .
”

Despite the initial stumble, two women came up for the spacewalking job once again. In October 2019, astronauts Ms. Koch and Jessica Meir finally took that history-making step outside the space station.
The first all-female spacewalk attempt helped “throw into sharp relief long-standing circumstances that are about gradual change,” says Margaret Weitekamp, chair of the space history department at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. But it also “shows, in some ways, the maturity of the program and the persistent presence of women in it.”
Sometimes the noblest of goals can get held up for what seem like trivial reasons. Examining those reasons can often reveal a path to progress.
Barriers to equality can be baked into industries through infrastructure, like the spacesuits. But that failed attempt may also represent the long-term progress that has been made toward including women at NASA more readily – and in workplaces in general.
For the first time in history, an entirely female team of astronauts was about to embark on a spacewalk last spring. But just days before astronauts Anne McClain and Christina Koch were set to venture outside the International Space Station, NASA swapped a man for Ms. McClain, saying they didn't have spacesuits that would work for both women ready to go.
It was going to be a historic moment: Last spring, for the first time, an entirely female team of astronauts was to embark on a spacewalk.
But just days before Anne McClain and Christina Koch were to venture outside the International Space Station, NASA swapped Ms. McClain for a man. They’d realized there weren’t two spacesuits ready that would work for both women.
That reversal drew scorn. Instead of being a moment to celebrate the agency’s progress toward gender equality, it seemed to expose how much work remained in supporting female astronauts.
Why We Wrote This Sometimes the noblest of goals can get held up for what seem like trivial reasons. Examining those reasons can often reveal a path to progress.
Barriers to equality can be baked into infrastructure, like spacesuits, for years. But what happened with the first attempt at an all-female spacewalk may also represent long-term progress toward including women at NASA – and in workplaces in general.
“Women’s history tends to proceed with these fits and starts,” says Margaret Weitekamp, chair of the space history department at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and author “Right Stuff, Wrong Sex: America's First Women in Space Program.”
The first all-female spacewalk attempt helped “throw into sharp relief long-standing circumstances that are about gradual change,” Dr. Weitekamp says. It also “shows, in some ways, the maturity of the program and the persistent presence of women in it.”
A minor alteration
In the 1960s, NASA’s spacesuits were custom made for individual astronauts, who, at the time, were all men. In the 1970s, the agency’s priorities shifted and more astronauts flew, so NASA opted for spacewalking suits – officially called extravehicular mobility units, or EMUs – that could be used by multiple astronauts to save money and time. These suits are modular, with separate pieces for arms, legs, and torsos. Women, the thinking went, could fit into the same sizes made for smaller men.
That plan might have worked acceptably, but later budget cuts led to NASA slashing some of the sizes, leaving only the mediums and larges. During the space shuttle era, astronauts who didn’t fit the available sizes could still participate in missions, but they couldn’t do a spacewalk, says former astronaut Bonnie Dunbar. But that changed with the International Space Station, as all astronauts are expected to perform spacewalks.
Before launching, Ms. McClain had trained for spacewalks underwater like every other astronaut, testing out different-sized suits. But once aboard the space station, she had the opportunity to do a spacewalk (with a male astronaut), and after experiencing true microgravity, she realized she needed a different torso size.
NASA/Reuters/File View caption Hide caption NASA’s Anne McClain helps fellow astronauts Christina Koch (left) and Nick Hague prepare for spacewalks on March 18, 2019.
Sizing is very important, says Dr. Dunbar, who flew on the space shuttle five times and now is director of the Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory at Texas A&M University. “If [the joints of the spacesuit] are not in the right place, you have to really work at it to make it bend,” sometimes making it impossible to function in the suit at all.
A request to tweak a spacesuit once aboard the space station is “not uncommon,” says Lindsay Aitchison, a NASA spacesuit engineer. But the first all-female spacewalk attempt was scheduled for a few days later, and reconfiguring the life-support system to a different torso piece would take too long. The crew decided together to change who did the spacewalk, Ms. Aitchison says.
“It is actually a sign of women’s secure and equal standing in the astronaut corps that Anne McClain was able to make the call that she did, even after all of the public pressure of the publicity,” Dr. Weitekamp says. “For her to be able to say 'the equipment doesn’t fit me and I won’t be able to perform well' means that she knew they wouldn’t just yank her from the rotation.”
A universal suit
Recently, women have held some of the highest offices at NASA, and are designing the next generation of spacewalking suits.
Last fall, NASA revealed new spacesuits designed for the Artemis program, in which the agency aims to land the first woman on the moon. Those new suits, called exploration extravehicular mobility units, or xEMUs for short, will still be modular, says Ms. Aitchison, who leads the design team. But the team uses digital renderings of about 100 body shapes and sizes as a guide.
“We’re designing spacesuits for humans, not men or women specifically, just humans. But over the years, we’ve really had to evolve our thinking about what that means. It’s kind of a shift from thinking not just of men as bigger women or women as small men,” Ms. Aitchison says. “Our bodies are truly different.”
Recent classes of astronauts have been roughly half women. “They’re the future of the space program,” says Amy Foster, associate professor of history at the University of Central Florida and author of "Integrating Women Into the Astronaut Corps." So systems are being designed with them in mind.
One small step
But the aerospace industry more broadly hasn’t yet reached parity. And the fields (research, science and engineering, and the military) that people start in before becoming astronauts are still mostly male.
"The opportunities are there," Dr. Dunbar says, now it's just about recruiting and encouraging more young people – regardless of gender.
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 October 2019, two women had come up for the spacewalking job once again, and astronauts Ms. Koch and Jessica Meir performed the first all-female spacewalk.
It’s something to celebrate, says Dr. Foster. “It’s one of those hopeful things that I’m proud that I got to witness.”