csmonitor--2020-10-01--Missing students: Educators knock on doors to find them

“ It ’ s not just about academics , ” says Ms. Williams .
“ We don ’ t have eyes on our students .
We have to make sure they ’ re safe , they ’ re fed , that they ’ re still even in the district.
” In San Antonio , educators and advocates , like Monica Williams with Communities In Schools , have sought out families and made sure to connect with them in person .
When schools closed abruptly this spring , few opted to take regular or daily attendance .
That ’ s starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nonprofit Attendance Works .
She encourages districts to use attendance not for punishing parents whose kids don ’ t participate , but to learn which kids need support and which interventions are helping kids stay engaged .
Propelled by concerns about students falling behind , some districts used the summer to figure out how to better engage and keep track of children in a largely virtual environment .
But with some families still finding the online system too overwhelming , potentially taking students out of school permanently , teachers and advocates are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
As schools in the U.S. resume this fall mostly online , they are considering how to manage something they used to be able to do more easily : figure out who is missing .
Monica Williams remembers the late May day she and first grade teacher Lizette Gutierrez reconnected with four young siblings from Cable Elementary .
No teachers from the San Antonio school had heard from the children since March , when the pandemic sent students home to learn online .
Ms. Williams is a former social worker who serves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schools of San Antonio , a support program for low-income families in Texas ’ Bexar County .
She and her colleagues have had to intercede in evictions , deliver supplies , and report children in dire circumstances to child protective services since the start of the pandemic .
In this case , she was already familiar with the children because of their previous academic struggles .
After making some phone calls , she located them at a hotel , where the family had moved after a stint with relatives .
Ms. Williams arranged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s house .
Ms. Gutierrez and Ms. Williams spent 90 minutes on the sidewalk , arm ’ s length from the students , showing them how to sign into Google Classroom on their school-provided Chromebooks and helping their father figure out passwords .
The family logged on for the remainder of the school year , and after going missing again over the summer and for the start of the school year , were present for the second day of in-person classes on Sept. 29 .
As schools in the U.S. resume , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they used to be able to do more easily : figure out who is missing .
Propelled by concerns about students falling behind , some schools used the summer to figure out how to better engage and keep track of children in a largely virtual environment .
But with some families still finding the online system too overwhelming , potentially taking students out of school permanently , educators and advocates are actively trying to find ways to reach out .
“ It ’ s not just about academics , ” says Ms. Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes on our students .
We have to make sure they ’ re safe , they ’ re fed , that they ’ re still even in the district.
” Some educators have made it a priority to better identify and engage with students and families .
Schools have streamlined the online experience , including reducing the number of passwords needed for learning platforms .
And they have endeavored to better define how to take attendance and what it means to be absent or present when learning virtually .
These measures are showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report a decrease from the spring in the number of kids who are no-shows .
But , with nearly 14,000 school districts nationally , the whereabouts of countless students are unknown , and some may never reenroll , administrators say .
An estimated 3,000 students , or roughly 3 % of enrollment in San Antonio ’ s largest school district , Northside Independent , where Cable Elementary is located , didn ’ t participate in remote learning and couldn ’ t be reached by school staff this past spring , according to Barry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other districts around the United States have started reporting high numbers of missing students , echoing some reports from the spring that showed the potential for declining attendance .
Poor internet , a lack of laptops and hot spots , and instability at home are the factors most commonly cited for making participation in online learning difficult for kids .
The reality for many schools is that the search “ could lead to a dead end , ” says Mr. Perez .
As of September , he says , the district ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of projections .
While the students might still show up , he says the district won ’ t learn of some children ’ s whereabouts unless they enroll in another district and their new school contacts them .
In the neighboring San Antonio Independent School District , Mohammed Choudhury , who serves as chief innovation officer , likewise anticipates that it will have children who won ’ t return this fall .
Some families have decided that too many other things are going on in their lives to think about their kids ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they ’ ve given up , Mr. Choudhury says .
He and other educators worry also about the perception among some families that when school buildings are closed , school is also closed .
For them , there ’ s no substitute for in-person learning , “ So , they ’ re not going to respond to anything or even log in , ” Mr. Choudhury says .
“ We ’ re going to lose students.
” When his district moved to remote instruction in the spring , 6 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
Early on , members of the district ’ s family and community engagement teams knocked on doors to find the missing students , but those visits were suspended in late March due to local health orders .
Phone calls to parents and messages on social media went largely unanswered .
Late this summer , as the lockdown lifted and schools prepared for the new school year , staff were able to go back out .
As of early September , Mr. Choudhury says , they had found all but roughly 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose job is to problem solve , attributes the district ’ s progress to its early recognition that it had to closely monitor daily attendance and student learning online .
As soon as school buildings shut , he and his office began working with other departments and the chief technology officer to create an easy-to-use phone app to allow educators to monitor students ’ online activity .
By April it was a data hub , identifying participation trends by neighborhood and school , and tracking student engagement at all 90-plus district schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff .
That enabled school-level administrators to decide where to quickly deploy staff for home visits and other outreach , Mr. Choudhury says .
The district won ’ t know until October just how many students it has retained or lost .
That ’ s when it , like many school districts around the country , will submit to the state the all-important enrollment data that helps determine its funding .
“ We had to do a lot of digging ” At Redland Elementary , a rural school in Florida ’ s Miami-Dade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roughly 900 students were unaccounted for this spring , according to Principal Adrian Montes .
That ’ s when he and his staff fanned out across the mostly agricultural community in groups , using addresses they had on file and carrying laptops and hot spots in case families needed them .
But often they ’ d show up at an address only to find it was a parent ’ s place of employment , not their home , or that the family had moved away .
“ We had to do a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , speaking to the owners of these businesses ” and workers to locate the students , says Mr. Montes .
But the outreach deepened the school ’ s connection to its families , he says , and helped them understand more about the lives of the children it serves .
Some 90 % of the school ’ s students are Hispanic , including a large population of migrant children from Guatemala whose parents work in local fields and plant nurseries .
School staff learned that many of those parents kept working through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and often in charge of younger siblings .
Redland Elementary staff distributed food and toiletries and worked with a district program that serves homeless families , Project UP-START , to ensure that students had access to services such as health care .
Over the summer , Miami-Dade County Public Schools introduced new online learning software that will make it easier for students and their caregivers to log on remotely and will , ideally , increase participation in online learning this fall , Mr. Montes says .
Education experts say that closely monitoring attendance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t slip through the cracks .
When schools closed abruptly this spring , few opted to take regular or daily attendance , according to Hedy Chang , executive director of the nonprofit Attendance Works .
“ It wasn ’ t seen as the highest-priority concern , ” she says .
Ms. Chang says that ’ s starting to change as schools reopen .
But she cautions that districts ought to use attendance not for purposes of “ high-stakes accountability , ” school funding , or to punish parents whose kids don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which kids need support and which interventions are helping kids stay engaged .
The costs of kids missing instruction – even delivered online – are high .
Studies show that students who miss 10 % or more of school days a year are at risk of not learning to read in the early grades and dropping out in the later grades .
Low-income students , students of color , and students with disabilities are most vulnerable .
Connecticut has long been in the forefront of addressing chronic absenteeism .
From the outset of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connecticut State Department of Education has worked to ensure that teachers continue to track student participation and give the data to school administrators , says Charlene Russell-Tucker , a deputy commissioner for the education board .
Still , the state fell far short of universal participation in remote school .
In June , the results of a survey of 170 school districts in Connecticut by the state education board found that 22 % of students ( some 116,000 ) only partially or minimally participated and 4 % ( 21,000 ) did not participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health , and trauma issues and internet and device access as the biggest obstacles to student participation in online learning .
In an effort to boost participation in learning this school year , the state invited input from families on how to reopen schools .
In August , Ms. Russell-Tucker facilitated two virtual “ house calls ” with doctors and other health care officials to answer families ’ questions about going back to school during the pandemic .
The state has also prioritized “ meeting families where they are ” and ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet in person with their teachers and peers , says Ajit Gopalakrishnan , chief performance officer with the education department .
“ That personal connection is huge , ” he says .
Back in San Antonio , Mr. Choudhury cautions that even if districts locate every missing student and do everything right to keep them engaged , schools are likely to see more turmoil .
“ There ’ s an eviction crisis clearly looming , ” he says .
“ Housing policy is education policy.
” “ We could again have students who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the fall semester because of a disruption in the house when it comes to socioeconomic needs , ” he says .
“ We ’ re not blind to that , but much of that is out of our control , and we will do everything we can to mitigate that.
” Meanwhile , the district is being more proactive about checking in with students on a weekly basis and supporting the schools in doing so , Mr. Choudhury says .
“ We know the in-person [ contact ] is our bread and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re never going to drop the in-person.
” This story on participation in online learning was produced by The Hechinger Report , a nonprofit , independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education .

“It’s not just about academics,” says Ms. Williams. “We don’t have eyes on our students. We have to make sure they’re safe, they’re fed, that they’re still even in the district.”
In San Antonio, educators and advocates, like Monica Williams with Communities In Schools, have sought out families and made sure to connect with them in person.
When schools closed abruptly this spring, few opted to take regular or daily attendance. That’s starting to change, says Hedy Chang with the nonprofit Attendance Works. She encourages districts to use attendance not for punishing parents whose kids don’t participate, but to learn which kids need support and which interventions are helping kids stay engaged.
How accountable should schools be for students who don’t show up to virtual classes? Sleuthing out the whereabouts of children is just one approach districts are taking to make sure no one is left behind.
Propelled by concerns about students falling behind, some districts used the summer to figure out how to better engage and keep track of children in a largely virtual environment. But with some families still finding the online system too overwhelming, potentially taking students out of school permanently, teachers and advocates are actively trying to find ways to reach out.
As schools in the U.S. resume this fall mostly online, they are considering how to manage something they used to be able to do more easily: figure out who is missing.
Monica Williams remembers the late May day she and first grade teacher Lizette Gutierrez reconnected with four young siblings from Cable Elementary. No teachers from the San Antonio school had heard from the children since March, when the pandemic sent students home to learn online.
Ms. Williams is a former social worker who serves as a site coordinator for Communities In Schools of San Antonio, a support program for low-income families in Texas’ Bexar County. She and her colleagues have had to intercede in evictions, deliver supplies, and report children in dire circumstances to child protective services since the start of the pandemic. In this case, she was already familiar with the children because of their previous academic struggles. After making some phone calls, she located them at a hotel, where the family had moved after a stint with relatives. Ms. Williams arranged to meet the children at their grandmother’s house.
Ms. Gutierrez and Ms. Williams spent 90 minutes on the sidewalk, arm’s length from the students, showing them how to sign into Google Classroom on their school-provided Chromebooks and helping their father figure out passwords. The family logged on for the remainder of the school year, and after going missing again over the summer and for the start of the school year, were present for the second day of in-person classes on Sept. 29.
Why We Wrote This How accountable should schools be for students who don’t show up to virtual classes? Sleuthing out the whereabouts of children is just one approach districts are taking to make sure no one is left behind.
As schools in the U.S. resume, they are considering how to manage something they used to be able to do more easily: figure out who is missing. Propelled by concerns about students falling behind, some schools used the summer to figure out how to better engage and keep track of children in a largely virtual environment. But with some families still finding the online system too overwhelming, potentially taking students out of school permanently, educators and advocates are actively trying to find ways to reach out.
“It’s not just about academics,” says Ms. Williams. “We don’t have eyes on our students. We have to make sure they’re safe, they’re fed, that they’re still even in the district.”
The Hechinger Report View caption Hide caption Principal Adrian Montes (top left) and educators from Redland Elementary, in Florida's Miami-Dade County, show a group of students who weren't logging in for online classes how to access their individual classes and assignments in early May.
Some educators have made it a priority to better identify and engage with students and families. Schools have streamlined the online experience, including reducing the number of passwords needed for learning platforms. And they have endeavored to better define how to take attendance and what it means to be absent or present when learning virtually. These measures are showing signs of early success as some districts report a decrease from the spring in the number of kids who are no-shows. But, with nearly 14,000 school districts nationally, the whereabouts of countless students are unknown, and some may never reenroll, administrators say.
An estimated 3,000 students, or roughly 3% of enrollment in San Antonio’s largest school district, Northside Independent, where Cable Elementary is located, didn’t participate in remote learning and couldn’t be reached by school staff this past spring, according to Barry Perez, a spokesperson for the district. Other districts around the United States have started reporting high numbers of missing students, echoing some reports from the spring that showed the potential for declining attendance. Poor internet, a lack of laptops and hot spots, and instability at home are the factors most commonly cited for making participation in online learning difficult for kids.
The reality for many schools is that the search “could lead to a dead end,” says Mr. Perez. As of September, he says, the district’s enrollment is still 2,700 students shy of projections. While the students might still show up, he says the district won’t learn of some children’s whereabouts unless they enroll in another district and their new school contacts them.
Battling misperceptions
In the neighboring San Antonio Independent School District, Mohammed Choudhury, who serves as chief innovation officer, likewise anticipates that it will have children who won’t return this fall. Some families have decided that too many other things are going on in their lives to think about their kids’ school or how to do online learning, and they’ve given up, Mr. Choudhury says. He and other educators worry also about the perception among some families that when school buildings are closed, school is also closed. For them, there’s no substitute for in-person learning, “So, they’re not going to respond to anything or even log in,” Mr. Choudhury says. “We’re going to lose students.”
When his district moved to remote instruction in the spring, 6% of students (nearly 3,000) never logged on. Early on, members of the district’s family and community engagement teams knocked on doors to find the missing students, but those visits were suspended in late March due to local health orders. Phone calls to parents and messages on social media went largely unanswered.
Late this summer, as the lockdown lifted and schools prepared for the new school year, staff were able to go back out. As of early September, Mr. Choudhury says, they had found all but roughly 100 of the missing kids.
Mr. Choudhury, whose job is to problem solve, attributes the district’s progress to its early recognition that it had to closely monitor daily attendance and student learning online. As soon as school buildings shut, he and his office began working with other departments and the chief technology officer to create an easy-to-use phone app to allow educators to monitor students’ online activity. By April it was a data hub, identifying participation trends by neighborhood and school, and tracking student engagement at all 90-plus district schools – including any contact between students and staff. That enabled school-level administrators to decide where to quickly deploy staff for home visits and other outreach, Mr. Choudhury says.
The district won’t know until October just how many students it has retained or lost. That’s when it, like many school districts around the country, will submit to the state the all-important enrollment data that helps determine its funding.
“We had to do a lot of digging”
At Redland Elementary, a rural school in Florida’s Miami-Dade County, nearly 10% of its roughly 900 students were unaccounted for this spring, according to Principal Adrian Montes. That’s when he and his staff fanned out across the mostly agricultural community in groups, using addresses they had on file and carrying laptops and hot spots in case families needed them. But often they’d show up at an address only to find it was a parent’s place of employment, not their home, or that the family had moved away.
“We had to do a lot of digging, a lot of searching, speaking to the owners of these businesses” and workers to locate the students, says Mr. Montes.
But the outreach deepened the school’s connection to its families, he says, and helped them understand more about the lives of the children it serves. Some 90% of the school’s students are Hispanic, including a large population of migrant children from Guatemala whose parents work in local fields and plant nurseries. School staff learned that many of those parents kept working through the pandemic, leaving their children home alone and often in charge of younger siblings.
Redland Elementary staff distributed food and toiletries and worked with a district program that serves homeless families, Project UP-START, to ensure that students had access to services such as health care. Over the summer, Miami-Dade County Public Schools introduced new online learning software that will make it easier for students and their caregivers to log on remotely and will, ideally, increase participation in online learning this fall, Mr. Montes says.
Education experts say that closely monitoring attendance will be key to ensuring that kids don’t slip through the cracks. When schools closed abruptly this spring, few opted to take regular or daily attendance, according to Hedy Chang, executive director of the nonprofit Attendance Works. “It wasn’t seen as the highest-priority concern,” she says.
Ms. Chang says that’s starting to change as schools reopen. But she cautions that districts ought to use attendance not for purposes of “high-stakes accountability,” school funding, or to punish parents whose kids don’t participate, but to learn which kids need support and which interventions are helping kids stay engaged.
The costs of kids missing instruction – even delivered online – are high. Studies show that students who miss 10% or more of school days a year are at risk of not learning to read in the early grades and dropping out in the later grades. Low-income students, students of color, and students with disabilities are most vulnerable.
“Meeting families where they are”
Connecticut has long been in the forefront of addressing chronic absenteeism. From the outset of school closings in the spring, the Connecticut State Department of Education has worked to ensure that teachers continue to track student participation and give the data to school administrators, says Charlene Russell-Tucker, a deputy commissioner for the education board.
Still, the state fell far short of universal participation in remote school. In June, the results of a survey of 170 school districts in Connecticut by the state education board found that 22% of students (some 116,000) only partially or minimally participated and 4% (21,000) did not participate at all. Responding districts cited family, health, and trauma issues and internet and device access as the biggest obstacles to student participation in online learning.
In an effort to boost participation in learning this school year, the state invited input from families on how to reopen schools. In August, Ms. Russell-Tucker facilitated two virtual “house calls” with doctors and other health care officials to answer families’ questions about going back to school during the pandemic. The state has also prioritized “meeting families where they are” and ensuring that students in remote learning can occasionally meet in person with their teachers and peers, says Ajit Gopalakrishnan, chief performance officer with the education department. “That personal connection is huge,” he says.
Back in San Antonio, Mr. Choudhury cautions that even if districts locate every missing student and do everything right to keep them engaged, schools are likely to see more turmoil.
“There’s an eviction crisis clearly looming,” he says. “Housing policy is education policy.”
“We could again have students who ‘disappear’ into the first months of the fall semester because of a disruption in the house when it comes to socioeconomic needs,” he says. “We’re not blind to that, but much of that is out of our control, and we will do everything we can to mitigate that.”
Meanwhile, the district is being more proactive about checking in with students on a weekly basis and supporting the schools in doing so, Mr. Choudhury says. “We know the in-person [contact] is our bread and butter,” he says. “We’re never going to drop the in-person.”
This story on participation in online learning was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education.


csmonitor--2020-10-01--World order: As the US steps back, Europe steps up

Even if Mr. Trump is defeated in the U.S. election in November and replaced with a more traditionally minded internationalist in Joe Biden , Washington may still find itself working alongside a more self-confident and assertive set of partners in Europe .
There ’ s the rub .
Europe is fearful of being caught between Washington and Beijing , and does not want to be forced to choose sides .
That will call for diplomatic determination and agility .
The drive has been most evident in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic , trying to boost the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tear it down .
Germany and France have both put ambitious green power initiatives at the heart of their economic recovery programs .
They are leading the fight to keep the Iran nuclear deal alive , in the face of U.S. opposition .
And they are trying to chart an independent path with regard to China .
European nations , led by France and Germany , with Britain lending a hand , are leading a bid to rekindle international cooperation , shore up international agreements on a host of global challenges , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world stage .
The tension between Washington and Beijing is not the only current in world affairs worth keeping an eye on .
Ask most people for a snapshot of today ’ s international politics , and they ’ ll focus on growing tensions between the United States and China .
Yet another current is flowing through world affairs today : a newly assertive effort by key European states to rekindle international cooperation and shore up international agreements on a raft of world challenges .
The main players are Germany and France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Britain , too , despite its imminent departure from the EU , is playing its part .
The issues on which they ’ ve been weighing in read like a menu of the world ’ s most pressing crises : the COVID-19 pandemic , climate change , human rights , and nuclear nonproliferation .
France has talked up the idea of a stronger EU role on the world stage for years .
Yet now , with a more receptive ear in Chancellor Angela Merkel ’ s Germany and Britain having to chart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continent ’ s three most important strategic players are walking the walk .
It seems the wider world is taking notice .
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is kicking off his first overseas trip since the change of government in Tokyo with a visit to Europe .
France is on the itinerary .
Germany was supposed to have been , though his talks with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will now be virtual , after someone in close contact with Mr. Maas reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 .
Among issues on the agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China Sea , where France , Germany , and Britain have all declared an interest .
But the shift has been especially evident in the three nations ’ response to the pandemic .
In past global health crises , Washington has taken the lead , in coordination with the World Health Organization .
But the Trump administration has shunned calls for international action and said it will leave the WHO next year .
Against that background , the Europeans have refused to support a U.S. blueprint for reform of the WHO .
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Americans wanted , they have launched their own effort to strengthen the organization .
A joint Franco-German paper calls for moves to make the WHO more effective and accountable , and tackles the organization ’ s long-standing lack of funding to anticipate and cope with events such as the pandemic .
With the U.S. due to stop paying next year , France and Germany propose a hike in other countries ’ national contributions .
Last weekend , British Prime Minister Boris Johnson used his address to the U.N. General Assembly to focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newly coordinated international approach to COVID-19 and potential future pandemics .
He announced a 30 % increase in the U.K. ’ s contributions to the WHO .
He also pledged additional money for COVAX , the international body dedicated to ensuring worldwide distribution for an eventual COVID-19 vaccine , which the U.S. , along with China and Russia , has declined to join .
A similar picture is emerging on other policy fronts .
On climate change , Ms. Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have unveiled ambitious green power initiatives as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the effects of the pandemic .
Mr. Johnson , due to chair next year ’ s follow-up conference on the 2016 Paris Agreement , is planning a December virtual summit to press those countries that have so far failed to live up to their commitments under that accord .
On human rights , German and French calls for a thorough accounting from Russia for the recent poisoning of opposition politician Alexei Navalny have stood in stark contrast to the muted response from President Donald Trump .
Both European leaders have also refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election in Belarus , which kept Alexander Lukashenko in power and has drawn tens of thousands of demonstrators into the streets .
And while Mr. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 international agreement to limit Iran ’ s nuclear program , co-signatories France , Germany , and Britain have been striving to keep it alive .
They ’ ve rejected recent U.S. calls for a re-imposition of international sanctions lifted as part of the accord .
On China , meanwhile , the Europeans are also seeking to chart an independent path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Xi Jinping ’ s moves to project Chinese power internationally represent a strategic challenge .
They ’ ve been vocal in criticizing China ’ s confinement of hundreds of thousands of Uyghur Muslims and its security crackdown in Hong Kong .
They also feel China bears a serious responsibility for not having alerted the world quickly enough about the threat of COVID-19 .
And , like the U.S. , they are pressing China to abandon what they see as unfair trade practices , including government subsidies for Chinese companies .
But they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tariff war , and they are trying to avert a Cold War-style political standoff with Beijing .
Mr. Johnson gave one sign of that in his General Assembly address .
Though he urged the WHO to demand the full picture of how and where the pandemic began , he added that he didn ’ t “ want to blame any country or government , or score [ political ] points.
” All this looks as if it adds up to a newly independent European voice in world affairs .
Some of it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most influential European political leader of her generation , has said that she will step down at the next election .
She has a little more pull than usual , too , since Germany holds the rotating , six-month presidency of the EU .
France ’ s assertiveness is in part a function of Mr. Macron ’ s clear hope to ensure Paris ’ continued place at the heart of EU strategy and diplomacy in a post-Merkel era .
And it is a response to Mr. Trump ’ s go-it-alone approach to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attaches to America ’ s relations with its longtime European allies .
But it may also be a simple reflection of a new geopolitical reality : a world in which Washington and Beijing are increasingly at loggerheads , with Europe fearful of being caught between them and reluctant to choose sides .
That will call for diplomatic determination and agility .
Even if Mr. Trump is defeated in the U.S. election in November and replaced with a more traditionally minded internationalist in Joe Biden , Washington may still find itself working alongside a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Europe .

Even if Mr. Trump is defeated in the U.S. election in November and replaced with a more traditionally minded internationalist in Joe Biden, Washington may still find itself working alongside a more self-confident and assertive set of partners in Europe.
There’s the rub. Europe is fearful of being caught between Washington and Beijing, and does not want to be forced to choose sides. That will call for diplomatic determination and agility.
The drive has been most evident in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, trying to boost the World Health Organization where President Donald Trump has sought to tear it down. Germany and France have both put ambitious green power initiatives at the heart of their economic recovery programs. They are leading the fight to keep the Iran nuclear deal alive, in the face of U.S. opposition. And they are trying to chart an independent path with regard to China.
Europeans may share some of President Trump’s foreign policy goals, but they are choosing their own means to achieve them. This newfound independence will likely last, whoever wins the U.S. election.
European nations, led by France and Germany, with Britain lending a hand, are leading a bid to rekindle international cooperation, shore up international agreements on a host of global challenges, and make their voices heard more clearly on the world stage.
The tension between Washington and Beijing is not the only current in world affairs worth keeping an eye on.
Ask most people for a snapshot of today’s international politics, and they’ll focus on growing tensions between the United States and China. Yet another current is flowing through world affairs today: a newly assertive effort by key European states to rekindle international cooperation and shore up international agreements on a raft of world challenges.
The main players are Germany and France, linchpins of the European Union. But Britain, too, despite its imminent departure from the EU, is playing its part.
The issues on which they’ve been weighing in read like a menu of the world’s most pressing crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, human rights, and nuclear nonproliferation.
Why We Wrote This Europeans may share some of President Trump’s foreign policy goals, but they are choosing their own means to achieve them. This newfound independence will likely last, whoever wins the U.S. election.
France has talked up the idea of a stronger EU role on the world stage for years. Yet now, with a more receptive ear in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Germany and Britain having to chart a new, post-Brexit identity, the continent’s three most important strategic players are walking the walk.
It seems the wider world is taking notice. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is kicking off his first overseas trip since the change of government in Tokyo with a visit to Europe. France is on the itinerary. Germany was supposed to have been, though his talks with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will now be virtual, after someone in close contact with Mr. Maas reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Among issues on the agenda: Chinese territorial ambitions in the South China Sea, where France, Germany, and Britain have all declared an interest.
But the shift has been especially evident in the three nations’ response to the pandemic.
In past global health crises, Washington has taken the lead, in coordination with the World Health Organization. But the Trump administration has shunned calls for international action and said it will leave the WHO next year.
Against that background, the Europeans have refused to support a U.S. blueprint for reform of the WHO. Though they agreed with some of the changes the Americans wanted, they have launched their own effort to strengthen the organization.
A joint Franco-German paper calls for moves to make the WHO more effective and accountable, and tackles the organization’s long-standing lack of funding to anticipate and cope with events such as the pandemic. With the U.S. due to stop paying next year, France and Germany propose a hike in other countries’ national contributions.
Last weekend, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson used his address to the U.N. General Assembly to focus almost exclusively on the need for a newly coordinated international approach to COVID-19 and potential future pandemics.
He announced a 30% increase in the U.K.’s contributions to the WHO. He also pledged additional money for COVAX, the international body dedicated to ensuring worldwide distribution for an eventual COVID-19 vaccine, which the U.S., along with China and Russia, has declined to join.
A similar picture is emerging on other policy fronts.
On climate change, Ms. Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have unveiled ambitious green power initiatives as part of the multibillion-dollar EU investment for recovery from the effects of the pandemic. Mr. Johnson, due to chair next year’s follow-up conference on the 2016 Paris Agreement, is planning a December virtual summit to press those countries that have so far failed to live up to their commitments under that accord.
On human rights, German and French calls for a thorough accounting from Russia for the recent poisoning of opposition politician Alexei Navalny have stood in stark contrast to the muted response from President Donald Trump. Both European leaders have also refused to recognize the legitimacy of the recent election in Belarus, which kept Alexander Lukashenko in power and has drawn tens of thousands of demonstrators into the streets.
And while Mr. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 international agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program, co-signatories France, Germany, and Britain have been striving to keep it alive. They’ve rejected recent U.S. calls for a re-imposition of international sanctions lifted as part of the accord.
On China, meanwhile, the Europeans are also seeking to chart an independent path.
They share the U.S. view that Xi Jinping’s moves to project Chinese power internationally represent a strategic challenge. They’ve been vocal in criticizing China’s confinement of hundreds of thousands of Uyghur Muslims and its security crackdown in Hong Kong. They also feel China bears a serious responsibility for not having alerted the world quickly enough about the threat of COVID-19. And, like the U.S., they are pressing China to abandon what they see as unfair trade practices, including government subsidies for Chinese companies.
But they have steered clear of Mr. Trump’s tariff war, and they are trying to avert a Cold War-style political standoff with Beijing. Mr. Johnson gave one sign of that in his General Assembly address. Though he urged the WHO to demand the full picture of how and where the pandemic began, he added that he didn’t “want to blame any country or government, or score [political] points.”
All this looks as if it adds up to a newly independent European voice in world affairs. Some of it is down to timing. Ms. Merkel, the most influential European political leader of her generation, has said that she will step down at the next election. She has a little more pull than usual, too, since Germany holds the rotating, six-month presidency of the EU.
France’s assertiveness is in part a function of Mr. Macron’s clear hope to ensure Paris’ continued place at the heart of EU strategy and diplomacy in a post-Merkel era. And it is a response to Mr. Trump’s go-it-alone approach to foreign policy and the diminished importance he attaches to America’s relations with its longtime European allies.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
But it may also be a simple reflection of a new geopolitical reality: a world in which Washington and Beijing are increasingly at loggerheads, with Europe fearful of being caught between them and reluctant to choose sides.
That will call for diplomatic determination and agility. Even if Mr. Trump is defeated in the U.S. election in November and replaced with a more traditionally minded internationalist in Joe Biden, Washington may still find itself working alongside a more self-confident and assertive set of partners in Europe.


csmonitor--2020-10-01--At Stan the Man’s bookmobile, kids buy books with acts of kindness

As Jaxon , a Read ’ n ’ Roll regular , puts it : “ Stan teaches me how to be kind , especially when no one else is watching .
It ’ s important to be kind because other people , if you are kind to them , they will be kind back.
” Kindnesses that earn tickets run the gamut , from “ I helped a student that dropped his books in the hall ” to “ I invited a student who was playing alone to play with our group.
” He started hosting book giveaways at schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from teaching .
Over the past five years , his Leap for Literacy program has grown .
He now gives away 2,500 books a year .
But his program promotes more than literacy .
At his Read ’ n ’ Roll bookmobile , kids pay for books with kindness tickets .
When Stan Tucker was teaching kindergarten , a student approached him before a book fair to say he wouldn ’ t be going because his mom didn ’ t have any money .
It broke Mr. Tucker ’ s heart – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to get books into kids ’ hands .
On Stan Tucker ’ s wildly painted Leap for Literacy bookmobile – crowned the Read ’ n ’ Roll – the books cost nothing .
But they don ’ t come free .
The currency that will buy them is kindness .
Acts are each recorded on kindness tickets that are legal tender on the Read ’ n ’ Roll .
When the Read ’ n ’ Roll shows up at a school , the kids excitedly bounce into a line for their chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kindnesses that earn tickets run the gamut , from “ I helped a student that dropped his books in the hall ” to “ I invited a student who was playing alone to play with our group.
” When Mr. Tucker , now working as a waiter and camp counselor , was teaching kindergarten in suburban Atlanta in 2014 , a student approached him before a book fair to say he wouldn ’ t be going because his mom didn ’ t have any money .
It broke Mr. Tucker ’ s heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a way to get books into kids ’ hands .
He started his program during a year off from teaching in 2015 when , hoping to keep working with kids , he was sometimes lugging more than 1,000 books in a beat-up Honda Element for giveaways at schools .
But to build the enterprise – because donors like measurables – Mr. Tucker knew he needed something to count .
He landed on a measure of kindness .
“ The quickest impact when you do something kind – you say something nice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that smile that comes on their face , that instant gratification , of seeing that person happy , ” says Mr. Tucker .
Over the past five years , Leap for Literacy has grown .
He now gives away 2,500 books a year .
More than 13,000 grade school students have traded kindness tickets for books .
And , last summer , a new writing program served 500 children , a handful of whose writing the nonprofit has illustrated and published .
Mr. Tucker , who loved books as a kid , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work on a waiter ’ s pay .
But , he adds , “ at every turn , something has happened to keep this going.
” For example , there was his chance encounter with the country artist Zac Brown , an Atlanta native , who came into the restaurant where Tucker worked .
Mr. Tucker laid the menus down and queried Mr. Brown ’ s five kids about school .
Because he liked the way Mr. Tucker interacted with his family , Mr. Brown gave the waiter his card and told him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other out.
” Indeed , Mr. Brown was starting a summer camp and offered Mr. Tucker a camp counselor job as well as an old tour bus for a bookmobile .
Another fortunate turn was the $ 25,000 check he got on The Ellen DeGeneres Show late last year .
He used it to substantially expand his program .
Five hundred kids participated remotely in a summer writing program in which they were given blank books to write in .
A few of the books they wrote were chosen by the Leap for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr. Tucker hopes to one day fill the Read ’ n ’ Roll with those books .
His next goal is to scale up his programs nationally – even globally .
He plans to expand to 50,000 book donations and illustrate at least 10 children ’ s books in the next couple of years .
And he ’ d like to reach 1 million acts of kindness .
“ What Stan is doing is amazing , ” says Quenecia Styles-Smith , whose son , Jaxon , participated in the summer writing program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admonish a child for behaving badly , she says , but , “ it ’ s another to notice when a child holds a door for someone ” and to recognize and bring awareness to it .
It ’ s not all about the reward for being kind , says Ms. Styles-Smith , because “ he talks about how it makes people feel ... how it ’ s cool to be kind to other people , and that ’ s important.
” To be sure , some research suggests encouraging quid pro quo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be an end in itself , not a means to an end .
But some who research kindness say proactive behavior modeling is one of the most effective ways to fight bullying .
In that way , Mr. Tucker ’ s effort is part of a broader shift in education – and parenting , suggests John-Tyler Binfet , a University of British Columbia education professor who has interviewed more than 3,000 students in his research on kindness and its impacts .
“ Here is a teacher – and one who is certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proactively decided to put emphasis and focus on pro-social behavior versus anti-social behavior , ” says Professor Binfet .
Celebrating good behavior , he adds , “ changes the climate.
” The birth of “ Stan the Man ” How Mr. Tucker came about the nickname , “ Stan the Man , ” is part of the inspiration he imparts to kids .
His full name is Stanley Thomas Tucker Jr. , after his father who was killed in a car crash caused by a drunk driver when the younger Tucker was 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his life .
But when he had to take a restaurant job in his struggle to keep Leap for Literacy afloat , everyone called him by the first name on his application : Stan .
But to him , “ Stan ” had always been his dad .
In his book , “ Stan and the Man , ” Mr. Tucker recalls the transformation from Thomas to Stan : “ The man loved me before I knew this world .
He gave me his name to give me something that I would always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m thankful for the time I had with the man , and I hope that he is proud of the man that I am.
” That genuine depth inspires children , says Ms. Styles-Smith , mother of Jaxon , a second grader who participated in the summer writing program .
Even though part of the program is transactional , it is built on the idea that kindness is , as Professor Binfet puts it , “ on the down-low.
” In that way , the Read ’ n ’ Roll cleaves the philosophy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empirical question is , what are these children walking away with other than books ?
” observes Daniel Fessler , director of the UCLA Bedari Kindness Institute .
An optimist , he says , would say that “ people do become more altruistic through an intentional process .
So , the earn-a-book program , well , that ’ s just the training wheels , the scaffolding through which learning takes place .
...
They simply learn to become kind.
” No matter the measurables on his nonprofit , Stan is a guide for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program .
When Jaxon ’ s grandfather passed away from COVID-19 in the spring , says Ms. Styles-Smith , Mr. Tucker was there to support the boy .
For Jaxon , his summer writing project didn ’ t earn him a published book .
But a short video of him reading his story about his dream of meeting Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones caught the attention of a local TV network .
That story in turn sparked a call from the Falcons ’ publicist to talk about making it happen .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jaxon .
“ Julio Jones isn ’ t just a hero to me , but a superhero .
That ’ s why I wrote the book.
” But such public rewards for his words and his acts aren ’ t what Jaxon recalls as he thinks about the Read ’ n ’ Roll and Stan the Man .
“ Stan teaches me how to be kind , especially when no one else is watching , ” says Jaxon .
“ It ’ s important to be kind because other people , if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be kind back .
”

As Jaxon, a Read ’n’ Roll regular, puts it: “Stan teaches me how to be kind, especially when no one else is watching. It’s important to be kind because other people, if you are kind to them, they will be kind back.”
Kindnesses that earn tickets run the gamut, from “I helped a student that dropped his books in the hall” to “I invited a student who was playing alone to play with our group.”
How do you teach children to value kindness? In Georgia, acts of generosity and compassion can earn kids more than a smile or a pat on the back.
He started hosting book giveaways at schools in 2015, during a year off from teaching. Over the past five years, his Leap for Literacy program has grown. He now gives away 2,500 books a year. But his program promotes more than literacy. At his Read ’n’ Roll bookmobile, kids pay for books with kindness tickets.
When Stan Tucker was teaching kindergarten, a student approached him before a book fair to say he wouldn’t be going because his mom didn’t have any money. It broke Mr. Tucker’s heart – and it gave him an idea for a way to get books into kids’ hands.
On Stan Tucker’s wildly painted Leap for Literacy bookmobile – crowned the Read ’n’ Roll – the books cost nothing. But they don’t come free. The currency that will buy them is kindness.
Acts are each recorded on kindness tickets that are legal tender on the Read ’n’ Roll.
When the Read ’n’ Roll shows up at a school, the kids excitedly bounce into a line for their chance to exchange their tickets for books.
Why We Wrote This How do you teach children to value kindness? In Georgia, acts of generosity and compassion can earn kids more than a smile or a pat on the back.
Kindnesses that earn tickets run the gamut, from “I helped a student that dropped his books in the hall” to “I invited a student who was playing alone to play with our group.”
When Mr. Tucker, now working as a waiter and camp counselor, was teaching kindergarten in suburban Atlanta in 2014, a student approached him before a book fair to say he wouldn’t be going because his mom didn’t have any money. It broke Mr. Tucker’s heart – and it gave him an idea for a way to get books into kids’ hands.
He started his program during a year off from teaching in 2015 when, hoping to keep working with kids, he was sometimes lugging more than 1,000 books in a beat-up Honda Element for giveaways at schools.
But to build the enterprise – because donors like measurables – Mr. Tucker knew he needed something to count. He landed on a measure of kindness.
“The quickest impact when you do something kind – you say something nice, you do something for them – is that smile that comes on their face, that instant gratification, of seeing that person happy,” says Mr. Tucker.
A rising tide of kindness
Over the past five years, Leap for Literacy has grown. He now gives away 2,500 books a year. More than 13,000 grade school students have traded kindness tickets for books. And, last summer, a new writing program served 500 children, a handful of whose writing the nonprofit has illustrated and published.
Mr. Tucker, who loved books as a kid, says it seemed impossible to make his dream work on a waiter’s pay. But, he adds, “at every turn, something has happened to keep this going.”
For example, there was his chance encounter with the country artist Zac Brown, an Atlanta native, who came into the restaurant where Tucker worked. Mr. Tucker laid the menus down and queried Mr. Brown’s five kids about school.
Because he liked the way Mr. Tucker interacted with his family, Mr. Brown gave the waiter his card and told him, “Maybe we can help each other out.” Indeed, Mr. Brown was starting a summer camp and offered Mr. Tucker a camp counselor job as well as an old tour bus for a bookmobile.
Another fortunate turn was the $25,000 check he got on The Ellen DeGeneres Show late last year. He used it to substantially expand his program. Five hundred kids participated remotely in a summer writing program in which they were given blank books to write in. A few of the books they wrote were chosen by the Leap for Literacy board to be illustrated and published. Mr. Tucker hopes to one day fill the Read ’n’ Roll with those books.
His next goal is to scale up his programs nationally – even globally. He plans to expand to 50,000 book donations and illustrate at least 10 children’s books in the next couple of years. And he’d like to reach 1 million acts of kindness.
“What Stan is doing is amazing,” says Quenecia Styles-Smith, whose son, Jaxon, participated in the summer writing program. It’s one thing to admonish a child for behaving badly, she says, but, “it’s another to notice when a child holds a door for someone” and to recognize and bring awareness to it.
It’s not all about the reward for being kind, says Ms. Styles-Smith, because “he talks about how it makes people feel ... how it’s cool to be kind to other people, and that’s important.”
To be sure, some research suggests encouraging quid pro quo kindness can be counterproductive because kindness ought to be an end in itself, not a means to an end. But some who research kindness say proactive behavior modeling is one of the most effective ways to fight bullying.
In that way, Mr. Tucker’s effort is part of a broader shift in education – and parenting, suggests John-Tyler Binfet, a University of British Columbia education professor who has interviewed more than 3,000 students in his research on kindness and its impacts.
“Here is a teacher – and one who is certainly not alone – who has purposely and proactively decided to put emphasis and focus on pro-social behavior versus anti-social behavior,” says Professor Binfet. Celebrating good behavior, he adds, “changes the climate.”
The birth of “Stan the Man”
How Mr. Tucker came about the nickname, “Stan the Man,” is part of the inspiration he imparts to kids. His full name is Stanley Thomas Tucker Jr., after his father who was killed in a car crash caused by a drunk driver when the younger Tucker was 8.
He went by Thomas most of his life. But when he had to take a restaurant job in his struggle to keep Leap for Literacy afloat, everyone called him by the first name on his application: Stan. But to him, “Stan” had always been his dad.
In his book, “Stan and the Man,” Mr. Tucker recalls the transformation from Thomas to Stan: “The man loved me before I knew this world. He gave me his name to give me something that I would always remember him by.
“I’m thankful for the time I had with the man, and I hope that he is proud of the man that I am.”
That genuine depth inspires children, says Ms. Styles-Smith, mother of Jaxon, a second grader who participated in the summer writing program.
Even though part of the program is transactional, it is built on the idea that kindness is, as Professor Binfet puts it, “on the down-low.”
In that way, the Read ’n’ Roll cleaves the philosophy of how kindness works.
“The empirical question is, what are these children walking away with other than books?” observes Daniel Fessler, director of the UCLA Bedari Kindness Institute.
An optimist, he says, would say that “people do become more altruistic through an intentional process. So, the earn-a-book program, well, that’s just the training wheels, the scaffolding through which learning takes place. ... They simply learn to become kind.”
No matter the measurables on his nonprofit, Stan is a guide for the students and parents who join his program. When Jaxon’s grandfather passed away from COVID-19 in the spring, says Ms. Styles-Smith, Mr. Tucker was there to support the boy.
For Jaxon, his summer writing project didn’t earn him a published book. But a short video of him reading his story about his dream of meeting Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones caught the attention of a local TV network. That story in turn sparked a call from the Falcons’ publicist to talk about making it happen.
“I hope it happens,” says Jaxon. “Julio Jones isn’t just a hero to me, but a superhero. That’s why I wrote the book.”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
But such public rewards for his words and his acts aren’t what Jaxon recalls as he thinks about the Read ’n’ Roll and Stan the Man.
“Stan teaches me how to be kind, especially when no one else is watching,” says Jaxon. “It’s important to be kind because other people, if you are kind to them, they will be kind back.”


csmonitor--2020-10-02--Points of Progress: Dozens of species saved from extinction

Conservation efforts have saved up to 48 bird and mammal species from extinction since a 1993 global agreement to protect biodiversity .
Scientists at Newcastle University and BirdLife International analyzed a list of 17,046 species to identify which birds and mammals would likely have gone extinct without intervention .
They concluded that extinction rates would have been three to four times higher , likely claiming the California condor , Iberian lynx , pygmy hog , and Puerto Rican Amazon parrot .
Estimates show between 21 and 32 bird species have been saved through invasive species control , zoo conservation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 16 mammals have avoided extinction through legislation , introduction programs , and zoo collections .
Researchers say the study is a “ glimmer of hope ” for groups disheartened by the United Nations ’ bleak Global Biodiversity Outlook report for the 2011-20 period .
“ We usually hear bad stories about the biodiversity crisis and there is no doubt that we are facing an unprecedented loss in biodiversity through human activity , ” said Phil McGowan , a Newcastle University professor who co-led the study .
“ The loss of entire species @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will to do so.
” ( The Guardian ) The 2020 Booker Prize shortlist is the most diverse it ’ s ever been , with four of the six finalists being writers of color .
The list also includes several debut novelists , including Brandon Taylor and Avni Doshi .
Diversity remains a persistent issue in the literary world , with recent surveys suggesting Black , Asian , and other ethnic minority staffers make up only 11 % of the U.K. ’ s publishing industry .
Established in 1969 , the annual Booker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published in the United Kingdom .
Winners receive £50,000 ( $ 63,600 ) .
Bernardine Evaristo , who won the 2019 Booker Prize for her book “ Girl , Woman , Other , ” tweeted about her excitement regarding the makeup of this year ’ s shortlist .
“ It ’ s all about who ’ s in the room and the value they place on different kinds of literature , ” she wrote .
“ If you ’ re looking for fresh perspectives and narratives , surely you ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” The ceremony for this year ’ s winner will take place on Oct. 27 .
( Bustle ) For the first time , former members of the FARC rebel group have apologized for kidnappings and other war crimes committed during Colombia ’ s decadeslong civil war .
A 2016 peace agreement ended the violence , but until now , many ex-guerrillas have been reluctant to acknowledge their specific crimes .
Eight top commanders of the now-disbanded group signed an apology , acknowledging the kidnappings were an “ extremely grave mistake ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Experts say this is an important step forward in a long reconciliation process .
Still , many in Colombia say the deal lets former guerrillas off lightly .
All eight signatories are now part of the FARC political party , established in exchange for disarmament .
A special court also offers ex-FARC members and other war criminals reduced sentences if they confess to their crimes upfront .
“ This is a big first step in the right direction , ” said Kyle Johnson , co-founder of the Bogotá-based Conflict Responses Foundation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ long road ahead .
A lot of victims want the truth , not just an apology.
” ( BBC , Vice ) A report by Europe ’ s leading national electricity associations and companies says up to 80 % of electricity generated in the European Union could be fossil fuel-free by 2030 despite ongoing economic turmoil .
In the first half of 2020 , two-thirds of the bloc ’ s electricity was carbon-free , and renewables generation increased to 40 % of the overall electricity mix .
A decade ago , renewables accounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s electricity .
“ This year , the power sector has proven its crucial value for society by providing hospitals , government offices , and millions of home-working Europeans with clean and reliable power , ” said Kristian Ruby , secretary-general of Eurelectric , the group that published the report .
Remaining barriers to wind and solar capacity could still keep the EU from hitting its 2030 targets , the association warned , and the pandemic will likely delay permit procedures and slow down progress .
( Reuters ) An amendment to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s rights to own land .
Before now , land rights were only granted to unmarried women or wives of men who were not already landowners .
While the government can issue deeds to anyone with a legitimate claim to land , that process could take decades , leaving millions of women – widows , single mothers , and many wives – vulnerable .
The new policy grants equal eligibility to a residential plot anywhere women choose .
President Mokgweetsi Masisi called on local authorities and nongovernmental organizations to launch campaigns educating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Botswana Land Policy of 2019 .
Women ’ s rights activist Tunah Moalosi said she applauds the move , which will protect widows and “ allow women to be independent in marriages.
” ( Thomson Reuters Foundation , Anadolu Agency ) A new analysis shows many Chinese cities have reduced fine particle air pollution by an average of 33 % in recent years .
Researchers studied levels of fine particulate matter ( PM2.5 ) – pollution particles with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers that linger in the air longer , creating a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s provinces , municipalities , autonomous regions , and special administrative regions .
They found that PM2.5 and its associated risks decreased significantly in 74 key cities from 1990 to 2017 .
Experts acknowledged that 81 % of the population still lives in regions with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding World Health Organization guidelines , stating that “ with further economic development in China , more sustainable development policies should be instituted and enforced.
” The drop comes after massive efforts to curb emissions throughout the country , especially from households .
The proportion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as coal , has decreased from 61 % in 2005 to 32 % in 2017 , as the government promotes clean energy alternatives .
( The Lancet )

World
Conservation efforts have saved up to 48 bird and mammal species from extinction since a 1993 global agreement to protect biodiversity. Scientists at Newcastle University and BirdLife International analyzed a list of 17,046 species to identify which birds and mammals would likely have gone extinct without intervention. They concluded that extinction rates would have been three to four times higher, likely claiming the California condor, Iberian lynx, pygmy hog, and Puerto Rican Amazon parrot. Estimates show between 21 and 32 bird species have been saved through invasive species control, zoo conservation, and habitat protection, and between seven and 16 mammals have avoided extinction through legislation, introduction programs, and zoo collections.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP/File View caption Hide caption The California condor, seen perched in the Los Padres National Forest in 2008, is one of up to 32 birds saved from probable extinction by conservationists.
Researchers say the study is a “glimmer of hope” for groups disheartened by the United Nations’ bleak Global Biodiversity Outlook report for the 2011-20 period. “We usually hear bad stories about the biodiversity crisis and there is no doubt that we are facing an unprecedented loss in biodiversity through human activity,” said Phil McGowan, a Newcastle University professor who co-led the study. “The loss of entire species can be stopped if there is sufficient will to do so.” (The Guardian)
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.
1. United Kingdom
The 2020 Booker Prize shortlist is the most diverse it’s ever been, with four of the six finalists being writers of color. The list also includes several debut novelists, including Brandon Taylor and Avni Doshi. Diversity remains a persistent issue in the literary world, with recent surveys suggesting Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority staffers make up only 11% of the U.K.’s publishing industry. Established in 1969, the annual Booker Prize honors the best original English-language novel published in the United Kingdom. Winners receive £50,000 ($63,600).
Avalon.red/Newscom View caption Hide caption Bernardine Evaristo, winner of the 2019 Booker Prize, called the recently announced short- list “groundbreaking.”
Bernardine Evaristo, who won the 2019 Booker Prize for her book “Girl, Woman, Other,” tweeted about her excitement regarding the makeup of this year’s shortlist. “It’s all about who’s in the room and the value they place on different kinds of literature,” she wrote. “If you’re looking for fresh perspectives and narratives, surely you’re going to find it among the most underrepresented voices?” The ceremony for this year’s winner will take place on Oct. 27. (Bustle)
2. Colombia
For the first time, former members of the FARC rebel group have apologized for kidnappings and other war crimes committed during Colombia’s decadeslong civil war. A 2016 peace agreement ended the violence, but until now, many ex-guerrillas have been reluctant to acknowledge their specific crimes. Eight top commanders of the now-disbanded group signed an apology, acknowledging the kidnappings were an “extremely grave mistake” and asking victims’ families for forgiveness. Experts say this is an important step forward in a long reconciliation process. Still, many in Colombia say the deal lets former guerrillas off lightly. All eight signatories are now part of the FARC political party, established in exchange for disarmament. A special court also offers ex-FARC members and other war criminals reduced sentences if they confess to their crimes upfront. “This is a big first step in the right direction,” said Kyle Johnson, co-founder of the Bogotá-based Conflict Responses Foundation. “But there’s still a long road ahead. A lot of victims want the truth, not just an apology.” (BBC, Vice)
3. Europe
A report by Europe’s leading national electricity associations and companies says up to 80% of electricity generated in the European Union could be fossil fuel-free by 2030 despite ongoing economic turmoil. In the first half of 2020, two-thirds of the bloc’s electricity was carbon-free, and renewables generation increased to 40% of the overall electricity mix. A decade ago, renewables accounted for 20% of the EU’s electricity.
Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff/File View caption Hide caption Sheep graze under solar panels on March 9, 2017, in Samso, Denmark. Analysts say 80% of all electricity generated in the EU could be fossil fuel-free by 2030.
“This year, the power sector has proven its crucial value for society by providing hospitals, government offices, and millions of home-working Europeans with clean and reliable power,” said Kristian Ruby, secretary-general of Eurelectric, the group that published the report. Remaining barriers to wind and solar capacity could still keep the EU from hitting its 2030 targets, the association warned, and the pandemic will likely delay permit procedures and slow down progress. (Reuters)
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
4. Botswana
An amendment to the 2015 Land Policy in Botswana expands women’s rights to own land. Before now, land rights were only granted to unmarried women or wives of men who were not already landowners. While the government can issue deeds to anyone with a legitimate claim to land, that process could take decades, leaving millions of women – widows, single mothers, and many wives – vulnerable. The new policy grants equal eligibility to a residential plot anywhere women choose. President Mokgweetsi Masisi called on local authorities and nongovernmental organizations to launch campaigns educating women about their rights under the Revised Botswana Land Policy of 2019. Women’s rights activist Tunah Moalosi said she applauds the move, which will protect widows and “allow women to be independent in marriages.” (Thomson Reuters Foundation, Anadolu Agency)
5. China
A new analysis shows many Chinese cities have reduced fine particle air pollution by an average of 33% in recent years. Researchers studied levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – pollution particles with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers that linger in the air longer, creating a haze – in all of China’s provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions, and special administrative regions. They found that PM2.5 and its associated risks decreased significantly in 74 key cities from 1990 to 2017. Experts acknowledged that 81% of the population still lives in regions with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding World Health Organization guidelines, stating that “with further economic development in China, more sustainable development policies should be instituted and enforced.” The drop comes after massive efforts to curb emissions throughout the country, especially from households. The proportion of families cooking with solid fuels, such as coal, has decreased from 61% in 2005 to 32% in 2017, as the government promotes clean energy alternatives. (The Lancet)


csmonitor--2020-10-02--Will Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis change anything? Or everything?

“ [ S ] chadenfreude is never admirable , ” tweets Pete Wehner , a veteran of Republican administrations .
“ Appealing to better angels is.
” Still this moment , just 32 days before the Nov. 3 election , presents an opportunity to pause and reflect – and to rise , if possible , above politics .
In a larger sense , it ’ s a reminder of the norm-breaking nature of this presidency .
Mr. Trump ’ s frequent refusal to wear a mask in public – and his mockery of Mr. Biden for wearing one – may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large , reflecting the president ’ s willingness to take risks and dismiss expert advice .
Even more important may be the questions of governance that arise when the president of the United States faces a serious physical challenge .
The implications of the president ’ s diagnosis span wide , from national security to the economy to public safety to the election itself .
An onslaught of false information , some designed to mislead , is already circulating on the internet .
Among some Americans , the president ’ s diagnosis was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election year like no other has taken its sharpest turn yet , with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump testing positive for COVID-19 .
An election year like no other has taken its sharpest turn yet , with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump testing positive for COVID-19 .
On Friday , the president was set to go to Walter Reed Medical Center , out of what the White House said was an abundance of caution .
Mr. Trump has canceled all travel for the coming days , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
Well wishes from both sides of the aisle and world leaders have poured forth .
In a tweet , Democratic nominee Joe Biden and his wife , Jill , offered their support to the Trumps early Friday .
“ We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family , ” they said .
Both Bidens have tested negative .
Perhaps this moment , just 32 days before the Nov. 3 election , presents an opportunity to pause and reflect – and to rise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ S ] chadenfreude is never admirable , ” tweets Pete Wehner , a veteran of Republican administrations .
“ Appealing to better angels is.
” Still , the latest White House COVID-19 crisis is a reminder of the norm-breaking nature of this presidency .
Mr. Trump ’ s frequent refusal to wear a mask in public – and his mockery of Mr. Biden for wearing one – may be a metaphor for his presidency writ large , reflecting the president ’ s willingness to take risks and dismiss expert advice .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stepped up their use of masks , some top officials still aren ’ t wearing them in public .
The campaign itself won ’ t stop , even in the coming days .
Fundraising , strategizing , and events continue – with Mr. Biden on Friday traveling to Michigan .
Vice President Mike Pence , who has tested negative for the virus , is planning to continue to campaign in person .
The vice presidential debate is so far still on for Oct. 7 – and is likely to get more than usual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the running mates of the two oldest presidential nominees in U.S. history .
The future of the remaining two presidential debates , scheduled for Oct. 15 and 22 , remains uncertain .
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Friday he plans to press ahead with the Supreme Court nomination hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett , set to start Oct. 12 .
One member of the Senate Judiciary Committee , Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah , announced Friday that he has tested positive and plans to isolate for 10 days before returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more important may be the questions of governance that arise when the president of the United States faces a serious physical challenge .
The American system has built-in backups .
The vice president is standing by , empowered to take over the president ’ s duties in the event he becomes incapacitated .
But the implications of the president ’ s diagnosis span wide , from national security to the economy to public safety to the election itself .
Mr. Trump ’ s team is on the lookout for foreign adversaries seeking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false information , some designed to mislead , is already circulating on the internet .
Among some Americans , the president ’ s diagnosis was immediately dismissed as a lie .
Others began speculating that the White House was downplaying the severity of Mr. Trump ’ s condition .
“ It ’ s as if a nuclear information bomb exploded on social media , ” Clint Watts , a former FBI special agent and expert on influence operations , tells The Washington Post .
My colleague Peter Grier wrote in a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for exploiting the cracks in the American system of governance , aided by long-building cultural and political trends .
As the nation confronts perhaps the most jarring October surprise in history , it could raise new questions about the U.S. electoral system ’ s ability to navigate and absorb shocks .

“[S]chadenfreude is never admirable,” tweets Pete Wehner, a veteran of Republican administrations. “Appealing to better angels is.”
Still this moment, just 32 days before the Nov. 3 election, presents an opportunity to pause and reflect – and to rise, if possible, above politics.
In a larger sense, it’s a reminder of the norm-breaking nature of this presidency. Mr. Trump’s frequent refusal to wear a mask in public – and his mockery of Mr. Biden for wearing one – may be a metaphor for his presidency writ large, reflecting the president’s willingness to take risks and dismiss expert advice.
Even more important may be the questions of governance that arise when the president of the United States faces a serious physical challenge.
As the nation confronts perhaps the most jarring October surprise in history, it could raise new questions about the U.S. electoral system’s ability to navigate and absorb shocks.
The implications of the president’s diagnosis span wide, from national security to the economy to public safety to the election itself. An onslaught of false information, some designed to mislead, is already circulating on the internet. Among some Americans, the president’s diagnosis was immediately dismissed as a lie.
An election year like no other has taken its sharpest turn yet, with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump testing positive for COVID-19.
An election year like no other has taken its sharpest turn yet, with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump testing positive for COVID-19.
On Friday, the president was set to go to Walter Reed Medical Center, out of what the White House said was an abundance of caution. Mr. Trump has canceled all travel for the coming days, while his campaign events have moved online for now.
Well wishes from both sides of the aisle and world leaders have poured forth. In a tweet, Democratic nominee Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, offered their support to the Trumps early Friday.
Why We Wrote This As the nation confronts perhaps the most jarring October surprise in history, it could raise new questions about the U.S. electoral system’s ability to navigate and absorb shocks.
“We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family,” they said. Both Bidens have tested negative.
Perhaps this moment, just 32 days before the Nov. 3 election, presents an opportunity to pause and reflect – and to rise, if possible, above politics.
“[S]chadenfreude is never admirable,” tweets Pete Wehner, a veteran of Republican administrations. “Appealing to better angels is.”
Still, the latest White House COVID-19 crisis is a reminder of the norm-breaking nature of this presidency. Mr. Trump’s frequent refusal to wear a mask in public – and his mockery of Mr. Biden for wearing one – may be a metaphor for his presidency writ large, reflecting the president’s willingness to take risks and dismiss expert advice. Even now, although White House staffers have stepped up their use of masks, some top officials still aren’t wearing them in public.
Leah Millis/Reuters View caption Hide caption U.S. President Donald Trump waves to media after returning on Air Force One from a campaign rally in Minnesota, Oct. 1, 2020. President Trump announced early on Oct. 2 that he tested positive for the coronavirus disease.
The campaign itself won’t stop, even in the coming days. Fundraising, strategizing, and events continue – with Mr. Biden on Friday traveling to Michigan. Vice President Mike Pence, who has tested negative for the virus, is planning to continue to campaign in person.
The vice presidential debate is so far still on for Oct. 7 – and is likely to get more than usual scrutiny, given that it will feature the running mates of the two oldest presidential nominees in U.S. history. The future of the remaining two presidential debates, scheduled for Oct. 15 and 22, remains uncertain.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Friday he plans to press ahead with the Supreme Court nomination hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett, set to start Oct. 12. One member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, announced Friday that he has tested positive and plans to isolate for 10 days before returning to Washington for the hearings.
Even more important may be the questions of governance that arise when the president of the United States faces a serious physical challenge.
The American system has built-in backups. The vice president is standing by, empowered to take over the president’s duties in the event he becomes incapacitated.
But the implications of the president’s diagnosis span wide, from national security to the economy to public safety to the election itself. Mr. Trump’s team is on the lookout for foreign adversaries seeking to exploit the situation. An onslaught of false information, some designed to mislead, is already circulating on the internet. Among some Americans, the president’s diagnosis was immediately dismissed as a lie. Others began speculating that the White House was downplaying the severity of Mr. Trump’s condition.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
“It’s as if a nuclear information bomb exploded on social media,” Clint Watts, a former FBI special agent and expert on influence operations, tells The Washington Post.
My colleague Peter Grier wrote in a series of articles that Mr. Trump has a knack for exploiting the cracks in the American system of governance, aided by long-building cultural and political trends. As the nation confronts perhaps the most jarring October surprise in history, it could raise new questions about the U.S. electoral system’s ability to navigate and absorb shocks.