Trump's controversial coronavirus advisor resigns report
One of President Donald Trump's favored coronavirus advisors who sparked controversy over his comments against mask-wearing and other issues has resigned, US media reported Monday.
Fox News obtained the resignation letter dated December 1 for Scott Atlas, who lacked relevant experience or qualifications in public health or infectious disease.
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The outlet also reported that Atlas's contract was already set to expire later this week.
"I am writing to resign from my position as special advisor to the president of the United States," Atlas said in his resignation letter.
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He thanked Trump for the honor and wished "all the best" to President-elect Joe Biden's incoming administration.
"I worked hard with a singular focus -- to save lives and help Americans through this pandemic," Atlas said, adding that he "always relied on the latest science and evidence, without any political consideration or influence."
Atlas attracted controversy during much of his time working for the outgoing president, and his resignation comes with Covid-19 cases surging nationwide.
Both the scientific and public health community heavily disputed his expertise and qualifications for his role.
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In October, he tweeted: "Masks work? NO," despite overwhelming scientific evidence proving the benefit of wearing masks. Twitter concealed the message as misinformation.
He also gave an interview to Russian state-controlled TV channel RT, during which he downplayed the severity of the US coronavirus spread.
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In November, he urged people in Michigan to "rise up" against Covid-19 measures, such as lockdowns to slow the spread of the virus, rather than engage in an all-hands-on-deck effort to defeat the pandemic.
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As of Monday evening, the US had recorded 13,522,247 coronavirus cases and 267,844 deaths, both by far the worst tolls in the world.
Bank of America said Monday that it would not finance oil and gas drilling projects in the Arctic, the latest large US bank to take the step long sought by environmental advocates.
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A Bank of America spokesman confirmed the decision to AFP after it was initially reported by Bloomberg.
Environmental protection organization the Sierra Club welcomed the news.
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"Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Chase, Wells Fargo and Citi have all announced similar policies this year," the NGO said in a statement.
"Bank of America has faced mounting pressure in recent months from indigenous communities, environmental advocates and shareholders to follow suit."
The decision comes after outgoing US President Donald Trump's administration in mid-November launched the formal process of selling oil drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the US state of Alaska.
The refuge is home to a number of protected animal species, including polar bears and caribou.
Sales could in theory occur before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20, though some analysts doubt the process can be concluded by then.
With oil prices low at around $45 per barrel, it is also not clear how much interest the leases will generate, given their location far from major infrastructure and the costs required.
"It has long been clear that drilling in the Arctic Refuge would trample indigenous rights, threaten vulnerable wildlife and worsen the climate crisis," said the Sierra Club's Ben Cushing.
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"Now that every major American bank has stated unequivocally that they will not finance this destructive activity, it should be clearer than ever that any oil company considering participating in Trump’s ill-advised lease sale should stay away."
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NBA championship-winning centre Andrew Bogut announced his immediate retirement from basketball Tuesday after a 15-year career.
The 36-year-old Australian, who was the NBA's top draft pick in 2005 for the Milwaukee Bucks, said the coronavirus shutdown had given him the time to reflect on his future.
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"The decision hasn't been an easy one, but I think its the right decision," he said on his podcast 'Rogue Bogues'.
"I'll be retiring from professional basketball effective immediately."
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Bogut said he had been grappling with chronic pain from injuries, revealing he had undergone two surgeries during the off-season.
"The last two years have been a challenge for me, just to get out of bed in the morning some days, let alone go to a training session or a game," he said.
"The body, probably from 2018 onwards, was hanging on a thread.
"I'd say 2019-20 season that thread was completely frayed and in little pieces."
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Bogut said he had previously been focused on making it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to represent Australia but now wanted to prioritise his health.
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"I just can't physically and mentally get to 2021 with the way the body has been," he said.
"I could get there with a lot of painkillers and mental anguish but it's just not worth it at this point in my career.
"I'm really starting to value my health away from the court, and my health when I'm 40, 45 and 50."
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The announcement comes just six months after Bogut said he would not be renewing his contract with the Sydney Kings in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL).
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He signed a two-year contract with the Kings in 2018 following a 13-year NBA career capped when he won the championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2015.
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Bogut, who stands 2.13m tall (7ft), spent seven seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded to Golden State. He also played with the Dallas Mavericks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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He was the NBL's MVP for the 2018/19 season. The Kings made it to the league's grand final this year before the season was ended prematurely by the coronavirus shutdown.