The coronavirus was present in the U.S. weeks earlier than scientists and public health officials previously thought — and before cases in China were publicly identified, according to a new government study published Monday. The discovery was uncovered after analyzing blood donations from nine states and strengthens evidence that COVID-19 was quietly spreading around the world before health officials were aware.

 

by Korva Coleman and Jill Hudson First Up Yana Paskova/Getty Images Here's what we're following today. The coronavirus was present in the U.S. weeks earlier than scientists and public health officials previously thought — and before cases in China were publicly identified, according to a new government study published Monday. The discovery was uncovered after analyzing blood donations from nine states and strengthens evidence that COVID-19 was quietly spreading around the world before health officials were aware. Dr. Scott Atlas, the controversial coronavirus adviser to President Trump, resigned Monday. The radiologist, who was not trained in infectious disease treatment, had advanced fringe theories about the pandemic. He also made numerous political blunders during his brief tenure, including a lengthy interview with Russian state media that ran just days before the U.S. presidential election. An advisory committee to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will vote on Tuesday on who will get the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. States are practicing how they'll distribute vaccines once they receive the medication. Listen here It's Giving Tuesday, an international day of generosity in support of the things that matter to you. If the independent, reliable reporting you get from this newsletter and public radio matters to you, then donate to your NPR station today.   Donate now    Newsletter continues after sponsor message Best Books Of The Year NPR Every year, NPR brings together some of the best books in a searchable, explorable guide called the Book Concierge. It can help you find exactly the read you're looking for. Click here to browse nearly 2,500 titles, all hand-picked by NPR staff and trusted critics — with handy filters to help you find the perfect book! NPR's Linda Holmes and Petra Mayer got together to talk about a few of the science fiction and fantasy books that turned up in this year's guide. Take a listen.  Today's Listens Michael Dwyer/AP Many Americans who've lost income in the pandemic are falling deeper into debt — forced to pay bills or even their rent on credit cards. It's a sign of trouble ahead for the economy. Listen here. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly spoke to Lindsay Jones of The Athletic about the Denver Broncos having to play an inexperienced quarterback after four others broke COVID-19 protocols. You can hear the story by clicking here. Picture This Setor Fiadzigbey/G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers Misty Copeland is a principal dancer for American Ballet Theatre who began training in classical ballet when she was 13. In her new book, Bunheads, a young girl named Misty discovers her love of dance with her friends. Copeland hopes the book will help young dancers feel comfortable in the studio and on the stage. She says illustrator Setor Fiadzigbey channeled "superhero energy" into dancers leaping off the page. Listen to Copeland's story here.  Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Music, Politics, Health and more!