usatoday--2020-08-03--MLB postpones Cardinals' next series after 13 test positive for COVID-19

In the latest blow to a season quickly turning into a health and logistical quagmire , Major League Baseball on Monday postponed a four-game set between the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers after seven Cardinals players and six staff members tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
The Cardinals have not played since July 29 , when they lost to the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in their fifth game .
Since then , a trickle of positive tests kept the team off the field in Milwaukee and marooned there as the entire team went through multiple – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an effort to contain the outbreak within the team .
That resulted in the Cardinals ’ three-game weekend series at Milwaukee getting postponed , and the club remains quarantined at their hotel there .
Now , they will be on ice through Thursday before returning to St. Louis and , they hope , resuming their season with a series against the Chicago Cubs .
`` It 's hard to think about the future when you 're literally just trying to get through the day , '' says John Mozeliak , Cardinals president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 13 cases , five are asymptomatic and eight have light symptoms , none requiring hospitalization .
The consecutive series postponements leaves the Cardinals with seven games to make up , joining the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies with the most contests to play .
The Marlins lost a week of their season after 21 players and staff tested positive , with the Phillies also missing seven games because of two positive tests among staff after their team ’ s series against the Marlins .
“ In our particular situation , we made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeter said , citing breaches in health and safety protocols that may have contributed to positive tests .
“ I hope people see what happened to us and use that as a warning if you ’ re not following the protocols 100 % .
You can ’ t let your guard down .
`` We ’ re battling something that is invisible.
’ ’ The Marlins and Phillies are stuck on just three games played , while the Cardinals have played just five , almost ensuring those teams won ’ t come close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday night several teams will have already played 11 games .
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred indicated Saturday he ’ d be satisfied to determine playoff spots by winning percentage should an unequal amount of games be played .
In all , 19 games involving nine teams must be made up .

Gabe Lacques and Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY

MLB postpones Cardinals' next series after 13 test positive for COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption Who's hot, who's not in MLB: Aaron Judge sizzles while Cubs' closer fizzles SportsPulse: Our MLB guru Steve Gardner dishes on who's hot and who's not from this past week's action on the field in baseball. USA TODAY
In the latest blow to a season quickly turning into a health and logistical quagmire, Major League Baseball on Monday postponed a four-game set between the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers after seven Cardinals players and six staff members tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
The Cardinals have not played since July 29, when they lost to the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in their fifth game. Since then, a trickle of positive tests kept the team off the field in Milwaukee and marooned there as the entire team went through multiple – and in some cases, conflicting – tests in an effort to contain the outbreak within the team.
That resulted in the Cardinals’ three-game weekend series at Milwaukee getting postponed, and the club remains quarantined at their hotel there. Now, they will be on ice through Thursday before returning to St. Louis and, they hope, resuming their season with a series against the Chicago Cubs.
"It's hard to think about the future when you're literally just trying to get through the day,'' says John Mozeliak, Cardinals president of baseball operations.
He said of the 13 cases, five are asymptomatic and eight have light symptoms, none requiring hospitalization.
The consecutive series postponements leaves the Cardinals with seven games to make up, joining the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies with the most contests to play. The Marlins lost a week of their season after 21 players and staff tested positive, with the Phillies also missing seven games because of two positive tests among staff after their team’s series against the Marlins.
“In our particular situation, we made mistakes,’’ Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said, citing breaches in health and safety protocols that may have contributed to positive tests. “I hope people see what happened to us and use that as a warning if you’re not following the protocols 100%. You can’t let your guard down.
"We’re battling something that is invisible.’’
The Marlins and Phillies are stuck on just three games played, while the Cardinals have played just five, almost ensuring those teams won’t come close to completing their 60-game schedules; by Monday night several teams will have already played 11 games. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred indicated Saturday he’d be satisfied to determine playoff spots by winning percentage should an unequal amount of games be played.
In all, 19 games involving nine teams must be made up.


usatoday--2020-08-03--Investigation underway into dog demonstration involving Colin Kaepernick jersey at SEAL Museum

ST. LUCIE COUNTY , Fla. — The U.S .
Naval Special Warfare Command is investigating a reported incident said on social media to have happened at the National Navy SEAL Museum in which the target of a military dog demonstration wore a Colin Kaepernick jersey , according to the agency ’ s Twitter account .
There are no apparent signs identifying the facility in the videos as the SEAL Museum in St. Lucie County .
“ We became aware today of a video of a Navy SEAL Museum event posted last year with a military working dog demonstration , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” wears a jersey of Kaepernick , who has been unsigned by NFL teams since 2017 after he protested police brutality against Black people and other social injustices by kneeling during the national anthem as a member of the San Francisco 49ers .
“ The inherent message of this video is completely inconsistent with the values and ethos of Naval Special Warfare and the U.S. Navy , ” the post states .
The Seal Museum , on Hutchinson Island north of Fort Pierce , opened on Veterans Day in 1985 , and showcases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is a popular destination in St. Lucie County .
The videos show four dogs attacking a man , who is wearing a red Kaepernick football jersey over heavily padded gear as people stand nearby watching .
In a second video , the man is laying on the ground when he ’ s approached by men wearing fatigues and holding rifles , saying , “ On your belly.
” The man replies , “ Oh , man , I will stand , ” as he rolls over , followed by laughing from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted on Instagram last year and resurfaced over the weekend .
A crowd of onlookers can be seen as the camera pans .
Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm .
He also covers strange , wild and weird Treasure Coast crimes in “ Off The Beat.
” Follow Will on Twitter @ OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-692-8936 .
E-mail him at will.greenlee @ tcpalm.com

Will Greenlee, Treasure Coast Newspapers

Investigation underway into dog demonstration involving Colin Kaepernick jersey at SEAL Museum
Show Caption Hide Caption Colin Kaepernick 'still hoping, preparing' to play in the NFL What I'm Hearing: USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell explains why Colin Kaepernick deserves a chance to play in the NFL again. USA TODAY
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — The U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command is investigating a reported incident said on social media to have happened at the National Navy SEAL Museum in which the target of a military dog demonstration wore a Colin Kaepernick jersey, according to the agency’s Twitter account.
There are no apparent signs identifying the facility in the videos as the SEAL Museum in St. Lucie County.
“We became aware today of a video of a Navy SEAL Museum event posted last year with a military working dog demonstration,” the post states.
The “target” wears a jersey of Kaepernick, who has been unsigned by NFL teams since 2017 after he protested police brutality against Black people and other social injustices by kneeling during the national anthem as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
“The inherent message of this video is completely inconsistent with the values and ethos of Naval Special Warfare and the U.S. Navy,” the post states.
The Seal Museum, on Hutchinson Island north of Fort Pierce, opened on Veterans Day in 1985, and showcases the history of the elite Navy SEALS. It is a popular destination in St. Lucie County.
In another video, after “Navy SEALs and Navy SEAL dogs take down Colin Kaepernick for not standing during National Anthem,” he moans something like, "Oh man, I will stand” #BecauseFlorida https://t.co/uZ3ervZguB pic.twitter.com/6vi1uCGIt5 — Billy Corben (@BillyCorben) August 2, 2020
The videos show four dogs attacking a man, who is wearing a red Kaepernick football jersey over heavily padded gear as people stand nearby watching. In a second video, the man is laying on the ground when he’s approached by men wearing fatigues and holding rifles, saying, “On your belly.” The man replies, “Oh, man, I will stand,” as he rolls over, followed by laughing from the crowd.
The videos were apparently posted on Instagram last year and resurfaced over the weekend. A crowd of onlookers can be seen as the camera pans.
Contributing: Associated Press
Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. He also covers strange, wild and weird Treasure Coast crimes in “Off The Beat.” Follow Will on Twitter @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-692-8936. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com


usatoday--2020-08-03--Wildlife sanctuary celebrates successful koala breeding season after devastating bushfires

The Australian Reptile Park is celebrating a successful koala breeding season following intense bushfires that devastated the koala population .

Wildlife sanctuary celebrates new koala births after recent bushfires
The Australian Reptile Park is celebrating a successful koala breeding season following intense bushfires that devastated the koala population.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-08-03--President Trump threatens legal action over Nevada's new mail-in-ballot law

President Trump threatens Nevada with lawsuit over mail-in-ballots during coronavirus briefing .

President Trump: threatens Nevada with lawsuit over mail-in-ballots
President Trump threatens Nevada with lawsuit over mail-in-ballots during coronavirus briefing.
USA TODAY, Associated Press


usatoday--2020-08-03--Trump threatens legal action after Nevada passes bill to expand mail-in voting

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Monday said he plans to challenge a bill approved by Nevada 's state legislature that would guarantee mail-in ballots to all active voters , as the president stepped up his attacks on states ' efforts to expand vote-by-mail amid the pandemic .
`` We will be suing in Nevada , and that 's already been taken care of , '' Trump said of the measure at a White House press briefing , though the bill has yet to be signed into law .
`` We 'll probably file something tomorrow . ''
Hours earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sisolak , who is expected to sign the bill into law , of using the coronavirus crisis to `` steal '' the election after state lawmakers approved legislation Sunday .
Nevada passed Assembly Bill 4 after a June primary election in which voters were forced to wait several hours before casting a ballot at a limited number of polling places officials kept open during the coronavirus outbreak .
The bill is designed to help voters avoid long lines in November by ensuring that every active registered voter receives a mail-in ballot ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place during a statewide disaster or emergency declaration .
The measure also mandates a minimum number of in-person polling places , where voters will also be allowed to drop off mail-in ballots .
`` In an illegal late night coup , Nevada 's clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state , '' he tweeted Monday morning .
`` Post office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation .
Using Covid to steal the state .
See you in Court ! ''
The threat is the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the expansion of mail-in voting .
Trump has claimed that mail-in voting will lead to widespread voter fraud , even though evidence from past elections suggests that is not the case .
One analysis from the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice found only 491 cases of absentee voter fraud out of billions of votes cast across all U.S. elections from 2000 to 2012 .
The president last week went as far as to suggest delaying the general election over his concerns of expanded mail-in voting , a decision that would require approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congressional Republicans and Democrats .
Trump again argued that the U.S .
Postal Service is not equipped to handle a surge in mail-in ballots and said a New York congressional primary race held in June should be invalidated as election officials have yet to determine a winner .
`` I think I can say right here and now , you have to re-run that race , ” he said .
The president called the Nevada measure a `` disgrace '' and said if it becomes law , `` you 'll never know who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join several states that have moved to expand access to mail-in ballots amid the ongoing pandemic , including California and Vermont .
Nevada 's bill also allows for the elderly and those with physical disabilities to be able to have another individual to fill out or hand in their ballot on their behalf , a practice Republicans have assailed as illegal `` ballot harvesting . ''
The president and some Republicans have attacked several states for expanding mail-in voting , including in Michigan , where Trump threatened to withhold state funding after lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forms , not actual ballots .
The Republican National Committee and the advocacy group Judicial Watch filed separate lawsuits in May to block Democratic California Gov .
Gavin Newsom from sending mail-in ballots to all active registered voters across the state .
But both groups dropped their lawsuits July 9 , after state lawmakers approved legislation to mail ballots to all voters .
Not all Republicans are dismissing mail-in voting .
Republican state parties in critical battleground states such as Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin are promoting vote-by-mail as an option if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's own campaign has pushed state parties to encourage voters to request mail ballots .
Trump has sought to draw a distinction between mail-in voting and absentee ballots , which he argues are secure , but experts say there is no difference between the two .
`` Universal mail-in ballots [ are ] going to be a great embarrassment for our country , '' he told reporters .
'He 's scaring our own voters ' : Republicans run into a Donald Trump problem as they push mail voting

Trump threatens legal action after Nevada passes bill to expand mail-in voting
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Monday said he plans to challenge a bill approved by Nevada's state legislature that would guarantee mail-in ballots to all active voters, as the president stepped up his attacks on states' efforts to expand vote-by-mail amid the pandemic.
"We will be suing in Nevada, and that's already been taken care of," Trump said of the measure at a White House press briefing, though the bill has yet to be signed into law. "We'll probably file something tomorrow."
Hours earlier the president accused Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak, who is expected to sign the bill into law, of using the coronavirus crisis to "steal" the election after state lawmakers approved legislation Sunday.
Nevada passed Assembly Bill 4 after a June primary election in which voters were forced to wait several hours before casting a ballot at a limited number of polling places officials kept open during the coronavirus outbreak. The bill is designed to help voters avoid long lines in November by ensuring that every active registered voter receives a mail-in ballot ahead of November and in any future election taking place during a statewide disaster or emergency declaration.
The measure also mandates a minimum number of in-person polling places, where voters will also be allowed to drop off mail-in ballots.
"In an illegal late night coup, Nevada's clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state," he tweeted Monday morning. "Post office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court!"
In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state. Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court! https://t.co/cNSPINgCY7 — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2020
The threat is the president's latest salvo in his ongoing campaign against the expansion of mail-in voting.
Trump has claimed that mail-in voting will lead to widespread voter fraud, even though evidence from past elections suggests that is not the case.
One analysis from the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice found only 491 cases of absentee voter fraud out of billions of votes cast across all U.S. elections from 2000 to 2012.
The president last week went as far as to suggest delaying the general election over his concerns of expanded mail-in voting, a decision that would require approval from Congress and was immediately dismissed by congressional Republicans and Democrats.
Trump again argued that the U.S. Postal Service is not equipped to handle a surge in mail-in ballots and said a New York congressional primary race held in June should be invalidated as election officials have yet to determine a winner.
"I think I can say right here and now, you have to re-run that race,” he said.
The president called the Nevada measure a "disgrace" and said if it becomes law, "you'll never know who won that state."
Nevada will join several states that have moved to expand access to mail-in ballots amid the ongoing pandemic, including California and Vermont. Nevada's bill also allows for the elderly and those with physical disabilities to be able to have another individual to fill out or hand in their ballot on their behalf, a practice Republicans have assailed as illegal "ballot harvesting."
The president and some Republicans have attacked several states for expanding mail-in voting, including in Michigan, where Trump threatened to withhold state funding after lawmakers moved to send voters absentee ballot request forms, not actual ballots.
Watchdog: Mail-in voting results will take time An election watchdog believes the boards of elections in New York have acted in an "appropriate, measured way" to ensure proper counting of primary ballots. "It takes time to get it right,"Susan Lerner of Common Cause New York said. (July 23) AP
The Republican National Committee and the advocacy group Judicial Watch filed separate lawsuits in May to block Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom from sending mail-in ballots to all active registered voters across the state. But both groups dropped their lawsuits July 9, after state lawmakers approved legislation to mail ballots to all voters.
Not all Republicans are dismissing mail-in voting. Republican state parties in critical battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin are promoting vote-by-mail as an option if the pandemic spills into the fall while Trump's own campaign has pushed state parties to encourage voters to request mail ballots.
Trump has sought to draw a distinction between mail-in voting and absentee ballots, which he argues are secure, but experts say there is no difference between the two.
"Universal mail-in ballots [are] going to be a great embarrassment for our country," he told reporters.
'He's scaring our own voters':Republicans run into a Donald Trump problem as they push mail voting
Contributing: James DeHaven, Reno Gazette Journal


usatoday--2020-08-04--'We're in for a bad and rocky ride:' Ex-WHO doctor who helped eradicate smallpox predicts COVID-19 t

People will need a small yellow card at airports to show immunization against the COVID-19 virus .
Schools , restaurants and sports stadiums will be equipped with quick , inexpensive testing stations for students and customers .
The world will be fighting coronavirus the next three to four years as virus hot spots skip from nation to nation and the pandemic 's toll will linger for decades , said Dr. Larry Brilliant , a California epidemiologist who was part of a World Health Organization team in the 1970s that helped eradicate smallpox .
But it 's `` not all doom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to emerge from dozens of candidates worldwide and effective treatments , including convalescent plasma and monoclonal antibodies , to help people recover more quickly , Brilliant said .
`` We will still be chasing the virus four years from now .
But it won ’ t be like ( today ) , '' Brilliant told the USA TODAY Editorial Board on Monday afternoon .
`` It will be like the smallpox eradication program .
The polio eradication program .
Having yellow fever in some countries and not in others . ''
'States duking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of federal plan leads to coronavirus testing delays Still , before vaccine trials weed out contenders from pretenders , the U.S. likely faces a substantial increase in cases and deaths .
As of Monday , the nation had 4.7 million cases and 155,165 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .
The immediate challenges are Labor Day get-togethers , the return of schools , flu season in the the fall and winter and long election lines in November , said Brilliant , who served as an adviser for the 2011 film `` Contagion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ band Grateful Dead .
Schools are fraught with transmission risks , he said , from bus rides to indoor crowds that can hasten spread — cafeterias , gyms , locker rooms , theaters and indoor swimming pools .
And schools often spark respiratory disease and influenza season with infected children bringing viruses home .
This will allow COVID-19 to grow and spread to areas where it 's caused little disruption so far .
`` We 're in for a bad and rocky ride , '' Brilliant said .
He said the virus will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth , possibly the combination of effective vaccines with annual boosters and immunity among those who 've developed antibodies to halt or limit future infections .
Experts : We 're one-third of the way to a widely available coronavirus vaccine A recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine estimated COVID-19 cases ranged from six to 24 times higher than official counts .
The large federal study relied on antibody testing data in 10 cities to gauge whether individuals previously were infected with SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 .
Antibody tests are different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone is currently infected .
Brilliant said if about 10 % of U.S. residents have been infected so far , there 's a long road ahead until the population reaches herd immunity and new transmissions burn out .
By his estimate , there are `` 300 million more customers for this disease who have not bought it yet . ''
The best way to halt the virus ' march to herd immunity is for 50 states to adopt a uniform approach of masks , social distancing , hand-washing and limiting crowded indoor places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can hit me , it can hit anyone ' : 'Contagion ' medical adviser Dr. Ian Lipkin has coronavirus He said combining those actions in a coordinated way would be as effective without the need for a total shutdown , which would create `` political and emotional and economic hell if we close everything down in the same way we did before . ''
He wants the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to take a stronger role in urging coordinate action to slow the virus .
In the absence of federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Brilliant said federal health officials have navigated past outbreaks of Ebola , Zika and the swine flu pandemic in 2009-2010 , which caused far fewer deaths than COVID .

'We're in for a bad and rocky ride:' Ex-WHO doctor who helped eradicate smallpox predicts COVID-19 turmoil for years
Show Caption Hide Caption 4 phases of COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials explained Approving a vaccine in the U.S. usually takes years, but COVID-19 vaccines are moving through in record time. What does that mean? USA TODAY
People will need a small yellow card at airports to show immunization against the COVID-19 virus. Schools, restaurants and sports stadiums will be equipped with quick, inexpensive testing stations for students and customers.
The world will be fighting coronavirus for the next three to four years as virus hot spots skip from nation to nation, and the pandemic's toll will linger for decades, said Dr. Larry Brilliant, a California epidemiologist who was part of a World Health Organization team in the 1970s that helped eradicate smallpox.
But it's "not all doom and gloom," with effective vaccines likely to emerge from dozens of candidates worldwide and effective treatments, including convalescent plasma and monoclonal antibodies, to help people recover more quickly, said Brilliant, who chairs Ending Pandemics advisory board.
"We will still be chasing the virus four years from now. But it won’t be like (today)," Brilliant told the USA TODAY Editorial Board on Monday afternoon. "It will be like the smallpox eradication program. The polio eradication program. Having yellow fever in some countries and not in others."
'States duking it out for supply': Lack of federal plan leads to coronavirus testing delays
Still, before vaccine trials weed out contenders from pretenders, the U.S. likely faces a substantial increase in cases and deaths. As of Monday, the nation had 4.7 million cases and 155,165 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The immediate challenges are Labor Day get-togethers, the return of schools, flu season in the the fall and winter and long election lines in November, said Brilliant, who was an adviser for the 2011 film "Contagion" and team doctor for the rock band the Grateful Dead.
Schools are fraught with transmission risks, he said, from bus rides to indoor crowds that can hasten spread – cafeterias, gyms, locker rooms, theaters and indoor swimming pools. And schools often spark respiratory disease and influenza season with infected children bringing viruses home. This will allow COVID-19 to grow and spread to areas where it's caused little disruption so far.
"We're in for a bad and rocky ride," Brilliant said.
He said the virus will continue to spread until something stops its growth, possibly the combination of effective vaccines with annual boosters and immunity among those who've developed antibodies to halt or limit future infections.
Experts: We're one-third of the way to a widely available coronavirus vaccine
A recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine estimated COVID-19 cases ranged from six to 24 times higher than official counts. The large federal study relied on antibody testing data in 10 cities to gauge whether individuals previously were infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibody tests are different than diagnostic tests, which detect whether someone is currently infected.
Brilliant said that if about 10% of U.S. residents have been infected so far, there's a long road ahead until the population reaches herd immunity and new transmissions burn out. By his estimate, there are "300 million more customers for this disease who have not bought it yet."
The best way to halt the virus' march to herd immunity is for 50 states to adopt a uniform approach of masks, social distancing, hand-washing and limiting crowded indoor places such as bars and restaurants.
'If it can hit me, it can hit anyone': 'Contagion' medical adviser Dr. Ian Lipkin has coronavirus
He said combining those actions in a coordinated way would be as effective without the need for a total shutdown, which would create "political and emotional and economic hell if we close everything down in the same way we did before."
He wants the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to take a stronger role in urging coordinate action to slow the virus. In the absence of federal leadership, governors could coordinate and act.
Brilliant said federal health officials have navigated past outbreaks of Ebola, Zika and the swine flu pandemic in 2009-2010, which caused far fewer deaths than COVID-19.


usatoday--2020-08-04--COVID-19 is ravaging a Michigan convent: 13 nuns have died

DETROIT – When Lisa Zervos heard 13 religious sisters living together in a Livonia , Michigan , convent died of coronavirus , she felt heartbroken .
She sent the Catholic order a donation , brought flowers to the sisters ' graves and kneeled down to pray for the repose of their souls .
`` I was so sorry they suffered , '' Zervos , 52 , of Northville , said .
`` Their whole lives were devoted not to themselves but others .
It helps – when you think about what they did with their lives – to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who dedicated their lives to the care of others are now in need of support , and Michiganders like Zervos , and many from as far away as Norway , are offering sympathy notes and donations .
The deaths , which have garnered national attention , are a reminder of how vulnerable the elderly are to the virus and the challenges of living close together in independent living facilities and nursing homes .
To help , the Catholic Foundation set up a fund , hoping to raise a $ 100,000 , which , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long way to help care for the sisters and , if invested , generate $ 5,000 to $ 10,000 a year for them .
In New Jersey:17 nuns from Sisters of Charity in Convent Station have died during coronavirus outbreak Beginning in the 1930s , the sisters founded schools and hospitals in Livonia , when the Detroit suburb was just a small town and farms .
For generations , they taught toddlers their colors and held the hands of the terminally ill as they took their last breaths .
The nuns took vows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and , some say , an unofficial vow of humility .
But since the coronavirus pandemic began , 30 nuns – more than half of the nuns living together in their Livonia convent – have come down with COVID-19 .
Of those , 13 died , including one who recovered , but then relapsed .
`` They are reluctant to say they need anything , '' said Angela Moloney , president and CEO of the Catholic Foundation , who was moved to tears as she talked about the sisters .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of themselves first .
They 're always saying , 'What can we provide the community ? '
`` On top of the challenges of raising money for the charitable work they do for others , the aging sisters also face the costs of funerals , extra face masks , and gloves to keep them safe , and hot meals , medicine , and caregivers as they recover from the virus .
So far , Moloney said , people have given about $ 9,000 to the fund , and many donations have been $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'They have such strong faith' Officially , the nuns ' order is the Congregation of Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi .
But that is commonly shortened to just Felician sisters .
Initially , the sisters immigrated to North American in the late 1800s , mostly from Poland , said Marcia Wallander , the order 's director of development for North America .
They came at the request of a priest who was concerned children needed more educational opportunities .
In Livonia , they founded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Mary Child Care Center , Angela Hospice , and Marywood Nursing Care Center , as well as the all-female Ladywood High School , which closed as a result of declining enrollment in 2018 .
The sisters also sponsor the Senior Clergy Village , the Felician Children ’ s Center in Jackson , Deo Gratias Ministries in Detroit , and the Maryville Retreat Center in Holly .
By the order 's count , there are now only 469 sisters living in 60 convents in North America .
Before April , there were 57 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Convent in Livonia .
That 's down to 44 , with five international students from other congregations staying with them to study at Madonna University , one of the nation 's largest Franciscan colleges .
`` You have this group of women who are called by God to serve , '' Wallander said , adding that they believe God will provide what they need .
`` They have such strong faith that they 're joyous in their sisters passing on into eternal life . ''
To limit any further spread of the deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are mostly isolated and quarantined in the convent and allowed few visitors , not even family have been permitted to go inside .
She added they are grateful for whatever anyone has sent .
Wallander said she recently had permission to deliver a box of potato chips packages that a donor had given them , and the sisters were so excited to receive the treats , `` you would have thought I brought them bags of gold . ''
'Could have been any of us' In addition to Michigan , contributions have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Maine , Maryland , Pennsylvania , Texas – and Washington , D.C. Two donations came from Norway .
One donor – who gave $ 25 and identified himself in the note as a `` gay , Jewish man living in L.A. '' and `` probably not your typical supporter '' – said he wanted to help because his heart hurt for the pain the sisters have endured .
The sisters certainly are not alone in their suffering .
There have been more than 80,000 coronavirus cases in Michigan and nearly 6,200 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these deaths have been linked to the state 's nursing homes .
And , like many organizations , the sisters have had to take pandemic precautions , such as wearing protective equipment and learning to use more digital communication to maintain their social distance .
`` The Felician sisters have labored to bring the love and message of Jesus to innumerable souls in the Archdiocese of Detroit , '' Archbishop Allen Vigneron told the Catholic Foundation .
`` Jesus assures us , 'Blessed are the merciful , for they will be shown mercy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cry as she remembered the sisters who died , said that to her , their story is not just a Catholic story , but a personal one because `` it could have been any of us : Our sister , our mom , our aunt , ourselves .
That 's what hits home . ''
`` These women have sacrificed their wants and needs for the greater community , '' Moloney said .
`` They 've given up the material stuff that the rest of us take for granted .
They 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end , she added , they sacrificed their lives for others .
Zervos – who attended Madonna University and has a teenage daughter who she hopes to enroll there next year – said that something sweet happened at the cemetery while she was praying .
She said it was likely more coincidental , than miraculous .
But a beautiful , little butterfly began flitting in the sunlight among the headstones .
As Zervos watched the butterfly open and close its wings , she realized they were blue and gold , Madonna University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Michigan has set up a fund to support of the sisters , including burial expenses , the costs of care , sanitizing , and protective equipment .
Contributions can be made online or by calling 248-204-0332 .

COVID-19 is ravaging a Michigan convent: 13 nuns have died
Show Caption Hide Caption Detroit suburb mourns 13 nuns lost to coronavirus The mayor of Livonia, Michigan, says the Detroit suburb is mourning the loss of 13 nuns who have died of COVID-19 complications. (July 24) AP
DETROIT – When Lisa Zervos heard 13 religious sisters living together in a Livonia, Michigan, convent died of coronavirus, she felt heartbroken.
She sent the Catholic order a donation, brought flowers to the sisters' graves and kneeled down to pray for the repose of their souls.
"I was so sorry they suffered," Zervos, 52, of Northville, said. "Their whole lives were devoted not to themselves but others. It helps – when you think about what they did with their lives – to be a better person yourself."
Religious sisters who dedicated their lives to the care of others are now in need of support, and Michiganders like Zervos, and many from as far away as Norway, are offering sympathy notes and donations.
The deaths, which have garnered national attention, are a reminder of how vulnerable the elderly are to the virus and the challenges of living close together in independent living facilities and nursing homes.
To help, the Catholic Foundation set up a fund, hoping to raise a $100,000, which, the creators said, could go a long way to help care for the sisters and, if invested, generate $5,000 to $10,000 a year for them.
In New Jersey: 17 nuns from Sisters of Charity in Convent Station have died during coronavirus outbreak
Beginning in the 1930s, the sisters founded schools and hospitals in Livonia, when the Detroit suburb was just a small town and farms. For generations, they taught toddlers their colors and held the hands of the terminally ill as they took their last breaths.
The nuns took vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty – and, some say, an unofficial vow of humility.
But since the coronavirus pandemic began, 30 nuns – more than half of the nuns living together in their Livonia convent – have come down with COVID-19. Of those, 13 died, including one who recovered, but then relapsed.
"They are reluctant to say they need anything," said Angela Moloney, president and CEO of the Catholic Foundation, who was moved to tears as she talked about the sisters. "They are so self-sacrificing, they never think of themselves first. They're always saying, 'What can we provide the community?' "
On top of the challenges of raising money for the charitable work they do for others, the aging sisters also face the costs of funerals, extra face masks, and gloves to keep them safe, and hot meals, medicine, and caregivers as they recover from the virus.
So far, Moloney said, people have given about $9,000 to the fund, and many donations have been $10 and $20 from strangers.
'They have such strong faith'
Officially, the nuns' order is the Congregation of Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Assisi.
But that is commonly shortened to just Felician sisters.
Initially, the sisters immigrated to North American in the late 1800s, mostly from Poland, said Marcia Wallander, the order's director of development for North America. They came at the request of a priest who was concerned children needed more educational opportunities.
In Livonia, they founded Madonna University, a Montessori school, St. Mary Child Care Center, Angela Hospice, and Marywood Nursing Care Center, as well as the all-female Ladywood High School, which closed as a result of declining enrollment in 2018.
The sisters also sponsor the Senior Clergy Village, the Felician Children’s Center in Jackson, Deo Gratias Ministries in Detroit, and the Maryville Retreat Center in Holly.
By the order's count, there are now only 469 sisters living in 60 convents in North America.
Before April, there were 57 sisters living in the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent in Livonia. That's down to 44, with five international students from other congregations staying with them to study at Madonna University, one of the nation's largest Franciscan colleges.
"You have this group of women who are called by God to serve," Wallander said, adding that they believe God will provide what they need. "They have such strong faith that they're joyous in their sisters passing on into eternal life."
To limit any further spread of the deadly virus, Wallander said, the sisters are mostly isolated and quarantined in the convent and allowed few visitors, not even family have been permitted to go inside. She added they are grateful for whatever anyone has sent.
Wallander said she recently had permission to deliver a box of potato chips packages that a donor had given them, and the sisters were so excited to receive the treats, "you would have thought I brought them bags of gold."
'Could have been any of us'
In addition to Michigan, contributions have come from people living in Arizona, California, Maine, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas – and Washington, D.C. Two donations came from Norway.
One donor – who gave $25 and identified himself in the note as a "gay, Jewish man living in L.A." and "probably not your typical supporter" – said he wanted to help because his heart hurt for the pain the sisters have endured.
The sisters certainly are not alone in their suffering.
There have been more than 80,000 coronavirus cases in Michigan and nearly 6,200 deaths. Moreover, about a third of these deaths have been linked to the state's nursing homes.
And, like many organizations, the sisters have had to take pandemic precautions, such as wearing protective equipment and learning to use more digital communication to maintain their social distance.
"The Felician sisters have labored to bring the love and message of Jesus to innumerable souls in the Archdiocese of Detroit," Archbishop Allen Vigneron told the Catholic Foundation. "Jesus assures us, 'Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.' "
Moloney, who started to cry as she remembered the sisters who died, said that to her, their story is not just a Catholic story, but a personal one because "it could have been any of us: Our sister, our mom, our aunt, ourselves. That's what hits home."
"These women have sacrificed their wants and needs for the greater community," Moloney said. "They've given up the material stuff that the rest of us take for granted. They've given up relationships."
And in the end, she added, they sacrificed their lives for others.
Zervos – who attended Madonna University and has a teenage daughter who she hopes to enroll there next year – said that something sweet happened at the cemetery while she was praying.
She said it was likely more coincidental, than miraculous.
But a beautiful, little butterfly began flitting in the sunlight among the headstones. As Zervos watched the butterfly open and close its wings, she realized they were blue and gold, Madonna University's school colors.
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.
To donate
The Catholic Foundation of Michigan has set up a fund to support of the sisters, including burial expenses, the costs of care, sanitizing, and protective equipment. Contributions can be made online or by calling 248-204-0332.


usatoday--2020-08-04--After a gunman killed 9, Gov. DeWine heard chants of 'Do something!' and rolled out a plan. A year l

COLUMBUS , Ohio – The day after a gunman killed nine people and injured 27 more , Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine stood on the brick-lined streets of the Oregon District in Dayton and started to speak .
The former prosecutor turned Republican governor remarked about the crowd size and then a voice cried out : “ Do something !
” The tightly packed crowd responded , and the chants to “ do something !
” grew louder and louder until they drowned out DeWine ’ s words .
The governor promised he would act , and indeed rolled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the one-year anniversary of that awful night arrived , Ohio ’ s Republican-controlled legislature hadn ’ t voted on a single piece of legislation .
Guns were just as accessible to people experiencing mental health crises on Aug. 4 , 2020 , as they were on Aug. 4 , 2019 .
No law has been passed to encourage or require background checks for the private sale of firearms .
Punishments for certain violent crimes remain the same .
Gun rights groups such as the Buckeye Firearms Association have said that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan , which Democrats criticized as watered down , would be “ a deprivation of liberty and loss of fundamental rights.
” Democrats say those groups wield too much power at the Statehouse and no gun control bill will ever pass so long as Republicans — especially those in the Ohio House — are in control .
DeWine , a lifelong Republican , told The Columbus Dispatch , part of the USA TODAY Network , on Friday that he believes a deal is still possible .
“ We owe it to the victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all Ohioans to finish the job and get this done , ” DeWine said .
“ I am committed.
” Two months after the Oregon District shooting , the governor rolled out legislation that would implement his plan .
DeWine stood with Sen. Matt Dolan , R-Chagrin Falls , and Dayton ’ s Democratic Mayor Nan Whaley to introduce a bill called STRONG Ohio that would expand civil commitment or “ pink slip ” laws , increase the penalties for certain gun crimes and create a voluntary background check system for private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peggy Lehner , R-Kettering , supported the move and even introduced legislation going a step further , such as a bill that would raise the age to legally purchase a firearm to 21 .
But others , such as Senate President Larry Obhof and former House Speaker Larry Householder , expressed their reservations .
For example , Obhof told reporters in November 2019 that lowering the threshold for prosecuting a person who sold a gun to someone who couldn ’ t legally own one from reckless to negligent was problematic because it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our so-called leaders in the Ohio state legislature and the U.S. Senate have still failed to act , ” said Shela Blanchard , a Moms Demand Action volunteer whose niece was killed in the shooting .
“ Sometimes I don ’ t understand why they can ’ t feel the pain we feel , because if they did — just for 60 seconds — there wouldn ’ t be any gun safety bills dying on their desks while people continue to die in the streets.
” Dolan told The Dispatch he understands that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Nothing has changed to curb gun violence in Ohio , ” he said .
“ I want to curb gun violence in Ohio .
Accomplishing that in a legislative process takes time normally , and with all the hiccups we ’ ve had ( a global pandemic , removal and replacement of the House speaker ) it ’ s going to take longer.
” His bill hasn ’ t had a hearing since December 2019 .
Rep. Allison Russo , D-Upper Arlington , said Dolan is lucky to have gotten that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal — House Bill 316 — hasn ’ t had a single hearing since being introduced in August 2019 .
“ There is an informal rule for any legislation introduced before ( May 2020 ) that you are guaranteed at least one hearing , ” Russo said .
“ You will see in lame duck ( session , held after the November election ) the obligatory sponsor testimony , which just speaks to the lack of seriousness our Republican counterparts give to this issue.
” Sponsor testimony is the first hearing on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it get to speak .
The committee doesn ’ t hear from supporters or opponents .
These hearing often last less than 15 minutes .
“ Obviously , after something so awful , you hope that is the tipping point for real action , ” Russo said .
“ I am extremely disappointed.
” DeWine doesn ’ t need the legislature to make certain changes to the way Ohioans buy firearms , and the Yellow Springs native said that ’ s something he ’ s been exploring .
He plans to announce a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Franklin , Pickaway and Montgomery — to prevent people with outstanding warrants from buying firearms .
“ We have a real problem with outstanding criminal warrants not getting into state and federal databases , ” DeWine said .
So , he ’ s adding a court official to these counties who automatically enters them .
State lawmakers could pass a law to make it mandatory in all counties .
Republican Reps. Phil Plummer and D.J .
Swearingen introduced a bill to do so in October 2019 .
The bill was met with resistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to modify Ohio ’ s “ pink slip ” law .
Still , DeWine said even talking about the issue has helped .
“ The number of warrants that are put in have gone up 900 % , ” he said .
Mayor Whaley told The Dispatch she has thought a lot about how the past year has gone at the Statehouse .
“ We are no longer in a two-party system , ” she said .
“ We are in a three-party system , and the third party runs the House.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any gun reform law will come out of Columbus .
“ I think , in general , there is such a high distrust of government right now that , unfortunately , people expect the state legislature to do nothing , ” Whaley said .
“ It ’ s really kind of sad that people think that ’ s where their government is .
They don ’ t expect more .
I think that ’ s what ’ s most depressing.
” Sen. Cecil Thomas , D-Cincinnati , agreed : “ I think people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislators they voted for are going to do something.
” The former police officer said it ’ s time to ask Ohio voters what they think both in November when they elect new state lawmakers and on the ballot in 2021 .
“ I ’ m not interested in any more negotiations , ” Thomas said .
“ Let ’ s just get it on the ballot because 90 % of the people in Ohio ( according to a Quinnipiac University poll ) want universal background checks.
” When the clock strikes midnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Assembly will end and any bill not passed will have to start over from the beginning .
“ If it does not pass , and I am successful in November , I will reintroduce it in January 2021 , ” Dolan said .
And that may be exactly what happens .
The Ohio House isn ’ t scheduled to return for regular sessions until September , and newly elected House Speaker Bob Cupp , R-Lima , suggested it might be even longer .
“ I think we should push to start up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus because they are equally important , ” Dolan said .
But he acknowledged that there simply may not be enough time to move a complicated and politically charged bill across the finish line .
“ We ’ re not satisfied , ” DeWine said .
“ What is in this bill is still very good policy .
It will save lives .
We have written it in a manner that is consistent with the Second Amendment.
” And the images of Ned Pepper ’ s bar are never far from his mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutor , but I have never seen anything like it , ” Dewine said .
“ The stillness of that Sunday morning .
The quiet .
The blood by the vendor ’ s cart .
I will never forget .
”

After a gunman killed 9, Gov. DeWine heard chants of 'Do something!' and rolled out a plan. A year later, Ohio laws haven't changed a bit.
Show Caption Hide Caption Dayton, Ohio shooting: These are the 9 victims Nine people were killed and at least 27 people were injured during the August 4 shooting in Dayton, Ohio, police said. USA TODAY
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The day after a gunman killed nine people and injured 27 more, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine stood on the brick-lined streets of the Oregon District in Dayton and started to speak.
The former prosecutor turned Republican governor remarked about the crowd size and then a voice cried out: “Do something!”
The tightly packed crowd responded, and the chants to “do something!” grew louder and louder until they drowned out DeWine’s words.
The governor promised he would act, and indeed rolled out a comprehensive package within days. But as the one-year anniversary of that awful night arrived, Ohio’s Republican-controlled legislature hadn’t voted on a single piece of legislation.
Guns were just as accessible to people experiencing mental health crises on Aug. 4, 2020, as they were on Aug. 4, 2019. No law has been passed to encourage or require background checks for the private sale of firearms. Punishments for certain violent crimes remain the same.
Gun rights groups such as the Buckeye Firearms Association have said that’s OK because even the governor’s plan, which Democrats criticized as watered down, would be “a deprivation of liberty and loss of fundamental rights.”
Democrats say those groups wield too much power at the Statehouse and no gun control bill will ever pass so long as Republicans — especially those in the Ohio House — are in control.
DeWine, a lifelong Republican, told The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network, on Friday that he believes a deal is still possible.
“We owe it to the victims. We owe to the families and to all Ohioans to finish the job and get this done,” DeWine said. “I am committed.”
STRONG Ohio
Two months after the Oregon District shooting, the governor rolled out legislation that would implement his plan. DeWine stood with Sen. Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin Falls, and Dayton’s Democratic Mayor Nan Whaley to introduce a bill called STRONG Ohio that would expand civil commitment or “pink slip” laws, increase the penalties for certain gun crimes and create a voluntary background check system for private firearm sales.
Republicans such as Sen. Peggy Lehner, R-Kettering, supported the move and even introduced legislation going a step further, such as a bill that would raise the age to legally purchase a firearm to 21.
But others, such as Senate President Larry Obhof and former House Speaker Larry Householder, expressed their reservations.
For example, Obhof told reporters in November 2019 that lowering the threshold for prosecuting a person who sold a gun to someone who couldn’t legally own one from reckless to negligent was problematic because it could effectively make background checks mandatory.
“Our so-called leaders in the Ohio state legislature and the U.S. Senate have still failed to act,” said Shela Blanchard, a Moms Demand Action volunteer whose niece was killed in the shooting. “Sometimes I don’t understand why they can’t feel the pain we feel, because if they did — just for 60 seconds — there wouldn’t be any gun safety bills dying on their desks while people continue to die in the streets.”
Dolan told The Dispatch he understands that frustration. He feels it, too.
“Nothing has changed to curb gun violence in Ohio,” he said. “I want to curb gun violence in Ohio. Accomplishing that in a legislative process takes time normally, and with all the hiccups we’ve had (a global pandemic, removal and replacement of the House speaker) it’s going to take longer.”
His bill hasn’t had a hearing since December 2019.
Rep. Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, said Dolan is lucky to have gotten that far.
Her “red flag” proposal — House Bill 316 — hasn’t had a single hearing since being introduced in August 2019.
“There is an informal rule for any legislation introduced before (May 2020) that you are guaranteed at least one hearing,” Russo said. “You will see in lame duck (session, held after the November election) the obligatory sponsor testimony, which just speaks to the lack of seriousness our Republican counterparts give to this issue.”
Sponsor testimony is the first hearing on a bill where only the lawmakers who introduced it get to speak. The committee doesn’t hear from supporters or opponents. These hearing often last less than 15 minutes.
“Obviously, after something so awful, you hope that is the tipping point for real action,” Russo said. “I am extremely disappointed.”
Small steps
DeWine doesn’t need the legislature to make certain changes to the way Ohioans buy firearms, and the Yellow Springs native said that’s something he’s been exploring.
He plans to announce a pilot project in 10 counties — including Franklin, Pickaway and Montgomery — to prevent people with outstanding warrants from buying firearms.
“We have a real problem with outstanding criminal warrants not getting into state and federal databases,” DeWine said.
So, he’s adding a court official to these counties who automatically enters them. State lawmakers could pass a law to make it mandatory in all counties. Republican Reps. Phil Plummer and D.J. Swearingen introduced a bill to do so in October 2019.
The bill was met with resistance from gun rights groups because it tried to modify Ohio’s “pink slip” law.
Still, DeWine said even talking about the issue has helped.
“The number of warrants that are put in have gone up 900%,” he said.
Calling for a vote
Mayor Whaley told The Dispatch she has thought a lot about how the past year has gone at the Statehouse.
“We are no longer in a two-party system,” she said. “We are in a three-party system, and the third party runs the House.”
The Dayton mayor has lost faith that any gun reform law will come out of Columbus.
“I think, in general, there is such a high distrust of government right now that, unfortunately, people expect the state legislature to do nothing,” Whaley said. “It’s really kind of sad that people think that’s where their government is. They don’t expect more. I think that’s what’s most depressing.”
Sen. Cecil Thomas, D-Cincinnati, agreed: “I think people need to give up hope that the legislators they voted for are going to do something.”
The former police officer said it’s time to ask Ohio voters what they think both in November when they elect new state lawmakers and on the ballot in 2021.
“I’m not interested in any more negotiations,” Thomas said. “Let’s just get it on the ballot because 90% of the people in Ohio (according to a Quinnipiac University poll) want universal background checks.”
150 days and counting
When the clock strikes midnight Dec. 31, Ohio’s two-year General Assembly will end and any bill not passed will have to start over from the beginning.
“If it does not pass, and I am successful in November, I will reintroduce it in January 2021,” Dolan said.
And that may be exactly what happens.
The Ohio House isn’t scheduled to return for regular sessions until September, and newly elected House Speaker Bob Cupp, R-Lima, suggested it might be even longer.
“I think we should push to start up hearings on regular bills outside of the coronavirus because they are equally important,” Dolan said.
But he acknowledged that there simply may not be enough time to move a complicated and politically charged bill across the finish line.
“We’re not satisfied,” DeWine said. “What is in this bill is still very good policy. It will save lives. We have written it in a manner that is consistent with the Second Amendment.”
And the images of Ned Pepper’s bar are never far from his mind.
“I’m an old prosecutor, but I have never seen anything like it,” Dewine said. “The stillness of that Sunday morning. The quiet. The blood by the vendor’s cart. I will never forget.”
Follow Anna Staver on Twitter: @annastaver


usatoday--2020-08-04--Mom's viral Facebook post about Indiana football player's COVID-19 issues serves as warning

BLOOMINGTON , Ind .
— Deborah Rucker didn ’ t know when she wrote a Facebook post Sunday about her son ’ s ordeal with COVID-19 that it would capture so much attention on social media .
Rucker ’ s son , IU freshman offensive lineman Brady Feeney , tested positive for the virus during screening conducted by the program last month .
He was isolated from his teammates and experienced breathing problems serious enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room .
Indiana even paid for Rucker to come to Bloomington to be near Feeney — she could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolation protocols — while he recovered .
“ After 14 days of hell battling the horrible virus , his school did additional testing on all those that were positive , ” Rucker wrote .
“ My son even received extra tests because he was one of the worst cases .
Now we are dealing with possible heart issues !
He is still experiencing additional symptoms and his blood work is indicating additional problems .
“ Bottom line , even if your son ’ s schools do everything right to protect them , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Rucker didn ’ t mean to alarm anyone over her son ’ s condition .
What she wanted was for those unconcerned or casual about the dangers posed by COVID-19 to understand how quickly and closely it can hit home .
“ The whole point of my Facebook post is because in Missouri , where we live , the state is not taking this as seriously as they should , ” Rucker said Monday .
“ With everything Brady is going through and has been struggling through , it has been infuriating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this seriously and not wearing masks.
” A true freshman who signed with Indiana out of Christian Brothers College in St. Louis , Feeney moved to Bloomington after summer workouts were green-lighted as part of the athletic department ’ s restart plan .
Rucker said Feeney was tested immediately , per Indiana ’ s restart protocol , and given a complete physical .
The program gave each player their own single room , and kept players in specific pods during workouts to limit person-to-person exposure as much as possible .
Every step of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with players ’ families .
A family friend , Rucker said , serves as a physician for the St. Louis Cardinals , and everything he suggested they ask , Indiana covered .
“ Everything they ’ re doing , is exactly what should be done , '' Rucker said the family friend told her .
Nevertheless , Feeney was one of a handful of players to test positive in July .
That , in turn , prompted a team-wide round of tests , which eventually led to a two-week suspension of football activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its offseason at the end of last week .
After testing positive , Rucker said Feeney was isolated with two other positive teammates .
About a week in , Feeney began having breathing problems , at which point he visited the emergency room and received medication to help alleviate his symptoms .
Indiana paid for Rucker to travel to Bloomington , where she could be with her son from a safe distance while he recovered .
“ The last thing I want is for anyone to think the Indiana University football program has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ They have been phenomenal through all of this.
” Once he was allowed to return to the team , Feeney was given a second physical .
That ’ s where the heart complication mentioned in Rucker ’ s Facebook post first came up .
Rucker said that , because he dealt with more severe symptoms than his teammates , Indiana gave Feeney a thorough screening — including an echocardiogram , an EKG and bloodwork — before he could return to activity .
That bloodwork raised concerns .
Feeney will see a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the meantime , he ’ s back with his teammates , just not cleared for workouts yet .
And his mother remained firm in her message , that collective safety should be a priority , for everyone .
“ It ’ s a serious situation , and it may not affect everyone the same , ” Rucker said .
“ It ’ s so simple to wear a mask .
It ’ s the right thing to do .
It ’ s the humane thing to do .
Why not wear a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect everyone around you ?
”

Mom's viral Facebook post about Indiana football player's COVID-19 issues serves as warning
Show Caption Hide Caption What a fall without football would do to the American sports psyche SportsPulse: From high school Friday night lights to Monday Night Football football is an engrained part of American culture and our fall sports calendars. What would a fall without it do to the American sports psyche? USA TODAY
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Deborah Rucker didn’t know when she wrote a Facebook post Sunday about her son’s ordeal with COVID-19 that it would capture so much attention on social media.
Rucker’s son, IU freshman offensive lineman Brady Feeney, tested positive for the virus during screening conducted by the program last month. He was isolated from his teammates and experienced breathing problems serious enough to warrant a visit to the emergency room. Indiana even paid for Rucker to come to Bloomington to be near Feeney — she could not physically be with him, per isolation protocols — while he recovered.
“After 14 days of hell battling the horrible virus, his school did additional testing on all those that were positive,” Rucker wrote. “My son even received extra tests because he was one of the worst cases. Now we are dealing with possible heart issues! He is still experiencing additional symptoms and his blood work is indicating additional problems.
“Bottom line, even if your son’s schools do everything right to protect them, they CAN’T PROTECT THEM!!”
Rucker didn’t mean to alarm anyone over her son’s condition. What she wanted was for those unconcerned or casual about the dangers posed by COVID-19 to understand how quickly and closely it can hit home.
Intense Facebook post here from Debbie Rucker, mother of Indiana freshman OL Brady Feeney. pic.twitter.com/Ula5lBQfO2 — Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) August 3, 2020
“The whole point of my Facebook post is because in Missouri, where we live, the state is not taking this as seriously as they should,” Rucker said Monday. “With everything Brady is going through and has been struggling through, it has been infuriating to me that people are not taking this seriously and not wearing masks.”
A true freshman who signed with Indiana out of Christian Brothers College in St. Louis, Feeney moved to Bloomington after summer workouts were green-lighted as part of the athletic department’s restart plan.
Rucker said Feeney was tested immediately, per Indiana’s restart protocol, and given a complete physical. The program gave each player their own single room, and kept players in specific pods during workouts to limit person-to-person exposure as much as possible.
Every step of the way, Indiana communicated in detail with players’ families. A family friend, Rucker said, serves as a physician for the St. Louis Cardinals, and everything he suggested they ask, Indiana covered.
“Everything they’re doing, is exactly what should be done," Rucker said the family friend told her.
Nevertheless, Feeney was one of a handful of players to test positive in July. That, in turn, prompted a team-wide round of tests, which eventually led to a two-week suspension of football activities.
Indiana only announced the resumption of its offseason at the end of last week.
After testing positive, Rucker said Feeney was isolated with two other positive teammates. About a week in, Feeney began having breathing problems, at which point he visited the emergency room and received medication to help alleviate his symptoms.
Indiana paid for Rucker to travel to Bloomington, where she could be with her son from a safe distance while he recovered.
“The last thing I want is for anyone to think the Indiana University football program has done anything wrong,” she said. “They have been phenomenal through all of this.”
Once he was allowed to return to the team, Feeney was given a second physical. That’s where the heart complication mentioned in Rucker’s Facebook post first came up.
Rucker said that, because he dealt with more severe symptoms than his teammates, Indiana gave Feeney a thorough screening — including an echocardiogram, an EKG and bloodwork — before he could return to activity.
That bloodwork raised concerns. Feeney will see a cardiologist this week for further evaluation.
In the meantime, he’s back with his teammates, just not cleared for workouts yet. And his mother remained firm in her message, that collective safety should be a priority, for everyone.
“It’s a serious situation, and it may not affect everyone the same,” Rucker said. “It’s so simple to wear a mask. It’s the right thing to do. It’s the humane thing to do. Why not wear a mask, to protect yourself and to protect everyone around you?”
Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.


usatoday--2020-08-04--Millennials, Gen Zers say pandemic has derailed their financial independence

The coronavirus pandemic has abruptly upended Aidan Curran ’ s life this summer .
In early July , the 24-year-old got laid off from his job as an associate at a public relations firm in Washington , D.C. Before he lost his position , he was temporarily staying with his parents in Cape Cod because his office wasn ’ t going to reopen until Labor Day .
But now he ’ s stuck paying nearly $ 1,400 in rent each month for an apartment he ’ s not living in .
And his lease isn ’ t up until January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money from unemployment over the past month , and still hasn ’ t gotten a stimulus check from the spring .
“ It ’ s been an absolute nightmare , ” says Curran , who had plans to attend law school but put those dreams on hold .
“ I keep applying for jobs , but have yet to get an interview .
It ’ s tough to find a job that doesn ’ t already have a ton of applicants.
” Curran , like millions of other Americans , is facing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at odds over another stimulus package after the additional $ 600 in weekly unemployment benefits expired in July .
“ It ’ s unfortunate that both Republicans and Democrats can ’ t come to a solution to help people like me , ” says Curran , who is paying off student debt from his undergraduate degree .
“ The failure to get any unemployment because of the dilapidated and antiquated unemployment system has been a mess .
I could really use that extra $ 600 right now.
” 'Insulin or groceries ' : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California to Mississippi There are two COVID Americas : One hopes for an extension of federal unemployment and stimulus .
The other is saving and spending .
The coronavirus pandemic has created a new set of financial obstacles for young millennials and Gen Zers .
Most are unsure how their generations can navigate through the worst global economic crisis since the 1930s .
About 59 % of young Americans say the pandemic has derailed their goal of becoming financially independent from family or other support , according to a new report by The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Even before the economic downturn , young Americans generally had anxiety about their finances due to stagnant wages , the rising cost of living and debt burdens .
Now that ’ s been exacerbated by the pandemic , ” says Keith Denerstein , director of investment products and guidance at TD Ameritrade .
“ But there ’ s no shame in turning to your parents or family for additional support.
” Even though nine in 10 Americans say that they and their parents want them to be financially independent , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic ’ s effect on their finances .
And 63 % were concerned they may lose their job .
The study , which was given exclusively to USA TODAY , surveyed 2,002 Americans ages 15 to 29 .
They were polled on Feb. 20 to March 4 , before the World Health Organization declared a pandemic , and then again in April once the shutdown was underway .
Some are worried about future stimulus Lawmakers in Washington are working on a fifth round of stimulus relief , with Democrats and Republicans struggling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like enhanced unemployment benefits and rent moratoriums come to a halt , leaving out-of-work Americans in limbo .
Both parties included another round of $ 1,200 stimulus checks in their proposals .
About 71 % of young Americans are worried about their generations ’ ability to survive the financial downturn without government support , the data showed .
“ For those who have had their income disputed through the termination of their employment , they have leaned on government stimulus to insure that their finances are close to where they were prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ And they are using the stimulus money in the way we ’ d hope them to , whether that ’ s contributing to their savings , paying down debt or using it to cover their living expenses.
” Before COVID-19 , many were dependent on parents To be sure , many young Americans were dependent on their family before the recession , the TD Ameritrade data shows .
Just before the pandemic began , the first survey found half of young Americans still received financial assistance from their parents , grandparents or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while the other half were already self-sufficient at that age .
About 1 in 4 still rely on their parents to cover their entire rent check .
About 58 % say their parents pay for all or a portion of their cell phones , and more than half pay for their insurance .
Young millennials in particular feel that the odds are against them , crippled by rising living costs and student loan debt .
About 82 % said their salary levels have remained the same while the cost of living rises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independence .
And about 42 % say their student debt alone makes them think they ’ ll never be independent .
While some have shifted their investment strategies , the majority remain committed to retirement plans .
And many have turned to investing to increase their net worth at an early age .
Following the economic downturn , about 40 % have already put more money into savings and 35 % started a side hustle for more income .
Nearly a quarter bought investments , while 18 % stopped investing in the stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in with their parents .
Emily Parlapiano , 30 , is one of those young Americans who used her stimulus check to get ahead on her retirement goals .
During her early 20s , she wasn ’ t maxing out her 401 ( k ) account because of her student debt .
To get her finances on track , she used the “ avalanche method ” to pay off her student loans , tackling the ones with the highest interest rates first .
After she paid off her loans within four years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic hit , Parlapiano was fortunate to have job security and put her $ 1,200 stimulus money toward maxing out her Roth IRA .
She also recently moved in with her significant other , saving her $ 200 a month .
Now she ’ s padding her emergency fund and stashing money away for a down payment on a future home .
“ You have to stay steady , hopeful and positive .
If you go into the doom and gloom phase , it ’ s hard to get out of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s employed at a small , nonprofit advisory firm that works with fortune 500 companies on their social impact strategies .
“ Now I want to throw as much money as I can in my retirement accounts .
This isn ’ t about the next three to five years .
This is long-term investing .
”

Millennials, Gen Zers say pandemic has derailed their financial independence
Show Caption Hide Caption Record drop in GDP and what it means for the American economy The U.S. economy just had its worse performance ever as businesses shut down across the country as well as much travel decline. USA TODAY
The coronavirus pandemic has abruptly upended Aidan Curran’s life this summer.
In early July, the 24-year-old got laid off from his job as an associate at a public relations firm in Washington, D.C. Before he lost his position, he was temporarily staying with his parents in Cape Cod because his office wasn’t going to reopen until Labor Day. But now he’s stuck paying nearly $1,400 in rent each month for an apartment he’s not living in. And his lease isn’t up until January.
He hasn’t received any money from unemployment over the past month, and still hasn’t gotten a stimulus check from the spring.
“It’s been an absolute nightmare,” says Curran, who had plans to attend law school but put those dreams on hold. “I keep applying for jobs, but have yet to get an interview. It’s tough to find a job that doesn’t already have a ton of applicants.”
Curran, like millions of other Americans, is facing an uncertain future as policymakers in Washington remain at odds over another stimulus package after the additional $600 in weekly unemployment benefits expired in July.
“It’s unfortunate that both Republicans and Democrats can’t come to a solution to help people like me,” says Curran, who is paying off student debt from his undergraduate degree. “The failure to get any unemployment because of the dilapidated and antiquated unemployment system has been a mess. I could really use that extra $600 right now.”
Coronavirus: What to expect in a recession, depression The coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting the global economy and raising fears of a recession. What causes a recession and what are the signs? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
'Insulin or groceries': How reduced unemployment affects struggling Americans from California to Mississippi
There are two COVID Americas: One hopes for an extension of federal unemployment and stimulus. The other is saving and spending.
The coronavirus pandemic has created a new set of financial obstacles for young millennials and Gen Zers. Most are unsure how their generations can navigate through the worst global economic crisis since the 1930s.
About 59% of young Americans say the pandemic has derailed their goal of becoming financially independent from family or other support, according to a new report by The Harris Poll on behalf of TD Ameritrade.
“Even before the economic downturn, young Americans generally had anxiety about their finances due to stagnant wages, the rising cost of living and debt burdens. Now that’s been exacerbated by the pandemic,” says Keith Denerstein, director of investment products and guidance at TD Ameritrade. “But there’s no shame in turning to your parents or family for additional support.”
Even though nine in 10 Americans say that they and their parents want them to be financially independent, more than two thirds expressed anxiety about the pandemic’s effect on their finances. And 63% were concerned they may lose their job.
The study, which was given exclusively to USA TODAY, surveyed 2,002 Americans ages 15 to 29. They were polled on Feb. 20 to March 4, before the World Health Organization declared a pandemic, and then again in April once the shutdown was underway.
Some are worried about future stimulus
Lawmakers in Washington are working on a fifth round of stimulus relief, with Democrats and Republicans struggling to come to an agreement as vital lifelines like enhanced unemployment benefits and rent moratoriums come to a halt, leaving out-of-work Americans in limbo. Both parties included another round of $1,200 stimulus checks in their proposals.
About 71% of young Americans are worried about their generations’ ability to survive the financial downturn without government support, the data showed.
“For those who have had their income disputed through the termination of their employment, they have leaned on government stimulus to insure that their finances are close to where they were prior to the pandemic,” says Denerstein. “And they are using the stimulus money in the way we’d hope them to, whether that’s contributing to their savings, paying down debt or using it to cover their living expenses.”
Before COVID-19, many were dependent on parents
To be sure, many young Americans were dependent on their family before the recession, the TD Ameritrade data shows. Just before the pandemic began, the first survey found half of young Americans still received financial assistance from their parents, grandparents or others by the time they turned 30, while the other half were already self-sufficient at that age.
About 1 in 4 still rely on their parents to cover their entire rent check. About 58% say their parents pay for all or a portion of their cell phones, and more than half pay for their insurance.
Young millennials in particular feel that the odds are against them, crippled by rising living costs and student loan debt. About 82% said their salary levels have remained the same while the cost of living rises, making it difficult to achieve financial independence. And about 42% say their student debt alone makes them think they’ll never be independent.
Young Americans still prioritize retirement
While some have shifted their investment strategies, the majority remain committed to retirement plans. And many have turned to investing to increase their net worth at an early age.
Following the economic downturn, about 40% have already put more money into savings and 35% started a side hustle for more income. Nearly a quarter bought investments, while 18% stopped investing in the stock market. About 31% moved back in with their parents.
Emily Parlapiano, 30, is one of those young Americans who used her stimulus check to get ahead on her retirement goals.
During her early 20s, she wasn’t maxing out her 401(k) account because of her student debt. To get her finances on track, she used the “avalanche method” to pay off her student loans, tackling the ones with the highest interest rates first. After she paid off her loans within four years, she upped her retirement contributions.
When the pandemic hit, Parlapiano was fortunate to have job security and put her $1,200 stimulus money toward maxing out her Roth IRA. She also recently moved in with her significant other, saving her $200 a month. Now she’s padding her emergency fund and stashing money away for a down payment on a future home.
“You have to stay steady, hopeful and positive. If you go into the doom and gloom phase, it’s hard to get out of that mindset,” says Parlapiano, who’s employed at a small, nonprofit advisory firm that works with fortune 500 companies on their social impact strategies. “Now I want to throw as much money as I can in my retirement accounts. This isn’t about the next three to five years. This is long-term investing.”


usatoday--2020-08-04--Former Yankees pitcher jabs Brett Gardner for opposite-field homerun, says 'league has a baseball pr

NEW YORK – Brett Gardner has two hits in 19 at-bats this season , both home runs .
A far greater statistical oddity is that Monday night ’ s homer – the 126th of Gardner ’ s career – was lined over the left-field corner wall .
According to YES Network ’ s research , Gardner ’ s shot off the Phillies ’ Jake Arrieta was just the second opposite-field homer hit over a fence by the lefty-hitting Gardner in his 13-year career .
And that got parts of the baseball world buzzing .
Via his Twitter account , former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment pass without comment .
`` Gardy is my boy , but if he 's going oppo , the league has a baseball problem , ’ ’ Hughes tweeted .
Earlier Monday , Yankees starter J.A .
Happ was asked about the composition and feel of the baseball , which was a point of contention as homers flew at a record pace in 2019 .
“ To be honest , I didn ’ t feel a difference over the last few years , I just saw a difference , ’ ’ Happ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the wall .
What happened after Gardner 's Monday home run can be filed loosely under : Things players do during rain delays .
Hughes ’ comment was brought to Gardner 's attention during Monday ’ s 67-minute rain delay at Yankee Stadium , where a printed-out version of the tweet was placed at the veteran outfielder ’ s clubhouse chair .
That photo was , in turn , forwarded to Hughes , who then tweeted it out , accompanied by a crying-laughing emoji .
“ I obviously don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things go unnoticed by me , ’ ’ Gardner said .
Hey , it ’ s fun getting off to an 8-1 start in a 60-game season .
And after the Yankees ’ 6-3 win , Gardner was asked about who might have been the culprit that left Hughes ’ printed out tweet on his chair .
“ I 've got some ideas .
We 'll do a little more analysis and maybe get some ( finger ) prints and confirm it , ’ ’ Gardner said .
“ We 've got quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I 've got a few pranks up my sleeve , so we 'll have some fun with it.
’ ’ Any investigation should probably begin at the locker of No .
99 .
Aaron Judge and Gardner , the two most important voices in the clubhouse , are also experts in maintaining a humorous banter – as with last year ’ s Home Run battle ( won by Gardner , 28-27 , after Judge spotted him with two months on the injured list ) .
Not high ; far enough and gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aaron Boone wasn ’ t shocked to see Gardner ’ s liner leave the yard .
“ I think that ’ s gone , ’ ’ Boone said of his first thought when Gardner made contact .
“ Right away , it felt like a homer , and sure enough he rode it out of here , ’ ’ giving the Yanks a 2-1 lead in the third inning.. “ Obviously , the guys had a lot of fun with that ’ ’ in the dugout .
Gardner was ready for the humorous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homer , it ’ s usually unexpected – especially to that side of the field , ’ ’ Gardner said .
“ The guys always give me a hard time , as I do back to them most of the time .
Not apparent at the time was Hughes ’ Twitter reaction .
During the rain delay , `` I just texted him and gave him a hard time ; he 's at the house watching on TV , '' Gardner said of the newly retired Hughes , residing in Southern California .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is playing in front of no fans and a few other things , '' Gardner said of his teammate on the 2009 world champion Yankees .
`` He 's one of my guys going all the way back to 2005 and 2006 .
`` So all in good fun . ''
Pete Caldera is the Yankees beat writer for NorthJersey.com .
For unlimited access to all Yankees analysis , news , trades and more , please subscribe today and download our app .

Former Yankees pitcher jabs Brett Gardner for opposite-field homerun, says 'league has a baseball problem'
Show Caption Hide Caption Who's hot, who's not in MLB: Aaron Judge sizzles while Cubs' closer fizzles SportsPulse: Our MLB guru Steve Gardner dishes on who's hot and who's not from this past week's action on the field in baseball. USA TODAY
NEW YORK – Brett Gardner has two hits in 19 at-bats this season, both home runs.
A far greater statistical oddity is that Monday night’s homer – the 126th of Gardner’s career – was lined over the left-field corner wall.
According to YES Network’s research, Gardner’s shot off the Phillies’ Jake Arrieta was just the second opposite-field homer hit over a fence by the lefty-hitting Gardner in his 13-year career.
And that got parts of the baseball world buzzing.
Via his Twitter account, former Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes could not let the moment pass without comment.
"Gardy is my boy, but if he's going oppo, the league has a baseball problem,’’ Hughes tweeted.
Gardy is my boy, but if he’s going oppo the league has a baseball problem — Phil Hughes (@PJHughes45) August 3, 2020
Earlier Monday, Yankees starter J.A. Happ was asked about the composition and feel of the baseball, which was a point of contention as homers flew at a record pace in 2019.
“To be honest, I didn’t feel a difference over the last few years, I just saw a difference,’’ Happ said of the spate of pitches carrying over the wall.
What happened after Gardner's Monday home run can be filed loosely under: Things players do during rain delays.
Fun City
Hughes’ comment was brought to Gardner's attention during Monday’s 67-minute rain delay at Yankee Stadium, where a printed-out version of the tweet was placed at the veteran outfielder’s clubhouse chair.
That photo was, in turn, forwarded to Hughes, who then tweeted it out, accompanied by a crying-laughing emoji.
“I obviously don’t have social media, so a lot of things go unnoticed by me,’’ Gardner said.
Hey, it’s fun getting off to an 8-1 start in a 60-game season.
And after the Yankees’ 6-3 win, Gardner was asked about who might have been the culprit that left Hughes’ printed out tweet on his chair.
“I've got some ideas. We'll do a little more analysis and maybe get some (finger) prints and confirm it,’’ Gardner said. “We've got quite a bit of baseball ahead of us and I've got a few pranks up my sleeve, so we'll have some fun with it.’’
Any investigation should probably begin at the locker of No. 99.
Aaron Judge and Gardner, the two most important voices in the clubhouse, are also experts in maintaining a humorous banter – as with last year’s Home Run battle (won by Gardner, 28-27, after Judge spotted him with two months on the injured list).
Not high; far enough and gone
Standing in the Yankees dugout, manager Aaron Boone wasn’t shocked to see Gardner’s liner leave the yard.
“I think that’s gone,’’ Boone said of his first thought when Gardner made contact. “Right away, it felt like a homer, and sure enough he rode it out of here,’’ giving the Yanks a 2-1 lead in the third inning..
“Obviously, the guys had a lot of fun with that’’ in the dugout.
Gardner was ready for the humorous fallout.
“Anytime I hit a homer, it’s usually unexpected – especially to that side of the field,’’ Gardner said. “The guys always give me a hard time, as I do back to them most of the time.
“So, yeah, it’s just a lot of fun.’’
Not apparent at the time was Hughes’ Twitter reaction.
During the rain delay, "I just texted him and gave him a hard time; he's at the house watching on TV,'' Gardner said of the newly retired Hughes, residing in Southern California.
"He was asking me how it is playing in front of no fans and a few other things,'' Gardner said of his teammate on the 2009 world champion Yankees. "He's one of my guys going all the way back to 2005 and 2006.
"So all in good fun.''
Pete Caldera is the Yankees beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Yankees analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.
Email: caldera@northjersey.com Twitter: @pcaldera


usatoday--2020-08-04--'Dirty Harry' star Reni Santoni, who played Poppie in 'Seinfeld,' has died at 81

Prolific character actor Reni Santoni , who partnered with Clint Eastwood in `` Dirty Harry '' and Sylvester Stallone in `` Cobra , '' and who portrayed Poppie the pizza chef in `` Seinfeld , '' has died at 81 .
Santoni died in hospice Saturday after a long illness , TV writer and producer Tracy Newman said of her longtime friend .
`` Reni Santoni passed away yesterday morning , '' Newman wrote in a Facebook tribute .
`` He had been sick for quite a while .
Those of you who knew him know how funny he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , performer , etc .
So brilliant .
I loved him very much and will miss him terribly .
Another great one is gone . ''
The New York City native Santoni starred in 1971 's `` Dirty Harry '' as rookie detective and college sociology major Chico Martinez who gets paired up with Eastwood 's `` Dirty '' Harry Callahan .
The cop collaboration came despite Callahan 's objections ( `` Just what I needed , a college boy '' ) .
Santoni delivered the famous line about his violent partner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry , ' ( he ) always gets the ( expletive ) end of the stick . ''
Director Edgar Wright paid homage to the line and character on Twitter , writing `` RIP Reni Santoni . ''
In 1986 's `` Cobra , '' Santoni played Sgt .
Tony Gonzales who is paired with Stallone 's Lt. Marion Cobretti to protect a model ( Brigitte Nielsen ) from the `` Night Slasher '' killer .
In TV 's `` Seinfeld , '' Santoni portrayed the argumentative , restaurant-owning Poppie , who overcame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing bladder control problems in appearances .
Writer and director Carl Reiner tapped a then-unknown Santoni to star in his semi-autobiographical 1967 film `` Enter Laughing . ''
He played New York City delivery boy David Kolowitz , who dreams of starring in movie .
Reiner and Santoni worked together again in 1982 ’ s `` Dead Men Don ’ t Wear Plaid , '' which starred Steve Martin .
Santoni made appearances as Sgt .
John Castle on `` Hardcastle and McCormick '' and Lt. Rivera on `` Manimal , '' along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Hawaii Five-O , '' `` Hill Street Blues , '' `` NYPD Blue '' and `` Miami Vice . ''
Santoni leaves behind his son Nick , who Newman said was `` the light of his life . ''

'Dirty Harry' star Reni Santoni, who played Poppie in 'Seinfeld,' has died at 81
Show Caption Hide Caption Wilford Brimley, actor and spokesman, dies at 85 Actor, stunt rider and spokesman Wilford Brimley has died at 85. USA TODAY, Wochit
Prolific character actor Reni Santoni, who partnered with Clint Eastwood in "Dirty Harry" and Sylvester Stallone in "Cobra," and who portrayed Poppie the pizza chef in "Seinfeld," has died at 81.
Santoni died in hospice Saturday after a long illness, TV writer and producer Tracy Newman said of her longtime friend.
"Reni Santoni passed away yesterday morning," Newman wrote in a Facebook tribute. "He had been sick for quite a while. Those of you who knew him know how funny he was, what a terrific actor, improviser, performer, etc. So brilliant. I loved him very much and will miss him terribly. Another great one is gone."
Santoni was best known for his 1971 "Dirty Harry" appearance as rookie detective and college sociology major Inspector Chico Martinez who gets paired up with Eastwood's "Dirty" Harry Callahan. The cop collaboration came despite Callahan's objections ("Just what I needed, a college boy").
Santoni delivered the famous line about his violent partner, "No wonder they call him 'Dirty Harry,' (he) always gets the (expletive) end of the stick."
Director Edgar Wright paid homage to the line and character on Twitter, writing "RIP Reni Santoni."
In 1986's "Cobra," Santoni played Sgt. Tony Gonzales who is paired with Stallone's Lt. Marion Cobretti to protect a model (played Brigitte Nielsen, Stallone's real-life wife) from the "Night Slasher" killer.
In TV's "Seinfeld," Santoni portrayed the argumentative, restaurant-owning Poppie, who overcame his poor bathroom hygiene issues but had continuing bladder control problems in appearances. In the 1994 episode "The Couch," Poppie famously urinated while sitting on Seinfeld's new couch, leading to the famous exclamation, "Poppie peed on my sofa!"
Born April 21, 1939 in New York City, Santoni made minor acting appearances as early as 1962. He caught the eye of writer and director Carl Reiner, who tapped the unknown actor to star in his semi-autobiographical 1967 film "Enter Laughing." Santoni played New York City delivery boy David Kolowitz, who dreams of starring in movies.
Reiner and Santoni worked together again in 1982’s "Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid," which starred Steve Martin.
Reni Santoni who appeared in dual roles of a Public Defender first as gun toting Frank Pescator 'Blues For Mr. Green' and later strike negotiator Danny Santana 'Suitcase', 'A Case of Klapp' & The Best Defence' passed away on the 1st of August. R.I.P pic.twitter.com/nzghhbQQhu — Hill Street Blues (@HSBFans) August 4, 2020
Santoni made scores of TV appearances including Sgt. John Castle on "Hardcastle and McCormick" and Lt. Rivera on "Manimal," along with police show guest star roles in "Hawaii Five-O," "Hill Street Blues," "NYPD Blue" and "Miami Vice."
While he often played cops, crime lords or judges, Newman says he was best known around friends as being the funniest guy in the room. Santoni made frequent appearances on the 1970s staple "The Merv Griffin Show."
"Merv had him on the show all the time because Reni was so funny," says Newman. "He would play all these tough guys, but when Reni walked into a party all of his friends would say, 'Here is the party.' Ed Begley Jr. used to call him the funniest guy in show business."
Santoni leaves behind his son Nick, who Newman says was "the light of his life."