mercurynews--2020-08-15--49ers’ George Kittle doles out the ‘thank yous’ in wake of newfound riches

George Kittle became a very rich man this week .
So understandably he was in a joyous and thankful mood .
Unfortunately he wasn ’ t made available to the media after Thursday ’ s record-setting five-year , $ 75 million dollar deal that made him the best-paid tight end in NFL history .
( Maybe Saturday perhaps , 49ers ? )
Until then this statement issued late Friday afternoon/evening will have to suffice .
As you ’ ll note , Kittle is a very appreciative dude right about now .
As well he should be .
• ‘ Best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 49ers players thrilled with team ’ s extension for George Kittle • Kurtenbach : Picking the winners and losers of George Kittle ’ s new deal with 49ers • The Deets : What the 49ers signing Jordan Reed means for George Kittle • Kurtenbach : The 49ers still have a glaring hole at wide receiver • 49ers expected to sign Tavon Austin , J.J. Nelson with Deebo Samuel ’ s status in question • Inside the 49ers : My top 10 questions as a first in-person camp visit looms “ I would first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the entire 49ers organization , especially the York family , who made all of this possible .
To John Lynch and the staff who selected me in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft , I want to say thank you for giving me this opportunity .
I love being a 49er and am blessed to have the opportunity to wear red and gold for years to come .
I can ’ t wait to continue our quest to bring another Super Bowl back to The Bay .
I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and help in making me be the best teammate , player and man I can be each week .
Together we have already accomplished amazing things , but we all know there is still so much more to do .
It ’ s an incredible locker room to be a part of and I am grateful to my brothers for making this such a fun and exciting place to play football .
Thanks to my coaches and the management team .
Coach Embree has helped me in so many ways , as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will always be grateful to him for all he has done and he continues to do .
Thanks to Coach Shanahan for making this such a rewarding place to play .
I am thrilled that we will chase our ultimate goal together .
I want to thank my family – my wife , Claire , my parents , Bruce and Jan , and my sister , Emma – for their unwavering support throughout my life and career .
I thank you for the unconditional love that you provide every single day and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can be .
Also , a big thank you to my agent , Jack Bechta , along with Ryan Hayes .
Jack has been preparing me and my family for these negotiations for the past year , and we felt well informed and confident throughout the entire process .
He has done a great job advocating on my behalf and helped secure a contract that protects me and my family .
I appreciate his hard work and dedication to such an important event in my life .
Finally , to the greatest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Thank you for all your support in everything we do , for cheering us on no matter what and for always being FAITHFUL .
I will continue to work for all of you as we make the 2020 season another success .

George Kittle became a very rich man this week. So understandably he was in a joyous and thankful mood.
Unfortunately he wasn’t made available to the media after Thursday’s record-setting five-year, $75 million dollar deal that made him the best-paid tight end in NFL history. (Maybe Saturday perhaps, 49ers?)
Until then this statement issued late Friday afternoon/evening will have to suffice. As you’ll note, Kittle is a very appreciative dude right about now. As well he should be.
***
Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | ‘Best tight end in the league’: 49ers players thrilled with team’s extension for George Kittle
‘Best tight end in the league’: 49ers players thrilled with team’s extension for George Kittle San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: Picking the winners and losers of George Kittle’s new deal with 49ers
Kurtenbach: Picking the winners and losers of George Kittle’s new deal with 49ers San Francisco 49ers | The Deets: What the 49ers signing Jordan Reed means for George Kittle
The Deets: What the 49ers signing Jordan Reed means for George Kittle San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: The 49ers still have a glaring hole at wide receiver
Kurtenbach: The 49ers still have a glaring hole at wide receiver San Francisco 49ers | 49ers expected to sign Tavon Austin, J.J. Nelson with Deebo Samuel’s status in question
49ers expected to sign Tavon Austin, J.J. Nelson with Deebo Samuel’s status in question San Francisco 49ers | Inside the 49ers: My top 10 questions as a first in-person camp visit looms “I would first like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the entire 49ers organization, especially the York family, who made all of this possible. To John Lynch and the staff who selected me in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, I want to say thank you for giving me this opportunity. I love being a 49er and am blessed to have the opportunity to wear red and gold for years to come. I can’t wait to continue our quest to bring another Super Bowl back to The Bay.
I want to thank my teammates for their hard work and help in making me be the best teammate, player and man I can be each week. Together we have already accomplished amazing things, but we all know there is still so much more to do. It’s an incredible locker room to be a part of and I am grateful to my brothers for making this such a fun and exciting place to play football.
Thanks to my coaches and the management team. Coach Embree has helped me in so many ways, as a player and as a man. I will always be grateful to him for all he has done and he continues to do. Thanks to Coach Shanahan for making this such a rewarding place to play. I am thrilled that we will chase our ultimate goal together.
I want to thank my family – my wife, Claire, my parents, Bruce and Jan, and my sister, Emma – for their unwavering support throughout my life and career. I thank you for the unconditional love that you provide every single day and it motivates me to be the best person I can be.
Also, a big thank you to my agent, Jack Bechta, along with Ryan Hayes. Jack has been preparing me and my family for these negotiations for the past year, and we felt well informed and confident throughout the entire process. He has done a great job advocating on my behalf and helped secure a contract that protects me and my family. I appreciate his hard work and dedication to such an important event in my life.
Finally, to the greatest fans in the NFL – THANK YOU! Thank you for all your support in everything we do, for cheering us on no matter what and for always being FAITHFUL. I will continue to work for all of you as we make the 2020 season another success.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”


mercurynews--2020-08-14--USPS watchdog to dig into growing delivery delays

WASHINGTON – The U.S .
Postal Service ’ s internal watchdog is investigating cost cutting that has slowed delivery and alarmed lawmakers ahead of a presidential election when up to half of U.S. voters could cast ballots by mail , a congressional aide said on Friday .
The Postal Service ’ s inspector general also will examine possible conflicts of interest involving new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy , who has donated $ 2.7 million to President Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans , according to Shaloni Sharma , a spokeswoman for Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren , who requested the investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock in Postal Service rivals and customers , according to a financial disclosure form filed by his wife .
The Inspector General ’ s Office is “ conducting a body of work to address concerns raised , ” spokeswoman Agapi Doulaveris said The investigation comes as the Postal Service is warning states there is “ significant risk ” voters will not have enough time to complete and return their ballots .
The Postal Service late on Friday released letters it had sent to 46 states and the District of Columbia , after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the warnings .
The warning highlighted the possibility that a meaningful number of mail votes in the Nov. 3 presidential election might go uncounted if they are returned too late .
“ State and local election officials must understand and take into account our operational standards and recommended timelines , ” Postal Service spokeswoman Martha Johnson said .
Election officials are bracing for a deluge of mail ballots as many states have made it easier to vote by mail to address concerns about public gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic .
Republican President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional funding to make mail voting easier .
Trump , who is trailing Democratic rival Joe Biden in opinion polls , has said without evidence that widespread mail voting could lead to fraud .
However , public records show he has requested mail ballots for himself and his wife Melania before Florida ’ s Tuesday primary election .
Evidence has shown that mail voting is as secure as any other method .
Biden and other Democrats say Trump is trying to interfere with the election .
Former Democratic President Barack Obama said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ kneecap ” the Postal Service .
The issue has taken on added urgency in recent weeks , as cost-cutting measures put in place by DeJoy have led to widespread mail delays .
Democratic congressional leaders and committee leaders sent a letter to Dejoy on Friday demanding an explanation for changes he is making at postal facilities .
Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs , a Democrat , said on Friday that the changes could violate state laws against election tampering .
She called for a criminal investigation .
The Postal Service has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request ballots less than a week before the election does not leave enough time to print the ballot , mail it to the voter and have it returned .
Half of the states allow voters to request an absentee ballot within seven days of an election .
The Postal Service recommends that mail ballots should be completed and sent in by that point .
Ohio , Michigan and several other states with tight deadlines have so far not pushed them back .
Pennsylvania ’ s secretary of state asked the state Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are received up to three days after the Nov. 3 election , rather than on Election Day .
The Postal Service ’ s top lawyer , Thomas Marshall , also encouraged election officials to use its first-class mail service to ensure prompt delivery , rather than the cheaper and slower bulk-mail rate .
Marshall told Congress in a letter released Friday “ we have ample capacity to handle the increased volume of Election Mail that will occur because of the pandemic.
” In past elections the Postal Service has given priority to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter the postage rate , according to workers and the service ’ s internal watchdog .
• State Sen. Jim Beall endorses Dave Cortese to succeed him in District 15 “ If this letter aims to backtrack on that collaboration or the promise of prioritization of election mail , that would be very concerning , ” said Tracy Wimmer , a spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of State , which oversees elections .
Roughly 0.25 % of mail ballots were rejected in 2016 because they arrived too late , according to the U.S. @ @ @ @

By Andy Sullivan and David Shepardson | Reuters
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Postal Service’s internal watchdog is investigating cost cutting that has slowed delivery and alarmed lawmakers ahead of a presidential election when up to half of U.S. voters could cast ballots by mail, a congressional aide said on Friday.
The Postal Service’s inspector general also will examine possible conflicts of interest involving new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who has donated $2.7 million to President Donald Trump and his fellow Republicans, according to Shaloni Sharma, a spokeswoman for Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who requested the investigation.
DeJoy owns millions of dollars in stock in Postal Service rivals and customers, according to a financial disclosure form filed by his wife.
The Inspector General’s Office is “conducting a body of work to address concerns raised,” spokeswoman Agapi Doulaveris said
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/08/15/usps-us-postal-service-dejoy-investigation-phillip-ac360-vpx.cnn”]
The investigation comes as the Postal Service is warning states there is “significant risk” voters will not have enough time to complete and return their ballots. The Postal Service late on Friday released letters it had sent to 46 states and the District of Columbia, after the Washington Post reported earlier on the extent of the warnings.
The warning highlighted the possibility that a meaningful number of mail votes in the Nov. 3 presidential election might go uncounted if they are returned too late.
“State and local election officials must understand and take into account our operational standards and recommended timelines,” Postal Service spokeswoman Martha Johnson said.
Election officials are bracing for a deluge of mail ballots as many states have made it easier to vote by mail to address concerns about public gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.
Republican President Donald Trump said Thursday that he opposes additional funding to make mail voting easier.
Trump, who is trailing Democratic rival Joe Biden in opinion polls, has said without evidence that widespread mail voting could lead to fraud. However, public records show he has requested mail ballots for himself and his wife Melania before Florida’s Tuesday primary election.
Evidence has shown that mail voting is as secure as any other method. Biden and other Democrats say Trump is trying to interfere with the election. Former Democratic President Barack Obama said he was worried that Trump was trying to “kneecap” the Postal Service.
The issue has taken on added urgency in recent weeks, as cost-cutting measures put in place by DeJoy have led to widespread mail delays.
Democratic congressional leaders and committee leaders sent a letter to Dejoy on Friday demanding an explanation for changes he is making at postal facilities.
Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, said on Friday that the changes could violate state laws against election tampering. She called for a criminal investigation.
Too little time?
The Postal Service has warned some states that allowing voters to request ballots less than a week before the election does not leave enough time to print the ballot, mail it to the voter and have it returned.
Half of the states allow voters to request an absentee ballot within seven days of an election. The Postal Service recommends that mail ballots should be completed and sent in by that point.
Ohio, Michigan and several other states with tight deadlines have so far not pushed them back.
Pennsylvania’s secretary of state asked the state Supreme Court to allow ballots to be counted if they are received up to three days after the Nov. 3 election, rather than on Election Day.
The Postal Service’s top lawyer, Thomas Marshall, also encouraged election officials to use its first-class mail service to ensure prompt delivery, rather than the cheaper and slower bulk-mail rate.
Marshall told Congress in a letter released Friday “we have ample capacity to handle the increased volume of Election Mail that will occur because of the pandemic.”
In past elections the Postal Service has given priority to all political and election mail, no matter the postage rate, according to workers and the service’s internal watchdog.
“If this letter aims to backtrack on that collaboration or the promise of prioritization of election mail, that would be very concerning,” said Tracy Wimmer, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of State, which oversees elections.
Roughly 0.25% of mail ballots were rejected in 2016 because they arrived too late, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.


mercurynews--2020-08-14--Pure magic: 12-year-old Fremont magician wins major competition

James Chan has been doing magic for more than half of his life , having started out performing alongside his father — popular magician Daniel Chan — at libraries and birthday parties at the age of 5 .
The Fremont resident is 12 now , so one expects that he ’ ll likely only get better at doing magic in the years to come .
Of course , he is already pretty good at it — just ask some of the other , much older , magicians who went up against him , and lost , in a recent competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over many magicians twice his age as he won a major competition sponsored by Ring 216 , which is the San Jose chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians , the world ’ s largest association of amateur and professional magicians .
The competition was held via Zoom .
The first place finish adds to Chan ’ s growing list of accomplishments , which includes having won the “ People ’ s Choice ” award in the Parlor Magic competition for Ring 216 in 2019 .
Chan , who is also an accomplished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for such notable organizations as Airbnb , Twitter , Yahoo , Microsoft , Google and the Golden State Warriors .
Also , James and his sister Grace appeared in a segment for “ Kids Say the Darndest Things ” on ABC starring Tiffany Haddish .
For more information on Chan , you can watch a cool short documentary video about him on YouTube .
You can also visit www.danchanmagic.com/jameschan.html .

James Chan has been doing magic for more than half of his life, having started out performing alongside his father — popular magician Daniel Chan — at libraries and birthday parties at the age of 5.
The Fremont resident is 12 now, so one expects that he’ll likely only get better at doing magic in the years to come.
Of course, he is already pretty good at it — just ask some of the other, much older, magicians who went up against him, and lost, in a recent competition.
On Aug. 12, Chan triumphed over many magicians twice his age as he won a major competition sponsored by Ring 216, which is the San Jose chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the world’s largest association of amateur and professional magicians. The competition was held via Zoom.
The first place finish adds to Chan’s growing list of accomplishments, which includes having won the “People’s Choice” award in the Parlor Magic competition for Ring 216 in 2019.
Chan, who is also an accomplished juggler, has performed at corporate events for such notable organizations as Airbnb, Twitter, Yahoo, Microsoft, Google and the Golden State Warriors. Also, James and his sister Grace appeared in a segment for “Kids Say the Darndest Things” on ABC starring Tiffany Haddish.
For more information on Chan, you can watch a cool short documentary video about him on YouTube. You can also visit www.danchanmagic.com/jameschan.html.


mercurynews--2020-08-14--Bay Area housing projects vie for experimental state funding

Bay Area cities and counties are vying for a shot at a new statewide experiment : If they win , they ’ ll get state funding to buy hotels and apartment buildings and turn them into desperately needed homeless housing .
Bay Area officials have submitted more than a dozen applications for Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s Project Homekey — an effort intended to produce long-term housing for homeless residents that will replace temporary shelters set up during the coronavirus pandemic .
The projects , which will compete against each other for a share of roughly $ 100 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submissions from Santa Clara , Alameda , Contra Costa and San Mateo counties .
Newsom launched the precursor to this effort — Project Roomkey — in April .
That program provides federal funds for counties that moved sick and elderly homeless residents off the streets , out of shelters and into hotel rooms where they could be protected from COVID-19 .
Additional rooms were made available for homeless residents who caught COVID .
As homeless outreach workers wondered where people living in these hotels would go once the pandemic ended , Newsom in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan : Project Homekey .
Applications were due at midnight Friday .
The governor ’ s office on Friday wouldn ’ t say how many applications have been submitted throughout the state , but interest was strong in the Bay Area .
Santa Clara County submitted three project applications — one for an Extended Stay America hotel in Milpitas , and another for the Palm Tree Inn motel on Monterey Road in San Jose .
The county asked for $ 29.2 million and $ 5 million for those projects , respectively .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million to turn the former Santa Clara Inn in San Jose , which already serves homeless residents on a temporary basis , into permanent housing .
The 56-unit hotel , now called Casa de Novo , became homeless housing in 2016 .
Half the rooms serve as emergency housing where people coming from off the streets can stay while they wait for permanent housing .
The other half provide long-term supportive housing .
For years , nonprofit Abode Services has intended to knock down the hotel and replace it with a new development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ units where homeless residents can live forever with access to case management , mental health , job training and other services .
But funding has been tight since COVID-19 devastated the economy , and Homekey could provide a much-needed boost to the Casa de Novo project , said Abode CEO Louis Chicoine .
“ This could be the difference between getting this project in place in the next couple years , and having to do it in five years , ” Chicoine said .
“ And costs go up over time .
Nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other Project Homekey applications seek to convert existing hotels and apartment buildings into housing , a process that can be much cheaper and quicker than building from scratch .
It can cost between $ 600,000 and $ 700,000 per unit to build new affordable housing , while converting a hotel usually runs between $ 300,000 and $ 400,000 per unit , Chicoine said .
But those projects come with their own challenges .
Hotels generally lack space for supportive services — staff offices , computer labs , community rooms , etc .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ update sprinkler systems , fire escapes and other safety measures to bring older hotels up to code , Chicoine said .
In Oakland , officials submitted four applications , including one for a vacant , 63-unit apartment building in the city ’ s Rockridge neighborhood that once served as dorms for California College of the Arts students .
The city also hopes to use Project Homekey for an apartment building on 11th Street in downtown Oakland — which currently serves as co-living apartments run by startup Starcity — and the Inn at Temescal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ application : to convert a Motel 6 in Pittsburg into 174 rooms of homeless housing .
The county estimates it will cost $ 17.4 million to buy and renovate the motel , and $ 4.17 million to operate the facility for two years .
Alameda County submitted three applications , and San Jose and San Mateo Counties each submitted one .
Neither jurisdiction provided further details on the projects Friday .
San Francisco did provide any information on its Project Homekey submissions .
• New Zealand scrambles to contain virus cluster Chicoine was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When submissions opened a month ago , he worried the program ’ s tight deadline and experimental nature would deter applicants .
While they won ’ t do it on their own , the Homekey projects could help the Bay Area get closer to its goal of keeping everyone now in pandemic shelters housed long-term , Chicoine said .
“ It ’ s really exciting to have the state thinking innovatively like this , ” he said .
“ So that ’ s great to see .
”

Bay Area cities and counties are vying for a shot at a new statewide experiment: If they win, they’ll get state funding to buy hotels and apartment buildings and turn them into desperately needed homeless housing.
Bay Area officials have submitted more than a dozen applications for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Project Homekey — an effort intended to produce long-term housing for homeless residents that will replace temporary shelters set up during the coronavirus pandemic. The projects, which will compete against each other for a share of roughly $100 million reserved for the Bay Area, include submissions from Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa and San Mateo counties.
Newsom launched the precursor to this effort — Project Roomkey — in April. That program provides federal funds for counties that moved sick and elderly homeless residents off the streets, out of shelters and into hotel rooms where they could be protected from COVID-19. Additional rooms were made available for homeless residents who caught COVID.
As homeless outreach workers wondered where people living in these hotels would go once the pandemic ended, Newsom in June launched the next phase of his plan: Project Homekey. Applications were due at midnight Friday.
The governor’s office on Friday wouldn’t say how many applications have been submitted throughout the state, but interest was strong in the Bay Area.
Santa Clara County submitted three project applications — one for an Extended Stay America hotel in Milpitas, and another for the Palm Tree Inn motel on Monterey Road in San Jose. The county asked for $29.2 million and $5 million for those projects, respectively. The county also is seeking nearly $10 million to turn the former Santa Clara Inn in San Jose, which already serves homeless residents on a temporary basis, into permanent housing. The 56-unit hotel, now called Casa de Novo, became homeless housing in 2016. Half the rooms serve as emergency housing where people coming from off the streets can stay while they wait for permanent housing. The other half provide long-term supportive housing.
For years, nonprofit Abode Services has intended to knock down the hotel and replace it with a new development of more than 100 permanent supportive housing units where homeless residents can live forever with access to case management, mental health, job training and other services. But funding has been tight since COVID-19 devastated the economy, and Homekey could provide a much-needed boost to the Casa de Novo project, said Abode CEO Louis Chicoine.
“This could be the difference between getting this project in place in the next couple years, and having to do it in five years,” Chicoine said. “And costs go up over time. Nothing gets better with delays.”
Many of the other Project Homekey applications seek to convert existing hotels and apartment buildings into housing, a process that can be much cheaper and quicker than building from scratch. It can cost between $600,000 and $700,000 per unit to build new affordable housing, while converting a hotel usually runs between $300,000 and $400,000 per unit, Chicoine said. But those projects come with their own challenges. Hotels generally lack space for supportive services — staff offices, computer labs, community rooms, etc. And it’s often costly to update sprinkler systems, fire escapes and other safety measures to bring older hotels up to code, Chicoine said.
In Oakland, officials submitted four applications, including one for a vacant, 63-unit apartment building in the city’s Rockridge neighborhood that once served as dorms for California College of the Arts students. The city also hopes to use Project Homekey for an apartment building on 11th Street in downtown Oakland — which currently serves as co-living apartments run by startup Starcity — and the Inn at Temescal hotel.
Contra Costa County submitted one application: to convert a Motel 6 in Pittsburg into 174 rooms of homeless housing. The county estimates it will cost $17.4 million to buy and renovate the motel, and $4.17 million to operate the facility for two years.
Alameda County submitted three applications, and San Jose and San Mateo Counties each submitted one. Neither jurisdiction provided further details on the projects Friday. San Francisco did not provide any information on its Project Homekey submissions.
Related Articles Health | San Jose office building wobbles into default — again
San Jose office building wobbles into default — again Health | College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds
College students blocked from campus when COVID hit want money back. Some are getting refunds Health | One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining
One controversial East Bay parklet reveals dilemmas of pandemic dining Health | Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms
Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Chicoine was excited to see so much interest. When submissions opened a month ago, he worried the program’s tight deadline and experimental nature would deter applicants.
While they won’t do it on their own, the Homekey projects could help the Bay Area get closer to its goal of keeping everyone now in pandemic shelters housed long-term, Chicoine said.
“It’s really exciting to have the state thinking innovatively like this,” he said. “So that’s great to see.”


mercurynews--2020-08-14--Trump visits brother Robert in New York hospital

NEW YORK – U.S. President Donald Trump visited his younger brother Robert in a New York City hospital for about 45 minutes on Friday , before heading for his New Jersey country club where he planned to spend the night .
Trump told a news conference prior to the visit that his brother was in the hospital but did not elaborate on the reason .
“ I have a wonderful brother .
We ’ ve had a great relationship for a long time , from day one , ” Trump said .
“ Hopefully he ’ ll be all right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard time.
” Following the visit to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center on the Upper East Side of Manhattan , in which he wore a mask , Trump was due to deliver remarks to the City of New York Police Benevolent Association in Bedminster , New Jersey , where he would spend the night at his country club .
ABC reported that Robert Trump was hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Mount Sinai hospital in New York for more than a week in June .
That same month , Robert Trump won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mary Trump , to stop her from publishing a tell-all book that offers an unflattering look of the U.S. president and his family .
A state supreme court judge in Poughkeepsie , New York , later denied a request to stop publication and canceled the temporary restraining order .
Robert Trump had said the book “ Too Much and Never Enough : How My Family Created the World ’ s Most Dangerous Man ” would violate a confidentiality agreement tied to the estate of his father Fred Trump Sr , who died @ @ @

By Steve Holland and Alexandra Alper | Reuters
NEW YORK – U.S. President Donald Trump visited his younger brother Robert in a New York City hospital for about 45 minutes on Friday, before heading for his New Jersey country club where he planned to spend the night.
Trump told a news conference prior to the visit that his brother was in the hospital but did not elaborate on the reason.
“I have a wonderful brother. We’ve had a great relationship for a long time, from day one,” Trump said. “Hopefully he’ll be all right, but he’s having a hard time.”
ABC News said Robert Trump was “very ill,” citing unidentified sources.
Following the visit to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, in which he wore a mask, Trump was due to deliver remarks to the City of New York Police Benevolent Association in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he would spend the night at his country club.
ABC reported that Robert Trump was hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Mount Sinai hospital in New York for more than a week in June.
That same month, Robert Trump won a temporary restraining order against his niece, Mary Trump, to stop her from publishing a tell-all book that offers an unflattering look of the U.S. president and his family.
A state supreme court judge in Poughkeepsie, New York, later denied a request to stop publication and canceled the temporary restraining order.
Robert Trump had said the book “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man” would violate a confidentiality agreement tied to the estate of his father Fred Trump Sr, who died in 1999.


mercurynews--2020-08-14--SF Giants’ Austin Slater diagnosed with flexor strain, avoids IL trip (for now)

When a baseball player is diagnosed with a “ right elbow flexor strain , ” the words “ injured list , ” are typically used in the same sentence .
That ’ s not the case for Giants outfielder Austin Slater , who isn ’ t in the lineup for Friday ’ s game against the Oakland A ’ s but isn ’ t headed to the 10-day injured list , either .
It ’ s far more common for pitchers than position players to develop flexor strains , so that ’ s likely part of the reason Slater has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IL .
Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Wednesday that Slater was feeling right elbow pain when he swung the bat and when he threw the ball and that ’ s what kept him out of the lineup for the club ’ s series finale against the Astros .
“ A flexor strain for a position player is less daunting perhaps than for a pitcher because they can monitor how often and how hard they throw , ” Kapler said .
“ They may have one or two throws in an entire game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive thing .
I think there are ways to allow flexor strains to come around for outfielders that you just wouldn ’ t be able to do for pitchers.
” Regardless of the severity of Slater ’ s elbow injury , his absence from the Giants ’ lineup is a critical loss as he was a top performer on San Francisco ’ s recent 10-game road trip .
Along with star shortstops Fernando Tatis , Jr. of the Padres and Trevor Story of the Rockies , Slater is one of the three players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs and four stolen bases .
Slater ’ s .344 average and 1.076 OPS are among the top marks for any Giants player and it ’ s clear that changes he ’ s made to his swing have paid off in huge ways so far this season .
It ’ s unclear when Slater will return to the lineup , but it ’ s not a great sign for the Giants that he needed to be held out against A ’ s lefty Jesús Luzardo , who is starting Friday in place of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his scheduled start earlier in the day with back tightness .
The Giants did receive some good news Friday as infielder Donovan Solano is healthy enough to return to the lineup after missing the previous two games in Houston with abdominal soreness .
Solano ’ s .458 batting average ranks second in the majors behind Rockies slugger Charlie Blackmon ( .472 ) and his 1.1 fWAR is good for sixth in all of baseball .
Solano will play second base and hit second on Friday .
The Giants also announced several other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting pitcher Drew Smyly ( left index finger strain ) has begun playing catch on flat ground and will be reevaluated this weekend .
Right-handed starter Jeff Samardzija ( shoulder inflammation ) has not yet started to throw .
Reliever Sam Coonrod ( right lat strain ) threw a 30-pitch bullpen at Oracle Park Friday and could be in the mix to return to a pitching staff that ’ s short on right-handed relievers at the moment .
Another righty who the Giants view as a high-leverage option , Reyes Moronta , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s alternate site in Sacramento .
Moronta opened the season on the 45-day injured list as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery last August .
SF Giants Gameday : Listen to the Bay Area News Group ’ s daily San Francisco Giants podcast , hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley .
We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season .
We Need Your Support !
Several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days – and I ’ ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you ’ ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com .
Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer .
Thank you !
— Kerry Crowley

When a baseball player is diagnosed with a “right elbow flexor strain,” the words “injured list,” are typically used in the same sentence.
That’s not the case for Giants outfielder Austin Slater, who isn’t in the lineup for Friday’s game against the Oakland A’s but isn’t headed to the 10-day injured list, either.
It’s far more common for pitchers than position players to develop flexor strains, so that’s likely part of the reason Slater has at least temporarily avoided a stint on the IL.
Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Wednesday that Slater was feeling right elbow pain when he swung the bat and when he threw the ball and that’s what kept him out of the lineup for the club’s series finale against the Astros.
“A flexor strain for a position player is less daunting perhaps than for a pitcher because they can monitor how often and how hard they throw,” Kapler said. “They may have one or two throws in an entire game so I think that’s a positive thing. I think there are ways to allow flexor strains to come around for outfielders that you just wouldn’t be able to do for pitchers.”
Regardless of the severity of Slater’s elbow injury, his absence from the Giants’ lineup is a critical loss as he was a top performer on San Francisco’s recent 10-game road trip.
Along with star shortstops Fernando Tatis, Jr. of the Padres and Trevor Story of the Rockies, Slater is one of the three players in baseball with at least three home runs and four stolen bases. Slater’s .344 average and 1.076 OPS are among the top marks for any Giants player and it’s clear that changes he’s made to his swing have paid off in huge ways so far this season.
It’s unclear when Slater will return to the lineup, but it’s not a great sign for the Giants that he needed to be held out against A’s lefty Jesús Luzardo, who is starting Friday in place of right-hander Frankie Montas. Montas was scratched from his scheduled start earlier in the day with back tightness.
The Giants did receive some good news Friday as infielder Donovan Solano is healthy enough to return to the lineup after missing the previous two games in Houston with abdominal soreness. Solano’s .458 batting average ranks second in the majors behind Rockies slugger Charlie Blackmon (.472) and his 1.1 fWAR is good for sixth in all of baseball.
Solano will play second base and hit second on Friday.
The Giants also announced several other injury updates Friday, noting that left-handed starting pitcher Drew Smyly (left index finger strain) has begun playing catch on flat ground and will be reevaluated this weekend. Right-handed starter Jeff Samardzija (shoulder inflammation) has not yet started to throw.
Reliever Sam Coonrod (right lat strain) threw a 30-pitch bullpen at Oracle Park Friday and could be in the mix to return to a pitching staff that’s short on right-handed relievers at the moment. Another righty who the Giants view as a high-leverage option, Reyes Moronta, has begun throwing bullpens at the team’s alternate site in Sacramento.
Moronta opened the season on the 45-day injured list as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery last August.
SF Giants Gameday: Listen to the Bay Area News Group’s daily San Francisco Giants podcast, hosted by our beat reporter Kerry Crowley. We give you an all-access look at the 2020 regular season with soundbites from manager Gabe Kapler and your favorite Giants players plus the latest analysis on every move during an unprecedented season.
We Need Your Support!
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I’ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you’ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com. Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer. Thank you! — Kerry Crowley


mercurynews--2020-08-14--Darren Waller continues to inspire Raiders, working toward Kittle, Kelce status

The record-breaking contracts signed this week by the 49ers ’ George Kittle and the Chiefs ’ Travis Kelce were big news for tight ends around the NFL .
But there was another big story from that position too .
Raiders tight end Darren Waller celebrated his third year of sobriety Wednesday .
“ He had a dark portion of his life there for a while that not a lot of people come back from , ” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said Friday .
“ Not a lot of young people out there getting the real story about Waller .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darren Waller and how he did it .
He is a great source of leadership and proof you can be great , even though you ’ ve had some dark , dark times.
” Some of Waller ’ s biggest boosters are those who share the same locker room with him .
“ He ’ s a big inspiration to us , ” said Raiders defensive back Lamarcus Joyner .
“ He ’ s actually a leader .
So I ’ m pretty sure you know of his story .
Just to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff and clean himself up , both off the field and on the field , is just amazing .
“ And if you can ’ t be encouraged by that , then you don ’ t have a heart.
” Waller , 27 , hit rock bottom in 2017 while with the Baltimore Ravens when he failed his second drug test and was suspended for the entire season .
That all seems like a lifetime ago for Waller , who said Wednesday was indeed a meaningful day .
“ It means I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was because before I wasn ’ t somebody who was worth looking up to or that was inspirational in any way , ” Waller said Friday .
“ Now I ’ m kind of free from that .
I can really step into my calling and write my own story and be of service to other people in the process and inspire people .
“ So me being clean , I feel like it ’ s breaking generational curses in my family .
I think it ’ s changing what ’ s cool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot to me now that a lot of people are looking to me for inspiration .
It kind of gives me extra energy as well.
” Waller ’ s sobering saga was a focus of HBO ’ s “ Hard Knocks ” series with the Raiders in Napa last summer .
He admitted when he was a wreck while he was with the Ravens .
“ I was in Baltimore , I was just like a vegetable , ” Waller said last summer .
“ I was getting high , literally , every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands on .
Like opiates first , like oxy pills , stuff like that .
Xanax , cocaine .
Not caring about anything , any kind of consequences , or anything like that .
“ Plotting to sabotage my way out of the league so I didn ’ t look like a quitter .
So the league ( would ) put me out of my misery.
” Instead , the Raiders took a chance on the 6-foot-6 Waller , who hasn ’ t disappointed them either on or off the field .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year while becoming just the second tight end in Raiders history with more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season .
His 90 catches were also second only to Raiders Hall of Famer Todd Christensen ’ s 95 in 1986 .
Those numbers , along with Waller ’ s successful , ongoing battle with addiction , help explain why Gruden doesn ’ t look at Kittle or Kelce , now armed with $ 75 million and $ 57.25 million extensions , respectively , with much envy .
“ We think he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday of Waller .
“ We think he ’ s a great tight end .
I know two tight ends got paid a lot of money yesterday ; we ’ re happy to have our guy .
“ He can do it all .
He can block .
He can run any route .
He ’ s got great stamina.
” While Waller isn ’ t complaining about the four-year , $ 29.8 million extension he signed last year , he can ’ t help envisioning the impact the Kittle and Kelce megadeals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and beyond .
“ Those are incredible for the tight end position .
They ’ re definitely breaking the market , to say the least , ” Waller said .
“ I feel like both of them deserve it .
And if the opportunity presents itself to me and other tight ends down the road , it ’ s just setting us up .
Because before , the position was like the lowest-paid of all the skill positions .
“ I feel like every one of the tight ends are licking their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take it one day at a time to get there because nothing ’ s promised .
It ’ s a violent game.
” In the meantime , Waller continues his daily battle against addiction with his eyes wide open .
In fact , he ’ s in such a good place these days that he hasn ’ t been fazed by the move to Las Vegas , hardly a place conducive to winning battles with addiction .
“ It ’ s funny that it ’ s like most people look at Vegas like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like mayhem at all times , but I feel at peace here already , ” Waller said .
“ I feel like I live in a great area , I ’ ve met great people out here .
The Raiders organization is taking just as good of care of me now as the first day I got here .
So just excited to write a new chapter here.
” The Raiders announced the signing of defensive end Datone Jones , a former Cowboy and 49er who spent last season with the Jaguars .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-round pick in 2013 but has mostly served as a reserve , including three games with the 49ers in 2017 .
While in Dallas , Jones was coached on the defensive line by current Raiders assistant Rod Marinelli .

The record-breaking contracts signed this week by the 49ers’ George Kittle and the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce were big news for tight ends around the NFL. But there was another big story from that position too.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller celebrated his third year of sobriety Wednesday.
“He had a dark portion of his life there for a while that not a lot of people come back from,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said Friday. “Not a lot of young people out there getting the real story about Waller. You can beat addiction. Just listen to Darren Waller and how he did it. He is a great source of leadership and proof you can be great, even though you’ve had some dark, dark times.”
Some of Waller’s biggest boosters are those who share the same locker room with him.
“He’s a big inspiration to us,” said Raiders defensive back Lamarcus Joyner. “He’s actually a leader. So I’m pretty sure you know of his story. Just to see a guy go through that kind of stuff and clean himself up, both off the field and on the field, is just amazing.
“And if you can’t be encouraged by that, then you don’t have a heart.”
Waller, 27, hit rock bottom in 2017 while with the Baltimore Ravens when he failed his second drug test and was suspended for the entire season. That all seems like a lifetime ago for Waller, who said Wednesday was indeed a meaningful day.
“It means I’m not the same person that I was because before I wasn’t somebody who was worth looking up to or that was inspirational in any way,” Waller said Friday. “Now I’m kind of free from that. I can really step into my calling and write my own story and be of service to other people in the process and inspire people.
“So me being clean, I feel like it’s breaking generational curses in my family. I think it’s changing what’s cool with young people. It means a lot to me now that a lot of people are looking to me for inspiration. It kind of gives me extra energy as well.”
The story of Darren Waller is pretty remarkable. Good to see a person bounce back from the bottom to a success story. He loses points from me for never watching Fight Club, but everyone should to root for him to stay in the right path. pic.twitter.com/rV7YFQJdgZ — Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 21, 2019
Waller’s sobering saga was a focus of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series with the Raiders in Napa last summer. He admitted when he was a wreck while he was with the Ravens.
“I was in Baltimore, I was just like a vegetable,” Waller said last summer. “I was getting high, literally, every day. Whatever I could get my hands on. Like opiates first, like oxy pills, stuff like that. Xanax, cocaine. Not caring about anything, any kind of consequences, or anything like that.
“Plotting to sabotage my way out of the league so I didn’t look like a quitter. So the league (would) put me out of my misery.”
Instead, the Raiders took a chance on the 6-foot-6 Waller, who hasn’t disappointed them either on or off the field. He came into his own on the field last year while becoming just the second tight end in Raiders history with more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season. His 90 catches were also second only to Raiders Hall of Famer Todd Christensen’s 95 in 1986.
Those numbers, along with Waller’s successful, ongoing battle with addiction, help explain why Gruden doesn’t look at Kittle or Kelce, now armed with $75 million and $57.25 million extensions, respectively, with much envy.
“We think he’s a superstar,” Gruden said Friday of Waller. “We think he’s a great tight end. I know two tight ends got paid a lot of money yesterday; we’re happy to have our guy.
“He can do it all. He can block. He can run any route. He’s got great stamina.”
While Waller isn’t complaining about the four-year, $29.8 million extension he signed last year, he can’t help envisioning the impact the Kittle and Kelce megadeals will have on tight end salaries next year and beyond.
“Those are incredible for the tight end position. They’re definitely breaking the market, to say the least,” Waller said. “I feel like both of them deserve it. And if the opportunity presents itself to me and other tight ends down the road, it’s just setting us up. Because before, the position was like the lowest-paid of all the skill positions.
“I feel like every one of the tight ends are licking their chops, but you still got to take it one day at a time to get there because nothing’s promised. It’s a violent game.”
In the meantime, Waller continues his daily battle against addiction with his eyes wide open. In fact, he’s in such a good place these days that he hasn’t been fazed by the move to Las Vegas, hardly a place conducive to winning battles with addiction.
“It’s funny that it’s like most people look at Vegas like this crazy place and it’s like mayhem at all times, but I feel at peace here already,” Waller said. “I feel like I live in a great area, I’ve met great people out here. The Raiders organization is taking just as good of care of me now as the first day I got here. So just excited to write a new chapter here.”
Raiders add free agent:
The Raiders announced the signing of defensive end Datone Jones, a former Cowboy and 49er who spent last season with the Jaguars. The eight-year veteran was the Packers’ first-round pick in 2013 but has mostly served as a reserve, including three games with the 49ers in 2017. While in Dallas, Jones was coached on the defensive line by current Raiders assistant Rod Marinelli.


mercurynews--2020-08-14--Iowa residents press governor as storm cleanup falters

CEDAR RAPIDS , Iowa — Iowa Gov .
Kim Reynolds pushed back Friday against criticism that she has been slow to respond to a wind storm that devastated the state and promised more help soon for tens of thousands of residents struggling through their fifth day without electricity .
Reynolds said 100 members of the Iowa National Guard arrived in hard-hit Cedar Rapids on Friday to help clear tree debris that is blocking many downed power lines .
She said she has commitments from the state ’ s largest utilities that customers in Cedar Rapids and other areas should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not sooner .
Many others , including those in the Des Moines area , should be back online this weekend , she said .
Reynolds , a Republican , said she would submit the state ’ s request for a federal disaster declaration Monday after completing mandatory damage assessments .
She said President Donald Trump has promised to act swiftly to provide federal resources once that ’ s approved .
The storm known as a derecho swept through Iowa on Monday with winds of up to 100 mph ( 160 kph ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a third or more of the state ’ s corn fields , and damaging homes and businesses .
At least three people in Iowa and one in Indiana were killed .
Cedar Rapids , the state ’ s second-largest city , has been hardest hit , with officials calling the devastation more widespread than a historic 2008 flood that wiped out downtown neighborhoods .
About 65,000 customers in the Cedar Rapids area remained without power , and 100,000 more across the state .
Alliant Energy said it anticipates replacing 2,500 damaged poles in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take eight months .
Reynolds said the Iowa National Guard was not sent to Cedar Rapids earlier because the state did not receive a request for help from local officials until Thursday .
Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Benjamin Corell acknowledged that many residents had been asking about its absence this week but said the guard does not send in soldiers until its mission is clear .
He said the guard ’ s focus was to coordinate with utilities to clear trees and restore power .
“ We ’ re here .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said Friday .
“ We ’ re going to get this mess cleaned up.
” Several residents and a Democratic congresswoman who represents the area had criticized Reynolds for not moving faster .
Particularly blistering was a statement issued by the Retail , Wholesale and Department Store Union , which represents workers at major Cedar Rapids food manufacturing factories and said its members were “ living in a war zone.
” “ Too many Iowans are suffering and it is not acceptable that they are living without electricity , many are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ block roads for families to get badly needed essential supplies , ” said union President Stuart Appelbaum .
“ It ’ s horrific.
” Reynolds said she did take action , including by issuing a state disaster declaration that provides some grants to low-income residents .
She toured the area and spoke with Trump on Tuesday and Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday during his campaign visit to Iowa .
“ Everybody is doing the best they can , ” Reynolds said at a news conference at a Cedar Rapids fire station .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet basic needs while already reeling from the coronavirus pandemic .
Ella Shears , 53 , said the storm flooded her kitchen and bathroom and knocked out her power .
She said she had to throw out $ 200 worth of food that was spoiled and doesn ’ t know when her next meal will come .
Shears said she can not charge her cellphone , leaving her no way to communicate .
Her third-floor apartment is hot , so she sits outside in the shade from trees that have not been knocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s restaurant where she is a cashier has been closed .
She is running out of prescription drugs she takes for heart problems , and worries about how she ’ ll get them refilled .
“ It ’ s just sad .
I never thought I would see this , ” she said .
“ It ’ s a struggle.
” Eric Fish , 33 , said he has been unable to cook a hot meal , eating peanut butter sandwiches for the last three days .
He said the only help he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worker who helped knock down a big tree branch outside his home .
“ No power for almost a week .
Massive debris like everybody else .
No help .
We ’ re losing every bit of our food , ” he said Friday .
• New Zealand scrambles to contain virus cluster Cecil Gott , 54 , said his home suffered damage to windows , its roof and walls .
He drove out of town to buy a chain saw that he has been using to help clear tree debris from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Iowa National Guard out here , ” he said .
“ If more people would come out to help , we would get our power back on sooner.
” Jeffrey Frajman , 66 , said he and his neighbors in a low-income apartment complex are desperate for power to come back and for roads to be cleared .
“ People are getting angry , ” he said .
“ We need some action and we need it now .
”

By Ryan J. Foley | Associated Press
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds pushed back Friday against criticism that she has been slow to respond to a wind storm that devastated the state and promised more help soon for tens of thousands of residents struggling through their fifth day without electricity.
Reynolds said 100 members of the Iowa National Guard arrived in hard-hit Cedar Rapids on Friday to help clear tree debris that is blocking many downed power lines.
She said she has commitments from the state’s largest utilities that customers in Cedar Rapids and other areas should have their power restored by Tuesday, if not sooner. Many others, including those in the Des Moines area, should be back online this weekend, she said.
Reynolds, a Republican, said she would submit the state’s request for a federal disaster declaration Monday after completing mandatory damage assessments. She said President Donald Trump has promised to act swiftly to provide federal resources once that’s approved.
The storm known as a derecho swept through Iowa on Monday with winds of up to 100 mph (160 kph), downing trees and power lines, destroying a third or more of the state’s corn fields, and damaging homes and businesses. At least three people in Iowa and one in Indiana were killed.
Cedar Rapids, the state’s second-largest city, has been hardest hit, with officials calling the devastation more widespread than a historic 2008 flood that wiped out downtown neighborhoods.
About 65,000 customers in the Cedar Rapids area remained without power, and 100,000 more across the state. Alliant Energy said it anticipates replacing 2,500 damaged poles in a week — work that would normally take eight months.
Reynolds said the Iowa National Guard was not sent to Cedar Rapids earlier because the state did not receive a request for help from local officials until Thursday.
Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Benjamin Corell acknowledged that many residents had been asking about its absence this week but said the guard does not send in soldiers until its mission is clear. He said the guard’s focus was to coordinate with utilities to clear trees and restore power.
“We’re here. We’re ready to get going,” he said Friday. “We’re going to get this mess cleaned up.”
Several residents and a Democratic congresswoman who represents the area had criticized Reynolds for not moving faster.
Particularly blistering was a statement issued by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which represents workers at major Cedar Rapids food manufacturing factories and said its members were “living in a war zone.”
“Too many Iowans are suffering and it is not acceptable that they are living without electricity, many are unable to go work, downed trees block roads for families to get badly needed essential supplies,” said union President Stuart Appelbaum. “It’s horrific.”
Reynolds said she did take action, including by issuing a state disaster declaration that provides some grants to low-income residents. She toured the area and spoke with Trump on Tuesday and Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday during his campaign visit to Iowa.
“Everybody is doing the best they can,” Reynolds said at a news conference at a Cedar Rapids fire station.
Several residents said they were struggling to meet basic needs while already reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.
Ella Shears, 53, said the storm flooded her kitchen and bathroom and knocked out her power. She said she had to throw out $200 worth of food that was spoiled and doesn’t know when her next meal will come.
Shears said she cannot charge her cellphone, leaving her no way to communicate. Her third-floor apartment is hot, so she sits outside in the shade from trees that have not been knocked down.
Shears said the Wendy’s restaurant where she is a cashier has been closed. She is running out of prescription drugs she takes for heart problems, and worries about how she’ll get them refilled.
“It’s just sad. I never thought I would see this,” she said. “It’s a struggle.”
Eric Fish, 33, said he has been unable to cook a hot meal, eating peanut butter sandwiches for the last three days. He said the only help he’s received was from a city worker who helped knock down a big tree branch outside his home.
“No power for almost a week. Massive debris like everybody else. No help. We’re losing every bit of our food,” he said Friday.
Cecil Gott, 54, said his home suffered damage to windows, its roof and walls. He drove out of town to buy a chain saw that he has been using to help clear tree debris from his neighborhood.
“We really do need the Iowa National Guard out here,” he said. “If more people would come out to help, we would get our power back on sooner.”
Jeffrey Frajman, 66, said he and his neighbors in a low-income apartment complex are desperate for power to come back and for roads to be cleared.
“People are getting angry,” he said. “We need some action and we need it now.”


mercurynews--2020-08-15--Raiders mailbag: On Marcus Mariota, Jadeveon Clowney and the biggest rookie surprise

Time for an overdue Raiders mailbag with a few non-contact practices in the books and the first padded session coming up on Monday : Q : How is Marcus Mariota performing in camp ?
— @ admnunez1 A : You sent this question a few days ago , but it ’ s pertinent because coach Jon Gruden talked up Mariota in his Zoom teleconference session following practice .
Which of course will give way to breathless social media speculation that he ’ s making a run at Derek Carr ’ s job .
Specifically , Gruden did talk up Mariota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet to create .
“ He ’ s a dazzling playmaker with his feet , man .
That ’ s the key to his game .
I saw that , glimpses of that today , ” Gruden said .
The comment about Mariota serves two purposes .
It gives Mariota some confidence , and it also gets back to Carr .
Gruden has been urging Carr to be more creative when plays break down for the past three years .
Carr , by the way , had a breakaway run Friday in what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk-through .
The job belongs to Carr for the foreseeable future .
Q : Hello from London .
Will the Raiders keep four tight ends ?
Is the offensive line set ( including depth ) or might they look to add a tackle ?
Swing tackle looks pretty shaky right now .
— @ marklubienski A : Darren Waller , Foster Moreau and Jason Witten are etched in stone .
Derek Carrier played nearly twice as many snaps on special teams ( 344 ) last year as he did on offense ( 177 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain on the roster .
I think the Raiders think their starting offensive line is the best in the NFL and they might be right if Trent Brown and Gabe Jackson are 100 percent .
I ’ m guessing they ’ ve seen enough they like in David Sharpe to be the swing tackle and have less faith in Brandon Parker .
Sam Young , a veteran of 92 games , was getting a first-team look Friday according to ESPN ’ s Paul Gutierrez.They could add someone else when teams make cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little in the way of tinkering .
Q : In case we will keep four linebackers on the roster ( like last year ) , which one do you keep ?
Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski are safe and Tanner Muse too , because he was a third-round pick .
But do you keep Nick Morrow or do you save cap space by taking promising Javin White ?
Or Kyle Wilber or Bryce Hager — @ skfwar A : According to ESPN ’ s Jeremy Fowler the Raiders made an unsuccessful run at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last two years with Seattle and is coming off a torn ACL .
Given that Littleton and Kwiatkoski will be on the field most of the time , I find that surprising .
Muse would have to show considerable progress in going from college safety to NFL linebacker .
I could see them going with White , who more or less is what Morrow was a few years ago — an undrafted rookie who played a hybrid safety/linebacker in college .
Wilber and Hager are players special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play linebacker .
Q : What are the strongest and weakest positions on defense ?
— @ Raida13 A : You stumped me on that one because the change has been so dramatic in terms of personnel .
But given the return of Maxx Crosby , Clelin Ferrell ( he ’ ll be better ) , Johnathan Hankins and Mo Hurst , to be blended with Maliek Collins and Carl Nassib , I ’ d have to say defensive line .
Gruden has made sure to elevate the buzz surrounding Collins .
Q @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) gets fired if our defense gets toasted and we lose three in a row ?
— @ urbanteaa A : I know people regard Gruden as impulsive , but an in-season firing of a coach — particularly a coordinator — is not his style .
It ’ s a big year for Guenther though .
No starters left from the 2018 Raiders .
As tight as Gruden is with Guenther , another poor defense would probably mean a change in 2021 .
Don ’ t think either man is counting on that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see meaningful snaps this season ?
— @ MGiraldi A : There ’ s only so many snaps to go around , and ideally , Gruden would like to run the ball on half of them .
Henry Ruggs III , Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow will get their snaps .
Agholor becomes a factor if any of those three are injured or ineffective .
Bryan Edwards sticks because he ’ s a rookie who could make a move for playing time .
Agholor must beat Zay Jones , Keelan Doss and Rico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Which rookie will be the biggest surprise this year — @ brwong24 A : Given the Raiders made all their picks through four rounds , none of the draft picks would be a surprise contributors .
So the early leader in the socially distanced clubhouse is undrafted free agent and UNLV and McClymonds High product Javin White .
Proving to Bisaccia he can contribute on special teams will be a big factor .
Q : Any real traction with Jadeveon Clowney ?
All for adding talent but I really like the four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DarrinDubs20 A : The only way I see Clowney entering the picture is if he wanted to play for the Raiders so bad he ’ d take an incentive-laden deal for a year that still wouldn ’ t amount to anywhere near the $ 20 million or so he was seeking at the outset .
And as amazing as Clowney is on film when he ’ s right , his production has never matched his ability largely because of injuries .
They just added Datone Jones , a former first-round pick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re pretty much going through the bargain bin at this point .
Q : Do they have an idea what the game day “ atmosphere ” will be like at Allegiant ?
Pre-recorded fan noise or music ?
Any chance they ’ ll let fans submit videos for the big screen as Formula 1 has done with the “ Virtual Fan.
” — @ JSMartinII A : I believe the NFL is in the process of determining what they will and won ’ t allow .
An empty stadium will need some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s colorful language from hitting the airwaves .
The NFL is such a super-charged atmosphere .
I ’ ll never forget the first time I went to a game at the Coliseum in the late 1960s .
The energy drew me in right away .
It ’ s going to be strange .
Q : So are you still going to cover the Raiders even though they play in Las Vegas ?
— @ DerekEvans20 • No ‘ Hard Knocks ’ , no Antonio Brown : Tyrell Williams likes the vibe of 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restricted access I ’ ll be following from the Bay Area .
No plans to go to Las Vegas at present , although that could change if the coronavirus situation improves dramatically and it ’ s deemed worthwhile by my superiors .
I ’ ll still get virtually the same access those on site get in terms of players and coaches .
I ’ ll be contributing to some 49ers coverage as well , but I put in 25 years covering the Raiders when they returned to Oakland so I ’ ll have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and expertise .
Q : You ’ re well versed in Gruden speak .
When he references Johnathan Abram as being “ outstanding ” rather than downplay his ability does it give you the impression that he must really think Abram is great ?
Over the years it seems Gruden goes out of his way to temper his expectations of unproven players rather than set them high .
Thanks — Arian Hiyvi ( email ) A : I think you ’ re overthinking it .
Gruden is a guy who exaggerates to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think with younger guys in particular , he tends to take a more optimistic tone since he came back after being in the TV booth .
Q : What roster spot will Lynn Bowden take , quarterback , running back , wide receiver ?
Seems it would make sense as a quarterback freeing up another position ?
— Ryan Resnick ( email ) A : Although the media breaks it down by position , Gruden and G.M.Mike Mayock are putting 53 names on a team , and Bowden will be classified as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise the question of a No .
3 quarterback .
With the expanded practice squad , wouldn ’ t be surprised to see Nathan Peterman wind up there with Carr and Mariota on the 53 .
Q : I don ’ t have any questions for you , just a couple requests you can get to the main guy in charge of the Raiders , as far as the uniforms are concerned .
Players wear black shoes .
White is for wimps .
All black uniforms for color rush .
Chrome helmets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ A : Everything written about the Raiders is available in-house to those on the coaching staff and administration .
Mark Davis reads most of it , if not all .
So consider it done .
For what it ’ s worth , I dislike the idea of any changes in the Raiders uniforms other than the white jerseys with silver numbers outlined in black .
They actually used those in 1970 on the road .
Keep it traditional .

Time for an overdue Raiders mailbag with a few non-contact practices in the books and the first padded session coming up on Monday:
Q: How is Marcus Mariota performing in camp? — @admnunez1
A: You sent this question a few days ago, but it’s pertinent because coach Jon Gruden talked up Mariota in his Zoom teleconference session following practice. Which of course will give way to breathless social media speculation that he’s making a run at Derek Carr’s job. Specifically, Gruden did talk up Mariota in terms of running and using his feet to create. “He’s a dazzling playmaker with his feet, man. That’s the key to his game. I saw that, glimpses of that today,” Gruden said. The comment about Mariota serves two purposes. It gives Mariota some confidence, and it also gets back to Carr. Gruden has been urging Carr to be more creative when plays break down for the past three years. Carr, by the way, had a breakaway run Friday in what Gruden termed a “full speed” walk-through. The job belongs to Carr for the foreseeable future.
Q: Hello from London. Will the Raiders keep four tight ends? Is the offensive line set (including depth) or might they look to add a tackle? Swing tackle looks pretty shaky right now. — @marklubienski
A: Darren Waller, Foster Moreau and Jason Witten are etched in stone. Derek Carrier played nearly twice as many snaps on special teams (344) last year as he did on offense (177). That’s his ticket to remain on the roster. I think the Raiders think their starting offensive line is the best in the NFL and they might be right if Trent Brown and Gabe Jackson are 100 percent. I’m guessing they’ve seen enough they like in David Sharpe to be the swing tackle and have less faith in Brandon Parker. Sam Young, a veteran of 92 games, was getting a first-team look Friday according to ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez.They could add someone else when teams make cuts, but overall this unit needs very little in the way of tinkering.
Q: In case we will keep four linebackers on the roster (like last year), which one do you keep? Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski are safe and Tanner Muse too, because he was a third-round pick. But do you keep Nick Morrow or do you save cap space by taking promising Javin White? Or Kyle Wilber or Bryce Hager — @skfwar
A: According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler the Raiders made an unsuccessful run at signing Mychal Kendricks, who has spent the last two years with Seattle and is coming off a torn ACL. Given that Littleton and Kwiatkoski will be on the field most of the time, I find that surprising. Muse would have to show considerable progress in going from college safety to NFL linebacker. I could see them going with White, who more or less is what Morrow was a few years ago — an undrafted rookie who played a hybrid safety/linebacker in college. Wilber and Hager are players special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia will evaluate and aren’t likely to play linebacker.
Q: What are the strongest and weakest positions on defense? — @Raida13
A: You stumped me on that one because the change has been so dramatic in terms of personnel. But given the return of Maxx Crosby, Clelin Ferrell (he’ll be better), Johnathan Hankins and Mo Hurst, to be blended with Maliek Collins and Carl Nassib, I’d have to say defensive line. Gruden has made sure to elevate the buzz surrounding Collins.
Q: Do you think (Paul Guenther) gets fired if our defense gets toasted and we lose three in a row? — @urbanteaa
A: I know people regard Gruden as impulsive, but an in-season firing of a coach — particularly a coordinator — is not his style. It’s a big year for Guenther though. No starters left from the 2018 Raiders. As tight as Gruden is with Guenther, another poor defense would probably mean a change in 2021. Don’t think either man is counting on that happening.
Q: Can Nelson Agholor see meaningful snaps this season? — @MGiraldi
A: There’s only so many snaps to go around, and ideally, Gruden would like to run the ball on half of them. Henry Ruggs III, Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow will get their snaps. Agholor becomes a factor if any of those three are injured or ineffective. Bryan Edwards sticks because he’s a rookie who could make a move for playing time. Agholor must beat Zay Jones, Keelan Doss and Rico Gafford, which seems do-able.
Q: Which rookie will be the biggest surprise this year — @brwong24
A: Given the Raiders made all their picks through four rounds, none of the draft picks would be a surprise contributors. So the early leader in the socially distanced clubhouse is undrafted free agent and UNLV and McClymonds High product Javin White. Proving to Bisaccia he can contribute on special teams will be a big factor.
Q: Any real traction with Jadeveon Clowney? All for adding talent but I really like the four defensive ends we have now. — @DarrinDubs20
A: The only way I see Clowney entering the picture is if he wanted to play for the Raiders so bad he’d take an incentive-laden deal for a year that still wouldn’t amount to anywhere near the $20 million or so he was seeking at the outset. And as amazing as Clowney is on film when he’s right, his production has never matched his ability largely because of injuries. They just added Datone Jones, a former first-round pick, to the roster. I think they’re pretty much going through the bargain bin at this point.
Q: Do they have an idea what the game day “atmosphere” will be like at Allegiant? Pre-recorded fan noise or music? Any chance they’ll let fans submit videos for the big screen as Formula 1 has done with the “Virtual Fan.” — @JSMartinII
A: I believe the NFL is in the process of determining what they will and won’t allow. An empty stadium will need some sound effects provided to keep Gruden’s colorful language from hitting the airwaves. The NFL is such a super-charged atmosphere. I’ll never forget the first time I went to a game at the Coliseum in the late 1960s. The energy drew me in right away. It’s going to be strange.
Q: So are you still going to cover the Raiders even though they play in Las Vegas? — @DerekEvans20
Related Articles Raiders | Sam Darnold’s ‘great’ debut, plus 10 observations from 49ers’ flop
Sam Darnold’s ‘great’ debut, plus 10 observations from 49ers’ flop Raiders | Raiders 34, 49ers 7: Trey Lance sacked four times in rough return
Raiders 34, 49ers 7: Trey Lance sacked four times in rough return Raiders | 49ers at Raiders: 10 players to watch in NFL preseason opener
49ers at Raiders: 10 players to watch in NFL preseason opener Raiders | 49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams
49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams Raiders | Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers get sentimental at Vegas reunion — to an extent Given the COVID-19 pandemic and restricted access I’ll be following from the Bay Area. No plans to go to Las Vegas at present, although that could change if the coronavirus situation improves dramatically and it’s deemed worthwhile by my superiors. I’ll still get virtually the same access those on site get in terms of players and coaches. I’ll be contributing to some 49ers coverage as well, but I put in 25 years covering the Raiders when they returned to Oakland so I’ll have something to offer in terms of perspective and expertise.
Q: You’re well versed in Gruden speak. When he references Johnathan Abram as being “outstanding” rather than downplay his ability does it give you the impression that he must really think Abram is great? Over the years it seems Gruden goes out of his way to temper his expectations of unproven players rather than set them high. Thanks — Arian Hiyvi (email)
A: I think you’re overthinking it. Gruden is a guy who exaggerates to make a point. He always has. I think with younger guys in particular, he tends to take a more optimistic tone since he came back after being in the TV booth.
Q: What roster spot will Lynn Bowden take, quarterback, running back, wide receiver? Seems it would make sense as a quarterback freeing up another position? — Ryan Resnick (email)
A: Although the media breaks it down by position, Gruden and G.M.Mike Mayock are putting 53 names on a team, and Bowden will be classified as a running back. But it does raise the question of a No. 3 quarterback. With the expanded practice squad, wouldn’t be surprised to see Nathan Peterman wind up there with Carr and Mariota on the 53.
Q: I don’t have any questions for you, just a couple requests you can get to the main guy in charge of the Raiders, as far as the uniforms are concerned. Players wear black shoes. White is for wimps. All black uniforms for color rush. Chrome helmets. — Joe Chaidez (email).
A: Everything written about the Raiders is available in-house to those on the coaching staff and administration. Mark Davis reads most of it, if not all. So consider it done. For what it’s worth, I dislike the idea of any changes in the Raiders uniforms other than the white jerseys with silver numbers outlined in black. They actually used those in 1970 on the road. Keep it traditional.