mercurynews--2020-04-26--Horoscopes April 26, 2020: Channing Tatum and Jemima Kirke share advice.

Happy Birthday : Simplify your life .
Refuse to let complicated situations grow into something that will disrupt your plans .
Be smart , aware and prepared to physically do what ’ s necessary to achieve the happiness you deserve .
Consider what you enjoy doing , and find a way to incorporate it into your daily routine .
Look for long-term progress , not a quick fix that lacks longevity .
Your numbers are 9 , 13 , 20 , 27 , 31 , 39 , 44 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Do something that brings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it will make you feel good .
Romance is on the rise and will make a difference in the way you live .
A memory will encourage you to make a positive change .
4 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Be precise , and listen to the response you receive .
Greater equality will be necessary if you want to make progress .
Don ’ t fight the impossible ; look for new beginnings that allow you to use your skills and experience appropriately .
3 stars GEMINI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your all , and be proud of your contributions .
Stand by your word , and let experience be your guide .
Channel your energy into personal gain , a better job or a meaningful relationship .
Let your actions speak for you .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Change begins with you .
A positive attitude and an open mind will lead to opportunities that will encourage new friendships , financial gain and the chance to use your skills to benefit you directly .
Listen to your heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 ) : Get together with an old friend or attend a reunion .
Catching up with someone will motivate you to make positive personal changes that will help raise your profile .
Handle a romantic gesture carefully .
Someone may mislead you .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Don ’ t give in to someone who is pestering you .
Get out with people who appreciate you and offer as much in return as you are willing to give .
An even playing field will make your downtime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Getting together with friends will ease stress and motivate you to make positive changes that will improve your health and overall appearance .
Speak up , share your feelings and intentions , and find out where you stand .
5 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Take a step back to rethink your next move .
Pursue something that brings you joy .
A creative project that takes your mind off stressful situations and gives you space and the peace of mind you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Pursue activities that are challenging , fun and adventuresome .
A physical change will lead to compliments and give you added confidence .
A romantic gesture will bring you closer to the one you love .
Don ’ t let an outsider interfere in your life .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Take care of your responsibilities before you venture out with friends .
Someone you feel responsible for will be challenging and time-consuming .
Patience will be required if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjustment you make will be difficult but worthwhile .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Follow through with your plans , regardless of what others decide to do .
Channel your energy into personal growth , home improvements , love and being truthful regarding your intentions and what you want to see develop .
Romance will enhance your life .
5 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Moderation will be in your best interest .
Stick to the truth .
Don ’ t lead someone on , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Emotional problems will surface if you give the wrong impression .
Honesty and integrity matter .
Walk away from indulgent situations .
2 stars Birthday Baby : You are hip , engaging and demonstrative .
You are adaptable and generous .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jemima Kirke, 35; Channing Tatum, 40; Tom Welling, 43; Kevin James, 55.
Happy Birthday: Simplify your life. Refuse to let complicated situations grow into something that will disrupt your plans. Be smart, aware and prepared to physically do what’s necessary to achieve the happiness you deserve. Consider what you enjoy doing, and find a way to incorporate it into your daily routine. Look for long-term progress, not a quick fix that lacks longevity. Your numbers are 9, 13, 20, 27, 31, 39, 44.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Do something that brings you joy. Lend a helping hand, and it will make you feel good. Romance is on the rise and will make a difference in the way you live. A memory will encourage you to make a positive change. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Be precise, and listen to the response you receive. Greater equality will be necessary if you want to make progress. Don’t fight the impossible; look for new beginnings that allow you to use your skills and experience appropriately. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Give your all, and be proud of your contributions. Stand by your word, and let experience be your guide. Channel your energy into personal gain, a better job or a meaningful relationship. Let your actions speak for you. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Change begins with you. A positive attitude and an open mind will lead to opportunities that will encourage new friendships, financial gain and the chance to use your skills to benefit you directly. Listen to your heart. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Get together with an old friend or attend a reunion. Catching up with someone will motivate you to make positive personal changes that will help raise your profile. Handle a romantic gesture carefully. Someone may mislead you. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t give in to someone who is pestering you. Get out with people who appreciate you and offer as much in return as you are willing to give. An even playing field will make your downtime entertaining and stress-free. 2 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Getting together with friends will ease stress and motivate you to make positive changes that will improve your health and overall appearance. Speak up, share your feelings and intentions, and find out where you stand. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take a step back to rethink your next move. Pursue something that brings you joy. A creative project that takes your mind off stressful situations and gives you space and the peace of mind you need to make wise decisions is encouraged. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Pursue activities that are challenging, fun and adventuresome. A physical change will lead to compliments and give you added confidence. A romantic gesture will bring you closer to the one you love. Don’t let an outsider interfere in your life. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take care of your responsibilities before you venture out with friends. Someone you feel responsible for will be challenging and time-consuming. Patience will be required if you want to avoid an argument. An adjustment you make will be difficult but worthwhile. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Follow through with your plans, regardless of what others decide to do. Channel your energy into personal growth, home improvements, love and being truthful regarding your intentions and what you want to see develop. Romance will enhance your life. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Moderation will be in your best interest. Stick to the truth. Don’t lead someone on, and don’t believe everything you hear. Emotional problems will surface if you give the wrong impression. Honesty and integrity matter. Walk away from indulgent situations. 2 stars
Birthday Baby: You are hip, engaging and demonstrative. You are adaptable and generous.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Bridge: April 26, 2020

Bridge: April 26, 2020

Once upon a time there lived a poor broom maker who also happened to play bridge .
He was much better at making brooms .
When he was declarer and had a choice of two lines of play , he always chose the losing line .
Pitying him , his fairy godmother gave him a magic coin .
“ When you have two possible plays , ” the FG said , “ flip the coin .
Decide that heads indicates one play , tails the other .
The coin will tell you what to do.
” All went well for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then came today ’ s deal .
Our hero found himself at six hearts , and West led the king of diamonds .
If trumps split 1-1 , South would only need a third trick in a black suit .
But if West had a trump trick , South might need an end play plus good luck .
South wondered what to discard on dummy ’ s ace of diamonds .
To discard from the wrong black suit might cost a winner .
So South took out his magic coin .
He decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tails a club .
But when South flipped , the coin landed on edge and bounced out the window and down a manhole .
Luckily , South was a believer in omens .
He decided that he wasn ’ t meant to discard at all .
So South ruffed the ace of diamonds and took the ace of trumps .
When East showed out , South exited with a trump .
West was stuck .
If he led a black suit , South would get four tricks in that suit and 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diamond , South threw a spade from dummy , ruffed in his hand , took the top spades and ruffed a spade .
When the queen fell , his jack was good for the 12th trick .

Once upon a time there lived a poor broom maker who also happened to play bridge. He was much better at making brooms. When he was declarer and had a choice of two lines of play, he always chose the losing line.
Pitying him, his fairy godmother gave him a magic coin.
“When you have two possible plays,” the FG said, “flip the coin. Decide that heads indicates one play, tails the other. The coin will tell you what to do.”
All went well for a year and a day, and then came today’s deal. Our hero found himself at six hearts, and West led the king of diamonds. If trumps split 1-1, South would only need a third trick in a black suit. But if West had a trump trick, South might need an end play plus good luck.
South wondered what to discard on dummy’s ace of diamonds. To discard from the wrong black suit might cost a winner. So South took out his magic coin. He decided that heads meant to discard a spade, tails a club. But when South flipped, the coin landed on edge and bounced out the window and down a manhole.
Luckily, South was a believer in omens. He decided that he wasn’t meant to discard at all. So South ruffed the ace of diamonds and took the ace of trumps. When East showed out, South exited with a trump.
West was stuck. If he led a black suit, South would get four tricks in that suit and 12 in all. When West led another diamond, South threw a spade from dummy, ruffed in his hand, took the top spades and ruffed a spade. When the queen fell, his jack was good for the 12th trick.
West dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K 8 5
H A 9 8 6 5 2
D A
C A 7 4
WEST
S Q 10 4
H K Q
D K Q J 10 3
C Q 10 5
EAST
S 9 6 3
H None
D 9 8 7 6 5 4 2
C 9 8 3
SOUTH
S A J 7 2
H J 10 7 4 3
D None
C K J 6 2
West North East South
1 D Dbl 5 D 5 H
Pass 6 H All Pass
Opening lead — D K
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Letter: People on the trail who once smiled won’t make eye contact

A short week ago , I would pass people on the trails I walk and most would smile and say @ @ @ @ @ it is painfully obvious the world has changed when those same people , half of @ @ @ @ @ t even make eye contact .
This microcosm of national fear and stress will create @ @ @ @ @ mass psychotherapy when this crisis is over .
I believe all professional psychotherapists , in @ @ @ @ @ join their many colleagues already engaged in online helpto administer online healing and offering coping @ @ @ @ @ may not make it until that end arrives .
Submit your letter to the editor @ @ @ @ @ Letters to the Editor

A short week ago, I would pass people on the trails I walk and most would smile and say good morning.
Today, it is painfully obvious the world has changed when those same people, half of them masked, won’t even make eye contact.
This microcosm of national fear and stress will create a nation in need of mass psychotherapy when this crisis is over.
I believe all professional psychotherapists, in the broader sense, should join their many colleagues already engaged in online helpto administer online healing and offering coping mechanisms for so many that may not make it until that end arrives.
Fred Hempy
Brentwood
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Ask Amy: In one year, my wife has become a hothead, and I don’t know why

DEAR AMY : My wife and I have been married for 31 years .
We have four adult children — the oldest is 30 , the youngest is 22 .
Over the course of the last year , my wife has changed drastically and dramatically .
I do not know if the cause is menopause , or the change in our relationship , but the one thing that has been causing me angst is her declaration that she finds all of our kids annoying and that she doesn ’ t want to talk with them anymore .
She goes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children have all expressed dismay at this change .
When my wife and I talk about this , she says she just wants to concentrate on us , and no longer cares about the kids .
This has resulted in a lot of walking on eggshells for the kids and me .
• Ask Amy : I ’ ve started to think her stories are lies • Ask Amy : He regrets being an only child .
Should I let him know he ’ s not ?
• Ask Amy : How one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ workplace clique • Ask Amy : Shoe freak , neat freak trapped together and going crazy • Ask Amy : Our personal crisis should have taken precedence over her coronavirus fear She has told me that she doesn ’ t want to go to counseling .
I know I am going to have to go by myself .
My concern is that this might break up the family , as I can not satisfy her and our children .
I want to save our family .
DEAR HURTING : You mention menopause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” as possible causes for your wife ’ s extreme behavior .
I ’ m going to assume that all four kids have left the nest , and you and your wife are now alone .
Together .
Your wife may want to distance herself from the children , but if she tries to control your relationship with them , this is an emergent red flag and you should react quickly .
Do not let her isolate you .
It can ’ t feel good to her to be at DEFCON-1 so often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest level of alert ) .
This drastic change in temperament is worrying ; she should get a thorough medical checkup as soon as possible .
Yes , maybe her behavior is hormonally charged ( there is a reason menopause is often referred to as “ the change ” ) , but an underlying illness or brain disorder could be the cause of this extreme behavior .
For now , definitely pursue counseling on your own .
It might be safest for you to temporarily separate .
DEAR AMY : This past winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me and my girlfriend in a shared condo for a ski vacation .
Each couple had their own bedroom and bathroom .
My invitation text to my cousin ( a month before the date ) said : “ We have a room available if you ’ d like to join.
” Given that we had skied ( but not stayed ) together before , this was not unusual .
Prior to their arrival , we asked about diet restrictions and provided a list of what we had bought to eat/drink while in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Looking forward to it !
” During the trip , they shared our food and beverages , kept theirs to themselves , complained about someone in the household who snored , and never offered to chip in for the condo or food expenses , let alone offer a thank you meal to the group .
Everyone being around 40 years old , and being well-paid working professionals , I assumed my cousin and her husband would contribute .
They have not .
Clearly , I erred by not making my expectations explicit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cost ( which I suspect to be their reasoning ) , I don ’ t believe it ’ s fair to assume .
I ’ m starting to feel resentful .
I ’ m not inclined to issue future invitations .
Do you suggest simply moving on , or is there benefit to engaging in an uncomfortable conversation ?
If we engage , how do you suggest we do that , and what would be the best outcome ?
DEAR SKIED OUT : The best outcome would be for you to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and her husband , while never sharing a vacation with them again .
They hit the four benchmarks of anti-social behavior : stingy , entitled , complaining , and ungrateful .
Yes , you definitely erred when you sent your invitation text .
In the future , be very clear : “ Would you like to join us in a sharing the rental on a condo this winter ?
Let me know if you ’ re interested , and I ’ ll shoot you the details.
” DEAR AMY : “ George Wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typical office bullying episode , with a co-worker who always used his public sandwich orders to exclude George .
Food is often used as a way to exclude co-workers .
I faced this in my own workplace .
DEAR ALSO : Managers should be aware of this , and step in to stop it .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook @

DEAR AMY: My wife and I have been married for 31 years. We have four adult children — the oldest is 30, the youngest is 22.
Over the course of the last year, my wife has changed drastically and dramatically. I do not know if the cause is menopause, or the change in our relationship, but the one thing that has been causing me angst is her declaration that she finds all of our kids annoying and that she doesn’t want to talk with them anymore.
She goes to DEFCON-1 over the slightest thing. My children have all expressed dismay at this change.
When my wife and I talk about this, she says she just wants to concentrate on us, and no longer cares about the kids. This has resulted in a lot of walking on eggshells for the kids and me.
Related Articles Advice | Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments
Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments Advice | Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt?
Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt? Advice | Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment!
Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment! Advice | Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now?
Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy She has told me that she doesn’t want to go to counseling. I know I am going to have to go by myself.
My concern is that this might break up the family, as I cannot satisfy her and our children. I want to save our family.
Hurting Husband
DEAR HURTING: You mention menopause and “the change in our relationship” as possible causes for your wife’s extreme behavior. I’m going to assume that all four kids have left the nest, and you and your wife are now alone. Together.
Your wife may want to distance herself from the children, but if she tries to control your relationship with them, this is an emergent red flag and you should react quickly. Do not let her isolate you.
It can’t feel good to her to be at DEFCON-1 so often (this is military terminology describing the highest level of alert).
This drastic change in temperament is worrying; she should get a thorough medical checkup as soon as possible. Yes, maybe her behavior is hormonally charged (there is a reason menopause is often referred to as “the change”), but an underlying illness or brain disorder could be the cause of this extreme behavior.
For now, definitely pursue counseling on your own. It might be safest for you to temporarily separate.
DEAR AMY: This past winter, my cousin and her husband joined me and my girlfriend in a shared condo for a ski vacation. Each couple had their own bedroom and bathroom.
My invitation text to my cousin (a month before the date) said: “We have a room available if you’d like to join.” Given that we had skied (but not stayed) together before, this was not unusual.
Prior to their arrival, we asked about diet restrictions and provided a list of what we had bought to eat/drink while in the house, to which they responded: “Looking forward to it!”
During the trip, they shared our food and beverages, kept theirs to themselves, complained about someone in the household who snored, and never offered to chip in for the condo or food expenses, let alone offer a thank you meal to the group.
Everyone being around 40 years old, and being well-paid working professionals, I assumed my cousin and her husband would contribute. They have not.
Clearly, I erred by not making my expectations explicit. While I can afford to bear the cost (which I suspect to be their reasoning), I don’t believe it’s fair to assume.
I’m starting to feel resentful. I’m not inclined to issue future invitations.
Do you suggest simply moving on, or is there benefit to engaging in an uncomfortable conversation?
If we engage, how do you suggest we do that, and what would be the best outcome?
Skied Out
DEAR SKIED OUT: The best outcome would be for you to continue enjoying a cordial relationship with your cousin and her husband, while never sharing a vacation with them again.
They hit the four benchmarks of anti-social behavior: stingy, entitled, complaining, and ungrateful.
Yes, you definitely erred when you sent your invitation text. In the future, be very clear: “Would you like to join us in a sharing the rental on a condo this winter? Let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll shoot you the details.”
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR AMY: “George Wants Pastrami on Rye” described an unfortunately typical office bullying episode, with a co-worker who always used his public sandwich orders to exclude George.
Food is often used as a way to exclude co-workers. I faced this in my own workplace.
Also George
DEAR ALSO: Managers should be aware of this, and step in to stop it.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Dear Abby: This rude man knows he’s off our wedding list, and now he wants to talk

DEAR ABBY : My fiance has a friend who is , for lack of a better word , a train wreck .
When I started dating my fiance , I heard about this guy , “ Al , ” from my fiance ’ s other friends even before I met him .
The group of friends has an on-again , off-again relationship with Al , and he has made a scene at each of their weddings .
He has gotten obnoxiously drunk , gotten into huge arguments with his girlfriend ( now wife ) , or done something rude like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head table at the reception .
I tried to keep an open mind when I met him , but he has made us uncomfortable at every get-together .
We recently attended Al ’ s wedding , and he became aggressive with my fiance after drinking too much .
We have now decided we don ’ t want him or his new wife at our wedding next year .
We hoped to just drift away from them .
Unfortunately , Al has realized that he hasn ’ t received a save-the-date card and repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ go out ” with him to talk .
We know he ’ s going to ask about his invite , and he ’ ll probably expect one because he invited us to his wedding .
Are we justified in excluding him ?
How would you handle this ?
DEAR TOUGH SPOT : Your fiance should handle it by giving Al a straight answer .
He doesn ’ t have to see him .
A phone call will do .
Your fiance should state clearly that Al isn ’ t being invited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold his liquor and has made a scene at each wedding he has attended .
He should also be told that until he gets help for his alcohol problem , the two of you no longer wish to maintain the friendship .
It ’ s the truth , and the truth will set you free .
DEAR ABBY : My husband , “ Howard , ” and I have been married 42 years .
A couple of years ago , his father asked me to divorce Howard , which I did not do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we learned he had disinherited Howard .
My husband is crushed , and now I don ’ t know how to handle this .
Howard ’ s brother yelled at my husband and said , “ If your wife got her hands on that money , you would not see a penny of it !
” I don ’ t understand why he would think that .
Howard and I have a good relationship and do not live above our means .
That said , my husband ’ s brother and sister have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not understand why .
I have never done anything intentionally to harm them .
I feel like the bottom line is , had I divorced Howard when his father asked me to , this might not have happened .
My husband is hurt , not only by his father ’ s death , but also by being disinherited , and I do not know what to do .
DEAR HURTING FOR HIM : The one thing you should not do is blame yourself for any of this .
The only “ winner ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother .
Whether he poisoned your father-in-law ’ s perception of you or vice versa , I can not guess .
But the dynamics in Howard ’ s family are so toxic , it may take the help of a licensed therapist to cleanse the wounds you and your husband are left with .
The slightly tarnished silver lining in this is you have each other , which is more precious than money .
Please accept my deepest sympathy .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: My fiance has a friend who is, for lack of a better word, a train wreck. When I started dating my fiance, I heard about this guy, “Al,” from my fiance’s other friends even before I met him.
The group of friends has an on-again, off-again relationship with Al, and he has made a scene at each of their weddings. He has gotten obnoxiously drunk, gotten into huge arguments with his girlfriend (now wife), or done something rude like bring his own fast food to the head table at the reception. I tried to keep an open mind when I met him, but he has made us uncomfortable at every get-together.
We recently attended Al’s wedding, and he became aggressive with my fiance after drinking too much. We have now decided we don’t want him or his new wife at our wedding next year. We hoped to just drift away from them. Unfortunately, Al has realized that he hasn’t received a save-the-date card and repeatedly texts my fiance that he wants to “go out” with him to talk.
We know he’s going to ask about his invite, and he’ll probably expect one because he invited us to his wedding. Are we justified in excluding him? How would you handle this?
TOUGH SPOT IN ILLINOIS
DEAR TOUGH SPOT: Your fiance should handle it by giving Al a straight answer.
He doesn’t have to see him. A phone call will do. Your fiance should state clearly that Al isn’t being invited to the wedding because he can’t hold his liquor and has made a scene at each wedding he has attended.
He should also be told that until he gets help for his alcohol problem, the two of you no longer wish to maintain the friendship. It’s the truth, and the truth will set you free.
DEAR ABBY: My husband, “Howard,” and I have been married 42 years. A couple of years ago, his father asked me to divorce Howard, which I did not do.
His father died recently, and we learned he had disinherited Howard. My husband is crushed, and now I don’t know how to handle this.
Howard’s brother yelled at my husband and said, “If your wife got her hands on that money, you would not see a penny of it!” I don’t understand why he would think that. Howard and I have a good relationship and do not live above our means.
That said, my husband’s brother and sister have never liked me, and I do not understand why. I have never done anything intentionally to harm them.
I feel like the bottom line is, had I divorced Howard when his father asked me to, this might not have happened. My husband is hurt, not only by his father’s death, but also by being disinherited, and I do not know what to do.
HURTING FOR HIM
DEAR HURTING FOR HIM: The one thing you should not do is blame yourself for any of this. The only “winner” in this scenario appears to be the brother.
Whether he poisoned your father-in-law’s perception of you or vice versa, I cannot guess. But the dynamics in Howard’s family are so toxic, it may take the help of a licensed therapist to cleanse the wounds you and your husband are left with.
The slightly tarnished silver lining in this is you have each other, which is more precious than money. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Pac-12 winners, losers, trends and takeaways from the 2020 NFL Draft

Had the NFL Draft been governed by Little League rules , it would have been called after the first round .
The SEC accounted for 15 first-round picks , a draft record and one less than the other Power Five conference combined .
And the beating didn ’ t end there .
*** Total picks for all seven rounds : Sure , the SEC has more members than the Pac-12 and Big 12 .
But adjust for the number of teams , and the Mercy Rule is required here , as well .
On a relative basis , the Pac-12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ACC .
But this space is focused on the Pac-12 , and from that perspective , we have three takeaways : It has owned the draft for more than a decade , and no right-thinking football observer would dispute the depth of talent in the conference .
The 2020 totals are but one component of a broader canvass that frames the Pac-12 ’ s challenges .
Other pieces to that equation include the expanding resource disparity , ominous recruiting trends — so many top West Coast prospects leaving the footprint — and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Power Fives .
2 ) Within the 2020 draft totals , however , is something that speaks to a yellow alert : Stanford : two players drafted USC : two players drafted Washington : two players drafted Those schools have helped power the Pac-12 over differing draft timeframes : Washington recently , Stanford in the first half of the 2010s , and USC over the decades .
If their pipelines to the NFL are dry in any given year , the overall quality of play in the conference likely will be mediocre .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the conference seems worthy of mention here : USC offensive tackle Austin Jackson was the only lineman selected in the top-three rounds .
Put another way : Of the top-100 prospects available in the 2020 draft , as defined by the NFL , only one played on the line of scrimmage in the Pac-12 .
The SEC had five linemen picked in the first round .
The Big Ten had six picked in the top-two rounds .
The Big 12 , which isn ’ t known for its play at the line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the top 100 .
Of all the challenges facing Pac-12 football — from the lack of exposure on the Pac-12 Networks to the nine-game conference schedule to the resource gap — the lack of elite offensive/defensive line talent , both within the recruiting footprint and on the team rosters , is as significant as any .
For our money , it ’ s No .
1 .
To the draft winners and losers … Winner : Star system .
Of the 32 players picked in the first round , 21 received four- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fairly high hit rate considering there are relatively few four/five-star players out of the total number of recruits in a given year .
Loser : Running backs .
It used to be the glamour position in the NFL .
No longer : Only 16 running backs were selected — just over two per round .
And the first off the board , LSU ’ s Clyde Edwards-Helaire , was the final pick of the first round .
Winner : SEC West .
Based on selections made by NFL talent evaluators , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the season : Alabama , Auburn and LSU combined for 11 first-round picks — more than twice the total of the Big Ten and Big 12 ( five each ) .
Loser : ACC Coastal .
Seven teams combined for just 11 picks , and four came from one school : Miami .
The other six teams produced seven selections .
It was essentially a talent wasteland .
Winner : Utah .
The Utes led the Pac-12 with seven picks , and nobody else was close .
Over the past two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the pace set by the blue bloods .
No coaching staff in the conference does a better job identifying talent that fits the system , and then developing that talent .
Loser : Pac-12 North .
Each division generated 16 selections , but the tilt was unmistakable at the top of the draft : The North had just two players picked in the first three rounds ( Oregon QB Justin Herbert and Cal S Ashtyn Davis ) , while the South had 10 high-round selections .
Winner : Cal .
The Bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ S Jaylinn Hawkins and LB Evan Weaver ) , which was more than Washington , Stanford and USC .
Other than Utah , no program does a better job on the development side .
Loser : Arizona .
The only program in the conference that didn ’ t produce a draft pick , and this was hardly the Wildcats ’ first shutout : They have been blanked three times in the past eight drafts .
It ’ s a tough gig — a basketball school in a college town without a deep well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done themselves no favors with their in-state recruiting strategy in recent years .
Winner : Mike Leach .
He gone , but the legacy lives on : Washington State won six games with one draft pick , continuing a trend of doing more ( winning ) with less ( NFL talent ) than just about any program in the country .
In the past five seasons , the Cougars have 43 wins .
In the past five drafts , they have seven selections .
Loser : USC .
The Trojans had two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their lowest total since 2002 and only half the number of selections as Temple .
Yes , USC had a small senior class and many juniors opted to return .
But that ’ s exactly the point , folks : The player development has been lacking .
Winner : Justin Herbert .
He went sixth to the Chargers , as expected , and in our view will be a better pro than many believe .
Combine the Pistol formation ( sub-optimal for his skills ) with a mediocre cast of receivers ( all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favored by Mario Cristobal , and Herbert ’ s talent wasn ’ t quite maximized .
Loser : Jacob Eason .
He wasn ’ t ready for the NFL ( everyone knew it ) , left school anyhow ( his prerogative ) and dropped to the middle of the fourth round ( no surprise ) .
The past six months — the past three years , in fact — have been wholly forgettable .
We wish him well in the next chapter .
Winner : Austin Jackson .
Nice to see Jackson land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marrow to his sister last summer and playing at less than his best physically .
Loser : ASU tailback Eno Benjamin .
Fell all the way to the seventh , which was mystifying .
We view Benjamin as a better prospect ( better hands , better burst , more durable ) than Utah tailback Zack Moss , who went in the third round .
Loser : L.A. schools .
It ’ s not a one-team problem in a two-team town .
UCLA , which has generated more draft picks over the decades than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t carrying its weight , either .
The Bruins ( three ) and Trojans ( two ) combined to produce as many draft picks as , um , err , Minnesota .
Winner : Pac-12 receivers .
Not a plentiful source of high-end talent in recent years , the position more than held its own this weekend : ASU ’ s Brandon Aiyuk , USC ’ s Michael Pittman and Colorado ’ s Lavish Shenault ( all three previewed here ) were gone in the first 42 picks and accounted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five selections .
* Coming Monday : Our preview of the top Pac-12 prospects for the 2021 draft .
Support the Hotline : Several Hotline articles will remain free each month ( as will the newsletter ) , but for access to all content , you ’ ll need to subscribe .
I ’ ve secured a rate of $ 1 per week for a full year or — introductory offer alert !
— just 99 cents for the first month , with the option to cancel anytime .
Click here .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestions , comments and tips ( confidentiality guaranteed ) to pac12hotline @ bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716 *** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference , and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference .

Had the NFL Draft been governed by Little League rules, it would have been called after the first round.
Oh, mercy.
The SEC accounted for 15 first-round picks, a draft record and one less than the other Power Five conference combined.
And the beating didn’t end there.
*** Total picks in the top-three rounds:
SEC: 40 (also a record)
Big Ten: 17
Pac-12: 12
Big 12: 12
ACC: 8
*** Total picks for all seven rounds:
SEC: 63 (not a record, but close)
Big Ten: 48
Pac-12: 32
ACC: 27
Big 12: 21
Sure, the SEC has more members than the Pac-12 and Big 12. But adjust for the number of teams, and the Mercy Rule is required here, as well.
*** Picks per team (all rounds):
SEC: 4.5
Big Ten: 3.4
Pac-12: 2.7
Big 12: 2.1
ACC: 1.9
On a relative basis, the Pac-12 fared better than the Big 12 and ACC.
But this space is focused on the Pac-12, and from that perspective, we have three takeaways:
1) Let’s avoid sweeping conclusions from the SEC’s draft dominance.
It has owned the draft for more than a decade, and no right-thinking football observer would dispute the depth of talent in the conference.
The 2020 totals are but one component of a broader canvass that frames the Pac-12’s challenges.
Other pieces to that equation include the expanding resource disparity, ominous recruiting trends — so many top West Coast prospects leaving the footprint — and the lack of playoff berths compared to other Power Fives.
2) Within the 2020 draft totals, however, is something that speaks to a yellow alert:
Stanford: two players drafted
USC: two players drafted
Washington: two players drafted
Those schools have helped power the Pac-12 over differing draft timeframes: Washington recently, Stanford in the first half of the 2010s, and USC over the decades.
If their pipelines to the NFL are dry in any given year, the overall quality of play in the conference likely will be mediocre.
3) One other matter of concern for the conference seems worthy of mention here:
USC offensive tackle Austin Jackson was the only lineman selected in the top-three rounds.
Put another way: Of the top-100 prospects available in the 2020 draft, as defined by the NFL, only one played on the line of scrimmage in the Pac-12.
The SEC had five linemen picked in the first round.
The Big Ten had six picked in the top-two rounds.
The Big 12, which isn’t known for its play at the line of scrimmage, had three linemen picked in the top 100.
Of all the challenges facing Pac-12 football — from the lack of exposure on the Pac-12 Networks to the nine-game conference schedule to the resource gap — the lack of elite offensive/defensive line talent, both within the recruiting footprint and on the team rosters, is as significant as any.
For our money, it’s No. 1.
To the draft winners and losers …
Winner: Star system. Of the 32 players picked in the first round, 21 received four- or five-star ratings. That’s a fairly high hit rate considering there are relatively few four/five-star players out of the total number of recruits in a given year.
Loser: Running backs. It used to be the glamour position in the NFL. No longer: Only 16 running backs were selected — just over two per round. And the first off the board, LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire, was the final pick of the first round.
Winner: SEC West. Based on selections made by NFL talent evaluators, the division was as loaded as it appeared during the season: Alabama, Auburn and LSU combined for 11 first-round picks — more than twice the total of the Big Ten and Big 12 (five each).
Loser: ACC Coastal. Seven teams combined for just 11 picks, and four came from one school: Miami. The other six teams produced seven selections. It was essentially a talent wasteland.
Winner: Utah. The Utes led the Pac-12 with seven picks, and nobody else was close. Over the past two years, Utah has 12 selections — just off the pace set by the blue bloods. No coaching staff in the conference does a better job identifying talent that fits the system, and then developing that talent.
Loser: Pac-12 North. Each division generated 16 selections, but the tilt was unmistakable at the top of the draft: The North had just two players picked in the first three rounds (Oregon QB Justin Herbert and Cal S Ashtyn Davis), while the South had 10 high-round selections.
Winner: Cal. The Bears had three players picked (Davis, S Jaylinn Hawkins and LB Evan Weaver), which was more than Washington, Stanford and USC. Other than Utah, no program does a better job on the development side.
Loser: Arizona. The only program in the conference that didn’t produce a draft pick, and this was hardly the Wildcats’ first shutout: They have been blanked three times in the past eight drafts. It’s a tough gig — a basketball school in a college town without a deep well of local talent. But the Wildcats have done themselves no favors with their in-state recruiting strategy in recent years.
Winner: Mike Leach. He gone, but the legacy lives on: Washington State won six games with one draft pick, continuing a trend of doing more (winning) with less (NFL talent) than just about any program in the country. In the past five seasons, the Cougars have 43 wins. In the past five drafts, they have seven selections.
Loser: USC. The Trojans had two picks — two! That’s their lowest total since 2002 and only half the number of selections as Temple. Yes, USC had a small senior class and many juniors opted to return. But that’s exactly the point, folks: The player development has been lacking.
Winner: Justin Herbert. He went sixth to the Chargers, as expected, and in our view will be a better pro than many believe. Combine the Pistol formation (sub-optimal for his skills) with a mediocre cast of receivers (all those drops) and the ground-and-pound style favored by Mario Cristobal, and Herbert’s talent wasn’t quite maximized.
Loser: Jacob Eason. He wasn’t ready for the NFL (everyone knew it), left school anyhow (his prerogative) and dropped to the middle of the fourth round (no surprise). The past six months — the past three years, in fact — have been wholly forgettable. We wish him well in the next chapter.
Winner: Austin Jackson. Nice to see Jackson land in the first round after donating bone marrow to his sister last summer and playing at less than his best physically.
Loser: ASU tailback Eno Benjamin. Fell all the way to the seventh, which was mystifying. We view Benjamin as a better prospect (better hands, better burst, more durable) than Utah tailback Zack Moss, who went in the third round.
Winner: Arizona Cardinals. For drafting Benjamin.
Loser: L.A. schools. It’s not a one-team problem in a two-team town. UCLA, which has generated more draft picks over the decades than Florida State, Auburn and Clemson, isn’t carrying its weight, either. The Bruins (three) and Trojans (two) combined to produce as many draft picks as, um, err, Minnesota.
Winner: Pac-12 receivers. Not a plentiful source of high-end talent in recent years, the position more than held its own this weekend: ASU’s Brandon Aiyuk, USC’s Michael Pittman and Colorado’s Lavish Shenault (all three previewed here) were gone in the first 42 picks and accounted for three of the conference’s first five selections.
* Coming Monday: Our preview of the top Pac-12 prospects for the 2021 draft.
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or — introductory offer alert! — just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


mercurynews--2020-04-27--The Latest: Family of fallen US Marine surprised with parade

By The Associated Press The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic .
The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness or death .
— Family of U.S. Marine killed in Iraq surprised with parade outside California home .
— Italian bishops seeking return of public Masses along with other freedoms .
— Italy ’ s sports teams given go-ahead to resume training in mid-May .
SIMI VALLEY , Calif. — The family of a U.S. Marine killed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memorial service because of restrictions on large gatherings in California to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
On Sunday morning , they were surprised with a parade outside their Simi Valley home that began with a police helicopter flyover , followed by about 1,500 law enforcement vehicles , fire engines and cars .
The Ventura County Star reports the huge turnout to honor Gunnery Sgt .
Diego D. Pongo was orderly .
Pongo ’ s sister-in-law helped organize the parade to surprise his parents and brothers .
The city ’ s police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members kept the parade going for more than two hours , and many of their cars blasted music while kids hung out of windows waving flags .
People who gathered on the sidewalk to watch the parade followed social distancing measures , Sgt .
Patrick Zayicek told the newspaper .
“ It was a great show of support in our community.
, ” he said .
CANBERRA , Australia — China ’ s ambassador to Australia has told a newspaper that the Australian government ’ s pursuit of an independent international inquiry into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumer boycott of students and tourists visiting the country , as well as sales of major exports including beef and wine .
Ambassador Cheng Jingye told The Australian Financial Review in an interview published Monday that Australia ’ s push for an inquiry was “ dangerous ” and predicted it would fail to gain traction among global leaders .
“ Resorting to suspicion , recrimination or division at such a critical time could only undermine global efforts to fight against this pandemic , ” Cheng said .
Cheng did not accept that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market ” in the city of Wuhan , saying the scientific jury was still out on its origins .
Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said such an independent inquiry was in the interests of Australia and the world .
The Australian government has called for an inquiry into the virus and for changes to the World Health Organization .
Education is Australia ’ s third largest export industry and China is the largest source of students studying in Australia .
China is also Australia ’ s largest trading partner .
The Chinese Embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment on the accuracy of the newspaper story .
LOS ANGELES — A lingering heat wave lured people to Southern California beaches , rivers and trails again Sunday , prompting warnings from officials that defiance of stay-at-home orders could reverse progress and bring the coronavirus surging back .
Tens of thousands of people packed the sand at Newport Beach in Orange County , where residents compared weekend crowds to the Fourth of July and lifeguards reminded people to stay apart if they were in groups of six or more .
Neighboring Huntington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the closure of parking lots and metered parking restricted along Pacific Coast Highway .
Temperatures were close to 90 degrees .
Robin Ford surveyed the crush of visitors with concern .
“ Unless all these people are in one household , it does look like they are not social distancing , ” Ford told the Orange County Register .
“ They could be spread out more.
” ROME — After Italy ’ s bishops complained that the latest lockdown rules still don ’ t allow public Masses , Premier Giuseppe Conte ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan that would let the faithful attend services while respecting social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Since a national lockdown began in early March , churches in Italy haven ’ t been allowed to hold Masses for the public , although they can keep their doors open for those wanting to pray individually .
Conte on Sunday announced some easing of containment measures for the nation , starting May 4 .
In response , the Italian bishops conference quickly put out a sharply worded statement , saying bishops “ can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worship be compromised ” and insisting that the faithful must have access especially to the sacraments .
ROME — After seven weeks in lockdown to contain one of the world ’ s worst outbreaks of COVID-19 , Italians are regaining some freedoms .
Premier Giuseppe Conte says that starting May 4 , public parks and gardens will re-open and people will be able to visit relatives who live in the same region .
However , Conte told the nation in a televised address Sunday night that citizens must practice social distancing .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impose limits , such as how many people enter , to avoid crowding .
During family visits , people will have to wear masks and can ’ t hold parties .
If people don ’ t follow the new measures , Conte says “ the curve of contagion can rise again , it will go out of control , deaths will climb and we ’ ll have irreparable damage ” to the economy .
Conte says professional sports teams can resume training on May 18 and athletes in individual sports can resume training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serie A soccer league could resume playing games in June .
It has been suspended since March 9 .
Twelve rounds remain in Serie A , plus four other games that were postponed from the 25th round .
The Italian Cup was suspended after the first leg of the semifinals .
Also on May 18 , libraries , museums and art exhibitions can re-open .
Factories , construction sites and wholesale supply businesses can resume activity as soon as they put safety measures into place aimed at containing COVID-19 .
But Conte says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts to rise again , the government will quickly intervene and shut down such industrial activity again .
Conte offered a new mantra for the about-to-begin second phase : “ If you love Italy… .
keep the social distance.
” Health ministry figures indicate that Italy had seen its lowest day-to-day increase in deaths – 260 – since mid-March , during the first week of lockdown .
Starting May 4 , funerals will be allowed , but preferably should be held in the open , no more than 15 persons can participate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes well , retail shops will reopen on May 18 , and restaurants , cafes , barber shops and hair salons on June 1 .
FISHERS , Ind .
— A church in suburban Indianapolis resumed in-person services for the first time in a over a month .
The iTown Church in Fishers limited the number of attendees to 10 on Sunday in order to adhere to a state order that prohibits gatherings of over 10 people .
According to the Indianapolis Star , the 40-minute services began on the hour , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow cleaning crews to sterilize the area .
PARIS — While the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care in France is continuing to trend downward , the overall number of ICU patients is increasing , with more people needing emergency care for other ailments .
The build-up of patients in French ICUs comes amid concerns that people with long-term medical problems have been delaying or not getting treatment during the outbreak , while hospitals have been struggling with huge flows of patients seriously ill with the new coronavirus .
The Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people on Sunday , 28 more than on Saturday .
But the proportion of COVID-19 patients in ICUs was again down , at 4,682 .
That was 43 fewer than the day before .
The ministry said the increase of non-COVID patients in ICUs “ underscores the necessity of tracking and treating patients with chronic illnesses as well as the urgent need to care for serious acute illnesses.
” The overall death toll from France ’ s virus outbreak is now up to 22,856 , behind only Italy and Spain in Europe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims died in care facilities , mostly for the elderly .
LAUREL , Mont .
— Montana took its first , halting step toward reopening as churchgoers returned to services after a month-long hiatus and a general stay-at-home order expired .
While other states have been extending restrictions amid the continuing spread of the coronavirus , Montana is among those that are beginning to loosen rules in hopes of restoring battered economies and regaining some normalcy .
Roughly 100 people streamed into St. Anthony Catholic Church in Laurel on Sunday , where ushers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another and large bottles of hand sanitizer were on offer at the sanctuary ’ s entrance .
Church member Jack Auzqui says being unable to attend had been spiritually difficult for him and his wife .
Returning , he said , was akin to a family being reunited .
Rev .
Bart Stevens opened with an instruction for attendees “ not to linger ” after the Mass to minimize social interactions .
At Christ the King Lutheran Church in Billings , Pastor Ryan Wendt said the church was mixing faith with common sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empty to comply with social distancing guidelines , while elderly and medically-vulnerable members of the congregation were advised to stay home .
TORONTO — Canada ’ s most populous province says all publicly-funded schools will remain closed until May 31 to keep students and staff safe amid the pandemic .
Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the decision was based on advice from medical experts .
Lecce says the school closure could be further extended .
Students have already transitioned to learning online over the past month .
The Ministry of Education says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students whose families don ’ t have the means to access online learning .
CENTRAL , La .
— A Louisiana pastor is holding services in his church , defying house arrest orders that followed an assault charge related to his decision to hold mass gatherings in defiance of public health orders during the coronavirus pandemic .
A livestream from Life Tabernacle Church on Sunday showed Tony Spell walking among more than 100 congregants , often repeating the phrase , “ I ’ ve just got to get to Jesus .
… Come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to Jesus.
” Nearly all parishioners were not wearing face masks , and social distancing was not being practiced .
The police department in Central , a suburb Baton Rouge , says on their Facebook page that Spell turned himself into the department last week on charges of aggravated assault and improper backing .
Trey Bennett has kept up a one-man demonstration in front of the church since Easter Sunday , when he noticed hundreds of parishioners still attending services in defiance of the state ’ s stay-at-home mandate , which bans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Houses of worship across Louisiana have turned to online services instead .
Last Sunday , Spell drove a church bus in reverse in the direction of the sign-holding protester .
Spell already faces misdemeanor charges for holding in-person church services despite the ban on gatherings .
Dozens of Spell ’ s parishioners met him at the East Baton Rouge Parish prison , dressed in their Sunday best , arrived in church buses to show support .
In a livestream from the church , images including photos from Spell ’ s arrest , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help with his legal costs , played over music being performed at the church .
TOPEKA , Kan. — Kansas Gov .
Laura Kelly says she ’ s reached a deal that could resolve a lawsuit brought by two churches challenging her order banning religious gatherings of more than 10 people to help slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Under the deal , the two churches and the Democratic governor agreed to the extension of a federal judge ’ s temporary restraining order that allows those churches to disregard the 10-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social-distancing measures .
The extension essentially allows the two Kansas churches to continue their in-person services while the governor finalizes her plans for new re-opening restrictions that would take effect May 4 .
Kansas has traced five coronavirus clusters that resulted in seven deaths to church gatherings .
NEW YORK — Gov .
Andrew Cuomo says the 367 deaths from the coronavirus that he reported Sunday were “ horrific , ” but the number was less than half the nearly 800 deaths that occurred in a single day during the pandemic ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time this month that the statewide daily death toll has been below 400 .
Cuomo also reports that the number of hospitalizations , which still topped 1,000 , and the number of individuals put on a ventilator had dropped as well .
The deaths include 349 patients who died in hospitals and 18 individuals who died in nursing homes , the Democratic governor said .
On Saturday , Cuomo said there were 437 deaths on Friday .
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https @ @

By The Associated Press
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
— Japan adds 14 more countries to entry ban list.
— New Zealand prepares to ease rules on strict lockdown.
— South Korea mulls reopening schools after 26th straight day under 100 new cases.
— China reports just 3 new virus cases, no new deaths.
___
TOKYO — Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Monday that his country is adding 14 more countries, including Russia, Peru and Saudi Arabia, to the entry ban list as the country steps up border control as the coronavirus infections continued to spread in the country.
Japan has already banned entry from more than 70 other countries, banning foreigners with records of visiting those countries in the past two weeks, while invalidating visas for the rest of the world. The additional step on the 14 countries will take effect Wednesday, Abe said.
The entry ban and the visa restrictions, initially set to end on April 30, are extended until the end of May.
Japan is now under a month-long state of emergency through May 6, for now. Officials and experts are now gauging its effect and whether to extend the measure.
Japan has 13,385 confirmed cases, as well as 712 others from a cruise ship quarantined near Tokyo earlier this year, with 364 deaths, according to the health ministry.
___
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand reported five new coronavirus cases Monday as the nation got ready to ease the rules on a strict lockdown from midnight.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there hasn’t been widespread community transmission of the virus and the country has so far managed to avoid the worst scenarios for an outbreak. She said it would continue to hunt down the last few cases.
From midnight, certain businesses such as construction will be allowed to reopen, but social distancing rules will still apply. Ardern said the nation was opening up the economy, but not people’s social lives.
___
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea reported only 10 new cases of the coronavirus, its 26th straight day below 100 as officials mulled reopening schools amid the slowing caseload.
The figures released by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday brought the national totals to 10,738 cases and 243 deaths.
At least 1,044 infections have been linked to international arrivals, but such cases have also declined in recent weeks amid tightened border controls.
Using an active test-and-quarantine program, South Korea has so far managed to slow its outbreak without imposing lockdowns or business bans. But schools remain shut while providing children remote learning.
Prime Minster Chung Sye-kyun during a virus meeting Monday instructed education officials to prepare measures to ensure hygiene and enforce distance between students at schools so the government could announce a timeline for reopening schools no later than early May.
___
BEIJING — China reported just three new coronavirus cases Monday, and no new deaths for the 12th day in a row.
A total of 723 people remain hospitalized and just under 1,000 were being kept in isolation and under monitoring for being suspected cases or for having tested positive for COVID-19 without showing symptoms.
Beijing added one additional postmortem death to its count, raising China’s overall death toll to 4,633 among 82,830 cases. Of the new cases, two were imported and one was detected in the province of Heilongjiang bordering Russia, according to the National Health Commission.
___
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — The family of a U.S. Marine killed in Iraq last month had to postpone his memorial service because of restrictions on large gatherings in California to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
On Sunday morning, they were surprised with a parade outside their Simi Valley home that began with a police helicopter flyover, followed by about 1,500 law enforcement vehicles, fire engines and cars.
The Ventura County Star reports the huge turnout to honor Gunnery Sgt. Diego D. Pongo was orderly.
Pongo’s sister-in-law helped organize the parade to surprise his parents and brothers. The city’s police department helped with traffic control.
Community members kept the parade going for more than two hours, and many of their cars blasted music while kids hung out of windows waving flags. People who gathered on the sidewalk to watch the parade followed social distancing measures, Sgt. Patrick Zayicek told the newspaper.
“It was a great show of support in our community.,” he said.
___
CANBERRA, Australia — China’s ambassador to Australia has told a newspaper that the Australian government’s pursuit of an independent international inquiry into the coronavirus outbreak could spark a Chinese consumer boycott of students and tourists visiting the country, as well as sales of major exports including beef and wine.
Ambassador Cheng Jingye told The Australian Financial Review in an interview published Monday that Australia’s push for an inquiry was “dangerous” and predicted it would fail to gain traction among global leaders.
“Resorting to suspicion, recrimination or division at such a critical time could only undermine global efforts to fight against this pandemic,” Cheng said.
Cheng did not accept that the virus had started in a “wet market” in the city of Wuhan, saying the scientific jury was still out on its origins.
Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said such an independent inquiry was in the interests of Australia and the world.
The Australian government has called for an inquiry into the virus and for changes to the World Health Organization.
Education is Australia’s third largest export industry and China is the largest source of students studying in Australia. China is also Australia’s largest trading partner.
The Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the accuracy of the newspaper story.
___
LOS ANGELES — A lingering heat wave lured people to Southern California beaches, rivers and trails again Sunday, prompting warnings from officials that defiance of stay-at-home orders could reverse progress and bring the coronavirus surging back.
Tens of thousands of people packed the sand at Newport Beach in Orange County, where residents compared weekend crowds to the Fourth of July and lifeguards reminded people to stay apart if they were in groups of six or more.
Neighboring Huntington Beach also saw big gatherings, despite the closure of parking lots and metered parking restricted along Pacific Coast Highway. Temperatures were close to 90 degrees.
Robin Ford surveyed the crush of visitors with concern.
“Unless all these people are in one household, it does look like they are not social distancing,” Ford told the Orange County Register. “They could be spread out more.”
___
ROME — After Italy’s bishops complained that the latest lockdown rules still don’t allow public Masses, Premier Giuseppe Conte’s office has promised to come up with a plan that would let the faithful attend services while respecting social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since a national lockdown began in early March, churches in Italy haven’t been allowed to hold Masses for the public, although they can keep their doors open for those wanting to pray individually.
Conte on Sunday announced some easing of containment measures for the nation, starting May 4.
In response, the Italian bishops conference quickly put out a sharply worded statement, saying bishops “cannot accept seeing the exercise of freedom of worship be compromised” and insisting that the faithful must have access especially to the sacraments.
___
ROME — After seven weeks in lockdown to contain one of the world’s worst outbreaks of COVID-19, Italians are regaining some freedoms.
Premier Giuseppe Conte says that starting May 4, public parks and gardens will re-open and people will be able to visit relatives who live in the same region.
However, Conte told the nation in a televised address Sunday night that citizens must practice social distancing. In the case of parks, mayors can impose limits, such as how many people enter, to avoid crowding.
During family visits, people will have to wear masks and can’t hold parties. If people don’t follow the new measures, Conte says “the curve of contagion can rise again, it will go out of control, deaths will climb and we’ll have irreparable damage” to the economy.
Conte says professional sports teams can resume training on May 18 and athletes in individual sports can resume training on May 4.
That means the Serie A soccer league could resume playing games in June. It has been suspended since March 9. Twelve rounds remain in Serie A, plus four other games that were postponed from the 25th round. The Italian Cup was suspended after the first leg of the semifinals.
Also on May 18, libraries, museums and art exhibitions can re-open.
Factories, construction sites and wholesale supply businesses can resume activity as soon as they put safety measures into place aimed at containing COVID-19.
But Conte says that if the epidemiological curve of contagion starts to rise again, the government will quickly intervene and shut down such industrial activity again.
Conte offered a new mantra for the about-to-begin second phase: “If you love Italy…. keep the social distance.”
Health ministry figures indicate that Italy had seen its lowest day-to-day increase in deaths – 260 – since mid-March, during the first week of lockdown. Starting May 4, funerals will be allowed, but preferably should be held in the open, no more than 15 persons can participate and mourners must wear masks. If all goes well, retail shops will reopen on May 18, and restaurants, cafes, barber shops and hair salons on June 1.
___
FISHERS, Ind. — A church in suburban Indianapolis resumed in-person services for the first time in a over a month.
The iTown Church in Fishers limited the number of attendees to 10 on Sunday in order to adhere to a state order that prohibits gatherings of over 10 people. According to the Indianapolis Star, the 40-minute services began on the hour, with each service followed by a 20-minute period to allow cleaning crews to sterilize the area.
___
PARIS — While the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care in France is continuing to trend downward, the overall number of ICU patients is increasing, with more people needing emergency care for other ailments.
The build-up of patients in French ICUs comes amid concerns that people with long-term medical problems have been delaying or not getting treatment during the outbreak, while hospitals have been struggling with huge flows of patients seriously ill with the new coronavirus.
The Health Ministry said hospital ICUs were treating 7,553 people on Sunday, 28 more than on Saturday.
But the proportion of COVID-19 patients in ICUs was again down, at 4,682. That was 43 fewer than the day before.
The ministry said the increase of non-COVID patients in ICUs “underscores the necessity of tracking and treating patients with chronic illnesses as well as the urgent need to care for serious acute illnesses.”
The overall death toll from France’s virus outbreak is now up to 22,856, behind only Italy and Spain in Europe. More than one-third of France’s victims died in care facilities, mostly for the elderly.
___
LAUREL, Mont. — Montana took its first, halting step toward reopening as churchgoers returned to services after a month-long hiatus and a general stay-at-home order expired.
While other states have been extending restrictions amid the continuing spread of the coronavirus, Montana is among those that are beginning to loosen rules in hopes of restoring battered economies and regaining some normalcy.
Roughly 100 people streamed into St. Anthony Catholic Church in Laurel on Sunday, where ushers tried to keep families separate from one another and large bottles of hand sanitizer were on offer at the sanctuary’s entrance. Church member Jack Auzqui says being unable to attend had been spiritually difficult for him and his wife. Returning, he said, was akin to a family being reunited.
Rev. Bart Stevens opened with an instruction for attendees “not to linger” after the Mass to minimize social interactions.
At Christ the King Lutheran Church in Billings, Pastor Ryan Wendt said the church was mixing faith with common sense precautions. Every other pew was kept empty to comply with social distancing guidelines, while elderly and medically-vulnerable members of the congregation were advised to stay home.
___
TORONTO — Canada’s most populous province says all publicly-funded schools will remain closed until May 31 to keep students and staff safe amid the pandemic.
Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the decision was based on advice from medical experts. Lecce says the school closure could be further extended. Students have already transitioned to learning online over the past month.
The Ministry of Education says it has already distributed 20,000 iPads to students whose families don’t have the means to access online learning.
___
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


mercurynews--2020-04-26--PHOTOS: Discarded gloves become the latest thing people litter during COVID-19 pandemic

CLICK HERE , if you are unable to view these photos on your mobile device .
They are easy to @ @ @ @ @ .
Some lay flat and wave hello , while others are crinkled up between cigarette @ @ @ @ @ Gloves have become the latest thing left on the ground instead of in a garbage @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , gloves have become part of everyday attire for those venturing outside .
While @ @ @ @ @ mouth is something recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , wearing gloves @ @ @ @ @ , however , is not discouraging many from wearing them and then leaving them on @ @ @ @ @ to pick up .
Environmentalists caution that tossed gloves can end up in storm drains @ @ @ @ @ .
And health officials say they should always be disposed of in the trash .
@ @ @ @ @ correct way to remove gloves so you don ’ t contaminate your hands.The CDC says @ @ @ @ @ hands after removing them .

CLICK HERE, if you are unable to view these photos on your mobile device.
They are easy to spot. Some are orange. Some lay flat and wave hello, while others are crinkled up between cigarette butts and gum wrappers. Gloves have become the latest thing left on the ground instead of in a garbage can.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, gloves have become part of everyday attire for those venturing outside. While wearing mask to cover your mouth is something recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing gloves is not listed. This, however, is not discouraging many from wearing them and then leaving them on the streets for someone else to pick up.
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 Environmentalists caution that tossed gloves can end up in storm drains and cause problems for animals. And health officials say they should always be disposed of in the trash.
There’s also a correct way to remove gloves so you don’t contaminate your hands.The CDC says you should immediately wash your hands after removing them.


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Photos: San Diego protest against coronavirus shelter-in-place restrictions

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
Protesters held banners and chanted against state government measures intended to defend against the COVID-19 virus during an Open California rally Sunday in San Diego .
Beginning Monday , San Diego County is lifting some ocean restrictions , including for swimmers , surfers , paddle-boarders and kayakers , but boating will remain off limits while piers , boardwalks and parking lots at beaches will stay closed , according to published reports .
After a week of surging numbers in newly confirmed coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of increase has slowed for the second day in a row .
Public health officials around the state recorded 1,296 coronavirus cases and 81 deaths on Saturday .
The number of new cases is a three percent increase from Saturday and brings the total number in the state to 42,531 .
Statewide , the death toll increased by 4.7 percent .
Meanwhile , the shelter-in-place order mandated to prevent more deaths from the virus appears to be getting on people ’ s nerves as Bay Area parks , beaches and pleasant weather over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes .

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: A San Diego Police Department officer looks on as protesters hold banners and chant against state government measures intended to defend against the COVID-19 virus during an Open California rally on April 26, 2020 in San Diego, California. San Diego County beginning Monday is lifting some ocean restrictions, including for swimmers, surfers, paddle-boarders and kayakers, but boating will remain off limits while piers, boardwalks and parking lots at beaches will stay closed, according to published reports. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Silenced by virus, Met Opera links for digital global gala

NEW YORK — Javier Camarena was at his home in Zurich singing an aria from Bellini ’ s “ Il Pirata ” when the screen for the video feed split , and he was joined by Metropolitan Opera music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin in Montreal and general manager Peter Gelb in New York .
“ Just a second , ” the tenor from Mexico said , raising an index finger .
He had just finished the slow-moving first section .
An associate director an ocean away didn ’ t realize he also planned to perform the cabaletta , the faster-moving second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Camarena continued .
With the entertainment world shut down by the coronavirus pandemic , the Met staged an At-Home Gala on Saturday that would have been inconceivable to the Vanderbilts and Morgans who helped found the company in 1883 .
A starry array of classical music ’ s biggest names sang live on Skype from their living rooms across 13 nations , including Renée Fleming in Virginia , Jonas Kaufmann in Germany , Bryn Terfel in Wales and Roberto Alagna in France .
Thirty-three live and seven prerecorded performances stretched for four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stream on its website that started at 1 p.m. EDT Saturday peaked at about 300,000 views in 162 countries and the total with replays was expected to reach 1 million by Sunday night .
Gelb , trying to overcome a budget deficit of up to $ 60 million , said there were many small donations but it was too early to total .
“ It was a temporary kind of panacea and it just lifted people ’ s spirits in a way that would never have happened .
This type of program only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re in right now , ” Gelb said Sunday .
“ I got so many e-mails and text messages from people that said that they were in tears for large portions of this program.
” Joyce DiDonato , in Spain , joined seven violists and Nézet-Séguin in a recorded tribute to Vincent Lionti , a Met violist for 33 years who died on April 4 after contracting the coronavirus .
Nézet-Séguin sniffled after watching the playback of Handel ’ s “ Ombra mai fu.
” “ To lose him to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , immediate , that we could lose a member of our family to this threat , ” Nézet-Séguin said .
Erin Morley , Matthew Polenzani , Étienne Dupuis and Günther Groissböck showed off their piano-playing abilities , accompanying themselves .
Dupuis and wife Nicole Car sang a duet from Massenet ’ s “ Thaïs ” after an initial connectivity delay .
Artists ’ homes were on showcase : Kaufmann has a Bösendorfer piano surrounded by red theater-style seats in Munich ; Anita Rachvelishvili has a “ NO AUTOGRAPHS PLEASE ” sign on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pape has a red Le Corbusier chair and decorative Fornasetti globe in Dresden .
Groissböck has a model of the Met on his piano and a statue of composer Richard Wagner in a corner wearing a blue facemask with the word : “ No.
” Attire ranged from Alagna in a tuxedo jacket , blue jeans and what appeared to be a soccer jersey , to Sonya Yoncheva in a white-and-black recital ready dress .
Ildar Abdrazakov in Moscow sang in Moscow just a few hours before his wife gave birth to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Fleming gave one of the most moving performances , the “ Ave Maria ” from Verdi ’ s “ Otello.
” After a few moments of quiet , Gelb ’ s microphone caught him saying “ Go , Gary , ” to director Gary Halvorson in Los Angeles , a sign of the unusual technical logistics .
Some singers used recorded piano tracks played by Met director of music administration Thomas Lausmann and assistant conductors Howard Watkins and Bryan Wagorn .
Lisette Oropesa went a step further , having a video of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind her playing “ Idole de ma vie ” from Meyerbeer ’ s “ Robert Le Diable.
” Morley provided one of the best performances with fluid voice , considerable piano skill and ebullient personality in “ Chacun le sait ” from Donizetti ’ s “ La fille du régiment ( The Daughter of the Regiment ) , ” imploring viewers to “ sing along ” for the choruses .
Isabel Leonard sang an inspiring a cappella for “ Somewhere ” from Bernstein ’ s “ West Side Story.
” Another highlight was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Là ci darem la mano ” from Mozart ’ s “ Don Giovanni ” while standing in front of their kitchen in Orange , France , joined after by excited sons Alexander and Colyn .
Unable to perform at home in Vienna , Anna Netrebko and husband Yusif Eyvazov recorded separate pieces at an ORF network studio .
In the hardest technical tasks , lead video editor Pete Scalzitti spent most of the previous week piecing together the individual orchestra and choral videos for the intermezzo from Mascagni ’ s “ Cavelleria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pensiero ” chorus from Verdi ’ s “ Nabucco ” and the third act prelude of Wagner ’ s “ Lohengrin.
” Nézet-Séguin air conducted as a video was made , and Lausmann used it to create a piano accompaniment sent to the players and singers .
Up to 90 squares were used to show the videos aligned simultaneously , and David Frost mixed most to the audio .
• PHOTOS : Discarded gloves become the latest thing people litter during COVID-19 pandemic • Virtual Talladega might have been more entertaining than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performers were happy to entertain .
Many introduced and bantered with the person up next .
“ Ooh , it ’ s fun to get to sing again !
” Jamie Barton exclaimed .

By Ronald Blum | Associated Press
NEW YORK — Javier Camarena was at his home in Zurich singing an aria from Bellini’s “Il Pirata” when the screen for the video feed split, and he was joined by Metropolitan Opera music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin in Montreal and general manager Peter Gelb in New York.
“Just a second,” the tenor from Mexico said, raising an index finger.
He had just finished the slow-moving first section. An associate director an ocean away didn’t realize he also planned to perform the cabaletta, the faster-moving second part. Restored to a full screen, Camarena continued.
With the entertainment world shut down by the coronavirus pandemic, the Met staged an At-Home Gala on Saturday that would have been inconceivable to the Vanderbilts and Morgans who helped found the company in 1883. A starry array of classical music’s biggest names sang live on Skype from their living rooms across 13 nations, including Renée Fleming in Virginia, Jonas Kaufmann in Germany, Bryn Terfel in Wales and Roberto Alagna in France.
Thirty-three live and seven prerecorded performances stretched for four hours. The Met said the live stream on its website that started at 1 p.m. EDT Saturday peaked at about 300,000 views in 162 countries and the total with replays was expected to reach 1 million by Sunday night.
Gelb, trying to overcome a budget deficit of up to $60 million, said there were many small donations but it was too early to total.
“It was a temporary kind of panacea and it just lifted people’s spirits in a way that would never have happened. This type of program only works because of the horrible conditions that we’re in right now,” Gelb said Sunday. “I got so many e-mails and text messages from people that said that they were in tears for large portions of this program.”
Joyce DiDonato, in Spain, joined seven violists and Nézet-Séguin in a recorded tribute to Vincent Lionti, a Met violist for 33 years who died on April 4 after contracting the coronavirus. Nézet-Séguin sniffled after watching the playback of Handel’s “Ombra mai fu.”
“To lose him to the virus made this reality so much closer, immediate, that we could lose a member of our family to this threat,” Nézet-Séguin said.
Erin Morley, Matthew Polenzani, Étienne Dupuis and Günther Groissböck showed off their piano-playing abilities, accompanying themselves. Dupuis and wife Nicole Car sang a duet from Massenet’s “Thaïs” after an initial connectivity delay.
Artists’ homes were on showcase: Kaufmann has a Bösendorfer piano surrounded by red theater-style seats in Munich; Anita Rachvelishvili has a “NO AUTOGRAPHS PLEASE” sign on her piano in Tbilisi, Georgia; René Pape has a red Le Corbusier chair and decorative Fornasetti globe in Dresden. Groissböck has a model of the Met on his piano and a statue of composer Richard Wagner in a corner wearing a blue facemask with the word: “No.”
Attire ranged from Alagna in a tuxedo jacket, blue jeans and what appeared to be a soccer jersey, to Sonya Yoncheva in a white-and-black recital ready dress.
Ildar Abdrazakov in Moscow sang in Moscow just a few hours before his wife gave birth to a son.
Her face flush with emotion, Fleming gave one of the most moving performances, the “Ave Maria” from Verdi’s “Otello.” After a few moments of quiet, Gelb’s microphone caught him saying “Go, Gary,” to director Gary Halvorson in Los Angeles, a sign of the unusual technical logistics.
Some singers used recorded piano tracks played by Met director of music administration Thomas Lausmann and assistant conductors Howard Watkins and Bryan Wagorn. Lisette Oropesa went a step further, having a video of pianist Michael Borowitz on a video screen behind her playing “Idole de ma vie” from Meyerbeer’s “Robert Le Diable.”
Morley provided one of the best performances with fluid voice, considerable piano skill and ebullient personality in “Chacun le sait” from Donizetti’s “La fille du régiment (The Daughter of the Regiment),” imploring viewers to “sing along” for the choruses. Isabel Leonard sang an inspiring a cappella for “Somewhere” from Bernstein’s “West Side Story.”
Another highlight was Diana Damrau and husband Nicolas Testé in “Là ci darem la mano” from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” while standing in front of their kitchen in Orange, France, joined after by excited sons Alexander and Colyn. Unable to perform at home in Vienna, Anna Netrebko and husband Yusif Eyvazov recorded separate pieces at an ORF network studio.
In the hardest technical tasks, lead video editor Pete Scalzitti spent most of the previous week piecing together the individual orchestra and choral videos for the intermezzo from Mascagni’s “Cavelleria Rusticana,” the “Va, pensiero” chorus from Verdi’s “Nabucco” and the third act prelude of Wagner’s “Lohengrin.” Nézet-Séguin air conducted as a video was made, and Lausmann used it to create a piano accompaniment sent to the players and singers. Up to 90 squares were used to show the videos aligned simultaneously, and David Frost mixed most to the audio.
Unable to globe trot, performers were happy to entertain. Many introduced and bantered with the person up next.
“Ooh, it’s fun to get to sing again!” Jamie Barton exclaimed.


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Napa: Officials identify suspect fatally shot by deputy

A robbery suspect fatally shot and killed by a Napa County Sheriff ’ s Office deputy on Friday has been identified as Brandan Reid Nylander , 24 , of Napa .
Nylander allegedly stole ammunition from the Walmart store on Lincoln Avenue in shortly after 2 p.m. Friday .
Police broadcast a description of the suspect vehicle , which was spotted on state Highway 29 near state Highway 221 .
A sheriff ’ s deputy pursued and finally stopped the suspect ’ s vehicle by a locked gate at the Napa County Airport at 2030 Airport Road .
Nylander got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and shots were fired , sheriff ’ s office spokesman Henry Wofford said .
Nylander was pronounced dead at the scene .
• Oakland man held on drug charges after refusing to comply with stay-home order , authorities say • Man stabbed trying to break up fight in southeast Stockton • Four men arrested after shots fired at 3 different Merced residences , police say The case is being investigated by Napa County sheriff ’ s detectives and the Major Crimes Task Force , which includes the District Attorney ’ s Office and @ @ @

By Bay City News Service
A rman who allegedly shoplifted at a Walmart in Napa was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy after a chase.
The slain man was identified as Brandan Reid Nylander, 24, of Napa.
Around 2 p.m. Friday, Nylander allegedly stole ammunition from the Walmart store on Lincoln Avenue.
Police broadcast a description of the suspect’s car, which was spotted about five miles away on Highway 29 near Highway 221. A Napa County sheriff’s deputy pursued it for 2½ miles. The suspect stopped the car at a locked gate of the Napa County Airport, at 2030 Airport Road.
Nylander got out of his car with a gun and was shot by a deputy, sheriff’s office spokesman Henry Wofford said. Nylander was pronounced dead at the scene.


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Virtual Talladega might have been more entertaining than the real thing

Before the race even started , virtual Talladega was exciting .
That ’ s because driver Ryan Newman joined the FOX Sports broadcast to announce that he intended to return to the driver ’ s seat when the NASCAR season resumes , which could be as soon as May 17 .
Sunday saw another return to the driver ’ s seat — or driver ’ s rig , at least .
Four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon provided an additional highlight at the 74-lap event , which went into overtime after a caution was called with three laps remaining in regulation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six-time winner at the real Talladega meant little at the virtual track .
Gordon went airborne by Lap 11 .
He finished 38th .
It was Alex Bowman who finished in first place , marking the third win in a row for a Hendrick Motorsports driver .
Bowman was followed by Corey LaJoie in second , and Ryan Preece in third place at the checkered flag .
The drivers crossed just hundredths of a second apart .
“ Really got ta thank Preece for pushing me , ” Bowman said .
“ Cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at that point when you ’ re that lead car .
It ’ s really the guy behind you making the difference.
” Ty Dillon was also in the mix running in first place during overtime , but he spun out following contact with LaJoie .
Dillon finished 23rd .
“ I felt like the bottom ( line ) wasn ’ t the place to be , ” Bowman said .
“ So ( I ) kinda let Ty have the bottom on that restart and got up , and just tried to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s victory followed back-to-back wins by Hendrick teammate William Byron in the last two Pro Invitational races .
Byron , who notched his 700th top-five iRacing finish with his last victory , started in last place for Sunday ’ s race .
He still finished sixth .
“ I ’ m legitimately confused how this happened , ” Bowman tweeted jokingly after spinning his virtual victory donuts .
“ Tbh i couldn ’ t have done it without @ WilliamByron ’ s help .
He finally gave me the cheat codes ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live Tweets during the virtual races since the Pro Invitational series kicked off on March 22 .
He has posted pictures of his dogs , Finn and Roscoe , sitting in his simulator seat and jokes about how they drive for his car .
He did not confirm to reporters whether Finn was , in fact , the one who clinched his iRacing win .
“ I think I ’ m gon na leave it up to the imagination if it was me or the dog driving , ” Bowman said .
iRacing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , followed by Landon Cassill in fifth .
Despite his second-to-last place finish , Gordon , along with his FOX Sports guest analyst Clint Bowyer , provided fun banter throughout the race .
“ I love being a part of this , ” Gordon said .
“ It was great to get back out there in the action , in the competition on the track , and had a blast.
” Bowyer finished 33rd of 39 drivers .
Virtual Homestead-Miami winner and real Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin finished in last place .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ video he posted to Twitter after the race .
Hamlin said his seven-year-old daughter , Taylor , turned off his monitor mid-race .
“ My daughter came in with a remote and essentially ended our day , ” Hamlin said .
“ That ’ s something you just don ’ t hear every day , folks .
”

By Alex Andrejev | The Charlotte Observer
Before the race even started, virtual Talladega was exciting. That’s because driver Ryan Newman joined the FOX Sports broadcast to announce that he intended to return to the driver’s seat when the NASCAR season resumes, which could be as soon as May 17.
Sunday saw another return to the driver’s seat — or driver’s rig, at least. Four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon provided an additional highlight at the 74-lap event, which went into overtime after a caution was called with three laps remaining in regulation. Gordon’s status as a six-time winner at the real Talladega meant little at the virtual track. Gordon went airborne by Lap 11. He finished 38th.
It was Alex Bowman who finished in first place, marking the third win in a row for a Hendrick Motorsports driver. Bowman was followed by Corey LaJoie in second, and Ryan Preece in third place at the checkered flag. The drivers crossed just hundredths of a second apart.
“Really gotta thank Preece for pushing me,” Bowman said. “Cause that’s what made the difference at that point when you’re that lead car. It’s really the guy behind you making the difference.”
Ty Dillon was also in the mix running in first place during overtime, but he spun out following contact with LaJoie. Dillon finished 23rd.
“I felt like the bottom (line) wasn’t the place to be,” Bowman said. “So (I) kinda let Ty have the bottom on that restart and got up, and just tried to keep the run timed well.”
Bowman’s victory followed back-to-back wins by Hendrick teammate William Byron in the last two Pro Invitational races. Byron, who notched his 700th top-five iRacing finish with his last victory, started in last place for Sunday’s race. He still finished sixth.
“I’m legitimately confused how this happened,” Bowman tweeted jokingly after spinning his virtual victory donuts. “Tbh i couldn’t have done it without @WilliamByron’s help. He finally gave me the cheat codes”
Bowman has been entertaining fans with his live Tweets during the virtual races since the Pro Invitational series kicked off on March 22. He has posted pictures of his dogs, Finn and Roscoe, sitting in his simulator seat and jokes about how they drive for his car.
He did not confirm to reporters whether Finn was, in fact, the one who clinched his iRacing win.
“I think I’m gonna leave it up to the imagination if it was me or the dog driving,” Bowman said.
iRacing veteran Garrett Smithley finished in fourth place, followed by Landon Cassill in fifth. Despite his second-to-last place finish, Gordon, along with his FOX Sports guest analyst Clint Bowyer, provided fun banter throughout the race.
“I love being a part of this,” Gordon said. “It was great to get back out there in the action, in the competition on the track, and had a blast.”
Bowyer finished 33rd of 39 drivers. Virtual Homestead-Miami winner and real Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin finished in last place. The driver offered an explanation in a video he posted to Twitter after the race. Hamlin said his seven-year-old daughter, Taylor, turned off his monitor mid-race.
“My daughter came in with a remote and essentially ended our day,” Hamlin said. “That’s something you just don’t hear every day, folks.”
©2020 The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
Visit The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.) at www.charlotteobserver.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-04-26--Dutch students complete Atlantic crossing forced by coronavirus

HARLINGEN , Netherlands — Greeted by relieved parents , pet dogs , flares and a cloud of orange smoke , a group of 25 Dutch high school students with very little sailing experience ended a trans-Atlantic voyage Sunday that was forced on them by coronavirus restrictions .
The children , ages 14 to 17 , watched over by 12 experienced crew members and three teachers , were on an educational cruise of the Caribbean when the pandemic forced them to radically change their plans for returning home in March .
That gave one of the young sailors , 17-year-old Floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her impromptu adventure .
“ Being flexible , because everything is changing all the time , ” she said as she set foot on dry land again .
“ The arrival time changed like 100 times .
Being flexible is really important.
” Instead of flying back from Cuba as originally planned , the crew and students stocked up on supplies and warm clothes and set sail for the northern Dutch port of Harlingen , a five-week voyage of nearly 4,350 miles , on board the 200-foot top sail schooner Wylde Swan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students hung up a self-made banner saying “ Bucket List ” with ticks in boxes for Atlantic Ocean crossing , mid-ocean swim and surviving the Bermuda triangle .
The teens hugged and chanted each other ’ s names as they walked off the ship and into the arms of their families , who drove their cars alongside the yacht one by one to adhere to social distancing rules .
For Hurkmans , the impossibility of any kind of social distancing took some getting used to .
“ At home you just have some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be social all the time to everyone because you ’ re sleeping with them , you ’ re eating with them you ’ re just doing everything with them so you can ’ t really just relax , ” she said .
Her mother , Renee Scholtemeijer , said she expects her daughter to miss life on the open sea once she encounters coronavirus containment measures in the Netherlands .
• PHOTOS : Discarded gloves become the latest thing people litter during COVID-19 pandemic • Virtual Talladega might have been more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think that after two days she ’ ll want to go back on the boat , because life is very boring back at home , ” she said .
“ There ’ s nothing to do , she can ’ t visit friends , so it ’ s very boring .
”

HARLINGEN, Netherlands — Greeted by relieved parents, pet dogs, flares and a cloud of orange smoke, a group of 25 Dutch high school students with very little sailing experience ended a trans-Atlantic voyage Sunday that was forced on them by coronavirus restrictions.
The children, ages 14 to 17, watched over by 12 experienced crew members and three teachers, were on an educational cruise of the Caribbean when the pandemic forced them to radically change their plans for returning home in March.
That gave one of the young sailors, 17-year-old Floor Hurkmans, one of the biggest lessons of her impromptu adventure.
“Being flexible, because everything is changing all the time,” she said as she set foot on dry land again. “The arrival time changed like 100 times. Being flexible is really important.”
Instead of flying back from Cuba as originally planned, the crew and students stocked up on supplies and warm clothes and set sail for the northern Dutch port of Harlingen, a five-week voyage of nearly 4,350 miles, on board the 200-foot top sail schooner Wylde Swan.
As they arrived home, the students hung up a self-made banner saying “Bucket List” with ticks in boxes for Atlantic Ocean crossing, mid-ocean swim and surviving the Bermuda triangle.
The teens hugged and chanted each other’s names as they walked off the ship and into the arms of their families, who drove their cars alongside the yacht one by one to adhere to social distancing rules.
For Hurkmans, the impossibility of any kind of social distancing took some getting used to.
“At home you just have some moments for yourself, but here you have to be social all the time to everyone because you’re sleeping with them, you’re eating with them you’re just doing everything with them so you can’t really just relax,” she said.
Her mother, Renee Scholtemeijer, said she expects her daughter to miss life on the open sea once she encounters coronavirus containment measures in the Netherlands.