mercurynews--2020-06-28--On this date, 1995: Warriors make Joe Smith No. 1 pick in NBA Draft

OAKLAND — Joe Smith wears a tattoo of a snarling bulldog on his chest .
Ask him what it represents and he ’ ll tell you it ’ s there because his college teammates call him “ The Beast.
” The Warriors certainly hope he can live up to that intimidating nickname after selecting the Maryland sophomore Wednesday with the first pick of the NBA draft .
Smith , who doesn ’ t turn 20 until next month , will be asked to step in and fill the team ’ s biggest need a tough-minded , aggressive force in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somebody who plays hard , you ’ re gon na love Joe Smith , ” Warriors coach Rick Adelman told a crowd of 5,500 who gathered for the team ’ s draft party at the Coliseum Arena .
Smith , speaking to the fans and media through a live television feed , made it clear that he is ready to help harden one of the league ’ s softest teams .
During their strife-ridden season , Golden State had the league ’ s most porous defense , allowing 111.1 points a game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ per game ( 45.4 ) .
“ I want to bring defense to them , ” he said .
“ I heard they gave up a lot of points last year .
I ’ m one of those players who hates to get scored on .
I like to be a defender , a rebounder a workaholic.
” The selection of Smith had been predicted for weeks , but a very mysterious element hung over Wednesday ’ s event .
According to NBA sources and TNT television analyst Dick Versace , the Warriors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raptors .
As part of the deal , the Warriors apparently will send Victor Alexander , Carlos Rogers and three of their second-round picks to Toronto for point guard B.J .
Armstrong .
The Warriors selected Florida center-forward Andrew DeClerq ( 34th ) , Jackson State forward Dwayne Whitfield ( 40th ) , Seward Community College forward Martin Lewis ( 50th ) and New Orleans forward Michael McDonald ( 55th ) in the second round .
Warriors general manager Dave Twardzik refused to comment about the rumored deal , which likely has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unstable labor situation .
The trade probably hinges on a change in one or more player ’ s contracts , which can ’ t be implemented until a collective bargaining agreement is finalized .
The Warriors had a similar situation last season when they made a draft-day trade with Seattle , but couldn ’ t officially announce it until July 15 .
In another surprising development , Twardzik confirmed to the Times that after picking Smith , he attempted to make a deal for the No .
2 pick in the draft with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an inquiry , but that ’ s all it was , ” he said .
“ It was really basically about what it would take to get that pick.
” Presumably , the Warriors would have grabbed North Carolina ’ s Jerry Stackhouse with the pick .
As for the selection of Smith , Twardzik pulled no surprises with his first major player transaction at Golden State .
About five minutes into the draft ceremonies , NBA commissioner David Stern stepped to a podium in Toronto ’ s Skydome and announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mother , Letha , who was overcome with tears .
He then scaled the stairs to shake hands with Stern and don the blue and gold cap of the Warriors .
“ I was very , very nervous all day , ” Smith said , smiling .
“ This has been a long , drawn-out thing .
I ’ m just happy to have it over with.
” When asked about the qualities that led him to take Smith , Twardzik was effusive .
“ He has a tremendous feel for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ When I watched him play in person and on film , he always seemed to know where the double teams were coming from .
He is very unselfish and willing to give it ( the ball ) up .
He can also go outside and knock down 15- to 18-foot jump shots .
He also has a tremendous left hand .
Close to the basket , he ’ s as good with his left hand as he is with his right .
In our workout , he shot the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Plus he has a strong willingness to improve .
There is a tremendous amount of growth to him.
” The latter two traits are essential .
At 19 , Smith is far from a finished product .
With his thin frame , he no doubt will be hard-pressed to collide with the NBA hardbodies on a nightly basis in his rookie season .
“ His size isn ’ t a concern right now , ” Adelman said .
“ He ’ s very long and he has that extra reach that allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s still young and he ’ s going to get stronger.
” On his impending showdowns with the likes of Shawn Kemp , Karl Malone and Charles Barkley , Smith said , “ I don ’ t have any nightmares .
No matter where you go in the NBA , there ’ s tough matchups .
That ’ s why this summer , I ’ m going to work hard on my game so it won ’ t be a mismatch out there .
I want to be a factor.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this more than COVID-19 • On this date , 2009 : Warriors draft Stephen Curry , who looks like a keeper The announcement of the Smith selection beamed live on two huge TV screens at the Coliseum Arena was greeted with a rousing ovation and ear-piercing fireworks .
Amid the tumult , though , were a few boos from disappointed fans who wanted the Warriors to take Stackhouse .
Twardzik said he liked the qualities of Stackhouse and No .
2 selection Antonio McDyess , but that Smith provided just a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stackhouse play for two years , and he ’ s a very talented player , ” Twardzik said .
“ But he does need some work on his ball handling and outside shot .
He ’ s going to be a very good player , but I ’ ve said all along that if guys were close ( talent-wise ) , we would fill a need and that ’ s what we did tonight.
” Epilogue : Smith played 2 1/2 seasons for the Warriors , averaging 17 points and 8.2 rebounds per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressing a desire to return East , the Warriors traded him to Philadelphia for Jim Jackson and Clarence Weatherspoon ( these really were the lost years of the franchise ) .
Thus began a nomadic career for the former No .
1 overall pick .
He would play for 12 teams in 16 seasons and change addresses nine times in six years leading to his 2011 retirement , He averaged 10.9 points and 6.4 rebounds , never made an All Star team and has fallen on hard financial times .

(This story was originally published in 1995)
OAKLAND — Joe Smith wears a tattoo of a snarling bulldog on his chest. Ask him what it represents and he’ll tell you it’s there because his college teammates call him “The Beast.”
The Warriors certainly hope he can live up to that intimidating nickname after selecting the Maryland sophomore Wednesday with the first pick of the NBA draft. Smith, who doesn’t turn 20 until next month, will be asked to step in and fill the team’s biggest need: a tough-minded, aggressive force in the low post.
“If you like somebody who plays hard, you’re gonna love Joe Smith,” Warriors coach Rick Adelman told a crowd of 5,500 who gathered for the team’s draft party at the Coliseum Arena.
Smith, speaking to the fans and media through a live television feed, made it clear that he is ready to help harden one of the league’s softest teams. During their strife-ridden season, Golden State had the league’s most porous defense, allowing 111.1 points a game. Their opponents also collected the second-most rebounds per game (45.4).
“I want to bring defense to them,” he said. “I heard they gave up a lot of points last year. I’m one of those players who hates to get scored on. I like to be a defender, a rebounder a workaholic.”
The selection of Smith had been predicted for weeks, but a very mysterious element hung over Wednesday’s event. According to NBA sources and TNT television analyst Dick Versace, the Warriors consummated a major trade with the Toronto Raptors.
As part of the deal, the Warriors apparently will send Victor Alexander, Carlos Rogers and three of their second-round picks to Toronto for point guard B.J. Armstrong. The Warriors selected Florida center-forward Andrew DeClerq (34th), Jackson State forward Dwayne Whitfield (40th), Seward Community College forward Martin Lewis (50th) and New Orleans forward Michael McDonald (55th) in the second round.
Warriors general manager Dave Twardzik refused to comment about the rumored deal, which likely has been held up by the league’s unstable labor situation. The trade probably hinges on a change in one or more player’s contracts, which can’t be implemented until a collective bargaining agreement is finalized. The Warriors had a similar situation last season when they made a draft-day trade with Seattle, but couldn’t officially announce it until July 15.
In another surprising development, Twardzik confirmed to the Times that after picking Smith, he attempted to make a deal for the No. 2 pick in the draft with the Los Angeles Clippers.
“There was an inquiry, but that’s all it was,” he said. “It was really basically about what it would take to get that pick.”
Presumably, the Warriors would have grabbed North Carolina’s Jerry Stackhouse with the pick.
As for the selection of Smith, Twardzik pulled no surprises with his first major player transaction at Golden State. About five minutes into the draft ceremonies, NBA commissioner David Stern stepped to a podium in Toronto’s Skydome and announced that Smith was the man.
Smith embraced his mother, Letha, who was overcome with tears. He then scaled the stairs to shake hands with Stern and don the blue and gold cap of the Warriors.
“I was very, very nervous all day,” Smith said, smiling. “This has been a long, drawn-out thing. I’m just happy to have it over with.”
When asked about the qualities that led him to take Smith, Twardzik was effusive.
“He has a tremendous feel for the game a great basketball I.Q.,” he said. “When I watched him play in person and on film, he always seemed to know where the double teams were coming from. He is very unselfish and willing to give it (the ball) up. He can also go outside and knock down 15- to 18-foot jump shots. He also has a tremendous left hand. Close to the basket, he’s as good with his left hand as he is with his right. In our workout, he shot the heck out of it. . . . Plus he has a strong willingness to improve. There is a tremendous amount of growth to him.”
The latter two traits are essential. At 19, Smith is far from a finished product. With his thin frame, he no doubt will be hard-pressed to collide with the NBA hardbodies on a nightly basis in his rookie season.
“His size isn’t a concern right now,” Adelman said. “He’s very long and he has that extra reach that allows him to play bigger than he is. He’s still young and he’s going to get stronger.”
On his impending showdowns with the likes of Shawn Kemp, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley, Smith said, “I don’t have any nightmares. No matter where you go in the NBA, there’s tough matchups. That’s why this summer, I’m going to work hard on my game so it won’t be a mismatch out there. I want to be a factor.”
The announcement of the Smith selection beamed live on two huge TV screens at the Coliseum Arena was greeted with a rousing ovation and ear-piercing fireworks. Amid the tumult, though, were a few boos from disappointed fans who wanted the Warriors to take Stackhouse. Twardzik said he liked the qualities of Stackhouse and No. 2 selection Antonio McDyess, but that Smith provided just a little bit more.
“I’ve seen Stackhouse play for two years, and he’s a very talented player,” Twardzik said. “But he does need some work on his ball handling and outside shot. He’s going to be a very good player, but I’ve said all along that if guys were close (talent-wise), we would fill a need and that’s what we did tonight.”
Epilogue: Smith played 2 1/2 seasons for the Warriors, averaging 17 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. With free-agency approaching and Smith expressing a desire to return East, the Warriors traded him to Philadelphia for Jim Jackson and Clarence Weatherspoon (these really were the lost years of the franchise). Thus began a nomadic career for the former No. 1 overall pick. He would play for 12 teams in 16 seasons and change addresses nine times in six years leading to his 2011 retirement, He averaged 10.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, never made an All Star team and has fallen on hard financial times.


mercurynews--2020-06-28--Me & My Car: Willys-Knight partnership beneficial for early auto industry

Editor ’ s note : David Krumboltz ’ s regular column is on hiatus until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
In its place , we ’ re running some of Dave ’ s favorite past columns .
This one originally ran in November 2018 .
• Me & My Car : 60 mph was fast when 1912 Hudson was new • Me & My Car : 1939 Lincoln Zephyr ( almost ) perfectly restored • Me & My Car : Alamo man ’ s ’ 76 Rolls-Royce is perfection epitomized • Me & My Car : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ em like they made 1907 ’ s Stanley Steamer One hundred forty-five years ago an American auto pioneer was born in New York state .
He was a go-getter from the get-go .
From his childhood days , he bought and sold items and made money .
By the time he was 18 , he was in the bicycle business and was so successful he bought the entire production from two bicycle manufacturers .
Many of us are familiar with the Willys Jeep , but there is quite a history behind the name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) before the first Jeep was ever planned .
While he was an early pioneer in the car business , his name is not nearly as well-known as others like Henry Ford or Walter P. Chrysler .
Willys was on a business trip to Cleveland , Ohio , in 1899 when he saw his first car .
He was mesmerized .
He noticed the tremendous interest people showed seeing a horseless carriage drive down the street .
Thinking ahead , Willys recognized the potential and decided the car would replace the bicycle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pierce cars in 1900 and Rambler , made by Thomas Jeffery , in 1902 .
By 1907 he had acquired control of the Overland Company and in 1909 , the same year the Model T Ford was introduced , Willys produced the Overland Model 38 .
Overland became second only to Ford from 1910 to 1926 , the end of the Model T Ford production .
Indiana businessman Charles Knight , born five years before Willys , published a Midwest farm journal called “ Dairy Produce.
” Knight bought an early Knox automobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a single-cylinder , air-cooled , three-wheel machine with noisy valves which irritated him .
He thought he could build a better , quieter engine based on his experience he had with sleeve valve engines at his father ’ s sawmill .
And he did .
With the financial backing of L. B. Kilbourne , a four-cylinder , 40 HP engine was built and installed in what he called the “ Silent Knight ” touring car for the 1906 Chicago Auto Show priced at $ 3,500 ( almost $ 100,000 in today ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Willys met Charles Knight .
The “ sleeve valve ” engine eliminated lifters , push rods , valves , valve springs and rocker arms .
It was a superior engine , very quiet and durable , but more expensive to build .
A license was acquired to build the sleeve valve engine and the Willys-Knight was born .
Other companies , including Mercedes , used the Knight sleeve valve engine design until 1933 .
Pleasant Hill resident and retired police officer Jack Harper acquired this 1928 Willys-Knight in 2001 .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There were wasp nests and yellow-jacket nests everywhere .
In the engine compartment , in the horn , the headliner , everywhere .
It took me a while to get rid of all those.
” He paid $ 4,000 and it didn ’ t run .
But Harper is a patient man , and he knew it would be difficult to acquire parts for this car .
“ I was willing to go anywhere in the United States to get a ( second ) car , as there are not very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the internet for five years and I found another car , same year , same model , same make and I bought it .
It was in Fort Bragg .
It had sat in a field in Santa Rosa for 35 years.
” Harper had a high school friend who rebuilt the engine from the second car and installed it in the first .
It took about a year and a half .
Harper kept the original engine , for spare parts .
The 1928 Willys-Knight was a mid-priced car when new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ List price in 1928 was about $ 2,000 or about $ 28,500 in today ’ s dollars .
“ That was about twice the price of a Ford , ” Harper stated , “ and they were 21,000 of this particular model made in 1928.
” The 45 HP , 109-inch wheelbase car is equipped with a three-speed , floor mounted shift that requires double clutching to change gears .
The car has mechanical brakes and wooden spoke wheels .
“ I spent about 50 hours sanding each wheel , ” Harper said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times a week , has installed a new clutch , and a twelve-volt electrical system including an alternator for better starting .
The brake light switch didn ’ t work and he couldn ’ t find a new one .
“ I found the original old switch from my stockpile of old car parts , soaked in vinegar for about a week , took it apart and put it back together and it works perfectly.
” The owner estimates the current market value between $ 15,000 and $ 20,000 .
“ It would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restored.
” Right now , it is a work in process .
The fenders and running boards have been repainted but the green body paint is original , 90 years old , as is the interior .
“ This car has consumed my life , ” says Harper .
“ It ’ s every day , every night I ’ m out here putting it together .
But this is the most fun I have ever had with a car.
” Have an interesting vehicle ?
Contact David Krumboltz at MOBopoly @ yahoo.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other issues ’ vehicles or to read more of Dave ’ s columns , visit mercurynews.com/author/david-krumboltz .

Editor’s note: David Krumboltz’s regular column is on hiatus until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In its place, we’re running some of Dave’s favorite past columns. This one originally ran in November 2018.
Related Articles Me & My Car: 60 mph was fast when 1912 Hudson was new
Me & My Car: 1939 Lincoln Zephyr (almost) perfectly restored
Me & My Car: Alamo man’s ’76 Rolls-Royce is perfection epitomized
Me & My Car: They really don’t make ’em like they made 1907’s Stanley Steamer One hundred forty-five years ago an American auto pioneer was born in New York state. He was a go-getter from the get-go. From his childhood days, he bought and sold items and made money. By the time he was 18, he was in the bicycle business and was so successful he bought the entire production from two bicycle manufacturers. Many of us are familiar with the Willys Jeep, but there is quite a history behind the name of John North Willys (pronounced Will-is) before the first Jeep was ever planned. While he was an early pioneer in the car business, his name is not nearly as well-known as others like Henry Ford or Walter P. Chrysler.
Willys was on a business trip to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1899 when he saw his first car. He was mesmerized. He noticed the tremendous interest people showed seeing a horseless carriage drive down the street. Thinking ahead, Willys recognized the potential and decided the car would replace the bicycle, horse and railroad. He started selling Pierce cars in 1900 and Rambler, made by Thomas Jeffery, in 1902. By 1907 he had acquired control of the Overland Company and in 1909, the same year the Model T Ford was introduced, Willys produced the Overland Model 38. Overland became second only to Ford from 1910 to 1926, the end of the Model T Ford production.
Indiana businessman Charles Knight, born five years before Willys, published a Midwest farm journal called “Dairy Produce.” Knight bought an early Knox automobile in 1901 for his business. It was a single-cylinder, air-cooled, three-wheel machine with noisy valves which irritated him. He thought he could build a better, quieter engine based on his experience he had with sleeve valve engines at his father’s sawmill. And he did. With the financial backing of L. B. Kilbourne, a four-cylinder, 40 HP engine was built and installed in what he called the “Silent Knight” touring car for the 1906 Chicago Auto Show priced at $3,500 (almost $100,000 in today’s dollars).
In 1913, John Willys met Charles Knight. The “sleeve valve” engine eliminated lifters, push rods, valves, valve springs and rocker arms. It was a superior engine, very quiet and durable, but more expensive to build. A license was acquired to build the sleeve valve engine and the Willys-Knight was born. Other companies, including Mercedes, used the Knight sleeve valve engine design until 1933.
Pleasant Hill resident and retired police officer Jack Harper acquired this 1928 Willys-Knight in 2001. It was literally a barn find with some surprises. “There were wasp nests and yellow-jacket nests everywhere. In the engine compartment, in the horn, the headliner, everywhere. It took me a while to get rid of all those.” He paid $4,000 and it didn’t run. But Harper is a patient man, and he knew it would be difficult to acquire parts for this car. “I was willing to go anywhere in the United States to get a (second) car, as there are not very many of them left. I searched on the internet for five years and I found another car, same year, same model, same make and I bought it. It was in Fort Bragg. It had sat in a field in Santa Rosa for 35 years.” Harper had a high school friend who rebuilt the engine from the second car and installed it in the first. It took about a year and a half. Harper kept the original engine, for spare parts.
The 1928 Willys-Knight was a mid-priced car when new, competing with cars like Buick. List price in 1928 was about $2,000 or about $28,500 in today’s dollars. “That was about twice the price of a Ford,” Harper stated, “and they were 21,000 of this particular model made in 1928.”
The 45 HP, 109-inch wheelbase car is equipped with a three-speed, floor mounted shift that requires double clutching to change gears. The car has mechanical brakes and wooden spoke wheels. “I spent about 50 hours sanding each wheel,” Harper said. He drives this car about three times a week, has installed a new clutch, and a twelve-volt electrical system including an alternator for better starting. The brake light switch didn’t work and he couldn’t find a new one. “I found the original old switch from my stockpile of old car parts, soaked in vinegar for about a week, took it apart and put it back together and it works perfectly.”
The owner estimates the current market value between $15,000 and $20,000. “It would be worth more if it were completely restored.” Right now, it is a work in process. The fenders and running boards have been repainted but the green body paint is original, 90 years old, as is the interior.
“This car has consumed my life,” says Harper. “It’s every day, every night I’m out here putting it together. But this is the most fun I have ever had with a car.”
Have an interesting vehicle? Contact David Krumboltz at MOBopoly@yahoo.com. To view more photos of this and other issues’ vehicles or to read more of Dave’s columns, visit mercurynews.com/author/david-krumboltz.


mercurynews--2020-06-28--Rubin: What the potential European COVID-19 ban of U.S. travelers reveals

As European Union countries rush to reopen their borders July 1 , they have readied lists of feckless countries whose citizens will be unwelcome .
Those countries all have leaders who have failed to contain COVID-19 .
Guess who tops the list ?
Travelers from the United States , where case numbers are soaring ( and not just due to increased tests ) , will be banned because of fear they will spread the virus .
Even more humiliating , Americans are lumped together with citizens of Russia and Brazil , the club of COVID-19 losers that leads the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking an enormous lead .
Citizens of China , Vietnam , and Cuba , on the other hand , are among the many countries now controlling the virus that will be welcome in Europe .
Meantime , Beijing stands ready to capitalize globally on signs of American incompetence .
No one should underestimate the blow to U.S. prestige of our continued failure to test , trace , and contain the virus .
The Europeans recognize the global threat posed by America ’ s COVID-19 chaos and by a U.S. president who thinks the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world for scientific prowess , our country stumbles , leaderless , in full sight of an unbelieving world .
In a sane world , the European ban would shock GOP leaders into finally pressing President Trump and recalcitrant governors to take basic steps toward containing the virus – like mandatory masking and a national testing and tracing strategy , with adequate federal funding .
But we may have to wait for November to try to restore sanity , along with a coherent national effort to control the virus .
That wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a much harder economic recovery , along with a further drop in U.S. influence abroad .
Either way , it is essential to recognize what the Europe ban on Americans reveals .
The reaction there is largely one of astonishment that the U.S. could be so inept .
“ I certainly would not feel safe traveling to the U.S. , ” a columnist for Italy ’ s La Repubblica told Bloomberg News , echoing what I ’ ve heard from colleagues in Europe .
Think about that .
“ Not safe ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to gun violence , but because we can ’ t cope with a pandemic that most European nations have controlled for now .
And then there is astonishment at American behavior .
A Bloomberg columnist in Singapore wrote : “ Hovering over all this is incredulity that the U.S. , which most here still see as a great nation and important counterweight to China , is engaged in a culture war over something so straightforward as wearing a mask.
” It is particularly shameful for the United States to be grouped with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s leading virus threesome .
Not so surprising when you consider the similarities between Trump and two leaders he admires , Brazil ’ s Jair Bolsonaro and Russia ’ s Vladimir Putin .
These three populists — who mobilize followers with attacks on opposition “ traitors ” — all have a hard time coping with a real virus enemy they can ’ t see .
Bolsonaro , a staunch Trump ally who has two sons under investigation for corruption , has spent months disparaging the threat of the virus .
Refusing to mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge to wear one when he appears in public .
Meantime , Putin just presided over a massive military parade celebrating the 75th anniversary of Russia ’ s victory over Germany – the kind of martial military display of Trump ’ s dreams .
Thousands of soldiers marched shoulder-to-shoulder without masks .
European leaders stayed away from this virus petri dish of a parade , but Putin no doubt hoped it would eclipse growing public concern over more than 600,000 cases in the world ’ s third-hardest-hit country .
Experts disparage Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths ) as totally unreliable , with a surge in deaths attributed to other causes .
Reminds one of Trump ’ s critique of testing because “ you ’ re gon na find more cases.
” The neon-lit message from the European ban is that we don ’ t want to be in the club of badly behaved nations , just as we shouldn ’ t be atop the statistics for coronavirus cases and deaths .
There is no reason America should be behaving like Brazil or Russia .
As Florida Republican Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should just wear a damn mask.
” That is the sane response .
But so long as Trump mocks masks at rallies , and GOP governors like Florida ’ s Ron DeSantis refuse to order masking , we will deserve to be banned from Europe .
And so long as Trump rejects his own science advisers along with any national testing strategy , we will top the global list of shame , until November at least .

As European Union countries rush to reopen their borders July 1, they have readied lists of feckless countries whose citizens will be unwelcome. Those countries all have leaders who have failed to contain COVID-19.
Guess who tops the list? Travelers from the United States, where case numbers are soaring (and not just due to increased tests), will be banned because of fear they will spread the virus.
Even more humiliating, Americans are lumped together with citizens of Russia and Brazil, the club of COVID-19 losers that leads the world in infections, with the United States taking an enormous lead. Citizens of China, Vietnam, and Cuba, on the other hand, are among the many countries now controlling the virus that will be welcome in Europe. Meantime, Beijing stands ready to capitalize globally on signs of American incompetence.
No one should underestimate the blow to U.S. prestige of our continued failure to test, trace, and contain the virus.
The Europeans recognize the global threat posed by America’s COVID-19 chaos and by a U.S. president who thinks the virus will magically vanish. Once admired around the world for scientific prowess, our country stumbles, leaderless, in full sight of an unbelieving world.
In a sane world, the European ban would shock GOP leaders into finally pressing President Trump and recalcitrant governors to take basic steps toward containing the virus – like mandatory masking and a national testing and tracing strategy, with adequate federal funding.
But we may have to wait for November to try to restore sanity, along with a coherent national effort to control the virus. That wait will guarantee thousands of unnecessary virus deaths and a much harder economic recovery, along with a further drop in U.S. influence abroad.
Either way, it is essential to recognize what the Europe ban on Americans reveals.
The reaction there is largely one of astonishment that the U.S. could be so inept. “I certainly would not feel safe traveling to the U.S.,” a columnist for Italy’s La Repubblica told Bloomberg News, echoing what I’ve heard from colleagues in Europe.
Think about that. “Not safe” visiting the USA, and not just due to gun violence, but because we can’t cope with a pandemic that most European nations have controlled for now.
And then there is astonishment at American behavior. A Bloomberg columnist in Singapore wrote: “Hovering over all this is incredulity that the U.S., which most here still see as a great nation and important counterweight to China, is engaged in a culture war over something so straightforward as wearing a mask.”
It is particularly shameful for the United States to be grouped with Brazil and Russia as the world’s leading virus threesome. Not so surprising when you consider the similarities between Trump and two leaders he admires, Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. These three populists — who mobilize followers with attacks on opposition “traitors” — all have a hard time coping with a real virus enemy they can’t see.
Bolsonaro, a staunch Trump ally who has two sons under investigation for corruption, has spent months disparaging the threat of the virus. Refusing to mask, he was just ordered by a judge to wear one when he appears in public.
Meantime, Putin just presided over a massive military parade celebrating the 75th anniversary of Russia’s victory over Germany – the kind of martial military display of Trump’s dreams. Thousands of soldiers marched shoulder-to-shoulder without masks.
European leaders stayed away from this virus petri dish of a parade, but Putin no doubt hoped it would eclipse growing public concern over more than 600,000 cases in the world’s third-hardest-hit country. Experts disparage Russia’s minimal death statistics (around 8,500 deaths) as totally unreliable, with a surge in deaths attributed to other causes.
Reminds one of Trump’s critique of testing because “you’re gonna find more cases.”
The neon-lit message from the European ban is that we don’t want to be in the club of badly behaved nations, just as we shouldn’t be atop the statistics for coronavirus cases and deaths. There is no reason America should be behaving like Brazil or Russia.
As Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio put it, “Everyone should just wear a damn mask.” That is the sane response. But so long as Trump mocks masks at rallies, and GOP governors like Florida’s Ron DeSantis refuse to order masking, we will deserve to be banned from Europe.
And so long as Trump rejects his own science advisers along with any national testing strategy, we will top the global list of shame, until November at least.
Trudy Rubin is a Philadephia Inquirer columnist.


mercurynews--2020-06-28--Horoscopes June 28, 2020: John Cusack, keep moving.

Happy Birthday : Keep moving ; idle time will be your enemy this year .
Too much analyzing and too little movement will lead to arguments .
Look inward , and consider what will bring you happiness , pleasure and added confidence .
Choose to work on yourself , and strive to live the life that will tick off all the boxes on your wish list .
Don ’ t waste precious time .
Your numbers are 7 , 15 , 24 , 31 , 36 , 42 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Keep a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and emotional well-being .
If someone tries to take advantage of you , use your intelligence to outmaneuver any sort of manipulative situation .
You have choices , so do what ’ s best for you .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Don ’ t expect to get valid information from someone competing with you .
Gather information and assess situations before you decide to make a move .
If the benefits aren ’ t worthwhile , sit tight or choose a different path .
3 stars GEMINI ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a look at the possibilities .
Do your research , and you ’ ll be enlightened by what you discover .
Take the plunge , and immerse yourself in something that will encourage personal growth , happiness and a brighter future .
5 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Keep an open mind when dealing with people around you .
It ’ s important to compromise if you want others to do things for you in return .
An odd suggestion will turn out to be a blessing .
2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Contain your excitement .
Don ’ t reveal something that might happen until it ’ s a forgone conclusion .
Put your energy into making a personal improvement , getting along with others and letting experience be your guide .
Romance will bring you closer to someone you love .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Talk about what you want to happen .
It ’ s up to you to market your desires .
Be willing to implement changes that will encourage others to get on board with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay off .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Emotions will be difficult to contain .
Don ’ t let anyone take advantage of you or what you have to offer .
Speak up on your behalf , and you will find out who you can count on .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Don ’ t limit what you can do because someone doesn ’ t approve .
Do what ’ s best for yourself .
You are overdue for a change , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it happen .
Take control of your life and future .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : An energetic approach regarding how you make your home and domestic life better will bring the results you want .
Adjust your space to suit the projects you want to pursue .
Lay out a strategy that will help you bring in extra cash .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Stick to the rules , and pursue your goals .
How you relate to others will make a difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Put a realistic domestic change in place that will help you keep the peace with those you live with .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Resolve a money matter .
A prosperous offer will come from an unexpected source .
Do your best to strengthen your connection with someone you love .
A little extra time spent on the way you look will draw compliments .
5 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Gather facts before you get involved in something new .
If you are too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone will take advantage of you .
Make a change because you want to , not because someone is putting pressure on you .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are sensitive , possessive and aggressive .
You are strategic and productive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kellie Pickler, 34; John Cusack, 54; Kathy Bates, 72; Mel Brooks, 94.
Happy Birthday: Keep moving; idle time will be your enemy this year. Too much analyzing and too little movement will lead to arguments. Look inward, and consider what will bring you happiness, pleasure and added confidence. Choose to work on yourself, and strive to live the life that will tick off all the boxes on your wish list. Don’t waste precious time. Your numbers are 7, 15, 24, 31, 36, 42, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep a close watch over your home, possessions and emotional well-being. If someone tries to take advantage of you, use your intelligence to outmaneuver any sort of manipulative situation. You have choices, so do what’s best for you. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t expect to get valid information from someone competing with you. Gather information and assess situations before you decide to make a move. If the benefits aren’t worthwhile, sit tight or choose a different path. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Stop and take a look at the possibilities. Do your research, and you’ll be enlightened by what you discover. Take the plunge, and immerse yourself in something that will encourage personal growth, happiness and a brighter future. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep an open mind when dealing with people around you. It’s important to compromise if you want others to do things for you in return. An odd suggestion will turn out to be a blessing. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Contain your excitement. Don’t reveal something that might happen until it’s a forgone conclusion. Put your energy into making a personal improvement, getting along with others and letting experience be your guide. Romance will bring you closer to someone you love. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Talk about what you want to happen. It’s up to you to market your desires. Be willing to implement changes that will encourage others to get on board with your plan. Dedication and loyalty will pay off. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Emotions will be difficult to contain. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you or what you have to offer. Speak up on your behalf, and you will find out who you can count on. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t limit what you can do because someone doesn’t approve. Do what’s best for yourself. You are overdue for a change, and it’s up to you to make it happen. Take control of your life and future. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): An energetic approach regarding how you make your home and domestic life better will bring the results you want. Adjust your space to suit the projects you want to pursue. Lay out a strategy that will help you bring in extra cash. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Stick to the rules, and pursue your goals. How you relate to others will make a difference in the way things turn out. Put a realistic domestic change in place that will help you keep the peace with those you live with. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Resolve a money matter. A prosperous offer will come from an unexpected source. Do your best to strengthen your connection with someone you love. A little extra time spent on the way you look will draw compliments. 5 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Gather facts before you get involved in something new. If you are too generous with your time or money, someone will take advantage of you. Make a change because you want to, not because someone is putting pressure on you. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, possessive and aggressive. You are strategic and productive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-06-28--Word Game: June 28, 2020

Word Game: June 28, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — PLEURISY ( PLEURISY : PLOOR-ih-see : An inflammation of the lung lining . )
Can @ @ @ @ @ words in PLEURISY ?
To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order @ @ @ @ @ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must be of four or more letters @ @ @ @ @ acquire four letters by the addition of “ s , ” such as “ bats @ @ @ @ @ ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words made by adding a “ d @ @ @ @ @ ” may not be used .
For example , if “ bake ” is used @ @ @ @ @ “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ bake ” and “ baking ” @ @ @ @ @ Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed @

TODAY’S WORD — PLEURISY (PLEURISY: PLOOR-ih-see: An inflammation of the lung lining.)
Average mark 39 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 55 or more words in PLEURISY?
TODAY’S WORD — PLEURISY peril pier pile pliers plies plus prey pries pule pulse
pure purely purl purse pyre lieu lire lisp lues lure lyre espy uprise user rely reply rile
ripe ripely rise rule ruse isle sire sirup sirupy slier slip slue slur slurp slyer spiel spile
spire spry spur suer super sure surely surly syrup yelp yule
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: June 28, 2020

Bidding theorists are constantly coming up with ways to treat bids that seem to defy logical interpretation .
Suppose you open one heart , your partner responds 1NT , you bid two clubs and he bids two spades .
What does he have ?
Partner can not have a spade suit , having failed to respond one spade .
If he had a decent hand with club support , he could have raised to three clubs .
Logically , his two spades shows a hand that your second bid greatly improved : He should have a hand such as A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 , Q 10 7 6 4 2 .
Advances in bidding theory are fine , but I often see a different kind of “ wasted ” bid .
When South bid 1NT in today ’ s deal , showing a balanced minimum hand , North jumped to three clubs and converted South ’ s 3NT to four hearts .
That painted a useful picture of his hand — for West , the opening leader , who started with a trump .
East followed low to keep communication .
Declarer next led a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ace and led a second trump , and East won and led his last trump .
South couldn ’ t ruff any diamonds in dummy , and when neither black suit treated him well , he lost three more tricks .
Down two .
When South bid 1NT , North knew the best contract was surely four hearts , so when North showed his clubs , he was showing them only to the defenders .
If instead North simply jumps to four hearts , West won ’ t have a clear roadmap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead , but if instead he leads either black suit , South will be able to ruff a diamond in dummy , set up the fifth spade and make his game .

Bidding theorists are constantly coming up with ways to treat bids that seem to defy logical interpretation. Suppose you open one heart, your partner responds 1NT, you bid two clubs and he bids two spades. What does he have?
Partner cannot have a spade suit, having failed to respond one spade. If he had a decent hand with club support, he could have raised to three clubs. Logically, his two spades shows a hand that your second bid greatly improved: He should have a hand such as A 8 7, K, 7 6 5, Q 10 7 6 4 2.
Advances in bidding theory are fine, but I often see a different kind of “wasted” bid. When South bid 1NT in today’s deal, showing a balanced minimum hand, North jumped to three clubs and converted South’s 3NT to four hearts. That painted a useful picture of his hand — for West, the opening leader, who started with a trump. East followed low to keep communication.
Declarer next led a diamond to his king. West took the ace and led a second trump, and East won and led his last trump. South couldn’t ruff any diamonds in dummy, and when neither black suit treated him well, he lost three more tricks. Down two.
When South bid 1NT, North knew the best contract was surely four hearts, so when North showed his clubs, he was showing them only to the defenders. If instead North simply jumps to four hearts, West won’t have a clear roadmap. He may still find a trump lead, but if instead he leads either black suit, South will be able to ruff a diamond in dummy, set up the fifth spade and make his game.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A 8 7 6 3
H Q 9 8
D 5
C A J 9 4
WEST
S J 10 5 4
H 5 3
D A Q J 6 2
C 6 3
EAST
S Q 9
H A 7 4
D 10 9 4 3
C Q 10 8 7
SOUTH
S K 2
H K J 10 6 2
D K 8 7
C K 5 2
South West North East
1 H Pass 1 S Pass
1 NT Pass 3 C Pass
3 NT Pass 4 H All Pass
Opening lead — H 3
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-06-28--Ask Amy: They say I’m going to hell. My husband says let it go.

Socially and politically I lean firmly left and my family is very aware of it .
My parents and my in-laws are very conservative and quite religious .
At gatherings they are very vocal about their disdain for liberals and Democrats , calling them names , saying they ’ re going to hell , etc .
They also voice their dislike of other races , religions and sexual orientation , using bigoted language .
I don ’ t enjoy spending time with any of them .
I do not voice my opinions , as I have no interest in being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the assault begins , I pick up my phone and scroll through and ignore them .
• Ask Amy : I ’ m afraid of what they might do at my wedding • Ask Amy : Grandmother plans to disappear with boy for secret vacation • Ask Amy : I vowed I ’ d never be like my dad , so this is scaring me • Ask Amy : My Hot Girl Summer is over .
What do I tell my boyfriend ?
• Ask Amy : Does my wife realize how she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my time with them as much as possible , but I can ’ t cut them out of my life completely , as that is just not my character .
My husband lets it go and is mostly politically neutral .
He says it ’ s not worth arguing with 80-year-olds .
Dear Teacher : You seem to point your irritation toward your husband , whom you claim stays neutral , but you are doing the exact same thing , by ignoring comments from both your parents and his that you say are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Teacher , ” I think it ’ s time to take these 80-year-olds to school .
I can imagine not wanting to waste your breath on your in-laws , but your parents raised you .
Surely you can spend some energy in order to engage them in some thoughtful conversation about their own hate speech .
There is absolutely nothing about Christianity that gives believers license to express hatred toward other human beings .
But aside from the religious aspects of this , I think it might be time for you to locate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a true ally of people who are discriminated against and consigned to hell by ignorant people — then you must use your own voice to push back .
This book is currently flying off the shelves ( I ’ m reading it now ) : “ How to Be an Antiracist , ” by Ibram X. Kendi ( 2019 , One World ) .
Here ’ s a quote : “ Denial is the heartbeat of racism.
” Dear Amy : About two months ago , my boyfriend potentially had COVID-19 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he got very sick .
Taking care of him was scary and stressful for me .
He was able to get a virtual doctor ’ s appointment .
He tested negative for the virus , but still believes he had it , due to the high rate of false negative test results .
He recovered in two weeks and is good , now .
He brings this up whenever we have Zoom calls with family or friends ; he even brings this up with his clients .
When it initially happened — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up made sense .
I realize that sharing with friends and family can help to process a scary event .
It has now been two months ( it feels like six ) , and he ’ s OK.
I ’ m confused as to why he still feels the need to talk about it now , however .
Dear Healthy : You went through this with your boyfriend , and so you have been exposed to this story many times from many different angles .
You can have whatever interior reaction you want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk about this experience if he finds it helpful .
His brush with serious illness might have deepened his empathy toward others .
He may also be tacitly inviting you to share in this drama , and to confirm to others how challenging this was .
There are fears about people developing the illness again — after they believe they have recovered — and he might be worried about that possibility .
Some people are genuinely traumatized by an experience with serious illness .
If he is ruminating excessively or seems to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should encourage him to set up another appointment with his doctor .
Dear Amy : I smoked three packs of cigarettes a day and loved it for more than 35 years .
On November 1 , 1992 , I stopped smoking and went on the nicotine patch for six months .
I still have three cigarettes in my freezer .
I still feel guilty for my children ( none of them smoke ) when they had to put up with both parents smoking in the station wagon .
I ’ ve saved enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe and numerous cruises .
Dear Recovered : What a testimony !
( I may need to learn more about those cigarettes in your freezer… ) 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: I am a married, 50-year-old elementary school teacher.
Socially and politically I lean firmly left and my family is very aware of it. My parents and my in-laws are very conservative and quite religious.
At gatherings they are very vocal about their disdain for liberals and Democrats, calling them names, saying they’re going to hell, etc.
They also voice their dislike of other races, religions and sexual orientation, using bigoted language.
I don’t enjoy spending time with any of them. I do not voice my opinions, as I have no interest in being part of their hostile conversations. When the assault begins, I pick up my phone and scroll through and ignore them.
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My husband lets it go and is mostly politically neutral. He says it’s not worth arguing with 80-year-olds.
I find his answer irritating. Any suggestions?
Teacher
Dear Teacher: You seem to point your irritation toward your husband, whom you claim stays neutral, but you are doing the exact same thing, by ignoring comments from both your parents and his that you say are bigoted and offensive.
So, “Teacher,” I think it’s time to take these 80-year-olds to school.
I can imagine not wanting to waste your breath on your in-laws, but your parents raised you. Surely you can spend some energy in order to engage them in some thoughtful conversation about their own hate speech.
There is absolutely nothing about Christianity that gives believers license to express hatred toward other human beings. But aside from the religious aspects of this, I think it might be time for you to locate your backbone. If you consider yourself a true ally of people who are discriminated against and consigned to hell by ignorant people — then you must use your own voice to push back.
This book is currently flying off the shelves (I’m reading it now): “How to Be an Antiracist,” by Ibram X. Kendi (2019, One World). Here’s a quote: “Denial is the heartbeat of racism.”
Dear Amy: About two months ago, my boyfriend potentially had COVID-19. The week he started to work from home, he got very sick. Taking care of him was scary and stressful for me.
He was able to get a virtual doctor’s appointment. He tested negative for the virus, but still believes he had it, due to the high rate of false negative test results.
He recovered in two weeks and is good, now.
He brings this up whenever we have Zoom calls with family or friends; he even brings this up with his clients. When it initially happened — and the month following — bringing it up made sense. I realize that sharing with friends and family can help to process a scary event.
It has now been two months (it feels like six), and he’s OK. I’m confused as to why he still feels the need to talk about it now, however.
Healthy and Wondering
Dear Healthy: You went through this with your boyfriend, and so you have been exposed to this story many times from many different angles. You can have whatever interior reaction you want, but your boyfriend should continue to talk about this experience if he finds it helpful.
His brush with serious illness might have deepened his empathy toward others. He may also be tacitly inviting you to share in this drama, and to confirm to others how challenging this was. There are fears about people developing the illness again — after they believe they have recovered — and he might be worried about that possibility.
Some people are genuinely traumatized by an experience with serious illness. If he is ruminating excessively or seems to be stuck in an anxious loop, you should encourage him to set up another appointment with his doctor.
Dear Amy: I smoked three packs of cigarettes a day and loved it for more than 35 years.
On November 1, 1992, I stopped smoking and went on the nicotine patch for six months. I still have three cigarettes in my freezer.
I still feel guilty for my children (none of them smoke) when they had to put up with both parents smoking in the station wagon.
I’ve saved enough cigarette money to take four trips to Europe and numerous cruises.
Recovered Smoker
Dear Recovered: What a testimony! (I may need to learn more about those cigarettes in your freezer…)
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--2020-06-28--Letter: San Jose was wrong to remove part of Willow Glen history

Shame on the city of San Jose and District 6 representatives for taking down part of Willow Glen history .
@ @ @ @ @ toxic , yes , but how many things are toxic out there that the city @ @ @ @ @ These decisions are made by people that came here yesterday and don ’ t value @ @ @ @ @ know it .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters @ @ @

Shame on the city of San Jose and District 6 representatives for taking down part of Willow Glen history.
To say that creosote is toxic, yes, but how many things are toxic out there that the city turns a blind eye. Related Articles Letters to the Editor | Letters: Escape Bay Area | CASA program | Feinstein replacement | Faulty comparison | Not conservatives
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These decisions are made by people that came here yesterday and don’t value history or even care to know it.
Ilko Vuica
San Jose
Submit your letter to the editor via this form
Read more Letters to the Editor


mercurynews--2020-06-28--Dear Abby: I’m hurt that my neighbors didn’t acknowledge my special thank-you

DEAR ABBY : A few months ago , new neighbors moved in next door .
They have been very nice and helpful .
I work a lot , so they have done things like grab packages or take care of little things like bringing in my trash can .
I have thanked them many times , but three weeks ago I decided to do something extra special .
I bought a lovely thank-you card and put a $ 100 restaurant gift card inside .
I knocked on their door and handed it to the husband .
Abby , I haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from them .
I don ’ t want to seem petty , but part of me is hurt by their lack of acknowledgment .
They have my number , and I ’ m obviously home at a certain hour of the day .
• Dear Abby : When I use the bathroom , he wants to be there .
Is that normal ?
• Dear Abby : My boyfriend ’ s wife seems fine with our situation , but I ’ m not • Dear Abby : The baby I adopted did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abby : My married friend ’ s fling is now my lover , and she ’ s furious • Dear Abby : She said I cut in line at the ATM , but there was no line Do you think that because they helped me out , they felt they deserved my gift and a thank-you wasn ’ t necessary ?
I am at the point where I no longer want them to do anything for me .
Am I being petty , or do I have a right to feel hurt ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being petty .
You are essentially bemoaning not getting a thank-you for a thank-you .
Your neighbors may not have said anything because they were overwhelmed by your generosity .
The next time you see the husband or the wife , ask if your display of gratitude may have made them uncomfortable .
But in the interest of good relations , please stop judging them as harshly as you have .
The oldest moved to Wisconsin some years ago .
About a year ago , my middle daughter went to visit her .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that her sister didn ’ t like , and since then that sister refuses to communicate with her , which is breaking my heart .
My older daughter asked if I could help by talking to her .
They used to be close and now this .
I tried talking to the younger one .
She said she loves her older sister and for me to let her handle it .
She promised she would contact her .
It has been three months and — nothing .
What can I do ?
DEAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become politicized lately , and it is to the detriment of relationships both personal and professional .
If “ change begins at home , ” let it start with you .
Step back , stop counting the days and refuse to be put in the middle of this .
Whatever their disagreement was , the problem is theirs to resolve , not yours .
DEAR ABBY : My sister was spring cleaning recently and came across a 14-karat gold crucifix pendant she had found in front of our family ’ s house decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t know what to do with it .
She didn ’ t want to be disrespectful by improperly disposing of it , so she kept it .
I offered it to someone I know , but she doesn ’ t need another crucifix , so I ’ d like to know what should be done with it .
Is there an organization that handles this sort of thing ?
DEAR R.N.R .
: If selling the crucifix doesn ’ t interest you , contact the nearest Christian church and talk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be given to someone who needs it , such as a recent convert or a newly confirmed young person .
I am sure your offer would be appreciated .
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 .

DEAR ABBY: A few months ago, new neighbors moved in next door. They have been very nice and helpful. I work a lot, so they have done things like grab packages or take care of little things like bringing in my trash can.
I have thanked them many times, but three weeks ago I decided to do something extra special. I bought a lovely thank-you card and put a $100 restaurant gift card inside. I knocked on their door and handed it to the husband.
Abby, I haven’t received any type of thank-you from them. I don’t want to seem petty, but part of me is hurt by their lack of acknowledgment. They have my number, and I’m obviously home at a certain hour of the day.
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UNAPPRECIATED IN NEW YORK
DEAR UNAPPRECIATED: Yes, you are being petty. You are essentially bemoaning not getting a thank-you for a thank-you.
Your neighbors may not have said anything because they were overwhelmed by your generosity. The next time you see the husband or the wife, ask if your display of gratitude may have made them uncomfortable. But in the interest of good relations, please stop judging them as harshly as you have.
DEAR ABBY: I have three beautiful daughters.
The oldest moved to Wisconsin some years ago. About a year ago, my middle daughter went to visit her. The older one said something about politics that her sister didn’t like, and since then that sister refuses to communicate with her, which is breaking my heart.
My older daughter asked if I could help by talking to her. They used to be close and now this. I tried talking to the younger one. She said she loves her older sister and for me to let her handle it. She promised she would contact her.
It has been three months and — nothing. What can I do?
MOM REFEREE IN OREGON
DEAR MOM REFEREE: Too many things have become politicized lately, and it is to the detriment of relationships both personal and professional.
If “change begins at home,” let it start with you. Step back, stop counting the days and refuse to be put in the middle of this. Whatever their disagreement was, the problem is theirs to resolve, not yours.
DEAR ABBY: My sister was spring cleaning recently and came across a 14-karat gold crucifix pendant she had found in front of our family’s house decades ago.
Being non-religious, my sister didn’t know what to do with it. She didn’t want to be disrespectful by improperly disposing of it, so she kept it. I offered it to someone I know, but she doesn’t need another crucifix, so I’d like to know what should be done with it. Is there an organization that handles this sort of thing?
RESPECTFULLY NOT RELIGIOUS
DEAR R.N.R.: If selling the crucifix doesn’t interest you, contact the nearest Christian church and talk to someone there about donating it so it can be given to someone who needs it, such as a recent convert or a newly confirmed young person. I am sure your offer would be appreciated.
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--2020-06-29--The Latest: China reports decline in new COVID-19 cases

By The Associated Press BEIJING — China on Monday reported a further decline in new confirmed cases of COVID-19 , with a total of just 12 , including seven cases of domestic transmission in Beijing , where nearly 8.3 million people have now undergone testing in recent weeks .
The number of new cases in the city was down by half from the day before , the National Health Commission reported .
No new deaths were reported Monday , leaving the total at 4,634 among 83,512 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , .
Currently 418 patients are in treatment , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspected cases or for testing positive without showing any symptoms .
Beijing temporarily shut a huge wholesale food market where the virus spread widely earlier this month , re-closed schools and locked down some neighborhoods .
Anyone leaving Beijing is required to have a negative virus test result procured within the previous seven days .
About 7.69 million results on people tested in Beijing have been returned , city official Zhang Qiang said Sunday .
Beijing has more than 20 million people but authorities have focused so far on high risk groups such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salon industry and those living in areas where cases have been discovered .
SANTA FE , N.M. — Health officials in New Mexico reported 192 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases on Sunday with one additional death .
That raises the state ’ s totals to 11,809 confirmed cases with at least 492 known deaths .
The bulk of the reported additional cases were in Bernalillo County ( 45 ) San Juan County ( 34 ) , McKinley County ( 28 ) and Dona Ana County ( 27 ) .
MELBOURNE , Australia — Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a world-first saliva test for coronavirus in Australia ’ s second-largest city where the disease is spreading at an alarming rate .
Officials say 49 people tested positive to COVID-19 in Melbourne on Sunday and only four cases were detected elsewhere in Australia .
Australian Deputy Chief Medical Officer Nick Coatsworth told Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Monday the saliva test was being rolled out in Victoria state , where Melbourne is the capital , and its effectiveness was still being tested .
Coatsworth said the less-comfortable nasal test remained the preferred option and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saliva test “ will be great , particularly for kids.
” Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said authorities were close to losing control of the spread while pandemic restrictions were easing elsewhere in Australia .
“ l think it ’ s a genuine challenge now .
I think we ’ re right at the edge in terms of being able to manage it , ” Sutton said .
“ We know that as three-quarters of the country goes back to normal way of living , it becomes even more challenging to tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same here and that they ’ ve got to go on with a more constrained life , ” Sutton added .
Melbourne and Sydney , Australia ’ s largest city , began with the largest numbers of cases because of the large numbers of international travellers they receive , Sutton said .
Melbourne ’ s colder weather during the current Southern Hemisphere winter might also play a part in the city ’ s great community transmission , he said .
MIAMI — More Florida beaches will be closing again to avoid further spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tamp down on large gatherings amid a spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases .
Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis said at a news conference Sunday in Pensacola that interactions among young people are driving the surge .
Meanwhile in Broward County , home to Fort Lauderdale , authorities said they would be closing beaches during the busy Fourth of July weekend following the decision of Miami-Dade County to close theirs between July 3 and July 7 .
The Florida Department of Health reported on Sunday more than 8,500 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New hospitalizations are also ticking upward , although not as dramatically as the new cases .
State officials on Friday announced a ban on alcohol consumption at bars , and DeSantis explained Sunday there was “ widespread non-compliance.
” Several restaurants were shut down over the weekend in Broward County for not following rules restricting capacity and mandating the use of masks .
“ It has invariably been because they packed so many people in and created a type of environment that we are trying to avoid , ” DeSantis said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we are where we are.
” ROME — Another tragic milestone was passed Sunday in the coronavirus pandemic : 500,000 deaths worldwide .
The reported tally comes from Johns Hopkins University researchers .
About 1 in 4 of those deaths – more than 125,000 – have been reported in the U.S .
The country with the next highest death toll is Brazil , with more than 57,000 , or about 1 in 9 .
The true death toll from the virus , which first emerged in China late last year , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Experts say that especially early on , many victims died of COVID-19 without being tested for it .
To date , more than 10 million confirmed cases have been reported globally .
About a quarter of them have been reported in the U.S. ATLANTA — Georgia reported more than 2,200 additional COVID-19 cases Sunday , a new high of daily reported cases as confirmed infections continue to rise .
The number of reported cases Sunday eclipsed the previous highest daily total of 1,990 reported on Saturday and brings Georgia ’ s total confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of infections is believed to be far higher because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick .
Since the pandemic began , the state has seen nearly 2,800 deaths from the virus .
Coronavirus infections in Georgia have been rising throughout June .
The surge in infections comes about two months after Georgia began lifting restrictions April 24 on hair salons , gyms , bowling alleys and other businesses that had been forced to close to slow the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have since reopened as well .
DALLAS — Both Vice President Mike Pence and Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott acknowledged Sunday that there has been a rapid rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the state in recent weeks after Abbott begin allowing businesses to start reopening in early May .
“ Covid 19 has taken a very swift and very dangerous turn in Texas over just the past few weeks , ” said Abbott , who on Friday again shut down bars and limited restaurant dining , a day after Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 5,996 .
Abbott has also banned elective surgeries in the state ’ s largest counties .
Pence praised Abbott for his decisions both to reopen the state , then to roll back the reopening plans .
“ You flattened the curve here in Texas … but about two weeks ago something changed ” and the number of positive confirmed cases have risen from about 2,000 cases a day to more than 5,000 a day .
“ With the development of these new cases , we ’ re grateful , Governor , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve taken , ” Pence said .
Pence also encouraged the wearing of face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of the virus .
“ Wear a mask , where ever it ’ s indicated or where ever you ’ re not able to practice the kind of social distancing that would prevent the spread of the coronavirus , ” said Pence , who along with Abbott wore face masks as they entered and left the room , taking them off while speaking to reporters .
GENEVA – The World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of confirmed coronavirus cases across the world – topping over 189,000 in a single 24-hour period .
The tally Sunday from the U.N. health agency eclipses the previous record a week earlier at over 183,000 cases , showing case counts continue to progress worldwide .
Brazil recorded the most new cases over the one-day span at more than 46,800 , followed by the U.S. at over 44,400 .
India had nearly 20,000 .
Overall the U.S. still has far and away the most total cases .
At more than 2,450,000 – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of actual cases worldwide is much higher .
SACRAMENTO , Calif. — California Gov .
Gavin Newsom has ordered bars that have opened in seven counties to immediately close .
Newsom is urging bars in eight other counties to do the same , saying the coronavirus is rapidly spreading in some parts of the state .
The counties under the mandatory bar closure order include Los Angeles , Fresno , San Joaquin , Kings , Kern , Imperial and Tulare counties .
State officials asked eight other counties to issue local health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa Clara , Sacramento , Riverside , San Bernardino , Ventura , Santa Barbara and Stanislaus .
PRISTINA , Kosovo — The prime minister of Kosovo is warning that officials may have to reinstate lockdown measures if things don ’ t improve after a recent surge in reported coronavirus cases .
Avdullah Hoti said Sunday that he ’ s worried the hospital system will be overwhelmed .
Kosovo has seen a steep daily increase of the virus cases following containment measures from March to May .
This past week , there were 517 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hoti urged residents to wear masks , follow social distancing protocols and wash their hands .
He says those are simple measures “ to protect ourselves , our children , parents and co-workers or co-travelers in the bus or taxi , or the next person at the restaurant.
” Kosovo has eased all restrictions except for those on mass gatherings , or fans at sport or cultural events .
As of Sunday , Kosovo has reported at least 2,590 confirmed cases and 48 deaths .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weigh reopening – or close again – as reported virus cases rise — Experts look to set expectations on any virus vaccine — Experts see no proof of child-abuse surge amid pandemic — The pandemic means that millions of women in Africa and other developing regions could lose years of success in contributing to household incomes , asserting their independence and expanding financial inclusion .
Follow all of AP ’ s pandemic coverage at http : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : LITTLE ROCK , Ark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says he ’ ll encourage people to wear face masks in public but indicated that he doesn ’ t plan to enact a statewide requirement .
Hutchinson told CNN ’ s “ State of the Union ” on Sunday that he ’ s “ not going to pass a mandate that is unenforceable.
” He added that residents will be educated about the importance of face coverings to protect others .
His comments came as Arkansas has seen an uptick in the number of reported coronavirus cases .
The state health department on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus and 10 more deaths , bringing the number of reported cases to 19,310 and the death toll to 259 .
PHOENIX — Arizona health officials reported 3,858 more confirmed coronavirus cases on Sunday , the most reported in a single day in the state so far .
It was also the seventh time in the last 10 days that daily cases surpassed the 3,000 mark .
The Arizona Department of Health Services also reported nine additional deaths .
That pushes Arizona ’ s documented COVID-19 totals to nearly 74,000 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals have begun activating surge plans to increase their capacity to treat COVID-19 patients as confirmed cases rise and more people seek treatment .
Arizona became a coronavirus hot spot following Gov .
Doug Ducey ’ s lifting of stay-home orders last month .
NEW YORK — Five people died Saturday from the coronavirus in New York state , a death toll Gov .
Andrew Cuomo called “ the lowest number we have had since this started.
” Saturday ’ s total compared with 13 fatalities the day before as the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plummet in the state .
During the peak of the pandemic in April , nearly 800 people were dying a day from coronavirus .
The governor cautioned , however , that the numbers could spike again if New Yorkers let down their guard down and fail to follow social distancing and mask-wearing requirements .

By The Associated Press
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine officials say authorities in a central village may face criminal or administrative complaints for allowing a street parade and dance amid a strict coronavirus lockdown.
Mayor Edgar Labella of Cebu city said officials of Basak village have been ordered to explain why the religious fiesta gathering in honor of St. John the Baptist was held Saturday despite a quarantine prohibition against public gatherings. Performers in native wear and face masks danced during the night procession, which drew a large crowd.
While the Philippines has eased quarantine restrictions in most regions to revive its contracting economy, officials placed Cebu city back under a strict lockdown this month and deployed more policemen to enforce restrictions following a spike in infections.
The Philippines remains a Southeast Asian coronavirus hotspot with more than 35,000 confirmed infections, including 1,244 deaths.
___
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea has reported 42 new infections of COVID-19 as infections steadily climb in the greater capital area, forcing authorities to consider stronger social restrictions.
The figures announced by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday brought the national caseload to 12,757, including 282 deaths. Twenty-four of the new cases were reported from capital Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas, which have been at the center of a virus resurgence since late May. At least 12 of the new cases were linked to international arrivals as the virus continues to strengthen its hold in southern Asia, the United States and beyond.
South Korea was reporting hundreds of new cases a day in late February and early March following a major surge surrounding the southeast city of Daegu, where the majority of infections were linked to a single church congregation with thousands of members.
But while health authorities had used aggressive testing and contact tracing to contain the outbreak in that region, they are having a much harder time tracking recent transmissions in the Seoul metropolitan area, where about half of the country’s 51 million people live. With people increasingly venturing out in the public, new clusters are popping out from just about everywhere, including nightspots, churches, restaurants, warehouses and among door-to-door salespeople.
Health Minister Park Neung-hoo during a briefing Sunday afternoon announced that the government is prepared to implement stronger social distancing measures if the epidemic continues to grow. He said the strongest measures — including banning all gatherings of more than 10 people, shutting schools, halting professional sports, and restricting operations of non-essential businesses — will be enforced if the daily increase in infections doubles more than two times during a span of a week.
___
BEIJING — China on Monday reported a further decline in new confirmed cases of COVID-19, with a total of just 12, including seven cases of domestic transmission in Beijing, where nearly 8.3 million people have now undergone testing in recent weeks. The number of new cases in the city was down by half from the day before, the National Health Commission reported.
No new deaths were reported Monday, leaving the total at 4,634 among 83,512 confirmed cases of COVID-19, . Currently 418 patients are in treatment, and another 112 are under observation for being suspected cases or for testing positive without showing any symptoms.
Beijing temporarily shut a huge wholesale food market where the virus spread widely earlier this month, re-closed schools and locked down some neighborhoods. Anyone leaving Beijing is required to have a negative virus test result procured within the previous seven days.
About 7.69 million results on people tested in Beijing have been returned, city official Zhang Qiang said Sunday. Beijing has more than 20 million people but authorities have focused so far on high risk groups such as people working in the food and salon industry and those living in areas where cases have been discovered.
___
SANTA FE, N.M. — Health officials in New Mexico reported 192 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases on Sunday with one additional death. That raises the state’s totals to 11,809 confirmed cases with at least 492 known deaths. The bulk of the reported additional cases were in Bernalillo County (45) San Juan County (34), McKinley County (28) and Dona Ana County (27).
___
MELBOURNE, Australia — Health authorities are using what they describe as a world-first saliva test for coronavirus in Australia’s second-largest city where the disease is spreading at an alarming rate.
Officials say 49 people tested positive to COVID-19 in Melbourne on Sunday and only four cases were detected elsewhere in Australia.
Australian Deputy Chief Medical Officer Nick Coatsworth told Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Monday the saliva tests was being rolled out in Victoria state, where Melbourne is the capital, and its effectiveness was still being tested.
Coatsworth said the less-comfortable nasal test remained the preferred option and may be more accurate, but the saliva test “will be great, particularly for kids.”
Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said authorities were close to losing control of the spread while pandemic restrictions were easing elsewhere in Australia.
“l think it’s a genuine challenge now. I think we’re right at the edge in terms of being able to manage it,” Sutton said.
“We know that as three-quarters of the country goes back to normal way of living, it becomes even more challenging to tell people that it’s not the same here and that they’ve got to go on with a more constrained life,” Sutton added.
Melbourne and Sydney, Australia’s largest city, began with the largest numbers of cases because of the large numbers of international travelers they receive, Sutton said.
Melbourne’s colder weather during the current Southern Hemisphere winter might also play a part in the city’s great community transmission, he said.Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said on Monday that 75 people had tested positive in the state in the latest 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 2,099.
She said the salvia test developed by Melbourne’s Doherty Institute was first used in a Melbourne suburban hotspot on Sunday.
Doherty Institute director Sharon Lewin said research indicated that the saliva tests were only 87% as accurate as the nasal swab because saliva contained less virus than the throat.
___
MIAMI — More Florida beaches will be closing again to avoid further spread of the new coronavirus as officials try to tamp down on large gatherings amid a spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference Sunday in Pensacola that interactions among young people are driving the surge. Meanwhile in Broward County, home to Fort Lauderdale, authorities said they would be closing beaches during the busy Fourth of July weekend following the decision of Miami-Dade County to close theirs between July 3 and July 7.
The Florida Department of Health reported on Sunday more than 8,500 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 29 deaths in a day. New hospitalizations are also ticking upward, although not as dramatically as the new cases.
State officials on Friday announced a ban on alcohol consumption at bars, and DeSantis explained Sunday there was “widespread non-compliance.” Several restaurants were shut down over the weekend in Broward County for not following rules restricting capacity and mandating the use of masks.
“It has invariably been because they packed so many people in and created a type of environment that we are trying to avoid,” DeSantis said. “Caution was thrown to the wind and so we are where we are.”
___
ROME — Another tragic milestone was passed Sunday in the coronavirus pandemic: 500,000 deaths worldwide.
The reported tally comes from Johns Hopkins University researchers.
About 1 in 4 of those deaths – more than 125,000 – have been reported in the U.S. The country with the next highest death toll is Brazil, with more than 57,000, or about 1 in 9.
The true death toll from the virus, which first emerged in China late last year, is widely believed to be significantly higher. Experts say that especially early on, many victims died of COVID-19 without being tested for it.
To date, more than 10 million confirmed cases have been reported globally. About a quarter of them have been reported in the U.S.
___
ATLANTA — Georgia reported more than 2,200 additional COVID-19 cases Sunday, a new high of daily reported cases as confirmed infections continue to rise.
The number of reported cases Sunday eclipsed the previous highest daily total of 1,990 reported on Saturday and brings Georgia’s total confirmed cases to more than 77,000.
Since the pandemic began, the state has seen nearly 2,800 deaths from the virus. Coronavirus infections in Georgia have been rising throughout June.
The surge in infections comes about two months after Georgia began lifting restrictions April 24 on hair salons, gyms, bowling alleys and other businesses that had been forced to close to slow the virus. Restaurants, retail stores and bars have since reopened as well.
___
DALLAS — Both Vice President Mike Pence and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott acknowledged Sunday that there has been a rapid rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the state in recent weeks after Abbott begin allowing businesses to start reopening in early May.
“Covid 19 has taken a very swift and very dangerous turn in Texas over just the past few weeks,” said Abbott, who on Friday again shut down bars and limited restaurant dining, a day after Texas reported a record high confirmed positive tests of 5,996.
Abbott has also banned elective surgeries in the state’s largest counties.
Pence praised Abbott for his decisions both to reopen the state, then to roll back the reopening plans. He also encouraged the wearing of face coverings in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
“Wear a mask, where ever it’s indicated or where ever you’re not able to practice the kind of social distancing that would prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” said Pence, who along with Abbott wore face masks as they entered and left the room, taking them off while speaking to reporters.
___
GENEVA – The World Health Organization has announced another daily record in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases across the world – topping over 189,000 in a single 24-hour period.
The tally Sunday from the U.N. health agency eclipses the previous record a week earlier at over 183,000 cases, showing case counts continue to progress worldwide.
Brazil recorded the most new cases over the one-day span at more than 46,800, followed by the U.S. at over 44,400. India had nearly 20,000.
Overall the U.S. still has far and away the most total cases. At more than 2,450,000 – roughly twice that of Brazil. The number of actual cases worldwide is much higher.
___
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:
— Virus cases worldwide hit 10 million
— Businesses weigh reopening – or close again – as reported virus cases rise
— Experts look to set expectations on any virus vaccine
— Experts see no proof of child-abuse surge amid pandemic
— A divided Poland holds presidential vote delayed by pandemic, while France holds municipal elections.
— Nurses, doctors feel strain as virus races through Arizona
— The pandemic means that millions of women in Africa and other developing regions could lose years of success in contributing to household incomes, asserting their independence and expanding financial inclusion.
___
Follow all of AP’s pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
___
HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:
PRISTINA, Kosovo — The prime minister of Kosovo is warning that officials may have to reinstate lockdown measures if things don’t improve after a recent surge in reported coronavirus cases.
Avdullah Hoti said Sunday that he’s worried the hospital system will be overwhelmed.
Kosovo has seen a steep daily increase of the virus cases following containment measures from March to May. This past week, there were 517 new confirmed cases and 12 deaths.
Hoti urged residents to wear masks, follow social distancing protocols and wash their hands. He says those are simple measures “to protect ourselves, our children, parents and co-workers or co-travelers in the bus or taxi, or the next person at the restaurant.”
Kosovo has eased all restrictions except for those on mass gatherings, or fans at sport or cultural events.
As of Sunday, Kosovo has reported at least 2,590 confirmed cases and 48 deaths.


mercurynews--2020-06-29--Mississippi lawmakers vote to remove rebel emblem from flag

By Emily Wagster Pettus | The Associated Press JACKSON , Miss .
— Mississippi lawmakers voted Sunday to surrender the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag more than a century after white supremacist legislators adopted the design a generation after the South lost the Civil War .
Spectators in the Capitol cheered and applauded after the votes in the House and Senate .
Each chamber had broad bipartisan support for the historic decision .
Republican Gov .
Tate Reeves has said he will sign the bill , and the state flag will lose its official status as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next few days .
Mississippi has faced mounting pressure to change its flag during the past month amid international protests against racial injustice in the United States .
After the vote , legislators embraced each other .
Even those on the opposite side of the issue also hugged as an emotional day of debate drew to a close .
A commission is to design a new flag that can not include the Confederate symbol and that must have the words “ In God We Trust.
” Voters will be asked to approve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
If they reject it , the commission will set a different design using the same guidelines , and that would be sent to voters later .
Mississippi has a 38 % Black population — and the last state flag that incorporates the emblem that ’ s widely seen as racist .
Republican House Speaker Philip Gunn , who is white , has pushed for five years to change the flag , saying that the Confederate symbol is offensive .
The House passed the bill 91-23 Sunday afternoon .
Within hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ How sweet it is to celebrate this on the Lord ’ s day , ” Gunn said .
“ Many prayed to Him to bring us to this day .
He has answered.
” Debate over changing the flag has arisen before , and in recent years an increasing number of cities and all the state ’ s public universities have taken it down on their own .
But the issue has never garnered enough support in the conservative Republican-dominated Legislature or with recent governors .
That dynamic shifted in a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalition of political , business , religious groups and sports leaders pushed to change the flag .
At a Black Lives Matter protest outside the Mississippi Governor ’ s Mansion in early June , thousands cheered as an organizer said the state needs to divorce itself from all Confederate symbols .
Religious groups — including the large and influential Mississippi Baptist Convention — said erasing the rebel emblem from the state flag is a moral imperative .
Business groups said the banner hinders economic development in one of the poorest states in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest blow might have happened when college sports leagues said Mississippi could lose postseason events if it continued flying the Confederate-themed flag .
Nearly four dozen of Mississippi ’ s university athletic directors and coaches came to the Capitol to lobby for change .
Many people who wanted to keep the emblem on the Mississippi flag said they see it as a symbol of heritage .
Legislators put the Confederate emblem on the upper left corner of Mississippi flag in 1894 , as whites were squelching political power that African Americans gained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emblem is a red field topped by a blue X with 13 white stars .
The Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups have waved the rebel flag for decades .
Georgia put the battle emblem prominently on its state flag in 1956 , during a backlash to the civil rights movement .
That state removed the symbol from its banner in 2001 .
The Mississippi Supreme Court found in 2000 that when the state updated its laws in 1906 , portions dealing with the flag were not included .
That meant the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor in 2000 , Ronnie Musgrove , appointed a commission to decide the flag ’ s future .
It held hearings across the state that grew ugly as people shouted at each other about the flag .
After that , legislators opted not to set a flag design themselves .
They put the issue on a 2001 statewide ballot , and people voted to keep the flag .
An alternate proposal would have replaced the Confederate corner with a blue field topped by a cluster of white stars representing Mississippi as the 20th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Greenville , who is African American , said the state deserves a flag that will make all people proud .
“ Today is a history-making day in the state of Mississippi , ” Simmons told colleagues .
“ Let ’ s vote today for the Mississippi of tomorrow .
”

By Emily Wagster Pettus | The Associated Press
JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi lawmakers voted Sunday to surrender the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag more than a century after white supremacist legislators adopted the design a generation after the South lost the Civil War.
Spectators in the Capitol cheered and applauded after the votes in the House and Senate.
Each chamber had broad bipartisan support for the historic decision. Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has said he will sign the bill, and the state flag will lose its official status as soon as he does. That could happen in the next few days.
Mississippi has faced mounting pressure to change its flag during the past month amid international protests against racial injustice in the United States.
After the vote, legislators embraced each other. Even those on the opposite side of the issue also hugged as an emotional day of debate drew to a close.
A commission is to design a new flag that cannot include the Confederate symbol and that must have the words “In God We Trust.” Voters will be asked to approve the new design in the Nov. 3 election. If they reject it, the commission will set a different design using the same guidelines, and that would be sent to voters later.
Mississippi has a 38% Black population — and the last state flag that incorporates the emblem that’s widely seen as racist.
Republican House Speaker Philip Gunn, who is white, has pushed for five years to change the flag, saying that the Confederate symbol is offensive. The House passed the bill 91-23 Sunday afternoon. Within hours, the Senate followed suit, 37-14.
“How sweet it is to celebrate this on the Lord’s day,” Gunn said. “Many prayed to Him to bring us to this day. He has answered.”
Debate over changing the flag has arisen before, and in recent years an increasing number of cities and all the state’s public universities have taken it down on their own. But the issue has never garnered enough support in the conservative Republican-dominated Legislature or with recent governors.
That dynamic shifted in a matter of weeks as an extraordinary and diverse coalition of political, business, religious groups and sports leaders pushed to change the flag.
At a Black Lives Matter protest outside the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion in early June, thousands cheered as an organizer said the state needs to divorce itself from all Confederate symbols.
Religious groups — including the large and influential Mississippi Baptist Convention — said erasing the rebel emblem from the state flag is a moral imperative.
Business groups said the banner hinders economic development in one of the poorest states in the nation.
In a sports-crazy culture, the biggest blow might have happened when college sports leagues said Mississippi could lose postseason events if it continued flying the Confederate-themed flag. Nearly four dozen of Mississippi’s university athletic directors and coaches came to the Capitol to lobby for change.
Many people who wanted to keep the emblem on the Mississippi flag said they see it as a symbol of heritage.
Legislators put the Confederate emblem on the upper left corner of Mississippi flag in 1894, as whites were squelching political power that African Americans gained after the Civil War.
The battle emblem is a red field topped by a blue X with 13 white stars. The Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups have waved the rebel flag for decades. Georgia put the battle emblem prominently on its state flag in 1956, during a backlash to the civil rights movement. That state removed the symbol from its banner in 2001.
The Mississippi Supreme Court found in 2000 that when the state updated its laws in 1906, portions dealing with the flag were not included. That meant the banner lacked official status. The Democratic governor in 2000, Ronnie Musgrove, appointed a commission to decide the flag’s future. It held hearings across the state that grew ugly as people shouted at each other about the flag.
After that, legislators opted not to set a flag design themselves. They put the issue on a 2001 statewide ballot, and people voted to keep the flag. An alternate proposal would have replaced the Confederate corner with a blue field topped by a cluster of white stars representing Mississippi as the 20th state.
Democratic state Sen. Derrick Simmons of Greenville, who is African American, said the state deserves a flag that will make all people proud.
“Today is a history-making day in the state of Mississippi,” Simmons told colleagues. “Let’s vote today for the Mississippi of tomorrow.”


mercurynews--2020-06-29--Photos: Protesters participate in Drive 4 Justice caravan in Oakland to defund police

OAKLAND , CA - JUNE 28 : Demonstrators with The Defund the Police Coalition painted the words `` Defund the @ @ @ @ @ the home of Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf in Oakland , Calif. , on Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ Hundreds of demonstrators with The Defund the Police Coalition held a massive car caravan today @ @ @ @ @ the Port of Oakland and visited the homes of Oakland city council members and the @ @ @ @ @ the caravan was to raise awareness with the Oakland voters and encourage them to register @ @ @ @ @ of the police and reallocating resources to community programs .
( Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area @ @ @

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 28: Demonstrators with The Defund the Police Coalition painted the words "Defund the Police" in front of the home of Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf in Oakland, Calif., on Sunday, June 28, 2020. Hundreds of demonstrators with The Defund the Police Coalition held a massive car caravan today. The caravan started from the Port of Oakland and visited the homes of Oakland city council members and the mayor. The goal of the caravan was to raise awareness with the Oakland voters and encourage them to register to vote for the defunding of the police and reallocating resources to community programs. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)