mercurynews--2020-07-25--Coronavirus: As deaths in Latinx community skyrocket, Newsom calls to protect essential workers

Amid California ’ s COVID-19 surge , the deadly virus is stalking communities of color , elected leaders and health officials said Friday , targeting Black and Latinx people both at work and in recreational settings .
In a news conference Friday , Gov .
Gavin Newsom underscored the rampant spread of the disease among essential workers , noting the huge percentages of workers in health care , agriculture , grocery and other critical sectors who are Latinx and Black .
Workers in those jobs regularly interact with others and are often unable to maintain safe distances .
“ For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in stopping COVID-19 , in extinguishing COVID-19 , which we will do , it depends on our ability to keep our essential workers safe , ” Newsom said , appearing next to a chart showing that 93 % of California farm workers are Latinx .
“ An overwhelming majority , you ’ ll see , in certain sectors of our community are disproportionately in the Latino community , in the Black and Asian community.
” And the problem is getting worse .
According to state data analyzed by the Bay Area News Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 28 % of state coronavirus deaths where a person ’ s race was known .
Now they account for 45 % of coronavirus deaths in the state .
To help protect those populations , Newsom announced a new program named Housing for the Harvest to expand hotel access and other temporary housing for agricultural workers , allowing those who are infected and exposed to properly isolate .
Several counties in the state , including in the North Bay , have found crowded living conditions for these workers have significantly contributed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handbooks and advisories for employers to maintain clean work environments , adopt safe work practices and exercise more transparency about workers who get sick .
It ’ s a welcome emphasis for Darlene Tenes , a San Jose resident who has organized caravans to bring food and supplies to farm workers in Monterey County .
“ There is not a person in America who is not benefiting from farm worker labor , but no one is stopping to help them , to protect them and treat them like human beings , ” Tenes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Central Valley Meat Company in Kings County filed a class-action complaint against the slaughterhouse and meat-packing plant alleging it failed to protect workers , many of them Latinx , from COVID-19 .
An outbreak there sickened hundreds of workers and helped put the county on the state ’ s watch list .
According to the lawsuit , the company instituted an attendance policy that penalized people for taking days off , even to recover from the disease , failed to notify employees when they had been exposed to someone who tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick employees to continue working by threatening to terminate them for abandoning their jobs .
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Similar trends are playing out far from the state ’ s vast agricultural fields .
COVID-19 cases are surging at alarming rates in East Oakland , where four ZIP codes with large Latino and Black populations have seen double and triple the rates in the rest of Alameda County .
In the past three weeks , the 94603 ZIP code — which includes the neighborhoods of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — have seen an increase in cases of 114 % .
In May , that ZIP code had a rate of 503.2 cases per 100,000 residents .
It now is at a rate of 1,952 , second in the county to the Fruitvale District .
The ZIP code encompassing Fruitvale has a rate of 2,047 cases , nearly four times the average for the rest of the county .
At a Friday press conference , Dr. Noha Aboelata , CEO of the Roots Community Health Center , said evidence indicates the surge has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties or social gatherings .
At Roots , one of two open testing sites in East Oakland , about 700 people tested recently had the virus .
Aboelata said residents have “ put their guard down.
” Interim Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Nicholas J. Moss expects this week that Alameda County ’ s cases will pass the 10,000 mark , which is three times what it had in June .
The majority of new cases , Moss said , are among young adults .
Oakland city leaders on Friday again pleaded with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Merritt or only gather with housemates .
Activity at the lake has exploded on summer weekends .
About 60 vendors — none of whom have business licenses — set up shop , selling jewelry , food and liquor .
“ As I drive around the lake , I see folks hanging out .
I get it — we are tired , we want to socialize , but even being outdoors can be deadly if we are not careful , ” Aboelata said .
“ I see folks not wearing masks at all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smokes .
Oakland , we got to do better than that.
” Statewide , Newsom announced that the latest 7-day average of new COVID-19 cases was 9,881 , with the cumulative total of cases approaching 438,000 as of Friday afternoon .
Of the roughly 130,000 tests being conducted each day , the state has recorded a 7.5 % positivity rate for the past two weeks , higher than over the previous several weeks .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , Latinx people have made up 56 percent of the cases and 45 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are just 39 percent of California ’ s population .
Black people are six percent of the population but nine percent of the deaths .
The Bay Area News Group shows that the Latinx percentage of deaths has risen steadily over time .
Its growth from 28 percent of deaths in mid-April to 45 percent today has come as the virus has spread from the Asian and European travelers it initially infected to California ’ s most vulnerable populations .
Staff writers Emily DeRuy and Wes Goldberg contributed to this report .

Robert Salonga, David DeBolt, Harriet Blair Rowan

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Amid California’s COVID-19 surge, the deadly virus is stalking communities of color, elected leaders and health officials said Friday, targeting Black and Latinx people both at work and in recreational settings.
In a news conference Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom underscored the rampant spread of the disease among essential workers, noting the huge percentages of workers in health care, agriculture, grocery and other critical sectors who are Latinx and Black. Workers in those jobs regularly interact with others and are often unable to maintain safe distances.
“For us to be able to be successful in stopping COVID-19, in extinguishing COVID-19, which we will do, it depends on our ability to keep our essential workers safe,” Newsom said, appearing next to a chart showing that 93% of California farm workers are Latinx. “An overwhelming majority, you’ll see, in certain sectors of our community are disproportionately in the Latino community, in the Black and Asian community.”
And the problem is getting worse. According to data from the COVID Tracking Project analyzed by the Bay Area News Group, in mid-April, Latinx people accounted for 28% of state coronavirus deaths where a person’s race was known. Now they account for 45% of coronavirus deaths in the state.
To help protect those populations, Newsom announced a new program named Housing for the Harvest to expand hotel access and other temporary housing for agricultural workers, allowing those who are infected and exposed to properly isolate. Several counties in the state, including in the North Bay, have found crowded living conditions for these workers have significantly contributed to the virus spread.
Newsom also issued new handbooks and advisories for employers to maintain clean work environments, adopt safe work practices and exercise more transparency about workers who get sick.
It’s a welcome emphasis for Darlene Tenes, a San Jose resident who has organized caravans to bring food and supplies to farm workers in Monterey County.
“There is not a person in America who is not benefiting from farm worker labor, but no one is stopping to help them, to protect them and treat them like human beings,” Tenes said.
This week, an employee of the Central Valley Meat Company in Kings County filed a class-action complaint against the slaughterhouse and meat-packing plant alleging it failed to protect workers, many of them Latinx, from COVID-19. An outbreak there sickened hundreds of workers and helped put the county on the state’s watch list.
According to the lawsuit, the company instituted an attendance policy that penalized people for taking days off, even to recover from the disease, failed to notify employees when they had been exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus, and pressured sick employees to continue working by threatening to terminate them for abandoning their jobs. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Similar trends are playing out far from the state’s vast agricultural fields. COVID-19 cases are surging at alarming rates in East Oakland, where four ZIP codes with large Latino and Black populations have seen double and triple the rates in the rest of Alameda County.
In the past three weeks, the 94603 ZIP code — which includes the neighborhoods of Sobrante Park, Brookfield Village and Stonehurst — have seen an increase in cases of 114%. In May, that ZIP code had a rate of 503.2 cases per 100,000 residents. It now is at a rate of 1,952, second in the county to the Fruitvale District. The ZIP code encompassing Fruitvale has a rate of 2,047 cases, nearly four times the average for the rest of the county.
At a Friday press conference, Dr. Noha Aboelata, CEO of the Roots Community Health Center, said evidence indicates the surge has been fueled by people hanging out at parties or social gatherings. At Roots, one of two open testing sites in East Oakland, about 700 people tested recently had the virus.
Aboelata said residents have “put their guard down.” Interim Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Nicholas J. Moss expects this week that Alameda County’s cases will pass the 10,000 mark, which is three times what it had in June. The majority of new cases, Moss said, are among young adults.
Oakland city leaders on Friday again pleaded with residents to stay away from popular Lake Merritt or only gather with housemates. Activity at the lake has exploded on summer weekends. About 60 vendors — none of whom have business licenses — set up shop, selling jewelry, food and liquor.
“As I drive around the lake, I see folks hanging out. I get it — we are tired, we want to socialize, but even being outdoors can be deadly if we are not careful,” Aboelata said. “I see folks not wearing masks at all, sharing drinks, sharing food, sharing smokes. Oakland, we got to do better than that.”
Statewide, Newsom announced that the latest 7-day average of new COVID-19 cases was 9,881, with the cumulative total of cases approaching 438,000 as of Friday afternoon. Of the roughly 130,000 tests being conducted each day, the state has recorded a 7.5% positivity rate for the past two weeks, higher than over the previous several weeks.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Latinx people have made up 56 percent of the cases and 45 percent of the deaths, even though they are just 39 percent of California’s population. Black people are six percent of the population but nine percent of the deaths.
The Bay Area News Group shows that the Latinx percentage of deaths has risen steadily over time. Its growth from 28 percent of deaths in mid-April to 45 percent today has come as the virus has spread from the Asian and European travelers it initially infected to California’s most vulnerable populations.
Staff writers Emily DeRuy and Wes Goldberg contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-07-25--White House, GOP at odds over next jobless aid package

WASHINGTON — Negotiations over a new COVID-19 rescue bill were in flux Friday after the White House floated cutting an unemployment benefits boost to as little as $ 100 and President Donald Trump turned to a new priority , adding money to build a new FBI headquarters .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent senators home , promising a Republican proposal would be ready on Monday .
Outraged Democrats warned that time was being wasted on GOP infighting as the virus worsens , jobless aid expires and the death toll rises .
“ We call upon Leader McConnell to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in a statement .
During a head-spinning week of start-and-stop efforts , McConnell abruptly halted the rollout of the Republicans ’ $ 1 trillion plan , which was supposed to provide a counter-offer to the Democrats ’ $ 3 trillion bill in an opening bid for negotiations .
Trump was forced to abandon his push for a payroll tax break , which his party opposed , and the White House turned to new priorities .
As Republicans struggled , the nation ’ s infections topped 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to nearly 145,000 , and the $ 600 unemployment benefit boost for millions of out-of-work Americans was on track to expire .
As McConnell shut down the Senate , he promised to return with “ a strong , targeted piece of legislation aimed directly at the challenges we face right now.
” The GOP leader , who is up for reelection in November alongside Trump , dashed home to Kentucky for an event with the nation ’ s drug czar , Jim Carroll , in a part of Appalachia confronting opioid addiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 crisis , McConnell said in Ashland , Kentucky , “ This has been one heck of a challenge for everybody in the country .
Hopefully we can come together behind some package we can agree on in the next few weeks.
” One sticking point for Republicans trying to resolve their differences with the White House is how to cut the $ 600 weekly jobless benefit boost that is expiring .
Republicans largely believe the add-on , which had been approved in an earlier aid bill , is too much and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In some situations , the boost gives the unemployed more money than if they were working .
Under McConnell ’ s plan , senators proposed cutting it to $ 200 and then transitioning over the next few months to a new system more closely linked to a state ’ s own payment levels .
An administration official granted anonymity to discuss the private talks said the White House viewed the Senate GOP ’ s proposal as too “ cumbersome ” and the $ 200 boost as too high .
A number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said Thursday , including dropping the add-on to $ 100 .
Democrats warned time was running out .
The benefit officially expires July 31 , but due to the way states process unemployment payments , the cutoff is effectively Saturday .
Rep. Richie Neal , D-N.J. , chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee , said the nation is on “ the eve of an economic catastrophe.
” The U.S. registered its 18th straight week of new jobless claims topping 1 million , with an unemployment rate at 11 percent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Recession .
A new AP-NORC poll said half of Americans laid off now believe their jobs will not return .
“ People need the sustenance of day-to-day life , ” Neal said at the Capitol .
He said the extra aid not only helps cash-strapped families , but is key to fueling the economy as Americans go without paychecks .
“ The recovery is going to be slow , ” he said .
The unemployment debate is only one of many issues dividing Republicans as they enter negotiations with Democrats over how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis and devastating economic fallout .
McConnell ’ s emerging CARES Act II , named after the earlier effort , was expected to include a fresh round of direct $ 1,200 cash payments to many Americans , a repeat of the money sent in spring , along with $ 105 billion to help reopen schools , $ 25 billion for virus testing and McConnell ’ s top priority of a liability shield to protect businesses , hospitals and others against COVID-19 lawsuits .
Trump was pushing the payroll tax cut , but Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it because they say it does little to help out-of-work Americans .
It would also pull revenue away from the tax that funds Social Security and Medicare .
The president relented , but the White House also inserted new priorities — rethinking the jobless benefit and Trump ’ s preference for a new building to replace the FBI ’ s aging J. Edgar Hoover Building in downtown Washington , across the street from the Trump hotel .
“ This is disarray , ” Pelosi said Friday at the Capitol .
• Coronavirus : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom calls to protect essential workers • Outbreak : Texas hospital may send some patients home to die Next steps are uncertain after days of closed-door GOP negotiations at the Capitol with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and others .
“ We had expected to be working throughout this weekend , ” the Democratic leaders said .
“ It is simply unacceptable that Republicans have had this entire time to reach consensus among themselves and continue to flail.
” Associated Press writer Bruce Schreiner in Kentucky @ @ @ @ @

By Lisa Mascaro | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Negotiations over a new COVID-19 rescue bill were in flux Friday after the White House floated cutting an unemployment benefits boost to as little as $100 and President Donald Trump turned to a new priority, adding money to build a new FBI headquarters.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent senators home, promising a Republican proposal would be ready on Monday. Outraged Democrats warned that time was being wasted on GOP infighting as the virus worsens, jobless aid expires and the death toll rises.
“We call upon Leader McConnell to get serious,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in a statement.
During a head-spinning week of start-and-stop efforts, McConnell abruptly halted the rollout of the Republicans’ $1 trillion plan, which was supposed to provide a counter-offer to the Democrats’ $3 trillion bill in an opening bid for negotiations. Trump was forced to abandon his push for a payroll tax break, which his party opposed, and the White House turned to new priorities.
As Republicans struggled, the nation’s infections topped 4 million, deaths rose by several thousand, to nearly 145,000, and the $600 unemployment benefit boost for millions of out-of-work Americans was on track to expire.
As McConnell shut down the Senate, he promised to return with “a strong, targeted piece of legislation aimed directly at the challenges we face right now.”
The GOP leader, who is up for reelection in November alongside Trump, dashed home to Kentucky for an event with the nation’s drug czar, Jim Carroll, in a part of Appalachia confronting opioid addiction and skyrocketing overdose deaths.
As for the COVID-19 crisis, McConnell said in Ashland, Kentucky, “This has been one heck of a challenge for everybody in the country. Hopefully we can come together behind some package we can agree on in the next few weeks.”
One sticking point for Republicans trying to resolve their differences with the White House is how to cut the $600 weekly jobless benefit boost that is expiring.
Republicans largely believe the add-on, which had been approved in an earlier aid bill, is too much and becoming a disincentive for returning to work. In some situations, the boost gives the unemployed more money than if they were working. Under McConnell’s plan, senators proposed cutting it to $200 and then transitioning over the next few months to a new system more closely linked to a state’s own payment levels.
An administration official granted anonymity to discuss the private talks said the White House viewed the Senate GOP’s proposal as too “cumbersome” and the $200 boost as too high.
A number of different solutions were being discussed, the official said Thursday, including dropping the add-on to $100.
Democrats warned time was running out. The benefit officially expires July 31, but due to the way states process unemployment payments, the cutoff is effectively Saturday.
Rep. Richie Neal, D-N.J., chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, said the nation is on “the eve of an economic catastrophe.”
The U.S. registered its 18th straight week of new jobless claims topping 1 million, with an unemployment rate at 11 percent, higher than during last decade’s Great Recession. A new AP-NORC poll said half of Americans laid off now believe their jobs will not return.
“People need the sustenance of day-to-day life,” Neal said at the Capitol. He said the extra aid not only helps cash-strapped families, but is key to fueling the economy as Americans go without paychecks. “The recovery is going to be slow,” he said.
The unemployment debate is only one of many issues dividing Republicans as they enter negotiations with Democrats over how best to respond to the prolonged coronavirus crisis and devastating economic fallout.
McConnell’s emerging CARES Act II, named after the earlier effort, was expected to include a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to many Americans, a repeat of the money sent in spring, along with $105 billion to help reopen schools, $25 billion for virus testing and McConnell’s top priority of a liability shield to protect businesses, hospitals and others against COVID-19 lawsuits.
Trump was pushing the payroll tax cut, but Senate Republicans didn’t want to include it because they say it does little to help out-of-work Americans. It would also pull revenue away from the tax that funds Social Security and Medicare.
The president relented, but the White House also inserted new priorities — rethinking the jobless benefit and Trump’s preference for a new building to replace the FBI’s aging J. Edgar Hoover Building in downtown Washington, across the street from the Trump hotel.
“This is disarray,” Pelosi said Friday at the Capitol.
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“We had expected to be working throughout this weekend,” the Democratic leaders said.
“It is simply unacceptable that Republicans have had this entire time to reach consensus among themselves and continue to flail.”
Associated Press writer Bruce Schreiner in Kentucky contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-07-25--SFPD: Bus passengers beat driver with bat over mask order

SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco bus driver was assaulted with a wooden bat after asking three passengers to wear a mask in keeping with city health orders to combat the coronavirus .
The three men boarded the bus in the city ’ s South of Market neighborhood Wednesday afternoon , said San Francisco Police Department officer Robert Rueca in an email Friday .
The driver asked the passengers multiple times to wear a mask but they refused , so the driver pulled over to let them off , Rueca said in a statement .
“ As the victim was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the males pulled out a wooden bat and struck the victim several times , which caused the victim to be injured , ” he said .
The extent of the driver ’ s injuries was not made public .
An email to the mayor ’ s office and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency was not immediately returned .
San Francisco requires people to wear face coverings while on public transportation .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and death .

Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco bus driver was assaulted with a wooden bat after asking three passengers to wear a mask in keeping with city health orders to combat the coronavirus.
The three men boarded the bus in the city’s South of Market neighborhood Wednesday afternoon, said San Francisco Police Department officer Robert Rueca in an email Friday. The driver asked the passengers multiple times to wear a mask but they refused, so the driver pulled over to let them off, Rueca said in a statement.
“As the victim was escorting the males off the bus one of the males pulled out a wooden bat and struck the victim several times, which caused the victim to be injured,” he said.
The passengers fled on foot.
The extent of the driver’s injuries was not made public. An email to the mayor’s office and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency was not immediately returned.
San Francisco requires people to wear face coverings while on public transportation.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.


mercurynews--2020-07-25--Former 49ers QB Alex Smith has been cleared for full football activity, per report

More than a year and a half after suffering a gruesome broken leg , Alex Smith is ready to return to the football field .
The former 49ers top pick and current Washington Football Team quarterback has been cleared for full football activity by his surgical team , according to a report from ESPN ’ s Stephania Bell .
He plans to report to Washington ’ s facility Monday for a physical exam .
Bell reports the 36-year-old Smith , who spent the first eight years of his career in San Francisco , trained over the last several months with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to ensure the two fractured bones in his lower right leg had healed , he underwent a CT scan and an X-rays upon returning from that travel .
• Coronavirus : 49ers get county clearance to begin training camp in Santa Clara “ Everyone was in agreement that my bone was in a really good place , ” Smith told ESPN while filming for his documentary Project 11 .
“ I had healed a lot .
They said that given the combination of the rod and where I was with the healing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could even resume some football activities.
” Smith , whose contract runs through 2022 , said the next step for him is practicing with Washington as he builds up to the possibility of playing in a game again .
Smith is the highest-paid quarterback in a room that includes 2019 first-rounder and current starter Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen , who started several games under new Washington coach Ron Rivera in Carolina last year .
Washington traded a fifth-round pick this offseason for Allen .

More than a year and a half after suffering a gruesome broken leg, Alex Smith is ready to return to the football field.
The former 49ers top pick and current Washington Football Team quarterback has been cleared for full football activity by his surgical team, according to a report from ESPN’s Stephania Bell.
He plans to report to Washington’s facility Monday for a physical exam.
Bell reports the 36-year-old Smith, who spent the first eight years of his career in San Francisco, trained over the last several months with his family in Hawaii. In an effort to ensure the two fractured bones in his lower right leg had healed, he underwent a CT scan and an X-rays upon returning from that travel.
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Smith, whose contract runs through 2022, said the next step for him is practicing with Washington as he builds up to the possibility of playing in a game again.
Smith is the highest-paid quarterback in a room that includes 2019 first-rounder and current starter Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen, who started several games under new Washington coach Ron Rivera in Carolina last year. Washington traded a fifth-round pick this offseason for Allen.


mercurynews--2020-07-25--Outbreak: Texas hospital may send some patients home to die

Doctors at a Texas hospital along the US-Mexico border may decide to send coronavirus patients “ home to die by their loved ones ” due to limited resources , officials say .
Government and health officials in Starr County announced this week they are creating committees to review patients ’ cases at the Starr County Memorial Hospital in Rio Grande City .
At least 50 % of the patients admitted in the hospital ’ s emergency room have tested positive for Covid-19 , Dr. Jose Vasquez , the county ’ s health authority , said in a news conference earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desperate , ” he said .
This rural South Texas county began seeing an increase in positive cases about a month ago , Vasquez said , and the hospital admitted its first Covid-19 patient at that time .
The hospital quickly filled the eight beds in its Covid-19 unit , so it expanded to 17 and then 29 beds , Vasquez said .
About 33 medical workers , including medical practitioners and lab technicians , were deployed by the state to assist the hospital .
“ Unfortunately , Starr County Memorial Hospital has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have to decide who receives treatment , and who is sent home to die by their loved ones , ” Starr County Judge Eloy Vera wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday .
“ This is what we did not want our community to experience.
” Vasquez said it was a difficult decision to start reviewing the cases but with limited resources , officials have to consider who has a *the best chance* of survival .
“ Those patients who most certainly don ’ t have any hope of improving , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within their own family in the love of their own home rather than thousands of miles away , dying in a hospital room alone , ” Vasquez said .
At least 40 new coronavirus cases were reported on Thursday in Starr County , bringing the county ’ s total to 1,701 .
There have been 17 deaths linked to the virus and 32 others are pending state confirmation , local health officials said .
“ When we talk about people who have died in our community , we are talking about uncles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a relative , ” Vasquez said .
“ We are talking about people who had a close relationship with any of us one way or another.
” An estimated 64,000 people live in Starr County , according to data by the US Census Bureau .
The pandemic surge has been particularly hard along the Texas-Mexico border .
Starr County ’ s neighbor , Hidalgo County , has turned into one of the state ’ s main coronavirus hotspots .
Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott announced on Sunday that five US Navy teams were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat the spread of the virus .
A new shelter-at-home order began Friday in Starr County , nearly three months after Gov .
Abbott ended the state ’ s stay-at-home order , allowing businesses to reopen at limited capacity .
Texas was done of the first states to reopen its economy .
The county ’ s order is set to remain in place until August 10 and requires residents to shelter at home , including those who live in hotels , motels and shared rentals .
A mandatory curfew was also issued from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 18 years and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for residents 17 years and under unless accompanied by a parent or guardian .
“ Our backs are against the wall , ” Judge Vera , who signed the order , said in a news conference .
“ We are literally in a life and death situation .
”

By Nicole Chavez and Kay Jones | CNN
Doctors at a Texas hospital along the US-Mexico border may decide to send coronavirus patients “home to die by their loved ones” due to limited resources, officials say.
Government and health officials in Starr County announced this week they are creating committees to review patients’ cases at the Starr County Memorial Hospital in Rio Grande City.
At least 50% of the patients admitted in the hospital’s emergency room have tested positive for Covid-19, Dr. Jose Vasquez, the county’s health authority, said in a news conference earlier this week.
“The situation is desperate,” he said.
This rural South Texas county began seeing an increase in positive cases about a month ago, Vasquez said, and the hospital admitted its first Covid-19 patient at that time.
The hospital quickly filled the eight beds in its Covid-19 unit, so it expanded to 17 and then 29 beds, Vasquez said. About 33 medical workers, including medical practitioners and lab technicians, were deployed by the state to assist the hospital.
“Unfortunately, Starr County Memorial Hospital has limited resources and our doctors are going to have to decide who receives treatment, and who is sent home to die by their loved ones,” Starr County Judge Eloy Vera wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday. “This is what we did not want our community to experience.”
Vasquez said it was a difficult decision to start reviewing the cases but with limited resources, officials have to consider who has a *the best chance* of survival.
“Those patients who most certainly don’t have any hope of improving, we believe they are better taken care of within their own family in the love of their own home rather than thousands of miles away, dying in a hospital room alone,” Vasquez said.
At least 40 new coronavirus cases were reported on Thursday in Starr County, bringing the county’s total to 1,701. There have been 17 deaths linked to the virus and 32 others are pending state confirmation, local health officials said.
“When we talk about people who have died in our community, we are talking about uncles, cousins, siblings, a coworker, a relative,” Vasquez said. “We are talking about people who had a close relationship with any of us one way or another.”
An estimated 64,000 people live in Starr County, according to data by the US Census Bureau.
The pandemic surge has been particularly hard along the Texas-Mexico border. Starr County’s neighbor, Hidalgo County, has turned into one of the state’s main coronavirus hotspots.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Sunday that five US Navy teams were being deploying to South Texas to help combat the spread of the virus.
A new shelter-at-home order began Friday in Starr County, nearly three months after Gov. Abbott ended the state’s stay-at-home order, allowing businesses to reopen at limited capacity. Texas was done of the first states to reopen its economy.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms National News | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge The county’s order is set to remain in place until August 10 and requires residents to shelter at home, including those who live in hotels, motels and shared rentals.
A mandatory curfew was also issued from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for anyone over 18 years and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for residents 17 years and under unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“Our backs are against the wall,” Judge Vera, who signed the order, said in a news conference. “We are literally in a life and death situation.”


mercurynews--2020-07-24--Live updates: A’s vs. Angels in season opener

Follow along Friday night when we provide live in-game analysis from the A ’ s season opener against the Angels at the Coliseum as new-look baseball begins in Oakland .
As per COVID-19 protocols , unless something drastically changes , there will be no fans at games in Oakland .
Instead , fans watching on television will see cardboard cutouts of A ’ s fans .
And , if they listen closely enough , they ’ ll hear Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks ’ voice hawking concessions as he turns back the clock to the time when he was a vendor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frankie Montas to the mound for his first Opening Day start .
The Angels will counter with left-hander Andrew Heaney .
• Oakland A ’ s are built well for new expanded playoffs after consecutive Wild Card heartbreaks • Tom Hanks gets back to his Oakland roots in new ‘ job ’ for A ’ s • Different kind of baseball IQ : How Mark Canha is using creativity to rethink his plate approach • Who made the cut ?
Oakland A ’ s unveil 30-man roster for coronavirus-shortened season Both teams had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLB is expanding its playoffs to allow 16 teams instead of 10 into the 2020 postseason .
The top two teams in each division will automatically make the playoffs and both the A ’ s and Angels figure to be fighting with the Astros for those spots .
In addition , two wild card teams from each league will still advance to the playoffs .
To view the live updates on your mobile device click here .

Follow along Friday night when we provide live in-game analysis from the A’s season opener against the Angels at the Coliseum as new-look baseball begins in Oakland.
As per COVID-19 protocols, unless something drastically changes, there will be no fans at games in Oakland. Instead, fans watching on television will see cardboard cutouts of A’s fans. And, if they listen closely enough, they’ll hear Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks’ voice hawking concessions as he turns back the clock to the time when he was a vendor at the Coliseum.
Oakland sends right-hander Frankie Montas to the mound for his first Opening Day start. The Angels will counter with left-hander Andrew Heaney.
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To view the live updates on your mobile device click here.


mercurynews--2020-07-24--Judge denies Oregon bid to stop fed arrests in Portland

PORTLAND , Ore. — A U.S. judge Friday denied an order sought by Oregon ’ s top law enforcement officer to stop federal agents from arresting people during nightly protests in Portland that have roiled the progressive city and pitted local officials against the Trump administration .
U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mosman said the state lacked standing to sue on behalf of protesters .
Demonstrators have taken to the streets to oppose racial injustice since George Floyd ’ s death by Minneapolis police two months ago , and many have spiraled into violence .
President Donald Trump decried the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month to quell the unrest despite outcry from Democratic leaders in Oregon .
The clash has further inflamed the nation ’ s political tensions and triggered a crisis over the limits of federal power in states as Trump moves to send U.S. officers to other Democratic-led cities to combat crime .
It ’ s playing out as Trump pushes a new “ law and order ” reelection strategy after the coronavirus crashed the economy .
Protesters in Portland have been targeting the federal courthouse , setting fires outside and vandalizing the building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty to protect .
Federal agents have used tear gas , less-lethal ammunition that left one person critically injured and other force to scatter protesters , and they have made arrests .
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum sued the Trump administration last week , alleging federal agents have arrested protesters without probable cause , whisked them away in unmarked cars and used excessive force .
U.S. authorities deny those accusations .
She sought a temporary restraining order to “ immediately stop federal authorities from unlawfully detaining Oregonians.
” David Morrell , an attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motion “ extraordinary ” and told the judge in a hearing this week that it was based solely on “ a few threadbare declarations ” from witnesses and a Twitter video .
Morrell called the protests “ dangerous and volatile.
” Before the aggressive language and action from federal officials , the unrest had frustrated Mayor Ted Wheeler and other local authorities , who had said a small cadre of violent activists were drowning out the message of peaceful protesters .
But the Democrat says the federal presence is exacerbating a tense situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave .
Wheeler , who was tear-gassed as he joined protesters this week , has faced opposition from all sides , for not bringing the protests under control before federal officers arrived and for standing by as Portland police used tear gas and other tactics .
Homeland Security acting Secretary Chad Wolf denied that federal agents were inflaming the situation in Portland and said Wheeler legitimized criminality by going to the front of the crowd of demonstrators where fires were lit and people were trying to pull down the protective fence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anarchists.
” With less than four months until Election Day , he ’ s warned that violence will worsen if his Democratic rival Joe Biden is elected in November and Democrats have a chance to make the police reforms they have endorsed after the Floyd ’ s death .
In the lawsuit , Oregon had asked the judge to immediately command agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security , the Customs and Border Protection , the Federal Protective Service and the U.S .
Marshals Service to stop detaining protesters without probable cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to explain why an arrest is taking place .
The action comes as U.S. agents have arrested 18 people in Portland this week as the clash with protesters turned chaotic for another night .
The number doesn ’ t include arrests made early Friday , when federal officers again used tear gas to force thousands of demonstrators from crowding around a U.S. courthouse , a target of two months of nightly protests .
Protesters projected lasers on the building and tried to take down a security fence .
They scattered as clouds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd control munitions , which critically injured a demonstrator this month .
The protesters who were arrested face federal charges including assaulting federal officers , arson and damaging federal property , U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams said .
All the defendants are local , and they were released after making a court appearance .
U.S. officers “ working to protect the courthouse have been subjected to nightly threats and assaults from demonstrators while performing their duties , ” according to a statement from Williams ’ office .
Homeland Security acting Secretary Chad Wolf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made as of Tuesday .
The Oregon attorney general ’ s motion was one of several lawsuits against authorities ’ actions .
A different federal judge late Thursday blocked U.S. agents from arresting or using physical force against journalists and legal observers at demonstrations .
U.S. Judge Michael Simon had previously ruled that journalists and legal observers are exempt from police orders requiring protesters to disperse once an unlawful assembly has been declared .
U.S. lawyers intervened , saying journalists should have to leave when ordered .
“ This order is a victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Jann Carson , interim executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon .
The judge said First Amendment concerns held more sway than law enforcement objections .
“ None of the government ’ s proffered interests outweigh the public ’ s interest in accurate and timely information about how law enforcement is treating ” protesters , Simon wrote .
• SF Giants pitcher Sam Coonrod was the only player who did not kneel during a pregame moment of silence at Dodger Stadium His order is in effect for two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must wear clear identification .
A freelance photographer covering the protests for The Associated Press submitted an affidavit saying he was beaten with batons and hit with chemical irritants and rubber bullets this week .
The U.N. human rights office said Friday that protesters and journalists in American cities , including Portland , must be able to take part in peaceful demonstrations without risking arbitrary arrest , detention , unnecessary use of force or other violations of their rights .
The Justice Department ’ s inspector general says it will review the conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Portland and in Washington after concerns emerged from members of Congress and the public .

By Gillian Flaccus | Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. — A U.S. judge Friday denied an order sought by Oregon’s top law enforcement officer to stop federal agents from arresting people during nightly protests in Portland that have roiled the progressive city and pitted local officials against the Trump administration.
U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mosman said the state lacked standing to sue on behalf of protesters.
Demonstrators have taken to the streets to oppose racial injustice since George Floyd’s death by Minneapolis police two months ago, and many have spiraled into violence. President Donald Trump decried the disorder and sent in federal agents early this month to quell the unrest despite outcry from Democratic leaders in Oregon.
The clash has further inflamed the nation’s political tensions and triggered a crisis over the limits of federal power in states as Trump moves to send U.S. officers to other Democratic-led cities to combat crime. It’s playing out as Trump pushes a new “law and order” reelection strategy after the coronavirus crashed the economy.
Protesters in Portland have been targeting the federal courthouse, setting fires outside and vandalizing the building that U.S. authorities say they have a duty to protect. Federal agents have used tear gas, less-lethal ammunition that left one person critically injured and other force to scatter protesters, and they have made arrests.
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum sued the Trump administration last week, alleging federal agents have arrested protesters without probable cause, whisked them away in unmarked cars and used excessive force. U.S. authorities deny those accusations.
She sought a temporary restraining order to “immediately stop federal authorities from unlawfully detaining Oregonians.”
David Morrell, an attorney for the U.S. government, called the motion “extraordinary” and told the judge in a hearing this week that it was based solely on “a few threadbare declarations” from witnesses and a Twitter video. Morrell called the protests “dangerous and volatile.”
Before the aggressive language and action from federal officials, the unrest had frustrated Mayor Ted Wheeler and other local authorities, who had said a small cadre of violent activists were drowning out the message of peaceful protesters. But the Democrat says the federal presence is exacerbating a tense situation and he’s repeatedly told them to leave.
Wheeler, who was tear-gassed as he joined protesters this week, has faced opposition from all sides, for not bringing the protests under control before federal officers arrived and for standing by as Portland police used tear gas and other tactics.
Homeland Security acting Secretary Chad Wolf denied that federal agents were inflaming the situation in Portland and said Wheeler legitimized criminality by going to the front of the crowd of demonstrators where fires were lit and people were trying to pull down the protective fence.
Trump has called protesters “agitators & anarchists.” With less than four months until Election Day, he’s warned that violence will worsen if his Democratic rival Joe Biden is elected in November and Democrats have a chance to make the police reforms they have endorsed after the Floyd’s death.
In the lawsuit, Oregon had asked the judge to immediately command agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Protective Service and the U.S. Marshals Service to stop detaining protesters without probable cause, to identify themselves before arresting anyone and to explain why an arrest is taking place.
The action comes as U.S. agents have arrested 18 people in Portland this week as the clash with protesters turned chaotic for another night.
The number doesn’t include arrests made early Friday, when federal officers again used tear gas to force thousands of demonstrators from crowding around a U.S. courthouse, a target of two months of nightly protests. Protesters projected lasers on the building and tried to take down a security fence. They scattered as clouds of gas rose up and agents fired crowd control munitions, which critically injured a demonstrator this month.
The protesters who were arrested face federal charges including assaulting federal officers, arson and damaging federal property, U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams said. All the defendants are local, and they were released after making a court appearance.
U.S. officers “working to protect the courthouse have been subjected to nightly threats and assaults from demonstrators while performing their duties,” according to a statement from Williams’ office.
Homeland Security acting Secretary Chad Wolf previously said 43 federal arrests had been made as of Tuesday.
The Oregon attorney general’s motion was one of several lawsuits against authorities’ actions. A different federal judge late Thursday blocked U.S. agents from arresting or using physical force against journalists and legal observers at demonstrations.
U.S. Judge Michael Simon had previously ruled that journalists and legal observers are exempt from police orders requiring protesters to disperse once an unlawful assembly has been declared. U.S. lawyers intervened, saying journalists should have to leave when ordered.
“This order is a victory for the rule of law,” said Jann Carson, interim executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon.
The judge said First Amendment concerns held more sway than law enforcement objections.
“None of the government’s proffered interests outweigh the public’s interest in accurate and timely information about how law enforcement is treating” protesters, Simon wrote.
His order is in effect for two weeks, and he said journalists and observers must wear clear identification. A freelance photographer covering the protests for The Associated Press submitted an affidavit saying he was beaten with batons and hit with chemical irritants and rubber bullets this week.
The U.N. human rights office said Friday that protesters and journalists in American cities, including Portland, must be able to take part in peaceful demonstrations without risking arbitrary arrest, detention, unnecessary use of force or other violations of their rights.
The Justice Department’s inspector general says it will review the conduct of federal agents who responded to unrest in Portland and in Washington after concerns emerged from members of Congress and the public.


mercurynews--2020-07-24--NFL, players reach deal for coronavirus opt-out guidelines ahead of training camp

NFL training camps are set to open after the league and the players ’ union reached agreement on several issues , including future salary cap mechanisms and how players can opt out of the upcoming season because of the coronavirus .
The NFL Players Association ’ s executive committee and 32 player representatives approved the offers Friday , two people with knowledge of the decisions told The Associated Press .
Players who decide they want to opt out have until Aug. 3 to do so , and they will receive a stipend from the owners , the sources said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been made public .
The amount of the stipend will be $ 350,000 for medical opt outs and $ 150,000 for voluntary opt outs .
That agreement eliminated one major obstacle to a full opening of training camps next week .
Already , the sides had agreed to cancel all preseason games , as well as to a reduction in the number of roster spots in training camp from 90 to 80 — though teams will have until Aug. 16 to get down to 80 .
The league also offered an extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , given that the coronavirus caused the cancellation of all offseason on-field activities at team facilities .
Training camps are to open Tuesday , though the Texans and Chiefs , who meet in the season opener Sept. 10 , have veterans scheduled to arrive this weekend for COVID-19 testing .
• Former 49ers QB Alex Smith has been cleared for full football activity , per report • Coronavirus : 49ers get county clearance to begin training camp in Santa Clara Many economic issues were settled , including how to handle revenue losses that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or even canceled games because of COVID-19 .
The league has proposed a minimum salary cap of $ 175 million for 2021 ; this season ’ s cap is $ 198.2 million .
Should the 2021 salary cap decrease — a very likely outcome — caps through 2024 would be adjusted to cover some of that drop-off .
That way , the cap wouldn ’ t plummet too far .
The cap has increased exponentially since 2014 , going up by $ 10 million or so annually .
Practice squads will be increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s proposal is accepted by the union , The Washington Post reported Friday .
Four such players could be protected weekly from being exposed to other teams .
Actual practices in camps won ’ t begin for about three weeks .

By BARRY WILNER and ROB MAADDI
NFL training camps are set to open after the league and the players’ union reached agreement on several issues, including future salary cap mechanisms and how players can opt out of the upcoming season because of the coronavirus.
The NFL Players Association’s executive committee and 32 player representatives approved the offers Friday, two people with knowledge of the decisions told The Associated Press.
Players who decide they want to opt out have until Aug. 3 to do so, and they will receive a stipend from the owners, the sources said on condition of anonymity because the offer has not been made public. The amount of the stipend will be $350,000 for medical opt outs and $150,000 for voluntary opt outs.
That agreement eliminated one major obstacle to a full opening of training camps next week. Already, the sides had agreed to cancel all preseason games, as well as to a reduction in the number of roster spots in training camp from 90 to 80 — though teams will have until Aug. 16 to get down to 80.
The league also offered an extended acclimation period of 18 days for players, given that the coronavirus caused the cancellation of all offseason on-field activities at team facilities. Training camps are to open Tuesday, though the Texans and Chiefs, who meet in the season opener Sept. 10, have veterans scheduled to arrive this weekend for COVID-19 testing.
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49ers mailbag: Are rookie Moody’s kicking misses cause for concern? San Francisco 49ers | 49ers: Shanahan sees bright side of Trey Lance’s performance vs. Raiders Many economic issues were settled, including how to handle revenue losses that would result from games played without fans or even canceled games because of COVID-19. The league has proposed a minimum salary cap of $175 million for 2021; this season’s cap is $198.2 million.
Should the 2021 salary cap decrease — a very likely outcome — caps through 2024 would be adjusted to cover some of that drop-off. That way, the cap wouldn’t plummet too far.
The cap has increased exponentially since 2014, going up by $10 million or so annually.
Practice squads will be increased to 16 players if the league’s proposal is accepted by the union, The Washington Post reported Friday. Four such players could be protected weekly from being exposed to other teams.
Actual practices in camps won’t begin for about three weeks.


mercurynews--2020-07-24--Review: ‘Kissing Booth 2’ didn’t really need to be made

We all like bad movies when we ’ re young and sometimes we like good movies for the wrong reasons .
I can pretend my 11-year-old self loved “ Clueless ” when it came out in 1995 for its smart satire of teen movies in a modernized Jane Austen framework .
But if I ’ m being honest , it definitely had more to do with that dreamy Los Angeles high school lifestyle , a burgundy baby doll dress , a fuzzy pink pen and a handsome love interest .
It just happens that “ Clueless ” was also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t fault any teen or pre-teen who has found themselves swooning over “ The Kissing Booth ” and its own fantasy of Los Angeles high school life the way I swooned over Cher and Josh ’ s first kiss a quarter century ago .
Unfortunately , “ The Kissing Booth ” is not a good movie and neither is its sequel .
Here ’ s the short of it : If you liked “ The Kissing Booth , ” you ’ ll probably like ” The Kissing Booth 2.
” If you didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better off spending your 132 minutes ( seriously ) doing something — anything — other than giving this shameless , uninspired and , worst of all , dull movie a moment of your time , attention or thought .
It ’ s not a surprise that it exists .
“ The Kissing Booth , ” based on a 15-year-old ’ s internet-published novel , became an unexpected , grassroots phenomenon for Netflix in 2018 .
The silly teen trifle struck a chord with the ever-elusive young adult demo who watched , re-watched , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which a high school junior , Elle ( Joey King ) starts dating her best friend Lee ’ s ( Joel Courtney ) older brother Noah ( Jacob Elordi ) .
Their social media followings exploded ( it didn ’ t hurt that King and Elordi were also dating in real life at the time ) , and people kept watching the film despite the fact that it carried a decidedly rotten Rotten Tomatoes score .
And , ultimately , it ’ s the kind of organic , enthusiastic audience that money can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t replicate — although that doesn ’ t stop anyone from trying .
Thus the sequel , directed and co-written again by Vince Marcello , doesn ’ t stray too far from the formula of the first , putting well-worn high school movie tropes in glossy , expensive packaging .
Marcello has gathered up much of the original cast , including poor Molly Ringwald as Noah and Lee ’ s mother , to take us through Elle ’ s senior year in which she navigates college applications , a long-distance relationship with Noah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a new crush and the big Dance Dance Revolution contest that she has to win for tuition money .
( Why not throw a “ Dirty Dancing ” side plot in with the kitchen sink ? )
Like the first , this movie does not exist in any sort of reality : financial , emotional or physical .
It ’ s the kind of world where Lee and Noah , who the movie otherwise treat as normal upper middle-class suburban kids , casually live in what is probably a $ 25 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s possible to enter a national dance competition , having only arcade experience , in a city full of professional dancers and performers , and not be totally embarrassed .
And where all that ’ s standing between you and a shot at getting into Harvard and Berkeley is a few Audrey Hepburn quotes and a heartfelt essay about where you see yourself in five years .
The joy is forced , the revelations trite and the characters are unmemorable .
The one saving grace is King , a genuinely delightful young actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empathy even if her underwritten character barely deserves it .
Teen movies are often aspirational but rarely as flagrantly and unapologetically as this .
It ’ s funny that the author said she wanted to write “ The Kissing Booth ” because the only young adult romance books out there were of the supernatural/vampire variety and she wanted something real .
On screen , though , “ The Kissing Booth ” and “ The Kissing Booth 2 ” are pure fantasy .
“ Clueless ” was too , of course , but at @ @ @ @ @ @ @

By Lindsey Bahr | Associated Press
We all like bad movies when we’re young and sometimes we like good movies for the wrong reasons. I can pretend my 11-year-old self loved “Clueless” when it came out in 1995 for its smart satire of teen movies in a modernized Jane Austen framework. But if I’m being honest, it definitely had more to do with that dreamy Los Angeles high school lifestyle, a burgundy baby doll dress, a fuzzy pink pen and a handsome love interest. It just happens that “Clueless” was also a good movie.
So I can’t fault any teen or pre-teen who has found themselves swooning over “The Kissing Booth” and its own fantasy of Los Angeles high school life the way I swooned over Cher and Josh’s first kiss a quarter century ago. Unfortunately, “The Kissing Booth” is not a good movie and neither is its sequel.
Here’s the short of it: If you liked “The Kissing Booth,” you’ll probably like ” The Kissing Booth 2.” If you didn’t, you’d be better off spending your 132 minutes (seriously) doing something — anything — other than giving this shameless, uninspired and, worst of all, dull movie a moment of your time, attention or thought.
It’s not a surprise that it exists. “The Kissing Booth,” based on a 15-year-old’s internet-published novel, became an unexpected, grassroots phenomenon for Netflix in 2018. The silly teen trifle struck a chord with the ever-elusive young adult demo who watched, re-watched, tweeted and talked about this movie in which a high school junior, Elle (Joey King) starts dating her best friend Lee’s (Joel Courtney) older brother Noah (Jacob Elordi).
Their social media followings exploded (it didn’t hurt that King and Elordi were also dating in real life at the time), and people kept watching the film despite the fact that it carried a decidedly rotten Rotten Tomatoes score. And, ultimately, it’s the kind of organic, enthusiastic audience that money can’t buy and boardrooms can’t replicate — although that doesn’t stop anyone from trying.
Thus the sequel, directed and co-written again by Vince Marcello, doesn’t stray too far from the formula of the first, putting well-worn high school movie tropes in glossy, expensive packaging. Marcello has gathered up much of the original cast, including poor Molly Ringwald as Noah and Lee’s mother, to take us through Elle’s senior year in which she navigates college applications, a long-distance relationship with Noah (now a freshman at Harvard), a new crush and the big Dance Dance Revolution contest that she has to win for tuition money. (Why not throw a “Dirty Dancing” side plot in with the kitchen sink?)
Like the first, this movie does not exist in any sort of reality: financial, emotional or physical. It’s the kind of world where Lee and Noah, who the movie otherwise treat as normal upper middle-class suburban kids, casually live in what is probably a $25 million Hollywood Hills house. Where it’s possible to enter a national dance competition, having only arcade experience, in a city full of professional dancers and performers, and not be totally embarrassed. And where all that’s standing between you and a shot at getting into Harvard and Berkeley is a few Audrey Hepburn quotes and a heartfelt essay about where you see yourself in five years. The joy is forced, the revelations trite and the characters are unmemorable.
The one saving grace is King, a genuinely delightful young actor who manages to hold your attention and empathy even if her underwritten character barely deserves it.
Teen movies are often aspirational but rarely as flagrantly and unapologetically as this. It’s funny that the author said she wanted to write “The Kissing Booth” because the only young adult romance books out there were of the supernatural/vampire variety and she wanted something real. On screen, though, “The Kissing Booth” and “The Kissing Booth 2” are pure fantasy. “Clueless” was too, of course, but at least it seemed to know it.
“The Kissing Booth 2”
1 1/2 stars out of 4
Not rated
Running time: 132 minutes


mercurynews--2020-07-28--Critter Corner: Pet rabbits need mental stimulation and exercise

Dear Miss Behavin ’ : I recently adopted a rabbit and as a first time rabbit owner I still have a lot to learn .
What are some things that I can offer my rabbit to make sure she doesn ’ t get bored ?
Sometimes she chews on my furniture and I ’ m worried I ’ m not offering her enough enrichment .
Like all pets , rabbits benefit from toys , mental stimulation , and physical exercise .
Getting creative with toys can extend your rabbit ’ s life and prevent destruction and depression .
Make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crawl under , hop , and dig .
Cat condos and tunnels make good rabbit enrichment .
Paper bags and cardboard boxes are good for crawling inside , chewing , and scratching .
Cat toys and baby toys can also offer entertainment for chasing , nudging , and hitting .
Untreated wood , twigs and logs that have been aged for at least 3 months can be offered for chewing .
If you notice your rabbit ingesting plastic or cardboard , switch to a different type of toy that your rabbit won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tube with hay and oats , tie the ends , and you ’ ll have a great foraging and treat toy .
The more you cater to their natural tendencies ( sniffing , nudging , chewing , digging ) the more fulfilled your rabbit will be and she ’ ll be less willing to chew on your furniture .
Alex Elias is the Assistant for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA .
For more information , visit www.PHS-SPCA.org , call 650-340-7022 , ext .
416 , or @ @ @ @ @

Dear Miss Behavin’: I recently adopted a rabbit and as a first time rabbit owner I still have a lot to learn. What are some things that I can offer my rabbit to make sure she doesn’t get bored? Sometimes she chews on my furniture and I’m worried I’m not offering her enough enrichment.
Like all pets, rabbits benefit from toys, mental stimulation, and physical exercise. Getting creative with toys can extend your rabbit’s life and prevent destruction and depression. Make sure you offer her places to climb, crawl under, hop, and dig. Cat condos and tunnels make good rabbit enrichment. Paper bags and cardboard boxes are good for crawling inside, chewing, and scratching. Cat toys and baby toys can also offer entertainment for chasing, nudging, and hitting. Untreated wood, twigs and logs that have been aged for at least 3 months can be offered for chewing.
If you notice your rabbit ingesting plastic or cardboard, switch to a different type of toy that your rabbit won’t ingest. Stuff a toilet paper tube with hay and oats, tie the ends, and you’ll have a great foraging and treat toy. The more you cater to their natural tendencies (sniffing, nudging, chewing, digging) the more fulfilled your rabbit will be and she’ll be less willing to chew on your furniture.
Alex Elias is the Assistant for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society &SPCA. For more information, visit www.PHS-SPCA.org, call 650-340-7022, ext. 416, or e-mail aelias@phs-spca.org.


mercurynews--2020-07-28--GOP pandemic bill slashes emergency unemployment benefits

WASHINGTON – Senate Republicans on Monday proposed a $ 1 trillion coronavirus aid package hammered out with the White House , paving the way for talks with Democrats on how to help Americans as expanded unemployment benefits for millions of workers expire this week .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the proposal a “ tailored and targeted ” plan focused on getting children back to school and employees back to work and protecting corporations from lawsuits , while slashing the expiring supplemental unemployment benefits of $ 600 a week by two-thirds .
The plan sparked immediate opposition from both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as too limited compared to their $ 3 trillion proposal that passed the House of Representatives in May , while some Republicans called it too expensive .
McConnell said the package would include direct $ 1,200 payments to Americans , as well as incentives for the manufacture of personal protective equipment in the United States , rather than China .
It also includes $ 190 billion for loans to help small businesses , and $ 100 billion for loans to businesses that operate seasonally or in low-income areas .
Republicans want to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 600 per week , which is in addition to state unemployment payments and expires on Friday , to $ 200 in addition to state unemployment .
After two months , states would pay unemployed people a total of 70 % of their previous wages , but only to a maximum of $ 500 per week , less than half of what many workers have been getting .
The supplemental unemployment has been a financial lifeline for laid-off workers and a key support for consumer spending .
The extra funds – exceeding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a sticking point for many Republicans , who say they encourage Americans to stay home rather than go back to work .
Democrats , in turn , have decried the Republican delay in writing more legislation as confirmed U.S. coronavirus cases passed the 4 million mark .
The pandemic has killed roughly 150,000 people in the United States .
The Democratic-led House in May passed its $ 3 trillion coronavirus relief bill known as the “ HEROES Act , ” but the Republican-led Senate refused to consider it .
McConnell on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manifesto ” and urged Democrats to work with Republicans on their plan , called the “ HEALS Act.
” “ We have one foot in the pandemic and one foot in the recovery , ” McConnell said .
“ The American people need more help .
They need it to be comprehensive , and they need it to be carefully tailored to this crossroads.
” It includes nearly $ 30 billion for the military and defense industry , in addition to nearly $ 760 billion already enacted for defense this year – including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus relief bills .
Immediate opposition from some of McConnell ’ s fellow Republicans , as well as from Democrats , signaled a tough round of negotiations ahead .
“ The answer to these challenges will not simply be shoveling cash out of Washington .
The answer to these challenges will be getting people back to work , ” Republican Senator Ted Cruz told reporters .
Some Republicans had complained about the high price tag .
The federal government has already spent $ 3.7 trillion to cushion the economic blow from pandemic-forced shutdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republican plan did too little , too slowly , to help Americans facing joblessness and eviction .
“ The Republican plan is weak tea , when our problems need a much stronger brew , ” Schumer said .
He said many states had warned they would have a hard time implementing unemployment changes .
Many Americans waited weeks for previous coronavirus benefits , as outmoded state computer systems adjusted .
• Coronavirus : Why is San Mateo the only Bay Area county not on state watchlist ?
• After 20 years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jose closes for good Democrats had warned they would oppose a Republican proposal to protect businesses and schools from liability lawsuits as they reopen with the coronavirus pandemic still raging .
The Republican proposal also includes measures not directly related to the COVID-19 outbreak , including $ 1.8 billion for construction of a new FBI headquarters in Washington , something championed by President Donald Trump , who owns a hotel across the street from the current building .

By Susan Cornwell and David Lawder | Reuters
WASHINGTON – Senate Republicans on Monday proposed a $1 trillion coronavirus aid package hammered out with the White House, paving the way for talks with Democrats on how to help Americans as expanded unemployment benefits for millions of workers expire this week.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called the proposal a “tailored and targeted” plan focused on getting children back to school and employees back to work and protecting corporations from lawsuits, while slashing the expiring supplemental unemployment benefits of $600 a week by two-thirds.
The plan sparked immediate opposition from both Democrats and Republicans. Democrats decried it as too limited compared to their $3 trillion proposal that passed the House of Representatives in May, while some Republicans called it too expensive.
McConnell said the package would include direct $1,200 payments to Americans, as well as incentives for the manufacture of personal protective equipment in the United States, rather than China.
It also includes $190 billion for loans to help small businesses, and $100 billion for loans to businesses that operate seasonally or in low-income areas.
Republicans want to reduce the expanded unemployment benefit from the current $600 per week, which is in addition to state unemployment payments and expires on Friday, to $200 in addition to state unemployment.
After two months, states would pay unemployed people a total of 70% of their previous wages, but only to a maximum of $500 per week, less than half of what many workers have been getting.
The supplemental unemployment has been a financial lifeline for laid-off workers and a key support for consumer spending. The extra funds – exceeding the former wages of some workers – have been a sticking point for many Republicans, who say they encourage Americans to stay home rather than go back to work.
Democrats, in turn, have decried the Republican delay in writing more legislation as confirmed U.S. coronavirus cases passed the 4 million mark. The pandemic has killed roughly 150,000 people in the United States.
Liability protections and defense spending
The Democratic-led House in May passed its $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill known as the “HEROES Act,” but the Republican-led Senate refused to consider it.
McConnell on Monday called the House bill a “socialist manifesto” and urged Democrats to work with Republicans on their plan, called the “HEALS Act.”
“We have one foot in the pandemic and one foot in the recovery,” McConnell said. “The American people need more help. They need it to be comprehensive, and they need it to be carefully tailored to this crossroads.”
The proposal included “strong legal liability protection” for corporations, a top Republican priority.
It includes nearly $30 billion for the military and defense industry, in addition to nearly $760 billion already enacted for defense this year – including more than $10 billion in previous coronavirus relief bills.
Immediate opposition from some of McConnell’s fellow Republicans, as well as from Democrats, signaled a tough round of negotiations ahead.
“The answer to these challenges will not simply be shoveling cash out of Washington. The answer to these challenges will be getting people back to work,” Republican Senator Ted Cruz told reporters.
Some Republicans had complained about the high price tag. The federal government has already spent $3.7 trillion to cushion the economic blow from pandemic-forced shutdowns.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the Republican plan did too little, too slowly, to help Americans facing joblessness and eviction. “The Republican plan is weak tea, when our problems need a much stronger brew,” Schumer said.
He said many states had warned they would have a hard time implementing unemployment changes. Many Americans waited weeks for previous coronavirus benefits, as outmoded state computer systems adjusted.
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The Republican proposal also includes measures not directly related to the COVID-19 outbreak, including $1.8 billion for construction of a new FBI headquarters in Washington, something championed by President Donald Trump, who owns a hotel across the street from the current building.


mercurynews--2020-07-28--At least 3 MLB games postponed amid Marlins’ virus outbreak

MIAMI ( AP ) — The Marlins scrambled for roster replacements as they coped with a coronavirus outbreak .
The New York Yankees had an unscheduled day off in Philadelphia while the home team underwent COVID-19 tests .
The Baltimore Orioles were flying home from Miami without playing a game .
And Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez summed up the situation in a season barely underway .
“ I ’ m going to be honest with you : I ’ m scared , ” Martinez said .
More than a dozen Marlins players and staff members tested positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Philadelphia , disrupting Major League Baseball ’ s schedule on the fifth day of the pandemic-delayed season .
Miami ’ s home opener against Baltimore was postponed as was Tuesday ’ s finale of the two-game series at Marlins Park .
Also postponed was the Yankees ’ series opener Monday at Philadelphia , where New York would have been in the same clubhouse the Marlins used last weekend .
“ Obviously , we don ’ t want any player to get exposed .
It ’ s not a positive thing , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLB Network .
“ But I don ’ t see it as a nightmare .
We built the protocols to allow us to continue to play .
That ’ s why we have the expanded rosters , that ’ s why we have the pool of additional players .
And we think we can keep people safe and continue to play.
” Nine Marlins players on the 30-man roster , two taxi squad players and two staff members tested positive , a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press , speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hadn ’ t been publicly disclosed .
The Yankees are staying in Philadelphia and have their own clubhouse staff with the team there , a person familiar with their plans said , also speaking on condition of anonymity because details were not disclosed .
The Marlins postponed their flight home Sunday night after their series finale against the Phillies .
The Orioles planned to fly to Baltimore from Miami on Monday night .
They are scheduled to host the Marlins in a two-game series starting Wednesday .
“ If the testing results are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Baltimore on Wednesday against the Orioles , ” Manfred said .
Meanwhile , Chicago White Sox manager Rick Renteria will be kept away from his team after experiencing a “ slight cough and nasal congestion , ” general manager Rick Hahn said .
Tests were planned .
The Marlins ’ outbreak was the talk of baseball , and Martinez choked on his words as he discussed the situation .
Martinez missed time last season because of a heart condition , and the Nationals are scheduled to play in Miami this weekend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about an eight to a 12 .
I mean this thing really hits home now , ” Martinez said .
“ I got guys in our clubhouse that are really concerned , as well.
” MLB announced the postponement of the two Monday games about eight hours before the scheduled first pitch and said additional COVID-19 testing was being conducted .
That included Phillies players being tested Monday .
“ The members of the Marlins ’ traveling party are self-quarantining in place while awaiting the outcome of those results , ” MLB said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the 60-game season , the Marlins ’ outbreak raised anew questions about Manfred ’ s plan for navigating the pandemic .
“ Now we REALLY get to see if MLB is going to put players health first , ” tweeted Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price , who opted out of playing this season .
“ Remember when Manfred said players health was PARAMOUNT ?
!
Part of the reason I ’ m at home right now is because players health wasn ’ t being put first .
I can see that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test results should be available late Monday and there likely will be a public update Tuesday .
He said there are factors that would force MLB to alter plans .
“ A team losing a number of players that rendered it completely non-competitive would be an issue that we would have to address and have to think about making a change , ” he said .
“ Whether that was shutting down a part of the season , the whole season , that depends on the circumstances .
Same thing with respect to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point league wide where it does become a health threat , and we certainly would shut down at that point.
” Dr. Andrew Morris , a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Toronto , said the Marlins ’ outbreak isn ’ t a surprise because MLB ’ s plan was seriously flawed .
“ Baseball is in huge trouble , ” Morris said .
“ It makes me wonder if they are listening to the advice of experts or whether their experts are giving them good advice .
This was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are talking about would have conceived .
It ’ s playing out like it was supposed to play out.
” The Marlins placed infielder Garrett Cooper , outfielder Harold Ramírez and right-hander José Ureña on the injured list .
They claimed right-hander Justin Shafer and left-hander Josh Smith off waivers from Cincinnati , and will likely rely heavily on reinforcements from their training camp in Jupiter , Florida .
Because there are no minor league games this season , teams are allowed to retain 60 players each .
They have 30-man rosters during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus a taxi squad of up to three players for every road trip , giving them immediate options to replace ailing players .
The Marlins could bus from Philadelphia to Baltimore .
Marlins CEO Derek Jeter released a statement saying the health of players and staff was his organization ’ s primary focus .
“ Postponing tonight ’ s home opener was the correct decision to ensure we take a collective pause and try to properly grasp the totality of this situation , ” Jeter said .
Ureña was scratched from his scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and catcher Jorge Alfaro went on the injured list Friday .
No reasons were given for the moves , and it was unclear when the Marlins received the latest positive test results .
Atlanta might have been the source of the Marlins ’ outbreak .
They played exhibition games there Tuesday and Wednesday against the Braves , who have since been without their top two catchers , Tyler Flowers and Travis d ’ Arnaud , after both showed symptoms of COVID-19 .
MLB and the union held talks Monday after aspects of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s first four days , such as the prohibitions on high-fives and other physical celebrations .
Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell said that in the wake of Marlins ’ outbreak , his team will double down on efforts to be safe .
“ This was a huge punch to the face , a realization that we have to be perfect , ” Counsell said .
“ It feels like a tough task , but we ’ re going to try and get it right.
” The NBA and NHL plan to resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basketball at Lake Buena Vista , Florida , and hockey at Edmonton , Alberta , and Toronto .
“ The NBA and the NHL have an advantage : smaller numbers of players , shorter period of time , ” Manfred said .
“ I understand why they did what they did .
I ’ m just not sure it was workable for us.
” AP Sports Writers Ronald Blum in New York , David Ginsburg in Baltimore , Howard Fendrich in Washington , Rob Maaddi in Philadelphia , Janie McCauley in Oakland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press Writer Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report .

By STEVEN WINE
MIAMI (AP) — The Marlins scrambled for roster replacements as they coped with a coronavirus outbreak. The New York Yankees had an unscheduled day off in Philadelphia while the home team underwent COVID-19 tests. The Baltimore Orioles were flying home from Miami without playing a game.
And Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez summed up the situation in a season barely underway.
“I’m going to be honest with you: I’m scared,” Martinez said.
More than a dozen Marlins players and staff members tested positive for COVID-19 in an outbreak that stranded the team in Philadelphia, disrupting Major League Baseball’s schedule on the fifth day of the pandemic-delayed season.
Miami’s home opener against Baltimore was postponed as was Tuesday’s finale of the two-game series at Marlins Park. Also postponed was the Yankees’ series opener Monday at Philadelphia, where New York would have been in the same clubhouse the Marlins used last weekend.
“Obviously, we don’t want any player to get exposed. It’s not a positive thing,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said on the MLB Network. “But I don’t see it as a nightmare. We built the protocols to allow us to continue to play. That’s why we have the expanded rosters, that’s why we have the pool of additional players. And we think we can keep people safe and continue to play.”
Nine Marlins players on the 30-man roster, two taxi squad players and two staff members tested positive, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because the results hadn’t been publicly disclosed.
The Yankees are staying in Philadelphia and have their own clubhouse staff with the team there, a person familiar with their plans said, also speaking on condition of anonymity because details were not disclosed. The Marlins postponed their flight home Sunday night after their series finale against the Phillies.
The Orioles planned to fly to Baltimore from Miami on Monday night. They are scheduled to host the Marlins in a two-game series starting Wednesday.
“If the testing results are acceptable, the Marlins will resume play in Baltimore on Wednesday against the Orioles,” Manfred said.
Meanwhile, Chicago White Sox manager Rick Renteria will be kept away from his team after experiencing a “slight cough and nasal congestion,” general manager Rick Hahn said. Tests were planned.
The Marlins’ outbreak was the talk of baseball, and Martinez choked on his words as he discussed the situation. Martinez missed time last season because of a heart condition, and the Nationals are scheduled to play in Miami this weekend.
“My level of concern went from about an eight to a 12. I mean this thing really hits home now,” Martinez said. “I got guys in our clubhouse that are really concerned, as well.”
MLB announced the postponement of the two Monday games about eight hours before the scheduled first pitch and said additional COVID-19 testing was being conducted. That included Phillies players being tested Monday.
“The members of the Marlins’ traveling party are self-quarantining in place while awaiting the outcome of those results,” MLB said in a statement.
Coming just days into the 60-game season, the Marlins’ outbreak raised anew questions about Manfred’s plan for navigating the pandemic.
“Now we REALLY get to see if MLB is going to put players health first,” tweeted Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price, who opted out of playing this season. “Remember when Manfred said players health was PARAMOUNT?! Part of the reason I’m at home right now is because players health wasn’t being put first. I can see that hasn’t changed.”
Manfred said test results should be available late Monday and there likely will be a public update Tuesday. He said there are factors that would force MLB to alter plans.
“A team losing a number of players that rendered it completely non-competitive would be an issue that we would have to address and have to think about making a change,” he said. “Whether that was shutting down a part of the season, the whole season, that depends on the circumstances. Same thing with respect to league-wide. You get to a certain point league wide where it does become a health threat, and we certainly would shut down at that point.”
Dr. Andrew Morris, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Toronto, said the Marlins’ outbreak isn’t a surprise because MLB’s plan was seriously flawed.
“Baseball is in huge trouble,” Morris said. “It makes me wonder if they are listening to the advice of experts or whether their experts are giving them good advice. This was not a plan anyone who knows what they are talking about would have conceived. It’s playing out like it was supposed to play out.”
The Marlins placed infielder Garrett Cooper, outfielder Harold Ramírez and right-hander José Ureña on the injured list. They claimed right-hander Justin Shafer and left-hander Josh Smith off waivers from Cincinnati, and will likely rely heavily on reinforcements from their training camp in Jupiter, Florida.
Because there are no minor league games this season, teams are allowed to retain 60 players each. They have 30-man rosters during the first two weeks of the season plus a taxi squad of up to three players for every road trip, giving them immediate options to replace ailing players.
The Marlins could bus from Philadelphia to Baltimore. Marlins CEO Derek Jeter released a statement saying the health of players and staff was his organization’s primary focus.
“Postponing tonight’s home opener was the correct decision to ensure we take a collective pause and try to properly grasp the totality of this situation,” Jeter said.
Ureña was scratched from his scheduled start in Sunday’s game, and catcher Jorge Alfaro went on the injured list Friday. No reasons were given for the moves, and it was unclear when the Marlins received the latest positive test results.
Atlanta might have been the source of the Marlins’ outbreak. They played exhibition games there Tuesday and Wednesday against the Braves, who have since been without their top two catchers, Tyler Flowers and Travis d’Arnaud, after both showed symptoms of COVID-19.
MLB and the union held talks Monday after aspects of the protocols were widely ignored during the season’s first four days, such as the prohibitions on high-fives and other physical celebrations.
Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell said that in the wake of Marlins’ outbreak, his team will double down on efforts to be safe.
“This was a huge punch to the face, a realization that we have to be perfect,” Counsell said. “It feels like a tough task, but we’re going to try and get it right.”
The NBA and NHL plan to resume their seasons in bubble environments, with basketball at Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and hockey at Edmonton, Alberta, and Toronto.
“The NBA and the NHL have an advantage: smaller numbers of players, shorter period of time,” Manfred said. “I understand why they did what they did. I’m just not sure it was workable for us.”
___
AP Sports Writers Ronald Blum in New York, David Ginsburg in Baltimore, Howard Fendrich in Washington, Rob Maaddi in Philadelphia, Janie McCauley in Oakland, California, Steve Megargee in Milwaukee and Associated Press Writer Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report.
___
Follow Steven Wine on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Steve_Wine
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports