mercurynews--2020-10-02--Trump headed to Walter Reed after COVID-19 diagnosis

By Jill Colvin and Zeke Miller | Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will spend a “ few days ” at a military hospital after contracting COVID-19 , the White House said Friday , as the virus that has killed more than 205,000 Americans spread to the highest reaches of the U.S. government .
Trump “ remains fatigued , ” his doctor said .
Trump was to depart the White House by helicopter late Friday for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
The White House said the visit was precautionary and that he would work from the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipped to allow him to continue his official duties .
“ President Trump remains in good spirts , has mild symptoms , and has been working throughout the day , ” said press secretary Kayleigh McEnany .
“ Out of an abundance of caution , and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts , the president will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days.
” Earlier Friday the White House said Trump had been injected with an experimental antibody cocktail by the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election , Trump ’ s revelation that he was positive for the virus came by tweet about 1 a.m. after he had returned from an afternoon political fundraiser .
He had gone ahead , saying nothing to the crowd though knowing he had been exposed to an aide with the disease that has infected millions in America and killed more than a million people worldwide .
First lady Melania Trump also tested positive , the president said , and several others in the White House have , too , prompting concern that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might have spread the virus further .
Trump has spent much of the year downplaying the threat of the virus , rarely wearing a protective mask and urging states and cities to “ reopen ” and reduce or eliminate shutdown rules .
The president ’ s physician said in a memo late Friday that Trump received a dose of an experimental antibody cocktail by Regeneron that is in clinical trials .
Navy Commander Dr. Sean Conley said Trump “ remains fatigued but in good spirits ” and that a team of experts was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in regard to next steps .
The first lady , who is 50 , has a “ mild cough and headache , ” Conley reported , and the remainder of the first family , including the Trumps ’ son Barron , who lives at the White House , tested negative .
Both Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris have tested negative , their campaign said .
Vice President Mike Pence tested negative for the virus Friday morning and “ remains in good health , ” his spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Judge Amy Coney Barrett , who was with him and many others on Saturday and has been on Capitol Hill meeting with lawmakers , also tested negative , the White House said .
Trump ’ s diagnosis was sure to have a destabilizing effect in Washington and around the world , raising questions about how far the virus has spread through the highest levels of the U.S. government .
Hours before Trump announced he had contracted the virus , the White House said a top aide who had traveled with him during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tonight , @ FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19 .
We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately , ” Trump tweeted just before 1 a.m. “ We will get through this TOGETHER !
” While House chief of staff Mark Meadows on Friday tried to assure the public that Trump was conducting business as usual , even as he confirmed that the White House knew Hope Hicks , the aide , had tested positive before Trump attended a Thursday fundraiser in New Jersey .
“ I can tell you in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that right as Marine One was taking off yesterday , ” said Meadows .
Several staffers were pulled from the trip , but Trump did not cancel and there was no direct evidence that her illness was connected to his .
Many White House and senior administration officials were undergoing tests Friday , but the full scale of the outbreak around the president may not be known for some time as it can take days for an infection to be detectable by a test .
Officials with the White House Medical Unit were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s reelection campaign said it was putting on hold all events featuring Trump and members of his family but that Pence would resume campaigning since he tested negative .
Trump was last seen by reporters returning to the White House on Thursday evening and did not appear ill .
He is 74 years old and clinically obese , putting him at higher risk of serious complications from a virus that has infected more than 7 million people nationwide .
Trump has been trying all year to convince the American public that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them .
In the best of cases , if he develops few symptoms , which can include fever , cough and breathing trouble , it will likely force him off the campaign trail and puts his participation in the second presidential debate , scheduled for Oct. 15 in Miami , into doubt .
Trump ’ s handling of the pandemic has already been a major flashpoint in his race against Biden , who spent much of the summer off the campaign trail and at his home in Delaware citing concern about the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active campaign schedule , but with small , socially distanced crowds .
He also regularly wears a mask in public , something Trump mocked him for at Tuesday night ’ s debate .
“ I don ’ t wear masks like him , ” Trump said of Biden .
“ Every time you see him , he ’ s got a mask .
He could be speaking 200 feet away from me , and he shows up with the biggest mask I ’ ve ever seen.
” In a tweet Friday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery .
We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family.
” World leaders offered the president and first family their best wishes after their diagnosis , as governments used their case as a reminder for their citizens to wear masks and practice social distancing measures .
Trump ’ s announcement came hours after he confirmed that Hicks , one of his most trusted and longest-serving aides , had been diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild symptoms during the plane ride home from a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday evening , according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose private information .
She was isolated from other passengers aboard the plane , the person said .
Hicks had been with Trump and other senior staff aboard Marine One and Air Force One en route to that rally and had accompanied the president to Tuesday ’ s presidential debate in Cleveland , along with members of the Trump family .
The Trump contingent removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violation of the venue rules .
Multiple White House staffers have previously tested positive for the virus , including Pence ’ s press secretary , Katie Miller , national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien and one of the president ’ s personal valets .
An RNC official confirmed Friday that Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel learned she had tested positive Wednesday afternoon .
She has been at her home in Michigan since last Saturday and did not attend the debate .
But Trump has consistently played down concerns about being personally vulnerable .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health guidelines — including those issued by his own administration — such as wearing face coverings in public and practicing social distancing .
Instead , he has continued to hold campaign rallies that draw thousands of often maskless supporters .
“ I felt no vulnerability whatsoever , ” he told reporters back in May .
As for Trump ’ s attendance at Thursday ’ s fundraiser , press secretary Kalleigh McEnany said , “ He socially distanced .
It was an outdoor event , and it was deemed safe by White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” McEnany and Trump ’ s social media director Dan Scavino , who were originally set to join him on the trip , were replaced at the last minute by other aides .
McEnany briefed the press Thursday morning and made no mention of any suspected illness , raising anew concern about White House transparency .
• Coronavirus : What happens if Trump can ’ t govern ?
• Coronavirus : Who around the president has been tested ?
• Trump has the worst job losses on record heading into the election It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have caught the virus , but in a Fox interview , Trump seemed to suggest it may have been spread by someone in the military or law enforcement in greetings .
The White House began instituting a daily testing regimen for the president ’ s senior aides after earlier positive cases close to the president .
Anyone in close proximity to the president or vice president is also tested every day , including reporters .
Trump is far from the first world leader to test positive for the virus , which previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who spent a week in the hospital , including three nights in intensive care .
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was hospitalized last month while fighting what he called a “ hellish ” case of COVID-19 .

[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/10/02/trump-coronavirus-walter-reed-marine-one-gupta-lklv-tsr-vpx.cnn”]
By Jill Colvin and Zeke Miller | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will spend a “few days” at a military hospital after contracting COVID-19, the White House said Friday, as the virus that has killed more than 205,000 Americans spread to the highest reaches of the U.S. government. Trump “remains fatigued,” his doctor said.
Trump was to depart the White House by helicopter late Friday for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The White House said the visit was precautionary and that he would work from the hospital’s presidential suite, which is equipped to allow him to continue his official duties.
“President Trump remains in good spirts, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day,” said press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. “Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the president will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days.”
Earlier Friday the White House said Trump had been injected with an experimental antibody cocktail by the White House physician.
Just a month before the presidential election, Trump’s revelation that he was positive for the virus came by tweet about 1 a.m. after he had returned from an afternoon political fundraiser. He had gone ahead, saying nothing to the crowd though knowing he had been exposed to an aide with the disease that has infected millions in America and killed more than a million people worldwide.
First lady Melania Trump also tested positive, the president said, and several others in the White House have, too, prompting concern that the White House or even Trump himself might have spread the virus further.
Trump has spent much of the year downplaying the threat of the virus, rarely wearing a protective mask and urging states and cities to “reopen” and reduce or eliminate shutdown rules.
The president’s physician said in a memo late Friday that Trump received a dose of an experimental antibody cocktail by Regeneron that is in clinical trials. Navy Commander Dr. Sean Conley said Trump “remains fatigued but in good spirits” and that a team of experts was evaluating both the president and first lady in regard to next steps.
The first lady, who is 50, has a “mild cough and headache,” Conley reported, and the remainder of the first family, including the Trumps’ son Barron, who lives at the White House, tested negative.
Both Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris have tested negative, their campaign said. Vice President Mike Pence tested negative for the virus Friday morning and “remains in good health,” his spokesman said.
Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who was with him and many others on Saturday and has been on Capitol Hill meeting with lawmakers, also tested negative, the White House said.
Trump’s diagnosis was sure to have a destabilizing effect in Washington and around the world, raising questions about how far the virus has spread through the highest levels of the U.S. government. Hours before Trump announced he had contracted the virus, the White House said a top aide who had traveled with him during the week had tested positive.
“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately,” Trump tweeted just before 1 a.m. “We will get through this TOGETHER!”
While House chief of staff Mark Meadows on Friday tried to assure the public that Trump was conducting business as usual, even as he confirmed that the White House knew Hope Hicks, the aide, had tested positive before Trump attended a Thursday fundraiser in New Jersey.
“I can tell you in terms of Hope Hicks, we discovered that right as Marine One was taking off yesterday,” said Meadows. Several staffers were pulled from the trip, but Trump did not cancel and there was no direct evidence that her illness was connected to his.
Many White House and senior administration officials were undergoing tests Friday, but the full scale of the outbreak around the president may not be known for some time as it can take days for an infection to be detectable by a test. Officials with the White House Medical Unit were tracing the president’s contacts.
Trump’s reelection campaign said it was putting on hold all events featuring Trump and members of his family but that Pence would resume campaigning since he tested negative.
Trump was last seen by reporters returning to the White House on Thursday evening and did not appear ill. He is 74 years old and clinically obese, putting him at higher risk of serious complications from a virus that has infected more than 7 million people nationwide.
Trump has been trying all year to convince the American public that the worst of the pandemic is behind them. In the best of cases, if he develops few symptoms, which can include fever, cough and breathing trouble, it will likely force him off the campaign trail and puts his participation in the second presidential debate, scheduled for Oct. 15 in Miami, into doubt.
Trump’s handling of the pandemic has already been a major flashpoint in his race against Biden, who spent much of the summer off the campaign trail and at his home in Delaware citing concern about the virus. Biden has since resumed a more active campaign schedule, but with small, socially distanced crowds. He also regularly wears a mask in public, something Trump mocked him for at Tuesday night’s debate.
“I don’t wear masks like him,” Trump said of Biden. “Every time you see him, he’s got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away from me, and he shows up with the biggest mask I’ve ever seen.”
In a tweet Friday morning, Biden said he and his wife “send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery. We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family.”
World leaders offered the president and first family their best wishes after their diagnosis, as governments used their case as a reminder for their citizens to wear masks and practice social distancing measures.
Trump’s announcement came hours after he confirmed that Hicks, one of his most trusted and longest-serving aides, had been diagnosed with the virus Thursday. Hicks began feeling mild symptoms during the plane ride home from a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday evening, according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose private information. She was isolated from other passengers aboard the plane, the person said.
Hicks had been with Trump and other senior staff aboard Marine One and Air Force One en route to that rally and had accompanied the president to Tuesday’s presidential debate in Cleveland, along with members of the Trump family. The Trump contingent removed their masks during the debate, in violation of the venue rules.
Multiple White House staffers have previously tested positive for the virus, including Pence’s press secretary, Katie Miller, national security adviser Robert O’Brien and one of the president’s personal valets. An RNC official confirmed Friday that Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel learned she had tested positive Wednesday afternoon. She has been at her home in Michigan since last Saturday and did not attend the debate.
But Trump has consistently played down concerns about being personally vulnerable. He has mostly refused to abide by basic public health guidelines — including those issued by his own administration — such as wearing face coverings in public and practicing social distancing. Instead, he has continued to hold campaign rallies that draw thousands of often maskless supporters.
“I felt no vulnerability whatsoever,” he told reporters back in May.
As for Trump’s attendance at Thursday’s fundraiser, press secretary Kalleigh McEnany said, “He socially distanced. It was an outdoor event, and it was deemed safe by White House Operations for him to attend that event.”
McEnany and Trump’s social media director Dan Scavino, who were originally set to join him on the trip, were replaced at the last minute by other aides. McEnany briefed the press Thursday morning and made no mention of any suspected illness, raising anew concern about White House transparency.
It is unclear where the Trumps or Hicks may have caught the virus, but in a Fox interview, Trump seemed to suggest it may have been spread by someone in the military or law enforcement in greetings.
The White House began instituting a daily testing regimen for the president’s senior aides after earlier positive cases close to the president. Anyone in close proximity to the president or vice president is also tested every day, including reporters.
Trump is far from the first world leader to test positive for the virus, which previously infected Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who spent a week in the hospital, including three nights in intensive care. Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was hospitalized last month while fighting what he called a “hellish” case of COVID-19.


mercurynews--2020-10-02--What will Raiders do with rookie wideouts sidelined? Throw it to Hunter Renfrow, of course

Stepping on to the field at Clemson , Clelin Ferrell had aleady heard about a redshirt freshman receiver who beginning to make a name for himself .
Then he got a look at Hunter Renfrow .
“ Jersey was too big .
Shoulder pads were too big .
Helmet was clearly too big , ” Ferrell said Friday in a video conference .
“ Then you watch him go out there in one-on-ones just ripping our whole defense.
” Renfrow has been defying expectations and breaking stereotypes ever since he walked on at Clemson after being an option quarterback at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where his father was the head coach .
When the Raiders host the Buffalo Bills Sunday at Allegiant Stadium , first-round draft pick Henry Ruggs III is doubtful with a hamstring strain and not expected to play .
Bryan Edwards , the Raiders ’ third-round pick and like Ruggs a starter , is out with an ankle injury .
Veterans Nelson Agholor and Zay Jones will step in , but odds are when Derek Carr really needs a first down , he ’ s looking to Renfrow .
A fifth-round draft pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide receivers selected , Renfrow caught six passes for 84 yards and a touchdown against New England .
He has 11 catches for 142 yards in three games and his 14 targets rank second to tight end Darren Waller ’ s 28 .
Even when Ruggs and Edwards were on the field , it was Renfrow who was getting the most looks after catching 49 passes for 605 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie despite missing three games with a fractured rib and punctured lung .
Raiders coach Jon Gruden is fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in to the cliche by calling Renfrow “ a great little slot receiver : ” before moving on to the attributes that make him a special player .
“ He plays big , he plays fast and he ’ s a really instinctive natural slot receiver that has proven he can go outside and do some things , ” Gruden said .
“ He ’ s getting better every day .
If you saw him in practice you ’ d be really impressed with his work ethic , and his relationship with Derek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 185 pounds , Renfrow is more quick than fast but has shown the ability to get downfield as well as come down with contested receptions .
He ’ s not boastful or a trash talker but teammates look up to him .
When Josh Jacobs wanted some tips on improving as a receiver , he immediately went to Renfrow for some pointers on “ choice ” routes which include options based on the position of defenders and rules for finding open areas .
When Carr was asked this week how Renfrow continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 348-word answer .
“ One game he ’ ll attack your leverage and break out , ” Carr said .
“ Another game , he ’ ll attack the same leverage and get you to think out and break in.
” Marcel Reece , the former fullback and now a senior advisor , said on a Raiders.com feature that Renfrow “ looks like your accountant ’ s son.
” But the things Renfrow does go far behind being a little guy who knows how to get open .
He makes suggestions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggressive Carr said , “ He doesn ’ t want for them to take what you ’ re giving him .
He kind of just takes what he wants , and more times than not he wins on the route.
” During a training camp interview , Renfrow talked about how he sets up defenders by making them think he ’ s going to run past them .
“ I ’ m big on processing things and seeing how I want to set people up , ” Renfrow said .
“ How can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my other routes ?
If I ’ m running a choice , I want to set it up like I ’ m running a sail , so I can attack them vertically .
Everything stems off the vertical.
” After catching 23 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns on third down plays as a rookie , Renfrow is expanding his horizons in Year 2 .
Only two of his 11 catches have been on third down , not including drawing a pass interference penalty for a first down on third-and-6 in Week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Renfrow was unfazed .
“ You lose one game in college and you can ’ t go to the national championship , right ?
” Renfrow said .
“ In the NFL , you can lose five or six games and go to the Super Bowl .
We get another shot against a really good team at our place and get a chance to play well there and hopefully move on to the next one .
If we control what we can control , take care of the ball and make some catches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of winning.
” Damon Arnette ( thumb surgery ) was placed on injured reserve , as expected .
He ’ ll be out a minimum of three games and probably twice that .
Defensive tackle Daniel Ross ( foot ) also went on I.R .
and will be out at least three games .
Nevin Lawson will start alongside Trayvon Mullen , with Gruden citing Amik Robertson and Isaiah Johnson as potential contributors as well .
Besides Arnette and Edwards , defensive tackle Daniel Ross ( foot ) is also out .
Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on track to start and play for the first time since playing 22 snaps in the opener .
Tackle Sam Young will be available and will either start at right tackle ( with Denzelle Good moving to left guard ) or be a backup at both spots .
• Raiders ’ Cory Littleton , Maliek Collins need to get with the program — and fast • Raiders injuries : Kwiatkoski back to practice , but key players likely out vs. Bills • Inside the Raiders : Good cause , bad judgment as players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and special teams player Dallin Leavitt was promoted from the practice squad .
It ’ s conceivable the Raiders will add another receiver by game time , with Keelan Doss a possibility from the practice squad .
Defensive end Breeland Speaks was signed to the practice squad .
There was movement on the Trent Brown front , as the right tackle was listed as “ doubtful ” instead of out with Gruden striking an optimistic tone on his return — which could come next week against Kansas City .
“ Getting closer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Can ’ t wait to see the big man come out and play right tackle for us , ” Gruden said .
“ He ’ s a difference-maker .
And what people haven ’ t seen is how hard he has worked .
”

Stepping on to the field at Clemson, Clelin Ferrell had aleady heard about a redshirt freshman receiver who beginning to make a name for himself.
Then he got a look at Hunter Renfrow.
“Jersey was too big. Shoulder pads were too big. Helmet was clearly too big,” Ferrell said Friday in a video conference. “Then you watch him go out there in one-on-ones just ripping our whole defense.”
Renfrow has been defying expectations and breaking stereotypes ever since he walked on at Clemson after being an option quarterback at Socastee High in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where his father was the head coach. When the Raiders host the Buffalo Bills Sunday at Allegiant Stadium, first-round draft pick Henry Ruggs III is doubtful with a hamstring strain and not expected to play. Bryan Edwards, the Raiders’ third-round pick and like Ruggs a starter, is out with an ankle injury.
Veterans Nelson Agholor and Zay Jones will step in, but odds are when Derek Carr really needs a first down, he’s looking to Renfrow. A fifth-round draft pick in 2019, the 17th of 28 wide receivers selected, Renfrow caught six passes for 84 yards and a touchdown against New England. He has 11 catches for 142 yards in three games and his 14 targets rank second to tight end Darren Waller’s 28.
Even when Ruggs and Edwards were on the field, it was Renfrow who was getting the most looks after catching 49 passes for 605 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie despite missing three games with a fractured rib and punctured lung.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden is fine with Renfrow being underestimated. He plays in to the cliche by calling Renfrow “a great little slot receiver:” before moving on to the attributes that make him a special player.
“He plays big, he plays fast and he’s a really instinctive natural slot receiver that has proven he can go outside and do some things,” Gruden said. “He’s getting better every day. If you saw him in practice you’d be really impressed with his work ethic, and his relationship with Derek Carr has been good.”
At 5-foot-10, 185 pounds,Renfrow is more quick than fast but has shown the ability to get downfield as well as come down with contested receptions. He’s not boastful or a trash talker but teammates look up to him. When Josh Jacobs wanted some tips on improving as a receiver, he immediately went to Renfrow for some pointers on “choice” routes which include options based on the position of defenders and rules for finding open areas.
When Carr was asked this week how Renfrow continues to get open, he responded with a 348-word answer.
“One game he’ll attack your leverage and break out,” Carr said. “Another game, he’ll attack the same leverage and get you to think out and break in.”
Marcel Reece, the former fullback and now a senior advisor, said on a Raiders.com feature that Renfrow “looks like your accountant’s son.” But the things Renfrow does go far behind being a little guy who knows how to get open. He makes suggestions to receivers coach Edgar Bennett and is so aggressive Carr said, “He doesn’t want for them to take what you’re giving him. He kind of just takes what he wants, and more times than not he wins on the route.”
During a training camp interview, Renfrow talked about how he sets up defenders by making them think he’s going to run past them.
“I’m big on processing things and seeing how I want to set people up,” Renfrow said. “How can I make this route look like all my other routes? If I’m running a choice, I want to set it up like I’m running a sail, so I can attack them vertically. Everything stems off the vertical.”
After catching 23 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns on third down plays as a rookie, Renfrow is expanding his horizons in Year 2. Only two of his 11 catches have been on third down, not including drawing a pass interference penalty for a first down on third-and-6 in Week 1.
After the Patriots loss, Renfrow was unfazed.
“You lose one game in college and you can’t go to the national championship, right?” Renfrow said. “In the NFL, you can lose five or six games and go to the Super Bowl. We get another shot against a really good team at our place and get a chance to play well there and hopefully move on to the next one. If we control what we can control, take care of the ball and make some catches, we will have a good chance of winning.”
Who’s in, who’s out
Damon Arnette (thumb surgery) was placed on injured reserve, as expected. He’ll be out a minimum of three games and probably twice that. Defensive tackle Daniel Ross (foot) also went on I.R. and will be out at least three games.
Nevin Lawson will start alongside Trayvon Mullen, with Gruden citing Amik Robertson and Isaiah Johnson as potential contributors as well. Besides Arnette and Edwards, defensive tackle Daniel Ross (foot) is also out.
Middle linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (pectoral) is on track to start and play for the first time since playing 22 snaps in the opener. Tackle Sam Young will be available and will either start at right tackle (with Denzelle Good moving to left guard) or be a backup at both spots.
Safety and special teams player Dallin Leavitt was promoted from the practice squad. It’s conceivable the Raiders will add another receiver by game time, with Keelan Doss a possibility from the practice squad.
Defensive end Breeland Speaks was signed to the practice squad.
Brown getting close?
There was movement on the Trent Brown front, as the right tackle was listed as “doubtful” instead of out with Gruden striking an optimistic tone on his return — which could come next week against Kansas City.
“Getting closer. That’s all I can say. Can’t wait to see the big man come out and play right tackle for us,” Gruden said. “He’s a difference-maker. And what people haven’t seen is how hard he has worked.”


mercurynews--2020-10-03--Editorial: During pandemic, vote for only two Contra Costa sales taxes

Contra Costa County and three of its cities — Concord , Orinda and San Pablo — are seeking sales tax increases in the Nov. 3 election .
As many residents are struggling to pay their bills during the pandemic , local government tax increases should be limited to only the most essential .
Especially increases in levies on sales , a regressive tax that disproportionately burdens the poor .
And , as we said back in June , during this severe economic downturn tax increases should be temporary .
Unfortunately , three of the four taxes do not pass both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that don ’ t , we recommend that voters reject two : Measure V in Concord and Measure R in Orinda .
Voters should support Measure S in San Pablo .
And , with some trepidation , we urge voters to back countywide Measure X despite its excessively long time period .
Sales taxes vary by city .
Across California , the base amount is 7.25 % .
Contra Costa residents pay an additional 0.5 % for BART and 0.5 % for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority , bringing the total to 8.25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 of Contra Costa ’ s 19 cities add their own sales taxes , either 0.5 % or 1 % , except for El Cerrito which adds 1.5 % .
So , the total sales tax rate in Contra Costa ranges from 8.25 % to 9.75 % .
The proceeds from all four of the proposed tax increases could be used for any legitimate governmental purpose .
While the ballot wording for each of the measures talks about how the money would be used , that wording is there to attract voters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders could spend the money for any program , employee salaries or fatter labor benefits .
Which is why the taxes should have short-term expiration dates requiring voter approval before they are extended .
Measure X would add a new countywide half-cent sales tax for 20 years .
The length of the tax alone is a legitimate reason for voters to reject it .
And that was almost a determinative factor for us ; this measure should have had a shorter sunset period .
That said , Contra Costa County government has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long before the pandemic , to adequately provide health care for the needy in the county , address homelessness and provide fire prevention , especially in East County .
And its countywide sales tax rate is lower than those in San Francisco , San Mateo , Alameda and Santa Clara counties .
With reservations , we back this measure , but worry that the revenues will be siphoned off into salary and benefit increases rather than expanded services .
Contrary to the false claims of backers in the ballot arguments , Measure X @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board .
It will be up to the county Board of Supervisors to demonstrate on an ongoing basis that the money is being wisely spent to deliver additional services .
They should also plan to make do with the additional money ; they shouldn ’ t expect support for an additional tax in the future .
Concord voters first passed a half-cent sales tax in 2010 as the city was struggling to climb out of the Great Recession .
It was supposed to be a short-term fix , and we warned at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to be temporary , city leaders would come to permanently depend on the money .
In 2014 , city voters agreed to extend the tax to 2025 .
Now , in the middle of a calamitous economic downturn , the City Council placed Measure V on the ballot seeking to not only make permanent what was originally supposed to be a temporary tax , but also to double it to a full 1 % .
No way .
Voters should reject it .
Orinda passed a half-cent sales tax in 2012 that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Measure R would extend the tax until 2041 — and double it .
That ’ s too long without voter review .
And that ’ s too much .
The sad part is that Orinda leaders know how to do this right .
In 2012 , to kick start their highly successful program to repair their roads , they went to voters and asked them to approve a sales tax increase .
The money had no spending restrictions , but city officials promised it would go for roads and built in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their promise .
And in 2014 and 2016 , they won voter approval for bond measures dedicated to road repair .
Now , with the roads project almost complete , they want to extend and double the original 2012 sales tax .
This time , they have a long list of improvements they say they want to spend the money on : wildfire risk reduction , emergency preparedness , storm drain repair , road maintenance , and other city services .
And no clear spending plan .
Even if they had one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not provide a timely opportunity for voters to review whether they ’ re happy with how the money is being spent .
In sum , there ’ s less clarity than in 2012 on where the funds would go , the tax is twice as big this time and it will be twice as long a wait before voters get to weigh in again .
Vote no .
In 2012 , as the city tried to work out of the Great Recession , nearly three-fourths of city voters approved a 10-year sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.5 % for the first five years , dropping it down to 0.25 % for the last five years .
That measure is due to expire in 2022 .
Measure S , coming after another dramatic financial downturn , would extend the original sales tax measure for another 10 years , again starting at 0.5 % for the first five years and 0.25 % for the last five years .
The city faces large budget shortfalls because of the pandemic .
The city is one of the poorest in the Bay Area and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police coverage the city has historically provided with funding from the sales tax are critical .
The Measure S request is modest and reasonable , especially with its stepdown after five years and the 10-year expiration .
Voters should approve it .

Contra Costa County and three of its cities — Concord, Orinda and San Pablo — are seeking sales tax increases in the Nov. 3 election.
As many residents are struggling to pay their bills during the pandemic, local government tax increases should be limited to only the most essential. Especially increases in levies on sales, a regressive tax that disproportionately burdens the poor. And, as we said back in June, during this severe economic downturn tax increases should be temporary. Unfortunately, three of the four taxes do not pass both of those tests.
Of the three that don’t, we recommend that voters reject two: Measure V in Concord and Measure R in Orinda. Voters should support Measure S in San Pablo. And, with some trepidation, we urge voters to back countywide Measure X despite its excessively long time period.
Sales taxes vary by city. Across California, the base amount is 7.25%. Contra Costa residents pay an additional 0.5% for BART and 0.5% for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, bringing the total to 8.25%.
On top of that, 13 of Contra Costa’s 19 cities add their own sales taxes, either 0.5% or 1%, except for El Cerrito which adds 1.5%. So, the total sales tax rate in Contra Costa ranges from 8.25% to 9.75%.
The proceeds from all four of the proposed tax increases could be used for any legitimate governmental purpose. While the ballot wording for each of the measures talks about how the money would be used, that wording is there to attract voters. It is not legally binding.
Elected leaders could spend the money for any program, employee salaries or fatter labor benefits. Which is why the taxes should have short-term expiration dates requiring voter approval before they are extended.
Contra Costa Measure X – Yes
Measure X would add a new countywide half-cent sales tax for 20 years. The length of the tax alone is a legitimate reason for voters to reject it. And that was almost a determinative factor for us; this measure should have had a shorter sunset period.
That said, Contra Costa County government has been under intense financial pressure, dating back long before the pandemic, to adequately provide health care for the needy in the county, address homelessness and provide fire prevention, especially in East County. And its countywide sales tax rate is lower than those in San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda and Santa Clara counties.
With reservations, we back this measure, but worry that the revenues will be siphoned off into salary and benefit increases rather than expanded services. Contrary to the false claims of backers in the ballot arguments, Measure X does not contain provisions for an oversight board.
It will be up to the county Board of Supervisors to demonstrate on an ongoing basis that the money is being wisely spent to deliver additional services. They should also plan to make do with the additional money; they shouldn’t expect support for an additional tax in the future.
Concord Measure V – No
Concord voters first passed a half-cent sales tax in 2010 as the city was struggling to climb out of the Great Recession. It was supposed to be a short-term fix, and we warned at the time that, even though the tax was to be temporary, city leaders would come to permanently depend on the money. In 2014, city voters agreed to extend the tax to 2025.
Now, in the middle of a calamitous economic downturn, the City Council placed Measure V on the ballot seeking to not only make permanent what was originally supposed to be a temporary tax, but also to double it to a full 1%. No way. Voters should reject it.
Orinda Measure R – No
Orinda passed a half-cent sales tax in 2012 that’s due to expire in 2023. Measure R would extend the tax until 2041 — and double it. That’s too long without voter review. And that’s too much.
The sad part is that Orinda leaders know how to do this right. In 2012, to kick start their highly successful program to repair their roads, they went to voters and asked them to approve a sales tax increase. The money had no spending restrictions, but city officials promised it would go for roads and built in a 10-year voter review to ensure they kept their promise. And in 2014 and 2016, they won voter approval for bond measures dedicated to road repair.
Now, with the roads project almost complete, they want to extend and double the original 2012 sales tax. This time, they have a long list of improvements they say they want to spend the money on: wildfire risk reduction, emergency preparedness, storm drain repair, road maintenance, and other city services. And no clear spending plan.
Even if they had one, the 20-year length of the new tax does not provide a timely opportunity for voters to review whether they’re happy with how the money is being spent.
In sum, there’s less clarity than in 2012 on where the funds would go, the tax is twice as big this time and it will be twice as long a wait before voters get to weigh in again. Vote no.
San Pablo Measure S – Yes
In 2012, as the city tried to work out of the Great Recession, nearly three-fourths of city voters approved a 10-year sales tax measure, with an increase of 0.5% for the first five years, dropping it down to 0.25% for the last five years. That measure is due to expire in 2022.
Measure S, coming after another dramatic financial downturn, would extend the original sales tax measure for another 10 years, again starting at 0.5% for the first five years and 0.25% for the last five years.
The city faces large budget shortfalls because of the pandemic. The city is one of the poorest in the Bay Area and the job training, youth services and police coverage the city has historically provided with funding from the sales tax are critical.
The Measure S request is modest and reasonable, especially with its stepdown after five years and the 10-year expiration. Voters should approve it.


mercurynews--2020-10-03--‘I don’t like this, I am not cool with this’: Defense releases new details in Boogaloo-linked killin

‘I don’t like this, I am not cool with this’: Defense releases new details in Boogaloo-linked killing of federal officer in Oakland

OAKLAND — After asking his mother to drive him to an FBI building so he could confess to his role in the May 29 killing of a Federal Protective Services officer , Millbrae resident Robert Alvin Justus Jr. told authorities that his soon-to-be co-defendant , Steven Carrillo , had briefly held him at gunpoint as they traveled to downtown Oakland in a van full of firearms the night of the shooting .
These details , taken from a transcript of the FBI interview with Justus in June , were revealed in recent court filings as attorneys for both Carrillo and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rush the decision of whether to seek the death penalty against the pair .
Carrillo , 32 , and Justus , 30 , are accused of working together to murder Federal Protective Services Officer Dave Patrick Underwood and attempt to kill his partner outside the Ron Dellums Federal Building in Oakland after they met on a Facebook group associated with the extremist , anti-government Boogaloo movement .
In charging records , Justus is named as the driver and Carrillo as the shooter .
“ I don ’ t like this , I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalled himself telling Carrillo after climbing into Carrillo ’ s van at the San Leandro BART station , where the two met in person for the first time .
He made the remark after watching Carrillo pull back a curtain inside his van and begin loading a magazine , Justus reportedly told the FBI .
In response to the remark , Carrillo casually pointed an AR-15 rifle at Justus , his index finger resting on the trigger as he demanded to know if Justus was “ a cop or a rat , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ When ( Carrillo ) is filling magazines , what are you thinking at that point ?
” Woolard asked Justus .
“ That I am going to f—ing die , ” Justus responded .
Authorities have said that despite Justus ’ statement — which laid most of the liability for the killing at Carrillo ’ s feet — Justus had plenty of opportunity to get away that night .
They note that he left the van on foot to scout out the security booth where Underwood and his partner were stationed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security booth he ’ d just riddled with bullets , Carrillo seemed “ thrilled , ” Woolard wrote in the criminal complaint against both defendants .
“ Did you see how they f—ing fell ?
” Carillo allegedly asked Justus .
Federal authorities say the duo came to Oakland specifically to murder law enforcement officers , and sought to take advantage of protests elsewhere in Oakland that night denouncing the George Floyd killing .
On Facebook , they discussed targeting “ soup bois ” — a slang term for federal officers — a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mutual interest in the Boogaloo Boys — an internet-based anti-government movement whose followers have been linked to other violent crimes across the country — Justus and Carrillo do not seem to have much in common .
Carrillo — a U.S. Air Force sergeant stationed at Travis Air Force Base and assigned to an anti-terrorism task force — also had a trucking business registered at his address .
He joined the Air Force at 19 , according to a published report .
His wife , also in the Air Force , died of suicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Underwood ’ s killing , Carrillo was arrested in Ben Lomond after he allegedly ambushed Santa Cruz County deputies , killing Sgt .
Damon Gutzwiller and injuring two other officers .
During the shootout he was hit in the hip but carjacked a vehicle and escaped , later using his own blood to write the word “ Boog ” on the car .
He was detained only after a civilian placed Carrillo in a wrestling hold after thwarting another carjacking attempt .
Justus , by contrast , appeared to have remorse in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He asked his mom to accompany him as he traveled to San Francisco to turn himself in , and recounted to the FBI that he felt forced to help Carrillo after entering his van .
Justus also claimed he talked Carrillo out of other violent plans , such as shooting down a helicopter , prosecutors allege .
That Justus may have had a wake-up call after committing a capital offense did not surprise Alex Newhouse , a researcher with the Center on Terrorism , Extremism , and Counterterrorism who has spent more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said the movement started online with memes joking about the impending start of a second American Civil War , a common belief among Boogaloo followers .
“ The dangerous part is , probably the vast majority of people are like ( Justus ) , who picked up his gun , went to do something , then realized he didn ’ t have the stomach for it , ” Newhouse said .
“ But the danger of radicalization is that you only need a very small number of people to cause a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have however many thousands of people calling themselves Boogaloo and only .001 percent are like Steven Carrillo , that ’ s still a lot of people dead , ” he added .
Carrillo faces simultaneous capital murder cases in federal and state court , charging him with killing both Underwood and Gutzwiller .
His attorney , along with Justus ’ defense team , have accused prosecutors of rushing their decision of whether to seek the death penalty .
The defense wants more time as they research their clients ’ lives and pore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case .
Prosecutors have handed over “ 81,737 pages , 4,559 photos , 131 videos , 13 audios , and 8 device extraction folders ” of evidence , according to defense filings .
On top of that , there ’ s a virus-related issue : The pandemic has hindered attorneys ’ ability to get to know their clients , Carrillo ’ s attorney , James Thomson , wrote in a legal filing last week .
“ This not only undermines the ability to build trust on legal issues , but visits with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a starting point for delving into sensitive issues that inform the mitigation investigation , ” Thomson wrote .

OAKLAND — After asking his mother to drive him to an FBI building so he could confess to his role in the May 29 killing of a Federal Protective Services officer, Millbrae resident Robert Alvin Justus Jr. told authorities that his soon-to-be co-defendant, Steven Carrillo, had briefly held him at gunpoint as they traveled to downtown Oakland in a van full of firearms the night of the shooting.
These details, taken from a transcript of the FBI interview with Justus in June, were revealed in recent court filings as attorneys for both Carrillo and Justus accuse federal prosecutors of trying to rush the decision of whether to seek the death penalty against the pair.
Carrillo, 32, and Justus, 30, are accused of working together to murder Federal Protective Services Officer Dave Patrick Underwood and attempt to kill his partner outside the Ron Dellums Federal Building in Oakland after they met on a Facebook group associated with the extremist, anti-government Boogaloo movement. In charging records, Justus is named as the driver and Carrillo as the shooter.
“I don’t like this, I am not cool with this,” Justus recalled himself telling Carrillo after climbing into Carrillo’s van at the San Leandro BART station, where the two met in person for the first time. He made the remark after watching Carrillo pull back a curtain inside his van and begin loading a magazine, Justus reportedly told the FBI.
In response, Carrillo casually pointed an AR-15 rifle at Justus, his index finger resting on the trigger as he demanded to know if Justus was “a cop or a rat,” Justus told FBI special agent Brett Woolard.
“When (Carrillo) is filling magazines, what are you thinking at that point?” Woolard asked Justus.
“That I am going to f—ing die,” Justus responded.
Authorities have said that despite Justus’ statement — which laid most of the liability for the killing at Carrillo’s feet — Justus had plenty of opportunity to get away that night. They note that he left the van on foot to scout out the security booth where Underwood and his partner were stationed.
As he stared on at the security booth he’d just riddled with bullets, Carrillo seemed “thrilled,” Woolard wrote in the criminal complaint against both defendants.
“Did you see how they f—ing fell?” Carillo allegedly asked Justus.
Federal authorities say the duo came to Oakland specifically to murder law enforcement officers, and sought to take advantage of protests elsewhere in Oakland that night denouncing the George Floyd killing. On Facebook, they discussed targeting “soup bois” — a slang term for federal officers — a day before the shooting.
Despite their mutual interest in the Boogaloo Boys — an internet-based anti-government movement whose followers have been linked to other violent crimes across the country — Justus and Carrillo do not seem to have much in common.
Carrillo — a U.S. Air Force sergeant stationed at Travis Air Force Base and assigned to an anti-terrorism task force — also had a trucking business registered at his address. He joined the Air Force at 19, according to a published report. His wife, also in the Air Force, died of suicide two years ago.
A week after Underwood’s killing, Carrillo was arrested in Ben Lomond after he allegedly ambushed Santa Cruz County deputies, killing Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller and injuring two other officers. During the shootout he was hit in the hip but carjacked a vehicle and escaped, later using his own blood to write the word “Boog” on the car. He was detained only after a civilian placed Carrillo in a wrestling hold after thwarting another carjacking attempt.
Justus, by contrast, appeared to have remorse in the wake of Underwood’s killing. He asked his mom to accompany him as he traveled to San Francisco to turn himself in, and recounted to the FBI that he felt forced to help Carrillo after entering his van. Justus also claimed he talked Carrillo out of other violent plans, such as shooting down a helicopter, prosecutors allege.
That Justus may have had a wake-up call after committing a capital offense did not surprise Alex Newhouse, a researcher with the Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism who has spent more than a year researching the Boogaloo Boys. He said the movement started online with memes joking about the impending start of a second American Civil War, a common belief among Boogaloo followers.
“The dangerous part is, probably the vast majority of people are like (Justus), who picked up his gun, went to do something, then realized he didn’t have the stomach for it,” Newhouse said. “But the danger of radicalization is that you only need a very small number of people to cause a lot of mayhem and destruction.”
“If we have however many thousands of people calling themselves Boogaloo and only .001 percent are like Steven Carrillo, that’s still a lot of people dead,” he added.
Carrillo faces simultaneous capital murder cases in federal and state court, charging him with killing both Underwood and Gutzwiller. His attorney, along with Justus’ defense team, have accused prosecutors of rushing their decision of whether to seek the death penalty.
The defense wants more time as they research their clients’ lives and pore through the massive amount of discovery in the case. Prosecutors have handed over “81,737 pages, 4,559 photos, 131 videos, 13 audios, and 8 device extraction folders” of evidence, according to defense filings.
On top of that, there’s a virus-related issue: The pandemic has hindered attorneys’ ability to get to know their clients, Carrillo’s attorney, James Thomson, wrote in a legal filing last week.
“This not only undermines the ability to build trust on legal issues, but visits with counsel and the teams also serve as a starting point for delving into sensitive issues that inform the mitigation investigation,” Thomson wrote.


mercurynews--2020-10-03--Contenders or pretenders? Raiders host Bills in pivotal game a quarter of way through the season

So you think you know what the Raiders are all about ?
Pass it along to coach Jon Gruden , who admits he doesn ’ t know yet heading in to Sunday ’ s home game against the unbeaten Buffalo Bills at Allegiant Stadium .
“ I think the big thing is you ’ re still learning your football team .
We ’ re still getting to know each other , ” Gruden said Friday in a video conference .
“ I think every coach in the league would tell you that.
” With the new faces on defense and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compiling information as the Raiders , 2-1 , hit the quarter pole of the season against a Buffalo team that has been tabbed as a threat to unseat the New England Patriots after 11 consecutive AFC East titles .
And while there ’ s no such thing as a must-win in Week 4 , the Raiders could go a long way toward making a statement as a postseason contender by improving to 3-1 .
Falling to 2-2 would mean erasing their promising 2-0 start , and then traveling to Kansas City to face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arrowhead Stadium , a place where they ’ ve lost seven consecutive times and usually by wide margins .
Gruden knows it too .
On Friday , he did what he almost never does and for an instant looked ahead to Week 5 when discussing the challenge of playing without cornerback Damon Arnette , a first-round draft pick who is out for a minimum of three games after thumb surgery .
“ We ’ ve got a lot of young guys back there that we ’ re anxious to see and we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Gruden said .
“ But they will be tested by this quarterback and the one next week , that ’ s for sure.
” Buffalo ’ s quarterback is Josh Allen , the reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Month .
Next week is Patrick Mahomes , the standard by which all quarterbacks are judged in 2020 .
But here ’ s the deal with the Bills .
Their first two wins were against the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins , currently a combined 1-6 .
They won their third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles Rams .
The Raiders team of the first two weeks , in particular a Week 2 win over New Orleans , should be competitive with a chance to win .
A repeat of a 36-20 loss to the Patriots last week and maybe it ’ s time to re-think the idea of the Raiders as a potential 10-win team .
Five keys to beating Buffalo and improving to 3-1 : 1 .
Having the best Josh The closest thing to a silver lining in the Patriots loss was a relatively light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who carried 19 times for 71 yards .
Keeping Josh Allen off the field will be big for the Raiders .
The Raiders need to get back to their balanced , ball-control attack , with Jacobs getting first downs , the Raiders staying in third-and-manageable as much as possible and letting quarterback Derek Carr pile up completions and take a shot at the end zone now and then as a change of pace .
The Rams rushed for 167 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry against Buffalo and it was a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was talking about some of the same gap issues Gruden was addressing following the New England loss .
“ The Rams are pretty good .
They probably caught ’ em with some schemes they hadn ’ t seen before , ” Gruden said .
“ They ’ re a little bit different from the Jets and the Dolphins .
I ’ m sure Buffalo ’ s cleaned up what errors they did make.
” Allen presents a similar dilemma to Cam Newton , whom the Raiders defended well against New England other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the first player in NFL history with more than 10 touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns through his team ’ s first three games .
He leads all NFL quarterbacks with 10 touchdown passes and a 125.8 passer ratings and he ’ s rushed for 19 career touchdowns .
NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner believes that Allen operates at his best in chaos .
As was the case with Newton , trying to make Allen as conventional as possible would be to their beneift .
“ The dude can make any throw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him with a lot of weapons , ” Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson said .
“ They ’ ve got good young running backs and a quarterback that knows how to improvise so if plays break down he can make plays that aren ’ t scripted.
” Allen ’ s top target , Stefon Diggs , has 20 catches for 288 yards and is happier with Allen than he was in Minnesota with Kirk Cousins .
Of all the things that went wrong against New England , the most basic problem was the inability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had 19 missed tackles in the game and that ’ s far too many to win any ballgame let alone against a team like New England , ” defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said .
“ We have to do a better job of whoever is in the spot to make the play and make the tackle .
They have to get the runner on the ground , whether it ’ s a receiver or a running back.
” Linebacker Cory Littleton and safety Johnathan Abram , two players the Raiders are counting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tacklers , had rough games .
Gruden noted it wasn ’ t all Abram ’ s fault — with New England backs getting a full head of steam heading in to the secondary , it made things tough .
The Raiders will be without their two starting rookie wideouts , Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards .
But let ’ s face it , it ’ s not as if they were making it rain in terms of receptions .
Of Carr ’ s 100 passes through three games , only 14 were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiver Hunter Renfrow , as well as veterans Nelson Agholor and Zay Jones , can pick up the slack until the rookies return and develop .
Don ’ t expect a repeat of what happened with Darren Waller , who didn ’ t see a pass headed his way until the third quarter when the game was out of reach against New England .
Apart from Waller , Foster Moreau has made some big catches in each of the last two games and has shown some downfield ability .
And Jason Witten has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
The Raiders signed him for more than just his leadership skills .
Turnover margin is one of the biggest indicators of winning and losing in the the NFL .
Other than the final score , it might be the biggest .
• What will Raiders do with rookie wideouts sidelined ?
Throw it to Hunter Renfrow , of course • Raiders ’ Cory Littleton , Maliek Collins need to get with the program — and fast • Raiders injuries : Kwiatkoski back to practice , but key players likely out vs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause , bad judgment as players eschew masks at Darren Waller fundraiser It ’ s even more acute when it comes to the Raiders , who are still attempting to blend a lot of new faces on defense and haven ’ t yet shown the ability to take the ball away themselves .
Against New England , Carr was hit for a couple of sack fumbles , one that went for a Patriots touchdown at the goal line , and Jacobs lost a fumble at the 12 .
To be fair , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jacobs play on an Abram interception and turnovers weren ’ t he only reason they lost to New England .
But against Allen and Buffalo , doing the Gruden thing and controlling the clock and the tempo will be huge .

So you think you know what the Raiders are all about?
Pass it along to coach Jon Gruden, who admits he doesn’t know yet heading in to Sunday’s home game against the unbeaten Buffalo Bills at Allegiant Stadium.
“I think the big thing is you’re still learning your football team. We’re still getting to know each other,” Gruden said Friday in a video conference. “I think every coach in the league would tell you that.”
With the new faces on defense and injuries on offense, Gruden is still compiling information as the Raiders, 2-1, hit the quarter pole of the season against a Buffalo team that has been tabbed as a threat to unseat the New England Patriots after 11 consecutive AFC East titles.
And while there’s no such thing as a must-win in Week 4, the Raiders could go a long way toward making a statement as a postseason contender by improving to 3-1.
The alternative?
Falling to 2-2 would mean erasing their promising 2-0 start, and then traveling to Kansas City to face the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium,a place where they’ve lost seven consecutive times and usually by wide margins.
Gruden knows it too. On Friday, he did what he almost never does and for an instant looked ahead to Week 5 when discussing the challenge of playing without cornerback Damon Arnette, a first-round draft pick who is out for a minimum of three games after thumb surgery.
“We’ve got a lot of young guys back there that we’re anxious to see and we’re confident in what they can do,” Gruden said. “But they will be tested by this quarterback and the one next week, that’s for sure.”
The Chiefs had their game against New England Sunday postponed to Monday or Tuesday after Patriots quarterback Cam Newton and Kansas City practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta’amu tested positive for the coronavirus.
Buffalo’s quarterback is Josh Allen, the reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Month. Next week is Patrick Mahomes, the standard by which all quarterbacks are judged in 2020.
But here’s the deal with the Bills. Their first two wins were against the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, currently a combined 1-6. They won their third game in a 35-32 shootout over the Los Angeles Rams. The Raiders team of the first two weeks, in particular a Week 2 win over New Orleans, should be competitive with a chance to win. A repeat of a 36-20 loss to the Patriots last week and maybe it’s time to re-think the idea of the Raiders as a potential 10-win team.
Five keys to beating Buffalo and improving to 3-1:
1. Having the best Josh
The closest thing to a silver lining in the Patriots loss was a relatively light day for running back Josh Jacobs, who carried 19 times for 71 yards. Keeping Josh Allen off the field will be big for the Raiders.
The Raiders need to get back to their balanced, ball-control attack, with Jacobs getting first downs, the Raiders staying in third-and-manageable as much as possible and letting quarterback Derek Carr pile up completions and take a shot at the end zone now and then as a change of pace. The Rams rushed for 167 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry against Buffalo and it was a big concern for Bills coach Sean McDermott, who was talking about some of the same gap issues Gruden was addressing following the New England loss.
“The Rams are pretty good. They probably caught ’em with some schemes they hadn’t seen before,” Gruden said. “They’re a little bit different from the Jets and the Dolphins. I’m sure Buffalo’s cleaned up what errors they did make.”
2. Keeping Allen in the pocket
Allen presents a similar dilemma to Cam Newton, whom the Raiders defended well against New England other than a late 21-yard run. He is the first player in NFL history with more than 10 touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns through his team’s first three games. He leads all NFL quarterbacks with 10 touchdown passes and a 125.8 passer ratings and he’s rushed for 19 career touchdowns.
NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner believes that Allen operates at his best in chaos. As was the case with Newton, trying to make Allen as conventional as possible would be to their benefit.
“The dude can make any throw on the field, and they surrounded him with a lot of weapons,” Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson said. “They’ve got good young running backs and a quarterback that knows how to improvise so if plays break down he can make plays that aren’t scripted.”
Allen’s top target, Stefon Diggs, has 20 catches for 288 yards and is happier with Allen than he was in Minnesota with Kirk Cousins.
3. Shoring up the tackling
Of all the things that went wrong against New England, the most basic problem was the inability to tackle.
“I think we had 19 missed tackles in the game and that’s far too many to win any ballgame let alone against a team like New England,” defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said. “We have to do a better job of whoever is in the spot to make the play and make the tackle. They have to get the runner on the ground, whether it’s a receiver or a running back.”
Linebacker Cory Littleton and safety Johnathan Abram, two players the Raiders are counting on to be among their best open-field tacklers, had rough games. Gruden noted it wasn’t all Abram’s fault — with New England backs getting a full head of steam heading into the secondary, it made things tough.
Josh Allen is something part 2.pic.twitter.com/YYVKClpFnY — Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 27, 2020
4. Get tight ends involved
The Raiders will be without their two starting rookie wideouts, Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards. But let’s face it, it’s not as if they were making it rain in terms of receptions. Of Carr’s 100 passes through three games, only 14 were targeted to Ruggs and Edwards. Slot receiver Hunter Renfrow, as well as veterans Nelson Agholor and Zay Jones, can pick up the slack until the rookies return and develop.
Don’t expect a repeat of what happened with Darren Waller, who didn’t see a pass headed his way until the third quarter when the game was out of reach against New England. Apart from Waller, Foster Moreau has made some big catches in each of the last two games and has shown some downfield ability. And Jason Witten has yet to be integrated into the passing game. The Raiders signed him for more than just his leadership skills.
5. No turnovers
Turnover margin is one of the biggest indicators of winning and losing in the NFL. Other than the final score, it might be the biggest.
It’s even more acute when it comes to the Raiders, who are still attempting to blend a lot of new faces on defense and haven’t yet shown the ability to take the ball away themselves.
Against New England, Carr was hit for a couple of sack fumbles, one that went for a Patriots touchdown at the goal line, and Jacobs lost a fumble at the 12. To be fair, the Raiders got the ball back after the Jacobs play on an Abram interception and turnovers weren’t the only reason they lost to New England.
But against Allen and Buffalo, doing the Gruden thing and controlling the clock and the tempo will be huge.
Doss, Riddick promoted
Without Edwards and Gafford out and Ruggs doubtful, the Raiders activated wide receiver Keelan Doss from the practice squad. Also promoted was veteran running back Theo Riddick, a veteran whose primary value is as a receiver out of the backfield.


mercurynews--2020-10-03--NFL fantasy football: 49ers Week 4 projections against Eagles

SANTA CLARA – Here are the 49ers ’ fantasy-football projections heading into Sunday night ’ s game against the Philadelphia Eagles ( 0-2-1 ) at Levi ’ s Stadium : Mullens and Patrick Mahomes are the only quarterbacks in NFL history with 2,600 passing yards and 14 touchdowns through nine career starts ( source : CBS ) .
Mullens does not need to air it out , but he fearlessly does , anyhow .
His knee and ribs are OK , he said , with a nod to how thankful he is to play after two years sidelined .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the pass game against the Eagles linebackers .
McKinnon could be the first 49ers since Jerry Rice in 1991 to score a touchdown each of the first four games of a season .
Last year , Wilson followed up a two-touchdown game with another one .
It might be asking too much for a repeat this season , but if you ’ re down on running backs , Wilson is a worthy gamble as McKinnon plays through a rib injury .
Kittle totaled only five touchdowns last season , but he scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be hungry to recapture the spotlight after being out the past two games .
If Samuel makes his season debut , do the 49ers really turn him loose and flood him with targets or end-around runs ?
Probably not .
He is coming off his second career game but he showed his capacity to make plays and gain ground after the catch , so look for him to make more noise .
With so much attention on Kittle and the other wide receivers , Bourne could be the sneaky surprise , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialties .
He will have a new snapper in Taybor Pepper and they should have a lot of chances to develop chemistry , along with holder Mitch Wishnowsky , who had to field Kyle Nelson ’ s errant snaps last week .
• 49ers vs. Eagles injury report : Garoppolo will miss second game but Kittle , Samuel return • 49ers vs. Eagles : Five keys to prime-time success against winless Philadelphia • 49ers ’ George Kittle excited for Sunday night return with Nick Mullens likely at QB The Eagles ’ offense is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still grasping to replace key starters at defensive end and cornerback , this should be a lopsided win like the last two .

SANTA CLARA – Here are the 49ers’ fantasy-football projections heading into Sunday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles (0-2-1) at Levi’s Stadium:
Quarterback Nick Mullens: Start him
Projected stats: 350 yards, 2 TDs
Mullens and Patrick Mahomes are the only quarterbacks in NFL history with 2,600 passing yards and 14 touchdowns through nine career starts (source: CBS). Mullens does not need to air it out, but he fearlessly does, anyhow.
Running back Jerick McKinnon: Start him
Projected stats: 100 all-purpose yards, 1 TD
His knee and ribs are OK, he said, with a nod to how thankful he is to play after two years sidelined. The 49ers again should use their running backs in the pass game against the Eagles linebackers. McKinnon could be the first 49ers since Jerry Rice in 1991 to score a touchdown each of the first four games of a season.
Running back Jeff Wilson: Start him, if needed
Projected stats: 50 yards, 1 TD
Last year, Wilson followed up a two-touchdown game with another one. It might be asking too much for a repeat this season, but if you’re down on running backs, Wilson is a worthy gamble as McKinnon plays through a rib injury.
Tight end George Kittle: Start him
Projected stats: 7 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD
Kittle totaled only five touchdowns last season, but he scored in four prime-time games, and he will be hungry to recapture the spotlight after being out the past two games.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel: Sit him
Projected stats: 4 catches, 53 yards
If Samuel makes his season debut, do the 49ers really turn him loose and flood him with targets or end-around runs? Probably not.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk: Start him
Projected stats: 100 all-purpose yards
He is coming off his second career game but he showed his capacity to make plays and gain ground after the catch, so look for him to make more noise.
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne: Start him
Projected stats: 5 catches, 75 yards, TD
With so much attention on Kittle and the other wide receivers, Bourne could be the sneaky surprise, especially with his red zone and end zone specialties.
Kicker Robbie Gould: Start him
Projected stats: 4 PATs, 3 FGs
He will have a new snapper in Taybor Pepper and they should have a lot of chances to develop chemistry, along with holder Mitch Wishnowsky, who had to field Kyle Nelson’s errant snaps last week. Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: The 49ers aren’t worried about Nick Bosa’s holdout. They should be
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Defense: Start it
Projected stats: Under 300 yards, under 20 points
The Eagles’ offense is a wreck, and although the 49ers are still grasping to replace key starters at defensive end and cornerback, this should be a lopsided win like the last two.


mercurynews--2020-10-03--Word Game: Oct. 3, 2020

Word Game: Oct. 3, 2020

Can you find 43 or more words in ANTHEMS ?
The list will be published Monday .
To purchase the @ @ @ @ @ WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
@ @ @ @ @ or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of @ @ @ @ @ as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
@ @ @ @ @ a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For @ @ @ @ @ ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , @ @ @ @ @ “ baking ” are admissible .
4 .
Proper nouns , slang words , or @ @ @ @ @ are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — ANTHEMS (ANTHEMS: AN-thems: Songs of praise, patriotism, etc.)
Average mark 34 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 43 or more words in ANTHEMS? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — TARPONS taps tarn taro tarp tarpon torn trap tsar apron
arson atop rant rapt rasp roan roast pant pants parson part past pastor patron port
post sapor snap snort soap soar sonar sora sort span spar spat sport spot sprat
star stop strap strop
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: Oct. 3, 2020

“ When my wife found out that I replaced our bed with a trampoline , she hit the ceiling.
” — graffiti .
“ My partner was seriously upset with me after this deal , ” a club player told me .
“ We were playing in a team match , and at the other table , our teammates got to 3NT with North as declarer — unbeatable as it turned out .
I was East at my table , and North-South played at four spades .
“ My partner led the queen of diamonds and continued diamonds .
Declarer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trump to dummy ’ s queen .
I took my ace and returned a trump .
Declarer drew trumps and claimed , and my partner hit the ceiling.
” The ace of trumps is a precious card , and a defender may do well to take it at the right time .
If East correctly ducks the first trump , South can not make his game .
If South leads a second trump — he has no winning option — East wins and forces him to ruff a fourth diamond , and South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting trick with his fourth trump .
You hold : S Q 9 H A Q 10 2 D K 5 4 C A K 7 5 .
You open one club , your partner bids one heart and you raise to three hearts .
Partner next bids four diamonds .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Hearts is the agreed trump suit , so partner ’ s four diamonds is a control-showing cue bid to suggest slam .
Bid five hearts .
You say you expect to make slam if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast tricks in spades , the unbid suit .
North East South West 1 C Pass 1 S Pass 2 NT Pass 3 C Pass 3 H Pass 3 S Pass 4 S All Pass

“When my wife found out that I replaced our bed with a trampoline, she hit the ceiling.” — graffiti.
“My partner was seriously upset with me after this deal,” a club player told me. “We were playing in a team match, and at the other table, our teammates got to 3NT with North as declarer — unbeatable as it turned out. I was East at my table, and North-South played at four spades.
“My partner led the queen of diamonds and continued diamonds. Declarer ruffed the third diamond and led a trump to dummy’s queen. I took my ace and returned a trump. Declarer drew trumps and claimed, and my partner hit the ceiling.”
RIGHT TIME
The ace of trumps is a precious card, and a defender may do well to take it at the right time. If East correctly ducks the first trump, South cannot make his game.
If South leads a second trump — he has no winning option — East wins and forces him to ruff a fourth diamond, and South has lost control. West scores the setting trick with his fourth trump.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S Q 9 H A Q 10 2 D K 5 4 C A K 7 5. You open one club, your partner bids one heart and you raise to three hearts. Partner next bids four diamonds. What do you say?
ANSWER: Hearts is the agreed trump suit, so partner’s four diamonds is a control-showing cue bid to suggest slam. Bid five hearts. You say you expect to make slam if he can stop the opponents from taking two fast tricks in spades, the unbid suit.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S Q 9
H A Q 10 2
D K 5 4
C A K 7 5
WEST
S 5 4 3 2
H 9 8 4
D Q J 10 2
C 8 6
EAST
S A 7
H J 7 6 3
D A 9 8 3
C J 4 2
SOUTH
S K J 10 8 6
H K 5
D 7 6
C Q 10 9 3
North East South West
1 C Pass 1 S Pass
2 NT Pass 3 C Pass
3 H Pass 3 S Pass
4 S All Pass
Opening lead — D Q
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-10-03--Horoscopes Oct. 3, 2020: Gwen Stefani, live and learn

Happy Birthday : Live and learn .
Walk away from situations that aren ’ t working for you .
Consider where you will gain the most using your skills and attributes .
Study , research and familiarize yourself with what ’ s available .
Don ’ t labor over what others do or say .
Distance yourself from destructive situations .
Choose practical solutions , not anger and brute force .
Change your spending habits .
Your numbers are 6 , 10 , 22 , 27 , 36 , 41 , 47 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Don ’ t let what others do influence you .
When one door closes , another will open .
Pay attention to detail , refuse to get into a feud and focus on learning how to use your skills to advance .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Heightened emotions will help you express your point of view and develop workable solutions .
Your insight will help you gain support and encourage new beginnings .
Health and fitness are encouraged , and love and romance are favored .
3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Put negative situations behind you .
Don ’ t get into an argument you can not win .
Know when to walk away and spend more time taking better care of yourself , your financial situation and your health .
Accept the inevitable , and prepare to move forward .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Spend time with the people who lower your stress and make you happy .
Creative endeavors will alleviate stress and may even bring in extra cash .
Make physical improvements .
Romance will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you love .
4 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Verify information before passing it along .
Your reputation will depend on your accuracy .
Don ’ t let a change someone makes aggravate you .
Choose to do your own thing , and make personal changes that add to your comfort and joy .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : You are overdue for a change .
Look at your options and research the possibilities .
Picking up additional skills or knowledge will give you the edge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your feelings and intentions with someone you love .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Sit tight and see what unfolds .
Don ’ t make a fuss or interfere in battles that aren ’ t yours to fight .
A physical change may be necessary to distance yourself from a negative situation .
Be smart , and do what ’ s best for you .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Say what ’ s on your mind , and initiate a change that will improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaningful partnership will give you more time and support to follow your dream .
Romance is in the stars and will enhance your emotional well-being .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Channel your energy into something you enjoy doing .
An adventure will give you the nudge you need to bring about a lifestyle change .
Listen to someone who has more experience , but don ’ t let anyone take over .
Take better care of your health .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or investing in something you want to pursue will turn out well .
Make an adjustment at home that will accommodate your plans .
Romance will lead to a new and exciting lifestyle with someone you love .
5 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : A discussion concerning money , health or a legal matter will become emotional .
Don ’ t make a premature change .
Look over your options , and get expert advice before you agree to something that may not be in your best interest .
2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : You ’ ll develop a plan that can help you out professionally .
Don ’ t be afraid to make a change or take on a challenge .
Mix business with pleasure ; you will form a partnership with someone you love to be around .
4 stars Birthday Baby : You are resourceful , secretive and opportunistic .
You are passionate and influential .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Seann William Scott, 44; Neve Campbell, 47; Gwen Stefani, 51; Chubby Checker, 79.
Happy Birthday: Live and learn. Walk away from situations that aren’t working for you. Consider where you will gain the most using your skills and attributes. Study, research and familiarize yourself with what’s available. Don’t labor over what others do or say. Distance yourself from destructive situations. Choose practical solutions, not anger and brute force. Change your spending habits. Your numbers are 6, 10, 22, 27, 36, 41, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take a step in the right direction. Don’t let what others do influence you. When one door closes, another will open. Pay attention to detail, refuse to get into a feud and focus on learning how to use your skills to advance. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Heightened emotions will help you express your point of view and develop workable solutions. Your insight will help you gain support and encourage new beginnings. Health and fitness are encouraged, and love and romance are favored. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put negative situations behind you. Don’t get into an argument you cannot win. Know when to walk away and spend more time taking better care of yourself, your financial situation and your health. Accept the inevitable, and prepare to move forward. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Spend time with the people who lower your stress and make you happy. Creative endeavors will alleviate stress and may even bring in extra cash. Make physical improvements. Romance will lead to a better relationship with someone you love. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Verify information before passing it along. Your reputation will depend on your accuracy. Don’t let a change someone makes aggravate you. Choose to do your own thing, and make personal changes that add to your comfort and joy. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You are overdue for a change. Look at your options and research the possibilities. Picking up additional skills or knowledge will give you the edge you need to get ahead. Share your feelings and intentions with someone you love. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Sit tight and see what unfolds. Don’t make a fuss or interfere in battles that aren’t yours to fight. A physical change may be necessary to distance yourself from a negative situation. Be smart, and do what’s best for you. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Say what’s on your mind, and initiate a change that will improve your life. An adjustment to a meaningful partnership will give you more time and support to follow your dream. Romance is in the stars and will enhance your emotional well-being. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Channel your energy into something you enjoy doing. An adventure will give you the nudge you need to bring about a lifestyle change. Listen to someone who has more experience, but don’t let anyone take over. Take better care of your health. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Personal gains look promising. A makeover or investing in something you want to pursue will turn out well. Make an adjustment at home that will accommodate your plans. Romance will lead to a new and exciting lifestyle with someone you love. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A discussion concerning money, health or a legal matter will become emotional. Don’t make a premature change. Look over your options, and get expert advice before you agree to something that may not be in your best interest. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You’ll develop a plan that can help you out professionally. Don’t be afraid to make a change or take on a challenge. Mix business with pleasure; you will form a partnership with someone you love to be around. 4 stars
Birthday Baby: You are resourceful, secretive and opportunistic. You are passionate and influential.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-10-03--Ask Amy: Let him learn about it from the obituary, she says

Dear Amy : My grandmother recently went into hospice care .
She has suffered from dementia for the last five years , and in that time my mother has been her sole caretaker .
That ( and money issues ) has caused my mom and her brother to cut ties .
Only my immediate family knows that my grandmother is dying .
Should I reach out to my uncle and others in the extended family ( mainly my grandmother ’ s in-laws ) to let them know what ’ s going on ?
My mom argues that they weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline into dementia , so why should they be called at the end ?
• Ask Amy : A jealous husband lost his head , and I lost my job • Ask Amy : I want to get past my guilt without telling my wife what I did • Ask Amy : I ’ m helping my husband find a job , and he says I ’ m stressing him out • Ask Amy : She insists that ‘ as a white Christian ’ she can say these things My partner says to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could lead to more drama if I reach out .
However , I can ’ t imagine reading about your mother ’ s , grandmother ’ s or sister-in-law ’ s death through an obit .
What are your thoughts ?
Dear Lost : These extended family members have the wherewithal to contact your mother by phone or email , or — if rebuffed or ignored — show up to her house to find out how your grandmother is doing .
This is not about what these family members “ deserve ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely backed away .
Your grandmother ’ s feelings and wishes should be taken into account , however , even if her memory is gone and she is unable to express them .
What would she want ?
I agree with you regarding contacting family members about your grandmother ’ s condition , but your mother should be the one to reach out .
If she is hesitant , tell her that you would feel better if this contact was made , and offer to take this challenge off her hands .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wishes and understand that she is resentful , angry , and grieving .
Over time , people involved in estrangements construct a very hard and protective shell around their feelings .
I genuinely believe that this shell is pierced through treating others the way you wish you would be treated .
Behaving with generosity , even when others don ’ t deserve it and the outcome is in doubt will be best for your mother , and that ’ s why I hope she chooses to reach out .
Dear Amy : As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was horrified that Wedding Stressed was willing to essentially tell one of her children that she doesn ’ t see any need to try to treat them at all equally .
She happily gave one daughter $ 25,000 for a wedding , but then was amazed that another child ( her son ) would inquire as to if they would be receiving anything toward his wedding .
How awful .
When our oldest married , my husband and I decided how much we could afford to give each child for their potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would receive that amount when they decided to marry , to be used as they saw fit ( big wedding , small wedding , elopement , whatever ) .
We did this for our son , as well as our daughters .
I just can ’ t see why anyone would monetarily punish a child for being the “ wrong ” gender .
In case you ’ re wondering , if any of our children don ’ t marry , they ’ ll get that money down the road , anyway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend more/do more/support more to one child over another , but in the big picture , it should all be divided as equally as you can manage .
Dear Louise : I agree completely .
If parents can afford to ( most of us can not ) , they should earmark an amount ( maybe call it an “ adulthood gift ” ) to give to children , perhaps when they reach a landmark birthday .
Those funds can be put toward financing a wedding , for the down payment on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , put toward retirement , or for whatever larger purpose the child chooses .
Dear Amy : Your advice to a daughter to help take care of her dad with dementia was spot on .
Our families helped take care and guide our parents on both sides off the family .
People don ’ t die in an orderly fashion .
Sometimes an organ gives up the ghost while the mind is spared and sometimes the mind starts to die off while the body is fine .
My saddest moment was when my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could do other than to keep him comfortable .
We brought him home and he died in our living room while visiting with a grandchild .
Now our kids are taking care of us , which they learned from us .
Dear Loving : This is how the circle goes ’ round .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: My grandmother recently went into hospice care. She has suffered from dementia for the last five years, and in that time my mother has been her sole caretaker.
That (and money issues) has caused my mom and her brother to cut ties.
Only my immediate family knows that my grandmother is dying.
Should I reach out to my uncle and others in the extended family (mainly my grandmother’s in-laws) to let them know what’s going on?
My mom argues that they weren’t there for my grandmother during her decline into dementia, so why should they be called at the end?
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy My partner says to keep my nose out of it because it could lead to more drama if I reach out. However, I can’t imagine reading about your mother’s, grandmother’s or sister-in-law’s death through an obit. What are your thoughts?
Lost
Dear Lost: These extended family members have the wherewithal to contact your mother by phone or email, or — if rebuffed or ignored — show up to her house to find out how your grandmother is doing.
This is not about what these family members “deserve” to know. They seem to have completely backed away.
Your grandmother’s feelings and wishes should be taken into account, however, even if her memory is gone and she is unable to express them. What would she want?
I agree with you regarding contacting family members about your grandmother’s condition, but your mother should be the one to reach out. If she is hesitant, tell her that you would feel better if this contact was made, and offer to take this challenge off her hands.
If your mother outright refuses, respect her wishes and understand that she is resentful, angry, and grieving.
Over time, people involved in estrangements construct a very hard and protective shell around their feelings. I genuinely believe that this shell is pierced through treating others the way you wish you would be treated. Behaving with generosity, even when others don’t deserve it and the outcome is in doubt will be best for your mother, and that’s why I hope she chooses to reach out.
Dear Amy: As the mother of three young adults, I was horrified that Wedding Stressed was willing to essentially tell one of her children that she doesn’t see any need to try to treat them at all equally.
She happily gave one daughter $25,000 for a wedding, but then was amazed that another child (her son) would inquire as to if they would be receiving anything toward his wedding. How awful.
When our oldest married, my husband and I decided how much we could afford to give each child for their potential weddings, and told all three that they would receive that amount when they decided to marry, to be used as they saw fit (big wedding, small wedding, elopement, whatever). We did this for our son, as well as our daughters.
I just can’t see why anyone would monetarily punish a child for being the “wrong” gender.
In case you’re wondering, if any of our children don’t marry, they’ll get that money down the road, anyway.
There will always be times you need to spend more/do more/support more to one child over another, but in the big picture, it should all be divided as equally as you can manage.
Jeez Louise!
Dear Louise: I agree completely. If parents can afford to (most of us cannot), they should earmark an amount (maybe call it an “adulthood gift”) to give to children, perhaps when they reach a landmark birthday. Those funds can be put toward financing a wedding, for the down payment on a house, to pay down college debt, put toward retirement, or for whatever larger purpose the child chooses.
Dear Amy: Your advice to a daughter to help take care of her dad with dementia was spot on. Our families helped take care and guide our parents on both sides off the family.
People don’t die in an orderly fashion. Sometimes an organ gives up the ghost while the mind is spared and sometimes the mind starts to die off while the body is fine.
My saddest moment was when my father was told that there was nothing they could do other than to keep him comfortable. We brought him home and he died in our living room while visiting with a grandchild.
Now our kids are taking care of us, which they learned from us.
Loving Daughter and Mom
Dear Loving: This is how the circle goes ’round.
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.