mercurynews--2020-03-13--Word Game: March 13, 2020

Word Game: March 13, 2020

Can you find 41 or more words in MONTAGE ?
The list will be published tomorrow .
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 — MONTAGE (MONTAGE: mon-TAZH: A rapid succession of shots in a movie.)
Average mark 30 words
Time limit 45 minutes
Can you find 41 or more words in MONTAGE? The list will be published tomorrow.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — EXECUTOR ecru erect eruct euro exert cero
core cote court cruet crux cure curt cute cuter tore tour tree truce true
outer recto rote roue rout route Roux
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.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Horoscopes March 13, 2020: Adam Clayton, make change happen.

Happy Birthday : Make change happen .
Get personal documents , legal matters and investments updated .
Money matters will count this year , and financial gains will change your life .
Emotional energy will be in abundance , and making headway with personal plans will be yours .
Set your sights on your target , and don ’ t stop until you are satisfied with the results you get .
Your numbers are 4 , 15 , 21 , 29 , 32 , 39 , 45 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Put more thought and effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building a space that is conducive to moneymaking opportunities , you will be able to buy the freedom to do your own thing .
Stick to a budget , and be willing to work hard .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Draw attention to whatever you are doing today , and you will get the help you need to get things done on time .
Love is in the stars , and if you share your emotions with someone unique , positive change will take place .
3 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t mix business with pleasure .
Make decisions based on what you know is fact , not assumption .
You ’ ll have a false impression regarding what someone is offering or willing to do for you .
Work alone to avoid meddling or interference .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Trust your judgment .
Observe , and ask questions that will help you understand a situation that can influence your next move .
Believe in what you do and who you are .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do whatever brings the highest return .
5 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : The past will offer valuable insight into the best way to deal with unpredictable people .
Your experience will be worth far more than you realize .
Talk to someone who can verify the information .
Do your best to secure your position .
2 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Don ’ t give up on someone you love .
Your effort , concern and dedication will pay off in the end .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foresight and compassion for others .
Love is on the rise .
4 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Stay away from innuendoes that could lead to misinterpreting your feelings , thoughts or plans .
The last thing you need is to give the wrong impression .
Keep your personal life private , and avoid trouble .
Working with creative people will inspire you .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : A journey will take you on a mental excursion that will be eye-opening .
Embrace what life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider how best to use what you discover to improve your experience .
Romance is featured .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Offering too much information or embellishing a story will lead to trouble .
Get your facts straight , and avoid rumors or gossip .
You will end up being questioned by someone who has a vested interest in what you are saying .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : You ’ ll captivate an audience with your plans .
You have a good idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to participate .
Don ’ t put your money on the line when you can collect from those who believe in you .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : By sticking to the truth and doing what ’ s best for everyone , you will avoid unsavory fallout .
An emotional situation will be costly .
Avoid predicaments that are no-win situations .
Be honest , brief and prepared to move on alone .
2 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Revive old plans , and rework them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You stand to gain ground if you make the changes that will free up time to pursue your goals .
A financial gain or partnership will help you get ahead .
Romance is favored .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are relentless , courageous and pioneering .
You are inventive and curious .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Adam Clayton, 60; Dana Delany, 64; William H. Macy, 70; Neil Sedaka, 81.
Happy Birthday: Make change happen. Get personal documents, legal matters and investments updated. Money matters will count this year, and financial gains will change your life. Emotional energy will be in abundance, and making headway with personal plans will be yours. Set your sights on your target, and don’t stop until you are satisfied with the results you get. Your numbers are 4, 15, 21, 29, 32, 39, 45.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Put more thought and effort into your current living situation. By building a space that is conducive to moneymaking opportunities, you will be able to buy the freedom to do your own thing. Stick to a budget, and be willing to work hard. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Draw attention to whatever you are doing today, and you will get the help you need to get things done on time. Love is in the stars, and if you share your emotions with someone unique, positive change will take place. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t mix business with pleasure. Make decisions based on what you know is fact, not assumption. You’ll have a false impression regarding what someone is offering or willing to do for you. Work alone to avoid meddling or interference. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Trust your judgment. Observe, and ask questions that will help you understand a situation that can influence your next move. Believe in what you do and who you are. It’s up to you to take control and do whatever brings the highest return. 5 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The past will offer valuable insight into the best way to deal with unpredictable people. Your experience will be worth far more than you realize. Talk to someone who can verify the information. Do your best to secure your position. 2 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t give up on someone you love. Your effort, concern and dedication will pay off in the end. You will gain popularity for your honesty, foresight and compassion for others. Love is on the rise. 4 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Stay away from innuendoes that could lead to misinterpreting your feelings, thoughts or plans. The last thing you need is to give the wrong impression. Keep your personal life private, and avoid trouble. Working with creative people will inspire you. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A journey will take you on a mental excursion that will be eye-opening. Embrace what life has to offer, gather information and consider how best to use what you discover to improve your experience. Romance is featured. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Offering too much information or embellishing a story will lead to trouble. Get your facts straight, and avoid rumors or gossip. You will end up being questioned by someone who has a vested interest in what you are saying. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll captivate an audience with your plans. You have a good idea, and everyone is going to want to participate. Don’t put your money on the line when you can collect from those who believe in you. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): By sticking to the truth and doing what’s best for everyone, you will avoid unsavory fallout. An emotional situation will be costly. Avoid predicaments that are no-win situations. Be honest, brief and prepared to move on alone. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Revive old plans, and rework them to fit today’s trends. You stand to gain ground if you make the changes that will free up time to pursue your goals. A financial gain or partnership will help you get ahead. Romance is favored. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are relentless, courageous and pioneering. You are inventive and curious.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Bridge: March 13, 2020

Bridge: March 13, 2020

When I watched today ’ s deal at my club , North was the dreaded Grapefruit .
He owns and operates a sour disposition and berates his partners mercilessly .
After North-South halted at two spades , South ruffed the second club and led the ace and a low trump .
West threw a heart , and East took his jack and king and forced South to ruff a third club .
Declarer next let the nine of diamonds ride .
East won and led his last club , forcing out South ’ s last trump , and when West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cashed a club .
Down one .
“ Sorry , partner , ” Grapefruit snarled .
“ I should have tabled a better dummy .
If gas were brains , you couldn ’ t drive two laps around a Cheerio.
” Grapefruit told the kibitzers that South would ask for a price check at a dollar store .
South can afford two trump losers , two diamonds and a club .
He can ’ t afford to lose trump control .
After he takes the ace of trumps , he must start the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You hold : S A 7 5 4 3 2 H A K D J 9 8 4 C 5 .
Your partner opens one heart , you respond one spade and he raises to three spades .
The opponents pass .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : An average jump-raise for your partner such as K J 8 6 , Q J 10 7 6 , A , A 7 6 will make a grand slam all but a laydown .
To use Blackwood might not tell you what you need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Partner should treat that bid as a try for slam , not as natural and discouraging .

When I watched today’s deal at my club, North was the dreaded Grapefruit. He owns and operates a sour disposition and berates his partners mercilessly.
After North-South halted at two spades, South ruffed the second club and led the ace and a low trump. West threw a heart, and East took his jack and king and forced South to ruff a third club. Declarer next let the nine of diamonds ride. East won and led his last club, forcing out South’s last trump, and when West took the ace of diamonds, he cashed a club. Down one.
BETTER DUMMY
“Sorry, partner,” Grapefruit snarled. “I should have tabled a better dummy. If gas were brains, you couldn’t drive two laps around a Cheerio.”
“Every card was wrong,” South growled.
Grapefruit told the kibitzers that South would ask for a price check at a dollar store.
South can afford two trump losers, two diamonds and a club. He can’t afford to lose trump control. After he takes the ace of trumps, he must start the diamonds. The contract is safe.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S A 7 5 4 3 2 H A K D J 9 8 4 C 5. Your partner opens one heart, you respond one spade and he raises to three spades. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: An average jump-raise for your partner such as K J 8 6, Q J 10 7 6, A, A 7 6 will make a grand slam all but a laydown. To use Blackwood might not tell you what you need to know. Cue-bid four hearts. Partner should treat that bid as a try for slam, not as natural and discouraging.
South dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S Q 10 8
H J 6 3
D K 10 6 2
C K 6 2
WEST
S 6
H 9 8 7 4
D A 7 3
C Q J 10 9 4
EAST
S K J 9
H Q 10 5 2
D Q 5
C A 8 7 3
SOUTH
S A 7 5 4 3 2
H A K
D J 9 8 4
C 5
South West North East
1 S Pass 2 S All Pass
Opening lead — C Q
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Rain prompts flash flood warnings across Southern California, wreaks havoc along roads

Rain drenched portions of Southern California on Thursday , resulting in slick roads and long commutes as well as flash flood warnings and advisories across the region .
Communities in southwestern San Bernardino County and northern Riverside and Orange Counties received some of the heaviest rainfall , National Weather Service meteorologist Bruno Rodriguez said .
Total precipitation slightly exceeded what forecasts predicted in those areas , where flash flood warnings were in effect from 2:22 p.m to 5:15 p.m. As much as 1.78 inches of rain fell on Hemet , and 26 out of the 30 NWS weather monitoring stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inch of precipitation , Rodriquez said .
A total of 1.49 inches of rain was recorded at Plunge Creek , northeast of Highland , and 1.34 inches of rain was logged at Chino Airport .
Yorba Linda and Fullerton in Inland Orange County saw 1.07 and .8 inches of precipitation , respectively .
As of 3 p.m. Torrance , Whittier and Woodland Hills had received 0.80 , 0.82 and 0.73 inches of rain , respectively , NWS Meteorologist Carol Smith said .
At least 1.17 inches of rain fell in Long Beach , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who became trapped in a drainage canal by rushing water .
Meanwhile , crews in the City of Industry had to retrieve a person who climbed up a tree to escape a flash flood .
Firefighters in Jurupa Valley had to save two people from a disabled vehicle that was stranded in rising waters , Cal Fire Riverside officials said .
Meanwhile , rescuers used a helicopter to save two adults and a minor from a heavily flooded storm channel near Lincoln Avenue and Rincon Street in Corona , Corona Fire Capt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports of spun out vehicles across Los Angeles County , as well as rock and mud slides along the 14 Freeway in the Antelope Valley .
Authorities also received multiple calls from motorists regarding waterlogged and impassable roads throughout Riverside County , Cal Fire spokeswoman Tawny Cabral said .
A portion of the 60 Freeway near the 15 Freeway was shut down for several hours due to flooding , Rodriguez said .
Rain may have led to the partial collapse of a sidewalk in Redlands .
Soaked streets led to potentially treacherous conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been speeding along wet asphalt died just south of Corona after her SUV slammed into a tree at about 3 p.m. on Knabe Road , near White Sage Road .
Scattered showers may persist through the workweek , but most of Southern California should stay dry through the weekend , Rodriguez said .
However , another bout of heavy rainfall may come to the region as soon as Monday evening , along with cooler than average temperatures .
“ This is an unusual pattern , ” Smith said of a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coast from the Pacific Ocean .
Rainfall totals should be well above average for the month of March , Rodriguez and Smith said .
However it was unclear if upcoming storms will produce enough precipitation to make up for an especially dry period during January and February .

Rain drenched portions of Southern California on Thursday, resulting in slick roads and long commutes as well as flash flood warnings and advisories across the region.
Communities in southwestern San Bernardino County and northern Riverside and Orange Counties received some of the heaviest rainfall, National Weather Service meteorologist Bruno Rodriguez said. Total precipitation slightly exceeded what forecasts predicted in those areas, where flash flood warnings were in effect from 2:22 p.m to 5:15 p.m.
As much as 1.78 inches of rain fell on Hemet, and 26 out of the 30 NWS weather monitoring stations in Riverside County recorded at least 1 inch of precipitation, Rodriquez said. A total of 1.49 inches of rain was recorded at Plunge Creek, northeast of Highland, and 1.34 inches of rain was logged at Chino Airport. Yorba Linda and Fullerton in Inland Orange County saw 1.07 and .8 inches of precipitation, respectively.
As of 3 p.m. Torrance, Whittier and Woodland Hills had received 0.80, 0.82 and 0.73 inches of rain, respectively, NWS Meteorologist Carol Smith said. At least 1.17 inches of rain fell in Long Beach, where firefighters had to rescue two people who became trapped in a drainage canal by rushing water. Meanwhile, crews in the City of Industry had to retrieve a person who climbed up a tree to escape a flash flood.
WATER RESCUE – Rptd 4:31 pm. Pedley Rd X Jurupa Rd in Jurupa Valley. 1 Chief, 3 Engines, 1 Task Force, 19 FF's. FF's responded to report of a disabled vehicle stuck in rising water near the above intersection. #PedleyIncident — CAL FIRE Riverside (@CALFIRERRU) March 13, 2020
Firefighters in Jurupa Valley had to save two people from a disabled vehicle that was stranded in rising waters, Cal Fire Riverside officials said. Meanwhile, rescuers used a helicopter to save two adults and a minor from a heavily flooded storm channel near Lincoln Avenue and Rincon Street in Corona, Corona Fire Capt. Ryan Rolston said.
There were numerous reports of spun out vehicles across Los Angeles County, as well as rock and mud slides along the 14 Freeway in the Antelope Valley. Authorities also received multiple calls from motorists regarding waterlogged and impassable roads throughout Riverside County, Cal Fire spokeswoman Tawny Cabral said. A portion of the 60 Freeway near the 15 Freeway was shut down for several hours due to flooding, Rodriguez said.
Rain may have led to the partial collapse of a sidewalk in Redlands. Soaked streets led to potentially treacherous conditions for motorists. One woman who may have been speeding along wet asphalt died just south of Corona after her SUV slammed into a tree at about 3 p.m. on Knabe Road, near White Sage Road.
Scattered showers may persist through the workweek, but most of Southern California should stay dry through the weekend, Rodriguez said. However, another bout of heavy rainfall may come to the region as soon as Monday evening, along with cooler than average temperatures.
“This is an unusual pattern,” Smith said of a series of moisture laden storms heading to the west coast from the Pacific Ocean.
Rainfall totals should be well above average for the month of March, Rodriguez and Smith said. However it was unclear if upcoming storms will produce enough precipitation to make up for an especially dry period during January and February.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Ask Amy: We have 10 beds in the house, and he’s never in his own

DEAR READERS : Every year I step away from my daily column to work on other creative projects .
I ’ ve gathered some topical “ Best Of ” columns from 10 years ago .
Today ’ s compilation considers some of the abundant challenges of fatherhood .
Some content has been lightly edited .
I ’ ll be back in two weeks with fresh columns .
DEAR AMY : I am a widower with five children .
We live in a large home in a private , gated community .
I allowed my wife ’ s sister and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she and her husband lost their jobs and their home was foreclosed upon .
They have three older children .
I am truly blessed that both our families get along well , and that my children have a mother figure in my sister-in-law .
I am concerned , though , for my youngest son , “ Stevie.
” • Ask Amy : If you had to be married to have sex , there would be no abortions • Ask Amy : My husband dismisses his affairs as ‘ free booty in the elevator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skill could have helped these kids • Ask Amy : She ’ s furious that I called 911 because of this odd phone call • Ask Amy : This European tour isn ’ t big enough for us and them At a little over 2 years old , he has yet to speak ( for some context , I didn ’ t start talking until I was 4 ) .
Stevie also likes to cuddle with everyone .
Despite having his own bed and stuffed bear , Stevie and bear can be found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sisters , cousins , aunt and uncle , or my own !
He does not discriminate !
I found him recently sleeping with our chocolate Lab !
Is this behavior something to be concerned about ?
Friends and family say it ’ s just a phase , but I ’ d like to be sure .
What is your take on this ?
DEAR CONCERNED : I ’ m happy your unusual living situation is working out for your families , but as the youngest , “ Stevie ” may be expressing some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the cuddle chain in your very large household .
At only 2 years old , he has been through a great deal .
He now has a wealth of cuddling and sleeping options , and he is trying them all .
Take your son to see his pediatrician for an evaluation .
His lack of language could be a sign of a processing or hearing problem , or evidence that he has suffered a loss , is stressed and confused , and is going through a transition .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone ( as long as you are assured he is safe ) , but you , especially , should give him as much one-on-one “ Daddy time ” as you can .
DEAR AMY : My daughter is 19 and has been dating her boyfriend for 2½ years .
She has four siblings .
All of her siblings dislike this guy .
He lives with my daughter in my ex-wife ’ s house most of the time .
He rarely contributes to the household resources , yet he often takes advantage of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is polite and kind to her and to her mother — and to me — but I don ’ t think he is a warm , giving person overall .
He is employed and he treats my daughter well , and she loves him , but almost everyone he encounters does not like him .
I don ’ t think he does anything to elevate her or make her better , and I am convinced that she would be better off without him .
I am afraid to intervene because I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between him and me , and yet I feel like I should say something .
I made a mistake marrying her mother , and I wish my parents had intervened when I was her age .
Do you have any advice for me ?
DEAR DAD : If you lay an ultimatum at your daughter ’ s feet and force her to choose between you and her boyfriend , she will “ choose ” him , I assure you .
Despite your current and retrospective take on the matter , you would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I agree with you that this relationship doesn ’ t sound ideal , although according to you he treats your daughter and the rest of the family well .
This person ’ s function in your daughter ’ s life is not to elevate and make her “ better.
” She should elevate herself and strive to be her best self .
You should mentor your daughter to further her education , do good work and aspire to great things .
Without trashing her boyfriend , you could tell her , “ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want you to live your very best life .
I feel you ’ re too young to settle down , and hope you will consider all of your options.
” You could tell her you ’ ve learned from your own mistakes , but please don ’ t say you regret marrying her mom .
That is a disrespectful message to convey regarding the mother of your children .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR READERS: Every year I step away from my daily column to work on other creative projects. I’ve gathered some topical “Best Of” columns from 10 years ago. Today’s compilation considers some of the abundant challenges of fatherhood. Some content has been lightly edited. I’ll be back in two weeks with fresh columns.
DEAR AMY: I am a widower with five children. We live in a large home in a private, gated community.
I allowed my wife’s sister and her family to move in with us when she and her husband lost their jobs and their home was foreclosed upon. They have three older children.
I am truly blessed that both our families get along well, and that my children have a mother figure in my sister-in-law. I am concerned, though, for my youngest son, “Stevie.”
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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 At a little over 2 years old, he has yet to speak (for some context, I didn’t start talking until I was 4). Stevie also likes to cuddle with everyone. Despite having his own bed and stuffed bear, Stevie and bear can be found in the beds of his brothers, sisters, cousins, aunt and uncle, or my own! He does not discriminate! I found him recently sleeping with our chocolate Lab!
Is this behavior something to be concerned about? Friends and family say it’s just a phase, but I’d like to be sure. What is your take on this?
Concerned in Michigan
DEAR CONCERNED: I’m happy your unusual living situation is working out for your families, but as the youngest, “Stevie” may be expressing some of the natural stresses of being at the end of the cuddle chain in your very large household.
At only 2 years old, he has been through a great deal. He now has a wealth of cuddling and sleeping options, and he is trying them all.
Take your son to see his pediatrician for an evaluation. His lack of language could be a sign of a processing or hearing problem, or evidence that he has suffered a loss, is stressed and confused, and is going through a transition.
I’d let him cuddle with anyone and everyone (as long as you are assured he is safe), but you, especially, should give him as much one-on-one “Daddy time” as you can.
August 2010
DEAR AMY: My daughter is 19 and has been dating her boyfriend for 2½ years. She has four siblings. All of her siblings dislike this guy.
He lives with my daughter in my ex-wife’s house most of the time. He rarely contributes to the household resources, yet he often takes advantage of all the household has to offer.
He is polite and kind to her and to her mother — and to me — but I don’t think he is a warm, giving person overall.
He is employed and he treats my daughter well, and she loves him, but almost everyone he encounters does not like him.
I don’t think he does anything to elevate her or make her better, and I am convinced that she would be better off without him.
I am afraid to intervene because I don’t want her to have to choose between him and me, and yet I feel like I should say something.
I made a mistake marrying her mother, and I wish my parents had intervened when I was her age. Do you have any advice for me?
Concerned Dad
Want Ask Amy delivered to your inbox for free on weekdays?
DEAR DAD: If you lay an ultimatum at your daughter’s feet and force her to choose between you and her boyfriend, she will “choose” him, I assure you. Despite your current and retrospective take on the matter, you would have done the same at her age.
I agree with you that this relationship doesn’t sound ideal, although according to you he treats your daughter and the rest of the family well.
This person’s function in your daughter’s life is not to elevate and make her “better.” She should elevate herself and strive to be her best self.
You should mentor your daughter to further her education, do good work and aspire to great things. Without trashing her boyfriend, you could tell her, “You’re young and wonderful. I want you to live your very best life. I feel you’re too young to settle down, and hope you will consider all of your options.”
You could tell her you’ve learned from your own mistakes, but please don’t say you regret marrying her mom. That is a disrespectful message to convey regarding the mother of your children.
July 2010
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Letter: The Delta project has had many aliases to obscure its origins

The ill-fated Delta tunnel project has had many aliases over the last 70 years , to obscure its origins and puff up its utility .
The Peripheral Canal idea was born in the 1940s , and defeated at the ballot in 1982.The canal project then went underground , and the latest iteration has a single tunnel re-christened as the Delta Conveyance Project .
More water exports could cost the Delta 25,000 agricultural jobs and $ 2 billion of production .
The Delta Conveyance , née the Peripheral Canal , still sits on shaky economic ground .
In 2016 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollar spent would return only a quarter ( $ 0.23 ) of benefits .
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Water rights that date back to the nineteenth century must be overhauled .
Market mechanisms are needed to allocate water , while protecting the environment .
Submit your letter to the editor via this form Read more Letters to the Editor

Delta project’s aliases had blurred its origins, utility
Re: “Why California should support Delta tunnel proposal” (Opinion section, Eastbaytimes.com, March 6):
The ill-fated Delta tunnel project has had many aliases over the last 70 years, to obscure its origins and puff up its utility.
The Peripheral Canal idea was born in the 1940s, and defeated at the ballot in 1982.The canal project then went underground, and the latest iteration has a single tunnel re-christened as the Delta Conveyance Project. More water exports could cost the Delta 25,000 agricultural jobs and $2 billion of production.
The Delta Conveyance, née the Peripheral Canal, still sits on shaky economic ground. In 2016, the University of the Pacific found that each dollar spent would return only a quarter ($0.23) of benefits.
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mercurynews--2020-03-13--Harriette Cole: My much-older sister doesn’t have time for me

DEAR HARRIETTE : There ’ s a pretty large age gap between my sister and me .
When my mom had me , my sister was 16 years old .
I have been told that when I was a baby , my sister would take care of me like I was her own .
But when I turned 4 , my sister joined the Air Force .
A couple of years later , she got married and had children of her own .
I am so happy for her .
She has it all : an amazing husband , beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand she has a life of her own .
However , lately , speaking to her is like speaking to a stranger .
She and I are polar opposites .
I feel that I don ’ t have as close a bond with her as she has for other people .
My sister makes time for her friends ( when she is not watching the kids ) , but we never seem to do anything together .
I miss having this bond with my sister , and I worry that she doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way I can build our bond again ?
DEAR DISTANT SISTER : It is natural that you and your sister are not as close as you might like .
She left home when you were a toddler and built a life of her own that has been full-on with work , children and family .
Rather than bemoaning your status with her , speak up .
Tell your sister that you miss her and want to build a closer relationship with her .
Suggest a few options that include visiting her at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can get to know her children better , too .
Invite her to go out with you from time to time .
Make it clear that you want to get to know her better .
Be direct with her .
She is so busy with her life that it ’ s likely she doesn ’ t realize how left out you feel .
I ’ m sure she loves you .
Don ’ t give up .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I have a friend who comes from a strict Christian background .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider each other friends .
Becoming so enthralled with the faith from such a young age has disillusioned both of us to the prospects of attending Mass every Sunday .
It has become akin to a chore , like washing the dishes .
It is something we do to appease our parents , but in the end , we derive no pleasure from it .
My parents do not pay much attention to me missing a Mass once in a while ; however , my friend is forced against his will and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overbearing and constantly nag him whenever he does not do as they order him to .
He has been visibly depressed lately , and I am afraid to approach him since he is constantly pushing me away .
What should I do ?
DEAR CONCERNED FRIEND : You really can not get between your friend and his parents .
What you can do is be supportive .
Tell your friend that you understand how difficult it is for him .
If he doesn ’ t want to talk , text him .
Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you are thinking about him .
Invite him to hang out in whatever way his parents allow .
If his parents allow it , you may be able to be the friend who helps him to feel some sense of freedom .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS , an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: There’s a pretty large age gap between my sister and me. When my mom had me, my sister was 16 years old. I have been told that when I was a baby, my sister would take care of me like I was her own. But when I turned 4, my sister joined the Air Force.
A couple of years later, she got married and had children of her own. I am so happy for her. She has it all: an amazing husband, beautiful kids and a great-paying job.
I understand she has a life of her own. However, lately, speaking to her is like speaking to a stranger. She and I are polar opposites. I feel that I don’t have as close a bond with her as she has for other people.
My sister makes time for her friends (when she is not watching the kids), but we never seem to do anything together.
I miss having this bond with my sister, and I worry that she doesn’t love me. Is there any way I can build our bond again?
Distant Sister
DEAR DISTANT SISTER: It is natural that you and your sister are not as close as you might like. She left home when you were a toddler and built a life of her own that has been full-on with work, children and family. Rather than bemoaning your status with her, speak up. Tell your sister that you miss her and want to build a closer relationship with her.
Suggest a few options that include visiting her at home with the family. That way you can get to know her children better, too. Invite her to go out with you from time to time. Make it clear that you want to get to know her better. Be direct with her. She is so busy with her life that it’s likely she doesn’t realize how left out you feel. I’m sure she loves you. Don’t give up.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend who comes from a strict Christian background. We are not that close, but we consider each other friends.
Becoming so enthralled with the faith from such a young age has disillusioned both of us to the prospects of attending Mass every Sunday. It has become akin to a chore, like washing the dishes. It is something we do to appease our parents, but in the end, we derive no pleasure from it.
My parents do not pay much attention to me missing a Mass once in a while; however, my friend is forced against his will and is losing interest. His parents are extremely overbearing and constantly nag him whenever he does not do as they order him to.
He has been visibly depressed lately, and I am afraid to approach him since he is constantly pushing me away. What should I do?
Concerned Friend
DEAR CONCERNED FRIEND: You really cannot get between your friend and his parents. What you can do is be supportive. Tell your friend that you understand how difficult it is for him. If he doesn’t want to talk, text him. Don’t be pushy. Just say that you are thinking about him.
Invite him to hang out in whatever way his parents allow. If his parents allow it, you may be able to be the friend who helps him to feel some sense of freedom.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--The Latest: US protests China official’s claim about virus

By The Associated Press The Latest on the world ’ s coronavirus pandemic : The State Department on Friday summoned China ’ s ambassador to the U.S. to complain about recent comments from a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman suggesting that the U.S. Army may have introduced the coronavirus to Wuhan .
The department said it had protested the comments from deputy ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian and noted that China ’ s storyline about the COVID-19 virus “ has been shifting away from the Wuhan Huanan market since mid-January indicating that China is trying avoid responsibility for the outbreak.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blame , but asks the Chinese government to offse full access and transparency in order to prevent further loss of lives inside and outside the PRC , ” the department said .
President Donald Trump is tweeting that four major cruise ship companies have agreed to suspend trips from the U.S. for 30 days , effective at midnight .
Trump says that Carnival , Royal Caribbean , Norwegian and MSC Cruises all agreed to the suspensions .
The U.S. State Department advised Sunday against any travel on cruise ships , particularly for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismissing public school classes for at least two weeks to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus , Gov .
Gary Herbert said Friday .
The “ soft closure ” starts Monday , though doors will stay open to allow kids to get things like meals and tutoring if needed .
Teaching for Utah ’ s 667,000 public school students will move online or to take-home packets .
The state has a handful of cases , including high-profile Utah Jazz NBA players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell .
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency in the nation ’ s capital , asked that all gatherings of more than 250 people be avoided .
That ’ s down from the original request earlier this week , which set the requested limit at 1,000 people .
Bowser has shut down the District of Columbia ’ s schools through the end of March and all non-essential Washington government officials will begin teleworking starting next week .
The Kosovar government on Friday decided to close the country ’ s land border points and air routes in an effort to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday authorities reported two coronavirus cases , the first in the tiny Western Balkan country , a 20-year old Italian woman and a 77-year old Albanian man .
Idaho has its first confirmed case of coronavirus , state health officials announced Friday afternoon .
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said Gov .
Brad Little would make an official announcement about the case at the end of the business day Friday .
The news came several hours after he declared a state of emergency because of coronavirus .
The Republican governor said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and guard against healthcare systems being overwhelmed .
Oklahoma used more than half its testing capacity Wednesday to test 58 members of the Utah Jazz basketball organization after a player tested positive .
Those tests results showed a second player , Donovan Mitchell , also tested positive .
Oklahoma state epidemiologist Laurence Burnsed said it would have been too risky to transport the team back to Utah for testing without knowing who might be positive .
Oklahoma State Commissioner of Health Gary Cox said the state ’ s testing capacity was 100 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested .
A spokeswoman for the Oklahoma State Department of Health said the tests on the members of the Utah Jazz did not disrupt testing of any Oklahoma patient samples .
Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker has ordered the closing of every school in the state until March 30 starting Tuesday amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus .
Pritzker announced his decision Friday in Chicago where more than 355,000 public school students will be affected .
Statewide , nearly 2 million students will not be returning to the classroom for two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 cases of people who had tested positive for the virus on Friday , bringing the state ’ s total number of cases to 46 .
Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers on Friday ordered all of the state ’ s public and private K-12 schools closed from March 18 until April 5 , saying they could close earlier if they wished and the reopening date may be delayed .
There were 19 confirmed cases in Wisconsin , including one who had recovered .
The number of people who have died from the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday – from 41 to 49 .
Washington state health officials reported six new COVID-19 deaths on Friday making the state ’ s total 37 .
Three of the new fatalities were associated with a nursing home in Kirkland , Washington , that has been the epicenter of the disease in the state .
Colorado health officials reported the state ’ s first coronavirus death .
A woman in her 80s with underlying health conditions died in El Paso County .
California Department of Public Health announced Friday that the state now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death , bringing the fatality total to five .
Gov .
Kate Brown said Friday that Oregon will help find childcare for the children of frontline medical workers and first responders as schools statewide are closed for two weeks to slow the spread of the new coronavirus .
Oregon also obtained a federal waiver Friday to allow districts to serve free and reduced-price lunches to lower-income students outside a school setting , at places such as bus stops , churches and community centers .
About half of the 580,000 children in Oregon affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide receive meal subsidies , Oregon Department of Education Director Colt Gill said .
As for childcare for doctors and nurses , Brown equated it to a wartime effort to make medical workers available .
The World Health Organization ’ s chief has launched a global fund on Friday to raise money to help the world ’ s nations respond to the COVID-19 pandemic .
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said : “ Every dollar donated is a dollar towards saving lives.
” President Donald Trump has said he is likely to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump over the weekend was near Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro ’ s communications director , Fábio Wajngarten , who tested positive for the virus just days later .
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement Thursday that “ both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time.
” Trump was asked at a press conference Friday if he was being selfish by not undergoing testing , prompting Trump to reply : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t going to be tested.
” “ Most likely , yeah , ” Trump added while downplaying his interaction with the Brazilian official at this resort in Florida .
“ Not for that reason , but because I think I will do it anyway .
Fairly soon , we ’ re working out a schedule.
” The Catalan government wants to fully isolate the northeastern region of 7.5 million to stop the spread of the new coronavirus , its regional chief said late on Friday , urging central authorities in Spain to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke in a televised address on the same day when some 70,000 residents were confined to four towns of the region where a virulent cluster of the COVID-19 has infected dozens in a matter of days .
Central authorities in Spain announced Friday a state of emergency that will give the government extraordinary powers from Saturday and until the end of March to take over private facilities , restrict freedom of movement and impose mandatory supply of food and medicines .
Authorities in the Madrid region , with nearly half of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have also urged the central government to order the total lockdown there .
In a press conference late in the evening , regional president , Isabel Díaz Ayuso , confirmed that hotels had been designated to be used as makeshift hospitals in order to reach at least 1,000 rooms with intensive care capabilities in coming weeks .
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Friday night in a video posted on the government ’ s Facebook page that classes will be held for students only through distance learning .
He also asked that children staying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care of grandparents , who , because of their age , are among those most at risk regarding the coronavirus .
Hungary already suspended university classes earlier this week because of the large number of foreign students .
Hungary has reported 19 cases of the coronavirus .
Washington ’ s governor has ordered a six-week closure of all public and private schools in the state , which has seen the most COVID-19 deaths in the United States .
Gov .
Jay Inslee had previously ordered all greater Seattle area schools to shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close from March 17 to April 24 .
In Washington state , there are more than 1.1 million public school students .
At least 31 deaths from coronavirus have occurred in Washington , most in the Seattle area .
President Donald Trump is criticizing legislation in the House designed to help Americans dealing with the new coronavirus , saying , “ we just don ’ t think they ’ re giving enough.
” Trump claimed that Democrats , in the end , “ didn ’ t agree to certain things they agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is free testing for the virus and guaranteed sick pay for workers who are taking time away from jobs , along with an infusion of dollars to handle unemployment benefits and boost food programs for children , families and seniors .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday the House would approve the aid package and implored the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to “ put families first ” by backing the effort .
Morocco announced a temporary nationwide school shut down amid concerns of the spread of the coronavirus .
Lessons will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is required to continue providing lessons over the net , according to a statement from the education ministry .
Morocco introduced a range of other measures , including banning all gatherings of more than 1,000 people , prohibiting religious events and suspending flights to China , Italy , Spain and France .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says all passenger air traffic abroad will be halted on Tuesday .
Earlier Friday , the country banned entry by foreigners for two weeks .
The speaker of parliament , Dmytro Razumkov , told a Ukrainian TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to enter the country by land and sea entry points .
President Donald Trump says he will waive interest on student loans being held by the federal government “ until further notice ” as part of an emergency action to help Americans deal with the new coronavirus .
Trump says he has also instructed his secretary of Energy to purchase large quantities of crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve , which stores fuel for emergency use .
Trump says “ we ’ re going to fill it right up to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American taxpayers and help the oil industry .
Trump made the announcements during a White House press conference on Friday .
Gov .
Ron DeSantis announced a ramp-up Friday in testing for the new coronavirus in Florida , where more than 50 people have been infected with the virus including the Miami mayor .
DeSantis said the state was purchasing kits that allow for testing up to 625,000 people , with 40 percent of them already in hand and 60 percent of them on the way .
So far , people have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties in Florida , most of them after traveling internationally or to other affected U.S. states .
Two people in Florida have died .
Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei says the country has its first confirmed case of coronavirus .
The Guatemalan man had arrived in the country Wednesday from Italy with relatives .
There were also five citizens of El Salvador who arrived on the same flight and were immediately redirected to that country .
The man was taken to a local hospital that had been prepared to treat those with the illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being monitored .
Neighboring Honduras confirmed its first two cases earlier this week .
President Donald Trump has announced that he is officially declaring a national emergency over the new coronavirus .
The president spoke at Rose Garden press conference and said no resource will be spared in responding to the virus .
He says that the declaration will free up nearly $ 50 billion to help the states and cities .
Trump says he is also asking every hospital in the U.S. to activate their emergency preparedness plan .
He is facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the severity of the outbreak and over the administration ’ s scattershot response .
But the president is defending the administration ’ s response , particularly its temporary ban on travel from Europe , saying it will save lives .
He says of the virus that “ this will pass ” and the nation will emerge stronger .
South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem ordered a state of emergency on Friday and ordered public schools to close in response to the COVID-19 outbreak .
The move marks an intensification of Noem ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordered all public schools to close for a week to clean facilities and prepare for a potential reopening the following week .
This comes after another person in the state , a man in his 30s who had traveled outside the state , had tested positive for the virus , bringing the state total to nine cases .
One of the men who tested positive for the virus died on Tuesday .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer on Friday ordered the cancellation or postponement of all events and gatherings of more than 250 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus , exempting industrial work , mass transit and the purchase of groceries or consumer goods .
The move came a day after she announced that all public and private schools — covering more than 1.5 million kids — would be closed for three weeks starting Monday due to the pandemic .
As of Thursday , Michigan had 12 cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus .
Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam on Friday ordered all schools in Virginia to close for at least two weeks as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follows similar orders in several other states .
Schools will close Monday until at least March 27 , Northam said in a statement .
“ I recognize this will pose a hardship on many families , but closing our schools for two weeks will not only give our staff time to clean and disinfect school facilities , it will help slow the spread of this virus , ” Northam said .
Northam ’ s decision follows the near doubling of coronavirus cases in the state .
Virginia has 30 people who have tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , The Virginia Department of Health said Friday .
New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy says the number of positive COVID-19 cases has climbed to 50 , up from 29 .
The 21 positive cases amount to the biggest jump since the first positive test last week .
Murphy also said that the state is preparing for closing schools statewide , though he stopped short of taking that step .
He said it ’ s a matter of when , not if , they close .
Gov .
Tom Wolf is ordering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for two weeks as the state takes sweeping measures aimed at slowing the spread of the new coronavirus .
The order affecting more than 1.7 million school children in public and private schools came as confirmed cases in the state leaped to 33 from 22 , including the first patient under age 18 .
Wolf ordered all schools , day cares and other facilities closed in hard-hit Montgomery County , in the Philadelphia suburbs , home to more than 800,000 people .
The Russian government is sharply cutting passenger air traffic with countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Britain — as well with Norway and Switzerland .
The government ’ s operational center on Friday said all regular flights to and from those countries will be cancelled as of Monday , with the exception of flights connecting Moscow with the countries ’ capitals and charter flights and charter flights taking citizens to their home countries .
Louisiana ’ s governor planned to postpone the state ’ s presidential primaries due to fears of the coronavirus , an aide said Friday , which would make it the first state to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edwards planned to sign an executive order delaying the April 4 primary until June 20 , said his spokeswoman Christina Stephens .
“ We are experiencing community spread of coronavirus in Louisiana , and the governor is taking decisive action to slow its progress , ” Stephens said on Twitter .
French Health Minister Olivier Veran has said in the daily address Friday that there are now 3661 confirmed cases in France — a figure that represents a rise of more than 800 since Thursday .
Veran said there have been 18 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll to 79 .
All non-urgent actions in hospital are being postponed .
A count of 154 infected people are in a serious condition .
The Walt Disney Co. says its shutting down many of its live-action productions , including “ The Little Mermaid , ” due to the coronavirus .
Hollywood on Friday continued to halt shoots of most films and television series to help control the spread of the virus .
For Disney , that also includes “ The Last Duel ” with Matt Damon , Adam Driver and Ben Affleck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Legend of the Ten Rings ” ; a “ Home Alone ” remake and more .
“ While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our productions , after considering the current environment and the best interests of our cast and crew , we have made the decision to pause production on some of our live-action films for a short time , ” said a spokesman for Disney .
The Walt Disney Co. on Thursday said it would shutter its theme parks , including Disney World and Disneyland , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ films , including “ Mulan.
” Italian civil protection authorities say the number of coronavirus infections has soared by more than 2,500 in the last 24 hours while virus-related deaths make largest single-day jump of 250 .
That brings the total number of infected in Italy to 17,660 since the outbreak began on Feb. 21 , and the number of related deaths to 1,266 .
Italy is the epicenter of the virus outbreak in Europe .
The head of the World Health Organization says Europe , not China , is now the epicenter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva that “ more cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic.
” He says Europe now has “ more reported virus cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined , apart from China.
” Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ content .

By The Associated Press
The Latest on the world’s coronavirus pandemic:
Officials say tests have confirmed three cases of the new coronavirus in Puerto Rico, the first for the U.S. territory.
Gov. Wanda Vazquez said Friday night that the public school system would close for 14 days and that no cruise ships or the ferry from the Dominican Republic would be allowed to dock.
Vazquez said one of the cases involved a local man who had relatives who traveled off the island and the other two are tourists from northern Italy who arrived on a cruise ship.
Even before the announcement, several events including concerts and a circus performance had been canceled on the island due to worries about the virus, which has spread around the world. The University of Puerto Rico and some private colleges canceled classes.
___
The U.S. Defense Department is planning to halt all domestic travel for military members after President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency.
The Pentagon says Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist has approved new travel restrictions on service members and Defense Department civilians assigned to military installations and surrounding areas within the United States and its territories.
The new guidance takes effect Monday and last through May 11. The Pentagon says it will “halt all domestic travel, including Permanent Change of Station and Temporary Duty.”
Service members will be authorized local leave only, although the Pentagon says exemptions may be granted “for compelling cases.”
The Defense Department has also suspended “unofficial visits” to the Pentagon and other facilities in the Washington area.
___
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has relaxed restrictions on carry-on items to allow passengers containers of liquid hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (355 milliliters).
TSA regulations currently prohibit liquids, gels and aerosols larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).
The change comes as the agency housed under the Department of Homeland Security acknowledges on its website that the virus outbreak “is at the forefront on the minds of travelers, as health officials are encouraging that individuals wash their hands frequently.”
The allowance is in effect until further notice. TSA says passengers at airport security checkpoints should expect separate screenings for containers larger than the standard size.
___
The U.S. now has 50 coronavirus deaths, and cases in all but one state.
California’s sixth death from the disease, reported south of San Francisco, put the nation at 50 deaths overall. Santa Clara County officials reported Friday that a woman in her 80s died from COVID-19.
Most deaths have occurred in Washington state, which reported six more on Friday, bringing its total to 37. Florida, New Jersey, South Dakota, Georgia, Kansas and Colorado also have reported deaths.
Also Friday, Alabama, Idaho and Montana reported their first coronavirus cases. That leaves West Virginia as the only state with no cases confirmed.
Montana’s governor declared a state of emergency ahead of his announcement that the state had four cases.
In Seattle, the largest city in Washington state, Mayor Jenny Durkan said she would issue an emergency order for a temporary moratorium on residential evictions in the city because of COVID-19.
___
Jack Ma, founder of the Chinese tech giant Alibaba, says his foundation will donate 500,000 COVID-19 testing kits and 1 million masks to the U.S.
“Drawing from my own country’s experience, speedy and accurate testing and adequate personal protective equipment for medical professionals are most effective in prevent the spread of the virus,” Ma said in a statement Friday on Twitter. “At this moment, we can’t beat this virus unless we eliminate boundaries to resources and share our know-how and hard-earned lessons.”
Ma said the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation have already donated items to Japan, South Korea, Italy Iran and Spain, and he hopes the latest donation will help Americans fight against the pandemic.
___
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has asked all 3,000 staff members at U.N. headquarters in New York to work from home for three weeks starting Monday unless they are needed to carry out essential services.
U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric, who made the announcement late Friday, said meetings of the Security Council, General Assembly and other key bodies and committees can still take place.
Dujarric said Guterres made the decision to drastically reduce the number of staff at U.N. headquarters in order to reduce social contact to a minimum in light of the new coronavirus.
Dujarric said Friday that no U.N. staff member has been reported testing positive for COVID-19, but a diplomat from the Philippines assigned to their U.N. mission did test positive.
___
A national memorial in New Zealand to commemorate the 51 people who were killed when a gunman attacked two mosques one year ago has been canceled due to concern over the new coronavirus.
Thousands of people were expected to attend the Sunday service in Christchurch to mark the anniversary of the March 15 shooting.
New Zealand has had just six confirmed cases of COVID-19. All of those cases have been connected to people returning from abroad and so far there haven’t been signs of a local outbreak. The most recent case, involving a man in his 60s who recently returned from the U.S., was announced by health officials Saturday.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern the decision to cancel the service, also announced Saturday, was pragmatic and precautionary.
___
A cruise ship that docked in Oakland, California, on Monday after being struck with the coronavirus has disembarked 2,450 passengers and transported them to appropriate quarantine sites.
Princess Cruises said only 14 international passengers remained on board while waiting to be repatriated to their home countries.
California officials said after they get off, the ship will be anchored somewhere in San Francisco Bay while crew members wait for chartered flights to their destination.
___
The State Department on Friday summoned China’s ambassador to the U.S. to complain about recent comments from a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman suggesting that the U.S. Army may have introduced the coronavirus to Wuhan.
The department said it had protested the comments from deputy ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian and noted that China’s storyline about the COVID-19 virus “has been shifting away from the Wuhan Huanan market since mid-January indicating that China is trying avoid responsibility for the outbreak.”
“The U.S. is not interested in assigning blame, but asks the Chinese government to offse full access and transparency in order to prevent further loss of lives inside and outside the PRC,” the department said.
___
President Donald Trump is tweeting that four major cruise ship companies have agreed to suspend trips from the U.S. for 30 days, effective at midnight.
Trump says that Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC Cruises all agreed to the suspensions.
The U.S. State Department advised Sunday against any travel on cruise ships, particularly for those with underlying health conditions.
___
Utah is dismissing public school classes for at least two weeks to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, Gov. Gary Herbert said Friday.
The “soft closure” starts Monday, though doors will stay open to allow kids to get things like meals and tutoring if needed.
Teaching for Utah’s 667,000 public school students will move online or to take-home packets. The state has a handful of cases, including high-profile Utah Jazz NBA players Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
___
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, who had previously declared a state of emergency in the nation’s capital, asked that all gatherings of more than 250 people be avoided.
That’s down from the original request earlier this week, which set the requested limit at 1,000 people. Bowser has shut down the District of Columbia’s schools through the end of March and all non-essential Washington government officials will begin teleworking starting next week.
Washington DC has 10 identified case of coronavirus infection.
___
The Kosovar government on Friday decided to close the country’s land border points and air routes in an effort to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
Earlier Friday authorities reported two coronavirus cases, the first in the tiny Western Balkan country, a 20-year old Italian woman and a 77-year old Albanian man.
___
Idaho has its first confirmed case of coronavirus, state health officials announced Friday afternoon.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said Gov. Brad Little would make an official announcement about the case at the end of the business day Friday. The news came several hours after he declared a state of emergency because of coronavirus.
The Republican governor said he wanted the state to be prepared and guard against healthcare systems being overwhelmed.
___
Oklahoma used more than half its testing capacity Wednesday to test 58 members of the Utah Jazz basketball organization after a player tested positive. Those tests results showed a second player, Donovan Mitchell, also tested positive.
Oklahoma state epidemiologist Laurence Burnsed said it would have been too risky to transport the team back to Utah for testing without knowing who might be positive.
Oklahoma State Commissioner of Health Gary Cox said the state’s testing capacity was 100 per day at the time the team was tested.
A spokeswoman for the Oklahoma State Department of Health said the tests on the members of the Utah Jazz did not disrupt testing of any Oklahoma patient samples.
___
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ordered the closing of every school in the state until March 30 starting Tuesday amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus.
Pritzker announced his decision Friday in Chicago where more than 355,000 public school students will be affected. Statewide, nearly 2 million students will not be returning to the classroom for two weeks.
Illinois officials also reported an additional 14 cases of people who had tested positive for the virus on Friday, bringing the state’s total number of cases to 46.
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Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Friday ordered all of the state’s public and private K-12 schools closed from March 18 until April 5, saying they could close earlier if they wished and the reopening date may be delayed.
There were 19 confirmed cases in Wisconsin, including one who had recovered.
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The number of people who have died from the new coronavirus in the U.S. jumped by eight on Friday – from 41 to 49.
Washington state health officials reported six new COVID-19 deaths on Friday making the state’s total 37. Three of the new fatalities were associated with a nursing home in Kirkland, Washington, that has been the epicenter of the disease in the state.
Colorado health officials reported the state’s first coronavirus death. A woman in her 80s with underlying health conditions died in El Paso County.
California Department of Public Health announced Friday that the state now has 247 confirmed cases and one new death, bringing the fatality total to five.
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Gov. Kate Brown said Friday that Oregon will help find childcare for the children of frontline medical workers and first responders as schools statewide are closed for two weeks to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Oregon also obtained a federal waiver Friday to allow districts to serve free and reduced-price lunches to lower-income students outside a school setting, at places such as bus stops, churches and community centers.
About half of the 580,000 children in Oregon affected by the two-week closure of all school statewide receive meal subsidies, Oregon Department of Education Director Colt Gill said.
As for childcare for doctors and nurses, Brown equated it to a wartime effort to make medical workers available.
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The World Health Organization’s chief has launched a global fund on Friday to raise money to help the world’s nations respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “Every dollar donated is a dollar towards saving lives.”
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President Donald Trump has said he is likely to take a test for the coronavirus after all.
Trump over the weekend was near Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s communications director, Fábio Wajngarten, who tested positive for the virus just days later.
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement Thursday that “both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time.”
Trump was asked at a press conference Friday if he was being selfish by not undergoing testing, prompting Trump to reply: “I didn’t say I wasn’t going to be tested.”
“Most likely, yeah,” Trump added while downplaying his interaction with the Brazilian official at this resort in Florida. “Not for that reason, but because I think I will do it anyway. Fairly soon, we’re working out a schedule.”
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The Catalan government wants to fully isolate the northeastern region of 7.5 million to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, its regional chief said late on Friday, urging central authorities in Spain to help enforcing the total lockdown.
Quim Torra spoke in a televised address on the same day when some 70,000 residents were confined to four towns of the region where a virulent cluster of the COVID-19 has infected dozens in a matter of days.
Central authorities in Spain announced Friday a state of emergency that will give the government extraordinary powers from Saturday and until the end of March to take over private facilities, restrict freedom of movement and impose mandatory supply of food and medicines.
Authorities in the Madrid region, with nearly half of the country’s more than 4,200 infections, have also urged the central government to order the total lockdown there.
In a press conference late in the evening, regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, confirmed that hotels had been designated to be used as makeshift hospitals in order to reach at least 1,000 rooms with intensive care capabilities in coming weeks.
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Hungary is closing schools starting Monday.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Friday night in a video posted on the government’s Facebook page that classes will be held for students only through distance learning.
He also asked that children staying at home not be left in the care of grandparents, who, because of their age, are among those most at risk regarding the coronavirus.
Hungary already suspended university classes earlier this week because of the large number of foreign students.
Hungary has reported 19 cases of the coronavirus.
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Washington’s governor has ordered a six-week closure of all public and private schools in the state, which has seen the most COVID-19 deaths in the United States.
Gov. Jay Inslee had previously ordered all greater Seattle area schools to shut down. Inslee’s order requires schools to close from March 17 to April 24. In Washington state, there are more than 1.1 million public school students.
At least 31 deaths from coronavirus have occurred in Washington, most in the Seattle area.
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President Donald Trump is criticizing legislation in the House designed to help Americans dealing with the new coronavirus, saying, “we just don’t think they’re giving enough.”
Trump claimed that Democrats, in the end, “didn’t agree to certain things they agreed to.”
Central to the House package is free testing for the virus and guaranteed sick pay for workers who are taking time away from jobs, along with an infusion of dollars to handle unemployment benefits and boost food programs for children, families and seniors.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday the House would approve the aid package and implored the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to “put families first” by backing the effort.
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President Donald Trump says he will waive interest on student loans being held by the federal government “until further notice” as part of an emergency action to help Americans deal with the new coronavirus.
Trump says he has also instructed his secretary of Energy to purchase large quantities of crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which stores fuel for emergency use.
Trump says “we’re going to fill it right up to the top” and the move would save American taxpayers and help the oil industry. Trump made the announcements during a White House press conference on Friday.
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President Donald Trump has announced that he is officially declaring a national emergency over the new coronavirus.
The president spoke at Rose Garden press conference and said no resource will be spared in responding to the virus. He says that the declaration will free up nearly $50 billion to help the states and cities.
Trump says he is also asking every hospital in the U.S. to activate their emergency preparedness plan.
He is facing growing criticism about his mixed messages on the severity of the outbreak and over the administration’s scattershot response.
But the president is defending the administration’s response, particularly its temporary ban on travel from Europe, saying it will save lives. He says of the virus that “this will pass” and the nation will emerge stronger.
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Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
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The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Stocks roar back on hopes for government’s virus plan

NEW YORK ( AP ) — Wall Street roared back from its worst day in 30 years Friday with a broad rally that sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average nearly 2,000 points higher — its biggest point gain ever — after President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency .
Fueled by a late-day surge while Trump was speaking , the Dow saw its largest percentage gain since 2008 .
The rally recouped many of the losses from a day earlier , when the index experienced its worst slide since the Black Monday crash of 1987 and European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on record .
The major indexes each closed with gains of more than 9 % .
The session capped a dizzying week on Wall Street , with wild swings driven largely by uncertainty over how much damage the coronavirus would cause to the global economy .
By Thursday , the Dow had suffered two drops of more than 2,000 points and the longest-ever bull market had ended .
Then on Friday stocks rallied , shooting sharply upward in the last half-hour of trading as investors appeared to gain confidence that the Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from both a health care and economic perspective .
Despite Friday ’ s pickup , the market still ended the week with its second-worst weekly loss in the past 10 years .
In just a few weeks , U.S. stocks have lost all the gains made during 2019 , one of the best years for the market in decades .
All the major indexes are in what traders call a bear market .
Investors have been clamoring for strong action from the U.S. government to combat the outbreak ’ s effect on businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House and Congress were close to announcing an agreement on a package to provide sick pay , free testing and other resources helped boost the market in the morning .
“ We ’ re finally getting that a little late to the party , but it ’ s better to be late to the party then not to come to the party , ” said Ryan Detrick , senior market strategist at LPL Financial .
He said the stimulus plan should help cushion the financial effects on people and businesses .
Trump spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , and the stock market had decidedly different reactions each time .
On Wednesday night , Trump announced restrictions on travel from Europe and some seemingly minor economic measures .
Global markets sold off , fearful that the U.S. and other countries lacked a strong response to the outbreak .
That changed Friday afternoon , when Trump declared the national emergency , which frees up funds for states and cities to fight the virus .
He also announced measures to shore up oil prices , ease the economic burden on students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. for the virus .
Trump ’ s news conference , which also featured remarks from health experts , helped reassure investors that the administration is now taking aggressive action to limit the spread of the virus , said Quincy Krosby , chief market strategist at Prudential Financial .
“ What the market was focused on today was the containment of the virus .
That ’ s always been the top concern and a concern that the administration was behind the curve on , ” Krosby said .
He described the steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ positive and optimistic.
” “ And that ’ s exactly what the market needed and the country needed today , ” she said .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a deal Friday with the Trump administration for an aid package from Congress that would provide free tests , sick pay for workers and bolster food programs .
The market ’ s rout intensified this week amid a torrent of cancellations and shutdowns worldwide .
Business closures have fueled fear that a severe pullback in consumer and business spending will tip the U.S. economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The virus has infected over 137,000 people worldwide .
More than 5,000 have died , but half of those who had the virus have already recovered .
The pandemic ’ s new epicenter is Europe .
In the United States , cases have topped 1,600 , while 41 people have died , according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention .
Friday ’ s rally was broad , with technology stocks accounting for a big slice of the gains .
Shares in cruise line operators , airlines and hotels — among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and companies shut down business trips — headed higher .
Investors ’ anticipation of a government stimulus effort and a rate cut by the Fed next week put traders in a buying mood .
On Thursday , the Federal Reserve unveiled a massive short-term lending program to try to help smooth trading in U.S. Treasurys .
Many economists expect the Fed will move to cut interest rates by a full percentage point , to nearly zero , at its meeting of policymakers next Wednesday .
This week ’ s historic sell-off helped to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since President Trump took office in 2017 .
After hitting an all-time high on Feb. 19 , the S & P 500 fell more than 20 % , officially ending Wall Street ’ s unprecedented bull-market run of nearly 11 years .
The slide into a bear market has been the fastest since World War II .
The selling has been so swift and sharp that there remains the potential for a significant bounce after the virus and its impact begin to recede , Detrick said .
The economy was already on solid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Apple could help lead a recovery .
He also said there could be a recession on the horizon , but it would likely be mild .
“ It could be a shallow , quick , violent , scary recession , but one that bounces back quickly , ” Detrick said .
Also Friday , Warren Buffett said the annual shareholder meeting for Berkshire Hathaway will be streamed live in early May without any attendees , apart from maybe select journalists .
The meeting normally draws a crowd to rival professional sporting events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illnesses , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover in a few weeks .
For now , investors must wait for more information .
“ What markets are trying to do is understand what the cycle of the virus is , and then the human reaction to it , ” said Thomas Martin , senior portfolio manager at Globalt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

By ALEX VEIGA and DAMIAN J. TROISE
NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street roared back from its worst day in 30 years Friday with a broad rally that sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average nearly 2,000 points higher — its biggest point gain ever — after President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency.
Fueled by a late-day surge while Trump was speaking, the Dow saw its largest percentage gain since 2008. The rally recouped many of the losses from a day earlier, when the index experienced its worst slide since the Black Monday crash of 1987 and European indexes had one of the worst drops on record. The major indexes each closed with gains of more than 9%.
The session capped a dizzying week on Wall Street, with wild swings driven largely by uncertainty over how much damage the coronavirus would cause to the global economy. By Thursday, the Dow had suffered two drops of more than 2,000 points and the longest-ever bull market had ended.
Then on Friday stocks rallied, shooting sharply upward in the last half-hour of trading as investors appeared to gain confidence that the Trump administration has a plan to combat the outbreak from both a health care and economic perspective.
Despite Friday’s pickup, the market still ended the week with its second-worst weekly loss in the past 10 years. All the major indexes are in what traders call a bear market.
Investors have been clamoring for strong action from the U.S. government to combat the outbreak’s effect on businesses and workers. News that the White House and Congress were close to announcing an agreement on a package to provide sick pay, free testing and other resources helped boost the market in the morning.
“We’re finally getting that a little late to the party, but it’s better to be late to the party then not to come to the party,” said Ryan Detrick, senior market strategist at LPL Financial. He said the stimulus plan should help cushion the financial effects on people and businesses.
Trump spoke to the nation twice this week about the coronavirus, and the stock market had decidedly different reactions each time.
On Wednesday night, Trump announced restrictions on travel from Europe and some seemingly minor economic measures. Global markets sold off, fearful that the U.S. and other countries lacked a strong response to the outbreak. That changed Friday afternoon, when Trump declared the national emergency, which frees up funds for states and cities to fight the virus. He also announced measures to shore up oil prices, ease the economic burden on students and improve the level of testing in the U.S. for the virus.
Trump’s news conference, which also featured remarks from health experts, helped reassure investors that the administration is now taking aggressive action to limit the spread of the virus, said Quincy Krosby, chief market strategist at Prudential Financial.
“What the market was focused on today was the containment of the virus. That’s always been the top concern and a concern that the administration was behind the curve on,” Krosby said. She described the steps outlined by the president and experts as “positive and optimistic.”
“And that’s exactly what the market needed and the country needed today,” she said.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a deal Friday with the Trump administration for an aid package from Congress that would provide free tests, sick pay for workers and bolster food programs.
The market’s rout intensified this week amid a torrent of cancellations and shutdowns worldwide. Business closures have fueled fear that a severe pullback in consumer and business spending will tip the U.S. economy into a recession and wreck corporate profits.
The virus has infected over 137,000 people worldwide. More than 5,000 have died, but half of those who had the virus have already recovered. The pandemic’s new epicenter is Europe. In the United States, cases have topped 1,600, while 41 people have died, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
Friday’s rally was broad, with technology stocks accounting for a big slice of the gains. Shares in cruise line operators, airlines and hotels — among the hardest-hit stocks as people canceled vacations and companies shut down business trips — headed higher.
Investors’ anticipation of a government stimulus effort and a rate cut by the Fed next week put traders in a buying mood.
On Thursday, the Federal Reserve unveiled a massive short-term lending program to try to help smooth trading in U.S. Treasurys. Many economists expect the Fed will move to cut interest rates by a full percentage point, to nearly zero, at its meeting of policymakers next Wednesday.
This week’s historic sell-off helped to wipe out most of the big gains since President Trump took office in 2017. After hitting an all-time high on Feb. 19, the S&P 500 fell more than 20%, officially ending Wall Street’s unprecedented bull-market run of nearly 11 years. The slide into a bear market has been the fastest since World War II.
The selling has been so swift and sharp that there remains the potential for a significant bounce after the virus and its impact begin to recede, Detrick said. The economy was already on solid footing, and well-known companies like Disney and Apple could help lead a recovery.
He also said there could be a recession on the horizon, but it would likely be mild. “It could be a shallow, quick, violent, scary recession, but one that bounces back quickly,” Detrick said.
Also Friday, Warren Buffett said the annual shareholder meeting for Berkshire Hathaway will be streamed live in early May without any attendees, apart from maybe select journalists. The meeting normally draws a crowd to rival professional sporting events.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illnesses, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover in a few weeks.
For now, investors must wait for more information.
“What markets are trying to do is understand what the cycle of the virus is, and then the human reaction to it,” said Thomas Martin, senior portfolio manager at Globalt Investments in Atlanta.
___
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


mercurynews--2020-03-13--Coronavirus updates: 9 key stories from the Bay Area and beyond on Friday, March 13

From President Trump ’ s national emergency declaration to school closing announcements , an increasing number of cases in Bay Area counties and new rules limiting gatherings there ’ s a lot of COVID-19 news to sort through .
To catch you up on what ’ s happened today , we highlight 9 key articles from the more than three dozen we have published today .
We are updating they and other articles as we continue to receive new information .
Find all of our latest coverage , including a map of Northern California cases , prevention tips and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are added as they are published and in the interest of public safety they are free to access .
• In declaring the coronavirus a national emergency , President Trump pledged drive-thru testing in the retailer parking lots , $ 50 billion for state and local governments , greater flexibility for doctors and even a Google-built website to check your symptoms and find a testing location .
Read the story .
• Schools across the Bay Area , including all public schools in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties , are closing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story .
• With 79 COVID-19 cases , Santa Clara County banned gatherings over 100 people and added tough new rules for anyone who organizes an event with 35 to 100 people .
Read the story .
• Cases in Contra Costa have tripled since Friday to 25 with no fatalities .
Read the story .
• For everyday people going about their everyday lives , the coronavirus that has targeted the Bay Area — Santa Clara County is one of four major outbreak zones in the country — is becoming all too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tracking tiny mutations in the COVID-19 virus , Bay Area scientists are revealing how the deadly pathogen might have gained a foothold in California — and how it is now wreaking havoc across the region .
Read the story .
• Churches , temples and mosques are canceling services and Shabbat , postponing events and live streaming services , prayers and dharma talks .
Read the story .
• In a stunning development that will grind the wheels of the criminal justice system to a near halt , Bay Area courts are shutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story .
• Big San Francisco museums , Bay Area theme parks and more are added to the list of closures .
Read the story .

From President Trump’s national emergency declaration to school closing announcements, an increasing number of cases in Bay Area counties and new rules limiting gatherings there’s a lot of COVID-19 news to sort through.
To catch you up on what’s happened today, we highlight 9 key articles from the more than three dozen we have published today. We are updating they and other articles as we continue to receive new information.
Find all of our latest coverage, including a map of Northern California cases, prevention tips and an archive of previous coverage here. Articles are added as they are published and in the interest of public safety they are free to access.