mercurynews--2020-11-21--Miss Manners: I find these women’s face masks totally inappropriate

DEAR MISS MANNERS : Due to an unfortunate experience with Victorian novels and my dear grandmother , I was led to understand that the only things that should sparkle on a lady during the day are her wedding jewelry and her eyes .
Therefore , I have long been mystified to see , in daylight , perfectly ladylike women in sequin-covered evening wear as if they were appearing on TV .
Now , a few decades later , I have observed women at the office , the beach and the grocery store wearing sequins on random bits of clothing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ please update us on the proper wearing of sequins and other sparkling things for the modern lady ?
GENTLE READER : Sparkly things should not be worn by grown-ups during the day .
Neither should dangling earrings — but clearly only Miss Manners , you and the heroines of the unfortunate Victorian novels you ’ re reading know and follow the rules .
• Miss Manners : Was I out of line to scold a careless salesman ?
• Miss Manners : We were blindsided by the agenda on this family visit • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the men let me run my own grill ?
• Miss Manners : Do I really need to explain why I won ’ t date her friend ?
• Miss Manners : She stopped playing Scrabble with me because I enforce this rule DEAR MISS MANNERS : I work at a very small cafe .
Because of COVID-19 , our indoor capacity is limited to 25 % , which is a maximum of 10 people .
In good weather , we can use our outdoor seating to accommodate an additional 10 to 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so we were very busy all day long .
We currently close at 2 a.m. , but last night , two women sat at one of our tables for almost an hour and a half after closing .
We had already taken down our sign , closed the checks for the four other tables , cleared their dishes , wiped off the tables , closed the registers , paid out tips , got our deposit ready , sent home the dishwasher and one of the cooks , and even turned off most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rude , how do you ask people to leave ?
The owner ( and chef ) finally went out and spoke with them nicely , and they left .
But for over an hour , we felt stuck .
How should we approach this next time without risking a bad review ?
GENTLE READER : “ I am sorry , but we are closing , ” accompanied , perhaps , by an apologetic look at the “ Closed ” placard — a look that says , “ I wish I could control the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to time , I get a text or an email where someone gives me vastly personal information as they apologize .
Someone just wrote me and said they are sorry they did not ship my package on time because on Saturday a family member died of pancreatic cancer .
How exactly am I supposed to respond ?
Do I focus on the condolences ?
Or do I say what is on my mind , which is that an apology really is not even necessary ?
When I get these I always feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how you would respond !
GENTLE READER : Yes , you should focus on the condolences .
The recently bereaved are understandably disoriented and can have a misplaced sense of time , normalcy and how and when to share their unfortunate news .
So yes , they may tend to over-explain .
Miss Manners recommends that you politely and compassionately indulge them .
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Due to an unfortunate experience with Victorian novels and my dear grandmother, I was led to understand that the only things that should sparkle on a lady during the day are her wedding jewelry and her eyes.
Therefore, I have long been mystified to see, in daylight, perfectly ladylike women in sequin-covered evening wear as if they were appearing on TV.
Now, a few decades later, I have observed women at the office, the beach and the grocery store wearing sequins on random bits of clothing, including face masks. Can Miss Manners please update us on the proper wearing of sequins and other sparkling things for the modern lady?
GENTLE READER: Sparkly things should not be worn by grown-ups during the day. Neither should dangling earrings — but clearly only Miss Manners, you and the heroines of the unfortunate Victorian novels you’re reading know and follow the rules.
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third DEAR MISS MANNERS: I work at a very small cafe. Because of COVID-19, our indoor capacity is limited to 25%, which is a maximum of 10 people. In good weather, we can use our outdoor seating to accommodate an additional 10 to 14.
Yesterday, the weather was great, so we were very busy all day long. We currently close at 2 a.m., but last night, two women sat at one of our tables for almost an hour and a half after closing.
We had already taken down our sign, closed the checks for the four other tables, cleared their dishes, wiped off the tables, closed the registers, paid out tips, got our deposit ready, sent home the dishwasher and one of the cooks, and even turned off most of the lights inside.
Without being rude, how do you ask people to leave? The owner (and chef) finally went out and spoke with them nicely, and they left. But for over an hour, we felt stuck. How should we approach this next time without risking a bad review?
GENTLE READER: “I am sorry, but we are closing,” accompanied, perhaps, by an apologetic look at the “Closed” placard — a look that says, “I wish I could control the signs.”
DEAR MISS MANNERS: From time to time, I get a text or an email where someone gives me vastly personal information as they apologize. Someone just wrote me and said they are sorry they did not ship my package on time because on Saturday a family member died of pancreatic cancer.
How exactly am I supposed to respond? Do I focus on the condolences? Or do I say what is on my mind, which is that an apology really is not even necessary?
When I get these I always feel paralyzed. I just need to know how you would respond!
GENTLE READER: Yes, you should focus on the condolences. The recently bereaved are understandably disoriented and can have a misplaced sense of time, normalcy and how and when to share their unfortunate news. So yes, they may tend to over-explain. Miss Manners recommends that you politely and compassionately indulge them.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-11-21--Dear Abby: My sister told my son what I was keeping secret, and I’m furious

DEAR ABBY : My husband was a drug addict 18 years ago .
It was a very hard time for us ; he went through rehab and we almost divorced .
Fast-forward : He has been doing well and , though we still have our problems , he hasn ’ t used heavy drugs for 17 years .
To calm his anxiety , he just has an occasional drink or uses CBD oils .
My sister-in-law told me last weekend that my sister told our son ( who was 17 at the time ) about my husband ’ s drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s past quiet , feeling that we would have that conversation with our son eventually , when we were ready .
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It should have been our choice , not hers .
She has violated my trust .
There has been a lot of animosity between my husband and my sister in the past , so I am sure she did it out of spite .
I am so upset I am afraid I ’ ll explode and ruin the tenuous relationship I have with her .
Also , my husband will probably want to disown her for this betrayal .
What do you suggest ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you wanted to keep this from your son until he was older , she did betray your trust .
Once you have calmed down , talk to her , ask if what you were told is true , and if it is , why she would do such a thing .
Once you have all the facts , your husband must be told the cat is out of the bag so the two of you can decide whether you want to continue a relationship with this sister .
And because a predisposition toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have that long-overdue talk with your son about it .
DEAR ABBY : When my then-boyfriend asked me to marry him , he didn ’ t have a ring ready , but I happily accepted his proposal .
We were in our late 20s and had been dating for almost 10 years .
He then took me to the jewelry store so I could select one to my taste and liking ( within budget ) .
We took a picture of the ring , and he told me he would bring his mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so she could help with the price haggling .
A week later , he told me he had made the purchase and we both couldn ’ t wait for our engagement ceremony as we took the next step in our relationship .
On that day , to my surprise , the ring he put on my finger wasn ’ t the one I had selected .
However , in front of his family , my family and probably 40 guests , I pretended nothing happened .
I wasn ’ t happy at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that it wasn ’ t the ring I chose .
His answer was , his mother thought this one would look better ( in my opinion , cheaper and tackier ) than the one I liked and that I was overreacting .
I told him that had he not taken me shopping , I would have appreciated any ring he bought .
He brushes me off when I try to discuss it .
Why did he take me and then disregard my opinion ?
Am I overreacting , Abby ?
DEAR FOOLED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fiance ’ s mother had a lot of nerve .
She apparently rules the roost and chose that occasion to assert herself .
Worse , it appears her son values her opinion over yours .
He owes you an apology .
If this happened recently and you are not yet married to this prize , the two of you should consider making a return trip to that jeweler .
Hopefully , this scenario won ’ t be repeated with the selection of the wedding rings .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: My husband was a drug addict 18 years ago. It was a very hard time for us; he went through rehab and we almost divorced.
Fast-forward: He has been doing well and, though we still have our problems, he hasn’t used heavy drugs for 17 years. To calm his anxiety, he just has an occasional drink or uses CBD oils.
My sister-in-law told me last weekend that my sister told our son (who was 17 at the time) about my husband’s drug issues. We always kept my husband’s past quiet, feeling that we would have that conversation with our son eventually, when we were ready.
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I am so upset I am afraid I’ll explode and ruin the tenuous relationship I have with her. Also, my husband will probably want to disown her for this betrayal. What do you suggest?
BETRAYED IN SOUTH CAROLINA
DEAR BETRAYED: If your sister knew you wanted to keep this from your son until he was older, she did betray your trust.
Once you have calmed down, talk to her, ask if what you were told is true, and if it is, why she would do such a thing. Once you have all the facts, your husband must be told the cat is out of the bag so the two of you can decide whether you want to continue a relationship with this sister. And because a predisposition toward addiction can run in a family, have that long-overdue talk with your son about it.
DEAR ABBY: When my then-boyfriend asked me to marry him, he didn’t have a ring ready, but I happily accepted his proposal. We were in our late 20s and had been dating for almost 10 years.
He then took me to the jewelry store so I could select one to my taste and liking (within budget). We took a picture of the ring, and he told me he would bring his mother back to the jewelry shop with him so she could help with the price haggling.
A week later, he told me he had made the purchase and we both couldn’t wait for our engagement ceremony as we took the next step in our relationship. On that day, to my surprise, the ring he put on my finger wasn’t the one I had selected. However, in front of his family, my family and probably 40 guests, I pretended nothing happened.
I wasn’t happy at all and told him later, in private, that it wasn’t the ring I chose. His answer was, his mother thought this one would look better (in my opinion, cheaper and tackier) than the one I liked and that I was overreacting.
I told him that had he not taken me shopping, I would have appreciated any ring he bought. He brushes me off when I try to discuss it. Why did he take me and then disregard my opinion? Am I overreacting, Abby?
FOOLED IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR FOOLED: You are not overreacting. Your fiance’s mother had a lot of nerve. She apparently rules the roost and chose that occasion to assert herself. Worse, it appears her son values her opinion over yours. He owes you an apology.
If this happened recently and you are not yet married to this prize, the two of you should consider making a return trip to that jeweler. Hopefully, this scenario won’t be repeated with the selection of the wedding rings.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-11-22--Warriors sign guard Brad Wanamaker, add depth behind Steph Curry

The Warriors are signing guard Brad Wanamaker , a league source confirmed with the Bay Area News Group on Saturday , addressing the need for depth on the perimeter .
Wanamaker , 31 , averaged 6.9 points and 2.5 assists in 19.3 minutes per game in a supporting role off the Boston Celtics ’ bench last season .
He will sign a one-year , $ 2.25 million contract and give Golden State more experience , playmaking and shooting ( 37.6 % career 3-point shooter ) .
At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds , Wanamaker has the size to defend both guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is expected to miss the 2020-21 season with a torn right Achilles ’ tendon .
According to MassLive.com Celtics beat writer John Karalis , Wanamaker is a “ big tough guard .
Willing shooter who isn ’ t afraid of the moment .
Will drive but almost never passes on the fast break .
Brad Stevens calls him a professional every chance he can get .
Definition of a solid , no-frills backup that won ’ t try to do too much , but isn ’ t shy of he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s salary will likely take up part of the Warriors ’ mid-level exception , valued at $ 5.7 million .
They can use the remaining portion of the exception to sign another player in free agency .
With this move , the Warriors now have 16 players under contract .
They can carry up to 20 players during the preseason before having to settle on a 15-man roster for the regular season .
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The Warriors are signing guard Brad Wanamaker, a league source confirmed with the Bay Area News Group on Saturday, addressing the need for depth on the perimeter.
Wanamaker, 31, averaged 6.9 points and 2.5 assists in 19.3 minutes per game in a supporting role off the Boston Celtics’ bench last season. He will sign a one-year, $2.25 million contract and give Golden State more experience, playmaking and shooting (37.6% career 3-point shooter).
At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Wanamaker has the size to defend both guard positions and help replace Klay Thompson, who is expected to miss the 2020-21 season with a torn right Achilles’ tendon.
According to MassLive.com Celtics beat writer John Karalis, Wanamaker is a “big tough guard. Willing shooter who isn’t afraid of the moment. Will drive but almost never passes on the fast break. Brad Stevens calls him a professional every chance he can get. Definition of a solid, no-frills backup that won’t try to do too much, but isn’t shy of he’s in position to score.”
Wanamaker’s salary will likely take up part of the Warriors’ mid-level exception, valued at $5.7 million. They can use the remaining portion of the exception to sign another player in free agency.
With this move, the Warriors now have 16 players under contract. They can carry up to 20 players during the preseason before having to settle on a 15-man roster for the regular season.


mercurynews--2020-11-22--Judge throws out Trump bid to stop PA vote certification

Pennsylvania officials can certify election results that currently show Democrat Joe Biden winning the state by more than 80,000 votes , a federal judge ruled Saturday , dealing President Donald Trump ’ s campaign another blow in its effort to invalidate the election .
U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann in Williamsport , Pennsylvania , turned down the request for an injunction by President Donald Trump ’ s campaign , spoiling the incumbent ’ s hopes of somehow overturning the results of the presidential contest .
In his ruling , Brann said the Trump campaign presented “ strained legal arguments without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence.
” “ In the United States of America , this can not justify the disenfranchisement of a single voter , let alone all the voters of its sixth most populated state , ” the opinion said .
“ Our people , laws , and institutions demand more.
” A message seeking comment was left with the Trump campaign .
Trump had argued that the U.S. Constitution ’ s guarantee of equal protection under the law was violated when Pennsylvania counties took different approaches to notifying voters before the election about technical problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and the seven Biden-majority counties that the campaign sued had argued Trump had previously raised similar claims and lost .
They told Brann the remedy the Trump campaign sought , to throw out millions of votes over alleged isolated issues , was far too extreme , particularly after most of them have been tallied .
“ There is no justification on any level for the radical disenfranchisement they seek , ” Boockvar ’ s lawyers wrote in a brief filed Thursday .
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ruling , saying “ Another one bites the dust.
” The state ’ s 20 electoral votes would not have been enough on their own to hand Trump a second term .
Counties must certify their results to Boockvar by Monday , after which she will make her own certification .
Democratic Gov .
Tom Wolf will notify the winning candidate ’ s electors they should appear to vote in the Capitol on Dec. 14 .

By Mark Scolforo | Associated Press
Pennsylvania officials can certify election results that currently show Democrat Joe Biden winning the state by more than 80,000 votes, a federal judge ruled Saturday, dealing President Donald Trump’s campaign another blow in its effort to invalidate the election.
U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, turned down the request for an injunction by President Donald Trump’s campaign, spoiling the incumbent’s hopes of somehow overturning the results of the presidential contest.
In his ruling, Brann said the Trump campaign presented “strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations … unsupported by evidence.”
“In the United States of America, this cannot justify the disenfranchisement of a single voter, let alone all the voters of its sixth most populated state,” the opinion said. “Our people, laws, and institutions demand more.”
A message seeking comment was left with the Trump campaign.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/11/22/pennsylvania-lawsuit-trump-federal-judge-dismisses-diamond-tsr-vpx.cnn”]
Trump had argued that the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection under the law was violated when Pennsylvania counties took different approaches to notifying voters before the election about technical problems with their submitted mail-in ballots.
Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and the seven Biden-majority counties that the campaign sued had argued Trump had previously raised similar claims and lost.
They told Brann the remedy the Trump campaign sought, to throw out millions of votes over alleged isolated issues, was far too extreme, particularly after most of them have been tallied.
“There is no justification on any level for the radical disenfranchisement they seek,” Boockvar’s lawyers wrote in a brief filed Thursday.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, tweeted shortly after Brann’s ruling, saying “Another one bites the dust.”
Another one bites the dust. pic.twitter.com/a11MQOb4fG — AG Josh Shapiro (@PAAttorneyGen) November 21, 2020
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Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf will notify the winning candidate’s electors they should appear to vote in the Capitol on Dec. 14.
Scolforo reported from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.


mercurynews--2020-11-22--Analysis: With silence, GOP enables Trump’s risky endgame

WASHINGTON — Republicans in Congress are engaged in a risky but calculated bet that once President Donald Trump has exhausted his legal challenges to the election , he will come to grips with his loss to President-elect Joe Biden .
But the opposite is happening .
As one Trump court case after another falls by the wayside , Trump is doubling down on efforts to disrupt the election outcome .
Rather than accept the reality of the vote , the president is using the weight of his office to try to squash it .
He summoned Michigan state lawmakers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaching out to GOP officials ahead of next week ’ s deadline to certify election results .
Others from Pennsylvania may similarly be invited in .
Republicans are standing by as it all unfolds .
What started as a GOP strategy to give the president the time and space he needed to process his defeat is now spiraling into an unprecedented challenge to the election outcome like nothing since the Civil War .
“ It ’ s hit the point where the Republican Party ’ s letting Trump ’ s pout go on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Douglas Brinkley , a professor at Rice University in Texas .
With their silence , the Republican lawmakers are falling in one step deeper with the president they have spent four years trying to appease .
A few have spoken up .
But mostly the Republicans are enabling Trump as he wages an unsubstantiated attack on the election that threatens to erode civic trust and impede Biden ’ s transition to the White House .
It could define careers for years to come .
“ It ’ s making future stars of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Brinkley said .
“ All of these senators are going to carry a dark mark on their legacy for coddling Trump after he lost.
” Republicans started with a simple premise : If Trump had concerns about fraudulent voting , as he widely claimed , go to court and make the case .
It was a way to buy time , give Trump a chance to bring evidence , and perhaps convince some of his most ardent supporters of the outcome .
Biden now has won 80 million votes to Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state after another , from Arizona to Georgia , the Trump cases are failing .
Trump forced recounts Friday in two counties in Wisconsin .
More legal action is expected there and cases are pending elsewhere .
Nowhere has evidence been presented of widespread voter fraud on a scale that could alter the outcome .
The Republican lawmakers will soon be forced into a moment of truth with key upcoming deadlines .
States are expected to certify election results by Dec. 8 , and Republican lawmakers have been eyeing the Dec. 14 Electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s presidency .
That ’ s when GOP lawmakers believe they can start saying publicly what many of them already suggest in private — that Biden , in fact , won the election .
But there ’ s no guarantee their gamble will work .
Rather than glide toward that outcome , Trump is digging in — moving beyond the GOP argument that it ’ s about counting legal votes and halting illegal ones to more broadly trying to overturn results .
Trump has talked openly about stacking the Electoral College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outcome in the states , with his backers .
“ I won , by the way , ” Trump said Friday at the White House .
“ We ’ ll find that out.
” Almost none of the top Republican leaders in the House or Senate responded directly Friday when asked by The Associated Press if they believe the states have any reason not to certify their election results .
Only Rep. Liz Cheney , the No .
3 Republican in the House , and the daughter of the former vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outcome of the legal battles , he can appeal .
“ If the president can not prove these claims or demonstrate that they would change the election result , ” Cheney said in a statement to The AP , “ he should fulfill his oath to preserve , protect and defend the Constitution of the United States by respecting the sanctity of our electoral process.
” One key lawmaker , Sen. Pat Toomey , from battleground Pennsylvania , “ believes that states should certify their results ” in accordance with election laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states certify , he said , “ these results should be accepted by all parties involved.
” In Pennsylvania , the state law “ is unambiguous : The winner of the state ’ s popular vote is awarded the state ’ s electoral college votes.
” With the Capitol still partly shuttered due to the COVID-19 crisis and emptying out for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday , lawmakers are able to deflect many questions about their positions .
Sen. Josh Hawley , R-Mo.
, said Friday he wasn ’ t really familiar with what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the White House .
“ I don ’ t really have concerns with him talking about the situation with elected officials , ” Hawley said at the Capitol as he opened the Senate for a perfunctory session .
Asked if Trump could overturn the election , Hawley was noncommittal : “ Anything ’ s possible.
” Republicans are calculating that it ’ s better not to provoke the president — he may do something more severe — but let time take its course .
It ’ s a strategy they have used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close so as not to alienate his supporters — whom they need for their own reelections — and not getting too involved when he strains the nation ’ s civic norms .
With the upcoming Senate runoff elections in Georgia that will decide which party controls the Senate in January , Republicans are beholden to Trump ’ s supporters to turn out the vote .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tried to portray the extraordinary week as ordinary .
“ In all the presidential elections we go through this process , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it is irrelevant.
” McConnell said once the state certifications occur , “ if they occur , ” the elections will wrap up .
“ One of the beauties of the American electoral system is that we have 50 separate ways to conduct them , ” he said .
“ The decisions as to how elections end happen in 50 different places.
” The office of Rep. Kevin McCarthy , the House GOP leader , referred to his comments earlier this week when he said , “ the states should finish their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to roll in .
Georgia certified its results Friday after a hand recount found that Biden won by a margin of 12,670 votes , the first Democratic presidential candidate to win the state since 1992 .
Michigan is scheduled to certify its results Monday .
Pennsylvania will soon follow .
The electors are set to present their votes Jan. 6 , two weeks before the Jan. 20 inauguration .

By Lisa Mascaro | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Republicans in Congress are engaged in a risky but calculated bet that once President Donald Trump has exhausted his legal challenges to the election, he will come to grips with his loss to President-elect Joe Biden.
But the opposite is happening.
As one Trump court case after another falls by the wayside, Trump is doubling down on efforts to disrupt the election outcome. Rather than accept the reality of the vote, the president is using the weight of his office to try to squash it. He summoned Michigan state lawmakers to the White House on Friday after personally reaching out to GOP officials ahead of next week’s deadline to certify election results. Others from Pennsylvania may similarly be invited in.
Republicans are standing by as it all unfolds. What started as a GOP strategy to give the president the time and space he needed to process his defeat is now spiraling into an unprecedented challenge to the election outcome like nothing since the Civil War.
“It’s hit the point where the Republican Party’s letting Trump’s pout go on too long,” said presidential historian Douglas Brinkley, a professor at Rice University in Texas.
[vemba-video id=”tv/2020/11/21/fact-checking-the-trump-legal-teams-claims.cnn”]
With their silence, the Republican lawmakers are falling in one step deeper with the president they have spent four years trying to appease. A few have spoken up. But mostly the Republicans are enabling Trump as he wages an unsubstantiated attack on the election that threatens to erode civic trust and impede Biden’s transition to the White House. It could define careers for years to come.
“It’s making future stars of the Republican Party look tiny and small,” Brinkley said. “All of these senators are going to carry a dark mark on their legacy for coddling Trump after he lost.”
Republicans started with a simple premise: If Trump had concerns about fraudulent voting, as he widely claimed, go to court and make the case.
It was a way to buy time, give Trump a chance to bring evidence, and perhaps convince some of his most ardent supporters of the outcome. Biden now has won 80 million votes to Trump’s 74 million.
But in one state after another, from Arizona to Georgia, the Trump cases are failing. Trump forced recounts Friday in two counties in Wisconsin. More legal action is expected there and cases are pending elsewhere. Nowhere has evidence been presented of widespread voter fraud on a scale that could alter the outcome.
The Republican lawmakers will soon be forced into a moment of truth with key upcoming deadlines.
States are expected to certify election results by Dec. 8, and Republican lawmakers have been eyeing the Dec. 14 Electoral College deadline as their own offramp from Trump’s presidency.
That’s when GOP lawmakers believe they can start saying publicly what many of them already suggest in private — that Biden, in fact, won the election.
But there’s no guarantee their gamble will work. Rather than glide toward that outcome, Trump is digging in — moving beyond the GOP argument that it’s about counting legal votes and halting illegal ones to more broadly trying to overturn results.
Trump has talked openly about stacking the Electoral College, where electors are typically determined by the outcome in the states, with his backers.
“I won, by the way,” Trump said Friday at the White House. “We’ll find that out.”
Almost none of the top Republican leaders in the House or Senate responded directly Friday when asked by The Associated Press if they believe the states have any reason not to certify their election results.
Only Rep. Liz Cheney, the No. 3 Republican in the House, and the daughter of the former vice president, said if Trump is unsatisfied with the outcome of the legal battles, he can appeal.
“If the president cannot prove these claims or demonstrate that they would change the election result,” Cheney said in a statement to The AP, “he should fulfill his oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States by respecting the sanctity of our electoral process.”
One key lawmaker, Sen. Pat Toomey, from battleground Pennsylvania, “believes that states should certify their results” in accordance with election laws, his spokesman said.
Once the states certify, he said, “these results should be accepted by all parties involved.” In Pennsylvania, the state law “is unambiguous: The winner of the state’s popular vote is awarded the state’s electoral college votes.”
With the Capitol still partly shuttered due to the COVID-19 crisis and emptying out for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, lawmakers are able to deflect many questions about their positions.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said Friday he wasn’t really familiar with what Trump was doing inviting the Michigan lawmakers to the White House.
“I don’t really have concerns with him talking about the situation with elected officials,” Hawley said at the Capitol as he opened the Senate for a perfunctory session.
Asked if Trump could overturn the election, Hawley was noncommittal: “Anything’s possible.”
Republicans are calculating that it’s better not to provoke the president — he may do something more severe — but let time take its course.
It’s a strategy they have used throughout the Trump presidency, keeping him close so as not to alienate his supporters — whom they need for their own reelections — and not getting too involved when he strains the nation’s civic norms.
With the upcoming Senate runoff elections in Georgia that will decide which party controls the Senate in January, Republicans are beholden to Trump’s supporters to turn out the vote.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tried to portray the extraordinary week as ordinary.
“In all the presidential elections we go through this process,” he said. “What we all say about it is irrelevant.”
McConnell said once the state certifications occur, “if they occur,” the elections will wrap up.
“One of the beauties of the American electoral system is that we have 50 separate ways to conduct them,” he said. “The decisions as to how elections end happen in 50 different places.”
The office of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House GOP leader, referred to his comments earlier this week when he said, “the states should finish their work.”
Meanwhile, the state tallies continue to roll in.
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The electors are set to present their votes Jan. 6, two weeks before the Jan. 20 inauguration.


mercurynews--2020-11-22--Police chase in Peninsula ends with crash that injures two; Oakland man arrested

An Oakland man with a $ 100,000 arrest warrant out for him crashed into a parked car with people inside it and through the fence of a cemetery following a chase that preceded his arrest Friday night , police said .
The two people who were in the parked car were hospitalized and treated for undisclosed injuries that were not life-threatening police said .
The suspect wasn ’ t injured .
In a statement , South San Francisco police said the 25-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and felony evasion .
He remained in custody Saturday at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all started around 9 p.m. when police said the suspect stole a vehicle from a parking lot in the 400 block of Collins Road in Colma .
The owner of the car saw it stolen , police said , and called 911 while following the vehicle into San Francisco .
South San Francisco police officers located the vehicle on El Camino Real and attempted to stop it , only to watch it speed away , police said .
The suspect sped up as did the officers , and police said the pursuit went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspect crashed in the 1800 block of Hillside Boulevard .
The vehicle first hit an occupied vehicle , injuring the two people inside it .
It then smashed through the fence of a cemetery after colliding with the vehicle .

An Oakland man with a $100,000 warrant out for his arrest stole a car in one Peninsula town, fled to another town from police who tried to pull him over, and crashed into a parked car with people inside it and through the fence of a cemetery before his arrest Friday night, police said.
In a statement, South San Francisco police said the 25-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and felony evasion. He remained in custody Saturday at the San Mateo County jail.
It started around 9 p.m. when police said the suspect stole a vehicle from a parking lot in the 400 block of Collins Road in Colma. The owner of the car saw it stolen, police said, and called 911 while following the vehicle into San Francisco.
South San Francisco police officers located the vehicle on El Camino Real and attempted to stop it, only to watch it speed away, police said.
Police said the pursuit went through San Bruno and South Francisco before the suspect crashed in the 1800 block of Hillside Boulevard. The vehicle first hit an occupied vehicle, injuring the two people inside it, before smashing through the fence of a cemetery.


mercurynews--2020-11-22--Cal football: Bears can’t hold fourth-quarter lead, lose at Oregon State

Cal , minus more than half of its starting offensive unit for much of the game , lost 31-27 at Oregon State on Saturday after quarterback Chase Garbers had a tipped pass intercepted with 58 seconds to play .
The day was full of bad news from the start for the Bears , who announced an hour beforehand that three offensive linemen were sidelined by COVID-19 issues .
Cal , which had its first two scheduled games wiped out by the coronavirus and lost 34-10 at UCLA last Sunday , was believed to be basically at full strength for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first-and-10 pass from the OSU 10-yard line was tipped at the line of scrimmage and grabbed by the Beavers ’ John McCartan .
Oregon State ( 1-2 ) got 196 rushing yards and a touchdown from Jermar Jefferson .
Cal announced before the game that three starting offensive linemen were out because of COVID-19 issues and four other players , including starting running back Christopher Brown would not play for unspecified reasons .
Starting tight end Collin Moore also was on the shelf , along with nose guard Stanley McKenzie .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears were playing without a fourth starting O-lineman when center Michael Saffell left with an apparent right leg or foot injury .
He was on crutches on the sideline .
Starting tackles Jake Curhan and Will Craig and guard Valentino Daltoso were shelved by the virus .
One of them tested positive , according to Cal , and the other two were out after contact tracing .
Curhan , Daltoso and Saffell all are seniors .
In place of the starters , Cal had redshirt freshman Brayden Rhome at left tackle , redshirt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redshirt freshman Brian Driscoll at center and redshirt sophomore Brandon Mello at right tackle .
The only starter who survived the game was sophomore right guard McKade Mettauer .
The Bears regained the lead midway through the fourth quarter after safety Eliajah Hicks returned an interception 30 yards to the PSU 32 , and Chase Garbers threw his third touchdown of the afternoon , a 2-yarder to tight end Jake Tonges .
But the lead was short-lived .
Cal ’ s Jamison Sheahan had a punt blocked on Cal by Jesiah Irish , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line .
Quarterback Tristan Gebbia , who earlier had a touchdown pass and a TD catch , converted a 1-yard sneak for the TD and a 31-27 lead with 4:30 left .
• Covid-19 suspected as Cal Bears rule out seven players just before kickoff • Are you ready for some college basketball ?
Bay Area teams open season next week • What you need to know before Cal takes on Oregon State Cal somehow led 20-14 at the half after touchdown passes by Chase Garbers of 7 yards to Makai Polk and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a career-best 52-yard field goal by Dario Longhetto .
The Beavers ’ two touchdowns came on plays of 75 and 35 yards that opened drives , but they otherwise managed just 54 yards in the first half .

Cal, minus more than half of its starting offensive unit for much of the game, lost 31-27 at Oregon State on Saturday after quarterback Chase Garbers had a tipped pass intercepted with 58 seconds to play.
The day was full of bad news from the start for the Bears, who announced an hour beforehand that three offensive linemen were sidelined by COVID-19 issues.
Cal, which had its first two scheduled games wiped out by the coronavirus and lost 34-10 at UCLA last Sunday, was believed to be basically at full strength for the Beavers.
Garbers threw three touchdowns but his first-and-10 pass from the OSU 10-yard line was tipped at the line of scrimmage and grabbed by the Beavers’ John McCartan.
Oregon State (1-2) got 196 rushing yards and a touchdown from Jermar Jefferson.
Cal announced before the game that three starting offensive linemen were out because of COVID-19 issues and four other players, including starting running back Christopher Brown would not play for unspecified reasons. Starting tight end Collin Moore also was on the shelf, along with nose guard Stanley McKenzie.
By early in the second quarter, the Bears were playing without a fourth starting O-lineman when center Michael Saffell left with an apparent right leg or foot injury. He was on crutches on the sideline.
Starting tackles Jake Curhan and Will Craig and guard Valentino Daltoso were shelved by the virus. One of them tested positive, according to Cal, and the other two were out after contact tracing. Curhan, Daltoso and Saffell all are seniors.
In place of the starters, Cal had redshirt freshman Brayden Rhome at left tackle, redshirt sophomore Matthew Cindric at left guard, redshirt freshman Brian Driscoll at center and redshirt sophomore Brandon Mello at right tackle. The only starter who survived the game was sophomore right guard McKade Mettauer.
The Bears regained the lead midway through the fourth quarter after safety Eliajah Hicks returned an interception 30 yards to the PSU 32, and Chase Garbers threw his third touchdown of the afternoon, a 2-yarder to tight end Jake Tonges.
But the lead was short-lived.
Cal’s Jamison Sheahan had a punt blocked on Cal by Jesiah Irish, setting up the Beavers at the 14-yard line. Quarterback Tristan Gebbia, who earlier had a touchdown pass and a TD catch, converted a 1-yard sneak for the TD and a 31-27 lead with 4:30 left.
Cal somehow led 20-14 at the half after touchdown passes by Chase Garbers of 7 yards to Makai Polk and 21 yards to Kekoa Crawford, and a career-best 52-yard field goal by Dario Longhetto.
The Beavers’ two touchdowns came on plays of 75 and 35 yards that opened drives, but they otherwise managed just 54 yards in the first half.


mercurynews--2020-11-22--Fewer Thanksgiving travelers, but some take flight despite health officials’ warnings

Gone are the long lines for airport security , the backed-up traffic greeting family members visiting for Thanksgiving and the chaotic ritual of jostling among crowds to pick up luggage .
As the Thanksgiving holiday week got underway Saturday , Bay Area airports were quiet , at times nearly empty — perhaps an encouraging sign travelers are heeding health officials ’ pleas to avoid family gatherings that might risk further infections amid a nationwide coronavirus surge .
Still , tens of thousands of Californians were expected to fly and millions of others to hit the roads and rails this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she talked with her family about what precautions to take before her flight out of San Francisco International to visit family in Louisiana — including a father at higher risk from COVID-19 because of a pacemaker .
“ They wanted me to get a COVID test before I left and when I arrived , ” Barlow said , adding that she was able to take a test through her insurance .
And for dinner , “ we ’ ll be outside and six feet apart.
” She ’ s looking forward to Thanksgiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as seeing family , including some cousins that ’ ll be at the dinner .
“ Otherwise I ’ d be here by myself , ” she said .
Many travelers on Saturday felt confident protocols were in place to make travel safe and that steps they ’ d planned for before or after their flight would protect their relatives .
“ I definitely considered driving , but it ’ s just a lot easier to fly , ” said Cameron Janzen , a nursing student who took a full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
Janzen , who has followed news of the recent surge , said he doesn ’ t feel too nervous about gathering for Thanksgiving with extended family , which includes his parents , siblings and in-laws , as well as a niece and nephew .
“ I get tested often , and I try to stay as safe as I can , ” he said .
How many would-be travelers are feeling confident enough to take to the sky remains to be seen .
Mineta San José International Airport expects about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , less than a quarter of the record 546,000 Thanksgiving travelers that passed through the airport during the same Thanksgiving period last year .
“ Safety is the only message we want to convey to travelers right now , ” John Aitken , the airport ’ s director of aviation , said in a statement .
“ We are confident in the steps our teams have put in place , but can not overstate the importance of planning to follow safety protocols during travel.
” A spokesman for San Francisco International said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prediction , but the airport is seeing about a quarter of the passengers it normally does this time of year .
Last year , 491,690 travelers flew through the airport during the week of Thanksgiving , down from 500,317 in 2018 .
Oakland International did not release any travel predictions but the 363,952 passengers that flew through it in October were about a third of the number of travelers in October 2019 , according to a news release .
Overall , Thanksgiving travel is expected to be down 13 percent in California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent decline in Thanksgiving travel nationally is the largest since the 2008 Great Recession , according to AAA Northern California .
The number of air travelers is expected to drop by almost half , to about 435,600 .
Travel by bus , train or cruise is expected to drop by three quarters , to about 47,000 .
Nearly 5.8 million travelers are expected to drive , a 7 percent decrease from 2019 .
The non-profit motor club warned that Wednesday would likely be the busiest day on the roads .
“ For those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majority will go by car , which provides the flexibility to modify holiday travel plans up until the day of departure , ” AAA Northern California Spokesperson Sergio Avila said in a statement .
Those conditions have been rapidly changing amid a nationwide third wave of cases .
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently warned that “ the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with.
” And on Saturday a new limited curfew went into effect in California counties in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-essential work , travel and gatherings from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m .
Despite the warnings and rising case counts , the allure of family and a home-cooked meal , and weariness after months under coronavirus restrictions , made the risks of travel and gatherings worthwhile for many .
Among them was Dallas resident Mumbi Maina , whose trip to Oakland International was actually her second visit to California in the past month .
And she ’ s preparing to fly to her home country of Kenya before Christmas .
“ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Maina said .
“ I ’ m really trying to live life .
It ’ s hard to predict what ’ s going to happen , but I want to enjoy my life and not be constrained .
Life is short .
For Logan Herman , a freshman at Lewis & Clark College in Portland , Ore. , traveling home for the holidays was never in question .
• Sharks say they may need to leave San Jose for training camp “ I ’ m just really happy to see my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding he ’ ll either get tested or quarantine before meeting up with any childhood friends .
Herman was greeted with a warm hug by his masked mom , Dawn Herman , who said it was “ awesome ” to have her son back home where they will celebrate Thanksgiving with his brother but without grandparents , just to be safe .
“ So happy to see him , ” she said .

Gone are the long lines for airport security, the backed-up traffic greeting family members visiting for Thanksgiving and the chaotic ritual of jostling among crowds to pick up luggage.
As the Thanksgiving holiday week got underway Saturday, Bay Area airports were quiet, at times nearly empty — perhaps an encouraging sign travelers are heeding health officials’ pleas to avoid family gatherings that might risk further infections amid a nationwide coronavirus surge.
Still, tens of thousands of Californians were expected to fly and millions of others to hit the roads and rails this week despite the warnings.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Jennifer Barlow prepares to board a plane for Louisiana, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at San Francisco International Airport, as she travels home for Thanksgiving. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Lucy Warutumo, left, along with her nieces Tana Sidibeh, 6, and Mumbi Maina, and her nephew Talley Sidibeh, right, all from Dallas, Texas, wait for their ride after arriving at the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Logan Herman gets a hug from his mother, Dawn, while getting picked up at San Francisco International Airport after traveling home from college in Portland, Oregon, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Cameron Janzen, of Costa Mesa, Calif., waits for his ride after arriving at the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Travelers pass through San Francisco International Airport, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, the weekend before Thanksgiving, in San Francisco, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: A solo traveler heads to the gates to depart from the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Nursing student Andrea Millett waits for family to pick her up at San Francisco International Airport after traveling home from college in Portland, Oregon, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 21: A traveler enters San Francisco International Airport, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, on the weekend before Thanksgiving, in San Francisco, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Passengers arrive at San Francisco International Airport, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, braving travel during a pandemic on the weekend before Thanksgiving. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Passengers arrive at San Francisco International Airport, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, braving travel during a pandemic on the weekend before Thanksgiving. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Custodian Jeff Williams vacuums the carpet at the almost isolated Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: View of the parking lot shows a lot of spots available compared to previous years during Thanksgiving week at the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Travelers exit a BART train as they head to the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: A solo traveler heads to the gates to depart from the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Godwin Johnson, right, and his family, from left, daughter Helen, 13, son Aaron, 6, and wife Mabel Edwin, from Dallas, Texas, wait for their ride after arriving at the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Travelers head to the gates to depart from the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Kevin Martinez, of Dallas, Texas, checks his cell phone while waiting for his ride after arriving at the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Travelers exit the Oakland International Airport after arriving in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Sonia Saenz, left, from Whittier, and her friend Norma Naudin, from El Monte, wait for their ride after arriving at the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Godwin Johnson, right, and his family, from left, daughter Helen, 13, son Aaron, 6, and wife Mabel Edwin, from Dallas, Texas, wait for their ride after arriving at the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
Jennifer Barlow said she talked with her family about what precautions to take before her flight out of San Francisco International to visit family in Louisiana — including a father at higher risk from COVID-19 because of a pacemaker.
“They wanted me to get a COVID test before I left and when I arrived,” Barlow said, adding that she was able to take a test through her insurance. And for dinner, “we’ll be outside and six feet apart.”
She’s looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner, particularly grandma’s stuffing, as well as seeing family, including some cousins that’ll be at the dinner.
“Otherwise I’d be here by myself,” she said.
Many travelers on Saturday felt confident protocols were in place to make travel safe and that steps they’d planned for before or after their flight would protect their relatives.
“I definitely considered driving, but it’s just a lot easier to fly,” said Cameron Janzen, a nursing student who took a full flight from Los Angeles to Oakland International on Saturday.
Janzen, who has followed news of the recent surge, said he doesn’t feel too nervous about gathering for Thanksgiving with extended family, which includes his parents, siblings and in-laws, as well as a niece and nephew.
“I get tested often, and I try to stay as safe as I can,” he said.
How many would-be travelers are feeling confident enough to take to the sky remains to be seen. Mineta San José International Airport expects about 125,000 travelers between Nov. 20 and 30, less than a quarter of the record 546,000 Thanksgiving travelers that passed through the airport during the same Thanksgiving period last year.
“Safety is the only message we want to convey to travelers right now,” John Aitken, the airport’s director of aviation, said in a statement. “We are confident in the steps our teams have put in place, but cannot overstate the importance of planning to follow safety protocols during travel.”
A spokesman for San Francisco International said there was too much uncertainty to make a prediction, but the airport is seeing about a quarter of the passengers it normally does this time of year. Last year, 491,690 travelers flew through the airport during the week of Thanksgiving, down from 500,317 in 2018. Oakland International did not release any travel predictions but the 363,952 passengers that flew through it in October were about a third of the number of travelers in October 2019, according to a news release.
Overall, Thanksgiving travel is expected to be down 13 percent in California, to 6.2 million — the anticipated 10 percent decline in Thanksgiving travel nationally is the largest since the 2008 Great Recession, according to AAA Northern California. The number of air travelers is expected to drop by almost half, to about 435,600. Travel by bus, train or cruise is expected to drop by three quarters, to about 47,000.
Nearly 5.8 million travelers are expected to drive, a 7 percent decrease from 2019. The non-profit motor club warned that Wednesday would likely be the busiest day on the roads.
“For those who are considering making a trip, the majority will go by car, which provides the flexibility to modify holiday travel plans up until the day of departure,” AAA Northern California Spokesperson Sergio Avila said in a statement.
Those conditions have been rapidly changing amid a nationwide third wave of cases. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently warned that “the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with.” And on Saturday a new limited curfew went into effect in California counties in the state’s purple tier, closing non-essential work, travel and gatherings from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Despite the warnings and rising case counts, the allure of family and a home-cooked meal, and weariness after months under coronavirus restrictions, made the risks of travel and gatherings worthwhile for many.
Among them was Dallas resident Mumbi Maina, whose trip to Oakland International was actually her second visit to California in the past month. And she’s preparing to fly to her home country of Kenya before Christmas.
“We’re praying for the best, really,” Maina said. “I’m really trying to live life. It’s hard to predict what’s going to happen, but I want to enjoy my life and not be constrained. Life is short.
For Logan Herman, a freshman at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore., traveling home for the holidays was never in question.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge “I’m just really happy to see my family for Thanksgiving,” he said, adding he’ll either get tested or quarantine before meeting up with any childhood friends.
Herman was greeted with a warm hug by his masked mom, Dawn Herman, who said it was “awesome” to have her son back home where they will celebrate Thanksgiving with his brother but without grandparents, just to be safe.
“So happy to see him,” she said.


mercurynews--2020-11-21--COVID-19 deaths of Serbian clerics highlight virus worries

As coronavirus cases surge globally , the COVID-19 deaths of two senior Serbian Orthodox Church clerics — one who died weeks after presiding over the funeral of the other — are raising questions about whether some religious institutions are doing enough to slow the spread of the virus .
More reports are emerging about people who attended religious services and contract the virus — some after parishioners seemed to ignore the pleas of church and health officials to wear masks , practice social distancing and other steps to combat the virus that ’ s killed nearly 1.4 million people worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their respects Saturday to Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Irinej ignored precautions and some kissed the glass shield covering the patriarch ’ s body , despite warnings not to do so from Serbia ’ s epidemiologists .
That scene unfolded three weeks after the 90-year-old Irinej led prayers at the funeral of Bishop Amfilohije in nearby Montenegro , an event attended by thousands where many kissed the bishop ’ s remains in an open casket .
The highly publicized episodes happened as Serbia reported thousands of newly confirmed infections daily in the country of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent days has tightened measures to hold off the virus .
As the country ’ s health system strains to treat more and more people for the virus , some patients in Belgrade hospitals with less serious conditions are being transferred to hospitals elsewhere .
Those same kinds of tough decisions and terrible predicaments are playing out all across the United States .
California was set to enact a curfew starting Saturday night in an attempt to keep people away from parties , social mixing and drinking — the kinds of activities blamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s curfew will run from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew for most of the state ’ s residents and last through at least Dec. 21 .
“ Large numbers of people getting together oblivious of controls — no masks , no social distancing , often indoors — a lot of those things are in fact occurring at night , ” said Dr. Mark Cullen , an infectious disease expert who recently retired from Stanford University .
President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday that his eldest son , Donald Trump Jr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in quarantine after being infected with the virus .
Trump Jr. is among more than 12 million Americans who have been infected — and that total also includes the president himself , his wife and his youngest son .
In Texas , overflowing morgues prompted the state ’ s National Guard to send 36-member team to El Paso to help morgue workers handle the increasing number of COVID-19 deaths “ The Texas Military will provide us with the critical personnel to carry out our fatality management plan and we are very grateful to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ El Paso Mayor Dee Margo said late Friday .
In North Carolina , the Charlotte Observer reported that three more people who attended large events at the United House of Prayer for All People in Charlotte last month died — boosting the total deaths linked to the church ’ s events to 12 .
Public health contact tracers and other officials have connected more than 200 COVID-19 cases to the church ’ s events , including people who attended the events and those who came in contact with them , the newspaper reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Grand Rapids-area churches decided to stop holding in-person worship services , weddings and other big gatherings , largely in response to the pleas of the state ’ s health care workers , who have been overwhelmed by the surge in new cases In Illinois , as the state tightened restrictions to combat an alarming surge in cases , the Archdiocese of Chicago announced that clergy and bereavement ministers won ’ t be required to attend graveside services if they are worried that more than 10 people could show up .
In Delaware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be able to attend religious services during the pandemic — as long as they do so safely .
Biden — the second Catholic elected U.S. president — made the statement in response to a reporter ’ s shouted question as he walked out of church Saturday evening .
Biden was asked whether all Americans should be able to attend religious services during the pandemic and responded : “ Yes , safely.
” He did not answer a follow-up question about whether indoor services should be allowed .
The troubling developments linked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. in cities and towns brace for an event synonymous with large gatherings : Thanksgiving Day .
Health officials are begging people not to travel for Thanksgiving and asking families to resist inviting anyone over to the house who does not already live there .
“ Don ’ t let down your guard , even around close friends and relatives who aren ’ t members of your household , ” Arizona ’ s health department said on Twitter .
— A university in Arizona cracked down on students who hadn ’ t received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of online classes , a move that prompted most to get into compliance .
Northern Arizona University spokeswoman Kimberly Ott said about 25 students were notified early in the past week they wouldn ’ t have continued access to the online instruction system because they didn ’ t get tests or seek an exemption even after three email notifications and a phone call , the Arizona Daily Sun reported .
— Vermont , which has had among the lowest U.S. infection rates but is experiencing a surge , announced it will add more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The contract tracing team has been stressed as you might imagine at this point , ” Gov .
Phil Scott , a Republican , said .
— Iran shuttered businesses and curtailed travel between its major cities , including the capital of Tehran , as it grapples with the worst outbreak of the coronavirus in the Mideast region .
The Iranian Health Ministry said on Saturday that the death toll from the virus has surged past 44,000 .
The new restrictions include Iran ’ s major cities and will last two weeks but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thanksgiving travelers , but some take flight despite health officials ’ warnings • Sharks say they may need to leave San Jose for training camp — Turkey recorded its highest number of daily coronavirus patients on Saturday , according to the Health Ministry , as the country went into its first weekend curfew since June .
The ministry said 5,532 new patients with symptoms were diagnosed , some 400 more than were recorded on the previous record day in April .

By Don Babwin | Associated Press
As coronavirus cases surge globally, the COVID-19 deaths of two senior Serbian Orthodox Church clerics — one who died weeks after presiding over the funeral of the other — are raising questions about whether some religious institutions are doing enough to slow the spread of the virus.
More reports are emerging about people who attended religious services and contract the virus — some after parishioners seemed to ignore the pleas of church and health officials to wear masks, practice social distancing and other steps to combat the virus that’s killed nearly 1.4 million people worldwide.
In Belgrade, many mourners paying their respects Saturday to Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Irinej ignored precautions and some kissed the glass shield covering the patriarch’s body, despite warnings not to do so from Serbia’s epidemiologists.
That scene unfolded three weeks after the 90-year-old Irinej led prayers at the funeral of Bishop Amfilohije in nearby Montenegro, an event attended by thousands where many kissed the bishop’s remains in an open casket.
The highly publicized episodes happened as Serbia reported thousands of newly confirmed infections daily in the country of 7 million and as the government in recent days has tightened measures to hold off the virus. As the country’s health system strains to treat more and more people for the virus, some patients in Belgrade hospitals with less serious conditions are being transferred to hospitals elsewhere.
Those same kinds of tough decisions and terrible predicaments are playing out all across the United States.
California was set to enact a curfew starting Saturday night in an attempt to keep people away from parties, social mixing and drinking — the kinds of activities blamed for causing infections to soar. The state’s curfew will run from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew for most of the state’s residents and last through at least Dec. 21.
“Large numbers of people getting together oblivious of controls — no masks, no social distancing, often indoors — a lot of those things are in fact occurring at night,” said Dr. Mark Cullen, an infectious disease expert who recently retired from Stanford University.
President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is doing “very well” in quarantine after being infected with the virus. Trump Jr. is among more than 12 million Americans who have been infected — and that total also includes the president himself, his wife and his youngest son.
In Texas, overflowing morgues prompted the state’s National Guard to send 36-member team to El Paso to help morgue workers handle the increasing number of COVID-19 deaths
“The Texas Military will provide us with the critical personnel to carry out our fatality management plan and we are very grateful to them for their ongoing support,” El Paso Mayor Dee Margo said late Friday.
In North Carolina, the Charlotte Observer reported that three more people who attended large events at the United House of Prayer for All People in Charlotte last month died — boosting the total deaths linked to the church’s events to 12.
Public health contact tracers and other officials have connected more than 200 COVID-19 cases to the church’s events, including people who attended the events and those who came in contact with them, the newspaper reported.
And in Michigan, 61 pastors at Grand Rapids-area churches decided to stop holding in-person worship services, weddings and other big gatherings, largely in response to the pleas of the state’s health care workers, who have been overwhelmed by the surge in new cases
In Illinois, as the state tightened restrictions to combat an alarming surge in cases, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced that clergy and bereavement ministers won’t be required to attend graveside services if they are worried that more than 10 people could show up.
In Delaware, President-elect Joe Biden said all Americans should be able to attend religious services during the pandemic — as long as they do so safely.
Biden — the second Catholic elected U.S. president — made the statement in response to a reporter’s shouted question as he walked out of church Saturday evening.
Biden was asked whether all Americans should be able to attend religious services during the pandemic and responded: “Yes, safely.”
He did not answer a follow-up question about whether indoor services should be allowed.
The troubling developments linked to church gatherings came as officials across the U.S. in cities and towns brace for an event synonymous with large gatherings: Thanksgiving Day.
Health officials are begging people not to travel for Thanksgiving and asking families to resist inviting anyone over to the house who does not already live there.
“Don’t let down your guard, even around close friends and relatives who aren’t members of your household,” Arizona’s health department said on Twitter.
In other coronavirus developments:
— A university in Arizona cracked down on students who hadn’t received mandatory COVID-19 testing by locking them out of online classes, a move that prompted most to get into compliance. Northern Arizona University spokeswoman Kimberly Ott said about 25 students were notified early in the past week they wouldn’t have continued access to the online instruction system because they didn’t get tests or seek an exemption even after three email notifications and a phone call, the Arizona Daily Sun reported.
— Vermont, which has had among the lowest U.S. infection rates but is experiencing a surge, announced it will add more contract tracers and testing capacity. “The contract tracing team has been stressed as you might imagine at this point,” Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, said.
— Iran shuttered businesses and curtailed travel between its major cities, including the capital of Tehran, as it grapples with the worst outbreak of the coronavirus in the Mideast region. The Iranian Health Ministry said on Saturday that the death toll from the virus has surged past 44,000. The new restrictions include Iran’s major cities and will last two weeks but can be automatically extended.


mercurynews--2020-11-21--Watch: Massachusetts state trooper shot on Cape Cod, search on for gunman

A state trooper is expected to survive after someone shot him in Hyannis , and police continue to search for the person who fired the gun .
The 28-year-old state trooper , who police did not identify further , suffered a “ serious ” gunshot wound through the hand after he stopped a car on Camp Street at 11:30 p.m. Friday , state police said .
Massachusetts State Police said the round went through his hand and hit his bulletproof vest .
The wounds are considered not to be life threatening .
“ I ’ ve been shot !
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trooper called into 911 dispatchers , according to a Cape Cod news correspondent who recorded and then filmed the aftermath of the shooting .
Another trooper took him to Cape Cod Hospital , and then an ambulance took him to Massachusetts General Hospital .
The trooper ’ s injury is not life threatening , MSP said .
The car that the trooper had stopped took off after the shooting , police said , and a search is ongoing for the people inside it as the investigation continues .
The trooper who brought his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shields , who graduated alongside the injured man from the most recent academy class , and both are assigned to the State Police-Yarmouth Barracks .
Col. Christopher Mason , superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police , praised Shields , who he said “ took quick and decisive action to get his wounded brother Trooper to the emergency room immediately .
Both Troopers remained calm and composed in a highly stressful situation , and both did what they had to do without delay — behavior that speaks volumes about their character , courage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State Police Academy .
We are grateful that the outcome was not worse.
” Mason said this is a reminder of the “ inherent danger that is present ” anytime a police officer walks up to a motor vehicle or a suspect .
“ What happened last night also underscores the willingness of criminals to arm themselves and commit violent acts in the blink of an eye to avoid investigation or apprehension , “ Mason said .
“ We are left to wonder if our Trooper , by engaging a suspect or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoot , prevented some other violent crime from occurring in the community .
”

A state trooper is expected to survive after someone shot him in Hyannis, and police continue to search for the person who fired the gun.
The 28-year-old state trooper, who police did not identify further, suffered a “serious” gunshot wound through the hand after he stopped a car on Camp Street at 11:30 p.m. Friday, state police said.
Massachusetts State Police said the round went through his hand and hit his bulletproof vest. The wounds are considered not to be life threatening.
“I’ve been shot! I’ve been shot,” the trooper called into 911 dispatchers, according to a Cape Cod news correspondent who recorded and then filmed the aftermath of the shooting.
Another trooper took him to Cape Cod Hospital, and then an ambulance took him to Massachusetts General Hospital. The trooper’s injury is not life threatening, MSP said.
The car that the trooper had stopped took off after the shooting, police said, and a search is ongoing for the people inside it as the investigation continues.
The trooper who brought his wounded comrade to the hospital was Timothy Shields, who graduated alongside the injured man from the most recent academy class, and both are assigned to the State Police-Yarmouth Barracks.
Col. Christopher Mason, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, praised Shields, who he said “took quick and decisive action to get his wounded brother Trooper to the emergency room immediately. Both Troopers remained calm and composed in a highly stressful situation, and both did what they had to do without delay — behavior that speaks volumes about their character, courage, and the quality of their training at the State Police Academy. We are grateful that the outcome was not worse.”
Mason said this is a reminder of the “inherent danger that is present” anytime a police officer walks up to a motor vehicle or a suspect.
“What happened last night also underscores the willingness of criminals to arm themselves and commit violent acts in the blink of an eye to avoid investigation or apprehension, “Mason said. “We are left to wonder if our Trooper, by engaging a suspect or suspects who were armed and ready to shoot, prevented some other violent crime from occurring in the community.”