mercurynews--2020-04-24--Los Angeles charges 29 businesses for refusing to close amid stay-at-home order

The city of Los Angeles is bringing charges against more businesses refusing to shutter and flouting the mayor ’ s month-old stay-at-home order , officials said Thursday .
The city attorney ’ s office brought criminal charges against at least 29 businesses — 11 in the San Fernando Valley — since the start of the order on March 16 .
That ’ s a big jump in prosecutions since earlier this month .
By April 7 , City Attorney Mike Feuer ’ s office had brought charges against just four businesses , including a an electronics store and a smoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoe store and another smoke shop in South L.A .
Since then , however , Los Angeles police have received thousands of complaints of non-essential businesses remaining open .
In Tuesday ’ s Police Commission meeting , LAPD Chief Michel Moore said the department had received more than 1,400 complaints so far .
Nearly all of those complaints were resolved with a visit from officers .
“ In the vast majority of instances , we find compliance , and we find misunderstandings of not knowing whether they were essential businesses or not , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The businesses receiving charges repeatedly refused to shut down after multiple requests , Moore said .
Once that happens , officers file the complaints with Feuer ’ s office .
At least 79 complaints have been filed so far , he said .
The businesses targeted were charged with refusing to obey the city order , a misdemeanor , according to the L.A. city code .
If found guilty , the business owners could face fines of up to $ 1,000 or six months in jail , or both .
Among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smoke shops in Valley Village , Reseda , Woodland Hills , Sherman Oaks and Encino .
• Immigrants , hard hit by economic fallout , adapt to new jobs • Injunction limiting crackdown on Sonoma County homeless camps set to be extended • Photos : Muslims celebrate Ramadan in the era of social distancing Workers with the Department of Water and Power , as well as several LAPD officers , shut off electricity for the Reseda smoke shop , a small stand located in a strip mall parking lot near Vanowen Street and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shop appears to be one of the first businesses in the city to have its utility services shut down amid criminal charges for staying open .
The other stores charged were a car wash , a massage parlor , a pet groomer and a Harley Davidson dealership .
The repair shop at Top Rockers-Harley Davidson in Canoga Park was still open Thursday .
A mechanic who answered the phone said customers whose only mode of transportation is their motorcycle still needed them serviced , even amid a pandemic .
Rob Wilcox , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Top Rockers was charged because its sales department failed to close .
The owners of the dealership are a limited-liability company registered in Florida , and could not immediately be reached for comment .

The city of Los Angeles is bringing charges against more businesses refusing to shutter and flouting the mayor’s month-old stay-at-home order, officials said Thursday.
The city attorney’s office brought criminal charges against at least 29 businesses — 11 in the San Fernando Valley — since the start of the order on March 16.
That’s a big jump in prosecutions since earlier this month. By April 7, City Attorney Mike Feuer’s office had brought charges against just four businesses, including a an electronics store and a smoke shop in downtown L.A., and a shoe store and another smoke shop in South L.A.
Since then, however, Los Angeles police have received thousands of complaints of non-essential businesses remaining open.
In Tuesday’s Police Commission meeting, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said the department had received more than 1,400 complaints so far.
Nearly all of those complaints were resolved with a visit from officers.
“In the vast majority of instances, we find compliance, and we find misunderstandings of not knowing whether they were essential businesses or not,” Moore told commissioners in webcam meeting.
The businesses receiving charges repeatedly refused to shut down after multiple requests, Moore said. Once that happens, officers file the complaints with Feuer’s office. At least 79 complaints have been filed so far, he said.
The businesses targeted were charged with refusing to obey the city order, a misdemeanor, according to the L.A. city code. If found guilty, the business owners could face fines of up to $1,000 or six months in jail, or both.
Among the 11 Valley businesses charged, seven were smoke shops in Valley Village, Reseda, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks and Encino.
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The other stores charged were a car wash, a massage parlor, a pet groomer and a Harley Davidson dealership.
The repair shop at Top Rockers-Harley Davidson in Canoga Park was still open Thursday. A mechanic who answered the phone said customers whose only mode of transportation is their motorcycle still needed them serviced, even amid a pandemic.
Rob Wilcox, a spokesman for Feuer’s office, said Top Rockers was charged because its sales department failed to close.
The owners of the dealership are a limited-liability company registered in Florida, and could not immediately be reached for comment.


mercurynews--2020-04-24--Kurtenbach’s grades: 49ers stick to Super Bowl formula with first-round picks

When you go to the grocery store , you have a list of things that you need to buy .
Sure , you might wander around a bit and pick up a few things that interest you — things that might be a good value — but you don ’ t buy those things instead of the items on your list , no matter what the deal is .
The 49ers , like every other team in the NFL , entered the first round of Thursday ’ s NFL Draft with a list .
They have four open starting jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ split end , right guard , and perhaps right cornerback .
The need was in that order .
It took two trades and some clever maneuvering to make it happen — perhaps the Niners were too cute — but they landed a three-technique and a split end ( aka an X receiver ) .
They stuck to their list .
And the Niners weren ’ t blindly grabbing whatever was available , either .
San Francisco not only drafted players to fill specific roles in the team ’ s offensive and defensive ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and John Lynch ’ s rubric for what a successful NFL player should be .
Both No .
14 pick Javon Kinlaw and No .
25 pick Brandon Aiyuk are elite athletes .
Not in the way that every player in the NFL is an elite athlete , either .
No .
Amid a league of full-grown men , these two players enter as superhumans .
This is the Shanahan and Lynch model .
Sure , football is a game of smarts and technique and toughness , but once those prerequisites are met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 49ers are hellbent on having the best athletes on the field .
Kinlaw and Aiyuk were two of the best athletes in the entire draft and arguably the top athletes at their respective positions in this class .
Are their games perfectly refined ?
Hardly .
No prospect is surefire , and if this pair — with their athletic abilities — were , they wouldn ’ t have been available to San Francisco Thursday .
The 49ers ’ goal of getting the twitchiest of the fast-twitch athletes has worked up until this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this team went to the Super Bowl a few months ago .
Shanahan and Lynch believe that the systems and team ’ s coaching can refine even the rawest prospect , but they can ’ t teach the ability to jump 40 inches in the air .
So when the 49ers ’ brass said after the draft that Kinlaw and Aiyuk were the team ’ s top targets at their respective positions Thursday , you should actually believe them .
The Niners have been crystal clear about what it is they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their first-round picks fill a need and fit the bill .
Via trade : Niners trade Nos .
13 ( trade chart value : 1150 ) , 245 ( value : 1 ) to Tampa Bay for No .
14 ( 1100 ) and No .
117 ( 60 ) .
Pros • When you think about a three-technique , this is the kind of player you should imagine .
He ’ s tall , long , and has incredible lower-half explosiveness .
That ’ s literally the Niners ’ checklist at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pass-rush-or-bust system , his athleticism should shine .
Playing next to Nick Bosa , Arik Armstead , and a rotating class of impressive defensive linemen , he might go a full year without facing a double team .
Starting in Week 1 , there will be one play a game where he is able to burst into the backfield effectively untouched .
This is a perfect match of player and scheme .
• Trading down one pick and still selecting the player the Niners wanted netted San Francisco a fourth-round pick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay .
And while it was subsequently used in the trade to acquire the No .
25 pick and Aiyuk — perhaps a bit of an overpay — it was a good bit of business by Lynch that deserves to be lauded .
• San Francisco will not have to rely on Solomon Thomas to be an every-down-type player in 2020 .
That was an untenable situation .
• San Francisco ’ s run defense might improve with Kinlaw at three-technique .
DeForest Buckner was larger and longer , but he lacked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the line .
Kinlaw has those and can match — or likely exceed — Buckner ’ s lower-half strength .
• While he ’ ll unquestionably fill the role of three-tech in base formations , can he slide to one-technique on clear-cut passing downs ?
That ’ s something that Buckner did without incident and it unlocked plenty for the 49ers ’ front four .
• Knee tendinitis concerns likely knocked Kinlaw down draft boards .
That ’ s lucky for the Niners , but — despite the prospect ’ s claims that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s something to monitor moving forward .
Those aren ’ t issues that magically go away Dee Ford ’ s knee issues turned him into a bit player for the Niners last year .
He was effective , sure , but how valuable are you if you ’ re a specialist ?
The Niners rotate frequently along the defensive line to keep players fresh , but Kinlaw will likely need to be given extra care… as a rookie .
That ’ s almost antithetical .
Kinlaw has the talent to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent him from actually being able to stay on the field for all three downs ?
• Kinlaw is raw .
He was able to get by on his superior athleticism at South Carolina — no small feat in the SEC — but his motor ran hot and cold and when he ran up against balanced , sound linemen , he did sputter at times .
Offensive line play might be at a nadir in the NFL , but he ’ ll go up against plenty of confidence .
He ’ ll likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll have to go all out on every down and learn a few new moves to be an impact player in 2020 and beyond .
• Tristian Wirfs , whom the Niners allowed Tampa Bay to select with the No .
13 pick , was , I believe , a generational offensive line talent for a wide zone scheme like the 49ers run .
San Francisco clearly wasn ’ t interested , but they effectively traded him to a new rival .
This is the case with all draft picks , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be loud if Kinlaw fails to impress early in his career .
The last time the Niners traded down by one pick , they passed on Mitchell Trubisky — things are a bit different this time .
If the knee is , indeed , not an issue , the Niners hit a home run by selecting a younger , cheaper , and more athletic DeForest Buckner .
But the knee looks like it could be an issue , which would limit his effectiveness .
That has to be some sort of demerit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
31 ( value : 600 ) , 117 ( 60 ) , 176 ( 20 ) to Minnesota for No .
25 ( 720 ) • A tailor-made replacement for Emmanuel Sanders .
In fact , the similarities in specs are creepy .
• Tremendous wingspan — the equivalent of a man four or five inches taller than him — and a 40-inch vertical leap make him a jump ball candidate .
That ’ s something the Niners have missed under Shanahan .
• A YAC monster — Aiyuk has elite open-field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the catch last year at ASU .
It was also hard to find a clip of him being chased down in the open field , despite not boasting elite speed , indicating that he plays faster than he tested .
( And he tested extremely well . )
It ’ s easy to see how in Shanahan ’ s offense , that will be put to prolific use .
• Controls his body and changes direction better than any other wide receiver in this draft class — he ’ s exceptionally balanced .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ slants and dig routes Shanahan prescribes to his split ends .
• He showed a toughness that is necessary to be a wide receiver in Shanahan ’ s system , which relies heavily on wide receivers to block in the run game .
Cons • A late bloomer who was pondering a move to defensive back and who only had one year of meaningful production at Arizona State .
That could mean upside — it could also mean that the transition to the NFL is jarring .
• Has big hands , long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high , but doesn ’ t high-point the ball often .
He can be a body catcher , which leads to drops .
The Niners deeply valued Sanders ’ surehandedness.Aiyuk is unlikely to replace it .
• Struggled with physical coverage when he faced it at Arizona State .
That , of course , was rare — as it likely will be at the NFL level , as Shanahan schemes clean releases and wide-open windows in his offense — but it ’ s of concern .
• The Niners traded away the bonus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tampa Bay , as well as a fifth-round pick , to move up six spots to select Aiyuk .
It should be noted that Seattle and Miami were also possibilities to select Aiyuk before pick No .
31 — the Niners ’ original selection — but San Francisco might have been too eager .
• The Niners traded with another NFC rival — a team they played in the postseason a few months ago .
It ’ s not as glaring as the Tampa Bay move , but they better hope those late-round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the next few years .
Aiyuk is a great selection by the 49ers and while they made a trade , they didn ’ t pay a premium to move up to select him .
That said , did they have to trade up to select him ?

When you go to the grocery store, you have a list of things that you need to buy.
Sure, you might wander around a bit and pick up a few things that interest you — things that might be a good value — but you don’t buy those things instead of the items on your list, no matter what the deal is.
The 49ers, like every other team in the NFL, entered the first round of Thursday’s NFL Draft with a list. They have four open starting jobs for the 2020 season — three-technique, split end, right guard, and perhaps right cornerback. The need was in that order.
It took two trades and some clever maneuvering to make it happen — perhaps the Niners were too cute — but they landed a three-technique and a split end (aka an X receiver). They stuck to their list.
And the Niners weren’t blindly grabbing whatever was available, either. San Francisco not only drafted players to fill specific roles in the team’s offensive and defensive’ schemes, they also fit Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch’s rubric for what a successful NFL player should be.
Both No. 14 pick Javon Kinlaw and No. 25 pick Brandon Aiyuk are elite athletes. Not in the way that every player in the NFL is an elite athlete, either. No. Amid a league of full-grown men, these two players enter as superhumans.
This is the Shanahan and Lynch model. Sure, football is a game of smarts and technique and toughness, but once those prerequisites are met, the better athletes usually win.
The 49ers are hellbent on having the best athletes on the field.
Kinlaw and Aiyuk were two of the best athletes in the entire draft and arguably the top athletes at their respective positions in this class. Are their games perfectly refined? Hardly. No prospect is surefire, and if this pair — with their athletic abilities — were, they wouldn’t have been available to San Francisco Thursday.
The 49ers’ goal of getting the twitchiest of the fast-twitch athletes has worked up until this point. Let’s not forget that this team went to the Super Bowl a few months ago.
Shanahan and Lynch believe that the systems and team’s coaching can refine even the rawest prospect, but they can’t teach the ability to jump 40 inches in the air.
So when the 49ers’ brass said after the draft that Kinlaw and Aiyuk were the team’s top targets at their respective positions Thursday, you should actually believe them. The Niners have been crystal clear about what it is they are looking for in players, and both of their first-round picks fill a need and fit the bill.
***
No. 14 Javon Kinlaw
Via trade: Niners trade Nos. 13 (trade chart value: 1150), 245 (value: 1) to Tampa Bay for No. 14 (1100) and No. 117 (60).
Pros
• When you think about a three-technique, this is the kind of player you should imagine. He’s tall, long, and has incredible lower-half explosiveness. That’s literally the Niners’ checklist at the position.
• In a one-gap, pass-rush-or-bust system, his athleticism should shine.
Playing next to Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, and a rotating class of impressive defensive linemen, he might go a full year without facing a double team. Starting in Week 1, there will be one play a game where he is able to burst into the backfield effectively untouched. This is a perfect match of player and scheme.
• Trading down one pick and still selecting the player the Niners wanted netted San Francisco a fourth-round pick. That’s a gift from Tampa Bay. And while it was subsequently used in the trade to acquire the No. 25 pick and Aiyuk — perhaps a bit of an overpay — it was a good bit of business by Lynch that deserves to be lauded.
• San Francisco will not have to rely on Solomon Thomas to be an every-down-type player in 2020. That was an untenable situation.
• San Francisco’s run defense might improve with Kinlaw at three-technique. DeForest Buckner was larger and longer, but he lacked the change-of-direction skills to break off blocks at the line. Kinlaw has those and can match — or likely exceed — Buckner’s lower-half strength.
Cons
• While he’ll unquestionably fill the role of three-tech in base formations, can he slide to one-technique on clear-cut passing downs? That’s something that Buckner did without incident and it unlocked plenty for the 49ers’ front four.
• Knee tendinitis concerns likely knocked Kinlaw down draft boards. That’s lucky for the Niners, but — despite the prospect’s claims that he’s 100 percent healthy — it’s something to monitor moving forward. Those aren’t issues that magically go away
Dee Ford’s knee issues turned him into a bit player for the Niners last year. He was effective, sure, but how valuable are you if you’re a specialist?
The Niners rotate frequently along the defensive line to keep players fresh, but Kinlaw will likely need to be given extra care… as a rookie. That’s almost antithetical.
Kinlaw has the talent to be a three-down player. Will his knee prevent him from actually being able to stay on the field for all three downs?
• Kinlaw is raw. He was able to get by on his superior athleticism at South Carolina — no small feat in the SEC — but his motor ran hot and cold and when he ran up against balanced, sound linemen, he did sputter at times. Offensive line play might be at a nadir in the NFL, but he’ll go up against plenty of confidence. He’ll likely start from Day One, but he’ll have to go all out on every down and learn a few new moves to be an impact player in 2020 and beyond.
• Tristian Wirfs, whom the Niners allowed Tampa Bay to select with the No. 13 pick, was, I believe, a generational offensive line talent for a wide zone scheme like the 49ers run. San Francisco clearly wasn’t interested, but they effectively traded him to a new rival. This is the case with all draft picks, but the “what if?” game could be loud if Kinlaw fails to impress early in his career. The last time the Niners traded down by one pick, they passed on Mitchell Trubisky — things are a bit different this time.
Grade: A-
If the knee is, indeed, not an issue, the Niners hit a home run by selecting a younger, cheaper, and more athletic DeForest Buckner. But the knee looks like it could be an issue, which would limit his effectiveness. That has to be some sort of demerit.
***
No. 25 Brandon Aiyuk
Via trade: 49ers trade Nos. 31 (value: 600), 117 (60), 176 (20) to Minnesota for No. 25 (720)
Pros
• A tailor-made replacement for Emmanuel Sanders. In fact, the similarities in specs are creepy.
• Tremendous wingspan — the equivalent of a man four or five inches taller than him — and a 40-inch vertical leap make him a jump ball candidate. That’s something the Niners have missed under Shanahan.
• A YAC monster — Aiyuk has elite open-field ability, averaging nearly 10 yards after the catch last year at ASU. It was also hard to find a clip of him being chased down in the open field, despite not boasting elite speed, indicating that he plays faster than he tested. (And he tested extremely well.) It’s easy to see how in Shanahan’s offense, that will be put to prolific use.
• Controls his body and changes direction better than any other wide receiver in this draft class — he’s exceptionally balanced. He should have no problem running the slants and dig routes Shanahan prescribes to his split ends.
• A viable kick return option.
• He showed a toughness that is necessary to be a wide receiver in Shanahan’s system, which relies heavily on wide receivers to block in the run game.
Cons
• A late bloomer who was pondering a move to defensive back and who only had one year of meaningful production at Arizona State. That could mean upside — it could also mean that the transition to the NFL is jarring.
• Has big hands, long arms, and the ability to jump high, but doesn’t high-point the ball often. He can be a body catcher, which leads to drops. The Niners deeply valued Sanders’ surehandedness.Aiyuk is unlikely to replace it.
• Struggled with physical coverage when he faced it at Arizona State. That, of course, was rare — as it likely will be at the NFL level, as Shanahan schemes clean releases and wide-open windows in his offense — but it’s of concern.
• The Niners traded away the bonus pick they landed in the move with Tampa Bay, as well as a fifth-round pick, to move up six spots to select Aiyuk. It should be noted that Seattle and Miami were also possibilities to select Aiyuk before pick No. 31 — the Niners’ original selection — but San Francisco might have been too eager.
• The Niners traded with another NFC rival — a team they played in the postseason a few months ago. It’s not as glaring as the Tampa Bay move, but they better hope those late-round picks don’t turn into anything in the next few years.
Grade: A
Aiyuk is a great selection by the 49ers and while they made a trade, they didn’t pay a premium to move up to select him. That said, did they have to trade up to select him?


mercurynews--2020-04-24--Potential Day 2 targets for Raiders in NFL Draft

Mike Mayock so badly wanted to get into the 20 through 60 range in the NFL draft that he didn ’ t lift a finger to get it done .
“ We did not initiate any calls , but we had a bunch of calls from teams that wanted to move up at times for specific players , ” Mayock told beat reporters Thursday night after the conclusion of the first round of the NFL draft .
It came as a minor surprise , given Mayock ’ s love of late first and early-second-round picks and the Raiders having no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first round and No .
80 in the third round .
The Raiders selected Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs at No .
12 then surprised everyone but themselves with the pick of Ohio State corner Damon Arnette with the pick obtained in the Khalil Mack deal with the Chicago Bears at No .
19 .
That doesn ’ t mean the Raiders can ’ t make a deal or two Friday , where they have picks at No .
80 , 81 and 91 in the third round .
Another potential bargaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly has been shopped to other teams and could help bring a Day 2 pick .
Jackson carries a $ 9.6 million salary , and in a similar situation last year , the Raiders traded Kelechi Osemele to the New York Gets along with a sixth-round pick to obtain a fifth-round pick .
In all , Mayock considered the initial “ virtual ” draft glitch-free after a few days of practice .
“ We had several times when we had two or three teams on the line , ” Mayock said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smoothly , get the information easily .
Knock on wood , it went well tonight .
It will get more and more complicated as we get less and less time between picks.
” After having 10 minutes between picks in Round 1 , it drops to seven minutes in Round 2 and five minutes in Rounds 3 and beyond .
The draft begins at 4 p.m. ( PDT ) .
A look at potential players of interest going in to Day 2 : If Gruden wants a No .
3 quarterback with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the system for the future , Hurts is their man and there would be no pressure to play him as a rookie with Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota on the roster .
Eason is a big sturdy thrower who doesn ’ t create on his own and wouldn ’ t likely be a match .
Fromm has a steady , veteran-like presence and a demeanor which suggests he could stick as a backup for a long time .
Gordon is the Terra Nova/City College of San Francisco product who thrived as Gardner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Raid offense .
Jones is an experienced four-year starter at left tackle who in some rankings came in just behind Andrew Thomas , who ended up the No .
4 overall pick .
Cleveland isn ’ t a particularly powerful blocker in the running game but is a good athlete who shifts lower body weight well as a pass blocker .
Simpson ’ s size and power potential , plus the fact that he comes from Clemson , has him on the Raiders ’ radar .
Cushenberry received the honor of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player who “ does all the right things.
” Foster Moreau wore it the previous year .
Hunt ’ s aggressive nature and experience have him projected as an eventual potential starter .
Mims is a boom or bust prospect capable of big plays and dropped passes against inferior Big-12 defensive backs .
Chenault is a physical receiver at 6-5 , 227 pounds who gets nearly 60 percent of his yards after contact but may have trouble getting separation in the NFL .
Higgins put 25 touchdowns on the board in his last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards per catch for his career .
Pittman is the son of former running back Michael Pittman , a favorite of Gruden ofr his physical style .
Hamler is fearless but small and likely wouldn ’ t be a target with the presence of Hunter Renfrow .
Dobbins , Swift and Taylor would likely have to be targets in a trade for the Raiders to have a shot .
More likely , they ’ ll wait to find someone to be complementary back for Josh Jacobs .
At 5-10 , 217 , Akers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he plays very hard and is a slightly larger version of the role DeAndre Washington held .
Moss , at 5-9 , 223 , is coming off a 1,416-yard season where he averaged 6.0 yards per carry but took a considerable beating over three years at Utah .
Gross-Matos and Epenesa were both projected as first-round picks and are likely to be off the board quickly when the draft resumes .
Weaver doesn ’ t really look the part in terms of body type but was a four-year starter who had 13 1/2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a senior .
He plays with maximum effort , however , and could be around early in Day 3 .
It was a minor surprise that Blacklock made it out of the first round although injuries hampered his career .
He has the athleticism and feet to be a factor inside , however .
Davidson actually had a better statistical year than teammate Derrick Brown , who went in the first round , although the attention paid to Brown had something to do with it .
Baun grew up playing soccer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he compiled 19 1/2 tackles for loss , 12 1/2 sacks and three forced fumbles .
Plays extremely hard but not always technically sound .
Davis-Gaither has the athleticism and speed mandatory to the position in the pass-first era but a small school background means he has a lot to learn .
Harrison ’ s height-weight-speed combo was more impressive than his production with the Buckeyes .
Wilson was regarded as a sure tackler but could have issues in coverage at the NFL level .
• Raiders catch up with Ruggs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking Damon Arnette : “ We don ’ t feel , at all , like it was a reach ” • How to stay on top of Raiders ‘ virtual ’ draft • Live NFL Draft updates : Who will 49ers , Raiders take in 1st round ?
Defensive backs : CB Trevon Diggs ( Alabama ) , S Xavier McKinney ( Alabama ) , S Grant Delpit ( LSU ) , S Jeremy Chinn ( Southern Illinois ) , S Kyle Dugger ( Lenoir-Rhyne ) .
Diggs , along with Kristian Fulton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Utah ) , had some first-round support but the Raiders liked Arnette over all of them to the point where they took him at No .
19 .
McKinney was the leader of the Alabama secondary and is considered interchangeable in terms of playing single deep or in the box .
Delpit is more hitter than tackler and his aggressiveness gets him into trouble at times .
Chinn also isn ’ t particularly instinctive , but his skill set projects to a player in sub packages as well as special teams .
Dugger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story who is a tweener in that he ’ s not a true safety and not big enough to be a linebacker .

Mike Mayock so badly wanted to get into the 20 through 60 range in the NFL draft that he didn’t lift a finger to get it done.
“We did not initiate any calls, but we had a bunch of calls from teams that wanted to move up at times for specific players,” Mayock told beat reporters Thursday night after the conclusion of the first round of the NFL draft.
It came as a minor surprise, given Mayock’s love of late first and early-second-round picks and the Raiders having no picks scheduled between No. 19 in the first round and No. 80 in the third round.
The Raiders selected Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs at No. 12 then surprised everyone but themselves with the pick of Ohio State corner Damon Arnette with the pick obtained in the Khalil Mack deal with the Chicago Bears at No. 19.
That doesn’t mean the Raiders can’t make a deal or two Friday, where they have picks at No. 80, 81 and 91 in the third round.
Another potential bargaining chip is guard Gabe Jackson, who reportedly has been shopped to other teams and could help bring a Day 2 pick. Jackson carries a $9.6 million salary, and in a similar situation last year, the Raiders traded Kelechi Osemele to the New York Gets along with a sixth-round pick to obtain a fifth-round pick.
In all, Mayock considered the initial “virtual” draft glitch-free after a few days of practice.
“We had several times when we had two or three teams on the line,” Mayock said. “We were able to get the information smoothly, get the information easily. Knock on wood, it went well tonight. It will get more and more complicated as we get less and less time between picks.”
After having 10 minutes between picks in Round 1, it drops to seven minutes in Round 2 and five minutes in Rounds 3 and beyond. The draft begins at 4 p.m. (PDT).
A look at potential players of interest going in to Day 2:
Quarterbacks: Jalen Hurts (Oklahoma), Jacob Eason (Washington), Jake Fromm (Georgia), Anthony Gordon (Washington State), James Morgan (Florida International)
If Gruden wants a No. 3 quarterback with an explosive pass-run skillset to integrate run-pass options into the system for the future, Hurts is their man and there would be no pressure to play him as a rookie with Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota on the roster. Eason is a big sturdy thrower who doesn’t create on his own and wouldn’t likely be a match. Fromm has a steady, veteran-like presence and a demeanor which suggests he could stick as a backup for a long time. Gordon is the Terra Nova/City College of San Francisco product who thrived as Gardner Minshew did in Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense.
Offensive line: T Josh Jones (Houston), T Ezra Cleveland (Boise State), T-G John Simpson (Clemson), L Lloyd Cushenberrry (LSU), G Robert Hunt (Louisiana).
Jones is an experienced four-year starter at left tackle who in some rankings came in just behind Andrew Thomas, who ended up the No. 4 overall pick. Cleveland isn’t a particularly powerful blocker in the running game but is a good athlete who shifts lower body weight well as a pass blocker. Simpson’s size and power potential, plus the fact that he comes from Clemson, has him on the Raiders’ radar. Cushenberry received the honor of the No. 18 practice jersey for a player who “does all the right things.” Foster Moreau wore it the previous year. Hunt’s aggressive nature and experience have him projected as an eventual potential starter.
Wide receivers: Denzel Mims (Baylor), Laviska Chenault (Colorado), Tee Higgins (Clemson), Michael Pittman Jr. (USC), KJ Hamler (Penn State)
Mims is a boom or bust prospect capable of big plays and dropped passes against inferior Big-12 defensive backs. Chenault is a physical receiver at 6-5, 227 pounds who gets nearly 60 percent of his yards after contact but may have trouble getting separation in the NFL. Higgins put 25 touchdowns on the board in his last two seasons at Clemson while averaging 18.1 yards per catch for his career. Pittman is the son of former running back Michael Pittman, a favorite of Gruden ofr his physical style. Hamler is fearless but small and likely wouldn’t be a target with the presence of Hunter Renfrow.
Running backs: J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State), D’Andre Swift (Georgia), Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin), Cam Akers (Florida State), Zack Moss (Utah)
Dobbins, Swift and Taylor would likely have to be targets in a trade for the Raiders to have a shot. More likely, they’ll wait to find someone to be complementary back for Josh Jacobs. At 5-10, 217, Akers isn’t a patient runner but he plays very hard and is a slightly larger version of the role DeAndre Washington held. Moss, at 5-9, 223, is coming off a 1,416-yard season where he averaged 6.0 yards per carry but took a considerable beating over three years at Utah.
Defensive line: E Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State), E A.J. Epenesa (Iowa), E Curtis Weaver (Boise State), T Ross Blacklock (TCU), T Marlon Davidson (Auburn)
Gross-Matos and Epenesa were both projected as first-round picks and are likely to be off the board quickly when the draft resumes. Weaver doesn’t really look the part in terms of body type but was a four-year starter who had 13 1/2 sacks and 18 1/2 tackles for losses as a senior. He plays with maximum effort, however, and could be around early in Day 3. It was a minor surprise that Blacklock made it out of the first round although injuries hampered his career. He has the athleticism and feet to be a factor inside, however. Davidson actually had a better statistical year than teammate Derrick Brown, who went in the first round, although the attention paid to Brown had something to do with it.
Linebackers: Zach Baun (Wisconsin), Akeem Davis-Gaither (Appalaichian State), Willie Gay Jr. (Mississippi State), Malik Harrison (Ohio State), Logan Wilson (Wyoming)
Baun grew up playing soccer and basketball and his athletic skills were evident as he compiled 19 1/2 tackles for loss, 12 1/2 sacks and three forced fumbles. Plays extremely hard but not always technically sound. Davis-Gaither has the athleticism and speed mandatory to the position in the pass-first era but a small school background means he has a lot to learn. Harrison’s height-weight-speed combo was more impressive than his production with the Buckeyes. Wilson was regarded as a sure tackler but could have issues in coverage at the NFL level.
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49ers-Raiders practice: ‘Bang-bang’ defense takes out Davante Adams Raiders | Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers get sentimental at Vegas reunion — to an extent Defensive backs: CB Trevon Diggs (Alabama), S Xavier McKinney (Alabama), S Grant Delpit (LSU), S Jeremy Chinn (Southern Illinois), S Kyle Dugger (Lenoir-Rhyne).
Diggs, along with Kristian Fulton (LSU) and Jaylen Johnson (Utah), had some first-round support but the Raiders liked Arnette over all of them to the point where they took him at No. 19. McKinney was the leader of the Alabama secondary and is considered interchangeable in terms of playing single deep or in the box. Delpit is more hitter than tackler and his aggressiveness gets him into trouble at times. Chinn also isn’t particularly instinctive, but his skill set projects to a player in sub packages as well as special teams. Dugger is this year’s small school story who is a tweener in that he’s not a true safety and not big enough to be a linebacker.


mercurynews--2020-04-24--Bridge: April 24, 2020

Bridge: April 24, 2020

I got another letter from the Society of Finessers ( they are persistent if nothing else ) , complaining that finesses never win in my columns .
“ Sir : We must again condemn your disdain for the finesse , an honorable technique that wins fully half the time — except in your deals.
” The Society sent me today ’ s deal , with South at a slam .
“ Declarer has possible finesses in every suit .
In real life he might win 16 tricks by finessing , but in your column , he takes the ace of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Later , you have him misguess the two-way finesse in hearts to go down .
For shame !
” South can make six spades without guessing .
He ruffs a club at Trick Two , leads the queen of trumps to dummy ’ s ace , ruffs the last club and exits with a trump .
When East wins , he is end-played to yield the 12th trick .
He must lead a club , conceding a ruff-sluff , or lead a red suit , guessing the queen for South .
Finesses are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : S K 3 H Q 9 4 2 D 7 4 3 C K 10 6 4 .
Your partner opens one diamond , and the next player bids one spade .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : This is a common problem that “ negative doubles ” handle .
By agreement , a double shows enough strength to act , plus heart length , plus diamond support or clubs .
Without negative doubles , you would have to pass and perhaps be shut out if the next player raised spades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

I got another letter from the Society of Finessers (they are persistent if nothing else), complaining that finesses never win in my columns.
“Sir: We must again condemn your disdain for the finesse, an honorable technique that wins fully half the time — except in your deals.”
The Society sent me today’s deal, with South at a slam.
“Declarer has possible finesses in every suit. In real life he might win 16 tricks by finessing, but in your column, he takes the ace of clubs and loses a trump finesse. Later, you have him misguess the two-way finesse in hearts to go down. For shame!”
How should South play?
LAST CLUB
South can make six spades without guessing. He ruffs a club at Trick Two, leads the queen of trumps to dummy’s ace, ruffs the last club and exits with a trump. When East wins, he is end-played to yield the 12th trick. He must lead a club, conceding a ruff-sluff, or lead a red suit, guessing the queen for South.
Finesses are useful but better avoided.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K 3 H Q 9 4 2 D 7 4 3 C K 10 6 4. Your partner opens one diamond, and the next player bids one spade. What do you say?
ANSWER: This is a common problem that “negative doubles” handle. By agreement, a double shows enough strength to act, plus heart length, plus diamond support or clubs. Without negative doubles, you would have to pass and perhaps be shut out if the next player raised spades. Discuss negative doubles with your partner.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A 6 4
H K 10 8
D K 10 9 8
C A Q 8
WEST
S 2
H 6 5 3
D Q 6 5 2
C J 7 5 3 2
EAST
S K 3
H Q 9 4 2
D 7 4 3
C K 10 6 4
SOUTH
S Q J 10 9 8 7 5
H A J 7
D A J
C 9
South West North East
1 S Pass 3 NT Pass
5 S Pass 6 S All Pass
Opening lead — C 3
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-04-24--Horoscopes April 24, 2020: Kelly Clarkson, personal improvement is encouraged.

Happy Birthday : Be open to suggestions but honest with yourself about what you need .
Keep your life and possibilities in perspective if you want to get ahead .
Putting in quality time and effort without drama and fuss will be essential .
High energy , coupled with enthusiasm and discipline , will manifest into something worthwhile .
Personal improvement is encouraged .
Your numbers are 4 , 12 , 23 , 25 , 31 , 36 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Start early with the intent to finish what you start .
Use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to argue or get in to a standoff that is likely to damage your reputation or dismantle a meaningful relationship .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Do what needs to be done , and stick to your budget .
Stubbornness , anger and impatience will lead to an emotional scene .
Distance yourself from trouble , unpredictable situations and unrealistic individuals .
Time is on your side , so slow down and do things properly .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 ) : Distance yourself from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t forthright when it comes to sharing information .
Channel your energy into personal gains , physical fitness and ridding yourself of any lingering negativity in your life .
Surround yourself with upbeat people .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Participate in events that interest you , or volunteer your time to an organization that shares your beliefs .
Listen , learn and develop a pattern that will help you incorporate what you know , what you do well and what brings you joy into the mix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 ) : You may understand what you are trying to accomplish , but reaching your goal won ’ t be that easy if you let others interfere .
Discipline , along with physical input , will be required .
Spend time with someone you love , and it will spark your enthusiasm .
2 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : A change will be refreshing .
Start watching a new series , or plan to do something that will help you get in touch with friends through social media .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ come up with a plan tailored to your needs .
5 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Don ’ t get angry about the things you can not change .
Concentrate on what you can do to make a difference .
Choose to be moderate and to make life adjustments that will encourage a less stressful environment .
Choose peace , love and personal growth .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Someone you encounter will have a positive influence on something you ’ ve been trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you check out online job opportunities or attend an online event that attracts like-minded people .
A partnership will require an adjustment .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : A manipulative individual will cause chaos in your life if you are gullible or too accommodating .
Be smart when it comes to relationships , and question anything or anyone who is persistent or nosy .
Keep private matters to yourself .
3 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Stick close to home , protect your possessions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything you hear .
Someone will lead you astray if given a chance .
Do your fact-finding before you take action .
Home improvements are favored .
5 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Emotional difficulties with someone close to you will surface .
Don ’ t let the changes that unfold ruin your plans .
Stick to what works best for you , and engage in activities that are positive and geared toward bringing you closer to someone you love .
2 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group you belong to will bring high returns .
An opportunity to slide in to a better position looks promising .
Get together with an old friend , or reconnect with someone you used to work alongside .
4 stars Birthday Baby : You are adaptable , unique and helpful .
You are intelligent and energetic .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jack Quaid, 28; David Boudia, 31; Kelly Clarkson, 38; Barbra Streisand, 78.
Happy Birthday: Be open to suggestions but honest with yourself about what you need. Keep your life and possibilities in perspective if you want to get ahead. Putting in quality time and effort without drama and fuss will be essential. High energy, coupled with enthusiasm and discipline, will manifest into something worthwhile. Personal improvement is encouraged. Your numbers are 4, 12, 23, 25, 31, 36, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Start early with the intent to finish what you start. Use your intelligence to sort out differences, not to argue or get in to a standoff that is likely to damage your reputation or dismantle a meaningful relationship. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Do what needs to be done, and stick to your budget. Stubbornness, anger and impatience will lead to an emotional scene. Distance yourself from trouble, unpredictable situations and unrealistic individuals. Time is on your side, so slow down and do things properly. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Distance yourself from anyone who asks for too much or isn’t forthright when it comes to sharing information. Channel your energy into personal gains, physical fitness and ridding yourself of any lingering negativity in your life. Surround yourself with upbeat people. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Participate in events that interest you, or volunteer your time to an organization that shares your beliefs. Listen, learn and develop a pattern that will help you incorporate what you know, what you do well and what brings you joy into the mix. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You may understand what you are trying to accomplish, but reaching your goal won’t be that easy if you let others interfere. Discipline, along with physical input, will be required. Spend time with someone you love, and it will spark your enthusiasm. 2 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change will be refreshing. Start watching a new series, or plan to do something that will help you get in touch with friends through social media. Digest the information you gather, and come up with a plan tailored to your needs. 5 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t get angry about the things you cannot change. Concentrate on what you can do to make a difference. Choose to be moderate and to make life adjustments that will encourage a less stressful environment. Choose peace, love and personal growth. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Someone you encounter will have a positive influence on something you’ve been trying to develop. An opportunity will open up if you check out online job opportunities or attend an online event that attracts like-minded people. A partnership will require an adjustment. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A manipulative individual will cause chaos in your life if you are gullible or too accommodating. Be smart when it comes to relationships, and question anything or anyone who is persistent or nosy. Keep private matters to yourself. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Stick close to home, protect your possessions and relationships, and don’t believe everything you hear. Someone will lead you astray if given a chance. Do your fact-finding before you take action. Home improvements are favored. 5 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Emotional difficulties with someone close to you will surface. Don’t let the changes that unfold ruin your plans. Stick to what works best for you, and engage in activities that are positive and geared toward bringing you closer to someone you love. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Greater involvement in your community or a group you belong to will bring high returns. An opportunity to slide in to a better position looks promising. Get together with an old friend, or reconnect with someone you used to work alongside. 4 stars
Birthday Baby: You are adaptable, unique and helpful. You are intelligent and energetic.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-04-25--The Latest: Eagles take QB Jalen Hurts at No. 53

By The Associated Press The Latest on the second and third rounds of the NFL draft .
Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts , who began his college career at Alabama , was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round with the 53rd overall pick .
Hurts was the fifth quarterback taken overall and the first of Day 2 .
Hurts started his first two seasons at Alabama , leading the Crimson Tide to two national championship games .
He lost his job to Tua Tagovailoa and transferred to Oklahoma for his final year .
Hurts became a Heisman Trophy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 3,851 yards and running for 1,298 yards .
The Eagles might be able to use him in a similar way the New Orleans Saints use Taysom Hill , running , receiving and passing .
As if the Chicago Bears don ’ t have enough tight ends on their roster , they added another with Cole Kmet of Notre Dame .
Kmet was the first at his position selected this year , going 43rd overall .
An All-American went soon after as Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield Jr. , was taken by Tampa Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s dad played against Tom Brady in college , then went on to an outstanding pro career .
Now the younger Winfield is a teammate of Brady .
Notre Dame wideout Chase Claypool , a native of British Columbia who was so ignored by colleges that he sent out his own tape to schools , went 49th overall to Pittsburgh .
It was the Steelers ’ initial selection .
The New York Giants made Alabama ’ s Xavier McKinney the first safety selected in this year ’ s draft , 36th overall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Crimson Tide predecessors , Pittsburgh ’ s Minkah Fitzpatrick , McKinney is comfortable in man coverage and zone .
The Giants had a hard-hitting safety from Alabama in Landon Collins , and now they have McKinney .
Another first for this crop : a non-FBS player went when New England made its initial choice after trading out of the opening round .
Safety Kyle Dugger of Division II Lenoir-Rhyne was the guy .
An early trade saw the Colts , who already had bolstered the offense with wideout Michael Pittman Jr. of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding a running back in Jonathan Taylor .
A long-time starter and heavily used player at Wisconsin , Taylor also has had some fumbling issues .
But he ’ s been a consistently reliable performer and a team leader .
The NFL will provide a dollar-for-dollar match on Friday of every donation to its fundraiser to fight the coronavirus pandemic .
Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the matching donations by the league at the beginning of Friday night ’ s broadcast of Rounds 2 and 3 of the draft .
Money raised during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts and pay tribute to healthcare workers and others on the front lines of the pandemic .
Donations will be divided among six charities : the Salvation Army , the American Red Cross ; CDC Foundation ’ s All of Us ; and the COVID-19 response funds of Feeding America , Meals on Wheels America and United Way .
The “ Draft-a-Thon ” had raised more than $ 4 million by early Friday evening .
The Indianapolis Colts made their first pick of the draft , No .
34 overall and the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California receiver Michael Pittman Jr .
The son of the former NFL running back was a Biletnikoff Award finalist as the top receiver in the country last year .
At 6-foot-4 , Pittman is big and strong .
He had 101 catches for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns last season .
Georgia running back D ’ Andre Swift was next off the board , going to the Detroit Lions .
Swift was the second running back selected in the draft after LSU ’ s Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the final player taken in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Cincinnati Bengals held firm atop the second round of the draft , selecting receiver Tee Higgins to catch Joe Burrow ’ s passes .
Many teams covet the opening spot in the round , viewing it almost as a first-rounder because a player — usually several players — they graded as a top-32 guy has not been chosen .
But unless a club was willing to part with a 2021 first-round choice to move up for No .
33 this year , the Bengals were wise not to budge .
Besides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first-round talent , too .
So in addition to finding what they hope will be their franchise quarterback in Burrow with the first overall pick , the Bengals ( 2-14 last season ) added a threat who can make the spectacular reception .
Burrow and Higgins also worked out together heading toward the draft .
The second day of the NFL draft begins with nine AP first-team All-Americans available , including Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor and Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield .
Eight AP first-team All-Americans were selected during the first round .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ board is Kentucky ’ s Lynn Bowden , who made the team as an all-purpose player .
Bowden was Kentucky ’ s leading receiver , but injuries forced the Wildcats to move him to quarterback and him became a dominant runner , going for 1,468 yards .
In the NFL , Bowden is likely to move back to wide receiver , but his do-it-all skills could increase his value .
The Denver Broncos are hoping to get off to a better start in Day 2 of the NFL draft .
Coach Vic Fangio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on him Thursday just when the NFL draft was about to start .
The Broncos didn ’ t draft until the 15th pick , but Fangio says his IT expert , Russ Trainor , was frazzled .
Trainor summoned some Comcast engineers nearby and they quickly arrived at Fangio ’ s house to fix the problem .
Fangio says the cable guys had him back up and running within a few minutes .
Positions that were somewhat or totally ignored in the first round of the draft figure to get a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selections .
The second and third rounds of the virtual draft could see , pardon the pun , a run on running backs .
Only one , LSU ’ s Clyde Edwards-Helaire , went on Thursday , to the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the final spot .
Look for Georgia ’ s D ’ Andre Swift , Wisconsin ’ s Jonathan Taylor , Ohio State ’ s J.K Dobbins , Utah ’ s Zack Moss and Florida State ’ s Cam Akers to find homes .
No safeties went — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening round .
Alabama ’ s Xavier McKinney , LSU ’ s Grant Delpit , Minnesota ’ s Antoine Winfield Jr. , and Georgia ’ s J.R Reed are available .
As usual , the spotlight will shine on any quarterback remaining .
That means Jake Fromm of Georgia , Jalen Hurts of Oklahoma and Jacob Eason of Washington could be called out by Commissioner Roger Goodell .

By The Associated Press
The Latest on the second and third rounds of the NFL draft.
___
The Southeastern Conference is on pace to smash another NFL draft record.
A year after having a record 64 players selected during the three-day, seven-round event, the powerhouse league had a whopping 40 guys go in the first three rounds.
The conference broke the NFL record by having 15 guys chosen in the opening round Thursday and had 25 more Friday — 10 in the second and 15 in the third.
Thirteen of the league’s 14 teams had at least one player drafted. Only Mississippi failed to land a player in any of the first three rounds.
The last pick of the third round was Tyre Phillips, an offensive lineman from Mississippi State taken by Baltimore.
___
A brother act has landed in Detroit.
Notre Dame linebacker Julian Okwara was drafted with the third pick of the third round. The Lions already have his older brother, Romeo, a defensive end who also went to Notre Dame.
Julian comes off a broken leg against Duke that short-circuited his 2019 season. His brother spent two seasons with the Giants before moving to the Lions.
Notre Dame didn’t have a player taken in the opening round, but since has had three.
___
After having a record 15 of the 32 players in the first round of the draft came from the Southeastern Conference, another 10 SEC players came off the board in Round 2.
And that’s not including Jalen Hurts, the Oklahoma quarterback who started his career with three seasons at Alabama.
Seven more wide receivers went in the second round, one more than in Day 1, including Florida’s Van Jefferson to the Rams and Baylor’s Denzel Mims to the Jets. With 13 receivers taken in the first two rounds, it breaks the record of 12 set in 2014.
The second round was the running back round, with five high-profile players coming off the board, including AJ Dillon from Boston College taken by the Green Bay Packers with the 62nd pick.
___
Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts, who began his college career at Alabama, was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round with the 53rd overall pick.
Hurts was the fifth quarterback taken overall and the first of Day 2. Hurts started his first two seasons at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to two national championship games.
He lost his job to Tua Tagovailoa and transferred to Oklahoma for his final year. Hurts became a Heisman Trophy runner-up last year in Norman, passing for 3,851 yards and running for 1,298 yards.
The Eagles might be able to use him in a similar way the New Orleans Saints use Taysom Hill, running, receiving and passing.
___
As if the Chicago Bears don’t have enough tight ends on their roster, they added another with Cole Kmet of Notre Dame. Kmet was the first at his position selected this year, going 43rd overall.
Chicago now has 10 tight ends.
An All-American went soon after as Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield Jr., was taken by Tampa Bay at No. 45. Winfield’s dad played against Tom Brady in college, then went on to an outstanding pro career. Now the younger Winfield is a teammate of Brady.
Notre Dame wideout Chase Claypool, a native of British Columbia who was so ignored by colleges that he sent out his own tape to schools, went 49th overall to Pittsburgh. It was the Steelers’ initial selection.
___
The New York Giants made Alabama’s Xavier McKinney the first safety selected in this year’s draft, 36th overall.
A versatile defensive back like one of his Crimson Tide predecessors, Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick, McKinney is comfortable in man coverage and zone. The Giants had a hard-hitting safety from Alabama in Landon Collins, and now they have McKinney.
Another first for this crop: a non-FBS player went when New England made its initial choice after trading out of the opening round. Safety Kyle Dugger of Division II Lenoir-Rhyne was the guy.
An early trade saw the Colts, who already had bolstered the offense with wideout Michael Pittman Jr. of Southern California at No. 34, adding a running back in Jonathan Taylor. A long-time starter and heavily used player at Wisconsin, Taylor also has had some fumbling issues. But he’s been a consistently reliable performer and a team leader.
___
The NFL will provide a dollar-for-dollar match on Friday of every donation to its fundraiser to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the matching donations by the league at the beginning of Friday night’s broadcast of Rounds 2 and 3 of the draft.
Money raised during the “Draft-a-Thon” will benefit COVID-19 relief efforts and pay tribute to healthcare workers and others on the front lines of the pandemic.
Donations will be divided among six charities: the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross; CDC Foundation’s All of Us; and the COVID-19 response funds of Feeding America, Meals on Wheels America and United Way.
The “Draft-a-Thon” had raised more than $4 million by early Friday evening.
___
The Indianapolis Colts made their first pick of the draft, No. 34 overall and the second pick of Day 2, grabbing Southern California receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
The son of the former NFL running back was a Biletnikoff Award finalist as the top receiver in the country last year. At 6-foot-4, Pittman is big and strong. He had 101 catches for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
Georgia running back D’Andre Swift was next off the board, going to the Detroit Lions. Swift was the second running back selected in the draft after LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the final player taken in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs.
___
The Cincinnati Bengals held firm atop the second round of the draft, selecting receiver Tee Higgins to catch Joe Burrow’s passes.
Many teams covet the opening spot in the round, viewing it almost as a first-rounder because a player — usually several players — they graded as a top-32 guy has not been chosen.
But unless a club was willing to part with a 2021 first-round choice to move up for No. 33 this year, the Bengals were wise not to budge.
Besides, they likely rated Higgins as a first-round talent, too.
So in addition to finding what they hope will be their franchise quarterback in Burrow with the first overall pick, the Bengals (2-14 last season) added a threat who can make the spectacular reception.
Burrow and Higgins also worked out together heading toward the draft.
___
The second day of the NFL draft begins with nine AP first-team All-Americans available, including Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor and Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield. Eight AP first-team All-Americans were selected during the first round.
Maybe the most intriguing All-American on the board is Kentucky’s Lynn Bowden, who made the team as an all-purpose player. Bowden was Kentucky’s leading receiver, but injuries forced the Wildcats to move him to quarterback and him became a dominant runner, going for 1,468 yards.
In the NFL, Bowden is likely to move back to wide receiver, but his do-it-all skills could increase his value.
___
The Denver Broncos are hoping to get off to a better start in Day 2 of the NFL draft. Coach Vic Fangio says his internet and cable TV locked up on him Thursday just when the NFL draft was about to start.
The Broncos didn’t draft until the 15th pick, but Fangio says his IT expert, Russ Trainor, was frazzled.
Trainor summoned some Comcast engineers nearby and they quickly arrived at Fangio’s house to fix the problem.
Fangio says the cable guys had him back up and running within a few minutes.
___
Safety and running back.
Positions that were somewhat or totally ignored in the first round of the draft figure to get a lot of attention on the second day of selections.
The second and third rounds of the virtual draft could see, pardon the pun, a run on running backs. Only one, LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire, went on Thursday, to the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the final spot.
Look for Georgia’s D’Andre Swift, Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor, Ohio State’s J.K Dobbins, Utah’s Zack Moss and Florida State’s Cam Akers to find homes.
No safeties went — six cornerbacks were chosen — in the opening round. Alabama’s Xavier McKinney, LSU’s Grant Delpit, Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield Jr., and Georgia’s J.R Reed are available.
As usual, the spotlight will shine on any quarterback remaining. That means Jake Fromm of Georgia, Jalen Hurts of Oklahoma and Jacob Eason of Washington could be called out by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


mercurynews--2020-04-25--Police: Canada rampage began with domestic incident

TORONTO — Canada ’ s worst mass shooting erupted from an argument between the gunman and his girlfriend , who survived the attack , police confirmed Friday .
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Supt .
Darren Campbell said the weekend shooting rampage started with an assault by the suspect on his girlfriend and ended with 22 people dead in communities across central and northern Nova Scotia .
“ She did manage to escape .
That could well have been the catalyst of events , ” Campbell said .
Authorities are also not discounting the suspect planned some of the murders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the woods from the suspect , who has been identified as 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman .
Police have said Wortman acted alone in the shooting spree that killed 22 people in more than 16 crime scenes in several rural communities .
Campbell said they found 13 deceased victims in the rural community of Portapique , a quiet community of 100 residents where the suspect lived part time .
He said when police arrived , they discovered a man shot .
The man reported he was driving when someone in what looked like a police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was transported to hospital .
They were several homes on fire , including the suspect ’ s , when police arrived in the community .
Campbell said the suspect had a pistol that was acquired in Canada and several long barreled guns that were obtained in the United States .
Police found “ several people who were deceased , some of which were lying in the roadway.
” Authorities initially thought the suspect might have committed suicide and was in one of the homes that was on fire , he said .
Campbell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s girlfriend emerged from hiding in the woods , called 911 and gave police detailed information about the suspect including that he was driving a mock police car and was in police uniform .
Police later started receiving 911 calls more than 35 miles away .
Campbell said the suspect killed two men and a woman and set their house on fire .
He knew at least two of them .
He then approached another residence in that area where he knew people , and knocked on the door .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left .
The occupants called 911 and confirmed the suspect was armed and was driving what looked like a police car .
He then shot a woman on the street and pulled cars over and shot and killed people , Campbell said .
He later shot and injured a male police officer in his car .
The officer managed to escape and survived .
Campbell then said there was a collision between a female officer ’ s police car and the gunman ’ s mock police car .
He shot and killed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fires to the cars .
Campbell said he also killed a passerby and took their SUV .
He then drove to a house and killed a woman he knew before removing his police uniform and stealing her car .
He then drove to get gas and was shot by a police officer who happened to be at the gas station refueling .
The suspect was shot to death at 11:26 on Sunday morning , about 13 hours after the attacks began .
“ There seems to be a trail of individuals who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Police have said Wortman carried out much of the attack disguised as a police officer in a vehicle marked to seem like a patrol car .
Campbell said he had a few cars that police believe were former police vehicles .
Campbell said the suspect ’ s girlfriend is recovering and continues to cooperate with police .
He said it would have been a lot worse had she not told them he was driving a car made to look like a police vehicle .
John Hudson , who had known Wortman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sometimes openly controlling and jealous of his long-time girlfriend .
“ I didn ’ t see him hitting her or anything like that , ” Hudson said .
“ But I know they fought.
” Hudson recalled a bonfire party about 10 years ago when an argument between the two left the woman locked out of their home in rural Portapique .
“ I was with her , trying to get her stuff out of there , ” Hudson said .
“ People had been drinking … and it was a crazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want her to leave , but he wouldn ’ t let her in the house.
” Hudson said at one point , Wortman removed the tires from the woman ’ s vehicle and threw them into the ditch to prevent her from leaving .
“ So , I went to get ( her clothes ) and what he said to me was : ‘ I don ’ t want anyone in my house .
If you come in my house , I ’ m just telling you , I ’ ve got guns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his neighbor had been purchasing used police vehicles at auctions .
Wortman , who owned a denture practice in the city of Dartmouth , near Halifax , lived part time in Portapique , according to residents .
His Atlantic Denture Clinic had been closed the past month because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Nova Scotia , meanwhile , issued an emergency alert to cell phones warning residents to “ shelter in place and refrain from travel ” as police are on scene in a wooded area of Halifax in relation to a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was an additional report of shots fired in another area of Halifax .
RCMP in Nova Scotia later said there is no evidence of shots fired and gave an “ all clear ” in a tweet .
One incident was noise from a construction site .
The province and police were criticized for not sending out an emergency alert during Wortman ’ s 13-hour rampage .
Mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada .
The country overhauled its gun control laws after Marc Lepine shot 14 women and himself to death at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1989 .
Before the weekend rampage , that had been Canada ’ s worst mass shooting .
Two years ago Thursday , a man drove a van along a busy Toronto sidewalk and killed 10 people and injured 16 .
The suspect , who is awaiting trial , said he carried out the attack in retribution for years of sexual rejection and ridicule by women .

By Rob Gillies | Associated Press
TORONTO — Canada’s worst mass shooting erupted from an argument between the gunman and his girlfriend, who survived the attack, police confirmed Friday.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Supt. Darren Campbell said the weekend shooting rampage started with an assault by the suspect on his girlfriend and ended with 22 people dead in communities across central and northern Nova Scotia.
“She did manage to escape. That could well have been the catalyst of events,” Campbell said.
Authorities are also not discounting the suspect planned some of the murders.
Campbell said the girlfriend hid overnight in the woods from the suspect, who has been identified as 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman.
Police have said Wortman acted alone in the shooting spree that killed 22 people in more than 16 crime scenes in several rural communities.
Campbell said they found 13 deceased victims in the rural community of Portapique, a quiet community of 100 residents where the suspect lived part time. He said when police arrived, they discovered a man shot. The man reported he was driving when someone in what looked like a police car shot him. He survived and was transported to hospital.
They were several homes on fire, including the suspect’s, when police arrived in the community. Campbell said the suspect had a pistol that was acquired in Canada and several long barreled guns that were obtained in the United States. Police found “several people who were deceased, some of which were lying in the roadway.”
Authorities initially thought the suspect might have committed suicide and was in one of the homes that was on fire, he said.
Campbell said at about 6:30 a.m., Wortman’s girlfriend emerged from hiding in the woods, called 911 and gave police detailed information about the suspect including that he was driving a mock police car and was in police uniform.
Police later started receiving 911 calls more than 35 miles away. Campbell said the suspect killed two men and a woman and set their house on fire. He knew at least two of them.
He then approached another residence in that area where he knew people, and knocked on the door. But the people inside did not answer and he left. The occupants called 911 and confirmed the suspect was armed and was driving what looked like a police car.
He then shot a woman on the street and pulled cars over and shot and killed people, Campbell said.
He later shot and injured a male police officer in his car. The officer managed to escape and survived. Campbell then said there was a collision between a female officer’s police car and the gunman’s mock police car. He shot and killed the officer and took her gun and set fires to the cars. Campbell said he also killed a passerby and took their SUV.
He then drove to a house and killed a woman he knew before removing his police uniform and stealing her car. He then drove to get gas and was shot by a police officer who happened to be at the gas station refueling.
The suspect was shot to death at 11:26 on Sunday morning, about 13 hours after the attacks began.
“There seems to be a trail of individuals who had problems with Mr. Wortman,” Campbell said.
Police have said Wortman carried out much of the attack disguised as a police officer in a vehicle marked to seem like a patrol car. Campbell said he had a few cars that police believe were former police vehicles.
Campbell said the suspect’s girlfriend is recovering and continues to cooperate with police. He said it would have been a lot worse had she not told them he was driving a car made to look like a police vehicle.
John Hudson, who had known Wortman for about 18 years, said Wortman was sometimes openly controlling and jealous of his long-time girlfriend.
“I didn’t see him hitting her or anything like that,” Hudson said. “But I know they fought.”
Hudson recalled a bonfire party about 10 years ago when an argument between the two left the woman locked out of their home in rural Portapique.
“I was with her, trying to get her stuff out of there,” Hudson said. “People had been drinking … and it was a crazy night … and he didn’t want her to leave, but he wouldn’t let her in the house.”
Hudson said at one point, Wortman removed the tires from the woman’s vehicle and threw them into the ditch to prevent her from leaving. “So, I went to get (her clothes) and what he said to me was: ‘I don’t want anyone in my house. If you come in my house, I’m just telling you, I’ve got guns in here.'”
Hudson said his neighbor had been purchasing used police vehicles at auctions.
Wortman, who owned a denture practice in the city of Dartmouth, near Halifax, lived part time in Portapique, according to residents. His Atlantic Denture Clinic had been closed the past month because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Nova Scotia, meanwhile, issued an emergency alert to cell phones warning residents to “shelter in place and refrain from travel” as police are on scene in a wooded area of Halifax in relation to a report of shots fired. They also said there was an additional report of shots fired in another area of Halifax.
RCMP in Nova Scotia later said there is no evidence of shots fired and gave an “all clear” in a tweet. One incident was noise from a construction site.
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Fremont: Active shooter training to take place at California School for the Deaf National News | Pittsburgh synagogue killer will be sentenced to death The province and police were criticized for not sending out an emergency alert during Wortman’s 13-hour rampage.
Mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada. The country overhauled its gun control laws after Marc Lepine shot 14 women and himself to death at Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnique college in 1989. Before the weekend rampage, that had been Canada’s worst mass shooting.
Two years ago Thursday, a man drove a van along a busy Toronto sidewalk and killed 10 people and injured 16. The suspect, who is awaiting trial, said he carried out the attack in retribution for years of sexual rejection and ridicule by women.


mercurynews--2020-04-25--Photos: Coronavirus won’t keep ARF from finding homes for these puppies

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the gallery and video on your mobile device The coronavirus isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek from fulfilling its mission .
Amid the @ @ @ @ @ has been doing virtual adoptions .
The curious can check out the ARF website and @ @ @ @ @ these canines .
If the process goes as planned , a “ no contact ” @ @ @ @ @ can take their new four-legged charges home .
The puppies in this video have all @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t you can ’ t admire them .
More animals will be available @ @ @

Click here if you are having trouble viewing the gallery and video on your mobile device
The coronavirus isn’t keeping Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek from fulfilling its mission.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit has been doing virtual adoptions. The curious can check out the ARF website and begin the process to adopt these canines. If the process goes as planned, a “no contact” exchange is available and adopters can take their new four-legged charges home.
The puppies in this video have all been adopted, but that doesn’t you can’t admire them. More animals will be available for adoption.


mercurynews--2020-04-25--Coping during COVID-19: 20/20 Vision

Coping during COVID-19: 20/20 Vision

We asked readers to tell us how they ’ re coping during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Today , we bring you some of the responses .
We will publish more in the days ahead .
To read all of the Coping series , click here .
No one could predict the immeasurable fear , Provoked by a virus the same name as a beer .
A headache , a fever , a cough and a sneeze , An invisible bug brought the world to its knees .
The life as we knew it is no longer there , The streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bare .
The stadiums are silent , all sports are on hold , The Olympics are postponed – no competing for gold .
The theaters are empty , the stage lights are dim , Bars and restaurants are shut down and so is the gym .
The stores have all shuttered , malls now ghostly halls , A walk in the park requires new protocols .
Once bustling cities now contain empty squares , All places of worship , they don ’ t have a prayer .
Vacations are cancelled , all business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are strictly policed .
All meetings are taboo , all classes dismissed , Things taken for granted no longer exist .
No weddings , no funerals , no birthdays , no proms , Graduations , celebrations could all cause us harm .
Millions lost livelihoods just over night , Uncertainty looms with no ending in sight .
Our arms remain empty , too dangerous to hug , So near yet so far from the ones that we love .
So many have suffered , so many have died , Our anxieties and fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The air is much cleaner , there are fewer car fumes , Smoke stacks from closed factories have paused spewing plumes .
• Coping during COVID-19 : Retirement plans , surgery for pain now on hold • Coping during COVID-19 : Finding the silver linings while missing school • Coping during COVID-19 : I ’ m taking a break from the anxiety of Twitter • Coping during COVID-19 : Pandemic reinforces we ’ re all in this together • Coping during COVID-19 : Works full-time , cares for mother and friends Less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on seas , The planet ’ s pollution is starting to ease .
The beaches have less trash , the sky ’ s turning bluer , Our rivers and oceans are less of a sewer .
We ’ ve been forced to slow down and examine our lives , Spend time with our children , our husbands and wives .
We value our friends and reach out to them more , Including the neighbors that live right next door .
A world once divided has now become one , To conquer an enemy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no religion , nationality or race , Is immune from this virus that ’ s invaded our space .
It took Mother Nature to force us to pause , And ponder the havoc our actions have caused .
Gave us time to acknowledge our precious world ’ s worth , And decide what to do to preserve planet earth .
Perhaps this disease is her gift in disguise , To make humans more humane and prevent our demise .
To read other submissions from readers about how they are coping during the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome more submissions .
Whether you ’ re working from home , out of work or a critical frontline worker , we ’ d like to hear from you .
Think of this as an opportunity to share with other readers .
Not about politics , but about how you ’ re getting by and how this challenging time affects you .
Send submissions to COVID19 @ bayareanewsgroup.com .
Please include , for publication , your name and your city , and a horizontal photo of you .
Please also include , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number .
Please limit your thoughts to 250 words .

We asked readers to tell us how they’re coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we bring you some of the responses. We will publish more in the days ahead. To read all of the Coping series, click here.
By Nancy Langstaff Krakauer, Pleasanton
No one could predict the immeasurable fear,
Provoked by a virus the same name as a beer.
A headache, a fever, a cough and a sneeze,
An invisible bug brought the world to its knees.
The life as we knew it is no longer there,
The streets are deserted, the shelves are quite bare.
The stadiums are silent, all sports are on hold,
The Olympics are postponed – no competing for gold.
The theaters are empty, the stage lights are dim,
Bars and restaurants are shut down and so is the gym.
The stores have all shuttered, malls now ghostly halls,
A walk in the park requires new protocols.
Once bustling cities now contain empty squares,
All places of worship, they don’t have a prayer.
Vacations are cancelled, all business trips ceased,
The borders between countries are strictly policed.
All meetings are taboo, all classes dismissed,
Things taken for granted no longer exist.
No weddings, no funerals, no birthdays, no proms,
Graduations, celebrations could all cause us harm.
Millions lost livelihoods just over night,
Uncertainty looms with no ending in sight.
Our arms remain empty, too dangerous to hug,
So near yet so far from the ones that we love.
So many have suffered, so many have died,
Our anxieties and fears have all amplified.
But. . .
The air is much cleaner, there are fewer car fumes,
Smoke stacks from closed factories have paused spewing plumes.
Less traffic on freeways, less cruise ships on seas,
The planet’s pollution is starting to ease.
The beaches have less trash, the sky’s turning bluer,
Our rivers and oceans are less of a sewer.
We’ve been forced to slow down and examine our lives,
Spend time with our children, our husbands and wives.
We value our friends and reach out to them more,
Including the neighbors that live right next door.
A world once divided has now become one,
To conquer an enemy that affects everyone.
No sex, no religion, nationality or race,
Is immune from this virus that’s invaded our space.
It took Mother Nature to force us to pause,
And ponder the havoc our actions have caused.
Gave us time to acknowledge our precious world’s worth,
And decide what to do to preserve planet earth.
Perhaps this disease is her gift in disguise,
To make humans more humane and prevent our demise.
To read other submissions from readers about how they are coping during the coronavirus shutdown, click here.
We also welcome more submissions. Whether you’re working from home, out of work or a critical frontline worker, we’d like to hear from you. Think of this as an opportunity to share with other readers. Not about politics, but about how you’re getting by and how this challenging time affects you.
Send submissions to COVID19@bayareanewsgroup.com. Please include, for publication, your name and your city, and a horizontal photo of you. Please also include, not for publication, your address and phone number. Please limit your thoughts to 250 words.


mercurynews--2020-04-25--Nintendo reports 160,000 accounts were hacked

Nintendo revealed on Friday that 160,000 accounts were breached since the beginning of April , by hackers using others ’ Nintendo Network IDs without permission .
The company announced users will no longer need to use these IDs to log into their accounts , and that passwords on accounts that may have been breached will be reset .
Over the past month , users on social media were complaining of missing funds from their Nintendo accounts and , in some cases , seeing their money being used to buy Fortnite ’ s virtual currency , V-Bucks .
In addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ games , the hackers were also able to see individuals ’ date of birth , country or region and email addresses .
They could also access payment services linked to these accounts , including PayPal accounts or credit cards to buy items on Nintendo ’ s platform .
“ We sincerely apologize to our customers and related parties for any inconvenience and concern .
In the future , we will make further efforts to strengthen security and ensure safety so that similar events do not occur , ” said Nintendo in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nintendo Network ID is a unique username and password used mainly for older Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles .
On the newer Nintendo Switch , users don ’ t have to register a Nintendo Network ID and can simply create an account using an email address , although it was possible to link the two .
Nintendo encouraged customers to check their purchase history for any unauthorized transactions and then request a refund .
Credit card information wasn ’ t exposed , however , according to Nintendo .
The company is emailing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their passwords .
Anyone who used to use a Nintendo Network ID to login should now use their Nintendo account email address instead .
For an extra layer of security , the company is also asking people to set up two-factor authentication , adding a second method of verification such as linking to another app that will generate a code for each login .

By Shannon Liao | CNN
Nintendo revealed on Friday that 160,000 accounts were breached since the beginning of April, by hackers using others’ Nintendo Network IDs without permission. The company announced users will no longer need to use these IDs to log into their accounts, and that passwords on accounts that may have been breached will be reset.
Over the past month, users on social media were complaining of missing funds from their Nintendo accounts and, in some cases, seeing their money being used to buy Fortnite’s virtual currency, V-Bucks.
In addition to logging in to potentially play other users’ games, the hackers were also able to see individuals’ date of birth, country or region and email addresses. They could also access payment services linked to these accounts, including PayPal accounts or credit cards to buy items on Nintendo’s platform.
“We sincerely apologize to our customers and related parties for any inconvenience and concern. In the future, we will make further efforts to strengthen security and ensure safety so that similar events do not occur,” said Nintendo in an announcement originally written in Japanese.
A Nintendo Network ID is a unique username and password used mainly for older Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles. On the newer Nintendo Switch, users don’t have to register a Nintendo Network ID and can simply create an account using an email address, although it was possible to link the two.
Nintendo encouraged customers to check their purchase history for any unauthorized transactions and then request a refund. Credit card information wasn’t exposed, however, according to Nintendo.
The company is emailing affected users, urging them to change their passwords. Anyone who used to use a Nintendo Network ID to login should now use their Nintendo account email address instead. For an extra layer of security, the company is also asking people to set up two-factor authentication, adding a second method of verification such as linking to another app that will generate a code for each login.


mercurynews--2020-04-24--‘Mean Girls,’ ‘Band’s Visit,’ ‘My Fair Lady’ postponed in San Francisco

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device .
BroadwaySF — which operates both the Orpheum and Golden Gate theaters in San Francisco — is postponing a number of upcoming productions due to the ongoing concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic .
This includes such highly anticipated shows as “ The Band ’ s Visit , ” “ My Fair Lady ” and “ Mean Girls.
” A complete list of the postponed productions is listed below .
Thankfully , these shows have not been canceled — just postponed .
And organizers say they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with each of the above productions to schedule new performance dates , ” reads a statement from BroadwaySF .
“ Once we can confirm those plans , we will update you accordingly .
Until then , we ask ticket holders to hold on to their tickets and wait for BroadwaySF to reach out with more detailed information .
The BroadwaySF offices remain closed and we appreciate patience as our response will likely be delayed.
” “ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ” in Concert ( originally scheduled August 14-15 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renewal deadline for the 2020-2021 season until June 26 .

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device.
BroadwaySF — which operates both the Orpheum and Golden Gate theaters in San Francisco — is postponing a number of upcoming productions due to the ongoing concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes such highly anticipated shows as “The Band’s Visit,” “My Fair Lady” and “Mean Girls.”
A complete list of the postponed productions is listed below. Thankfully, these shows have not been canceled — just postponed. And organizers say they will be rescheduled.
“We are currently working with each of the above productions to schedule new performance dates,” reads a statement from BroadwaySF. “Once we can confirm those plans, we will update you accordingly. Until then, we ask ticket holders to hold on to their tickets and wait for BroadwaySF to reach out with more detailed information. The BroadwaySF offices remain closed and we appreciate patience as our response will likely be delayed.”
Shows to be rescheduled:
“The Band’s Visit” (originally scheduled May 27-June 21)
“Spamilton” (originally scheduled May 27-July 12)
“Mean Girls” (originally scheduled June 30-Aug 2)
“My Fair Lady” (originally scheduled August 5-30)
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” in Concert (originally scheduled August 14-15)
Note: BroadwaySF has also extended its renewal deadline for the 2020-2021 season until June 26.
For more information, visit broadwaysf.com.


mercurynews--2020-04-24--Trump threatens Postal Service loan over Amazon rates

By Martin Crutsinger and Darlene Superville | Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Friday that he won ’ t approve a $ 10 billion loan for the U.S .
Postal Service unless the agency raises charges for Amazon and other big shippers to four to five times current rates .
“ The Postal Service is a joke because they ’ re handing out packages for Amazon and other internet companies and every time they bring a package , they lose money on it , ” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office .
The president was responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to force major changes in postal operations as the price for approving a $ 10 billion loan that was included in the government ’ s $ 2 trillion economic rescue package .
Under the rescue package legislation , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin must approve the loan before the Postal Service can receive the money .
Officials at the Postal Service had no immediate reaction to Trump ’ s comments .
Trump said the changes the administration will insist on will make it a “ whole new ballgame ” at the Postal Service .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to make the changes because they did not want to offend Amazon and other companies .
Looking at Mnuchin , who was with him in the Oval Office , the president said , “ If they don ’ t raise the price of the service they give … I ’ m not signing anything and I ’ m not authorizing you to do anything.
” Mnuchin told reporters that he had Treasury officials working with the Postal Service on the terms of the loan if postal officials decide they need more money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain criteria for ( a ) postal reform program as part of the loan , ” Mnuchin said .
He said the Postal Service board is already conducting a search for a new postmaster general to run the agency and undertaking reforms of operations .
The Washington Post , which first reported the administration ’ s push for changes at the Postal Service , quoted unnamed officials as saying that senior Postal Service officials have been told the administration wants to use the $ 10 billion loan as leverage to influence how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how it manages its finances .
Trump has complained for years that the Postal Service was being exploited by Amazon and other shippers and that was the reason the agency was losing so much money .
But analysts have said that efforts to sharply boost charges on big shippers like Amazon could backfire by raising prices above those being charged by competitors such as UPS and FedEx .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , asked about the administration ’ s efforts Friday , said the Postal Service enjoyed wide support with the American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm a critical part of the economy .
“ This is really dangerous and Mnuchin at Treasury is trying to leverage the debt situation in a way that must be stopped , ” Pelosi told reporters .
• Letter : We must stop Trump from destroying USPS Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos , who owns The Washington Post .
Trump has often labeled the Post “ fake news ” after the newspaper has reported unfavorable developments during his campaign and presidency and highlighted the Bezos connection by calling it the “ Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted Friday that he will not let the Post Office fail .
“ It has been mismanaged for years , especially since the advent of the internet and modern-day technology , ” Trump said in a tweet .
“ The people that work there are great , and we ’ re going to keep them happy , healthy , and well !
”

By Martin Crutsinger and Darlene Superville | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Friday that he won’t approve a $10 billion loan for the U.S. Postal Service unless the agency raises charges for Amazon and other big shippers to four to five times current rates.
“The Postal Service is a joke because they’re handing out packages for Amazon and other internet companies and every time they bring a package, they lose money on it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
The president was responding to a question about reports his administration plans to force major changes in postal operations as the price for approving a $10 billion loan that was included in the government’s $2 trillion economic rescue package.
Under the rescue package legislation, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin must approve the loan before the Postal Service can receive the money. Officials at the Postal Service had no immediate reaction to Trump’s comments.
Trump said the changes the administration will insist on will make it a “whole new ballgame” at the Postal Service. He said the Postal Service did not want to make the changes because they did not want to offend Amazon and other companies.
Looking at Mnuchin, who was with him in the Oval Office, the president said, “If they don’t raise the price of the service they give … I’m not signing anything and I’m not authorizing you to do anything.”
Mnuchin told reporters that he had Treasury officials working with the Postal Service on the terms of the loan if postal officials decide they need more money.
“We are going to post certain criteria for (a) postal reform program as part of the loan,” Mnuchin said. He said the Postal Service board is already conducting a search for a new postmaster general to run the agency and undertaking reforms of operations.
The Washington Post, which first reported the administration’s push for changes at the Postal Service, quoted unnamed officials as saying that senior Postal Service officials have been told the administration wants to use the $10 billion loan as leverage to influence how much the agency charges for delivering packages and how it manages its finances.
Trump has complained for years that the Postal Service was being exploited by Amazon and other shippers and that was the reason the agency was losing so much money. But analysts have said that efforts to sharply boost charges on big shippers like Amazon could backfire by raising prices above those being charged by competitors such as UPS and FedEx.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, asked about the administration’s efforts Friday, said the Postal Service enjoyed wide support with the American people and that the administration is threatening to harm a critical part of the economy.
“This is really dangerous and Mnuchin at Treasury is trying to leverage the debt situation in a way that must be stopped,” Pelosi told reporters.
Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos, who owns The Washington Post. Trump has often labeled the Post “fake news” after the newspaper has reported unfavorable developments during his campaign and presidency and highlighted the Bezos connection by calling it the “Amazon Washington Post.”
Trump, however, tweeted Friday that he will not let the Post Office fail.
“It has been mismanaged for years, especially since the advent of the internet and modern-day technology,” Trump said in a tweet. “The people that work there are great, and we’re going to keep them happy, healthy, and well!”