mercurynews--2020-10-08--Editorial: Richmond voters should end labor unions’ grip on the city

If there was any doubt that municipal employee labor unions are running Richmond , consider the business tax measure the City Council placed on the Nov. 3 ballot .
In December 2019 , the council directed city staff to examine possible “ revenue enhancement ” measures .
But instead of doing the work themselves , the staff effectively outsourced the job to a coalition led by labor unions .
Businesses that would be paying the tax learned the details in a video briefing by city staff only eight days before the council voted to put Measure U on the ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates in the ordinance were established , LaShonda White , acting deputy city manager , had to defer to a union representative to explain .
Measure U is a significant tax increase for many businesses .
How many is unclear .
That ’ s because there was no analysis of the effect of the measure on companies , the potential loss of jobs when they leave the city or the effect on rents when landlords pass on the costs to tenants .
It ’ s a shameful abdication of professional responsibility by city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority that ’ s more concerned with revenues for municipal government employees than the greater good of the city .
Voters should reject Measure U .
And they should elect council members who care more about preserving Richmond businesses that are struggling and the jobs they provide residents than placating labor union supporters .
That means that , as the city holds its first district balloting for council members , voters should elect Parks and Recreation Commissioner Eleanor Thompson in District 1 , human resources executive Ahmad Anderson in District 5 and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For decades , Richmond officials have spent beyond the city ’ s means , while letting debts continue to mount .
Their reckless behavior has at times left the city on the brink of insolvency .
Now , the city faces a roughly $ 14 million average annual shortfall over the next six fiscal years .
Even when the economy was strong , the city ignored its mounting debts .
The shortfall in the city ’ s pension and retiree health plans for its workers kept growing , from $ 446 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — to over $ 700 million today .
City officials would have voters think they lacked for revenues .
This despite a special tax to help cover city employees ’ pensions , a tax on property sales that dwarfs almost all other cities in the state , two half-cent sales taxes , three utility users taxes and the business license tax .
It ’ s the business license tax that , under Measure U , would be permanently converted to a tax on gross receipts ranging from 0.06 % to 5 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an additional $ 6 million annually .
Sure , why not tax struggling businesses more in the middle of the economy ’ s pandemic contraction ?
And why bother talking to businesses before ramming it down their throats ?
Backers of the measure insist it would reduce taxes for smaller businesses .
Tell that to Sandra Escalante , the co-owner of an electrical supply distributor with about 14 employees .
She estimates her city business fees would increase 19-fold , from about $ 890 yearly to $ 16,550 , if Measure U passes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s gross receipts on which the tax is based are in the millions of dollars each year .
But the company spends most of that money purchasing the merchandise .
Gross receipts have nothing to do with actual profits — and in this case the tax would take a large chunk of Escalante ’ s profits .
Nevertheless , the council majority views Measure U as a key to the city ’ s financial woes .
And the council candidates divide between those concerned about the impacts on business and those , usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measure .
It ’ s the fundamental difference in District 1 between Parks and Recreation Commissioner Eleanor Thompson , who opposes the measure and fears the jobs that would be lost , and incumbent Councilman Melvin Willis , who backs it and dismisses any notion that small businesses might be hurt .
In District 5 , Ahmad Anderson , a human resources executive , and Michael Vasilas , a contractor and real estate broker , both oppose the measure and recognize the need to rein in city spending .
Both are solid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background and key political support for the election .
Opponent Najari Smith , co-founder of a bike shop cooperative , supports Measure U .
And Gayle McLaughlin , who during her eight years as mayor was stunningly ill-informed about the city ’ s debt-ridden retirement program , declined to be interviewed .
But the Richmond Progressive Alliance , which she co-founded , backs Measure U .
In District 6 , Vinay Pimplé , while taking no position on Measure U , worries that it will drive businesses out of the city .
Appointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the lawyer and former software engineer proved to be the smartest and most financially astute member of the council .
Richmond would benefit greatly by Pimplé ’ s return .
His opponents are Claudia Jimenez , a foundation consultant who supports Measure U , and La ’ Tanya Dandie , a social agency case manager who opposes it .
Both have a lot of homework to do before taking an active role in the city ’ s finances .
It ’ s up to voters to stand up and say no to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of fiscal mismanagement .
And yes to electing leaders who will bring change — Thompson , Anderson and Pimplé .

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations.
If there was any doubt that municipal employee labor unions are running Richmond, consider the business tax measure the City Council placed on the Nov. 3 ballot.
In December 2019, the council directed city staff to examine possible “revenue enhancement” measures. But instead of doing the work themselves, the staff effectively outsourced the job to a coalition led by labor unions.
Businesses that would be paying the tax learned the details in a video briefing by city staff only eight days before the council voted to put Measure U on the ballot. When asked during that briefing how rates in the ordinance were established, LaShonda White, acting deputy city manager, had to defer to a union representative to explain.
Measure U is a significant tax increase for many businesses. How many is unclear. That’s because there was no analysis of the effect of the measure on companies, the potential loss of jobs when they leave the city or the effect on rents when landlords pass on the costs to tenants.
It’s a shameful abdication of professional responsibility by city staff — enabled by a City Council majority that’s more concerned with revenues for municipal government employees than the greater good of the city.
Voters should reject Measure U. And they should elect council members who care more about preserving Richmond businesses that are struggling and the jobs they provide residents than placating labor union supporters.
That means that, as the city holds its first district balloting for council members, voters should elect Parks and Recreation Commissioner Eleanor Thompson in District 1, human resources executive Ahmad Anderson in District 5 and former Councilman Vinay Pimplé in District 6.
Taxing struggling firms
For decades, Richmond officials have spent beyond the city’s means, while letting debts continue to mount. Their reckless behavior has at times left the city on the brink of insolvency. Now, the city faces a roughly $14 million average annual shortfall over the next six fiscal years.
Even when the economy was strong, the city ignored its mounting debts. The shortfall in the city’s pension and retiree health plans for its workers kept growing, from $446 million in 2015 to $613 million in 2018 — to over $700 million today.
City officials would have voters think they lacked for revenues. This despite a special tax to help cover city employees’ pensions, a tax on property sales that dwarfs almost all other cities in the state, two half-cent sales taxes, three utility users taxes and the business license tax.
It’s the business license tax that, under Measure U, would be permanently converted to a tax on gross receipts ranging from 0.06% to 5%, which the city estimates would bring in an additional $6 million annually.
Sure, why not tax struggling businesses more in the middle of the economy’s pandemic contraction? And why bother talking to businesses before ramming it down their throats?
Backers of the measure insist it would reduce taxes for smaller businesses. Tell that to Sandra Escalante, the co-owner of an electrical supply distributor with about 14 employees. She estimates her city business fees would increase 19-fold, from about $890 yearly to $16,550, if Measure U passes.
The reason: The company’s gross receipts on which the tax is based are in the millions of dollars each year. But the company spends most of that money purchasing the merchandise. Gross receipts have nothing to do with actual profits — and in this case the tax would take a large chunk of Escalante’s profits.
Election’s political divide
Nevertheless, the council majority views Measure U as a key to the city’s financial woes. And the council candidates divide between those concerned about the impacts on business and those, usually city-union-backed candidates, providing full-throated endorsements of the measure.
It’s the fundamental difference in District 1 between Parks and Recreation Commissioner Eleanor Thompson, who opposes the measure and fears the jobs that would be lost, and incumbent Councilman Melvin Willis, who backs it and dismisses any notion that small businesses might be hurt.
In District 5, Ahmad Anderson, a human resources executive, and Michael Vasilas, a contractor and real estate broker, both oppose the measure and recognize the need to rein in city spending. Both are solid candidates, but Anderson has the stronger background and key political support for the election.
Opponent Najari Smith, co-founder of a bike shop cooperative, supports Measure U. And Gayle McLaughlin, who during her eight years as mayor was stunningly ill-informed about the city’s debt-ridden retirement program, declined to be interviewed. But the Richmond Progressive Alliance, which she co-founded, backs Measure U.
In District 6, Vinay Pimplé, while taking no position on Measure U, worries that it will drive businesses out of the city. Appointed to fill a one-year vacancy in 2015, the lawyer and former software engineer proved to be the smartest and most financially astute member of the council. Richmond would benefit greatly by Pimplé’s return.
His opponents are Claudia Jimenez, a foundation consultant who supports Measure U, and La’Tanya Dandie, a social agency case manager who opposes it. Both have a lot of homework to do before taking an active role in the city’s finances.
It’s up to voters to stand up and say no to Measure U. No to perpetuating years of fiscal mismanagement. And yes to electing leaders who will bring change — Thompson, Anderson and Pimplé.


mercurynews--2020-10-08--Sponsored: Nature, views, art and technology create an ideal Silicon Valley sanctuary

Imagine entertaining your guests in the quiet solitude of this custom estate home with its alluring entrance and million-dollar backyard .
As they drive down the exclusive cul-de-sac they immediately notice the reflecting pool with infinity waterfall .
Greeted at the solid copper double front door , they are welcomed into the grand foyer where they are awestruck by the soaring ceilings , marble tile floors , and an impressive custom-designed chandelier suspended from the two-story ceiling .
You lead them through the great room into the enchanting backyard where you barbecue dinner at the outdoor kitchen , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trimmed with LED glass blocks that light up .
Together you enjoy dinner at the adjacent dining table with water flowing through the center as the hill behind you is illuminated from the custom-designed water and fire feature .
The evening winds down roasting marshmallows at the outdoor fire pit or sipping brandy in front of one of the several indoor fireplaces .
The entire home is controlled by a computer customized to your personal preferences .
This smart house is fully wired for Crestron and Alexa compatibility .
Wiring was installed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction and includes controls for alarm , lights , security cameras , music , landscape , TV , front doorbell , and climate .
Every light fixture is “ home run wiring ” to the garage and can be operated from the control panels throughout the house .
Customize or keep it simple and use existing configurations .
Completed in 2000 , the two-level home features 5,479 square feet of living space with five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms including a main-level guest suite with a private patio , formal living and dining rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 350 bottles , and an upper-level fifth bedroom or bonus room .
A gorgeous gourmet kitchen opens to a spacious family room that has backyard views and a seamless flow to the outdoor amenities .
The formal dining room has a front-facing view window and crown molding .
Stately columns define the formal living room with a coffered ceiling and a gas fireplace with a custom-designed mantel .
The library/office is behind glass French doors and features custom built-in cabinetry , a gas fireplace , and a custom mantel .
A powder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suite has a coffered ceiling and French doors that open to a private side patio .
Together , the library and guest suite create a fabulous two-room suite ideal for in-law quarters .
Hardwood floors are featured in the expansive family room that features a dramatic vaulted ceiling with skylights and a fireplace flanked by built-in cabinets .
This room flows into the kitchen beautifully designed and appointed with KitchenAid appliances including dual ovens , dual dishwashers , and a Thermador cooktop , granite counters and backsplash , and an oversize island/breakfast bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backyard views .
The upstairs master bedroom has a double-door entry , a coffered ceiling , views from all windows and a dual-sided fireplace it shares with the master bathroom .
There are dual walk-in custom closets .
The elegant master bathroom features a marble tile floor , a double-sink vanity , Jacuzzi tub and an oversize seamless glass-enclosed shower .
Two additional upstairs bedrooms include one with an en suite bathroom .
Both have generous walk-in closets .
The fifth bedroom or bonus room also has built-in workstations .
The Almaden Greystone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing home .
Custom acid-stained concrete winds throughout the backyard .
A custom-designed outdoor kitchen is complete with a barbecue , refrigerator , ice maker , sink and burners , which is set on a stunning slate tile patio .
The adjacent outdoor dining table has a built-in water feature .
Towering tablet fountains reflect flames from a trough of fire .
A pair of towering metal sculptures with water features created by a Campbell artist add to the impressive backyard .
Adjacent to the driveway is a one-of-a-kind kinetic sculpture created by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graystone neighborhood ’ s rural ambience nestled against the northeastern hills of the Almaden Valley without compromising proximity to freeways into the rest of Silicon Valley , San Francisco and Monterey County .
Close to the popular Los Alamitos Creek Trail and Greystone Park , it is also within a mile to highly rated schools , including Greystone Elementary , Bret Harte Middle , and Leland High School .
Price : $ 3,600,000 Where : 917 Pramukhs Way , San Jose .
For more photos and drone video go to : SiliconValleySmartHome.com Showings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Therese Swan , 408-656-8240 DRE : 01355719. tswan @ tswan.com .
Therese is consistently among the Top 100 agents in the S.F .
Bay Area .
In addition , she has been nationally ranked in the Wall Street Journal .

Imagine entertaining your guests in the quiet solitude of this custom estate home with its alluring entrance and million-dollar backyard. As they drive down the exclusive cul-de-sac they immediately notice the reflecting pool with infinity waterfall. Greeted at the solid copper double front door, they are welcomed into the grand foyer where they are awestruck by the soaring ceilings, marble tile floors, and an impressive custom-designed chandelier suspended from the two-story ceiling. You lead them through the great room into the enchanting backyard where you barbecue dinner at the outdoor kitchen, which is set on a stunning slate tile patio trimmed with LED glass blocks that light up. Together you enjoy dinner at the adjacent dining table with water flowing through the center as the hill behind you is illuminated from the custom-designed water and fire feature. The evening winds down roasting marshmallows at the outdoor fire pit or sipping brandy in front of one of the several indoor fireplaces.
The entire home is controlled by a computer customized to your personal preferences. This smart house is fully wired for Crestron and Alexa compatibility. Wiring was installed and completely integrated as part of the original construction and includes controls for alarm, lights, security cameras, music, landscape, TV, front doorbell, and climate. Every light fixture is “home run wiring” to the garage and can be operated from the control panels throughout the house. Customize or keep it simple and use existing configurations.
Completed in 2000, the two-level home features 5,479 square feet of living space with five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms including a main-level guest suite with a private patio, formal living and dining rooms, a library/office, wine room for about 350 bottles, and an upper-level fifth bedroom or bonus room. A gorgeous gourmet kitchen opens to a spacious family room that has backyard views and a seamless flow to the outdoor amenities.
The formal dining room has a front-facing view window and crown molding. Stately columns define the formal living room with a coffered ceiling and a gas fireplace with a custom-designed mantel.
The library/office is behind glass French doors and features custom built-in cabinetry, a gas fireplace, and a custom mantel. A powder room is nearby.
The large guest suite has a coffered ceiling and French doors that open to a private side patio. Together, the library and guest suite create a fabulous two-room suite ideal for in-law quarters.
Hardwood floors are featured in the expansive family room that features a dramatic vaulted ceiling with skylights and a fireplace flanked by built-in cabinets. This room flows into the kitchen beautifully designed and appointed with KitchenAid appliances including dual ovens, dual dishwashers, and a Thermador cooktop, granite counters and backsplash, and an oversize island/breakfast bar. A casual dining nook has exquisite backyard views.
The upstairs master bedroom has a double-door entry, a coffered ceiling, views from all windows and a dual-sided fireplace it shares with the master bathroom. There are dual walk-in custom closets. The elegant master bathroom features a marble tile floor, a double-sink vanity, Jacuzzi tub and an oversize seamless glass-enclosed shower.
Two additional upstairs bedrooms include one with an en suite bathroom. Both have generous walk-in closets. The fifth bedroom or bonus room also has built-in workstations.
The Almaden Greystone Quarry provides a spectacular backdrop for this amazing home.
Custom acid-stained concrete winds throughout the backyard. A custom-designed outdoor kitchen is complete with a barbecue, refrigerator, ice maker, sink and burners, which is set on a stunning slate tile patio.
The adjacent outdoor dining table has a built-in water feature. Towering tablet fountains reflect flames from a trough of fire. A pair of towering metal sculptures with water features created by a Campbell artist add to the impressive backyard. Adjacent to the driveway is a one-of-a-kind kinetic sculpture created by a Southern California artist.
Enjoy the Graystone neighborhood’s rural ambience nestled against the northeastern hills of the Almaden Valley without compromising proximity to freeways into the rest of Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Monterey County. Close to the popular Los Alamitos Creek Trail and Greystone Park, it is also within a mile to highly rated schools, including Greystone Elementary, Bret Harte Middle, and Leland High School.
Price: $3,600,000
Where: 917 Pramukhs Way, San Jose. For more photos and drone video go to: SiliconValleySmartHome.com Showings by appointment.
Listing agent: Compass. Therese Swan, 408-656-8240 DRE: 01355719. tswan@tswan.com. Therese is consistently among the Top 100 agents in the S.F. Bay Area. In addition, she has been nationally ranked in the Wall Street Journal.


mercurynews--2020-10-08--Inside the Raiders: Derek Carr needs to end Arrowhead nightmare

Following a Week 4 loss to Buffalo , Derek Carr said he was sick of losing .
Next up is a venue where losing is the only thing he knows .
Six times Carr has led the Raiders into Arrowhead Stadium .
Six times he has played poorly .
Six times he has lost .
The circumstances surrounding Sunday ’ s game in Kansas City against the defending Super Bowl champions are different , but the mission is the same .
If Carr wants to put his name alongside established Raiders quarterbacks for something other than a high completion percentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against their most long-standing rival .
He knows it , too .
“ If we ’ re being honest , to make a rivalry we have to win some games , ” Carr said Wednesday during a video teleconference .
At the very least , Carr needs to play well in Kansas City .
The Chiefs under Andy Reid have had the better team , and usually by a considerable margin .
But Carr has yet to elevate the play of the Raiders in one of the NFL ’ s most famously hostile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Arrowhead with winning records with Carr at quarterback .
They were 6-5 last Dec. 1 while the Chiefs were 7-4 .
Carr had a miserable first half , which included a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown by Juan Thornhill to give Kansas City a 21-0 lead before halftime .
The Chiefs basically sat on the Raiders the rest of the way , winning 40-9 , with Carr adding to his stat line with a 14-for-18 , 121-yard second half .
Afterward , safety Tyrann Mathieu told reporters the Chiefs could decipher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-snap and said , “ Checkdowns to tight ends , running backs , that ’ s his game.
” In 2016 , the Raiders under Jack Del Rio were 10-2 and the Chiefs 9-3 .
Carr was 17 of 41 for 117 yards , and had one potentially game-changing deep strike intended for Amari Cooper flutter harmlessly to the earth .
Did the ball hit an overhead camera wire ?
Who knows ?
Or as Carr himself would say in one of his favorite lines of late , “ Nobody cares.
” What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arrowhead Stadium totals : A 55.6 completion rate ( 130 of 254 ) for 1,151 yards , four touchowns and seven interceptions .
A passer rating of 63.2 .
He ’ s absorbed 14 sacks and fumbled six times , losing two .
The average margin of defeat for the Raiders in those six games is just under 17 points .
The Raiders haven ’ t scored more than 17 in any of them .
Ken Stabler , whom Carr passed as the all-time leader for franchise touchdown passes , won at Arrowhead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gannon , a former Chief , was 3-1 at his previous residence .
The last Raiders quarterback to win there was Carson Palmer in 2012 , against a Chiefs team that finished 2-14 .
Heck , even JaMarcus Russell won two starts at Arrowhead , albeit in games when he didn ’ t play very well and the Chiefs were not very good .
Such comparisons will be a yearly occurance until Carr successfully scales Mt .
Arrowhead .
“ Derek ’ s going to hear it until we do it , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he ’ s the biggest reason I think we have a chance to do it .
We have to play better around him.
” Working in Carr ’ s favor is the environment which has tortured him since 2014 will be different .
Instead of a full house of 73,000-plus at a facility that ranks with Seattle ’ s CenturyLink Field as the NFL ’ s loudest outdoor facility , there will be between 12,000 and 13,000 fans .
Second , it will be much warmer .
Temperatures may be as high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has played in Arrowhead it ’ s been Dec. 1 or later , and for his career Carr is 2-10 below 50 degrees and 0-6 when it ’ s below 40 .
Yet it ’ s still a tall order .
The Chiefs are are 4-0 and look as good as they did a year ago when they won the Super Bowl .
On defense , they ’ re even better .
The Raiders injury list Wednesday listed 19 players .
“ We need to get a win there .
But it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Super Bowl champs , who are hot again , ” Carr said .
“ Great opportunity for us .
I prepare for every game the same no matter who I ’ m playing , I ’ ve always treated it that way .
I know that we haven ’ t won in awhile .
The awesome thing about sports and football is you get another chance at it.
” Carr is 2-10 overall against the Chiefs , having won a pair of games at the Coliseum — including his first NFL win in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a head coach was a 41-38 overtime win at Arrowhead at the close of the 1999 season to knock the Chiefs out of the playoffs .
He ’ s lost to Kansas City four times since his return in 2018 and has identified the problem .
• Trent Brown , Henry Ruggs back at Raiders practice with Chiefs up next • After Stephon Gilmore ’ s positive COVID-19 test , Chiefs preparing for Raiders until notified otherwise • Focus on Chiefs : Just win , baby ?
Sounds like Kansas City ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What ’ s wrong with this defense — scheme , personnel or something else ?
“ We can ’ t turn the ball over , ” Gruden said .
“ If you look at the turnover ratio in the four games since I ’ ve been back coaching against Kansas City , it ’ s almost embarrassing.
” The Raiders are a minus-9 in turnover margin in those games , which brings us back to Carr , who has six interceptions and a lost fumble .
Besides the interception return for a touchdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick six by Daniel Sorenson in a 35-3 loss in 2018 .
And here we are again , at Carr ’ s House of Pain .
“ I think Derek would certainly benefit from a big win like this , but so would we all , ” Gruden said .
One player needs it more than anyone else .
His legacy as a Raiders quarterback may depend on it .

Following a Week 4 loss to Buffalo, Derek Carr said he was sick of losing. Next up is a venue where losing is the only thing he knows.
Six times Carr has led the Raiders into Arrowhead Stadium. Six times he has played poorly. Six times he has lost.
The circumstances surrounding Sunday’s game in Kansas City against the defending Super Bowl champions are different, but the mission is the same. If Carr wants to put his name alongside established Raiders quarterbacks for something other than a high completion percentage, he must win on the road against their most long-standing rival.
He knows it, too.
“If we’re being honest, to make a rivalry we have to win some games,” Carr said Wednesday during a video teleconference.
At the very least, Carr needs to play well in Kansas City. The Chiefs under Andy Reid have had the better team, and usually by a considerable margin. But Carr has yet to elevate the play of the Raiders in one of the NFL’s most famously hostile environments.
Twice the Raiders have gone into Arrowhead with winning records with Carr at quarterback. They were 6-5 last Dec. 1 while the Chiefs were 7-4. Carr had a miserable first half, which included a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown by Juan Thornhill to give Kansas City a 21-0 lead before halftime. The Chiefs basically sat on the Raiders the rest of the way, winning 40-9, with Carr adding to his stat line with a 14-for-18, 121-yard second half.
Afterward, safety Tyrann Mathieu told reporters the Chiefs could decipher where Carr was going with the ball pre-snap and said, “Checkdowns to tight ends, running backs, that’s his game.”
In 2016, the Raiders under Jack Del Rio were 10-2 and the Chiefs 9-3. Carr was 17 of 41 for 117 yards, and had one potentially game-changing deep strike intended for Amari Cooper flutter harmlessly to the earth. Did the ball hit an overhead camera wire? Who knows?
Or as Carr himself would say in one of his favorite lines of late, “Nobody cares.”
What is known are Carr’s six-game Arrowhead Stadium totals: A 55.6 completion rate (130 of 254) for 1,151 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions. A passer rating of 63.2. He’s absorbed 14 sacks and fumbled six times, losing two.
The average margin of defeat for the Raiders in those six games is just under 17 points. The Raiders haven’t scored more than 17 in any of them.
Ken Stabler, whom Carr passed as the all-time leader for franchise touchdown passes, won at Arrowhead. So did Jim Plunkett. Rich Gannon, a former Chief, was 3-1 at his previous residence. The last Raiders quarterback to win there was Carson Palmer in 2012, against a Chiefs team that finished 2-14.
Heck, even JaMarcus Russell won two starts at Arrowhead, albeit in games when he didn’t play very well and the Chiefs were not very good.
The following starting quarterbacks have won in Arrowhead Stadium for either the Oakland or L.A. Raiders: Daryle Lamonica
Ken Stabler
Dan Pastorini
Jim Plunkett
Marc Wilson
Jay Schroeder
Rich Gannon
Daunte Culpepper
JaMarcus Russell
Jason Campbell
Carson Palmer — Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) October 8, 2020
Such comparisons will be a yearly occurrence until Carr successfully scales Mount Arrowhead.
“Derek’s going to hear it until we do it,” coach Jon Gruden said. “But, he’s the biggest reason I think we have a chance to do it. We have to play better around him.”
Working in Carr’s favor is the environment which has tortured him since 2014 will be different. Instead of a full house of 73,000-plus at a facility that ranks with Seattle’s CenturyLink Field as the NFL’s loudest outdoor facility, there will be between 12,000 and 13,000 fans.
Second, it will be much warmer. Temperatures may be as high as the mid-80s.. Every other time Carr has played in Arrowhead it’s been Dec. 1 or later, and for his career Carr is 2-10 below 50 degrees and 0-6 when it’s below 40.
Yet it’s still a tall order. The Chiefs are are 4-0 and look as good as they did a year ago when they won the Super Bowl. On defense, they’re even better. The Raiders injury list Wednesday listed 19 players.
“We need to get a win there. But it comes with a cost of playing the defending Super Bowl champs, who are hot again,” Carr said. “Great opportunity for us. I prepare for every game the same no matter who I’m playing, I’ve always treated it that way. I know that we haven’t won in awhile. The awesome thing about sports and football is you get another chance at it.”
Carr is 2-10 overall against the Chiefs, having won a pair of games at the Coliseum — including his first NFL win in 2014.
Gruden’s breakthrough game as a head coach was a 41-38 overtime win at Arrowhead at the close of the 1999 season to knock the Chiefs out of the playoffs. He’s lost to Kansas City four times since his return in 2018 and has identified the problem.
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The Raiders are a minus-9 in turnover margin in those games, which brings us back to Carr, who has six interceptions and a lost fumble. Besides the interception return for a touchdown to Thornhill, there was a 54-yard pick six by Daniel Sorenson in a 35-3 loss in 2018.
And here we are again, at Carr’s House of Pain.
“I think Derek would certainly benefit from a big win like this, but so would we all,” Gruden said.
One player needs it more than anyone else. His legacy as a Raiders quarterback may depend on it.


mercurynews--2020-10-08--Police: California man stabs twin 9-year-old daughters to death before killing himself

A 41-year-old man who allegedly stabbed his twin 9-year-old daughters to death early Wednesday was found wounded and later was pronounced dead outside their Placentia home , authorities said .
A motive for the apparent murder-suicide was not immediately known .
Officers were called just before 12:40 a.m. about trouble at the home in the 400 block of Swanson Avenue , police Lt. Adam Gloe said .
Officers found a wounded man on a sidewalk near the home , off of Brookhaven Avenue .
Inside a house , north of Bastanchury Road , they found the two young girls bleeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounded but declared the girls and their father , who was across the street from the home on a sidewalk , dead at the scene , police said .
The father was identified later by police as 41-year-old Timothy Takehara .
The names of the girls have not yet been released but Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District officials said in a press release that the girls were third grade students at Golden Elementary School .
“ Our thoughts are with the students ’ family , friends , and loved ones as they cope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the district said in a statement .
The man ’ s wife , believed to be the children ’ s mother , and a grandmother were inside the house when the stabbings happened , he said .
Police later said it was one of them who called 911 .
“ They heard the suspect and woke up because of it and went downstairs , ” Angel said .
“ That ’ s when they found the girls stabbed , and the suspect ran out of the house.
” The women were unharmed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately unknown if the grandmother was the mother of the suspect or the wife , Angel said .
A chaplain from a fire department went to the scene to speak to them and also the first responders at the scene who made the grisly discoveries , Angel said .
“ It ’ s just a really awful situation , ” he said .
“ And we don ’ t know a motive as of yet.
” The white , double-doors to the blue-and-cream home were left open Wednesday morning , with Placentia detectives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their vehicles .
Streaks of blood stained the inside of one of the doors.The garage door for the two-story house was partially closed .
Neighbors walked about with their dogs , looking on as officers stood at the corner of Swanson and Gillian Street , near a black screen held up by PVC pipe created to enclose the part of the sidewalk where the man ’ s body was found .
Sgt .
Joe Connell confirmed police had responded to the family ’ s house in the past though he did not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if anyone was arrested .
• Police say recent homicide was result of love triangle , East Bay man arrested on suspicion of murder • 2 young girls , father found stabbed to death in Southern California in apparent murder-suicide • East Bay man gets four years in plea deal over fatal DUI crash Investigators found a knife in the house believed to be the weapon used , Connell said .
But what they haven ’ t found yet is why the man killed the girls .
“ Unfortunately sometimes people do these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to figure out what is the reason , ” Connell said .
“ What could have possibly led up to this ?
”

A 41-year-old man who allegedly stabbed his twin 9-year-old daughters to death early Wednesday was found wounded and later was pronounced dead outside their Placentia home, authorities said.
A motive for the apparent murder-suicide was not immediately known.
Officers were called just before 12:40 a.m. about trouble at the home in the 400 block of Swanson Avenue, police Lt. Adam Gloe said.
Officers found a wounded man on a sidewalk near the home, off of Brookhaven Avenue. Inside a house, north of Bastanchury Road, they found the two young girls bleeding, Gloe said.
Paramedics treated the wounded but declared the girls and their father, who was across the street from the home on a sidewalk, dead at the scene, police said.
The father was identified later by police as 41-year-old Timothy Takehara.
The names of the girls have not yet been released but Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District officials said in a press release that the girls were third grade students at Golden Elementary School.
“Our thoughts are with the students’ family, friends, and loved ones as they cope with this tremendous personal loss,” the district said in a statement.
The man’s wife, believed to be the children’s mother, and a grandmother were inside the house when the stabbings happened, he said. Police later said it was one of them who called 911.
“They heard the suspect and woke up because of it and went downstairs,” Angel said. “That’s when they found the girls stabbed, and the suspect ran out of the house.”
The women were unharmed and being interviewed by police. It was immediately unknown if the grandmother was the mother of the suspect or the wife, Angel said.
A chaplain from a fire department went to the scene to speak to them and also the first responders at the scene who made the grisly discoveries, Angel said.
“It’s just a really awful situation,” he said. “And we don’t know a motive as of yet.”
The white, double-doors to the blue-and-cream home were left open Wednesday morning, with Placentia detectives walking back and forth from inside to their vehicles. Streaks of blood stained the inside of one of the doors.The garage door for the two-story house was partially closed.
Neighbors walked about with their dogs, looking on as officers stood at the corner of Swanson and Gillian Street, near a black screen held up by PVC pipe created to enclose the part of the sidewalk where the man’s body was found.
Sgt. Joe Connell confirmed police had responded to the family’s house in the past though he did not have details about what those calls entailed or if anyone was arrested.
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California woman sentenced to 26 years for fatal pruning shears attack on 2 neighbors Crime and Public Safety | During murder trial, California man claims that he accidentally strangled his girlfriend in 2018 Investigators found a knife in the house believed to be the weapon used, Connell said. But what they haven’t found yet is why the man killed the girls.
“Unfortunately sometimes people do these things and we’re left trying to figure out what is the reason,” Connell said. “What could have possibly led up to this?”


mercurynews--2020-10-08--Gov. Newsom: ‘No hurry’ to reopen Disneyland and other California theme parks

Gov .
Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he is in “ no hurry ” to reopen Disneyland and other California theme parks just one day after his chief medical officer said state officials plan to issue theme park reopening guidelines “ as soon as possible.
” The seemingly conflicting statements symbolize the limbo California ’ s theme park operators find themselves in as they seek long-promised reopening guidelines from the state after nearly seven months of coronavirus closures .
“ We are going to be led by a health-first framework and we ’ re going to be stubborn about it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a news conference .
“ That ’ s our commitment — that ’ s our resolve .
We feel there ’ s no hurry putting out guidelines.
” Newsom commented on his discussions with Disney and other theme parks operators during a news conference on Wednesday , Oct. 7 .
California Health and Human Services secretary Mark Ghaly said during a news conference on Tuesday , Oct. 6 that the state was working to finalize theme park reopening guidelines with the help of Disneyland , Universal Studios Hollywood and other industry stakeholders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ those conversations will wrap up , ” Ghaly said during the news conference .
“ I will tell you that they will wrap up as soon as we come to really hear the industry and understand some of the concerns .
We continue to look at the data and information that we have .
So , no promise of a specific date , but I will say as soon as possible.
” California Attractions and Parks Association executive director Erin Guerrero said Newsom ’ s “ no big rush ” approach was decimating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We find it disconcerting that Governor Newsom has no planned timeline for issuing guidance for theme parks and of great concern that he does not anticipate theme parks opening soon , ” Guerrero said in a statement .
“ Each day that parks are closed further decimates the amusement park industry .
The Governor ’ s “ no big rush ” approach is ruining businesses and livelihoods for thousands who could responsibly be back at work.
” “ We absolutely reject the suggestion that reopening the Disneyland Resort is incompatible with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
“ The fact is , that since March we have taken a robust science-based approach to responsibly reopening our parks and resorts across the globe.
” Disneyland , Disney California Adventure , Universal Studios Hollywood , Knott ’ s Berry Farm , Six Flags Magic Mountain , SeaWorld San Diego , Legoland California and other California theme parks closed in mid-March amid the COVID-19 pandemic and remain shuttered while they await reopening guidelines from the state .
“ We ’ re continuing to work with the industry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news conference .
“ It ’ s very complex .
These are like small cities , small communities , small towns .
But we don ’ t anticipate , in the immediate term , any of these larger theme parks opening until we see more stability in terms of the data.
” Disney has reopened theme parks in China , Japan , France and Florida following extended coronavirus closures on the strength of its health and safety protocols , according to Hymel .
“ Our health and safety protocols were developed in consultation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after considering guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and experts in local government and health agencies , ” Hymel said in a statement .
“ All of our other theme parks both in the United States and around the world have been allowed to open on the strength of our proven ability to operate with responsible health and safety protocols.
” Disney chairman Bob Iger quit Newsom ’ s economic recovery task force in a sign that the entertainment company and state officials are at odds over the pace of issuing theme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ not surprised at all ” by Iger ’ s resignation from the task force and was “ incredibly grateful for his support.
” “ There ’ s disagreements in terms of opening a major theme park , ” Newsom said of Iger during the news conference .
“ We ’ re going to let science and data make that determination.
” California tapped the brakes last week on plans to issue guidelines that would allow theme parks in the state to reopen after CAPA asked to offer more input on proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When the Newsom administration agreed not to finalize draft guidance that was floated last week , the governor ’ s staff committed to work with the theme park industry , ” CAPA ’ s Guerrero said in a statement .
“ We hoped their commitment to working with us was genuine , that we ’ d finally work diligently and collaboratively on guidance to allow amusement parks to responsibly reopen within a reasonable timeframe.
” • California theme park reopening plan coming ‘ as soon as possible , ’ state official says • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed visitors through security checkpoints • California ‘ very close ’ to reopening theme parks , state official says • These COVID-19 changes at California theme parks need to become permanent Initial draft guidelines from the state reportedly call for reopening individual California theme parks at 25 % capacity once their county reaches the least-restrictive “ minimal ” risk level and limiting attendance to residents who live within 120 miles of each park .
Disney announced last week 28,000 employees would be laid off at Disneyland and Walt Disney World as the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic and the extended closure of its Anaheim theme parks .
“ Responsibly reopening amusement parks and fighting this pandemic do not need to be mutually exclusive , ” Guerrero said in a statement .
“ Tens of thousands of amusement park workers and their families , businesses surrounding amusement parks and desperate local governments are counting on the state to do both .
”

Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he is in “no hurry” to reopen Disneyland and other California theme parks just one day after his chief medical officer said state officials plan to issue theme park reopening guidelines “as soon as possible.”
The seemingly conflicting statements symbolize the limbo California’s theme park operators find themselves in as they seek long-promised reopening guidelines from the state after nearly seven months of coronavirus closures.
“We are going to be led by a health-first framework and we’re going to be stubborn about it,” Newsom said about theme parks during a news conference. “That’s our commitment — that’s our resolve. We feel there’s no hurry putting out guidelines.”
Newsom commented on his discussions with Disney and other theme parks operators during a news conference on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
California Health and Human Services secretary Mark Ghaly said during a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 6 that the state was working to finalize theme park reopening guidelines with the help of Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and other industry stakeholders.
“I’m not sure when those conversations will wrap up,” Ghaly said during the news conference. “I will tell you that they will wrap up as soon as we come to really hear the industry and understand some of the concerns. We continue to look at the data and information that we have. So, no promise of a specific date, but I will say as soon as possible.”
California Attractions and Parks Association executive director Erin Guerrero said Newsom’s “no big rush” approach was decimating California’s theme park industry.
“We find it disconcerting that Governor Newsom has no planned timeline for issuing guidance for theme parks and of great concern that he does not anticipate theme parks opening soon,” Guerrero said in a statement. “Each day that parks are closed further decimates the amusement park industry. The Governor’s “no big rush” approach is ruining businesses and livelihoods for thousands who could responsibly be back at work.”
Disney parks chief medical officer Pamela Hymel fired back at Newsom’s comment about reopening theme parks.
“We absolutely reject the suggestion that reopening the Disneyland Resort is incompatible with a ‘health-first’ approach,” Hymel said in a statement. “The fact is, that since March we have taken a robust science-based approach to responsibly reopening our parks and resorts across the globe.”
Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California and other California theme parks closed in mid-March amid the COVID-19 pandemic and remain shuttered while they await reopening guidelines from the state.
“We’re continuing to work with the industry,” Newsom said during Wednesday’s news conference. “It’s very complex. These are like small cities, small communities, small towns. But we don’t anticipate, in the immediate term, any of these larger theme parks opening until we see more stability in terms of the data.”
Disney has reopened theme parks in China, Japan, France and Florida following extended coronavirus closures on the strength of its health and safety protocols, according to Hymel.
“Our health and safety protocols were developed in consultation with epidemiologists and data scientists, and after considering guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and experts in local government and health agencies,” Hymel said in a statement. “All of our other theme parks both in the United States and around the world have been allowed to open on the strength of our proven ability to operate with responsible health and safety protocols.”
Disney chairman Bob Iger quit Newsom’s economic recovery task force in a sign that the entertainment company and state officials are at odds over the pace of issuing theme park reopening guidelines.
Newsom said he was “not surprised at all” by Iger’s resignation from the task force and was “incredibly grateful for his support.”
“There’s disagreements in terms of opening a major theme park,” Newsom said of Iger during the news conference. “We’re going to let science and data make that determination.”
California tapped the brakes last week on plans to issue guidelines that would allow theme parks in the state to reopen after CAPA asked to offer more input on proposed COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
“When the Newsom administration agreed not to finalize draft guidance that was floated last week, the governor’s staff committed to work with the theme park industry,” CAPA’s Guerrero said in a statement. “We hoped their commitment to working with us was genuine, that we’d finally work diligently and collaboratively on guidance to allow amusement parks to responsibly reopen within a reasonable timeframe.”
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Disney announced last week 28,000 employees would be laid off at Disneyland and Walt Disney World as the company continues to struggle with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the extended closure of its Anaheim theme parks.
“Responsibly reopening amusement parks and fighting this pandemic do not need to be mutually exclusive,” Guerrero said in a statement. “Tens of thousands of amusement park workers and their families, businesses surrounding amusement parks and desperate local governments are counting on the state to do both.”


mercurynews--2020-10-08--Donald Trump says he won’t participate in next debate after commission announces it will be virtual

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will not participate in the second presidential debate with Joe Biden after the Commission on Presidential Debates said the event will be held virtually in the wake of the President ’ s positive coronavirus diagnosis .
“ I am not going to do a virtual debate , ” Trump said on Fox Business .
“ I am not going to waste my time on a virtual debate.
” Trump ’ s comment throws into question the second debate after the commission took the significant steep to wholly remake the contest between the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed by members of the debate commission given the uncertainty around the President ’ s health .
• Big buzz : Fly on Pence ’ s head has America talking after VP debate • “ I ’ m speaking ” : In Pence ’ s VP debate interruptions of Harris , women see sexist norms • 5 things to look for in tonight ’ s vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence • Opinion : The format of the next presidential debate is obvious “ The second presidential debate will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which the candidates would participate from separate remote locations , ” the commission said in a statement .
“ The town meeting participants and the moderator , Steve Scully , Senior Executive Producer & Political Editor , C-SPAN Networks , will be located at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Miami , Florida .
The White House Pool will provide coverage of the second presidential debate.
” The announcement from the commission came hours after Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ albeit separated by plexiglass .
This story is breaking and will be updated .

By ZEKE MILLER and WILL WEISSERT Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The fate of final debates between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden was thrown into uncertainty Thursday as the campaigns offered dueling proposals for the remaining faceoffs that have been upended by the president’s coronavirus infection.
The chair of the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates said on CNN that the final debate, scheduled for Oct. 22, is still slated to go on in person as planned — but that Trump’s campaign hadn’t yet said whether he’d participate. Biden said he would attend the event regardless of Trump’s plans.
But next Thursday’s debate seemed to be gone.
The whipsaw day began with an announcement from the commission that the town hall-style affair set for Oct. 15 in Miami would be held virtually, with the two men in separate, remote locations. The commission cited health concerns following Trump’s infection as the reason for the change.
Trump, who is eager to return to the campaign trail despite uncertainty about his health, said he wouldn’t participate if the debate wasn’t in person. Biden’s campaign then suggested the event be delayed a week until Oct. 22, which is when the third and final debate was already scheduled.
Trump countered, agreeing to a debate on Oct. 22 — but only if face to face — and asking that a third contest be added on Oct. 29, just before the election. Biden’s advisers rejected squaring off that late in the campaign.
The debate commission, which has the unenviable task of finding common ground between the competing campaigns, has come under scrutiny already after the first debate between Trump and Biden deteriorated, with the president frequently interrupting his opponent and the moderator unable to take control.
Biden moved quickly to make sure he would still appear in front of a television audience next week. Instead of debating Trump on Thursday, he will take part in a town hall sponsored by ABC News. As he campaigned in Arizona, Biden said he would indeed attend the Oct. 22 debate, scheduled for Nashville, Tennessee.
“We agreed to three debates back in the summer,” Biden said. “I’m showing up. I’ll be there. And if, in fact, he shows up, fine. If he doesn’t, fine.”
For Trump, who is recovering from COVID-19 at the White House after spending three days in the hospital, the health-induced changes are an unwelcome disruption to his effort to shift focus away from a virus that has killed more than 210,000 Americans this year.
In an interview with Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo shortly after the commission’s announcement, Trump insisted he was in “great shape” and called the idea of a virtual debate a “joke.”
“I’m not going to do a virtual debate,” he declared.
The president’s campaign manager, Bill Stepien, said Trump would stage a rally rather than debate on Thursday, though it’s not yet clear if he will be well enough to do that.
With less than four weeks until Election Day and with millions of voters casting early ballots, pressure is building on Trump to turn around a campaign that is trailing Biden nationally and in most battlegrounds, where the margin is narrower. A debate before an audience of tens of millions of television viewers could provide that reset.
But another debate could also expose Trump to political risks. GOP strategists say the party’s support began eroding after his seething performance against Biden last week when he didn’t clearly denounce a white supremacist group.
Trump’s apparent unwillingness to change his style to win back voters he needs — particularly women — was on display again Thursday during his Fox Business interview when he referred to Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris as a “monster.”
Campaigning with Harris in Arizona, Biden called Trump’s characterization of the first Black woman on a major party’s presidential ticket “despicable” and added that it was “so beneath the office of the presidency.”
This would not be the first time Trump has skipped a debate. During the 2016 Republican primary, he boycotted the last debate before Iowa’s first-in-the nation’s caucuses, holding a fundraiser for veterans instead — a move he later speculated may have contributed to his loss in the state.
Trump fell ill with the virus on Oct. 1, just 48 hours after sharing a stage with Biden in person during the first presidential debate, in Cleveland. While the two candidates remained a dozen feet apart, Trump’s infection sparked health concerns for Biden and sent him to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests before returning to the campaign trail. His campaign announced Thursday that Biden had undergone his fifth such test and was found to be negative.
Trump was still contagious with the virus when he was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday, but his doctor said Thursday he had “completed his course of therapy” and could resume campaigning this weekend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 can be contagious for as many as — and should isolate for at least — 10 days.
___
Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Phoenix, Alexandra Jaffe and Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report.
___


mercurynews--2020-10-08--Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to American poet Louise Glück

The 2020 Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to the American poet Louise Glück “ for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal.
” Glück is a professor of English at Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut .
She made her debut in 1968 with “ Firstborn , ” and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1993 and the National Book Award in 2014 .
She has published 12 collections of poetry and several volumes of essays on poetry .
Her writing is characterized by a striving for clarity and focuses on themes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes from Anders Olsson , Chairman of the Nobel Committee .
“ Snowdrops , ” from her 1992 Pulitzer-winning collection The Wild Iris , describes the miraculous return of life after winter .
“ Averno ” ( 2006 ) is an interpretation of the myth of Persephone ’ s descent into hell in the captivity of Hades , the god of death .
Her latest collection was “ Faithful and Virtuous Night ” in 2014 .
This year ’ s Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gene editing tool for “ rewriting the code of life.
” • What is CRISPR ?
Here ’ s our video on how the Nobel Prize-winning gene-editing tool works On Tuesday , the Nobel Prize in Physics was given to Roger Penrose , Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez for their discoveries about black holes .
The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Harvey J .
Alter , Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice on Monday for the discovery of hepatitis C virus , which led to the development of tests and treatments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced Friday and the Prize in Economic Sciences on Monday .

The 2020 Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to the American poet Louise Glück “for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal.”
Glück is a professor of English at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. She made her debut in 1968 with “Firstborn,” and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1993 and the National Book Award in 2014.
She has published 12 collections of poetry and several volumes of essays on poetry. Her writing is characterized by a striving for clarity and focuses on themes of childhood and family relationships, according to notes from Anders Olsson, Chairman of the Nobel Committee.
“Snowdrops,” from her 1992 Pulitzer-winning collection The Wild Iris, describes the miraculous return of life after winter. “Averno” (2006) is an interpretation of the myth of Persephone’s descent into hell in the captivity of Hades, the god of death. Her latest collection was “Faithful and Virtuous Night” in 2014.
This year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna on Wednesday. They discovered the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tool for “rewriting the code of life.”
On Tuesday, the Nobel Prize in Physics was given to Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel and Andrea Ghez for their discoveries about black holes.
The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice on Monday for the discovery of hepatitis C virus, which led to the development of tests and treatments.
The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced Friday and the Prize in Economic Sciences on Monday.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.


mercurynews--2020-10-08--Tech worker pleads guilty to killing and burning California college student Mackenzie Lueck

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST | The Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY — A tech worker pleaded guilty on Wednesday to strangling a Utah college student whose disappearance over a year ago sparked a search that ended with the discovery of her charred remains in his backyard .
Ayoola A. Ajayi acknowledged he planned the death of 23-year-old Mackenzie Lueck , whom he met on a dating app and arranged to meet in a park .
After they returned to his home , he bound and strangled her , then burned and hid her body while police and loved ones searched for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ajayi pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and desecration of a corpse in an agreement with prosecutors that removed the possibility of the death penalty .
Prosecutors dropped charges of aggravated kidnapping and obstructing justice .
Ajayi also pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a different woman he met on a dating app .
He is expected to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole .
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said the guilty pleas allow Lueck ’ s parents to begin to get closure and a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family has asked for privacy .
Lueck has been remembered as a bubbly , nurturing person who belonged to a sorority and was a part-time senior at the University of Utah studying kinesiology and pre-nursing .
She went missing in June 2019 , after returning from a trip home to El Segundo , California , for her grandmother ’ s funeral .
Lueck had met Ajayi , 32 , on the site Seeking Arrangement , which bills itself as a way for wealthy “ sugar daddies ” to meet women known as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She took a Lyft to meet him in a park , prosecutors have said .
Her phone was turned off a minute after the last text and never turned back on .
Ajayi planned the slaying before the meeting at the park and turned off the video in his home-security system before he left to meet her , his lawyer Neal Hamilton said .
When they returned to his Salt Lake City home , Ajayi tied her up and began to choke her .
She tried to stop him , after which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pushed her onto her stomach and strangled her , the attorney said .
Ajayi then burned her body and buried it in his backyard , Hamilton said .
After detectives came to his door to question him , he dug her up and buried her in a shallow grave in a canyon nearly 100 miles ( 161 kilometers ) north of Salt Lake City .
The search for Lueck went on for nearly two weeks before some of her remains were discovered in Ajayi ’ s backyard and he was arrested .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ body in Logan Canyon , where she was found with her arms bound behind her .
A native of Nigeria , Ajayi held a green card that allows him to legally work and live in the U.S. , prosecutors have said .
He was an information technology worker who had stints with high-profile companies and was briefly in the Army National Guard .
Authorities have not discussed a motive for the killing .
• Suspect in California student Mackenzie Lueck ’ s slaying will stand trial in sexual assault case • Mackenzie Lueck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weird ’ secret room , contractor says • Who was Mackenzie Lueck ?
Friends remember slain California student as a friendly ‘ ball of light ’ Ajayi said little at Wednesday ’ s hearing and occasionally hung his head .
He was wearing an orange jail jumpsuit , glasses and blue surgical mask .
He is expected to be formally sentenced Oct. 23 .
Ajayi also pleaded guilty to sexually abusing another woman he met on a dating app in 2018 .
They went to his house for dinner , and the abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he acknowledged .
He pleaded guilty to forcible sexual abuse in that case .
As part of the plea agreement , prosecutors dismissed 19 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor related to child pornography allegedly discovered on his devices during the investigation into Lueck ’ s death .
This story has been corrected to say the defendant pleaded guilty to murder and one other charge , not multiple , in the death of the student .

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST | The Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY — A tech worker pleaded guilty on Wednesday to strangling a Utah college student whose disappearance over a year ago sparked a search that ended with the discovery of her charred remains in his backyard.
Ayoola A. Ajayi acknowledged he planned the death of 23-year-old Mackenzie Lueck, whom he met on a dating app and arranged to meet in a park. After they returned to his home, he bound and strangled her, then burned and hid her body while police and loved ones searched for her, his lawyer said in court.
Ajayi pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and desecration of a corpse in an agreement with prosecutors that removed the possibility of the death penalty. Prosecutors dropped charges of aggravated kidnapping and obstructing justice.
Ajayi also pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a different woman he met on a dating app. He is expected to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said the guilty pleas allow Lueck’s parents to begin to get closure and a “measure of justice.” Gill said the family has asked for privacy.
Lueck has been remembered as a bubbly, nurturing person who belonged to a sorority and was a part-time senior at the University of Utah studying kinesiology and pre-nursing.
She went missing in June 2019, after returning from a trip home to El Segundo, California, for her grandmother’s funeral. Lueck had met Ajayi, 32, on the site Seeking Arrangement, which bills itself as a way for wealthy “sugar daddies” to meet women known as “sugar babies,” his lawyer said. She took a Lyft to meet him in a park, prosecutors have said. Her phone was turned off a minute after the last text and never turned back on.
Ajayi planned the slaying before the meeting at the park and turned off the video in his home-security system before he left to meet her, his lawyer Neal Hamilton said. When they returned to his Salt Lake City home, Ajayi tied her up and began to choke her. She tried to stop him, after which he put a belt around her neck, pushed her onto her stomach and strangled her, the attorney said.
Ajayi then burned her body and buried it in his backyard, Hamilton said. After detectives came to his door to question him, he dug her up and buried her in a shallow grave in a canyon nearly 100 miles (161 kilometers) north of Salt Lake City.
The search for Lueck went on for nearly two weeks before some of her remains were discovered in Ajayi’s backyard and he was arrested. He later revealed the location of her body in Logan Canyon, where she was found with her arms bound behind her.
A native of Nigeria, Ajayi held a green card that allows him to legally work and live in the U.S., prosecutors have said. He was an information technology worker who had stints with high-profile companies and was briefly in the Army National Guard.
Authorities have not discussed a motive for the killing.
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Mackenzie Lueck suspect wanted to build ‘way too weird’ secret room, contractor says Crime and Public Safety | Who was Mackenzie Lueck? Friends remember slain California student as a friendly ‘ball of light’
Who was Mackenzie Lueck? Friends remember slain California student as a friendly ‘ball of light’ Crime and Public Safety | Map: Mackenzie Lueck’s body found in Utah canyon Ajayi said little at Wednesday’s hearing and occasionally hung his head. He was wearing an orange jail jumpsuit, glasses and blue surgical mask. He is expected to be formally sentenced Oct. 23.
Ajayi also pleaded guilty to sexually abusing another woman he met on a dating app in 2018. They went to his house for dinner, and the abuse happened while they were watching television, he acknowledged. He pleaded guilty to forcible sexual abuse in that case.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed 19 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor related to child pornography allegedly discovered on his devices during the investigation into Lueck’s death.
___
This story has been corrected to say the defendant pleaded guilty to murder and one other charge, not multiple, in the death of the student.


mercurynews--2020-10-08--Deaths from COVID-19 at Santa Cruz County nursing facility rises to 9

SANTA CRUZ — An outbreak of COVID-19 cases has caused another five deaths at the Watsonville Post-Acute Center , a skilled nursing facility .
As of Wednesday afternoon , 46 residents and 15 staff at the nursing facility have tested positive for COVID-19 .
The five deaths raise the total deaths at the facility related to COVID-19 to nine .
State and local public health officials continue to work closely with the nursing facility to manage the serious outbreak , according to a press release issued by Santa Cruz County .
Since the outbreak began , the California Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits to provide assessments and recommendations to management at the Watsonville facility .
Santa Cruz County health officials also are working with the facility on a daily basis to review protocols on isolation , quarantine , testing , and screening , as well as resource requests for staff and supplies critical to resolving the outbreak .
Additionally , the California National Guard is also providing staffing support to the facility .
“ Watsonville Post-Acute informed CDPH and the County as soon as the first resident tested positive , ” said Dr. David Ghilarducci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County , in a prepared statement .
“ Our staff is focused on the outbreak and we will continue to work closely with WPA.
” At the onset of the pandemic , according to the county , staff from the county ’ s Communicable Disease Unit and Emergency Preparedness Unit worked with each of the seven skilled nursing facilities in the county to develop a plan that included a comprehensive checklist tool , site maps and scenario planning in the event of an outbreak .
• With the map looking ‘ grim , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peru bet heavily on cheap COVID tests ; it didn ’ t go well • Staff member in Gavin Newsom ’ s office tests positive for COVID-19 ; some workers isolating Strategies on testing staff and residents , maximizing PPE and containment of infection were also included in the plan .
The plan is being put into action as the Watsonville facility works to mitigate the impact of the virus .
Although the rate of new cases in Santa Cruz County continues to decline , skilled nursing and long-term care facilities remain at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congregate living setting and the vulnerability of the population .
As of Wednesday evening , Santa Cruz County has seen 2,536 COVID-19 cases , 264 are considered active , with another 2,253 recovered .
There have been 19 deaths and 161 hospitalizations .
Another 50,776 have tested negative for COVID-19 .

SANTA CRUZ — An outbreak of COVID-19 cases has caused another five deaths at the Watsonville Post-Acute Center, a skilled nursing facility.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 46 residents and 15 staff at the nursing facility have tested positive for COVID-19. The five deaths raise the total deaths at the facility related to COVID-19 to nine.
State and local public health officials continue to work closely with the nursing facility to manage the serious outbreak, according to a press release issued by Santa Cruz County.
Since the outbreak began, the California Department of Public Health officials have conducted multiple site visits to provide assessments and recommendations to management at the Watsonville facility. Santa Cruz County health officials also are working with the facility on a daily basis to review protocols on isolation, quarantine, testing, and screening, as well as resource requests for staff and supplies critical to resolving the outbreak.
Additionally, the California National Guard is also providing staffing support to the facility.
“Watsonville Post-Acute informed CDPH and the County as soon as the first resident tested positive,” said Dr. David Ghilarducci, Deputy Health Officer for Santa Cruz County, in a prepared statement. “Our staff is focused on the outbreak and we will continue to work closely with WPA.”
At the onset of the pandemic, according to the county, staff from the county’s Communicable Disease Unit and Emergency Preparedness Unit worked with each of the seven skilled nursing facilities in the county to develop a plan that included a comprehensive checklist tool, site maps and scenario planning in the event of an outbreak.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms Health | COVID Q&A: Can I use an expired test? Time to get boosted? How to cope with California’s sneaky summer surge Strategies on testing staff and residents, maximizing PPE and containment of infection were also included in the plan. The plan is being put into action as the Watsonville facility works to mitigate the impact of the virus.
Although the rate of new cases in Santa Cruz County continues to decline, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities remain at elevated risk for COVID-19 due to the congregate living setting and the vulnerability of the population.
As of Wednesday evening, Santa Cruz County has seen 2,536 COVID-19 cases, 264 are considered active, with another 2,253 recovered. There have been 19 deaths and 161 hospitalizations. Another 50,776 have tested negative for COVID-19.
For information, visit santacruzhealth.com.


mercurynews--2020-10-09--Signs point to Jimmy Garoppolo returning to 49ers Sunday

Jimmy Garoppolo practiced for the second day in a row Thursday , and all signs now point to him returning as the 49ers starting quarterback Sunday .
Garoppolo , who missed the past 2 1/2 games with a high-ankle sprain , participated on a limited basis for the second straight day and his presence generated excitement from teammates .
None more so than George Kittle , who was happy to provide his unique scouting report on how Garoppolo looked in Santa Clara .
“ Jimmy looks very handsome out on the field .
Still got a rocket arm .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is a good thing .
So I ’ m excited about those three things , ” Kittle told reporters during a video conference .
While Kittle ’ s favorable outlook may not sway the team ’ s decision-makers on whether Garoppolo will against the Dolphins on Sunday , general manager John Lynch has his own views on what it meant for Garoppolo to practice again .
“ The good news is he ’ s been out there through two days of practice .
I always think it ’ s a positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back feeling a little better on Thursday , ” Lynch told KNBR-680 .
“ There ’ s been some good signs this week.
” Left tackle Trent Williams can vouch for Garoppolo looking as if he could step in and help the 49ers bounce back from Sunday night ’ s upset loss to the Eagles .
“ Jimmy ’ s been Jimmy , ” Williams said .
“ I know he ’ s been dealing with the ankle .
We hope to get him back soon .
I ’ m thrilled that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and he ’ s out there throwing balls around .
“ So , I ’ m hoping he continues to make progress so we can get him on the field soon.
” Coach Kyle Shanahan , who wasn ’ t available to the media on Thursday , may provide a clearer picture Friday on whether he ’ ll need to call on Nick Mullens for a third straight week , or even C.J .
Beathard .
The memories of Mullens struggling and needing to be relieved by Beathard are fresh in everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s also worth remembering Garoppolo was playing brilliantly the last time he was on the field .
He was 14 of 15 for 131 yards and two touchdowns — good for a sterling 140.4 quarterback rating — in Week 2 against the Jets before his ankle injury forced him out of the game .
Meanwhile , the 49ers also had running back Raheem Mostert practicing on a limited basis again , an encouraging sign his recovery from a sprained MCL puts him on track to playing for the first time in three weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made his season debut Sunday night with three catches for 35 yards , was not at practice Thursday .
He was listed out due to illness , which these days triggers questions about COVID .
It should be noted , though , that players who test positive or have been in “ close contact ” with an infected person are immediately placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list .
Samuel is not on that list .
Watching Williams , a 7-time Pro Bowl tackle , struggle in the 25-20 loss was an eye-opening experience for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd .
But Williams said looks can also be deceiving .
Pro Football Focus handed Williams his worst grade of the season ( 63.7 ) while crediting him with allowing two sacks , four pressures , a QB hit and a hurry .
He was also called for a holding penalty and a false start .
Williams took exception to what people think they saw from him , though .
“ I know that sometimes the public perception can think some things are on you , ” said Williams , who said his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In house , you kind of know they ’ re not , so that ’ s a tough deal to kind of juggle with , just dealing with perception versus reality.
” Williams , though , did take ownership of the fact he wasn ’ t at his best .
“ Out of 74 plays , ( there were ) probably four or five that I wish I had back , ” he said .
“ Obviously , the penalties , that ’ s on me .
Boneheaded penalties , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was pleased to see linebacker Dre Greenlaw ( quadriceps ) continue making progress at practice this week .
“ We all love Greenlaw .
He ’ s athletic , he ’ s dynamic in the sense he covers a lot of space , both run game and pass game , ” Saleh said .
“ As he gets his legs back underneath him , any time you can add a player of his caliber back to the defense you ’ re only gon na get better .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander ) and Fred ( Warner ) rolling , we were really dynamic in that linebacker spot.
” Saleh ’ s defense got a boost when safety Jimmie Ward ( wrist ) was a full participant at practice after being out Wednesday .
Elsewhere , receivers Dante Pettis ( knee ) and Trent Taylor ( ankle ) also returned to practice , while cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon ( hamstring ) was limited .
Cornerback Emmauel Moseley remained in concussion protocol .
• Kurtenbach : Ready or not , Jimmy Garoppolo has to save the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Will Tua Tagovailoa make surprise debut against 49ers ?
Dolphins running back Matt Breida is excited to play against his old 49ers teammates , but he ’ s trying not to get too hyped about facing the team that traded him in April .
“ It ’ s cool going back and playing against my former team , ” Breida told reporters Thursday .
“ I ’ m not going to treat it any differently than any other week .
I ’ m very grateful .
The trade wasn ’ t like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .
The NFL is a business .
You can ’ t get your emotions too caught up in the business side of things.
” Breida , who has just 72 yards on 18 carries in a reserve role , said leaving the 49ers was a blessing for a couple of reasons — he no longer has to worry about the Bay Area ’ s high cost of living or the state ’ s high income tax rate .

Jimmy Garoppolo practiced for the second day in a row Thursday, and all signs now point to him returning as the 49ers starting quarterback Sunday.
Garoppolo, who missed the past 2 1/2 games with a high-ankle sprain, participated on a limited basis for the second straight day and his presence generated excitement from teammates.
None more so than George Kittle, who was happy to provide his unique scouting report on how Garoppolo looked in Santa Clara.
“Jimmy looks very handsome out on the field. Still got a rocket arm. He’s still throwing me the ball, which is a good thing. So I’m excited about those three things,” Kittle told reporters during a video conference.
While Kittle’s favorable outlook may not sway the team’s decision-makers on whether Garoppolo will against the Dolphins on Sunday, general manager John Lynch has his own views on what it meant for Garoppolo to practice again.
“The good news is he’s been out there through two days of practice. I always think it’s a positive step when you practice Wednesday and come back feeling a little better on Thursday,” Lynch told KNBR-680. “There’s been some good signs this week.”
Left tackle Trent Williams can vouch for Garoppolo looking as if he could step in and help the 49ers bounce back from Sunday night’s upset loss to the Eagles.
“Jimmy’s been Jimmy,” Williams said. “I know he’s been dealing with the ankle. We hope to get him back soon. I’m thrilled that he’s even trying to practice on it and he’s out there throwing balls around.
“So, I’m hoping he continues to make progress so we can get him on the field soon.”
Coach Kyle Shanahan, who wasn’t available to the media on Thursday, may provide a clearer picture Friday on whether he’ll need to call on Nick Mullens for a third straight week, or even C.J. Beathard.
The memories of Mullens struggling and needing to be relieved by Beathard are fresh in everyone’s minds, but it’s also worth remembering Garoppolo was playing brilliantly the last time he was on the field. He was 14 of 15 for 131 yards and two touchdowns — good for a sterling 140.4 quarterback rating — in Week 2 against the Jets before his ankle injury forced him out of the game.
Meanwhile, the 49ers also had running back Raheem Mostert practicing on a limited basis again, an encouraging sign his recovery from a sprained MCL puts him on track to playing for the first time in three weeks.
However, Deebo Samuel, who made his season debut Sunday night with three catches for 35 yards, was not at practice Thursday. He was listed out due to illness, which these days triggers questions about COVID. It should be noted, though, that players who test positive or have been in “close contact” with an infected person are immediately placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Samuel is not on that list.
Williams: ‘Bad night” was deceiving
Watching Williams, a 7-time Pro Bowl tackle, struggle in the 25-20 loss was an eye-opening experience for many, including those in the analytics crowd. But Williams said looks can also be deceiving.
Pro Football Focus handed Williams his worst grade of the season (63.7) while crediting him with allowing two sacks, four pressures, a QB hit and a hurry. He was also called for a holding penalty and a false start.
Williams took exception to what people think they saw from him, though.
“I know that sometimes the public perception can think some things are on you,” said Williams, who said his coaching staff credited him with a half-sack. “In house, you kind of know they’re not, so that’s a tough deal to kind of juggle with, just dealing with perception versus reality.”
Williams, though, did take ownership of the fact he wasn’t at his best.
“Out of 74 plays, (there were) probably four or five that I wish I had back,” he said. “Obviously, the penalties, that’s on me. Boneheaded penalties, you gotta erase that from the game.”
More injury updates
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was pleased to see linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quadriceps) continue making progress at practice this week.
“We all love Greenlaw. He’s athletic, he’s dynamic in the sense he covers a lot of space, both run game and pass game,” Saleh said. “As he gets his legs back underneath him, any time you can add a player of his caliber back to the defense you’re only gonna get better.
“When we had him, Kwon (Alexander) and Fred (Warner) rolling, we were really dynamic in that linebacker spot.”
Saleh’s defense got a boost when safety Jimmie Ward (wrist) was a full participant at practice after being out Wednesday.
Elsewhere, receivers Dante Pettis (knee) and Trent Taylor (ankle) also returned to practice, while cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring) was limited. Cornerback Emmauel Moseley remained in concussion protocol.
Breida’s homecoming
Dolphins running back Matt Breida is excited to play against his old 49ers teammates, but he’s trying not to get too hyped about facing the team that traded him in April.
“It’s cool going back and playing against my former team,” Breida told reporters Thursday. “I’m not going to treat it any differently than any other week. I’m very grateful. The trade wasn’t like they didn’t want me any more. The NFL is a business. You can’t get your emotions too caught up in the business side of things.”
Breida, who has just 72 yards on 18 carries in a reserve role, said leaving the 49ers was a blessing for a couple of reasons — he no longer has to worry about the Bay Area’s high cost of living or the state’s high income tax rate.


mercurynews--2020-10-09--Bills-Titans, Broncos-Patriots rescheduled by NFL over COVID concerns

The Bills-Titans game has been moved from Sunday to Tuesday night at 4 p.m. PT as long as Tennessee has no more positive tests for COVID-19 in the interim .
CBS will televise the game .
The NFL also is rescheduling Sunday ’ s Broncos-Patriots game from Sunday to Monday at 2 p.m. PT as part of an ESPN doubleheader .
New England had a smaller outbreak of COVID-19 .
The Chiefs at Bills game scheduled for Oct. 15 is moving to next weekend if the Buffalo-Tennessee game actually is played on Tuesday .
No specific day or time has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were made to ensure the health and safety of players , coaches and game day personnel and in consultation with medical experts , ” the NFL said in a statement Thursday night .
Three games now have been postponed due to the pandemic : Pittsburgh at Tennessee in Week 3 was moved to Oct. 25 .
The Titans ’ outbreak increased to 23 Thursday with tight end MyCole Pruitt and a defensive back from the practice squad put on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday afternoon .
The Titans ’ facility remains closed with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tennessee ( 3-0 ) has had 21 positive tests returned since Sept. 29 , though now 13 players are on the reserve/COVID-19 list , including four starters and a long snapper .
The investigation by the NFL and the players ’ association into how Tennessee turned into the league ’ s first COVID-19 outbreak found “ several specific incidents ” of the Titans possibly breaking protocols dealing with the coronavirus pandemic , a person with knowledge of the inquiry told The Associated Press on Wednesday .
Also , Tennessee was told players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities either at the club ’ s facility or elsewhere a day before several Titans worked out at a private school , a person familiar with the situation told the AP on Thursday .
The NFL closed both the Tennessee and Minnesota facilities Sept. 29 after eight positive test results for the Titans ; the Titans played at the Vikings in Week 3 .
A group of Titans , which included quarterback Ryan Tannehill , worked out at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville on Sept. 30 after getting permission from coaches at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight day of practice Thursday after reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore joined quarterback Cam Newton on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday .
New England also has a defensive tackle from the practice squad on the list .
New England coach Bill Belichick said Thursday the team closed its facility for the health and safety of the club .
Whether the Patriots return to their facility Friday will be a medical decision rather than a football one , Belichick said .
“ Things are changing very quickly so or could change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes they don ’ t , ” Belichick said .
“ We knew that at the beginning of the season that there were going to be challenges .
There have been .
And we ’ re ready to work through them .
And that ’ s what we ’ re doing .
”

By TERESA M. WALKER and BARRY WILNER / AP Pro Football Writers
The Bills-Titans game has been moved from Sunday to Tuesday night at 4 p.m. PT as long as Tennessee has no more positive tests for COVID-19 in the interim. CBS will televise the game.
The NFL also is rescheduling Sunday’s Broncos-Patriots game from Sunday to Monday at 2 p.m. PT as part of an ESPN doubleheader. New England had a smaller outbreak of COVID-19.
The Chiefs at Bills game scheduled for Oct. 15 is moving to next weekend if the Buffalo-Tennessee game actually is played on Tuesday. No specific day or time has been determined.
“These scheduling decisions were made to ensure the health and safety of players, coaches and game day personnel and in consultation with medical experts,” the NFL said in a statement Thursday night.
Three games now have been postponed due to the pandemic: Pittsburgh at Tennessee in Week 3 was moved to Oct. 25.
The Titans’ outbreak increased to 23 Thursday with tight end MyCole Pruitt and a defensive back from the practice squad put on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday afternoon. The Titans’ facility remains closed with the team still prohibited from any in-person activities.
Tennessee (3-0) has had 21 positive tests returned since Sept. 29, though now 13 players are on the reserve/COVID-19 list, including four starters and a long snapper.
The investigation by the NFL and the players’ association into how Tennessee turned into the league’s first COVID-19 outbreak found “several specific incidents” of the Titans possibly breaking protocols dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, a person with knowledge of the inquiry told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Also, Tennessee was told players could not gather together for any in-person activities either at the club’s facility or elsewhere a day before several Titans worked out at a private school, a person familiar with the situation told the AP on Thursday.
The NFL closed both the Tennessee and Minnesota facilities Sept. 29 after eight positive test results for the Titans; the Titans played at the Vikings in Week 3. A group of Titans, which included quarterback Ryan Tannehill, worked out at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville on Sept. 30 after getting permission from coaches at the school.
The Patriots missed a second straight day of practice Thursday after reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore joined quarterback Cam Newton on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday. New England also has a defensive tackle from the practice squad on the list.
New England coach Bill Belichick said Thursday the team closed its facility for the health and safety of the club. Whether the Patriots return to their facility Friday will be a medical decision rather than a football one, Belichick said.
“Things are changing very quickly so or could change very quickly. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t,” Belichick said. “We knew that at the beginning of the season that there were going to be challenges. There have been. And we’re ready to work through them. And that’s what we’re doing.”