mercurynews--2020-06-14--Horoscopes June 14, 2020: Diablo Cody, pay attention to the way you feel.

Happy Birthday : Pay attention to the way you feel , the people you associate with and how you go about living up to your promises .
Take a serious approach to getting the facts and basing what you do on proof , not what someone tells you .
Run the show instead of watching from the sidelines .
Go after what you want , and discard what you don ’ t want .
Your numbers are 5 , 12 , 23 , 27 , 33 , 36 , 48 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : A little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some muscle behind your plans , and you will get things up and running before anyone has a chance to interfere .
Channel emotional energy into doing something nice for someone you love .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Look at the fine print and details of any situation you face , and make adjustments based on facts and figures .
Stick to moderate plans , and build a solid foundation .
An unexpected change will help you discard something that is holding you back .
3 stars GEMINI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it clear what you are willing to do , and be prepared to walk away from any situation you find compromising .
Discipline will help you find the best path to pursue .
Make a commitment to someone you love .
4 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Channel your emotional energy into something creative , not into fretting about what someone thinks or does .
You have to look out for your interests instead of trying to please someone who is being unreasonable .
Offer peace and love , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23-Aug. 22 ) : A change may not be something you relish , but in the end , it will be beneficial .
Don ’ t let uncertainty get you down when you should embrace the future with optimism .
Your attitude will make a difference in the way things transpire .
5 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Look over your options , and consider what ’ s best for you .
Don ’ t waste a good opportunity because someone gives you a hard time .
Put the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future with optimism .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Keep your life simple and your plans doable .
Everything will fall into place .
Trust in yourself , and you won ’ t be disappointed in the outcome .
Personal gains and romance look promising .
Update your look ; it will boost your ego .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Stick to a budget , and barter for what you want .
Your persistence will pay off , and a chance to change the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the confidence to expand your long-term plans .
Personal growth will enhance your outlook .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Make a change at home that will bring you closer to someone you love .
Moving things around to fit the lifestyle you want will lift your spirits and encourage you to make a long-term commitment .
Romance is in the stars .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Make an overdue change .
You ’ ll enjoy implementing your plans and watching them transform your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with someone special .
A stable , secure future will lead to better health .
2 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : A change to the way you handle your financial affairs will add to peace of mind .
A positive change at home will encourage you to focus more on self-improvements that will boost your ego .
4 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : Refuse to let someone ’ s charm tempt you into something you shouldn ’ t consider .
Be persistent regarding what you want , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less .
Use intelligence , facts and experience to help you deter anyone from trying to take advantage of you .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are articulate , strong-willed and caring .
You are proactive and compassionate .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Lucy Hale, 31; Chauncey Leopardi, 39; Diablo Cody, 42; Boy George, 59.
Happy Birthday: Pay attention to the way you feel, the people you associate with and how you go about living up to your promises. Take a serious approach to getting the facts and basing what you do on proof, not what someone tells you. Run the show instead of watching from the sidelines. Go after what you want, and discard what you don’t want. Your numbers are 5, 12, 23, 27, 33, 36, 48.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): A little will go a long way. Put some muscle behind your plans, and you will get things up and running before anyone has a chance to interfere. Channel emotional energy into doing something nice for someone you love. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Look at the fine print and details of any situation you face, and make adjustments based on facts and figures. Stick to moderate plans, and build a solid foundation. An unexpected change will help you discard something that is holding you back. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Make it clear what you are willing to do, and be prepared to walk away from any situation you find compromising. Discipline will help you find the best path to pursue. Make a commitment to someone you love. 4 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Channel your emotional energy into something creative, not into fretting about what someone thinks or does. You have to look out for your interests instead of trying to please someone who is being unreasonable. Offer peace and love, not discord. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A change may not be something you relish, but in the end, it will be beneficial. Don’t let uncertainty get you down when you should embrace the future with optimism. Your attitude will make a difference in the way things transpire. 5 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Look over your options, and consider what’s best for you. Don’t waste a good opportunity because someone gives you a hard time. Put the past behind you, and forge into the future with optimism. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Keep your life simple and your plans doable. Everything will fall into place. Trust in yourself, and you won’t be disappointed in the outcome. Personal gains and romance look promising. Update your look; it will boost your ego. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Stick to a budget, and barter for what you want. Your persistence will pay off, and a chance to change the way you do things will give you the confidence to expand your long-term plans. Personal growth will enhance your outlook. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Make a change at home that will bring you closer to someone you love. Moving things around to fit the lifestyle you want will lift your spirits and encourage you to make a long-term commitment. Romance is in the stars. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Make an overdue change. You’ll enjoy implementing your plans and watching them transform your dream into reality. Share your thoughts with someone special. A stable, secure future will lead to better health. 2 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A change to the way you handle your financial affairs will add to peace of mind. A positive change at home will encourage you to focus more on self-improvements that will boost your ego. 4 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Refuse to let someone’s charm tempt you into something you shouldn’t consider. Be persistent regarding what you want, and don’t settle for anything less. Use intelligence, facts and experience to help you deter anyone from trying to take advantage of you. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are articulate, strong-willed and caring. You are proactive and compassionate.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: June 14, 2020

When I watched today ’ s deal in a penny game , East was Grapefruit , our club member whose gruff exterior conceals an even gruffer interior .
He berates his partners mercilessly .
His jump to four clubs was preemptive .
South had plenty enough to bid four spades anyway , and West judged to double .
Grapefruit won the first club with the king and led the ace .
South ruffed and knew that West must have a stack in trumps for his double .
So at the third trick , South led a low trump .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t breaking 5-0 . )
West won with the nine and couldn ’ t gain by leading a third club ; dummy could ruff , letting South preserve his own length in trumps .
So West shifted to a low heart : six , queen , ace .
South then led another low trump .
West won and led the jack of hearts ; another club lead was still futile .
South won and drew West ’ s remaining trumps with the A-K .
He ran the diamonds to discard his low hearts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grapefruit went wild .
“ Partner , you couldn ’ t pour water out of a boot if there were instructions on the heel .
Did you think my jump to four clubs promised any defense ?
” “ My double was fine , ” West said , straining to control himself .
Grapefruit told the kibitzers that West was a few feathers shy of a whole duck .
South played well , but East-West could have prevailed .
If Grapefruit shifts to a heart at Trick Two , the defense has time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declarer can draw trumps and run the diamonds .
Nobody dared inform Grapefruit of that , of course .

When I watched today’s deal in a penny game, East was Grapefruit, our club member whose gruff exterior conceals an even gruffer interior. He berates his partners mercilessly. His jump to four clubs was preemptive. South had plenty enough to bid four spades anyway, and West judged to double.
Grapefruit won the first club with the king and led the ace. South ruffed and knew that West must have a stack in trumps for his double. So at the third trick, South led a low trump. (No doubt he hoped trumps weren’t breaking 5-0.)
West won with the nine and couldn’t gain by leading a third club; dummy could ruff, letting South preserve his own length in trumps. So West shifted to a low heart: six, queen, ace. South then led another low trump.
West won and led the jack of hearts; another club lead was still futile. South won and drew West’s remaining trumps with the A-K. He ran the diamonds to discard his low hearts, making the doubled contract, and Grapefruit went wild.
“Partner, you couldn’t pour water out of a boot if there were instructions on the heel. Did you think my jump to four clubs promised any defense?”
“My double was fine,” West said, straining to control himself.
Grapefruit told the kibitzers that West was a few feathers shy of a whole duck.
South played well, but East-West could have prevailed. If Grapefruit shifts to a heart at Trick Two, the defense has time to set up a heart trick before declarer can draw trumps and run the diamonds. Nobody dared inform Grapefruit of that, of course.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S 6 4 3
H 9 8 6
D A Q 10 4 2
C J 5
WEST
S Q J 10 9
H J 10 5 2
D 9 5
C Q 8 3
EAST
S 8
H Q 7
D J 8 6
C A K 10 9 7 6 4
SOUTH
S A K 7 5 2
H A K 4 3
D K 7 3
C 2
SouthWestNorthEast
1 SPass2 S4 C
4 SDbl(!)All Pass
Opening lead — C 3
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-06-14--Word Game: June 14, 2020

Word Game: June 14, 2020

Can you find 54 or more words in RECLINED ?
To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
@ @ @ @ @ $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must be of four or more @ @ @ @ @ that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s , ” such as “ @ @ @ @ @ , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words made by adding a “ @ @ @ @ @ s ” may not be used .
For example , if “ bake ” is @ @ @ @ @ or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ bake ” and “ baking @ @ @ @ @ .
Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not @ @

TODAY’S WORD — RECLINED (RECLINED: rih-KLINED: Lay back or down.)
Average mark 37 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 54 or more words in RECLINED?
TODAY’S WORD — RECLINED redline reed reel rein relic relied rend rice ride
rile rind eider elder elide erne cede cider cinder cire creed creel cried leer lend
lender lice lied lien line liner lire iced idle idler need nerd nice nicer niece decile
decline decliner deer deice deicer dele deli denier dice dicer diel dine diner dire
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-06-14--Ask Amy: I just found out her husband read the private emails I sent

DEAR AMY : I feel betrayed by a friend of 20 years .
We live close by , but rarely get together because she spends almost all her time with her husband .
They don ’ t entertain or get together with friends or family .
I don ’ t know why that is , but it is obviously a very personal decision and not my business .
Every day , “ Jane ” and I emailed back and forth several times a day , discussing every imaginable subject , including some extremely personal things .
I have told her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else .
I recently joined a senior dating website .
Every so often , I would share some emails men had sent me , and she would write back her comments .
This has been fun .
Last week she wrote to ask me to stop sharing any dating-related emails .
She said that when her husband reads those messages , he misunderstands that they are to me and not to her , and he freaks out .
( Jane is in her 70s and her husband is in his 80s . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ say she ’ s bisexual if she has sex only with her husband ?
• Ask Amy : When I said he could have sex with other people , I didn ’ t expect this • Ask Amy : How long can one use ‘ a rough childhood ’ as an excuse ?
• Ask Amy : I thought he was a friend , then he got this tattoo • Ask Amy : I can ’ t believe my own dad would demand this of me I feel devastated to know that her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 years and I did not know it .
I am reminded of an old saying : “ The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.
” How can I get over this ?
DEAR DEVASTATED : You don ’ t know for a fact that Jane ’ s husband has been reading all of her emails for 20 years .
Her husband could have cognitive ( or other ) problems that have brought this on recently .
The fact is , as intimate as your friendship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem to know much about her situation .
The way to get over this is to try to understand it .
You should tell Jane that you are surprised and concerned that her husband reads her email and ask if she could give you a call so you two could talk about it .
DEAR AMY : I recently “ unfriended ” my dear older sister on Facebook because some of our political views differ — so rather than see her postings that differ from my views , I decided to eliminate that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to “ unfollow ” her , but then I ’ d miss her posts about other things , so I ’ d check her page and eventually see more politics .
I just can ’ t stop offering my opinions when she posts , and then I feel chastised when she defends her point of view .
We don ’ t hang out a lot , but when we are together we don ’ t normally talk politics ; and if something uncomfortable ( for me ) comes up , I change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ OK , fine .
We ’ ll just live in a world of unicorns and rainbows.
” She is obviously not happy that I unfriended her .
She says everyone has differing opinions , and that ’ s OK. Is she right , am I living in a fantasy world by trying to keep the tension out of our relationship ?
DEAR SISTER : My take on this is that you do seem sensitive and very protective of your point of view .
But ( speaking as a “ little sister ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ siblings often conveys a lifetime of dominance .
Your less-sensitive older sister feels comfortable staking her claim and then defending it when you offer your own views .
You interpret this as “ tension , ” but she seems to see it as a back-and-forth .
She may also enjoy needling you regarding your sensitivity .
I suspect that after two weeks of being disconnected on social media , your blood pressure will stay down , you will stop feeling guilty and you will enjoy not being reactive and triggered by your sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she teases you about living in a fantasy world , I suggest you demonstrate that you are unruffled .
Send her a GIF of a unicorn leaping over a rainbow with the statement : “ Life in my fantasy world is even better than I imagined .
Love you , sis — let ’ s talk soon.
” DEAR AMY : Here ’ s another suggestion for how to get someone to stop interrupting : Many years ago when I obviously interrupted a friend , the friend stopped me dead in my tracks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought I was finished.
” I was unaware of my tendency to interrupt people until it was so vividly pointed out .
It was a lesson learned and was a great way to teach me and the others who were there a lesson that I never forgot .
DEAR GRATEFUL : I love this phrasing ( and expect a loved one to use it on me very soon ) .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

DEAR AMY: I feel betrayed by a friend of 20 years. We live close by, but rarely get together because she spends almost all her time with her husband. They don’t entertain or get together with friends or family. I don’t know why that is, but it is obviously a very personal decision and not my business.
Every day, “Jane” and I emailed back and forth several times a day, discussing every imaginable subject, including some extremely personal things. I have told her things that I have never told anyone else.
I recently joined a senior dating website. Every so often, I would share some emails men had sent me, and she would write back her comments. This has been fun.
Last week she wrote to ask me to stop sharing any dating-related emails. She said that when her husband reads those messages, he misunderstands that they are to me and not to her, and he freaks out. (Jane is in her 70s and her husband is in his 80s.)
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I am reminded of an old saying: “The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.”
How can I get over this?
Devastated
DEAR DEVASTATED: You don’t know for a fact that Jane’s husband has been reading all of her emails for 20 years.
Her husband could have cognitive (or other) problems that have brought this on recently. The fact is, as intimate as your friendship with Jane is, you don’t seem to know much about her situation.
The way to get over this is to try to understand it. You should tell Jane that you are surprised and concerned that her husband reads her email and ask if she could give you a call so you two could talk about it.
DEAR AMY: I recently “unfriended” my dear older sister on Facebook because some of our political views differ — so rather than see her postings that differ from my views, I decided to eliminate that tension.
Before the unfriending, I tried to “unfollow” her, but then I’d miss her posts about other things, so I’d check her page and eventually see more politics. I just can’t stop offering my opinions when she posts, and then I feel chastised when she defends her point of view.
We don’t hang out a lot, but when we are together we don’t normally talk politics; and if something uncomfortable (for me) comes up, I change the subject.
My sister says, “OK, fine. We’ll just live in a world of unicorns and rainbows.”
She is obviously not happy that I unfriended her. She says everyone has differing opinions, and that’s OK.
Is she right, am I living in a fantasy world by trying to keep the tension out of our relationship?
Am I oversensitive?
Little Sister
DEAR SISTER: My take on this is that you do seem sensitive and very protective of your point of view. But (speaking as a “little sister” myself), the age differential between siblings often conveys a lifetime of dominance.
Your less-sensitive older sister feels comfortable staking her claim and then defending it when you offer your own views. You interpret this as “tension,” but she seems to see it as a back-and-forth. She may also enjoy needling you regarding your sensitivity.
I suspect that after two weeks of being disconnected on social media, your blood pressure will stay down, you will stop feeling guilty and you will enjoy not being reactive and triggered by your sister’s postings.
The next time she teases you about living in a fantasy world, I suggest you demonstrate that you are unruffled. Send her a GIF of a unicorn leaping over a rainbow with the statement: “Life in my fantasy world is even better than I imagined. Love you, sis — let’s talk soon.”
DEAR AMY: Here’s another suggestion for how to get someone to stop interrupting: Many years ago when I obviously interrupted a friend, the friend stopped me dead in my tracks by saying, “I bet you thought I was finished.”
I was unaware of my tendency to interrupt people until it was so vividly pointed out. It was a lesson learned and was a great way to teach me and the others who were there a lesson that I never forgot.
Grateful
DEAR GRATEFUL: I love this phrasing (and expect a loved one to use it on me very soon).
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-06-14--Dear Abby: My parents insist they’ll say what they want to, even if it infuriates people

DEAR ABBY : How can I converse with my parents who can not and will not keep their political opinions to themselves ?
They literally can not have a conversation of more than a few minutes that doesn ’ t spiral into a litany of complaints about the government .
I end every conversation angry , either at myself for not speaking up or at them for not shutting up .
It does no good to ask them not to discuss politics .
They say they ’ ll discuss what they want in their own home or remind me that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiated the call — I ’ m the one who can end it if I don ’ t like what I ’ m hearing .
Heaven forbid anyone disagree with their opinions .
They have cut off family and friends for decades over differences of opinion .
I suggested they volunteer in their political community in hopes of redirecting their obsessions into something positive , but they refuse .
I ’ m at a loss .
I no longer hope for a relationship with them .
I need tips on how to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abby : It ’ s nobody ’ s business how I got my dog • Dear Abby : He threatened me over my lack of a mask • Dear Abby : Why has my girlfriend become a foul-mouthed shrew ?
• Dear Abby : I got banned for my online comment .
Was I wrong ?
• Dear Abby : I finally got the man I wanted , but this other woman is fighting back DEAR TURNED OFF : If what your parents do all day is listen to political talk shows , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” When you call them , keep a list close by of things you want to tell them .
Ask if they need anything you can provide , how they are doing healthwise , how they are managing with the social disruption that has taken place .
Tell them how you are , what you have been doing and what you might have heard about family members or friends they know .
Then , if the conversation veers into a political polemic , do as they have suggested .
Make an excuse to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
DEAR ABBY : My 30-year-old daughter and her husband separated three months ago .
After three years of marriage and months of counseling , she moved in with my husband and me .
We were delighted .
She started spending a lot of time helping a male friend renovate his house and has essentially been living with him since the COVID outbreak .
It ’ s clearly more than a friendship .
I have been open about my concern that she ’ s rushing into this relationship .
I encouraged her to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which she is doing .
Tonight she shared that she is excited that he booked a trip for them for late summer .
I ’ m struggling because she is still married , and I feel uncomfortable about her relationship with this new guy .
Am I too old-fashioned ?
DEAR MOM : You are not too old-fashioned .
You are the concerned mom of a woman who is on the rebound .
Could it be she was already having feelings for this man as she was ending her marriage ?
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was willing to seek counseling .
You gave her good advice .
May I suggest you offer her more ?
Suggest she talk to a lawyer about how her current arrangement might affect a divorce if she and her husband choose to go through with one .
That she is essentially living with someone could be construed as having abandoned her husband , and it might prevent an amicable settlement .
DEAR ABBY : Is it appropriate to eat off a commemorative plate ?
DEAR WONDERING : If the plate can be washed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine — unless it ’ s a Dear Abby commemorative plate , of course , in which case it should be treated with the same veneration one would treat a religious relic .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: How can I converse with my parents who cannot and will not keep their political opinions to themselves? They literally cannot have a conversation of more than a few minutes that doesn’t spiral into a litany of complaints about the government. I end every conversation angry, either at myself for not speaking up or at them for not shutting up.
It does no good to ask them not to discuss politics. They say they’ll discuss what they want in their own home or remind me that — when I was the one who initiated the call — I’m the one who can end it if I don’t like what I’m hearing. Heaven forbid anyone disagree with their opinions. They have cut off family and friends for decades over differences of opinion.
I suggested they volunteer in their political community in hopes of redirecting their obsessions into something positive, but they refuse. I’m at a loss. I no longer hope for a relationship with them. I need tips on how to speak to them with grace.
TURNED OFF IN TENNESSEE
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Dear Abby: Our teen’s messy breakup has had awkward repercussions for us Advice | Dear Abby: I was annoyed to discover why our friends picked this restaurant DEAR TURNED OFF: If what your parents do all day is listen to political talk shows, it may account for their “obsession.”
When you call them, keep a list close by of things you want to tell them. Ask if they need anything you can provide, how they are doing healthwise, how they are managing with the social disruption that has taken place. Tell them how you are, what you have been doing and what you might have heard about family members or friends they know. Then, if the conversation veers into a political polemic, do as they have suggested. Make an excuse to end the conversation before it turns ugly.
DEAR ABBY: My 30-year-old daughter and her husband separated three months ago. After three years of marriage and months of counseling, she moved in with my husband and me. We were delighted.
She started spending a lot of time helping a male friend renovate his house and has essentially been living with him since the COVID outbreak. It’s clearly more than a friendship. I have been open about my concern that she’s rushing into this relationship. I encouraged her to see a counselor on her own, which she is doing.
Tonight she shared that she is excited that he booked a trip for them for late summer. I’m struggling because she is still married, and I feel uncomfortable about her relationship with this new guy. Am I too old-fashioned?
WORRYING MOM IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR MOM: You are not too old-fashioned. You are the concerned mom of a woman who is on the rebound. Could it be she was already having feelings for this man as she was ending her marriage?
I’m glad she listened to you and was willing to seek counseling. You gave her good advice. May I suggest you offer her more? Suggest she talk to a lawyer about how her current arrangement might affect a divorce if she and her husband choose to go through with one. That she is essentially living with someone could be construed as having abandoned her husband, and it might prevent an amicable settlement.
DEAR ABBY: Is it appropriate to eat off a commemorative plate?
WONDERING IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR WONDERING: If the plate can be washed without damaging it, it’s fine — unless it’s a Dear Abby commemorative plate, of course, in which case it should be treated with the same veneration one would treat a religious relic.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-06-14--Walters: Bullet train could be derailed

Walters: Bullet train could be derailed

Is this the end of the line for California ’ s misbegotten bullet train project ?
A bipartisan majority of the state Assembly , including Speaker Anthony Rendon , is sponsoring a resolution that directs the High-Speed Rail Authority ( HSRA ) to delay final contracts for the initial segment of the bullet train in the San Joaquin Valley until the Legislature appropriates $ 4.2 billion in state bonds .
On its merits , that ’ s entirely logical .
Why would the state commit to billions of dollars for land acquisition and construction without having the money in hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for other public works , nor should it .
However , in the context of rising legislative opposition to the project and sentiment for shifting the remaining bond funds to commuter transit projects in major urban areas , such a delay could be the beginning of the end .
Construction on the San Joaquin Valley segment ’ s roadbed , roughly from Chowchilla to an orchard north of Bakersfield , has been underway for several years , using a mixture of state and federal funds .
After becoming governor in 2019 , Gavin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s viability , but quickly retreated and proposed to extend the current segment northward to Merced and southward to Bakersfield , adding several billion dollars to the projected cost .
The HSRA wants to begin acquiring land for the extensions on both ends and award contracts for track , electrification and other major components .
“ The only remaining opportunity for the Legislature to weigh in on the direction of the high-speed rail project occurs when ( HSRA ) asks us for the remaining $ 4.2 billion in bond funds , ” one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Assemblyman Jim Frazier , a Democrat from Discovery Bay , said in a statement .
“ We can not allow HSRA , or any department , to enter into contracts that bind the Legislature ’ s approval of future appropriations , ” Frazier continued .
“ The Legislature ’ s role in approving the budget must be respected before key decisions on the state ’ s largest infrastructure project are made.
” Frazier chairs the Assembly Transportation Committee and has staged critical hearings on the HSRA ’ s latest business plan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legislature ’ s budget analyst , Gabe Petek .
Not only did Newsom throw cold water on prospects for a statewide bullet train system — a project much beloved by predecessor Jerry Brown — but Speaker Rendon has openly called for redirecting remaining funds into commuter transit .
“ It is important to make sure that the High-Speed Rail Authority does not close the door to options other than the one created by a small handful of bureaucrats and the unelected authority board , ” Rendon said in a statement .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2008 , and their elected representative , the Legislature , has had no vote since 2012.
” Another complicating factor is a sharp decline in revenues from the state ’ s cap-and-trade system of allocating allowances for greenhouse gas emissions .
Brown and the Legislature agreed to give the project 25 % of funds from quarterly auctions of emission allowances and that provided hundreds of millions of dollars each year .
The most recent auction , however , generated just $ 25 million and the future of cap-and-trade is uncertain unless it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay more .
Legislators are discussing whether to give the California Air Resources Board authority to retool the program , the subject of a high-stakes political battle a couple of years ago .
Years of land acquisition and construction delays , ever-escalating costs and the abject lack of a clear public benefit have eroded political support for the bullet train and the new Assembly resolution indicates that it finally could be doomed – justifiably so .

Is this the end of the line for California’s misbegotten bullet train project?
A bipartisan majority of the state Assembly, including Speaker Anthony Rendon, is sponsoring a resolution that directs the High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) to delay final contracts for the initial segment of the bullet train in the San Joaquin Valley until the Legislature appropriates $4.2 billion in state bonds.
On its merits, that’s entirely logical. Why would the state commit to billions of dollars for land acquisition and construction without having the money in hand? It doesn’t do that for other public works, nor should it.
However, in the context of rising legislative opposition to the project and sentiment for shifting the remaining bond funds to commuter transit projects in major urban areas, such a delay could be the beginning of the end.
Construction on the San Joaquin Valley segment’s roadbed, roughly from Chowchilla to an orchard north of Bakersfield, has been underway for several years, using a mixture of state and federal funds. After becoming governor in 2019, Gavin Newsom publicly disparaged the bullet train’s viability, but quickly retreated and proposed to extend the current segment northward to Merced and southward to Bakersfield, adding several billion dollars to the projected cost.
The HSRA wants to begin acquiring land for the extensions on both ends and award contracts for track, electrification and other major components.
“The only remaining opportunity for the Legislature to weigh in on the direction of the high-speed rail project occurs when (HSRA) asks us for the remaining $4.2 billion in bond funds,” one of the project’s chief critics, Assemblyman Jim Frazier, a Democrat from Discovery Bay, said in a statement.
“We cannot allow HSRA, or any department, to enter into contracts that bind the Legislature’s approval of future appropriations,” Frazier continued. “The Legislature’s role in approving the budget must be respected before key decisions on the state’s largest infrastructure project are made.”
Frazier chairs the Assembly Transportation Committee and has staged critical hearings on the HSRA’s latest business plan, which has also drawn criticism from the Legislature’s budget analyst, Gabe Petek.
Not only did Newsom throw cold water on prospects for a statewide bullet train system — a project much beloved by predecessor Jerry Brown — but Speaker Rendon has openly called for redirecting remaining funds into commuter transit.
“It is important to make sure that the High-Speed Rail Authority does not close the door to options other than the one created by a small handful of bureaucrats and the unelected authority board,” Rendon said in a statement. “The voters have been given no voice since 2008, and their elected representative, the Legislature, has had no vote since 2012.”
Another complicating factor is a sharp decline in revenues from the state’s cap-and-trade system of allocating allowances for greenhouse gas emissions. Brown and the Legislature agreed to give the project 25% of funds from quarterly auctions of emission allowances and that provided hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
The most recent auction, however, generated just $25 million and the future of cap-and-trade is uncertain unless it’s changed to compel industrial emitters to pay more. Legislators are discussing whether to give the California Air Resources Board authority to retool the program, the subject of a high-stakes political battle a couple of years ago.
Years of land acquisition and construction delays, ever-escalating costs and the abject lack of a clear public benefit have eroded political support for the bullet train and the new Assembly resolution indicates that it finally could be doomed – justifiably so.


mercurynews--2020-06-14--Carjacking chase in East Bay ends with suspect in custody

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OAKLAND — Law officers chased a suspected vehicle thief and carjacker in a high-speed pursuit that snaked along East Bay freeways and roads and left one officer injured before police arrested the man at a water treatment plant Saturday evening , sheriff ’ s deputies said .
Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in a high-speed chase that began in Lafayette with a report of a stolen vehicle , raced along State Route 24 and through the Caldecott Tunnell , zoomed along State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended with a suspect in custody on the grounds of a water treatment plant in the East Bay hills .
The chase ended in the Eastmont Hills district of Oakland near the corner of Greenly Drive and Field Street , a short distance from the interchange of Interstate 580 and Keller Avenue .
The Contra Costa County Sheriff ’ s Department , Alameda County Sheriff ’ s Department , the California Highway Patrol , and the Oakland Police Department teamed up to catch the suspect .
Victor Topete , 28 , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was identified as the suspect in a string of alleged crimes that occurred Saturday evening , said Lt. Andrew Jensen of the Contra Costa County Sheriff ’ s Department .
The chase began about 6 p.m. when Lafayette officers approached Topete who was driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen in Pittsburg , the Sheriff ’ s Department said .
Topete took off in the vehicle and raced away , driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 24 , according to sheriff ’ s deputies .
At Old Dam Road and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Highway 24 .
“ The suspect crashed into a patrol car , causing injury to a deputy , ” Lt. Jensen said .
After that , Topete hopped over a retaining wall , unsuccessfully attempted to carjack a vehicle before managing to carjack another vehicle .
Topete then raced away again on Highway 24 and zoomed through the Caldecott Tunnell , with law enforcement vehicles in pursuit .
The chase made its way onto State Route 13 and then Interstate 580 until Topete exited at Keller Avenue .
A Contra Costa County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the apprehension of the suspect , according to Oakland police .
“ He ran off on foot and went into the water treatment plant , ” Lt. Jensen said .
“ Our deputies surrounded him with assistance from our canine unit and took him into custody.
” The suspect suffered some injuries , primarily due to the car crashes and being bitten by a police canine .
The sheriff ’ s deputy who was injured was treated for superficial head injuries at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek and was released , Lt. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault with a deadly weapon , three counts of attempted assault with a deadly weapon , resisting arrest , carjacking and attempted carjacking , evading arrest , reckless driving , probation violations , possession of stolen property , and felony hit-and-run .
“ The suspect was combative the entire time , ” Lt. Jensen said .

CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
OAKLAND — A vehicle theft and carjacking suspect already charged in a central California man’s death led a high-speed pursuit along East Bay freeways and roads that left one officer injured before police arrested him at a water treatment plant Saturday evening, sheriff’s deputies said.
Victor Topete, 28, was identified as the suspect after the arrest. Topete is believed to have family in Pittsburg, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Andrew Jensen said.
Around 6 p.m. Saturday, Lafayette officers approached a vehicle reported stolen out of Pittsburg, the sheriff’s department said. But its driver, later identified as Topete, took off, driving westbound in the eastbound Highway 24 lanes, according to sheriff’s deputies.
At Old Dam and Fish Ranch roads, the suspect drove off Highway 24.
“The suspect crashed into a patrol car, causing injury to a deputy,” Lt. Jensen said.
After the crash, Topete hopped over a retaining wall, unsuccessfully attempted to carjack one vehicle before managing to carjack another vehicle. He then raced away again on Highway 24 and zoomed through the Caldecott Tunnel, with multiple law enforcement vehicles in pursuit, onto southbound Highway 13 and eastbound Interstate 580 until Topete exited at Keller Avenue.
“He ran off on foot and went into the water treatment plant,” Jensen said. “Our deputies surrounded him with assistance from our canine unit and took him into custody.”
The suspect suffered some injuries, primarily due to the car crashes and being bitten by a police canine.
The injured sheriff’s deputy was released after treatment for superficial head injuries at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, Jensen said.
Topete was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, three counts of attempted assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, carjacking and attempted carjacking, evading arrest, reckless driving, probation violations, possession of stolen property, and felony hit-and-run.
“The suspect was combative the entire time,” Jensen said.
A person at the Contra Costa County Jail confirmed Sunday afternoon that Topete was not currently in custody, and he was not listed in an Alameda County Jail inmate locator. It was not clear if he had posted bail or was being held elsewhere.
According to a Clovis police statement April 16, officers responded to a home in the 400 block of West San Jose Avenue for a report of an unconscious man, and arrived to find him lying in a driveway. After that man was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead, investigators learned he had been struck during an argument by Topete, who fled immediately afterward.
Police arrested Topete soon after at a Madera County intersection without incident, and booked him into Fresno County jail on suspicion of manslaughter and a probation violation.


mercurynews--2020-06-14--18 dead, 189 hurt as tanker truck explodes on China highway

BEIJING ( AP ) — A tanker truck exploded on a highway in southeastern China on Saturday , killing 18 @ @ @ @ @ 189 others , authorities said .
The explosion caused extensive damage to nearby buildings .
@ @ @ @ @ down a row of buildings with blown-out facades well into the night .
The truck @ @ @ @ @ 4:45 p.m. on the Shenyang-Haikou Expressway south of Shanghai in Zhejiang province , the official @ @ @ @ @ citing local authorities .
A second explosion followed when the truck fell onto a factory @ @ @ @ @ The Wenling city government information office said on its social media account that houses and @ @ @ @ @ were treated at six hospitals .
A worker at a nearby restaurant told Xinhua that @ @ @ @ @ of her home , but that her mother and brother were unharmed .

BEIJING (AP) — A tanker truck exploded on a highway in southeastern China on Saturday, killing 18 people and injuring at least 189 others, authorities said.
The explosion caused extensive damage to nearby buildings. One photo showed firefighters hosing down a row of buildings with blown-out facades well into the night.
The truck carrying liquefied gas exploded around 4:45 p.m. on the Shenyang-Haikou Expressway south of Shanghai in Zhejiang province, the official Xinhua News Agency said, citing local authorities.
A second explosion followed when the truck fell onto a factory workshop, Xinhua said.
The Wenling city government information office said on its social media account that houses and workshops collapsed and 189 people were treated at six hospitals.
A worker at a nearby restaurant told Xinhua that the blast shattered the windows of her home, but that her mother and brother were unharmed.


mercurynews--2020-06-14--The Latest: China has most new virus cases since mid-April

By The Associated Press BEIJING — China is reporting its highest daily total of coronavirus cases in two months after the capital ’ s biggest wholesale food market was shut down following a resurgence in local infections .
Officials say there were 57 confirmed cases in the 24 hours through midnight Saturday .
That was the highest daily total since mid-April and included 36 new cases in Beijing .
The Xinfadi market on Beijing ’ s southeast side was closed Saturday and 11 neighboring residential compounds locked down after more then 50 people in the capital tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in 50 days in the city of 20 million people .
China had relaxed most of its anti-virus controls after the ruling Communist Party declared victory over the disease in March HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK : — France has millions of unsold face masks after virus crisis — In the sprawling refugee camps of Sudan ’ s Darfur , officials say people are falling sick and dying at astonishing rates .
Humanitarian workers and medical personnel believe the coronavirus is spreading unchecked and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory .
Medical facilities are few and far between in the large western territory .
— Most Americans say they are wearing masks .
They are still by and large avoiding restaurants .
And the vast majority are still staying at least six feet from others .
A new poll finds most Americans aren ’ t ready to abandon precautionary measures in response to the coronavirus , even as states and metropolitan areas relax restrictions .
— In the battle against COVID-19 , public health workers spread across states , cities and small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the front lines .
But that army is under assault when it ’ s needed most .
Elected officials and members of the public frustrated with lockdowns and safety restrictions have turned public health workers into politicized punching bags , battering them with angry calls and physical threats .
HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING TODAY : SEOUL , South Korea — South Korea has confirmed 34 more coronavirus cases in a continuation of an upward trend in new infections , mostly in the densely populated Seoul region .
The Korea Centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 30 of the 34 new cases are in the grater Seoul area , where half of the country ’ s 51 million people live .
The agency says South Korea has now recorded 12,085 virus cases .
It says 10,718 have recovered , 1,090 remain in treatment and the other 277 died .
New cases have been linked to nightlife establishments , church services , a large-scale e-commerce warehouse and door-to-door sellers .
In late February and early March , South Korea reported hundreds of new cases daily , then a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules .
CAIRO — Egypt ’ s Health Ministry has announced 1,677 new confirmed cases of coronavirus — the highest 24-hour infection total since the virus was first detected in the country in mid-February .
The ministry also reported 62 deaths from COVID-19 , the disease that can be caused by the virus .
The figures announced Saturdays raise Egypt ’ s coronavirus totals to 1,484 deaths and 42,980 confirmed cases .
The ministry says 11,529 patients have been discharged from quarantine after their recovery .
Egypt is the Arab world ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest death rate from COVID-19 among Arab nations .
It ranks third in the Middle East after Iran and Turkey .
In a country that sees thousands of protests annually , the Council of State ’ s ruling Saturday night allows demonstrations to resume as long as health protections are respected and the events are declared in advance to authorities and not deemed a risk to public order .
The council says that “ the ban on protesting is not justified by the current health situation ” and the right to protest is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came as an unauthorized protest against police violence and racial injustice wound down in Paris .
Police stopped at least 15,000 protesters from marching through the city Saturday , citing virus restrictions on any gathering of more than 10 people .
ROME — Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte says that securing large-scale investments from the European Union for Italy ’ s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic will be ‘ ’ a victory ’ for all supporters of European institutions .
Conte spoke to reporters in Rome after the first day of consultations aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerge from the health and economic crisis resulting from the spread of the virus and the long lockdown that halted non-essential economic production .
The head of the EU ’ s executive arm , European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the meeting in Rome via video .
She said that Europe ’ s recovery plan could provide Italy with the opportunity to ‘ ’ address long-standing challenges affecting the Italian economy , ’ including slow growth and high public debt .
The premier invited all Italian political parties , trade unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international agencies to participate in what is expected to be more than a week of discussions .
The government ’ s political opposition has refused to participate .
Conte appealed in particular to League leader Matteo Salvini to work with the government to help ensure the strongest possible package of investments from the EU .
Conte noted the reluctance of EU members in central Europe like Hungary to endorse an aid program that gives the most money to countries hardest hit by the coronavirus , such as Italy and Spain .
Right-wing leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of Italy .
PHOENIX — Coronavirus infections are surging in Arizona , hospitalizations for COVID-19 are increasing and more people are dying since the state relaxed stay-at-home orders last month .
But Republican Gov .
Doug Ducey is not requiring residents of the Grand Canyon state to wear masks in public .
The decision seems to be following U.S. President Donald Trump ’ s lead : Get the state reopened and keep the face masks in your pocket .
Public health and medical officials outside state government have started pleading with Arizonans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cases that is threatening to set off a cascade of new hospitalizations .
An Associated Press analysis found Arizona had a rolling average of fewer than 400 new cases a day when the state ’ s shutdown was lifted on May 15 .
It shot up two weeks later and surpassed 1,000 new cases a day by early this week .
ST. PETERSBURG , Fla. — Cases of the coronavirus continue to rise in Florida as the state gradually reopens , with more than 2,500 new confirmed cases reported by state health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state Department of Health on Saturday mark the 10th out of 11 straight days in which new cases have topped 1,000 .
The Department of Health said Saturday that Florida had 2,581 new coronavirus cases , the third consecutive daily record .
Coronavirus deaths in the state now stand at over 3,000 out of 73,552 confirmed cases since Florida ’ s outbreak started .
Gov .
Ron DeSantis and local officials began relaxing rules for businesses , beaches , theme parks and gatherings in May .
MILAN — Italy has added 78 more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , bringing the national total to 34,301 .
The new total given Saturday includes 23 people who died in Lazio in recent months but were not previously counted in Italy ’ s virus mortality numbers .
New confirmed cases nationally rose by 346 since a day earlier , 60 % of them in the Italian outbreak epicenter in the Lombardy region , for an epidemic total of 236,651 .
Lombardy ’ s governor , Attilio Fontana , has signed an ordinance extending the requirement to wear masks in public through the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ ’ difficult ’ decision was made in light of a recent University of California study that concluded that the use of masks has prevented the spread of the virus to 78,000 people .
ATHENS , Greece — Greece ’ s National Public Health Organization reported just four new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours and no virus-related deaths .
The total number of confirmed cases in Greece is now 3,112 , including 183 deaths .
There were 13 patients on ventilators , while 116 have exited intensive care .
Greek Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later Saturday the opening of the country ’ s tourist season .
Speaking from the island of Santorini , Mitsotakis is expected to say that Greece is a safe travel destination and that authorities will protect both residents and visitors .
LONDON — Pharma giant AstraZeneca has struck a deal with Europe ’ s Inclusive Vaccines Alliance to supply up to 400 million doses of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine .
The alliance forged by Germany , France , Italy and the Netherlands to speed up production of a coronavirus vaccine is set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a vaccine being tested by the University of Oxford .
The agreement struck Saturday aims to make the vaccine available to other European countries that wish to take part .
The cost is expected to be offset by funding from the governments .
AstraZeneca , an Anglo-Swedish company , recently completed similar agreements with Britain , the United States the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations , and Gavi , the Vaccine Alliance for 700 million doses .
A license also has been agreed with the Serum Institute of India for another 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moderna and Sanofi , are racing to develop and produce a vaccine against the new coronavirus , a step experts say will be crucial to easing restrictions on public life and preventing additional waves of infections .
SKOPJE North Macedonia — Authorities in North Macedonia have reported the small European nation ’ s highest single-day numbers for new coronavirus cases and deaths due to COVID-19 .
They said Saturday that there were 196 new confirmed cases and eight virus-related deaths over 24 hours .
That brought the totals since an outbreak started in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 million people , to 3,902 confirmed cases and 179 deaths .
Health officials have attributed North Macedonia ’ s rise in new cases and deaths in the past 10 days to people ignoring government recommendations to protect themselves and to avoid family gatherings .
Authorities are urging newly infected people to abide by mandatory two-week quarantines and be honest when providing personal data and information about those with whom they had contact .
They warned that the virus can ’ t be prevented from infecting more people if individuals who already have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Despite the spike , North Macedonia ’ s president , Stevo Pendarovski , announced Friday that won ’ t extend a state of emergency that ends at midnight Saturday .
JOHANNESBURG — African leaders say China will ensure the supply of 30 million testing kits and 10,000 ventilators each month for the African continent as the coronavirus pandemic accelerates there .
A statement by the South African president ’ s office says the supplies will be available for purchase via a new continental platform that African nations set up to negotiate cheaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intense global competition .
The head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said each African nation will be given a quota based on its population and number of virus cases .
The South African statement says Canada , the Netherlands , South Korea and France also have been partners in the effort .
African nations have been outspoken about the need for equitable distribution of supplies , including eventual treatments and vaccines for the virus , saying the pandemic won ’ t be over until the entire world is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests for the virus , far short of its goal of about 13 million .
MOSCOW — Ukraine has recorded its highest daily count of new coronavirus infections for the third day in a row , more than double the count earlier in the month .
The health ministry on Saturday reported 753 new cases , compared with 683 the previous day .
In early June , Ukraine was recording fewer than 350 new cases a day .
Overall , Ukraine counts 30,506 confirmed infection cases and 880 deaths .
JOHANNESBURG — South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus test results from public labs has risen to 12 days amid backlogs and shortages of testing materials .
South Africa represents well over a quarter of Africa ’ s virus cases , with more than 61,000 .
The country has conducted about a third of the virus tests in Africa , and countries with fewer resources could face similar delays or worse .
The longer it takes to confirm a positive case , the greater the risk that an infected person is unknowingly spreading the virus .
South Africa ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communicable Diseases , issued late Friday and ending June 6 , says the average time to process tests at public labs has grown from a little over two days a month ago .
Public labs earlier were handling three-fourths of coronavirus testing but that dropped to just over one-fourth as of June 6 .
Turnaround time in testing by private labs is less than two days .
South Africa ’ s overall number of tests conducted has dropped since mid-May , also likely reflecting shortages .
The African continent overall has more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have identified and sealed off nearly 1,300 hot spots to contain the rising trajectory of new coronavirus infections .
The sealing of high-risk area comes as Pakistan reported 6,472 news cases on Saturday , the country ’ s highest single-day total .
Pakistan has confirmed a total of 132,405 cases , including 2,551 deaths .
Pakistan put its entire population of 220 million under lockdown in March .
The government has since eased restrictions , saying it was necessary to save the country ’ s economy , but it has caused a surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has resisted demands from experts to reinforce the lockdown .
Authorities , however , are now using the term “ smart lockdown ” to close shops and markets and force people to stay home in areas where confirmed cases have increased in recent weeks .
Some residential areas were also sealed in the capital , Islamabad , to contain the spread of the virus .
BEIJING — The Chinese capital has locked down 11 residential communities near a wholesale food market to try to stem a new outbreak of COVID-19 .
Beijing officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Xinfadi market tested positive for the coronavirus , though they showed no symptoms .
That was in addition to an earlier announcement of seven people with symptoms , including six who had visited or worked at the market .
Forty environmental samples taken at the market also tested positive , city officials said .
The Beijing News newspaper said in a social media post that Communist Party members and volunteers were being organized to shop for food and other daily necessities for the affected residents .
The city , which had not had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , reversed some recent moves to relax coronavirus restrictions .
Authorities delayed the planned reopening of schools on Monday for first to third graders and suspended athletics events .
One immediate casualty was an orienteering race slated for Saturday , the official Xinhua News Agency said .
The National Center for the Performing Arts , which had just reopened on June 2 , reclosed , according to a media report .
—This item has corrected to say that six of the seven people with symptoms had visited or worked at the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — India reported another record daily spike in coronavirus infections as the country passed the grim milestone of 300,000 cases .
The Health Ministry reported 11,458 new cases on Saturday and 386 deaths , driving the toll of fatalities up to 8,884 .
India ’ s total caseload reached 308,993 , the four-highest in the world , including more than 150,000 recoveries .
The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a nationwide in late March .
India ’ s caseload jumped by about 100,000 cases in a week , which coincided with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of worship and restaurants .
In the capital of New Delhi , most public hospitals are full , and crematoriums and graveyards are struggling to manage a rash of bodies .
Delhi ’ s government has projected that cases in the capital area alone could expand to more than half a million by late July , and is considering taking over luxury hotels and stadiums to convert into field hospitals .
Most most of them are in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area , where health authorities have been struggling to slow transmissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church gatherings and low-income workers who can ’ t afford to stay home .
The figures released Saturday brought national totals to 12,051 cases and 277 deaths .
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 44 of the new cases are in greater capital area , which is home to half the country ’ s 51 million people .
Agency director Jung Eun-kyeong is urging residents in the capital area to stay home over the weekend , saying there is “ high concern ” that increased public activity will lead to @ @ @ @ @ @

By The Associated Press
BEIJING — China is reporting its highest daily total of coronavirus cases in two months after the capital’s biggest wholesale food market was shut down following a resurgence in local infections.
Officials say there were 57 confirmed cases in the 24 hours through midnight Saturday. That was the highest daily total since mid-April and included 36 new cases in Beijing.
The Xinfadi market on Beijing’s southeast side was closed Saturday and 11 neighboring residential compounds locked down after more then 50 people in the capital tested positive for the virus. They were the first confirmed cases in 50 days in the city of 20 million people.
China had relaxed most of its anti-virus controls after the ruling Communist Party declared victory over the disease in March
___
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:
— Lives Lost: Weatherman built career on skills learned in war
— France has millions of unsold face masks after virus crisis
— Treasury chief refusing to disclose recipients of virus aid
— In the sprawling refugee camps of Sudan’s Darfur, officials say people are falling sick and dying at astonishing rates. Humanitarian workers and medical personnel believe the coronavirus is spreading unchecked and untracked through Sudan’s most marginalized territory. Medical facilities are few and far between in the large western territory.
— Most Americans say they are wearing masks. They are still by and large avoiding restaurants. And the vast majority are still staying at least six feet from others. A new poll finds most Americans aren’t ready to abandon precautionary measures in response to the coronavirus, even as states and metropolitan areas relax restrictions.
— In the battle against COVID-19, public health workers spread across states, cities and small towns make up an invisible army on the front lines. But that army is under assault when it’s needed most. Elected officials and members of the public frustrated with lockdowns and safety restrictions have turned public health workers into politicized punching bags, battering them with angry calls and physical threats.
___
Follow AP pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
___
HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING TODAY:
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea has confirmed 34 more coronavirus cases in a continuation of an upward trend in new infections, mostly in the densely populated Seoul region.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Sunday that 30 of the 34 new cases are in the grater Seoul area, where half of the country’s 51 million people live.
The agency says South Korea has now recorded 12,085 virus cases. It says 10,718 have recovered, 1,090 remain in treatment and the other 277 died.
New cases have been linked to nightlife establishments, church services, a large-scale e-commerce warehouse and door-to-door sellers.
In late February and early March, South Korea reported hundreds of new cases daily, then a significant easing prompted authorities to ease social distancing rules.
___
CAIRO — Egypt’s Health Ministry has announced 1,677 new confirmed cases of coronavirus — the highest 24-hour infection total since the virus was first detected in the country in mid-February.
The ministry also reported 62 deaths from COVID-19, the disease that can be caused by the virus.
The figures announced Saturdays raise Egypt’s coronavirus totals to 1,484 deaths and 42,980 confirmed cases. The ministry says 11,529 patients have been discharged from quarantine after their recovery.
Egypt is the Arab world’s most populous country and it has the highest death rate from COVID-19 among Arab nations. It ranks third in the Middle East after Iran and Turkey.
___
PARIS — France’s highest administrative court says coronavirus concerns no longer justify banning public protests.
In a country that sees thousands of protests annually, the Council of State’s ruling Saturday night allows demonstrations to resume as long as health protections are respected and the events are declared in advance to authorities and not deemed a risk to public order.
The council says that “the ban on protesting is not justified by the current health situation” and the right to protest is a “fundamental freedom.”
The ruling came as an unauthorized protest against police violence and racial injustice wound down in Paris. Police stopped at least 15,000 protesters from marching through the city Saturday, citing virus restrictions on any gathering of more than 10 people.
___
ROME — Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte says that securing large-scale investments from the European Union for Italy’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic will be ‘’a victory’ for all supporters of European institutions.
Conte spoke to reporters in Rome after the first day of consultations aimed at devising a detailed program to help Italy emerge from the health and economic crisis resulting from the spread of the virus and the long lockdown that halted non-essential economic production.
The head of the EU’s executive arm, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the meeting in Rome via video.
She said that Europe’s recovery plan could provide Italy with the opportunity to ‘’address long-standing challenges affecting the Italian economy,’ including slow growth and high public debt.
The premier invited all Italian political parties, trade unions, industry organizations, business groups and international agencies to participate in what is expected to be more than a week of discussions. The government’s political opposition has refused to participate.
Conte appealed in particular to League leader Matteo Salvini to work with the government to help ensure the strongest possible package of investments from the EU.
Conte noted the reluctance of EU members in central Europe like Hungary to endorse an aid program that gives the most money to countries hardest hit by the coronavirus, such as Italy and Spain.
Right-wing leader Salvini has maintained ties with euroskeptic leaders outside of Italy.
___
PHOENIX — Coronavirus infections are surging in Arizona, hospitalizations for COVID-19 are increasing and more people are dying since the state relaxed stay-at-home orders last month.
But Republican Gov. Doug Ducey is not requiring residents of the Grand Canyon state to wear masks in public.
The decision seems to be following U.S. President Donald Trump’s lead: Get the state reopened and keep the face masks in your pocket.
Public health and medical officials outside state government have started pleading with Arizonans to wear masks after a recent surge in cases that is threatening to set off a cascade of new hospitalizations.
An Associated Press analysis found Arizona had a rolling average of fewer than 400 new cases a day when the state’s shutdown was lifted on May 15. It shot up two weeks later and surpassed 1,000 new cases a day by early this week.
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Cases of the coronavirus continue to rise in Florida as the state gradually reopens, with more than 2,500 new confirmed cases reported by state health officials.
The numbers reported by the state Department of Health on Saturday mark the 10th out of 11 straight days in which new cases have topped 1,000.
The Department of Health said Saturday that Florida had 2,581 new coronavirus cases, the third consecutive daily record. Coronavirus deaths in the state now stand at over 3,000 out of 73,552 confirmed cases since Florida’s outbreak started.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and local officials began relaxing rules for businesses, beaches, theme parks and gatherings in May.
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MILAN — Italy has added 78 more deaths to its toll from the coronavirus pandemic, bringing the national total to 34,301.
The new total given Saturday includes 23 people who died in Lazio in recent months but were not previously counted in Italy’s virus mortality numbers.
New confirmed cases nationally rose by 346 since a day earlier, 60% of them in the Italian outbreak epicenter in the Lombardy region, for an epidemic total of 236,651.
Lombardy’s governor, Attilio Fontana, has signed an ordinance extending the requirement to wear masks in public through the end of the month.
Fontana said the ‘’difficult’ decision was made in light of a recent University of California study that concluded that the use of masks has prevented the spread of the virus to 78,000 people.
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ATHENS, Greece — Greece’s National Public Health Organization reported just four new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours and no virus-related deaths.
The total number of confirmed cases in Greece is now 3,112, including 183 deaths. There were 13 patients on ventilators, while 116 have exited intensive care.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to announce later Saturday the opening of the country’s tourist season. Speaking from the island of Santorini, Mitsotakis is expected to say that Greece is a safe travel destination and that authorities will protect both residents and visitors.
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LONDON — Pharma giant AstraZeneca has struck a deal with Europe’s Inclusive Vaccines Alliance to supply up to 400 million doses of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine.
The alliance forged by Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands to speed up production of a coronavirus vaccine is set to take delivery by the end of 2020 of a vaccine being tested by the University of Oxford. The agreement struck Saturday aims to make the vaccine available to other European countries that wish to take part.
The cost is expected to be offset by funding from the governments.
AstraZeneca, an Anglo-Swedish company, recently completed similar agreements with Britain, the United States the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance for 700 million doses. A license also has been agreed with the Serum Institute of India for another 1 billion doses.
Other companies, including Moderna and Sanofi, are racing to develop and produce a vaccine against the new coronavirus, a step experts say will be crucial to easing restrictions on public life and preventing additional waves of infections.
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SKOPJE North Macedonia — Authorities in North Macedonia have reported the small European nation’s highest single-day numbers for new coronavirus cases and deaths due to COVID-19.
They said Saturday that there were 196 new confirmed cases and eight virus-related deaths over 24 hours. That brought the totals since an outbreak started in late February in the country of roughly 2 million people , to 3,902 confirmed cases and 179 deaths.
Health officials have attributed North Macedonia’s rise in new cases and deaths in the past 10 days to people ignoring government recommendations to protect themselves and to avoid family gatherings.
Authorities are urging newly infected people to abide by mandatory two-week quarantines and be honest when providing personal data and information about those with whom they had contact.
They warned that the virus can’t be prevented from infecting more people if individuals who already have it give false phone numbers and addresses.
Despite the spike, North Macedonia’s president, Stevo Pendarovski, announced Friday that won’t extend a state of emergency that ends at midnight Saturday.
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JOHANNESBURG — African leaders say China will ensure the supply of 30 million testing kits and 10,000 ventilators each month for the African continent as the coronavirus pandemic accelerates there.
A statement by the South African president’s office says the supplies will be available for purchase via a new continental platform that African nations set up to negotiate cheaper prices for urgently needed medical equipment amid intense global competition.
The head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said each African nation will be given a quota based on its population and number of virus cases. The South African statement says Canada, the Netherlands, South Korea and France also have been partners in the effort.
African nations have been outspoken about the need for equitable distribution of supplies, including eventual treatments and vaccines for the virus, saying the pandemic won’t be over until the entire world is protected.
Africa has conducted 3 million tests for the virus, far short of its goal of about 13 million.
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MOSCOW — Ukraine has recorded its highest daily count of new coronavirus infections for the third day in a row, more than double the count earlier in the month.
The health ministry on Saturday reported 753 new cases, compared with 683 the previous day.
In early June, Ukraine was recording fewer than 350 new cases a day. Overall, Ukraine counts 30,506 confirmed infection cases and 880 deaths.
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JOHANNESBURG — South Africa says the average delay in obtaining coronavirus test results from public labs has risen to 12 days amid backlogs and shortages of testing materials.
South Africa represents well over a quarter of Africa’s virus cases, with more than 61,000. The country has conducted about a third of the virus tests in Africa, and countries with fewer resources could face similar delays or worse.
The longer it takes to confirm a positive case, the greater the risk that an infected person is unknowingly spreading the virus.
South Africa’s latest weekly report by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, issued late Friday and ending June 6, says the average time to process tests at public labs has grown from a little over two days a month ago.
Public labs earlier were handling three-fourths of coronavirus testing but that dropped to just over one-fourth as of June 6. Turnaround time in testing by private labs is less than two days.
South Africa’s overall number of tests conducted has dropped since mid-May, also likely reflecting shortages. The African continent overall has more than 225,000 cases.
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ISLAMABAD — Pakistani authorities have identified and sealed off nearly 1,300 hot spots to contain the rising trajectory of new coronavirus infections.
The sealing of high-risk area comes as Pakistan reported 6,472 news cases on Saturday, the country’s highest single-day total. Pakistan has confirmed a total of 132,405 cases, including 2,551 deaths.
Pakistan put its entire population of 220 million under lockdown in March. The government has since eased restrictions, saying it was necessary to save the country’s economy, but it has caused a surge in infections.
Prime minister Imran Khan has resisted demands from experts to reinforce the lockdown.
Authorities, however, are now using the term “smart lockdown” to close shops and markets and force people to stay home in areas where confirmed cases have increased in recent weeks. Some residential areas were also sealed in the capital, Islamabad, to contain the spread of the virus.
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BEIJING — The Chinese capital has locked down 11 residential communities near a wholesale food market to try to stem a new outbreak of COVID-19.
Beijing officials said Saturday that 45 workers at the Xinfadi market tested positive for the coronavirus, though they showed no symptoms. That was in addition to an earlier announcement of seven people with symptoms, including six who had visited or worked at the market.
Forty environmental samples taken at the market also tested positive, city officials said.
The Beijing News newspaper said in a social media post that Communist Party members and volunteers were being organized to shop for food and other daily necessities for the affected residents.
The city, which had not had a locally transmitted infection in more 50 days, reversed some recent moves to relax coronavirus restrictions.
Authorities delayed the planned reopening of schools on Monday for first to third graders and suspended athletics events. One immediate casualty was an orienteering race slated for Saturday, the official Xinhua News Agency said.
The National Center for the Performing Arts, which had just reopened on June 2, reclosed, according to a media report.
—This item has corrected to say that six of the seven people with symptoms had visited or worked at the market, not all seven.
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NEW DELHI — India reported another record daily spike in coronavirus infections as the country passed the grim milestone of 300,000 cases.
The Health Ministry reported 11,458 new cases on Saturday and 386 deaths, driving the toll of fatalities up to 8,884.
India’s total caseload reached 308,993, the four-highest in the world, including more than 150,000 recoveries.
The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a nationwide in late March. India’s caseload jumped by about 100,000 cases in a week, which coincided with the reopening of shopping malls, houses of worship and restaurants.
In the capital of New Delhi, most public hospitals are full, and crematoriums and graveyards are struggling to manage a rash of bodies. Delhi’s government has projected that cases in the capital area alone could expand to more than half a million by late July, and is considering taking over luxury hotels and stadiums to convert into field hospitals.
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SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea has reported 49 new coronavirus cases.
Most most of them are in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, where health authorities have been struggling to slow transmissions linked to entertainment and leisure activities, church gatherings and low-income workers who can’t afford to stay home.
The figures released Saturday brought national totals to 12,051 cases and 277 deaths.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 44 of the new cases are in greater capital area, which is home to half the country’s 51 million people.
Agency director Jung Eun-kyeong is urging residents in the capital area to stay home over the weekend, saying there is “high concern” that increased public activity will lead to widespread circulation of the virus.


mercurynews--2020-06-14--Paying DMV fees too early can be a headache: Roadshow

Q : After getting a renewal notice from the DMV , I promptly sent it in with payment to allow time for the DMV to process it through these COVID-19 times , only to get it returned marked as “ too early ” and mailed back with the original enclosed check .
Apparently , it is possible to attempt to pay too early , but I am startled that the payment wasn ’ t just held , and then processed when it was time .
A : If a vehicle ’ s registration expiration date is more than 75 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment and will return your check .
If you use the online renewal service , you ’ ll get a message back saying your fees are not due , and it will ask if you ’ d like to place a replacement order .
You can also call the DMV at 800-300-7311 ( extension 1 ) to renew your registration as soon as it ’ s eligible .
The DMV can record your information , collect payment , and process your renewal as soon as its expiration date is within the 75-day limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco between Interstate 80 and Cesar Chavez has a giant 40 mph sign as if there is road work being done , although I do not see any work .
I regularly drive in the far right lane at 40-45 mph and always get a car behind me , flashing its lights at me and often honking their horn aggressively .
Cars in other lanes are going over 60 , making this stretch dangerous .
Should Caltrans raise the speed limit to 50 ?
A : The 40-mph limit will remain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work of the Alemany Circle project .
Some of the work is below the freeway , and permanent elements are still being constructed that may require drivers to reduce their speeds .
Temporary traffic control and safety items are present , such as K-rail , orange signs and crash cushions .
More work is scheduled to take place involving lane reductions and full highway closures .
Q : A few unhappy readers wrote in about your comments on lowering the windows 3 inches to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
I just wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first thing many read , and for every person who objects to topics other than driving , speed , DMV issues , etc.
, the majority appreciate any and all guidance and advice you can share with your readers .
I am always learning something .
A : Thanks .
You made my day .
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats .
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow @ bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335 .

Q: After getting a renewal notice from the DMV, I promptly sent it in with payment to allow time for the DMV to process it through these COVID-19 times, only to get it returned marked as “too early” and mailed back with the original enclosed check. Apparently, it is possible to attempt to pay too early, but I am startled that the payment wasn’t just held, and then processed when it was time.
Alan Penzotti, Campbell
Like Mr. Roadshow’s Facebook page for more questions and answers about Bay Area roads, freeways and commuting.
A: If a vehicle’s registration expiration date is more than 75 days away, the DMV cannot collect payment and will return your check. If you use the online renewal service, you’ll get a message back saying your fees are not due, and it will ask if you’d like to place a replacement order.
You can also call the DMV at 800-300-7311 (extension 1) to renew your registration as soon as it’s eligible. The DMV can record your information, collect payment, and process your renewal as soon as its expiration date is within the 75-day limit.
Q: Highway 101 southbound in San Francisco between Interstate 80 and Cesar Chavez has a giant 40 mph sign as if there is road work being done, although I do not see any work. I regularly drive in the far right lane at 40-45 mph and always get a car behind me, flashing its lights at me and often honking their horn aggressively. Cars in other lanes are going over 60, making this stretch dangerous. Should Caltrans raise the speed limit to 50?
Micah Brown, San Francisco
A: The 40-mph limit will remain in place a few more days for follow-up work of the Alemany Circle project. Some of the work is below the freeway, and permanent elements are still being constructed that may require drivers to reduce their speeds. Temporary traffic control and safety items are present, such as K-rail, orange signs and crash cushions. More work is scheduled to take place involving lane reductions and full highway closures.
Q: A few unhappy readers wrote in about your comments on lowering the windows 3 inches to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I just wanted you to know your column is the first thing many read, and for every person who objects to topics other than driving, speed, DMV issues, etc., the majority appreciate any and all guidance and advice you can share with your readers. I am always learning something.
Lynda Martinez, San Jose
A: Thanks. You made my day.
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.


mercurynews--2020-06-15--Photos: Hundreds march for Black Lives Matter in Mountain View

CLICK HERE if you ’ re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device .
MOUNTAIN VIEW — @ @ @ @ @ killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers , over a hundred @ @ @ @ @ for a rally and march .
Protesters chanted for about an hour on all four @ @ @ @ @ West El Camino Real before marching down West El Camino Real where they gathered in @ @ @ @ @ beeped and a few cyclists raised their hands in support of the group .
People @ @ @ @ @ the family friendly event , from infants to seniors .
The “ End the Silence @ @ @ @ @ Fight the Hate .
According to their website , Fight the Hate is a faith @ @ @ @ @ adult ministry committed to fighting the hate through spreading love.
” They are from Seventh @ @ @ @

CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Almost three weeks after the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, over a hundred protesters gathered in Mountain View for a rally and march.
Protesters chanted for about an hour on all four corners at Escuela Avenue and West El Camino Real before marching down West El Camino Real where they gathered in Eagle Park. Many cars beeped and a few cyclists raised their hands in support of the group. People of all ages participated in the family friendly event, from infants to seniors.
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Israel’s Netanyahu released from hospital ahead of key vote on legal overhaul Politics | Protesters try to storm Baghdad’s Green Zone over the burning of Quran and Iraqi flag in Denmark The “End the Silence” protest was organized by Fight the Hate.
According to their website, Fight the Hate is a faith based “Youth and young adult ministry committed to fighting the hate through spreading love.” They are from Seventh Day Adventist churches.


mercurynews--2020-06-15--Coronavirus: Case total in California passes 150,000 mark

California passed 150,000 novel coronavirus cases and 5,059 deaths in new information compiled at the end of Saturdy , according to county public health agencies and data compiled by this news organization .
The case total climbed by 3,258 from the total announced Friday and deaths rose by 74 , with four more fatalities recorded on Sunday .
Three of those deaths were reported in Alameda County .
Los Angeles County , which has nearly half the cases in California , recorded more new cases ( 1,003 ) and deaths ( 17 ) than anywhere in the state for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the Bay Area , COVID-19 continued to hit Alameda County the hardest .
The county saw 50 new cases for a total of 4,320 and a total number of fatalities reached 112 .
Santa Clara County , which has the second-highest Bay Area total number of cases after Alameda County , reported 43 new cases for a total of 3,197 .
It also reported two new deaths , bringing the total to 151 fatalities .
San Francisco was the only other Bay Area county to report a fatality — one death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totals to 45 deaths and 2,928 cases .
San Mateo County , which recorded six deaths Friday , did not update its database by early Sunday evening .
No other deaths were reported Sunday in the Bay Area .
In Contra Costa County , the number of cases rose by 38 to 1,959 .
Many of the state ’ s counties did not update databases over the weekend , making it impossible to identify trends while more businesses and recreational areas were opened to the public after three months of closures .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person services in months The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week posted guidelines for how Americans should conduct themselves in light of the reopenings .
“ In general , ” the CDC statement said , “ the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction , the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread .
”

California passed 150,000 novel coronavirus cases and 5,059 deaths in new information compiled at the end of Saturdy, according to county public health agencies and data compiled by this news organization.
The case total climbed by 3,258 from the total announced Friday and deaths rose by 74, with four more fatalities recorded on Sunday. Three of those deaths were reported in Alameda County.
Los Angeles County, which has nearly half the cases in California, recorded more new cases (1,003) and deaths (17) than anywhere in the state for a total of 73,018 cases and 2,907 deaths.
In the Bay Area, COVID-19 continued to hit Alameda County the hardest. The county saw 50 new cases for a total of 4,320 and a total number of fatalities reached 112.
Santa Clara County, which has the second-highest Bay Area total number of cases after Alameda County, reported 43 new cases for a total of 3,197. It also reported two new deaths, bringing the total to 151 fatalities. San Francisco was the only other Bay Area county to report a fatality — one death and 22 new cases to bring its totals to 45 deaths and 2,928 cases.
San Mateo County, which recorded six deaths Friday, did not update its database by early Sunday evening.
No other deaths were reported Sunday in the Bay Area. In Contra Costa County, the number of cases rose by 38 to 1,959.
Many of the state’s counties did not update databases over the weekend, making it impossible to identify trends while more businesses and recreational areas were opened to the public after three months of closures.
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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 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week posted guidelines for how Americans should conduct themselves in light of the reopenings.
“In general,” the CDC statement said, “the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.”


mercurynews--2020-06-15--San Francisco: Protesters block Bay Bridge lanes

SAN FRANCISCO — Protesters blocked all westbound lanes of Interstate 80 into the city on Sunday afternoon , authorities said @ @ @ @ @ , all I-80 lanes just west of Treasure Island were blocked , with no estimated @ @ @ @ @ Officer James Evans said .
The CHP issued a traffic alert .
Officers on scene @ @ @ @ @ protesters , who may have been part of an earlier car caravan , while traffic @ @ @ @ @ Bridge toll plaza , where metering lights were turned on just after 5:15 p.m .
@ @ @ @ @ be connected to a series of ongoing demonstrations nationwide and in the Bay Area for @ @ @ @ @ denouncing police violence after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
In social-media posts @ @ @ @ @ and painting “ # BLM ” onto bridge lanes .

SAN FRANCISCO — Traffic was beginning to flow along westbound lanes of Interstate 80 into the city after a small group of protesters blocked all lanes for about two hours Sunday afternoon, authorities said.
Shortly before 4:45 p.m., all I-80 lanes just west of Treasure Island were blocked, with no initial estimated time of reopening, CHP Officer James Evans said.
The CHP issued a traffic advisory, turning on metering lights at the the Bay Bridge toll plaza at 5:15 p.m. before issuing a Sig-alert just after 6:30 p.m.
Officers on scene worked to clear out protesters, who were part of an earlier car caravan connected to a series of ongoing demonstrations nationwide and in the Bay Area for the past two weeks, denouncing police violence after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
In social-media posts, some protesters were seen stenciling and painting “#BLM” onto bridge lanes.
A San Francisco Police Department spokesperson said officers were helping CHP officers with the protest, and had closed I-80 on-ramps and exits.
Shortly after 6:30 p.m., the bridge’s Nos. 1 and 2 lanes began re-opening to westbound traffic, followed by a third lane around 7:10 p.m. All lanes reopened around 7:50 p.m.
CHP Golden Gate Division Officer Jonathan Fransen said officers were aware of the situation, and confirmed that protesters had not only stopped traffic, but had vandalized the bridge by spray-painting on its surface.
“We’d like to remind folks that as much as our department supports people’s constitutional rights to demonstrate and peacefully protest, the freeway is an unsafe place to do do, as well as an illegal place to do that,” Fransen said.
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San Francisco police and San Francisco sheriff’s deputies were taking several suspects at the scene into custody, a CHP San Francisco officer said.
San Francisco Sheriff’s spokeswoman Nancy Crowley said Sunday night that deputies detained twenty-seven people, took them to the county’s intake and release center and released them.
At a press conference Monday in San Francisco, protesters outlined their perspectives on Sunday’s action.
“We understand that defunding the police isn’t about wiping out the police in general, it’s about defunding to the point that people who want them in their community could have them,” actor/activist Jamal Trulove said. “In our community, we need funding, we need to be able to give better education, better foods, and all of the mental-health care at the end of the day.
Trulove, who received a $13.1 million settlement from the city of San Francisco after a federal jury ruled he was framed for murder, stood beside another protester, S.F. Building Inspection Commission member Juan Jacobo, who pushed back against policing as a career option.
“Many young men of color look at policing as a way to remedy some of the problems that exist,” Jacobo said in part. “Investing in the problems that exist and fixing them at the root is the answer. So before you look at becoming a police officer, look at how you can invest in your community, and put pressure on elected officials to ensure that they are investing correctly for our communities to be successful.”
Check back for updates.
SF Bay Bridge shut down by protests pic.twitter.com/UcQQEGTgAw — Mandeep (@mandeepnyc) June 14, 2020
Protest Activity on Westbound I-80 West of Treasure Island Rd in San Francisco. All Lanes Blocked. https://t.co/ITRwoLsl4h — 511 SF Bay (@511SFBay) June 15, 2020
ALERTSF: A Civic Demonstration is affecting Westbound lanes on the Bay Bridge. There are traffic impacts to the area. Expect delays and use alternate routes. Check https://t.co/KhHeZty2yc for realtime traffic and transit updates.
https://t.co/2R91465dxv — San Francisco DEM (@SF_emergency) June 15, 2020
Ch- they done shut down the bay bridge plsss pic.twitter.com/FyvYbTMfXK — America’s Boyfriend says Black Lives Matter (@CricketSweater) June 15, 2020
Standstill on the bay bridge and now everyone’s just chillin cuz we live here now. #baybridge #sfprotests pic.twitter.com/kmygZZorcf — Amy Foote (@AmyTheFoote) June 15, 2020
An ambulance is on scene at the Bay Bridge protest. Our desk reports a protester is having an asthma attack. pic.twitter.com/nbwUmBnPru — Eric Shackelford (@ABC7Shack) June 15, 2020
The difference an hour makes- here's when the first officer showed up to the protest on the Bay Bridge and then a look at where we are now. All lanes still closed heading into San Francisco. #blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/gZgF4vPWLU — Eric Shackelford (@ABC7Shack) June 15, 2020
UPDATE: Police Department Activity on Westbound I-80 on the Bay Bridge West of Treasure Island Rd in San Francisco. Left Lanes Are Now Open, Right and Center Lanes Remain Blocked. https://t.co/ITRwoLsl4h — 511 SF Bay (@511SFBay) June 15, 2020
N981HP, a Eurocopter AS.350-B3, is circling over San Francisco at 800 feet, speed 103 MPH, squawking 1200, 0.32 miles from San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge #N981HP https://t.co/ofdWQKPllz pic.twitter.com/9RjehQhjYs — Advisory Circular SF Bay (@SkyCirclesSF) June 15, 2020
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.