mercurynews--2020-10-24--Ask Amy: The bride invited me, with conditions. I’m not sure I want to go

Dear Amy : In January , my best friend of 30 years and I had a falling-out , this was not the first one we ’ ve had over the years .
I sent texts , checking on her health during the pandemic , with no response .
Finally , two weeks ago , she contacted me .
She ’ s getting married and she said she couldn ’ t decide whether to invite me .
I told her that either way I would understand ; it ’ s her day , not mine .
She messaged me tonight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend her wedding , adding that I ’ m invited , but not my fiance or my children .
I ’ ve never felt comfortable around her other friends , as she behaves very differently around them .
( This behavior is what has caused us to fall out multiple times . )
Now I don ’ t know whether I should attend .
On the one hand , I ’ d like to be there , because we ’ ve known each other since the first grade and I love her family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll receive the same treatment from her and her friends that I have experienced before .
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I ’ ve seen nothing but problems .
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• Ask Amy : She ’ s my best friend but I ’ m obviously not hers .
Should I back off ?
• Ask Amy : I know my ex still loves me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• Ask Amy : Riding in a car with him makes me want to cry Not going might be better than going .
I wouldn ’ t want to go and then regret it .
However , I appreciate that she got over her pride and invited me .
What do I do ?
What should I say ?
I don ’ t want to hurt her , but I also feel like after the last falling-out , we ’ ll never be close again .
Dear AB : Your friend has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you attend her wedding .
Her reluctance has been underscored by the ungracious way she extended the invitation , and the parameters she has imposed .
Additionally , you don ’ t really want to go .
I ’ d call that a mutual parting of the ways .
You do not need to bring the hammer down on this friendship , because it is quite obviously waning .
You could respond , “ I ’ m so happy for you ; I know this will be a wonderful celebration .
I appreciate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t be able to make it .
I ’ ll be thinking of you on the big day.
” Dear Amy : One of my daughters got married last November .
My other daughter is getting married this November .
Can I wear the same dress to this wedding that I wore to last year ’ s wedding ?
Dear MOB : You can wear whatever you want to wear , as long as you feel good about how you look .
However , before wearing the same dress to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefully think it through and talk it over with the prospective bride .
Weddings last for part of a day , but the wedding photos last forever .
Try to envision how you would perceive the pictures of each daughter ’ s wedding over time .
Would you feel at all self-conscious — after the fact — about essentially looking exactly the same in the two sets of photos , taken at different occasions , a year apart ?
You might be able to alter your look by adding a shawl or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dear Amy : I ’ m writing in response to your answer to “ Lost , ” the granddaughter whose grandmother was now in hospice care but a rift in the family had many family members unaware of the grandmother ’ s status .
A very valuable resource is the hospice program .
All hospices are required to have both social workers and bereavement counselors .
Reaching out to them ( this can be done through the nurse or directly through the hospice program ) can be of immense help to navigate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This family seems to be at a very high risk for what is known as a “ complicated bereavement.
” This can be mitigated through use of the hospice program ’ s resources .
Hospice services do not end when the patient dies , and bereavement does not start after the patient ’ s death .
I hope this family reaches out for some help to mitigate their losses .
Dear Dr. Moynihan : This grandmother was already in hospice care .
Thank you for the reminder of all of the ancillary services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your own service to dying people , and those who love them .
Hospice care is life ( and death ) changing .
Dear Amy : You had some nerve , suggesting that “ Unforgiving ” should forgive her mother-in-law ’ s adultery .
Would you ever suggest forgiving a man for his adultery ?
I think not .
Dear Disappointed : Not only would I suggest it , I ’ ve done it , myself .
And that ’ s when I learned that forgiving was serving my own emotional well-being .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

Dear Amy: In January, my best friend of 30 years and I had a falling-out, this was not the first one we’ve had over the years.
I sent texts, checking on her health during the pandemic, with no response. Finally, two weeks ago, she contacted me.
She’s getting married and she said she couldn’t decide whether to invite me. I told her that either way I would understand; it’s her day, not mine.
I didn’t hear back.
She messaged me tonight, asking if I’d like to attend her wedding, adding that I’m invited, but not my fiance or my children.
I’ve never felt comfortable around her other friends, as she behaves very differently around them. (This behavior is what has caused us to fall out multiple times.)
Now I don’t know whether I should attend. On the one hand, I’d like to be there, because we’ve known each other since the first grade and I love her family. But I’m worried I’ll receive the same treatment from her and her friends that I have experienced before.
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What do I do? What should I say?
I don’t want to hurt her, but I also feel like after the last falling-out, we’ll never be close again.
AB in Illinois
Dear AB: Your friend has been open about her reluctance to have you attend her wedding. Her reluctance has been underscored by the ungracious way she extended the invitation, and the parameters she has imposed.
Additionally, you don’t really want to go.
I’d call that a mutual parting of the ways.
You do not need to bring the hammer down on this friendship, because it is quite obviously waning. You could respond, “I’m so happy for you; I know this will be a wonderful celebration. I appreciate the invitation, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it. I’ll be thinking of you on the big day.”
Dear Amy: One of my daughters got married last November. My other daughter is getting married this November.
Can I wear the same dress to this wedding that I wore to last year’s wedding?
MOB X 2
Dear MOB: You can wear whatever you want to wear, as long as you feel good about how you look.
However, before wearing the same dress to this daughter’s wedding, you should carefully think it through and talk it over with the prospective bride.
Weddings last for part of a day, but the wedding photos last forever. Try to envision how you would perceive the pictures of each daughter’s wedding over time. Would you feel at all self-conscious — after the fact — about essentially looking exactly the same in the two sets of photos, taken at different occasions, a year apart?
You might be able to alter your look by adding a shawl or a dressy coat over your favorite dress.
Dear Amy: I’m writing in response to your answer to “Lost,” the granddaughter whose grandmother was now in hospice care but a rift in the family had many family members unaware of the grandmother’s status.
A very valuable resource is the hospice program. All hospices are required to have both social workers and bereavement counselors. Reaching out to them (this can be done through the nurse or directly through the hospice program) can be of immense help to navigate the pending loss for all family members.
This family seems to be at a very high risk for what is known as a “complicated bereavement.” This can be mitigated through use of the hospice program’s resources. Hospice services do not end when the patient dies, and bereavement does not start after the patient’s death.
I was a longtime hospice medical director, now retired.
I hope this family reaches out for some help to mitigate their losses.
Timothy J. Moynihan, MD
Dear Dr. Moynihan: This grandmother was already in hospice care. Thank you for the reminder of all of the ancillary services hospice offers. And thank you for your own service to dying people, and those who love them. Hospice care is life (and death) changing.
Dear Amy: You had some nerve, suggesting that “Unforgiving” should forgive her mother-in-law’s adultery.
Would you ever suggest forgiving a man for his adultery? I think not.
Disappointed
Dear Disappointed: Not only would I suggest it, I’ve done it, myself. And that’s when I learned that forgiving was serving my own emotional well-being.
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--2020-10-24--Harriette Cole: Our only dates are eating in his car, so I gave him an ultimatum

DEAR HARRIETTE : I have been seeing this guy for about a year now , and I have brought up the fact that he has not taken me out on a date yet .
He always tells me that he will plan something , but he never does .
He comes to see me , but all we do is hang out in his car and eat and talk .
It is starting to become predictable and boring .
I don ’ t want to do that all the time .
He complains about not wanting to spend extra money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dates require you to spend money .
So I made it clear that if he does not want to go out and do something , then I don ’ t want to see him .
I feel like he is never going to plan anything , and I am just wasting my time .
Should I stick it out for a little bit longer to give him a chance , or should I just keep the focus on myself and see other people who are willing to do that for me ?
DEAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan some activities and invite him to participate .
He may be happy to do something fun , but he may not have ideas .
His attentiveness counts for something .
See if he is willing to expand his horizons by following your lead .
If he refuses or really can not afford it , you will have to decide if car dates are enough .
DEAR HARRIETTE : COVID has changed a lot for the education system .
I just started my freshman year in college , and although I knew things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , living in a dorm seems pointless .
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Luckily , at mine , I get to go pick it up and bring it back to my dorm .
But there is literally nothing to do here .
There are no sports , no gym , no clubs , no events , no parties .
You can not be around friends in computer labs or libraries or common rooms just to watch TV .
We are forced into isolation and it is beginning to wear on me .
The transition from high school into college is hard enough , and virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I never learn in my room .
It is harder to focus , and I don ’ t feel like I am actually being influenced and learning the material .
I just want to move out and go home .
It is exhausting , and I feel like there ’ s nothing I can do here that I can ’ t do back at home with my family .
Is this our new world ?
DEAR SICK OF COVID : The emotional toll that COVID-19 is taking on our world is dramatic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be on campus and live in dorms , but out of an abundance of caution , no activities are being held — as you described .
Isolation can wear you down emotionally and physically .
Before you go home , consider whether there are any students with whom you can visit outdoors at a safe distance .
Can you connect with anyone in meaningful ways ?
If not , it may be best to move back home and do your work remotely until a vaccine can rescue us .
Harriette Cole is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been seeing this guy for about a year now, and I have brought up the fact that he has not taken me out on a date yet.
He always tells me that he will plan something, but he never does. He comes to see me, but all we do is hang out in his car and eat and talk. It is starting to become predictable and boring. I don’t want to do that all the time.
He complains about not wanting to spend extra money on going out. But not all dates require you to spend money.
So I made it clear that if he does not want to go out and do something, then I don’t want to see him. I feel like he is never going to plan anything, and I am just wasting my time.
Should I stick it out for a little bit longer to give him a chance, or should I just keep the focus on myself and see other people who are willing to do that for me?
Need Fun
DEAR NEED FUN: Before dumping him, plan some activities and invite him to participate. He may be happy to do something fun, but he may not have ideas. His attentiveness counts for something.
See if he is willing to expand his horizons by following your lead. If he refuses or really cannot afford it, you will have to decide if car dates are enough.
DEAR HARRIETTE: COVID has changed a lot for the education system. I just started my freshman year in college, and although I knew things were going to be different than expected, living in a dorm seems pointless.
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The transition from high school into college is hard enough, and virtual learning is making it more difficult. I never learn in my room. It is harder to focus, and I don’t feel like I am actually being influenced and learning the material. I just want to move out and go home. It is exhausting, and I feel like there’s nothing I can do here that I can’t do back at home with my family. Is this our new world?
Sick of COVID
DEAR SICK OF COVID: The emotional toll that COVID-19 is taking on our world is dramatic. Many colleges offered the option for students to be on campus and live in dorms, but out of an abundance of caution, no activities are being held — as you described. Isolation can wear you down emotionally and physically.
Before you go home, consider whether there are any students with whom you can visit outdoors at a safe distance.
Can you connect with anyone in meaningful ways? If not, it may be best to move back home and do your work remotely until a vaccine can rescue us.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Miss Manners: They blame me for their favorite uncle skipping the party

DEAR MISS MANNERS : My partner of 25+ years has a huge local extended family .
They regularly and frequently gather for holidays , birthdays and minor celebrations .
The celebration population varies from 25-50 people , from infants to septuagenarians .
These celebrations have continued well into the COVID-19 pandemic .
No behavior has been modified .
No face masks , no social distancing .
Potlucks and hugs all around .
I told my partner I am not participating in any future family celebrations until a vaccine is available .
I am now the bad guy .
Not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” but I am also holding the family ’ s favorite uncle hostage .
( Staying home with me was his free choice , but he is not happy with my convictions , either . )
I do not wish to offend , but I feel my position holds substantial merit and follows the guidelines and laws of our state and local municipalities .
Also , my partner falls into the vulnerable population of potential COVID-19 fatalities .
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But Miss Manners supposes that that will poop on the party , as well .
As a compromise , you might promise a blowout party , sometime in the vague future when all of this is over , hosted by you and your partner .
In the meantime , you are available for planning and socializing via videoconference .
So ’ s their uncle .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my birthday and other holidays with a text in lieu of a card — or , preferably , a phone call .
This year , she sent a “ Happy Father ’ s Day ” text , which I did not immediately respond to .
After several hours , she sent another text .
I don ’ t want to encourage this type of holiday greeting , as I consider it lazy and disrespectful .
I sent her flowers for both Valentine ’ s Day and Mother ’ s Day , and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank-you text .
Are we at the point that a text is socially acceptable as a way to say “ thank you ” for a gift ?
Do I need to reevaluate how I perceive things ?
Assuming that it is not an acceptable form of communication , is there a polite way to try to get some sort of upgraded acknowledgment or response ?
I ’ m not particularly happy that I ’ m writing , and feel like a grouch .
GENTLE READER : If you would like her to communicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter , and it is never too late to parent adult children — particularly in regard to their behavior toward you .
But treating what she may consider a perfectly acceptable greeting with silence , Miss Manners points out , is actually the larger transgression .
If you do not like the method with which she is communicating , tell her .
“ Texts feel so impersonal .
I would love to hear from you .
When is a good time to talk on the telephone ?
” Please send your questions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My partner of 25+ years has a huge local extended family. They regularly and frequently gather for holidays, birthdays and minor celebrations. The celebration population varies from 25-50 people, from infants to septuagenarians.
These celebrations have continued well into the COVID-19 pandemic. No behavior has been modified. No face masks, no social distancing. Potlucks and hugs all around.
I told my partner I am not participating in any future family celebrations until a vaccine is available.
I am now the bad guy. Not only am I “pooping the party,” but I am also holding the family’s favorite uncle hostage. (Staying home with me was his free choice, but he is not happy with my convictions, either.)
I do not wish to offend, but I feel my position holds substantial merit and follows the guidelines and laws of our state and local municipalities. Also, my partner falls into the vulnerable population of potential COVID-19 fatalities.
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GENTLE READER: You might remind them that the future well-being of their favorite uncle is dependent on his being kept healthy and safe.
But Miss Manners supposes that that will poop on the party, as well. As a compromise, you might promise a blowout party, sometime in the vague future when all of this is over, hosted by you and your partner. In the meantime, you are available for planning and socializing via videoconference. So’s their uncle.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughter has a habit of acknowledging my birthday and other holidays with a text in lieu of a card — or, preferably, a phone call.
This year, she sent a “Happy Father’s Day” text, which I did not immediately respond to. After several hours, she sent another text. I don’t want to encourage this type of holiday greeting, as I consider it lazy and disrespectful.
I sent her flowers for both Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, and her acknowledgment came in the form of a thank-you text.
Are we at the point that a text is socially acceptable as a way to say “thank you” for a gift? Do I need to reevaluate how I perceive things? Assuming that it is not an acceptable form of communication, is there a polite way to try to get some sort of upgraded acknowledgment or response?
I’m not particularly happy that I’m writing, and feel like a grouch.
GENTLE READER: If you would like her to communicate, then communicate.
She is your daughter, and it is never too late to parent adult children — particularly in regard to their behavior toward you.
But treating what she may consider a perfectly acceptable greeting with silence, Miss Manners points out, is actually the larger transgression.
If you do not like the method with which she is communicating, tell her. “Texts feel so impersonal. I would love to hear from you. When is a good time to talk on the telephone?”
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-10-25--Stanford financial lab director charged with fraud in disability benefits case

SAN FRANCISCO — Federal prosecutors in the Bay Area have filed wire fraud charges against Lawrence Rufrano , an attorney and former U.S. Federal Reserve worker who serves as the executive director of a financial lab at Stanford , court records show .
The criminal complaint , filed Oct. 21 , alleges that Rufrano concealed his side jobs from disability benefits regulators so that he could receive Social Security Disability Insurance .
The complaint alleged Rufrano used his diagnosis with a mental disability to obtain benefits from 2014-19 , when they were terminated over his objection .
As part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to disclose employment income and his current work status but failed to , the complaint alleges .
“ Rufrano concealed his outside employment and continued to receive long-term disability payments…when he was not entitled to those payments , ” Federal Reserve Board special agent Alan Hershkowitz wrote in an affidavit attached to the charging records .
“ Rufrano engaged in , and received significant income from , outside employment without reporting those activities to the Board or the SSA as required.
” The wire fraud charge carries a maximum of 20 years in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would probably recommend a much lower sentence if Rufrano were convicted .
The complaint alleges that in 2013 , Rufrano was diagnosed with a mental disorder .
In 2014 , he applied for — and started receiving — long term disability benefits .
The following year , after retiring as a senior supervisory financial analyst with the federal reserve , Rufrano ’ s doctor noted that his condition had deteriorated to the point where “ he is functioning like a patient who has early Alzheimer ’ s Disorder.
” “ In view of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not see Mr. Rufrano ability to hold any job , even a fairly menial one , certainly not a high level job at the Federal Reserve board , ” the doctor wrote , according to the complaint .
Rufrano was approved for benefits until 2019 .
In 2018 , regulators concluded he , “ remains impaired from his diagnosis and…has not received any new source of income.
” But prosecutors allege that during those five years , Rufrano obtained positions at a law firm and three companies .
In 2016 , in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he described himself as a “ visiting scholar ” at Stanford and added , “ I am advising a number of startups , ” according to the complaint .
In April 2019 , in an application for a law firm he made a month after his benefits were terminated , Rufrano wrote , “ essentially , I tried retiring and found life too boring , ” the complaint says .
Rufrano ’ s first court appearance — a videoconference — has been set for Wednesday morning before U.S. District Judge Joseph Spero , @ @ @ @

SAN FRANCISCO — Federal prosecutors in the Bay Area have filed wire fraud charges against Lawrence Rufrano, an attorney and former U.S. Federal Reserve worker who serves as the executive director of a financial lab at Stanford, court records show.
The criminal complaint, filed Oct. 21, alleges that Rufrano concealed his side jobs from disability benefits regulators so that he could receive Social Security Disability Insurance. The complaint alleged Rufrano used his diagnosis with a mental disability to obtain benefits from 2014-19, when they were terminated over his objection.
As part of the benefits agreement, Rufrano was supposed to disclose employment income and his current work status but failed to, the complaint alleges.
“Rufrano concealed his outside employment and continued to receive long-term disability payments…when he was not entitled to those payments,” Federal Reserve Board special agent Alan Hershkowitz wrote in an affidavit attached to the charging records. “Rufrano engaged in, and received significant income from, outside employment without reporting those activities to the Board or the SSA as required.”
The wire fraud charge carries a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, but federal sentencing guidelines would probably recommend a much lower sentence if Rufrano were convicted.
Rufrano is the executive director of Stanford’s Advanced Financial Technologies laboratory, which promotes “cross-disciplinary, multi-faceted approaches that draw from finance, economics, operations research, statistics, law, computational mathematics, computer science, and other fields,” the university’s website says.
The complaint alleges that in 2013, Rufrano was diagnosed with a mental disorder. In 2014, he applied for — and started receiving — long term disability benefits. The following year, after retiring as a senior supervisory financial analyst with the federal reserve, Rufrano’s doctor noted that his condition had deteriorated to the point where “he is functioning like a patient who has early Alzheimer’s Disorder.”
“In view of his extremely poor cognitive function I cannot see Mr. Rufrano ability to hold any job, even a fairly menial one, certainly not a high level job at the Federal Reserve board,” the doctor wrote, according to the complaint. Rufrano was approved for benefits until 2019. In 2018, regulators concluded he, “remains impaired from his diagnosis and…has not received any new source of income.”
But prosecutors allege that during those five years, Rufrano obtained positions at a law firm and three companies. In 2016, in an email to one of the companies, he described himself as a “visiting scholar” at Stanford and added, “I am advising a number of startups,” according to the complaint.
In April 2019, in an application for a law firm he made a month after his benefits were terminated, Rufrano wrote, “essentially, I tried retiring and found life too boring,” the complaint says.
Rufrano’s first court appearance — a videoconference — has been set for Wednesday morning before U.S. District Judge Joseph Spero, court records show.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--The Latest: Colombia hits 1 million confirmed virus cases

By The Associated Press BOGOTA , Colombia — Colombia reached 1 million confirmed coronavirus cases on Saturday , its health ministry says , becoming the second country in Latin America to report that number in less than a week .
The nation of 50 million saw cases peak in August and has seen a decline since but still continues to register around 8,000 new infections a day .
Eight countries now have more than 1 million confirmed cases , and three are in Latin America .
Argentina hit 1 million confirmed cases on Monday .
Brazil ranks third worldwide in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 5 million , and passed 1 million infections back in June .
Peru and Mexico are expected to reach 1 million cases each in the coming weeks .
Overall , Latin America continues to register some of the highest caseloads , diagnosing more than 100,000 confirmed infections each day , though the World Health Organization reports that Europe is now seeing even larger numbers as a second virus wave strikes .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK : — US sets daily record of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s President Andrzej Duda has tested positive for the coronavirus ; apologizes to those in quarantine because of contact , including Poland ’ s recent French Open winner .
— AstraZeneca resumes late-stage testing of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate in the U.S. — Police force in England says it will try to stop people from leaving Wales , which has started a 17-day lockdown to slow a surging rate of coronavirus infections .
Follow all of AP ’ s coronavirus pandemic coverage at http : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak HERE ’ S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mich. — Michigan has reported more than 3,000 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus — the highest daily count yet during the pandemic .
The 3,338 new COVID-19 cases reported Saturday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services surpassed the state ’ s previous single-day record of 2,030 new cases set on Oct. 15 .
That earlier record had topped the previous record of 1,953 from early April .
The state agency also reported Saturday 35 more deaths from COVID-19 , raising Michigan ’ s pandemic toll to 7,182 deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief medical executive , said in a statement that it ’ s “ now more important than ever that people take this seriously.
” She urged Michigan residents to wear a face mask every time they are around someone outside of their own household , to practice social distancing and avoid large gatherings .
EL PASO , Texas — The surge in coronavirus in the Texas border city of El Paso continued Saturday with a record 1,216 new cases , nearly 20 % of the state ’ s 6,125 new cases , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been 3,346 cases in the city during the past three days , according to city-county health reports .
El Paso has reported 38,554 total cases since the pandemic began in March .
“ Today ’ s spike is part of an unfortunate national surge that we have been planning and preparing for , ” public health director Angela Mora said in a statement .
“ Now , we need our community to help us by doing their part and staying home , if and when possible , for the next two weeks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus.
” Gov .
Greg Abbott has sent medical equipment and about 500 medical personnel to the region to help fight the virus .
There have been more than 858,000 reported cases in Texas and nearly 17,500 deaths , 81 reported Saturday , since the pandemic ’ s start .
COLUMBIA , Tenn. — A Tennessee hospital is suspending all elective procedures requiring an overnight stay due to a surge in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 , The Daily Herald of Columbia , Tennessee , reported .
As of Friday evening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was treating 50 COVID-19 inpatients , 20 of whom were in the medical center ’ s 26-bed intensive care unit .
In response , the hospital said Friday it is suspending elective surgical procedures that require an overnight stay for two weeks , beginning on Monday .
“ The time has long passed for our community to take this virus seriously , ” Alan Watson , CEO of Maury Regional Health , said in a Friday statement .
“ We are seeing the impact of our community letting down their guard , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of this virus.
” On Thursday , the Tennessee Department of Health reported that statewide hospitalizations had reached a new record of 1,300 patients with COVID-19 and had an ICU bed availability of just 11 % .
Martin Chaney , Maury Regional ’ s chief medical officer , said small home gatherings have become the emerging threat through which the disease is being spread in the six-county region the medical center covers .
“ In our homes , we all let our guard down , ” Chaney said .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance , and you take your masks off .
That is spreading the disease very rapidly.
” He said Maury Regional has consistently seen a surge in cases about two weeks after each major holiday .
“ It is so predictable now , ” Chaney said .
“ When families travel and get together for holidays , it is a high-risk time for spreading the virus.
” Tennessee recorded 2,574 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday and 24 new deaths , bringing the total number of deaths in the state to 3,100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Spanish prime minister at the Vatican , but neither man wore a mask during the public part of their meeting .
That ’ s despite 13 Swiss Guards and someone staying at the same Vatican City guest house where Francis lives recently testing positive for the coronavirus .
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wore a mask when he arrived in a Vatican courtyard , but everyone sat unmasked immediately before and after his closed-door talks with Francis .
Spain this week became the first country in Western Europe with more than 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Sanchez also spoke with the Holy See ’ s foreign minister , discussing matters including “ the current health emergency , the process of European integration and migration.
” In his speech , Francis called politics “ an act of charity , nobility ” and the mission of a politician is to help a nation to progress .
The pontiff also says its “ very sad ” when ideologies drive the destiny of a nation .
PHOENIX — Arizona is experiencing increases in coronavirus cases and the rate of positive test results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed infections rose from 617 on Oct. 9 to 914 on Friday .
Meanwhile , the average daily deaths increased from 7.6 to 8.4 and the positive test average went from 6.5 % to 8.9 % .
Rolling averages even out daily spikes and drops .
The state Department of Health Services on Saturday reported 890 cases and four additional deaths , increasing the Arizona totals to 236,772 confirmed infections and 5,869 deaths .
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma has registered more than 1,800 newly confirmed coronavirus cases .
The Oklahoma State Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Gov .
Kevin Stitt extended a state of emergency another 30 days .
The health department reported 1,829 new cases for a total of 115,685 .
There have been 11 more deaths , bringing the death toll to 1,245 .
That ’ s despite a few thousand fewer swab tests performed , according to the Health Ministry .
Lombardy , where the outbreak has been most devastating , registered more than double the number of daily cases than any other region .
The nation ’ s confirmed death toll , second highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rose to 37,210 , after 151 more deaths .
CHICAGO — Illinois health officials reported a one-day record of 6,161 confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Saturday .
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported 63 more people died of the virus , bringing the statewide total to 9,481 since the start of the pandemic .
Illinois officials have warned in recent days the state is experiencing a second surge and pleaded with people to wear face coverings and take other precautions .
ATHENS , Greece — Greece officials introduced mandatory wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country reaching records for new daily coronavirus cases .
Health authorities announced a record 935 new cases Saturday , along with five deaths .
The total confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic is 29,992 and 564 deaths .
WARSAW — Poland ’ s President Andrzej Duda has tested positive for coronavirus , his spokesman says Blazej Spychalski says Saturday on Twitter the 48-year-old conservative leader was tested the day before and his result was positive .
He says the president feels well and is in isolation .
Duda ’ s diagnosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and deaths in Poland , a nation that had low numbers in the spring .
The spiking infection rates are pushing the country ’ s strained health system to the breaking point .
The government is preparing to open field hospitals but it is not sure where it will find the doctors and nurses to staff them .
Duda on Friday visited the National Stadium in Warsaw , which is being transformed into one of the field hospitals .
He also met Friday with Iga Swiatek , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the French Open this month .
ALGIERS , Algeria — Algeria President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is in self-isolation for five days as a precautionary measure .
The Algeria presidency says coronavirus symptoms appeared amid several high-level officials at the presidency of the Republic and the prime minister ’ s office .
Tebboune ’ s self-isolation comes one day after Algerian health minister warned against a potential virus upsurge “ because of the carelessness ” of those not respecting social distancing measures .
Algerian has reported a total of 55,630 cases and 187 deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have helped notify 800 people who tested positive for the coronavirus but initially weren ’ t told because of a backlog of cases .
The backlog was due to a recent sharp increase in coronavirus cases .
North Dakota leads the nation with more than 1,272 new cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
This week , North Dakota National Guard soldiers began telling people they tested positive for the virus .
They previously were informing people who had contact with someone positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and symptoms of the virus .
North Dakota reported 886 new infections on Friday , down from a record 1,038 cases on Thursday .
Health officials reported nine deaths Friday , increasing the statewide death toll to 440 .
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah hit the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases with 1,960 in a single day .
Gov .
Gary Herbert warned in a statement that the state is “ on the brink , ” and again pleaded with people to adhere to mask mandates in place in 21 of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican governor says people should wear masks anytime they are with people outside their immediate family , even if its extended family or friends .
Capacity at the state ’ s intensive care units reached 76 % , with more people hospitalized for coronavirus this week than at any other time during the pandemic .
Four more deaths were recorded Friday , bringing the total to 567 .
Utah has the seventh-highest rate of confirmed infections per capita , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
ZAGREB , Croatia — The number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soared to more than 2,000 .
Authorities say 2,242 people tested positive for the virus in the past 24 hours amid a steady surge in new cases .
Sixteen people have died .
Most of the cases have been confirmed in the capital city of Zagreb where authorities are setting up new testing facilities and adding hospital beds .
Top public health official Krunoslav Capak says “ we will do all we can to put the spread of the epidemic under control.
” Croatia has made face masks mandatory , limited gatherings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help contain the outbreak .
Much of central and eastern Europe has seen a steep rise in virus cases .
BALTIMORE , Maryland — The United States has hit a daily record of coronavirus cases with more than 83,000 reported infections , thousands more than the previous U.S. peak in July .
The U.S. death toll has grown to nearly 224,00 , according to the tally published by Johns Hopkins University .
The total U.S. caseload reported Friday was 83,757 , topping the 77,362 cases reported on July 16 .
The numbers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a firm grip on the nation that has more confirmed virus-related deaths and infections than any other in the world .
Many states are reporting a surge of cases and say hospitals are running out of space in areas where the pandemic seemed remote only months ago .
PRAGUE — Coronavirus infections in the Czech Republic have hit a record high , soaring to over 15,000 in one day for the first time .
The Health Ministry says the day-to-day increase of confirmed cases in the hard-hit country reached 15,252 on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
The record surge has continued for last two months despite tight restrictions , including limits on movement , closing stores , schools and restaurants and banning sports competitions and gatherings of more than two people .
Face masks are obligatory outdoors and in cars .
The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital has surpassed 5,000 for the first time , putting the health system under pressure .
The Czech Republic has had over 238 , 300 confirmed coronavirus cases , including over 78,000 in the last seven days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven-day rolling average of daily new cases has risen over the past two weeks from 41.78 new cases per 100,000 people on Oct. 9 to 104.33 new cases per 100,000 people on Friday .
Germany recorded 49 new deaths and a daily high of coronavirus infections with 14,714 .
However , the new figures on Saturday includes cases from both Thursday and Friday since there was a three-hour data outage at the country ’ s disease control agency Thursday .
Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel again urged citizens to reduce their social contacts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she is convinced , “ if we all obey ( social distancing ) we will all together survive this enormous challenge posed by the virus.
” In the meantime , the number of intensive care patients almost doubled within a week .
On Friday , 1,121 COVID patients were in intensive care in Germany , compared to 690 a week earlier .
In Berlin , some 1,000 police officers were making sure people obey tighter rules on keeping their distance , not gathering in big groups and wearing masks where mandatory .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Istanbul has tested positive for COVID-19 , a spokesman for the city municipality said Saturday .
Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has undergone treatment in hospital and his condition is good , spokesman Murat Ongun says in a tweet .
Istanbul , a city of 16 million people , has recorded 40 % of Turkey ’ s total number of COVID-19 patients , according to Health Minister Fahrettin Koca .
The country recorded over 357,690 people with COVID-19 symptoms as of Friday evening , including 9,658 deaths .
Turkey reported 2,165 new patients on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Imamoglu , who represents the opposition Republican People ’ s Party , became one of Turkey ’ s most recognizable politicians after winning office in June last year .
His success was part of a series of opposition victories in major cities such as Istanbul and the capital , Ankara .
He has been among those criticizing the government ’ s approach to tackling the pandemic , including the decision to only publish data on patients displaying symptoms rather than including asymptomatic cases .
BRATISLAVA , Slovakia — Slovakia is adopting new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge in coronavirus infections .
The number of new confirmed cases in one day reached 2,890 on Friday in the country of 5.4 million , the Health Ministry says , a record high .
The EU nation has had over 40,800 confirmed cases and 159 virus-related deaths .
Starting on Saturday , people are allowed to travel only to work , buy food and medicine in the nearest stores , see a doctor , get tested for coronavirus or attend a funeral .
They can walk a dog within 100 meters ( yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to a park , it must be in their county .
On Friday , Slovak authorities started a plan to test almost the entire population for coronavirus .
The trials will be carried out until Sunday in the four hardest-hit counties .
The antigen tests will then continue in the rest of the country .
Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovic joined the medical staff and military personnel at one of the testing stations in the town of Tvrdosin .
HONOLULU — Hawaii had about 60,000 travelers arrive in the islands in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program .
That ’ s a state effort to get the tourism-based economy moving again .
Lt. Gov .
Josh Green said Thursday that nearly 60,000 returning residents , military members , essential workers , tourists and others had been tested since Oct. 15 .
The vast majority tested negative and were allowed to skip the previously required two weeks of quarantine .
Other travelers came to Hawaii without being tested .
Nearly 7,300 people were ordered to quarantine upon arrival .
NEW YORK — The number of people hospitalized in New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 1,000 .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said there were 1,023 hospitalizations around the state as of Thursday .
That ’ s more than double the number that were hospitalized month ago , and the first time since late June that the state has seen that many in hospitals with the virus .
At the pandemic ’ s peak in April , nearly 19,000 people were hospitalized .
Statewide , 1,637 people tested positive for the virus on Thursday , on par with levels for the month .

By The Associated Press
MELBOURNE, Australia — A COVID-19 outbreak in the north of Melbourne has led health authorities in Australia’s Victoria state to hold off on any further easing of restrictions in the beleaguered city.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews withheld any announcement on an easing on Sunday as the state awaits results on 3,000 people who were tested in the city’s north in the past 24 hours.
He described it as a “cautious pause” – not a setback – to rule out there wasn’t widespread community transmission linked to the cluster.
Among the current restrictions are mandatory wearing of masks and no traveling beyond 25 kilometers (15 miles) from home. At the start of the second wave of cases two months ago, Andrews instituted an overnight curfew and shut down most businesses.
“I know it is frustrating,” Andrews said. “I know people are keen to have a long and detailed list of changes to the rules. It is not appropriate for us to do that now.”″
Victoria reported seven new coronavirus cases on Sunday, with six linked to the latest outbreak, which involves 39 people across 11 households.
No additional deaths kept the state toll at 817 and the national toll at 905.
___
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:
— Surging coronavirus colors White House race in closing days
— Europe, US watch case totals grow, debate new restrictions
— Colombia reaches 1 million confirmed coronavirus cases
— Iran’s supreme leader has urged authorities to prioritize public health above any economic or security concerns, amid the Mideast’s worst outbreak of the coronavirus. Iran’s death toll from the global pandemic topped 32,000 this week.
— Pope Francis met with the Spanish prime minister Saturday at the Vatican, which has had a rash of COVID-19 infections confirmed in recent days, but neither man used a face a mask during the public part of their meeting.
— Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has tested positive for the coronavirus; apologizes to those in quarantine because of contact, including Poland’s recent French Open winner.
— Police force in England says it will try to stop people from leaving Wales, which has started a 17-day lockdown to slow a surging rate of coronavirus infections.
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Follow all of AP’s coronavirus pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
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HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lankan authorities have terminated a number of passenger trains and widened the curfew as COVID-19 cases related to a new cluster at a garment factory continue to surge.
The Railway Department canceled at least 16 trains — mostly ran through busy office hours — after the number of commuters declined due to the curfew imposed in many parts of the country.
More than a dozen villages are isolated in densely populated Western province, which includes capital Colombo.
Authorities last week closed the island’s main fish market on Colombo’s outskirts after 49 traders tested positive for the coronavirus. By Sunday, the number of cases from the fish market went up to nearly 900.
Authorities say the outbreak is linked to a cluster in a garment factory early this month, which has grown to 4,052 cases, more than half the country’s total of 7,521. During the last 24 hours, 368 new cases have been detected.
In a bid to contain the spread, health authorities also closed three fishery harbors and many fish stalls around the country.
Several thousand people have been asked to quarantine at home. Schools and key public offices are closed and gatherings banned. The death toll rose to 15 on Saturday.
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BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia reached 1 million confirmed coronavirus cases on Saturday, its health ministry says, becoming the second country in Latin America to report that number in less than a week.
The nation of 50 million saw cases peak in August and has seen a decline since but still continues to register around 8,000 new infections a day.
Eight countries now have more than 1 million confirmed cases, and three are in Latin America. Argentina hit 1 million confirmed cases on Monday. Brazil ranks third worldwide in the number of virus cases, with more than 5 million, and passed 1 million infections back in June. Peru and Mexico are expected to reach 1 million cases each in the coming weeks.
Overall, Latin America continues to register some of the highest caseloads, diagnosing more than 100,000 confirmed infections each day, though the World Health Organization reports that Europe is now seeing even larger numbers as a second virus wave strikes.
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LANSING, Mich. — Michigan has reported more than 3,000 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus — the highest daily count yet during the pandemic.
The 3,338 new COVID-19 cases reported Saturday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services surpassed the state’s previous single-day record of 2,030 new cases set on Oct. 15. That earlier record had topped the previous record of 1,953 from early April.
The state agency also reported Saturday 35 more deaths from COVID-19, raising Michigan’s pandemic toll to 7,182 deaths.
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said in a statement that it’s “now more important than ever that people take this seriously.” She urged Michigan residents to wear a face mask every time they are around someone outside of their own household, to practice social distancing and avoid large gatherings.
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EL PASO, Texas — The surge in coronavirus in the Texas border city of El Paso continued Saturday with a record 1,216 new cases, nearly 20% of the state’s 6,125 new cases, according to city-county health officials.
There have been 3,346 cases in the city during the past three days, according to city-county health reports. El Paso has reported 38,554 total cases since the pandemic began in March.
“Today’s spike is part of an unfortunate national surge that we have been planning and preparing for,” public health director Angela Mora said in a statement. “Now, we need our community to help us by doing their part and staying home, if and when possible, for the next two weeks in order to stop the rapid the spread of the virus.”
Gov. Greg Abbott has sent medical equipment and about 500 medical personnel to the region to help fight the virus. There have been more than 858,000 reported cases in Texas and nearly 17,500 deaths, 81 reported Saturday, since the pandemic’s start.
___
COLUMBIA, Tenn. — A Tennessee hospital is suspending all elective procedures requiring an overnight stay due to a surge in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, The Daily Herald of Columbia, Tennessee, reported.
As of Friday evening, Columbia’s Maury Regional Medical Center was treating 50 COVID-19 inpatients, 20 of whom were in the medical center’s 26-bed intensive care unit. In response, the hospital said Friday it is suspending elective surgical procedures that require an overnight stay for two weeks, beginning on Monday.
“The time has long passed for our community to take this virus seriously,” Alan Watson, CEO of Maury Regional Health, said in a Friday statement. “We are seeing the impact of our community letting down their guard, and we must make every effort to mitigate the spread of this virus.”
On Thursday, the Tennessee Department of Health reported that statewide hospitalizations had reached a new record of 1,300 patients with COVID-19 and had an ICU bed availability of just 11%.
Martin Chaney, Maury Regional’s chief medical officer, said small home gatherings have become the emerging threat through which the disease is being spread in the six-county region the medical center covers.
“In our homes, we all let our guard down,” Chaney said. “You think it is safe to not socially distance, and you take your masks off. That is spreading the disease very rapidly.”
He said Maury Regional has consistently seen a surge in cases about two weeks after each major holiday.
“It is so predictable now,” Chaney said. “When families travel and get together for holidays, it is a high-risk time for spreading the virus.”
Tennessee recorded 2,574 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday and 24 new deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to 3,100.
___
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis met with the Spanish prime minister at the Vatican, but neither man wore a mask during the public part of their meeting.
That’s despite 13 Swiss Guards and someone staying at the same Vatican City guest house where Francis lives recently testing positive for the coronavirus.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wore a mask when he arrived in a Vatican courtyard, but everyone sat unmasked immediately before and after his closed-door talks with Francis.
Spain this week became the first country in Western Europe with more than 1 million confirmed virus cases.
The Vatican says Sanchez also spoke with the Holy See’s foreign minister, discussing matters including “the current health emergency, the process of European integration and migration.”
In his speech, Francis called politics “an act of charity, nobility” and the mission of a politician is to help a nation to progress. The pontiff also says its “very sad” when ideologies drive the destiny of a nation.
___
PHOENIX — Arizona is experiencing increases in coronavirus cases and the rate of positive test results.
The 14-day rolling average of daily confirmed infections rose from 617 on Oct. 9 to 914 on Friday. Meanwhile, the average daily deaths increased from 7.6 to 8.4 and the positive test average went from 6.5% to 8.9%.
Rolling averages even out daily spikes and drops.
The state Department of Health Services on Saturday reported 890 cases and four additional deaths, increasing the Arizona totals to 236,772 confirmed infections and 5,869 deaths.
___
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma has registered more than 1,800 newly confirmed coronavirus cases.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health report on Saturday comes one day after Gov. Kevin Stitt extended a state of emergency another 30 days. The health department reported 1,829 new cases for a total of 115,685.
There have been 11 more deaths, bringing the death toll to 1,245.
___
ROME – Italy’s one-day coronavirus cases crept closer to 20,000 on Saturday.
That’s despite a few thousand fewer swab tests performed, according to the Health Ministry.
Lombardy, where the outbreak has been most devastating, registered more than double the number of daily cases than any other region.
The nation’s confirmed death toll, second highest in Europe after Britain’s, rose to 37,210, after 151 more deaths.
___
CHICAGO — Illinois health officials reported a one-day record of 6,161 confirmed cases of the coronavirus on Saturday.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also reported 63 more people died of the virus, bringing the statewide total to 9,481 since the start of the pandemic.
Illinois officials have warned in recent days the state is experiencing a second surge and pleaded with people to wear face coverings and take other precautions.
___
ATHENS, Greece — Greece officials introduced mandatory wearing of masks everywhere Saturday, with the country reaching records for new daily coronavirus cases.
Health authorities announced a record 935 new cases Saturday, along with five deaths.
The total confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic is 29,992 and 564 deaths.
___
WARSAW — Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has tested positive for coronavirus, his spokesman says
Blazej Spychalski says Saturday on Twitter the 48-year-old conservative leader was tested the day before and his result was positive. He says the president feels well and is in isolation.
Duda’s diagnosis comes amid a huge surge in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and deaths in Poland, a nation that had low numbers in the spring.
The spiking infection rates are pushing the country’s strained health system to the breaking point. The government is preparing to open field hospitals but it is not sure where it will find the doctors and nurses to staff them.
Duda on Friday visited the National Stadium in Warsaw, which is being transformed into one of the field hospitals. He also met Friday with Iga Swiatek, the 19-year-old Polish tennis player who won the French Open this month.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Editorial: Union City needs utility tax, prudent leaders to fix budget

Facing projections of serious financial shortfalls , Union City officials are requesting approval in the Nov. 3 election of a new utility tax on the same ballot that the mayor and one member of the City Council seek reelection .
Voters should approve Measure WW , an eight-year , 5 % surcharge on landline , cell phone , cable TV , electricity and natural gas service provided within the city .
The tax is expected to generate $ 6.1 million annually that the city needs .
At the same time , to best help the city make it through what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , voters should reelect Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci and elect Sandra Holder-Grayson to the District 1 seat on the City Council .
Even before the pandemic , Union City was confronting long-term budget imbalances , which city leaders were beginning to address when the economic downturn struck .
Since then , they have increased the number of budget-cutting measures .
The trims have included closing an underutilized fire station , a hiring freeze for non-essential positions , a start on reorganization of top managers , reducing library and community center hours , eliminating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and deferred repairs , maintenance and vehicle purchases .
But the biggest budgetary problem is the expiration at the end of this fiscal year of the city ’ s parcel tax .
City officials in March had asked voters to extend and slightly increase the tax , but the measure fell short of the needed two-thirds approval .
So , this time , the City Council is instead seeking a new utility tax , which only requires majority approval because the money could be used for any legitimate government purpose .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustrations .
First , city voters should be angry about the city ’ s use , once again , of public funds to campaign for a ballot measure , walking up to the legal line with a so-called informational campaign that doesn ’ t actually say “ vote yes ” but leaves no doubt what it ’ s advocating .
Second , as we wrote in March , it ’ s financially foolish that the city , while facing such shortfalls , continues to engage in a pension payment accounting scheme that effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by about 8 % .
Nevertheless , Union City ’ s finances are so tenuous because of the expiring parcel tax that it needs the utility tax .
Even if it passes , city officials must take other steps to control spending and maintain prudent reserves .
Which brings us to the candidates .
Of the three mayoral candidates , incumbent Dutra-Vernaci , seeking her third term , is the best choice .
She clearly understands the nuances of the budget and the need to address the city ’ s finances .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is halfway through his first term .
While he understands the city ’ s finances , he offers no compelling reason why he should unseat Dutra-Vernaci — especially when that would create more political instability because the council would then have to fill the seat he would vacate .
The third candidate , Sarabjit Kaur Cheema , a trustee of the New Haven school district , argues that the tax isn ’ t needed to balance the books .
That ’ s an unrealistic gamble that could force city officials to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struck that the challenger in this race , Holder-Grayson , was as conversant about the budget as the incumbent .
She understands the need to right the city ’ s finances and to pass the utility tax .
And she doesn ’ t have incumbent Gary Singh ’ s baggage , most notably his serious campaign finance violations during his unsuccessful 2010 run for City Council .
Also problematic is Singh ’ s refusal , on religious grounds , to consider approving any marijuana business in the city , even though state voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union City voters have overwhelmingly voted to tax it .

Click here for a complete list of our election recommendations.
Facing projections of serious financial shortfalls, Union City officials are requesting approval in the Nov. 3 election of a new utility tax on the same ballot that the mayor and one member of the City Council seek reelection.
Voters should approve Measure WW, an eight-year, 5% surcharge on landline, cell phone, cable TV, electricity and natural gas service provided within the city. The tax is expected to generate $6.1 million annually that the city needs.
At the same time, to best help the city make it through what are forecast to be some financially difficult years, voters should reelect Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci and elect Sandra Holder-Grayson to the District 1 seat on the City Council.
Even before the pandemic, Union City was confronting long-term budget imbalances, which city leaders were beginning to address when the economic downturn struck. Since then, they have increased the number of budget-cutting measures.
The trims have included closing an underutilized fire station, a hiring freeze for non-essential positions, a start on reorganization of top managers, reducing library and community center hours, eliminating community policing services and school resource officers, and deferred repairs, maintenance and vehicle purchases.
But the biggest budgetary problem is the expiration at the end of this fiscal year of the city’s parcel tax. City officials in March had asked voters to extend and slightly increase the tax, but the measure fell short of the needed two-thirds approval.
So, this time, the City Council is instead seeking a new utility tax, which only requires majority approval because the money could be used for any legitimate government purpose. While we recommend support, we have some frustrations.
First, city voters should be angry about the city’s use, once again, of public funds to campaign for a ballot measure, walking up to the legal line with a so-called informational campaign that doesn’t actually say “vote yes” but leaves no doubt what it’s advocating.
Second, as we wrote in March, it’s financially foolish that the city, while facing such shortfalls, continues to engage in a pension payment accounting scheme that effectively boosts the retirement plan’s costs by about 8%.
Nevertheless, Union City’s finances are so tenuous because of the expiring parcel tax that it needs the utility tax. Even if it passes, city officials must take other steps to control spending and maintain prudent reserves. Which brings us to the candidates.
Mayor — Carol Dutra-Vernaci
Of the three mayoral candidates, incumbent Dutra-Vernaci, seeking her third term, is the best choice. She clearly understands the nuances of the budget and the need to address the city’s finances.
The other strong candidate is Councilman Jaime Patiño, who is halfway through his first term. While he understands the city’s finances, he offers no compelling reason why he should unseat Dutra-Vernaci — especially when that would create more political instability because the council would then have to fill the seat he would vacate.
The third candidate, Sarabjit Kaur Cheema, a trustee of the New Haven school district, argues that the tax isn’t needed to balance the books. That’s an unrealistic gamble that could force city officials to make major service cuts.
District 1 — Sandra Holder-Grayson
We were struck that the challenger in this race, Holder-Grayson, was as conversant about the budget as the incumbent. She understands the need to right the city’s finances and to pass the utility tax.
And she doesn’t have incumbent Gary Singh’s baggage, most notably his serious campaign finance violations during his unsuccessful 2010 run for City Council. Also problematic is Singh’s refusal, on religious grounds, to consider approving any marijuana business in the city, even though state voters have legalized the use of pot and Union City voters have overwhelmingly voted to tax it.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Attackers storm school in Cameroon, kill at least 4 students

DOUALA , Cameroon — Attackers shot dead at least four students and wounded a dozen others after storming into a private school in Cameroon on Saturday morning , an official said .
It was not immediately clear why the attack at the Mother Francisca Memorial College occurred .
The deputy prefect of the community of Kumba , Ali Anougou , blamed separatists who have been fighting the military in parts of western Cameroon .
Some separatists have targeted schools or students .
“ At least six students were shot at close range , ” Anougou said , with some in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the perpetrators would be captured and killed , and that residents living near the school would face measures for not intervening .
The school was an illegal , undeclared one , Anougou said , adding that authorities could have made security arrangements for the school otherwise .
The separatist movement grew out of protests in parts of English-speaking western Cameroon in 2016 against alleged discrimination at the hands of Cameroon ’ s French-speaking majority .
Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced , with civilians suffering from the clashes @ @ @ @ @ @

By Joel Kouami | Associated Press
DOUALA, Cameroon — Attackers shot dead at least four students and wounded a dozen others after storming into a private school in Cameroon on Saturday morning, an official said.
It was not immediately clear why the attack at the Mother Francisca Memorial College occurred. The deputy prefect of the community of Kumba, Ali Anougou, blamed separatists who have been fighting the military in parts of western Cameroon. Some separatists have targeted schools or students.
“At least six students were shot at close range,” Anougou said, with some in critical condition.
The official vowed that the perpetrators would be captured and killed, and that residents living near the school would face measures for not intervening.
The school was an illegal, undeclared one, Anougou said, adding that authorities could have made security arrangements for the school otherwise.
The separatist movement grew out of protests in parts of English-speaking western Cameroon in 2016 against alleged discrimination at the hands of Cameroon’s French-speaking majority.
Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced, with civilians suffering from the clashes between separatists and security forces.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Review: FNATIC React is built with eye toward competition

As esports organizations evolve so does their merchandise .
A team ’ s clothing builds brand awareness and name recognition , but that only goes so far .
The next level of business lies in esports teams selling their own video game peripherals , and one organization doing that is London-based FNATIC , which is known for its “ League of Legends ” and “ Counter-Strike ” teams .
One of its initial entries to the market is the React headset .
On the surface , it looks similar to the iconic HyperX Cloud , and the React shares some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kingston brand .
It ’ s light and comfortable weighing in at a little over 300 grams .
The ear cup cushioning is soft and supple , bringing a cozy feeling to marathon gaming sessions .
The design of the REACT and HyperX Cloud are eerily similar right down to the placement of the logos .
It ’ s a form factor that works , so why mess with it ?
Instead , FNATIC looks to other aspects to improve on the design .
The first focuses on the wires and the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
First off , FNATIC adds a dial that controls mute and volume control on the cord .
It adds bulk to the nondetachable wires connecting the headset to the 3.5mm jack .
It ’ s a design that works better for console gaming rather than PC , and it takes away from a sleeker design of a single unifying wire .
The other part of the equation lies in the inner hardware .
Although the outward design echoes the HyperX Cloud , the React ’ s innards are surprisingly different .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique sound that ’ s geared more toward esports competition .
The audio players hear is geared toward the functional .
Don ’ t expect audio that will make you sit up and take notice .
The mids and highs are noticeable but lack the finer detail .
The bass thrums and has a nice rumble , but it lacks the edge and aggressiveness from higher-priced headsets .
The React will give you the sound you need but it ’ s tuned toward competition and that makes sense .
With FNATIC starting as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with input from their stars , the React focuses on giving players audio with good separation .
The sound is crafted so that the mids and highs show up clearly when it comes to directional audio .
Meanwhile , the bass feels heavy but it doesn ’ t become so distracting that it drowns other in-game cues .
If players hear broken glass or the crunch of footsteps , the React does a great job at letting you know the general direction .
The sound space created in the ear cups has more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know if the audio is coming from behind or toward the side of them .
Meanwhile , explosions come through but they don ’ t overwhelm the ears so that players miss out on sharper ping of gunshots or strident sound of an alert .
The bass is big but more like throaty growl or a thunderous brontide rather than a loud earth-shattering outburst .
When it comes to the microphone , it ’ s on par with its peers at price point .
The boom mic is detachable and is slightly longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Players can bend it in whatever angle they like so that the cardoid microphone can pick their voice with good clarity .
It ’ s barebones but does the job for streamers or esports competitors alike .
At $ 79.99 , the FNATIC React is an excellent value for what it does .
Players shouldn ’ t expect outstanding sound .
It ’ s nothing like the Sennheiser GSP 600 in terms of audio quality , but it does deliver an edge in competitive gaming .
The headset offers great surround sound that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats in first-person shooters , battle royale titles and other competitive games while the bass does enough to improve immersion .
The FNATIC React doesn ’ t have many bells and whistles , but it zeroes in on functionality to deliver an experience that punches above its weight class .

As esports organizations evolve so does their merchandise. A team’s clothing builds brand awareness and name recognition, but that only goes so far. The next level of business lies in esports teams selling their own video game peripherals, and one organization doing that is London-based FNATIC, which is known for its “League of Legends” and “Counter-Strike” teams.
One of its initial entries to the market is the React headset. On the surface, it looks similar to the iconic HyperX Cloud, and the React shares some of the positive traits of the popular Kingston brand. It’s light and comfortable weighing in at a little over 300 grams. The ear cup cushioning is soft and supple, bringing a cozy feeling to marathon gaming sessions. The design of the REACT and HyperX Cloud are eerily similar right down to the placement of the logos.
It’s a form factor that works, so why mess with it? Instead, FNATIC looks to other aspects to improve on the design. The first focuses on the wires and the second and more important change emphasizes the sound. First off, FNATIC adds a dial that controls mute and volume control on the cord. It adds bulk to the nondetachable wires connecting the headset to the 3.5mm jack. It’s a design that works better for console gaming rather than PC, and it takes away from a sleeker design of a single unifying wire.
The other part of the equation lies in the inner hardware. Although the outward design echoes the HyperX Cloud, the React’s innards are surprisingly different. The company’s 53mm drivers create a unique sound that’s geared more toward esports competition. The audio players hear is geared toward the functional. Don’t expect audio that will make you sit up and take notice.
The mids and highs are noticeable but lack the finer detail. The bass thrums and has a nice rumble, but it lacks the edge and aggressiveness from higher-priced headsets. The React will give you the sound you need but it’s tuned toward competition and that makes sense.
With FNATIC starting as an esports team and building their gear with input from their stars, the React focuses on giving players audio with good separation. The sound is crafted so that the mids and highs show up clearly when it comes to directional audio. Meanwhile, the bass feels heavy but it doesn’t become so distracting that it drowns other in-game cues.
If players hear broken glass or the crunch of footsteps, the React does a great job at letting you know the general direction. The sound space created in the ear cups has more definition than the HyperX and players can know if the audio is coming from behind or toward the side of them. Meanwhile, explosions come through but they don’t overwhelm the ears so that players miss out on sharper ping of gunshots or strident sound of an alert. The bass is big but more like throaty growl or a thunderous brontide rather than a loud earth-shattering outburst.
When it comes to the microphone, it’s on par with its peers at price point. The boom mic is detachable and is slightly longer than the one on the HyperX. Players can bend it in whatever angle they like so that the cardoid microphone can pick their voice with good clarity. It’s barebones but does the job for streamers or esports competitors alike.
At $79.99, the FNATIC React is an excellent value for what it does. Players shouldn’t expect outstanding sound. It’s nothing like the Sennheiser GSP 600 in terms of audio quality, but it does deliver an edge in competitive gaming. The headset offers great surround sound that enables players to pinpoint enemies or other threats in first-person shooters, battle royale titles and other competitive games while the bass does enough to improve immersion.
The FNATIC React doesn’t have many bells and whistles, but it zeroes in on functionality to deliver an experience that punches above its weight class.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Contaminated Exide plant turned over to state environmental trust

An environmental trust will take over the toxic Exide battery recycling plant in Vernon to prevent its bankrupt owners from abandoning the heavily contaminated facility , the Department of Toxic Substances Control announced Friday .
Despite its earlier objections , California agreed to creation of the trust after a federal judge on Thursday rejected an emergency request to prevent Exide from dumping the site Oct. 30 .
The trust “ avoids the many legal challenges posed by abandonment and ensures an orderly transition of ownership and responsibility for maintenance and site cleanup — all with DTSC ’ s close supervision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
Exide is responsible for officially creating the trust and transferring the property to the new entity .
“ We continue to object to Exide shirking its responsibility , but we took this step to protect the people who live and work near the facility , ” an agency spokesperson stated .
The Exide plant recycled 11 million lead-acid batteries a year until it was forced to shut down in 2015 .
Before that , Exide had operated on temporary permits for more than 30 years .
High concentrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in soil of thousands of homes in Boyle Heights , East Los Angeles , Maywood , Huntington Park and Commerce .
Children living close to the facility were found to have twice as much lead in their baby teeth as those in a similar study in Boston .
Lead is a neurotoxin and can cause developmental disabilities , cancer and other long-term ailments .
An $ 800,000-a-month tent-like shell currently surrounds the plant ’ s remaining building to contain the toxic dust still inside .
State officials feared abandonment would lead to tears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more toxins into neighborhoods .
The DTSC plans to continue to pursue an appeal challenging Exide ’ s bankruptcy and is not giving up on holding the company accountable , according to the statement .
The bankruptcy case , which DTSC is appealing , freed Exide from its financial and administrative liabilities , but not from potential criminal charges .
A nonprosecution agreement between Exide and the federal government since 2015 poses a major roadblock to pursuing the company criminally .
The DTSC asked the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office to end the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company ’ s failure to fully investigate the damages caused by lead and arsenic released over decades , but the federal agency never responded to the request .
The U.S. Department of Justice ultimately supported Exide ’ s bankruptcy plan and its abandonment of the Vernon site .
The agreement does not end for five more years .
Once the Exide Vernon Environmental Response Trust is formed , a court-approved trustee will take ownership of the former lead-battery recycling facility and control all cleanup efforts .
The trust is responsible for all permits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selling or leasing the site for redevelopment , according to DTSC .
Roughly $ 30 million is available for the trust , though it is far short of the $ 70 million to $ 100 million needed to fully demolish and clean up the remains of the plant .
DTSC will maintain an oversight role to ensure the funds and the cleanup are managed properly , according to the agency ’ s statement .
California already has spent more than $ 270 million to clean up roughly 2,000 properties and expects to treat @ @ @

An environmental trust will take over the toxic Exide battery recycling plant in Vernon to prevent its bankrupt owners from abandoning the heavily contaminated facility, the Department of Toxic Substances Control announced Friday.
Despite its earlier objections, California agreed to creation of the trust after a federal judge on Thursday rejected an emergency request to prevent Exide from dumping the site Oct. 30. The trust “avoids the many legal challenges posed by abandonment and ensures an orderly transition of ownership and responsibility for maintenance and site cleanup — all with DTSC’s close supervision and oversight,” the state agency said in a statement.
Exide is responsible for officially creating the trust and transferring the property to the new entity.
“We continue to object to Exide shirking its responsibility, but we took this step to protect the people who live and work near the facility,” an agency spokesperson stated.
The Exide plant recycled 11 million lead-acid batteries a year until it was forced to shut down in 2015. Before that, Exide had operated on temporary permits for more than 30 years. High concentrations of lead dust from the plant settled in soil of thousands of homes in Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, Maywood, Huntington Park and Commerce. Children living close to the facility were found to have twice as much lead in their baby teeth as those in a similar study in Boston. Lead is a neurotoxin and can cause developmental disabilities, cancer and other long-term ailments.
An $800,000-a-month tent-like shell currently surrounds the plant’s remaining building to contain the toxic dust still inside. State officials feared abandonment would lead to tears in the fabric and the release of more toxins into neighborhoods.
Appeal, criminal charges not off table
The DTSC plans to continue to pursue an appeal challenging Exide’s bankruptcy and is not giving up on holding the company accountable, according to the statement. The bankruptcy case, which DTSC is appealing, freed Exide from its financial and administrative liabilities, but not from potential criminal charges.
A nonprosecution agreement between Exide and the federal government since 2015 poses a major roadblock to pursuing the company criminally. The DTSC asked the U.S. Attorney’s Office to end the agreement in 2019 in light of the company’s failure to fully investigate the damages caused by lead and arsenic released over decades, but the federal agency never responded to the request. The U.S. Department of Justice ultimately supported Exide’s bankruptcy plan and its abandonment of the Vernon site.
The agreement does not end for five more years.
What a trust means
Once the Exide Vernon Environmental Response Trust is formed, a court-approved trustee will take ownership of the former lead-battery recycling facility and control all cleanup efforts. The trust is responsible for all permits, bills and contracts, and for selling or leasing the site for redevelopment, according to DTSC.
Roughly $30 million is available for the trust, though it is far short of the $70 million to $100 million needed to fully demolish and clean up the remains of the plant.
DTSC will maintain an oversight role to ensure the funds and the cleanup are managed properly, according to the agency’s statement.
California already has spent more than $270 million to clean up roughly 2,000 properties and expects to treat thousands more.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Two men wounded in North Oakland shooting: active search for suspects

OAKLAND –Two men were wounded in a North Oakland shooting Saturday afternoon and police were searching the neighborhood for suspects @ @ @ @ @ men were undergoing surgery at a hospital and their conditions were not available .
The @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Saturday in the area of Apgar and West streets .
One of the men @ @ @ @ @ by police officers who took him to nearby paramedics before he was taken to a @ @ @ @ @ got his own transportation to a hospital before he was transferred to the hospital where @ @ @ @ @ Both victims are listed as critical , police said .
Police believed the suspect or @ @ @ @ @ area and were actively searching for them .
A motive for the shooting has not @ @ @ @ @ in the area , including a section of MacArthur Boulevard , were shut down while @ @ @ @ @ searched for the suspects .

OAKLAND, CA - October 24: Officers search and secure the 800 block of Apgar Street following a double shooting in the North Oakland, Calif., neighborhood on Saturday, October 24, 2020. (Dylan Bouscher/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - October 24: Officers search and secure the 800 block of Apgar Street following a double shooting in the North Oakland, Calif., neighborhood on Saturday, October 24, 2020. (Dylan Bouscher/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - October 24: Officers search and secure the 800 block of Apgar Street following a double shooting in the North Oakland, Calif., neighborhood on Saturday, October 24, 2020. (Dylan Bouscher/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - October 24: Officers search and secure the 800 block of Apgar Street following a double shooting in the North Oakland, Calif., neighborhood on Saturday, October 24, 2020. (Dylan Bouscher/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - October 24: Officers search and secure the 800 block of Apgar Street following a double shooting in the North Oakland, Calif., neighborhood on Saturday, October 24, 2020. (Dylan Bouscher/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - October 24: Officers search and secure the 800 block of Apgar Street following a double shooting in the North Oakland, Calif., neighborhood on Saturday, October 24, 2020. (Dylan Bouscher/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - October 24: Officers search and secure the 800 block of Apgar Street following a double shooting in the North Oakland, Calif., neighborhood on Saturday, October 24, 2020. (Dylan Bouscher/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND, CA - October 24: Officers search and secure the 800 block of Apgar Street following a double shooting in the North Oakland, Calif., neighborhood on Saturday, October 24, 2020. (Dylan Bouscher/Bay Area News Group)
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OAKLAND — Three men were wounded in a North Oakland shooting Saturday afternoon, authorities said.
All of the men are in their twenties, with two in critical condition and one in stable condition. The shooting happened at about 12:10 p.m. Saturday in the 800 block of Apgar Street near West Street.
One of the men was removed from the area by police officers who took him to nearby paramedics before he was taken to a hospital. The other two men got their own transportation to hospitals, and one was transferred to a second hospital where he underwent surgery.
Police believed the suspect or suspects were still in the area and actively searched for them for several hours.
A motive for the shooting has not been released.
Numerous streets in the area, including a section of West MacArthur Boulevard, were shut down while police investigated the shooting and searched for the suspects.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Southern California: Man shot to death after firing on police, CHP says

A driver being pursued by Fontana police opened fire on them and died when police shot back late Friday , @ @ @ @ @ Highway Patrol said .
The eastbound 10 Freeway near Tippecanoe Avenue in Loma Linda was @ @ @ @ @ about noon Saturday for the investigation , Caltrans announced on Twitter .
No officers were @ @ @ @ @ Richard Guerrero said Saturday .
The pursuit began about 11:30 p.m. when Fontana police went @ @ @ @ @ was wanted for a previous crime , California Highway Patrol Officer Ramon Duran told KTLA/5 @ @ @ @ @ found him in Colton , but he drove off when police tried to pull him @ @ @ @ @ The chase continued on the northbound 215 to the eastbound 10 until the suspect ’ @ @ @ @ @ The driver came out of the car firing at officers , prompting them to shoot @ @ @ @ @ Images from the scene showed that the man died there .
This story is developing @ @ @ @ @ .

A driver being pursued by Fontana police opened fire on them and died when police shot back late Friday, Oct. 23, the California Highway Patrol said.
The eastbound 10 Freeway near Tippecanoe Avenue in Loma Linda was expected to remain closed through about noon Saturday for the investigation, Caltrans announced on Twitter.
No officers were injured, Fontana police Officer Richard Guerrero said Saturday.
The pursuit began about 11:30 p.m. when Fontana police went looking for a man who was wanted for a previous crime, California Highway Patrol Officer Ramon Duran told KTLA/5 at the scene. Officer found him in Colton, but he drove off when police tried to pull him over, Duran said.
The chase continued on the northbound 215 to the eastbound 10 until the suspect’s car became disabled. The driver came out of the car firing at officers, prompting them to shoot back, Duran said. Images from the scene showed that the man died there.
This story is developing. Check back for details.


mercurynews--2020-10-24--Thanks to Mookie Betts’ base-stealing, Americans get a free taco

If you love tacos and freebies , you love it when Mookie Betts is in the World Series .
Taco @ @ @ @ @ its “ Steal a Base , Steal a Taco ” promotion after the Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ during Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays .
Two years ago , he scored @ @ @ @ @ stole a base while playing for the Boston Red Sox in the fall classic .
@ @ @ @ @ Doritos Locos Taco on Wednesday , Oct. 28 , while supplies last .
No purchase @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s just one taco per customer despite Betts ’ base-stealing frenzy during @ @ @

If you love tacos and freebies, you love it when Mookie Betts is in the World Series.
Taco Bell will pay off on its “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” promotion after the Los Angeles Dodgers star stole a base during Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
“Tacos on me,” the outfielder tweeted.
Two years ago, he scored tacos for all when he stole a base while playing for the Boston Red Sox in the fall classic.
You can collect your free Doritos Locos Taco on Wednesday, Oct. 28, while supplies last. No purchase is necessary.
And yes, it’s just one taco per customer despite Betts’ base-stealing frenzy during this Series.
Details: www.tacobell.com/stealataco


mercurynews--2020-10-24--49ers add Mostert onto crowded injured-reserve list

Running back Raheem Mostert ’ s official addition to the injured-reserve list Saturday brings a whopping 17 times the 49ers have used that designation since mid-August .
Although they finished last season with 16 on injured reserve en route to the Super Bowl , a key difference is this year ’ s change that allows teams to activate players after a three-game recovery period .
The 49ers ( 3-3 ) also called up two safeties from the practice squad , veteran Johnathan Cyprien and rookie Jared Mayden , ahead of Sunday ’ s game at New England ( 2-3 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Jaquiski Tartt ( groin ) are out , along with linebacker Kwon Alexander ( ankle ) .
So , Mostert will miss at least three games and could return as soon as a Nov. 15 visit to New Orleans .
Don ’ t count on that .
Because the Saints have an artificial surface — the 49ers are leery of those for players coming off leg injuries — and because of the 49ers ’ ensuing bye , that might prompt them to keep Mostert out until Nov. 29 at the Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mostert out 2 1/2 games before he returned to play the past two games , although he left promptly after hafltime of Sunday ’ s win over the Los Angeles Rams .
He ’ s run for 303 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry with one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown .
Coach Kyle Shanahan said this week he does not expect cornerback Richard Sherman ( calf ) or defensive end Dee Ford ( back ) to return until after the bye , as is the case with three players on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and defensive linemen Ronald Blair and Jullian Taylor .
Also on Saturday , the 49ers placed rookie wide receiver Jauan Jennings on the practice squad ’ s injured-reserve list for an undisclosed issue .
Here is a running tally of 49ers who ’ ve gone on injured reserve since training camp : Regular season ( eligible to return after three games ) *Defensive end Jonathan Kongbo ( groin , Aug. 27 ) and guard Ross Reynolds ( knee , Sept. 5 ) were waived injured .
Cornerback Tim Harris ( hamstring ) was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and activated off it Oct. 7 .
• 49ers at Patriots injury report : Both safeties out with Mostert , Alexander ; Williams , Wilson questionable • 49ers owner Jed York pours millions into Santa Clara City Council race after years of battling city hall

Running back Raheem Mostert’s official addition to the injured-reserve list Saturday brings a whopping 17 times the 49ers have used that designation since mid-August.
Although they finished last season with 16 on injured reserve en route to the Super Bowl, a key difference is this year’s change that allows teams to activate players after a three-game recovery period.
The 49ers (3-3) also called up two safeties from the practice squad, veteran Johnathan Cyprien and rookie Jared Mayden, ahead of Sunday’s game at New England (2-3). Starting safeties Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) and Jaquiski Tartt (groin) are out, along with linebacker Kwon Alexander (ankle).
So, Mostert will miss at least three games and could return as soon as a Nov. 15 visit to New Orleans. Don’t count on that. Because the Saints have an artificial surface — the 49ers are leery of those for players coming off leg injuries — and because of the 49ers’ ensuing bye, that might prompt them to keep Mostert out until Nov. 29 at the Los Angeles Rams.
A knee injury kept Mostert out 2 1/2 games before he returned to play the past two games, although he left promptly after hafltime of Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Rams. He’s run for 303 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry with one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said this week he does not expect cornerback Richard Sherman (calf) or defensive end Dee Ford (back) to return until after the bye, as is the case with three players on the physically-unable-to-perform list – center Weston Richburg and defensive linemen Ronald Blair and Jullian Taylor.
Also on Saturday, the 49ers placed rookie wide receiver Jauan Jennings on the practice squad’s injured-reserve list for an undisclosed issue.
Here is a running tally of 49ers who’ve gone on injured reserve since training camp:
WR Chris Thompson (hip): Aug. 17
WR Jalen Hurd (knee): Aug. 20
WR J.J. Nelson (knee): Aug. 30; released Sept. 6
WR Tavon Austin (knee): Sept. 3
Regular season (eligible to return after three games)
WR Deebo Samuel (foot): Sept. 12; activated Oct. 3
CB Richard Sherman (calf): Sept. 16
WR Richie James (hamstring): Sept. 18; activated Oct. 17
DE Nick Bosa (knee): Sept. 23
DL Solomon Thomas (knee): Sept. 23
RB Tevin Coleman (knee): Sept. 26
LB Mark Nzeocha (quadriceps): Sept. 30
DE Dee Ford (back): Oct. 3
TE Jordan Reed (knee): Oct. 3
CB K’Waun Williams (knee): Oct. 10
DE Ziggy Ansah (biceps): Oct. 10
C Ben Garland (calf): Oct. 20
RB Raheem Mostert (ankle): Oct. 24
*Defensive end Jonathan Kongbo (groin, Aug. 27) and guard Ross Reynolds (knee, Sept. 5) were waived injured. Cornerback Tim Harris (hamstring) was put on the practice-squad IR Sept. 16 and activated off it Oct. 7.


Word Game: Oct. 25, 2020

Can you find 64 or more words in PROTEAN ?
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 — PROTEAN (PROTEAN: PRO-tee-en: Exhibiting considerable variety or diversity.)
Average mark 45 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 64 or more words in PROTEAN?
TODAY’S WORD — PROTEAN pane pant pare parent part pate paten patron pear
peat pent peon pert poet pone pore port prate prone rant rapt rate reap rent roan rope
rote oaten open opera orate ornate tape taper tare tarn taro tarp tarpon tear tenor tern
tone toner tope toper tore torn trap trope earn entrap aeon ante aper apron atone atop
nape neap near neat note noter
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.