washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Pandemic, sewing machine show a son his mother’s impact

DULUTH , Minn. ( AP ) - When Ed Zabinski was 6 years old , his family moved from a small town in Wisconsin to Ely , Minnesota , where his dad had been hired to teach eighth grade English .
“ I remember driving through town and they had some wolf pups in a little cage on Main Street , ” Zabinski told Minnesota Public Radio .
“ And I thought , we are really getting into the wilderness.
” Ely ’ s Pioneer iron mine was booming .
Town was so busy , with hundreds of miners , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a while to find a place to rent .
The wife of the school district ’ s superintendent eventually helped them locate a suitable house .
A couple of years later , they built a house outside town on Shagawa Lake .
Ed ’ s mom , Loretta , lived there for more than 50 years .
She died last June , and later in the summer Ed and his six siblings returned to the house one last time , from all over the country , to get it ready to sell .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ filled up a couple dumpsters with trash , and hired some people to sell the rest .
“ That was last September , ” said Ed , who works as a consultant southwest of Ely in Grand Rapids , Minnesota .
“ And we didn ’ t know who bought anything that was sold in the estate sale.
” Tammy Sheehan and her husband Tom were camping at Fall Lake , Minnesota , outside Ely at the time .
The couple lives in Kansas , where Tammy is a psychologist and Tom is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ely several times - they say they ’ d like to move there when they retire .
During their visit last September , they stumbled on the Zabinskis ’ estate sale .
“ A few minutes after we got there , Tom walks very quickly up to me and says , sort of in this hushed tone , ‘ It ’ s a 301 !
There ’ s a 301 !
’ ” Tammy Sheehan said .
The 301 - Loretta Zabinski ’ s antique Singer sewing machine , which she ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to sew - was exactly what Tammy had been searching for , for more than a year .
“ So , we made an offer , and I asked one of the ladies there the name of the owner , ” Tammy said .
“ And they said her name was Loretta .
And I said , ‘ OK , I ’ m going to name the machine Loretta.
’ ” People who collect sewing machines often name them after a prior owner , she said .
“ So you have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there - and Loretta .
Tammy Sheehan returned to Kansas City a few days later .
She took Loretta home with her , cleaned her up .
Her husband installed it in a traditional sewing cabinet .
She made a couple quilts with it , and was quickly smitten .
“ I love these old devices that work really well , ” she gushed .
“ There is nothing computerized about it , and it lasts forever .
You just oil it and off you go.
” But then , the pandemic hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her husband asked her to sew some masks they could wear to the store .
“ So , I pulled out the 301 , and it was such great fun to sew , ” she said .
“ I just started making more and more of them and giving them away to friends and family .
And then I just thought , well , I want to know more about this story about Loretta because the machine is just so dear to me.
” So , she posted a message on an Ely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Zabinski , ” she wrote , “ but I hope she would be pleased that this baby is back in action making masks for the cause .
This machine has a great little gizmo that sews mask ties like nobody ’ s business .
If anyone can tell us about Mrs. Zabinski , we ’ d love to know her better !
” Within hours , dozens of people had responded , sharing memories of Loretta Zabinski .
“ A beautiful , humble , sincere lady , helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I cherished our many conversations and having her as a Grandma figure !
” wrote another .
Then someone forwarded the post to Ed .
“ My mother would be delighted , ” Ed said , to hear that her old sewing machine was being used for such good .
But what really surprised him , reading through the Facebook posts , “ were the dozens of comments of people who I never knew , people that my mother had helped over the years finding housing .
We had no idea that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ways she had.
” It turns out that Loretta Zabinski never forgot about the help she had gotten from the superintendent ’ s wife , when her family first arrived in Ely and couldn ’ t find a place to live .
So for more than 50 years , Loretta Zabinski repaid that favor .
“ She kept a little index card box with places that people had available to rent , ” Ed said .
“ And then when people called , she referred to that file box.
” She started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over time , she helped people arriving in Ely to work for the Superior National Forest , the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources , Vermilion Community College and other businesses in town .
“ She was Ely ’ s unpaid housing coordinator for decades , ” wrote one commenter .
“ Loretta was famous here in Ely , ” someone else wrote .
“ Many who will read this post were impacted by her service to Ely .
And she never drove a car !
” And she never stopped helping .
Ed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day before she died .
She was almost 95 .
She couldn ’ t walk on her own .
And that day , he said , two people called , looking for help finding a place to live .
“ She promised them she ’ d get back to them , ” Ed said .
He said this experience has made him “ reflect on the good that you do in life , and hopefully that has an impact .
And I think in many cases , you never know the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Loretta - the sewing machine - is still helping .
Tammy Sheehan said she never would have learned about Loretta Zabinski if it hadn ’ t been for the pandemic .
And if Tammy Sheehan hadn ’ t asked , Ed Zabinksi never would have learned just how much impact his mother had on the town of Ely .

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - When Ed Zabinski was 6 years old, his family moved from a small town in Wisconsin to Ely, Minnesota, where his dad had been hired to teach eighth grade English.
“I remember driving through town and they had some wolf pups in a little cage on Main Street,” Zabinski told Minnesota Public Radio. “And I thought, we are really getting into the wilderness.”
Ely’s Pioneer iron mine was booming. Town was so busy, with hundreds of miners, that Ed remembers it taking his family a while to find a place to rent. The wife of the school district’s superintendent eventually helped them locate a suitable house.
A couple of years later, they built a house outside town on Shagawa Lake. Ed’s mom, Loretta, lived there for more than 50 years. She died last June, and later in the summer Ed and his six siblings returned to the house one last time, from all over the country, to get it ready to sell.
They packed up boxes of memories, filled up a couple dumpsters with trash, and hired some people to sell the rest.
“That was last September,” said Ed, who works as a consultant southwest of Ely in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. “And we didn’t know who bought anything that was sold in the estate sale.”
Tammy Sheehan and her husband Tom were camping at Fall Lake, Minnesota, outside Ely at the time. The couple lives in Kansas, where Tammy is a psychologist and Tom is a teacher.
They’ve visited Ely several times - they say they’d like to move there when they retire. During their visit last September, they stumbled on the Zabinskis’ estate sale.
“A few minutes after we got there, Tom walks very quickly up to me and says, sort of in this hushed tone, ‘It’s a 301! There’s a 301!’” Tammy Sheehan said.
The 301 - Loretta Zabinski’s antique Singer sewing machine, which she’d used to teach all of her daughters how to sew - was exactly what Tammy had been searching for, for more than a year.
“So, we made an offer, and I asked one of the ladies there the name of the owner,” Tammy said. “And they said her name was Loretta. And I said, ‘OK, I’m going to name the machine Loretta.’”
People who collect sewing machines often name them after a prior owner, she said. “So you have a lot of Rubys and Pearls” out there - and Loretta.
Tammy Sheehan returned to Kansas City a few days later. She took Loretta home with her, cleaned her up. Her husband installed it in a traditional sewing cabinet. She made a couple quilts with it, and was quickly smitten.
“I love these old devices that work really well,” she gushed. “There is nothing computerized about it, and it lasts forever. You just oil it and off you go.”
But then, the pandemic hit. Tammy Sheehan was furloughed. And her husband asked her to sew some masks they could wear to the store.
“So, I pulled out the 301, and it was such great fun to sew,” she said. “I just started making more and more of them and giving them away to friends and family. And then I just thought, well, I want to know more about this story about Loretta because the machine is just so dear to me.”
So, she posted a message on an Ely Facebook group.
“I never had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Zabinski,” she wrote, “but I hope she would be pleased that this baby is back in action making masks for the cause. This machine has a great little gizmo that sews mask ties like nobody’s business. If anyone can tell us about Mrs. Zabinski, we’d love to know her better!”
Within hours, dozens of people had responded, sharing memories of Loretta Zabinski. “A beautiful, humble, sincere lady, helped everyone,” one person wrote. “I cherished our many conversations and having her as a Grandma figure!” wrote another. Then someone forwarded the post to Ed.
“My mother would be delighted,” Ed said, to hear that her old sewing machine was being used for such good.
But what really surprised him, reading through the Facebook posts, “were the dozens of comments of people who I never knew, people that my mother had helped over the years finding housing. We had no idea that she had touched so many lives in the ways she had.”
It turns out that Loretta Zabinski never forgot about the help she had gotten from the superintendent’s wife, when her family first arrived in Ely and couldn’t find a place to live. So for more than 50 years, Loretta Zabinski repaid that favor.
“She kept a little index card box with places that people had available to rent,” Ed said. “And then when people called, she referred to that file box.”
She started by helping teachers’ families. But over time, she helped people arriving in Ely to work for the Superior National Forest, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Vermilion Community College and other businesses in town.
“She was Ely’s unpaid housing coordinator for decades,” wrote one commenter.
“Loretta was famous here in Ely,” someone else wrote. “Many who will read this post were impacted by her service to Ely. And she never drove a car!”
And she never stopped helping. Ed was with his mom at her home the day before she died. She was almost 95. She couldn’t walk on her own. And that day, he said, two people called, looking for help finding a place to live.
“She promised them she’d get back to them,” Ed said.
He said this experience has made him “reflect on the good that you do in life, and hopefully that has an impact. And I think in many cases, you never know the impact you have - until later.”
And Loretta - the sewing machine - is still helping.
Tammy Sheehan said she never would have learned about Loretta Zabinski if it hadn’t been for the pandemic.
And if Tammy Sheehan hadn’t asked, Ed Zabinksi never would have learned just how much impact his mother had on the town of Ely.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Longtime legislator who focused on health care dies at 85

SALEM , Ore. ( AP ) - Mitch Greenlick , a longtime state representative who played an influential role in Oregon ’ s health care policies , has died at age 85 .
House Speaker Tina Kotek said in a statement that Greenlick died Friday night after battling a number of health issues .
Greenlick , a Democrat who had represented northwest Portland and northern Washington County in the legislature since 2003 , had planned to retire at the end of his term , Kotek said Saturday .
“ He died while serving in office , doing what he loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , justice , and health care as a human right .
His work and legacy will benefit Oregonians for years to come , ” she said .
Greenlick founded Kaiser Permanente ’ s Center for Health Research and directed it for 30 years , the Oregonian/Oregonlive.com reported .
Earlier this week , Greenlick participated in a phone conference on the state ’ s response to coronavirus , Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward , D-Portland , told the Oregonian/Oregonlive.com .
She said he posed questions to Oregon Health Authority officials during the call .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting for Oregonians to have a better life , ” Brown said in a statement .
“ A fierce advocate for expanding health care , he championed initiatives that helped push our state forward , including extending the Oregon Health Plan for low-income and underserved communities .
”

SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Mitch Greenlick, a longtime state representative who played an influential role in Oregon’s health care policies, has died at age 85.
House Speaker Tina Kotek said in a statement that Greenlick died Friday night after battling a number of health issues.
Greenlick, a Democrat who had represented northwest Portland and northern Washington County in the legislature since 2003, had planned to retire at the end of his term, Kotek said Saturday.
“He died while serving in office, doing what he loved. Oregonians lost a champion for fairness, justice, and health care as a human right. His work and legacy will benefit Oregonians for years to come,” she said.
Greenlick founded Kaiser Permanente’s Center for Health Research and directed it for 30 years, the Oregonian/Oregonlive.com reported.
Earlier this week, Greenlick participated in a phone conference on the state’s response to coronavirus, Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward, D-Portland, told the Oregonian/Oregonlive.com. She said he posed questions to Oregon Health Authority officials during the call.
Gov. Kate Brown praised Greenlick’s work on health care.
“Representative Mitch Greenlick dedicated his career to fighting for Oregonians to have a better life,” Brown said in a statement. “A fierce advocate for expanding health care, he championed initiatives that helped push our state forward, including extending the Oregon Health Plan for low-income and underserved communities.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Virginia nurse takes to the seas to lend hand in New York

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A nurse from Virginia took a unique path to travel to New York to help out during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Rather than risk flying during the crisis , 26-year-old Rachel Hartley and her husband sailed hundreds of miles to Brooklyn last month .
Hartley , of Lynchburg , told the New York Post she left her job at a local hospital and has been working four 12-hour night shifts a week at NYU Langone Brooklyn .
She and husband Taylor have been living on the boat , a four-bedroom , 50-foot vessel named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brooklyn Heights .
Hartley said the marina owner has even waived thousands of dollars in monthly fees for the couple .
“ I was hearing how badly New York City had been hit - and the area I was in wasn ’ t nearly as bad , ” Hartley told the newspaper .
“ That really pulled on my heart .
I thought , I have to go help.
” The trip took two days and featured cold temperatures and windy conditions .
Hartley said it ’ s the hardest-working environment she ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s been well worth it .
“ My ultimate desire is to give people help and love .
For me , going to the epicenter of a pandemic was the best way to do that , ” she said .

NEW YORK (AP) - A nurse from Virginia took a unique path to travel to New York to help out during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rather than risk flying during the crisis, 26-year-old Rachel Hartley and her husband sailed hundreds of miles to Brooklyn last month.
Hartley, of Lynchburg, told the New York Post she left her job at a local hospital and has been working four 12-hour night shifts a week at NYU Langone Brooklyn.
She and husband Taylor have been living on the boat, a four-bedroom, 50-foot vessel named Turning Points, at a marina in Brooklyn Heights. Hartley said the marina owner has even waived thousands of dollars in monthly fees for the couple.
“I was hearing how badly New York City had been hit - and the area I was in wasn’t nearly as bad,” Hartley told the newspaper. “That really pulled on my heart. I thought, I have to go help.”
The trip took two days and featured cold temperatures and windy conditions. Hartley said it’s the hardest-working environment she’s experienced, but that it’s been well worth it.
“My ultimate desire is to give people help and love. For me, going to the epicenter of a pandemic was the best way to do that,” she said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Phyllis George, female sportscasting pioneer, dies at 70

LEXINGTON , Ky. ( AP ) - Phyllis George , the former Miss America who became a female sportscasting pioneer on CBS ’ s “ The NFL Today ” and served as the first lady of Kentucky , has died .
She was 70 .
A family spokeswoman said George died Thursday at a Lexington hospital after a long fight with a blood disorder .
Her children , Lincoln Tyler George Brown and CNN White House correspondent Pamela Ashley Brown , released a joint statement , saying : “ For many , Mom was known by her incredible accomplishments as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America and first lady .
But this was all before we were born and never how we viewed Mom .
To us , she was the most incredible mother we could ever ask for , and it is all of the defining qualities the public never saw , especially against the winds of adversity , that symbolize how extraordinary she is more than anything else .
The beauty so many recognized on the outside was a mere fraction of her internal beauty , only to be outdone by an unwavering spirit that allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Miss America in 1971 , George joined Brent Musburger and Irv Cross in 1975 on “ The NFL Today.
” Jimmy “ The Greek ” Snyder later was added to the cast .
“ Phyllis George was special .
Her smile lit up millions of homes for the NFL Today , ” Musburger tweeted .
“ Phyllis didn ’ t receive nearly enough credit for opening the sports broadcasting door for the dozens of talented women who took her lead and soared.
” George spent three seasons on the live pregame show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1983 , winning plaudits for her warmth of her interviews with star athletes .
She also covered horse racing , hosted the entertainment show “ People ” and co-anchored the “ CBS Morning News.
” George was briefly married to Hollywood producer Robert Evans in the mid-1970s and to John Y .
Brown Jr. from 1979-98 .
Brown owned Kentucky Fried Chicken and the NBA ’ s Boston Celtics and served as the governor of Kentucky .
“ Phyllis was a great asset to Kentucky , ” Brown told the Louisville Courier-Journal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think we enjoyed every single day.
” From Denton , Texas , George attended the University of North Texas for three years , then went to Texas Christian University after earning a scholarship as Miss Texas in 1970 .
In her 2002 memoir , George wrote that a male friend told her sportscasting wouldn ’ t work because it was a man ’ s job .
George even acknowledged knowing nothing about the industry and having no experience nor another female mentor to follow .
None of it stopped her .
George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peale and a devout believer in his best-selling philosophy of positive thinking , George credits that approach for launching a defining career she didn ’ t expect - one that saw her range into an astonishing variety of ventures and roles , in media , the film industry , food and beauty products , and as the glamorous first lady of the bluegrass state .
“ Saying yes to yourself opens up opportunities that can take you anywhere , ” George wrote .
“ Having a mentor in your life who says yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your mentors when you ’ re starting out .
And later , always give credit to the people who were there with you at the beginning.
” ESPN sportscaster Hannah Storm remembered George as “ the ultimate trailblazer ” who inspired other women by showing that careers in sportscasting could be within their grasp .
“ A lot of times when you ’ re dreaming of something as a career option , you have to see it in order to believe it , ” she said .
“ And someone has to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neal Pilson , a former president of CBS Sports , called George ’ s hiring as part of “ The NFL Today ” team a “ groundbreaking decision ” that “ changed the face of sports television.
” “ She had an openness and enthusiasm that made her a valuable contributor , ” Pilson said .
“ She didn ’ t claim to know a tremendous amount about sports , but she knew about people , which is why her interviews resonated .
She could do the best interviews with athletes and family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that came through on the set and in the interviews.
” George conducted one-on-one interviews with star athletes such as NFL greats Joe Namath and Roger Staubach .
“ People were uncomfortable with the idea of seeing a woman on TV talking about sports in a prominent role , ” Storm said .
“ But someone has to go first .
I give her so much respect for truly her courage .
She had to put herself out there .
Phyllis George did something out of the norm .
And I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way.
” George wasn ’ t the first but made her entrance around the time that other women were getting their starts reporting on sports , too .
Jane Chastain was hired at CBS in 1974 and became the first female announcer on an NFL telecast that fall .
Lesley Visser became the first female NFL beat writer during a 14-year career at The Boston Globe that started in 1974 .
She later worked on “ The NFL Today ” as well as ABC and ESPN , becoming the first woman assigned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Visser said George “ always made you feel important and warm .
I never heard her talk about anyone in a negative way .
She made everything look so easy .
She had a magnetic personality.
” The industry discovered George after she co-hosted “ Candid Camera ” and the Miss America pageant .
She received a 13-week option from CBS in 1974 without a defined role .
But a popular interview with reluctant Boston Celtics star Dave Cowens soon earned her a three-year deal and paved the way to her breakthrough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL Today.
” George moved on to co-host the “ CBS Morning News ” in 1985 but quit after less than eight months .
Among the people she interviewed was former first lady Nancy Reagan .
She later interviewed President Bill Clinton in 1994 as part of her own prime-time talk show .
As a businesswoman , George founded “ Chicken By George , ” an eight-item line of fresh , marinated chicken breast entrees , and sold it two years later to Geo .
A. Hormel & Co. She created “ Phyllis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cosmetic and skincare product line was sold through a TV home shopping network .
She also wrote several other books and had roles in a pair of Hollywood comedy films .
“ Phyllis is a pioneer .
Her range is what impresses me the most , ” former Kentucky and Louisville coach Rick Pitino , now at Iona , wrote in the foreward to her memoir , “ Never Say Never : Ten lessons to turn you can ’ t into YES I CAN.
” “ She entered a highly competitive pageant and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
“ She became the first national female sports broadcaster .
She flourished in the limelight as First Lady in the state of Kentucky .
She ’ s been successful in business .
And she is a respected humanitarian .
Each step along the way , she embraced the mission at hand .
”

Phyllis George, the former Miss America who became a female sportscasting pioneer on CBS’s “The NFL Today” and served as the first lady of Kentucky, has died. She was 70.
A family spokeswoman said George died Thursday at a Lexington, Kentucky, hospital after a long fight with a blood disorder.
Her children, Lincoln Tyler George Brown and CNN White House correspondent Pamela Ashley Brown, released a joint statement, saying:
“For many, Mom was known by her incredible accomplishments as the pioneering female sportscaster, 50th Miss America and first lady. But this was all before we were born and never how we viewed Mom. To us, she was the most incredible mother we could ever ask for, and it is all of the defining qualities the public never saw, especially against the winds of adversity, that symbolize how extraordinary she is more than anything else. The beauty so many recognized on the outside was a mere fraction of her internal beauty, only to be outdone by an unwavering spirit that allowed her to persevere against all the odds.”
Miss America in 1971, George joined Brent Musburger and Irv Cross in 1975 on “The NFL Today.” Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder later was added to the cast.
“Phyllis George was special. Her smile lit up millions of homes for the NFL Today,” Musburger tweeted. “Phyllis didn’t receive nearly enough credit for opening the sports broadcasting door for the dozens of talented women who took her lead and soared.”
PHOTOS: Celebrity deaths in 2020: The famous faces we've lost
George spent three seasons on the live pregame show, returned in 1980 and left in 1983, winning plaudits for her warmth of her interviews with star athletes. She also covered horse racing, hosted the entertainment show “People” and co-anchored the “CBS Morning News.”
George was briefly married to Hollywood producer Robert Evans in the mid-1970s and to John Y. Brown Jr. from 1979-98. Brown owned Kentucky Fried Chicken and the NBA’s Boston Celtics and served as the governor of Kentucky.
“Phyllis was a great asset to Kentucky,” Brown told the Louisville Courier-Journal. “We had a great partnership. I think we enjoyed every single day.”
From Denton, Texas, George attended the University of North Texas for three years, then went to Texas Christian University after earning a scholarship as Miss Texas in 1970.
In her 2002 memoir, George wrote that a male friend told her sportscasting wouldn’t work because it was a man’s job. George even acknowledged knowing nothing about the industry and having no experience nor another female mentor to follow.
None of it stopped her.
George was a friend of minister Norman Vincent Peale and a devout believer in his best-selling philosophy of positive thinking, George credits that approach for launching a defining career she didn’t expect - one that saw her range into an astonishing variety of ventures and roles, in media, the film industry, food and beauty products, and as the glamorous first lady of the bluegrass state.
“Saying yes to yourself opens up opportunities that can take you anywhere,” George wrote. “Having a mentor in your life who says yes to you is also key. Appreciate your mentors when you’re starting out. And later, always give credit to the people who were there with you at the beginning.”
ESPN sportscaster Hannah Storm remembered George as “the ultimate trailblazer” who inspired other women by showing that careers in sportscasting could be within their grasp.
“A lot of times when you’re dreaming of something as a career option, you have to see it in order to believe it,” she said. “And someone has to be first, and that was Phyllis.”
Neal Pilson, a former president of CBS Sports, called George’s hiring as part of “The NFL Today” team a “groundbreaking decision” that “changed the face of sports television.”
“She had an openness and enthusiasm that made her a valuable contributor,” Pilson said. “She didn’t claim to know a tremendous amount about sports, but she knew about people, which is why her interviews resonated. She could do the best interviews with athletes and family members. She was a warm person and that came through on the set and in the interviews.”
George conducted one-on-one interviews with star athletes such as NFL greats Joe Namath and Roger Staubach.
“People were uncomfortable with the idea of seeing a woman on TV talking about sports in a prominent role,” Storm said. “But someone has to go first. I give her so much respect for truly her courage. She had to put herself out there. Phyllis George did something out of the norm. And I’m forever grateful for her leading the way.”
George wasn’t the first but made her entrance around the time that other women were getting their starts reporting on sports, too.
Jane Chastain was hired at CBS in 1974 and became the first female announcer on an NFL telecast that fall.
Lesley Visser became the first female NFL beat writer during a 14-year career at The Boston Globe that started in 1974. She later worked on “The NFL Today” as well as ABC and ESPN, becoming the first woman assigned to “Monday Night Football” in 1998.
Visser said George “always made you feel important and warm. I never heard her talk about anyone in a negative way. She made everything look so easy. She had a magnetic personality.”
The industry discovered George after she co-hosted “Candid Camera” and the Miss America pageant. She received a 13-week option from CBS in 1974 without a defined role. But a popular interview with reluctant Boston Celtics star Dave Cowens soon earned her a three-year deal and paved the way to her breakthrough role the next year on “The NFL Today.”
George moved on to co-host the “CBS Morning News” in 1985 but quit after less than eight months. Among the people she interviewed was former first lady Nancy Reagan. She later interviewed President Bill Clinton in 1994 as part of her own prime-time talk show.
As a businesswoman, George founded “Chicken By George,” an eight-item line of fresh, marinated chicken breast entrees, and sold it two years later to Geo. A. Hormel & Co. She created “Phyllis George Beauty” in 2003. The cosmetic and skincare product line was sold through a TV home shopping network.
She also wrote several other books and had roles in a pair of Hollywood comedy films.
“Phyllis is a pioneer. Her range is what impresses me the most,” former Kentucky and Louisville coach Rick Pitino, now at Iona, wrote in the foreward to her memoir, “Never Say Never: Ten lessons to turn you can’t into YES I CAN.”
“She entered a highly competitive pageant and emerged as Miss America,” Pitino wrote. “She became the first national female sports broadcaster. She flourished in the limelight as First Lady in the state of Kentucky. She’s been successful in business. And she is a respected humanitarian. Each step along the way, she embraced the mission at hand.”
___
Schreiner reported from Louisville, Kentucky, and Raby from Charleston, West Virginia. AP Sports Writers John Nicholson, Joe Reedy and Gary Graves also contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Defying order, Baltimore pastor to hold services for 250

BALTIMORE ( AP ) - A prominent Baltimore pastor plans to hold two services for 250 people each Sunday , defying an executive order from the city ’ s mayor that extended stay-at-home directives .
The Rev .
Alvin Gwynn Sr. , pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in northeast Baltimore , told The Baltimore Sun he will not comply with the city ’ s order that limits gatherings to no more than 10 people .
He said his congregation will follow social-distancing guidelines and the 500-seat church will be at 50 % capacity .
“ I don ’ t know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , ” Gwynn said .
“ He wants to have a knock-down about First Amendment rights ?
He ’ s the mayor , not the pastor of churches in the city.
” On Friday , Maryland businesses began a gradual reopening of retail and personal services as a stay-at-home order issued by Gov .
Larry Hogan about six weeks ago in response to the coronavirus ended , though the governor left flexibility for counties to decide how much they want to reopen .
Baltimore is among the jurisdictions in the state that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor ’ s stage-one reopening , churches and houses of worship can begin holding religious services at up to 50 % capacity with outdoor services strongly encouraged .
Gwynn said his church has about 800 members .
Neither the mayor ’ s office nor the police department responded to the newspaper ’ s requests for comment on Gwynn ’ s plans .
Gwynn ’ s decision contrasts with that of most houses of worship in the area , which have decided to remain closed , including megachurches Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both are offering live-streamed services .
In accordance with Mayor Bernard C. “ Jack ” Young ’ s directive , the Archdiocese of Baltimore won ’ t allow more than 10 people in parishes .
But Sunday mass services will not resume before the end of the month .

BALTIMORE (AP) - A prominent Baltimore pastor plans to hold two services for 250 people each Sunday, defying an executive order from the city’s mayor that extended stay-at-home directives.
The Rev. Alvin Gwynn Sr., pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in northeast Baltimore, told The Baltimore Sun he will not comply with the city’s order that limits gatherings to no more than 10 people. He said his congregation will follow social-distancing guidelines and the 500-seat church will be at 50% capacity.
“I don’t know what the mayor’s trying to do,” Gwynn said. “He wants to have a knock-down about First Amendment rights? He’s the mayor, not the pastor of churches in the city.”
On Friday, Maryland businesses began a gradual reopening of retail and personal services as a stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Larry Hogan about six weeks ago in response to the coronavirus ended, though the governor left flexibility for counties to decide how much they want to reopen. Baltimore is among the jurisdictions in the state that are not easing restrictions.
Under the governor’s stage-one reopening, churches and houses of worship can begin holding religious services at up to 50% capacity with outdoor services strongly encouraged.
Gwynn said his church has about 800 members.
Neither the mayor’s office nor the police department responded to the newspaper’s requests for comment on Gwynn’s plans.
Gwynn’s decision contrasts with that of most houses of worship in the area, which have decided to remain closed, including megachurches Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore and Grace Christian Fellowship in Timonium. Both are offering live-streamed services.
In accordance with Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s directive, the Archdiocese of Baltimore won’t allow more than 10 people in parishes. But Sunday mass services will not resume before the end of the month.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--First pygmy hippo born at San Diego Zoo in about 30 years

SAN DIEGO ( AP ) - The San Diego Zoo has announced the first successful birth of an endangered pygmy @ @ @ @ @ more than three decades .
Mabel , a 4-year-old pygmy hippo at the zoo , @ @ @ @ @ male calf on April 9 .
The zoo announced the birth on Friday in recognition @ @ @ @ @ because the calf has been deemed healthy by animal experts at the zoo .
The @ @ @ @ @ been named , is meeting and surpassing milestones , including the ability to go underwater @ @ @ @ @ There are fewer than 2,500 pygmy hippos living in rivers and streams in the forest @ @ @ @ @ zoo said , and their species are threatened by logging , farming and human settlement @ @ @ @

SAN DIEGO (AP) - The San Diego Zoo has announced the first successful birth of an endangered pygmy hippopotamus at the zoo in more than three decades.
Mabel, a 4-year-old pygmy hippo at the zoo, gave birth to a 12-pound male calf on April 9. The zoo announced the birth on Friday in recognition of Endangered Species Day and because the calf has been deemed healthy by animal experts at the zoo.
The calf, which has not been named, is meeting and surpassing milestones, including the ability to go underwater, the zoo said.
There are fewer than 2,500 pygmy hippos living in rivers and streams in the forest of West Africa, the zoo said, and their species are threatened by logging, farming and human settlement in their habitat.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Man, 6-year-old boy hurt in Omaha apartment complex shooting

OMAHA , Neb .
( AP ) - Authorities are investigating a shooting that left a 6-year-old boy and a @ @ @ @ @ ’ t believed to be life threatening .
The Omaha World-Herald reports that that the @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
Police say the 27-year-old man and the boy were taken to the Nebraska @ @ @ @ @ information was released .

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Authorities are investigating a shooting that left a 6-year-old boy and a man with injuries that aren’t believed to be life threatening.
The Omaha World-Herald reports that that the shooting happened around 5 a.m. Saturday.
Police say the 27-year-old man and the boy were taken to the Nebraska Medical Center. No suspect information was released.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Arson charge filed in tipi burning at Kansas Indian school

LAWRENCE , Kan. ( AP ) - A Kansas man was charged Friday in connection with a fire that damaged @ @ @ @ @ Indian Nations University .
Ryan Adam Sekayouma Simpson , 32 , of Lawrence , was @ @ @ @ @ felony , and two counts of misdemeanor criminal trespassing , the Lawrence Journal-World reported .
@ @ @ @ @ built to honor the 2020 graduating class at Haskell , was destroyed by fire early @ @ @ @ @ school ’ s campus in Lawrence .
The Lawrence-Douglas County fire department said Monday the @ @ @ @ @ Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives were helping with the investigation .
Simpson was @ @ @ @ @ to replace the tipi , worth an estimated $ 2,500 to $ 3,000 , raised @ @ @ @ @

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - A Kansas man was charged Friday in connection with a fire that damaged a ceremonial tipi at Haskell Indian Nations University.
Ryan Adam Sekayouma Simpson, 32, of Lawrence, was charged with arson, a felony, and two counts of misdemeanor criminal trespassing, the Lawrence Journal-World reported.
The tipi, which was built to honor the 2020 graduating class at Haskell, was destroyed by fire early on May 9 at the school’s campus in Lawrence.
The Lawrence-Douglas County fire department said Monday the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were helping with the investigation. Simpson was arrested Thursday.
A fundraiser to replace the tipi, worth an estimated $2,500 to $3,000, raised more than $15,000.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Seaplane flips in Alabama lake; passengers unharmed

GUNTERSVILLE , Ala. ( AP ) - A seaplane crashed and flipped upside down in a northeast Alabama lake but no one was seriously hurt , authorities said Saturday .
The crash happened Friday night in Lake Guntersville , about 30 miles ( 48 kilometers ) southeast of Huntsville .
“ The pilot tried to land there … and as he ’ s coming in for a landing , something happened and the plane flipped in , end over end , as he touched down in the water , ” said Jeff Reaves , senior trooper with the Marine Patrol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said the seaplane ’ s two occupants were able to swim out from under the overturned aircraft , AL.com reported .
The two were then helped out of the water by the Guntersville Rescue Squad , Reaves said .
“ The pilot was more upset than anything at what had happened and concerned with his passenger , ” said Reaves , who spoke to the man after the rescue .
Firefighter Justin Harper of the Guntersville Fire Department said the pilot and passenger had minor scrapes and bruises and did not seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not unusual for planes to land on the lake .
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating .
There was no immediate word on what caused the accident .

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (AP) - A seaplane crashed and flipped upside down in a northeast Alabama lake but no one was seriously hurt, authorities said Saturday.
The crash happened Friday night in Lake Guntersville, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Huntsville.
“The pilot tried to land there … and as he’s coming in for a landing, something happened and the plane flipped in, end over end, as he touched down in the water,” said Jeff Reaves, senior trooper with the Marine Patrol Division of the Alabama State Troopers.
He said the seaplane’s two occupants were able to swim out from under the overturned aircraft, AL.com reported. The two were then helped out of the water by the Guntersville Rescue Squad, Reaves said.
“The pilot was more upset than anything at what had happened and concerned with his passenger,” said Reaves, who spoke to the man after the rescue.
Firefighter Justin Harper of the Guntersville Fire Department said the pilot and passenger had minor scrapes and bruises and did not seek medical aid.
Reaves said it is not unusual for planes to land on the lake.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating. There was no immediate word on what caused the accident.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Authorities investigate deadly shooting in Omaha

The Omaha World-Herald reports that police said in a news release that officers found the man ’ s body around @ @ @ @ @ to reports of a shooting .
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing .
No @ @ @ @ @ , including the man ’ s name .

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in Omaha.
The Omaha World-Herald reports that police said in a news release that officers found the man’s body around 11:15 a.m. Saturday while responding to reports of a shooting.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. No other details were immediately released, including the man’s name.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Atlanta zoo partially reopens with new precautions

ATLANTA ( AP ) - Add Atlanta ’ s zoo to the list of things that have reopened in Georgia .
Indoor habitats , rides , playgrounds and other attractions remain closed at Zoo Atlanta because of COVID-19 , but outdoor exhibits along a one-way flow for visitors opened Saturday for the first time in months , The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported .
The zoo is limiting the number of visitors by requiring them to make reservations with specific times to enter the park .
Sylidia Italiano of Kennesaw researched the zoo ’ s new procedures before becoming one of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We got the first ones , ” she said as she awaited the zoo ’ s 10 a.m. opening .
“ It ’ s a nice situation .
I do like that they have the indoors facilities closed.
” Zoo employees had to answer a health survey and have their temperatures taken before returning to work .
Disinfectant is used on the grounds every 60 to 90 minutes and every hour in the restroom , said Hayley Murphy , Zoo Atlanta ’ s deputy director .
Workers must wear masks , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for visitors , Murphy said .
At places where people might stop and watch , like the elephant and gorilla exhibits , the zoo has squares set 8 feet ( 2.4 meters ) apart .
If too many people get together , employees will encourage them to move along , Murphy said .
“ We have been super conservative because we want to make sure the experience is safe not only for our team members and guests but for the animals , ” she said .
Nearly 1,600 deaths and more than 37,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health officials said .
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

ATLANTA (AP) - Add Atlanta’s zoo to the list of things that have reopened in Georgia.
Indoor habitats, rides, playgrounds and other attractions remain closed at Zoo Atlanta because of COVID-19, but outdoor exhibits along a one-way flow for visitors opened Saturday for the first time in months, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The zoo is limiting the number of visitors by requiring them to make reservations with specific times to enter the park.
Sylidia Italiano of Kennesaw researched the zoo’s new procedures before becoming one of its first visitors after the coronavirus pandemic.
“We got the first ones,” she said as she awaited the zoo’s 10 a.m. opening. “It’s a nice situation. I do like that they have the indoors facilities closed.”
Zoo employees had to answer a health survey and have their temperatures taken before returning to work. Disinfectant is used on the grounds every 60 to 90 minutes and every hour in the restroom, said Hayley Murphy, Zoo Atlanta’s deputy director.
Workers must wear masks, but the zoo isn’t requiring them for visitors, Murphy said.
At places where people might stop and watch, like the elephant and gorilla exhibits, the zoo has squares set 8 feet (2.4 meters) apart. If too many people get together, employees will encourage them to move along, Murphy said.
“We have been super conservative because we want to make sure the experience is safe not only for our team members and guests but for the animals,” she said.
Nearly 1,600 deaths and more than 37,000 coronavirus cases have been reported in Georgia, health officials said.
___
Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Authorities investigate Waterloo shooting death

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that police were called to UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital about 8:30 p.m. Friday on a report @ @ @ @ @ Police said the man was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle .
He @ @ @ @ @ arriving .
Au autopsy has been scheduled at the State Medical Examiner ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ immediately released , including the man ’ s name .

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) - Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in Waterloo.
The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that police were called to UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital about 8:30 p.m. Friday on a report of a shooting victim.
Police said the man was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle. He died a shot time after arriving.
Au autopsy has been scheduled at the State Medical Examiner’s Office. No other details were immediately released, including the man’s name.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Loosened restrictions, mask edict take effect in New Mexico

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - The loosening of some restrictions imposed on nonessential businesses by New Mexico ’ s governor two months ago to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak took effect Saturday , along with a new edict that people wear masks in public under most circumstances .
Also Saturday , state officials reported six additional deaths from the outbreak and 185 more COVID-19 cases .
Figures released by state officials put the death toll at 259 as of Saturday , with the total number of cases statewide at 5,847 .
Though only three of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t reported any COVID-19 cases , the outbreak is most prevalent in Bernalillo County , neighboring Sandoval County and northwestern New Mexico ’ s McKinley and San Juan counties .
Northwestern New Mexico include parts of the Navajo Nation , which has become a hot spot in portions of New Mexico and Arizona .
The loosening of restrictions that took effect Saturday applied to most of the state but not in the northwest region , where McKinley and San Juan counties are located along with Cibola County .
The additional deaths reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one each from San Juan and Sandoval counties .
Under the loosening , retailers and many services along with houses of worship could reopen at limited capacity .
Also , in a new move to combat the spread , Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered that face masks be worn in public , but with exceptions that included eating , drinking and exercising .
Wearing masks is needed to help produce “ a safe environment , ” but police will not ticket people not wearing some sort of face covering , the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to go out and try to make examples of individuals and cite them .
I don ’ t think that that wins the day .
I think positive re-enforcement wins the day and we don ’ t have the resources to do it anyway , ” Lujan Grisham said .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia , and @ @

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The loosening of some restrictions imposed on nonessential businesses by New Mexico’s governor two months ago to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak took effect Saturday, along with a new edict that people wear masks in public under most circumstances.
Also Saturday, state officials reported six additional deaths from the outbreak and 185 more COVID-19 cases.
Figures released by state officials put the death toll at 259 as of Saturday, with the total number of cases statewide at 5,847.
Though only three of the state’s 33 counties haven’t reported any COVID-19 cases, the outbreak is most prevalent in Bernalillo County, neighboring Sandoval County and northwestern New Mexico’s McKinley and San Juan counties. Northwestern New Mexico include parts of the Navajo Nation, which has become a hot spot in portions of New Mexico and Arizona.
The loosening of restrictions that took effect Saturday applied to most of the state but not in the northwest region, where McKinley and San Juan counties are located along with Cibola County.
The additional deaths reported Saturday included four from McKinley County and one each from San Juan and Sandoval counties.
Under the loosening, retailers and many services along with houses of worship could reopen at limited capacity.
Also, in a new move to combat the spread, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered that face masks be worn in public, but with exceptions that included eating, drinking and exercising.
Wearing masks is needed to help produce “a safe environment,” but police will not ticket people not wearing some sort of face covering, the governor said Friday.
“I am not going to go out and try to make examples of individuals and cite them. I don’t think that that wins the day. I think positive re-enforcement wins the day and we don’t have the resources to do it anyway,” Lujan Grisham said.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
_


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Police investigate attack of black man in Des Moines

DES MOINES , Iowa ( AP ) - Authorities say three white man attacked a black man in Des Moines and that one of the assailants made racist comments .
The Des Moines register reports that police said in a news release that the attack happened around 3:25 a.m. Saturday as the man was headed to his girlfriend ’ s house .
The victim , who has not been identified , was transported to a hospital with what police described as significant , non-life-threatening injuries to the left side of his face , eye and hands .
Court documents said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The victim indicated that he thought it was a case of mistaken identity , ” police Sgt .
Paul Parizek said .
“ Bottom line for us is that he was hurt bad , and we want to find the people responsible .
We need to find them before we can determine a motive.
” Tyia Campbell , 40 , was in an apartment nearby celebrating a friend ’ s birthday when she heard the victim screaming for help outside .
Campbell and her friends went to see what was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He was bloody , he said he couldn ’ t breathe and thought he was dying , ” Campbell said .
The suspects have not been located as of Saturday afternoon .

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Authorities say three white man attacked a black man in Des Moines and that one of the assailants made racist comments.
The Des Moines register reports that police said in a news release that the attack happened around 3:25 a.m. Saturday as the man was headed to his girlfriend’s house.
The victim, who has not been identified, was transported to a hospital with what police described as significant, non-life-threatening injuries to the left side of his face, eye and hands. Court documents said the man did not know his attackers.
“The victim indicated that he thought it was a case of mistaken identity,” police Sgt. Paul Parizek said. “Bottom line for us is that he was hurt bad, and we want to find the people responsible. We need to find them before we can determine a motive.”
Tyia Campbell, 40, was in an apartment nearby celebrating a friend’s birthday when she heard the victim screaming for help outside. Campbell and her friends went to see what was going on and discovered the victim badly beaten.
“He was bloody, he said he couldn’t breathe and thought he was dying,” Campbell said.
The suspects have not been located as of Saturday afternoon.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Alabama coronavirus cases rise by nearly 300

MONTGOMERY , Ala. ( AP ) - Alabama ’ s death toll from the coronavirus neared 500 on Saturday .
The Alabama Department of Public Health reported there have been more than 11,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state and at least 485 deaths .
That ’ s 12 more deaths than were reported Friday .
Three counties - Mobile , Jefferson and Montgomery - accounted for 41 % of all case growth in the last day .
Mobile added 45 cases , Jefferson added 37 and Montgomery added 35 .
Meanwhile , the annual Memorial Day celebration at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled .
“ In light of the current COVID-19 outbreak with gatherings and social distancing guidelines and in consideration for health and safety of our veterans , our military families and loved ones , PARA and association members believe it is the right thing to do , ” said Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority spokeswoman Becky Booker .
No ceremony will be held under the new 70-foot flagpole at the park beside University Mall , she said .
But smaller flags still will be placed by May 25 in honor of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .
PARA and the Veterans Memorial Park Association said there are plans to hold a joint Memorial Day/Veteran ’ s Day celebration in November , but details have not yet been announced .
And in Auburn , city officials are working on a phased plan to reopen all city facilities by June 1 .
Details on the reopening will be announced in the coming days , city spokesman David Dorton said .
The Auburn City Council declared a state of emergency March 17 in response to increasing concerns about the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All city meetings have been conducted remotely and Tuesday ’ s City Council meeting likely will be held in the same manner , officials said .
The city is hoping the council can meet in person June 2 .
The move comes a few days after Opelika city officials announced they will open all city buildings Monday , under new guidelines to limit exposure to the coronavirus .

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama’s death toll from the coronavirus neared 500 on Saturday.
The Alabama Department of Public Health reported there have been more than 11,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state and at least 485 deaths. That’s 12 more deaths than were reported Friday.
Three counties - Mobile, Jefferson and Montgomery - accounted for 41% of all case growth in the last day. Mobile added 45 cases, Jefferson added 37 and Montgomery added 35.
Meanwhile, the annual Memorial Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park in Tuscaloosa has been canceled.
“In light of the current COVID-19 outbreak with gatherings and social distancing guidelines and in consideration for health and safety of our veterans, our military families and loved ones, PARA and association members believe it is the right thing to do,” said Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority spokeswoman Becky Booker.
No ceremony will be held under the new 70-foot flagpole at the park beside University Mall, she said. But smaller flags still will be placed by May 25 in honor of those who died in military service for the United States.
PARA and the Veterans Memorial Park Association said there are plans to hold a joint Memorial Day/Veteran’s Day celebration in November, but details have not yet been announced.
And in Auburn, city officials are working on a phased plan to reopen all city facilities by June 1. Details on the reopening will be announced in the coming days, city spokesman David Dorton said.
The Auburn City Council declared a state of emergency March 17 in response to increasing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, The Opelika-Auburn News reported.
All city meetings have been conducted remotely and Tuesday’s City Council meeting likely will be held in the same manner, officials said.
The city is hoping the council can meet in person June 2.
The move comes a few days after Opelika city officials announced they will open all city buildings Monday, under new guidelines to limit exposure to the coronavirus.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Lawrence newspaper to end Monday print edition

LAWRENCE , Kan. ( AP ) - The Lawrence Journal-World will stop publishing a printed newspaper beginning May 25 , @ @ @ @ @ and Publisher Chad Lawhorn said the changes were aimed at making the company as efficient @ @ @ @ @ and advertiser needs .
Lawhorn said reader interest in digital-only subscriptions has grown .
The @ @ @ @ @ print editions the other six days of the week .
The last Monday print edition @ @ @ @ @ .
Lawhorn said the Journal-World will continue to cover news seven days a week and @ @ @ @ @ appear on the organization ’ s LJWorld.com website .
Many newspapers across the country have @ @ @ @ @ they print editions as readers migrate to their websites and as they struggle with declining @ @ @

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - The Lawrence Journal-World will stop publishing a printed newspaper beginning May 25, the newspaper reported.
Editor and Publisher Chad Lawhorn said the changes were aimed at making the company as efficient as possible in meeting reader and advertiser needs. Lawhorn said reader interest in digital-only subscriptions has grown.
The newspaper will continue to publish print editions the other six days of the week. The last Monday print edition will be published May 18.
Lawhorn said the Journal-World will continue to cover news seven days a week and news that occurs Sunday will appear on the organization’s LJWorld.com website.
Many newspapers across the country have reduced the number of days they print editions as readers migrate to their websites and as they struggle with declining advertising revenue.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--‘Little Fires Everywhere’ director Lynn Shelton dies at 54

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Lynn Shelton , an independent filmmaker who directed “ Humpday ” and “ Little Fires Everywhere , ” has died .
She was 54 .
Shelton ’ s publicist , Adam Kersh , said in a statement Saturday that she died Friday in Los Angeles from an unidentified blood disorder .
Shelton had become the leading voice of the new American independent cinema movement .
She caused waves with her low-budget films , then made splashes through her work on television including “ Mad Men , ” “ Fresh Off the Boat , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GLOW.
” She directed four episodes of the Hulu miniseries “ Little Fires Everywhere , ” starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington .
“ We made so many things together , ” said Mark Duplass on Twitter .
He was a frequent collaborator with Shelton starring in her 2009 film “ Humpday , ” which was a depiction of male sexuality through a female lens .
The actor said he lost a “ dear friend ” and admired her creativity .
“ I wish we had made more , ” Duplass said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirit were unrivaled .
She made me better .
We butted heads , made up , laughed , pushed each other .
Like family .
What a deep loss.
” Shelton began her filmmaking career in her mid-30s after initially being an aspiring actor and photographer .
She went on to write and direct eight feature films in the span of 14 years .
The statement said she had an “ infectious laugh , was full of life and had an esprit de corps that touched many.
” Ava DuVernay said Shelton changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012 .
“ She announced my name with pride , ” said DuVernay , who posted a photo on Twitter that included both filmmakers .
“ Handed it to me with love .
Rooted for me long after .
I can ’ t believe I ’ m typing this .
Rest In Peace , Beauty .
Thank you for your films .
And for your kindness .
”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Lynn Shelton, an independent filmmaker who directed “Humpday” and “Little Fires Everywhere,” has died. She was 54.
Shelton’s publicist, Adam Kersh, said in a statement Saturday that she died Friday in Los Angeles from an unidentified blood disorder.
Shelton had become the leading voice of the new American independent cinema movement. She caused waves with her low-budget films, then made splashes through her work on television including “Mad Men,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” “The Mindy Project” and “GLOW.”
She directed four episodes of the Hulu miniseries “Little Fires Everywhere,” starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.
“We made so many things together,” said Mark Duplass on Twitter. He was a frequent collaborator with Shelton, starring in her 2009 film “Humpday,” which was a depiction of male sexuality through a female lens. The actor said he lost a “dear friend” and admired her creativity.
“I wish we had made more,” Duplass said. “Her boundless creative energy and infectious spirit were unrivaled. She made me better. We butted heads, made up, laughed, pushed each other. Like family. What a deep loss.”
Shelton began her filmmaking career in her mid-30s after initially being an aspiring actor and photographer. She went on to write and direct eight feature films in the span of 14 years.
The statement said she had an “infectious laugh, was full of life and had an esprit de corps that touched many.”
Ava DuVernay said Shelton changed her life after handing her an award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012.
“She announced my name with pride,” said DuVernay, who posted a photo on Twitter that included both filmmakers. “Handed it to me with love. Rooted for me long after. I can’t believe I’m typing this. Rest In Peace, Beauty. Thank you for your films. And for your kindness.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Some seniors visit U. Virginia despite no in-person ceremony

CHARLOTTESVILLE , Va. ( AP ) - The coronavirus pandemic may have delayed the in-person graduating ceremonies at the University @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t stop some seniors from getting pictures taken on campus Saturday , when @ @ @ @ @ to begin .
Among those who visited the campus were Madeleine Wallach and two of @ @ @ @ @ wore their caps and gowns when they stopped by the school ’ s famous Lawn @ @ @ @ @ , said they wanted to get their photos taken quickly because campus police were discouraging @ @ @ @ @ that area .
Instead of in-person ceremonies , the university in Charlottesville hosted a virtual @ @ @ @ @ by school President Jim Ryan and appearances by singer Dave Matthews and cellist Yo-Yo Ma @ @ @ @ @ received degrees this year .
The university expects to host in-person events on the Lawn @ @ @ @ @ spring , depending on pandemic ’ s progression .

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - The coronavirus pandemic may have delayed the in-person graduating ceremonies at the University of Virginia, but that didn’t stop some seniors from getting pictures taken on campus Saturday, when the events were originally scheduled to begin.
Among those who visited the campus were Madeleine Wallach and two of her fellow classmates, who wore their caps and gowns when they stopped by the school’s famous Lawn. Wallach, of Middleburgh, said they wanted to get their photos taken quickly because campus police were discouraging people from hanging out in that area.
Instead of in-person ceremonies, the university in Charlottesville hosted a virtual ceremony Saturday that included remarks by school President Jim Ryan and appearances by singer Dave Matthews and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. More than 7,000 students received degrees this year.
The university expects to host in-person events on the Lawn either this fall or next spring, depending on pandemic’s progression.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Preakness Stakes rescheduled for Oct. 3

Preakness Stakes rescheduled for Oct. 3

The Preakness Stakes has been rescheduled for Oct. 3 , four weeks after the postponed Kentucky Derby .
The new @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Larry Hogan announced it in a taped TV segment Saturday — at the @ @ @ @ @ was supposed to run , before the coronavirus pandemic caused its postponement .
The Associated @ @ @ @ @ in July and August were also considered along with Oct. 3 .
The Kentucky Derby @ @ @ @ @ , while the Belmont Stakes , traditionally the final jewel of the Triple Crown , @ @ @ @ @ date yet .
InfieldFest , the music festival at Pimlico Race Course that accompanies the @ @ @ @ @ and will not be held in October .

The Preakness Stakes has been rescheduled for Oct. 3, four weeks after the postponed Kentucky Derby.
The new date leaked shortly before Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced it in a taped TV segment Saturday — at the time when the Preakness originally was supposed to run, before the coronavirus pandemic caused its postponement.
The Associated Press previously reported that dates in July and August were also considered along with Oct. 3.
The Kentucky Derby will be run Sept. 5, while the Belmont Stakes, traditionally the final jewel of the Triple Crown, has not announced a new date yet.
InfieldFest, the music festival at Pimlico Race Course that accompanies the Preakness, was canceled outright and will not be held in October.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Coronavirus infects workers at FedEx facility in Kansas

MISSION , Kan. ( AP ) - FedEx has confirmed that workers from its facility in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe have tested positive for COVID-19 .
A spokesperson from FedEx Ground said in a statement Friday that it was working cooperatively with county health officials and offering voluntary COVID-19 testing to employees and vendors at the facility .
The positive tests are considered to be the first cluster of coronavirus cases tied to a workplace in Johnson County , which announced nine cases in the cluster Thursday without identifying the name of the affected business , The Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been providing hand soap , disinfecting wipes , masks , latex gloves and hand sanitizer to employees .
It said it has also implemented temperature checks , symptom screenings and changes to its process to allow for social distancing .
At least 10 people from multiple counties and two states who participated in events at Lake Perry in May have confirmed cases of the coronavirus , the Shawnee County Health Department said in a news release Saturday .
The department is investigating the gatherings , which appear to have violated the statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The department has linked some of the people who became infected at the lake , about 60 miles ( 96 km ) west of Kansas City , with a recruit officer at the Topeka Police Department Recruit Academy who tested positive but who didn ’ t ago to the lake .
The recruit ’ s infection forced the academy to shut down temporarily and all the recruits are on quarantine , the department said .
Statewide , Kansas has recorded 193 deaths and 7,900 cases , according to Johns Hopkins University , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low with initial limits in testing .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough , that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , or death .

MISSION, Kan. (AP) - FedEx has confirmed that workers from its facility in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe have tested positive for COVID-19.
A spokesperson from FedEx Ground said in a statement Friday that it was working cooperatively with county health officials and offering voluntary COVID-19 testing to employees and vendors at the facility.
The positive tests are considered to be the first cluster of coronavirus cases tied to a workplace in Johnson County, which announced nine cases in the cluster Thursday without identifying the name of the affected business, The Kansas City Star reports.
FedEx said it has been providing hand soap, disinfecting wipes, masks, latex gloves and hand sanitizer to employees. It said it has also implemented temperature checks, symptom screenings and changes to its process to allow for social distancing.
At least 10 people from multiple counties and two states who participated in events at Lake Perry in May have confirmed cases of the coronavirus, the Shawnee County Health Department said in a news release Saturday. The department is investigating the gatherings, which appear to have violated the statewide stay-at-home order in effect at the time.
The department has linked some of the people who became infected at the lake, about 60 miles (96 km) west of Kansas City, with a recruit officer at the Topeka Police Department Recruit Academy who tested positive but who didn’t ago to the lake. The recruit’s infection forced the academy to shut down temporarily and all the recruits are on quarantine, the department said.
Statewide, Kansas has recorded 193 deaths and 7,900 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University, although the numbers are believed to be low with initial limits in testing.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, or death.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Man dies after being overcome by fumes in silo, son rescued

TURBOTVILLE , Pa. ( AP ) - Authorities say a man died after he was overcome by fumes in a @ @ @ @ @ farm .
The Montour County coroner ’ s office says 45-year-old Abraham Stoltzfus and his @ @ @ @ @ grass silo Friday morning on the farm between Washingtonville and Jerseytown .
Coroner Scott Lynn @ @ @ @ @ 18-year-old brother heard his younger brother calling for help because he was unable to breathe @ @ @ @ @ silo .
The older brother climbed into the chute on the outside of the silo @ @ @ @ @ inside , then ran to a neighbor ’ s house to get help .
He @ @ @ @ @ Stoltzfus from the chute , but he had no pulse and wasn ’ t breathing @ @ @ @ @ then able to reach his younger brother and pull him to safety .
He was @ @ @ @ @ Medical Center .
Deputy Coroner Eamon Shoff declared Abraham Stoltzfus dead at the scene due @ @ @

TURBOTVILLE, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say a man died after he was overcome by fumes in a silo on a central Pennsylvania farm.
The Montour County coroner’s office says 45-year-old Abraham Stoltzfus and his 16-year-old son entered the 60-foot grass silo Friday morning on the farm between Washingtonville and Jerseytown.
Coroner Scott Lynn said the youth’s 18-year-old brother heard his younger brother calling for help because he was unable to breathe due to gas in the silo.
The older brother climbed into the chute on the outside of the silo and found his father slumped inside, then ran to a neighbor’s house to get help. He and the neighbor pulled Abraham Stoltzfus from the chute, but he had no pulse and wasn’t breathing.
The older brother was then able to reach his younger brother and pull him to safety. He was treated and released at Geisinger Medical Center. Deputy Coroner Eamon Shoff declared Abraham Stoltzfus dead at the scene due to asphyxiation.


washingtontimes--2020-05-17--5 Rhode Island farms share $100,000 in clean energy grants

PROVIDENCE , R.I. ( AP ) - Several Rhode Island farms have received grants to help make their operations more @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 in “ green ” grants from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management in @ @ @ @ @ Office of Energy Resources and the Rhode Island Resource Conservation & Development Area Council will @ @ @ @ @ projects at five farms .
“ Farm Energy Grants are helping Rhode Island farming families @ @ @ @ @ energy , and make Rhode Island cleaner and greener , ” Department of Environmental Management @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
The grants also save money on operating costs , Acting Energy Commissioner @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s grant recipients are The Farm , in Chepachet ; Emma Acres in @ @ @ @ @ in North Providence ; Gnarly Roots Farm in Tiverton ; and Masson Farm in Wakefield @

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Several Rhode Island farms have received grants to help make their operations more environmentally friendly.
The $100,000 in “green” grants from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management in partnership with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and the Rhode Island Resource Conservation & Development Area Council will support solar and energy efficiency projects at five farms.
“Farm Energy Grants are helping Rhode Island farming families grow their businesses, conserve energy, and make Rhode Island cleaner and greener,” Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit said in a statement.
The grants also save money on operating costs, Acting Energy Commissioner Nicholas Ucci said.
This year’s grant recipients are The Farm, in Chepachet; Emma Acres in Exeter; Sprout Organic Farm in North Providence; Gnarly Roots Farm in Tiverton; and Masson Farm in Wakefield.


washingtontimes--2020-05-17--Vermont state airport in Highgate to get $2m in improvements

HIGHGATE , Vt. ( AP ) - The Vermont state airport in Highgate is going to be getting more than @ @ @ @ @ courtesy of a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration .
The St. Albans Messenger reports @ @ @ @ @ would receive more than $ 2.2 million in federal funds to support rebuilding and expanding @ @ @ @ @ aging runway .
The 3,000-foot runway will be restored and widened from its current 60-feet @ @ @ @ @ some time the Vermont Agency of Transportation has considered expanding the Highgate airport to sustain @ @ @ @ @ to extend the lengthen the runway to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft .
The airport is @ @ @ @ @ plans being considered by the town of Highgate with the expectation that an extended runway @ @ @ @ @ support industrial developments on abutting properties .

HIGHGATE, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont state airport in Highgate is going to be getting more than $2 million in upgrades courtesy of a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The St. Albans Messenger reports the Franklin County State Airport would receive more than $2.2 million in federal funds to support rebuilding and expanding the Highgate airport’s aging runway. The 3,000-foot runway will be restored and widened from its current 60-feet to 75 feet.
For some time the Vermont Agency of Transportation has considered expanding the Highgate airport to sustain additional traffic, with plans to extend the lengthen the runway to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft.
The airport is also part of major development plans being considered by the town of Highgate with the expectation that an extended runway could manage commercial traffic and support industrial developments on abutting properties.


washingtontimes--2020-05-17--Red Cross official named head of Families in Transition

CONCORD , N.H. ( AP ) - A top official for the American Red Cross for Northern New England has @ @ @ @ @ in Transition-New Horizons in New Hampshire .
Maria Devlin takes over at the organization on @ @ @ @ @ Transition-New Horizons is one of the largest organizations in the state providing shelter , affordable @ @ @ @ @ services for the homeless .
At the Red Cross , Devlin is responsible for directing @ @ @ @ @ with federal , state , municipal , corporate and community partners .

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - A top official for the American Red Cross for Northern New England has been named president of Families in Transition-New Horizons in New Hampshire.
Maria Devlin takes over at the organization on June 15.
Families in Transition-New Horizons is one of the largest organizations in the state providing shelter, affordable housing, food and supportive services for the homeless.
At the Red Cross, Devlin is responsible for directing all humanitarian Red Cross activities with federal, state, municipal, corporate and community partners.


washingtontimes--2020-05-17--New movie features snowy western Maine as backdrop

RUMFORD , Maine ( AP ) - A movie that was released on Friday features the winter landscape of western @ @ @ @ @ an outdoorsman ’ s story of survival .
“ Blood and Money ” was written @ @ @ @ @ John Barr , and features many of the places he visited as a kid .
@ @ @ @ @ Bethel , Rumford and Newry in March 2019 , tells the fictional story of a @ @ @ @ @ body and a stash of money while hunting in the wilderness of far northern Maine @ @ @ @ @ character played by actor Tom Berenger was based loosely on his father , and the @ @ @ @ @ in the movie actually belongs to his dad .
Berenger was nominated for an Oscar @ @ @ @ @ Platoon ” and also starred in “ The Big Chill , ” “ Major League @ @ @ @ @ previously has worked as a cinematographer and camera operator on films such as “ Frost/Nixon @ @ @ @ @ and “ Greenberg .
”

RUMFORD, Maine (AP) - A movie that was released on Friday features the winter landscape of western Maine as a backdrop for an outdoorsman’s story of survival.
“Blood and Money” was written and directed by Cumberland native John Barr, and features many of the places he visited as a kid.
The movie, filmed around Bethel, Rumford and Newry in March 2019, tells the fictional story of a military veteran who finds a body and a stash of money while hunting in the wilderness of far northern Maine.
Barr said the main character played by actor Tom Berenger was based loosely on his father, and the lead character’s RV in the movie actually belongs to his dad.
Berenger was nominated for an Oscar for his role in “Platoon” and also starred in “The Big Chill,” “Major League and “Inception.”
Barr previously has worked as a cinematographer and camera operator on films such as “Frost/Nixon,” “Capote” and “Greenberg.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-17--Lawmakers weigh bill to allow supervised injection sites

Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing legislation that would legalize supervised injection sites for drug users .
The Committee on Mental Health , Substance Abuse and Recovery on Friday favorably reported out a re-drafted version of legislation that would legalize the sites .
The legislation would authorize the Department of Public Health to establish at least two sites as part of a 10-year pilot program .
The bill requires DPH to create a licensing process for specific sites .
Local boards of health would have to agree to participate in the pilot program before a site could be considered in their communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide a hygienic space , clinical monitoring of participants by health care professionals or trained individuals , confidentiality for participants , harm reduction consultation , sterile injection supplies , and access to referrals to additional treatment and recovery services .
Sites would also be required to establish security protocols and communicate with neighboring businesses , community members , law enforcement , and first responders .
“ The message we send to those who are faced with the disease of addiction is that we see you , we value you , and we want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Decker , a Cambridge Democrat and House chair of the committee , said in a press release .

BOSTON (AP) -
Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing legislation that would legalize supervised injection sites for drug users.
The Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Recovery on Friday favorably reported out a re-drafted version of legislation that would legalize the sites.
The legislation would authorize the Department of Public Health to establish at least two sites as part of a 10-year pilot program. The bill requires DPH to create a licensing process for specific sites. Local boards of health would have to agree to participate in the pilot program before a site could be considered in their communities.
DPH-licensed sites would be required to provide a hygienic space, clinical monitoring of participants by health care professionals or trained individuals, confidentiality for participants, harm reduction consultation, sterile injection supplies, and access to referrals to additional treatment and recovery services.
Sites would also be required to establish security protocols and communicate with neighboring businesses, community members, law enforcement, and first responders.
“The message we send to those who are faced with the disease of addiction is that we see you, we value you, and we want you to live,” Rep. Marjorie Decker, a Cambridge Democrat and House chair of the committee, said in a press release.


washingtontimes--2020-05-17--Joe Biden vice president sweepstakes intensifies amid 'transition candidate' talk

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden has longed to win the White House for more than three decades .
If he finally makes it there after November ’ s election , he ’ s already talking about leaving .
In an effort to ease concerns about his age , the 77-year-old presumptive Democratic nominee has said he wouldn ’ t seek reelection if his mental or physical health declined .
He has also referred to himself as a “ transition candidate , ” acting as a bridge to a younger generation of leadership .
Biden is rarely known for sticking to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his candid style .
But they ’ re also contributing to intense speculation about who is best positioned to lead the party after him .
“ We do have a longer bench as Democrats , a younger bench in terms of elected leadership all across the country , ” said Democratic strategist L. Joy Williams , chairwoman of Higher Heights PAC , which is dedicated to electing more women to national and statewide offices .
Biden has not ruled out running for a second term , in part because such an explicit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duck in Washington , where political capital will be needed to manage the coronavirus recovery .
But the question of his long-term prospects looms over his candidacy , especially as he considers his options for vice president .
While someone like Elizabeth Warren could broaden Biden ’ s appeal among progressives , the 70-year-old Massachusetts senator wouldn ’ t be the face of a new generation many in the party are seeking .
That might be an advantage for younger contenders , such as California Sen. Kamala Harris , 55 , or Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s an awkward dynamic for Biden , whose lead in the Democratic primary coincided with the onset of a pandemic , making it harder to establish himself as the party ’ s unquestioned leader .
He can ill afford chatter about who might succeed him when he still faces a competitive race against President Donald Trump in the fall .
There are few historic precedents for a president opting against reelection .
None has passed up a chance at a second term after just four years in the White House since shortly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined to seek a second , full term in 1968 , but was already in office five years by then because of John F. Kennedy ’ s assassination .
There ’ s also no guarantee that Biden ’ s running mate will be the immediate president-in-waiting he envisions .
Biden has pledged to pick a woman , but virtually no one under active consideration is likely to satisfy all Democrats .
That raises the prospect of a primary battle in 2024 if he steps aside .
Republican pollster Chris Wilson said Biden might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deliberately set up “ almost a hand-picked primary pool rather than a single candidate he tries to hand things off to.
” That , Wilson said , “ would still be the kind of legacy-building move he seems to be interested in.
” Biden might also change his mind and decide to run for reelection if he unseats Trump .
That still might not insulate him from a progressive primary challenge , though .
“ Even if Biden wins and says he ’ s going to run in 2024 , he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the party , ” said Eric Hauser , who was press secretary for Bill Bradley ’ s primary run in 2000 against Al Gore , who had been Bill Clinton ’ s vice president for eight years and was seen by many as his natural successor .
“ The left has felt like it got hoodwinked twice , in ‘ 16 and now .
They feel overlooked.
” Gilberto Hinojosa , chairman of the Texas Democratic Party , said Biden ’ s choice of running mate will have to fill twin roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move the country away from the Trump era “ if something were to happen while he ’ s still in office ” or later “ if Biden decides to retire and pass the baton.
” “ I think the stakes are already really high , no matter how you look at it , ” Hinojosa said .
Republicans could also face similar tumult .
If Trump secures a second term , Vice President Mike Pence would seem to be a natural successor .
But there are plenty of other Republicans with presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump becomes unpopular at the end of a second term , which often happens to presidents after eight years in office .
George H.W .
Bush is the only sitting vice president in modern history to be elected president .
The only other examples are Martin Van Buren in 1836 , and Thomas Jefferson and John Adams before that .
“ Mike Pence would be inheriting eight years of a tsunami , ” Hauser said of Trump ’ s legacy .
For all the speculation , if Biden is elected , he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in part because the lure of the White House is one of the greatest forces in politics – especially for someone ambitious enough to be on his third presidential bid since 1988 .
“ Once you ’ re president , it ’ s very tempting to keep power , ” said Julian Zelizer , a history and public affairs professor at Princeton University who has written about single-term presidents .
“ It could very well be a genuine idea right now .
But we just don ’ t see people relinquish power very @ @ @

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden has longed to win the White House for more than three decades. If he finally makes it there after November’s election, he’s already talking about leaving.
In an effort to ease concerns about his age, the 77-year-old presumptive Democratic nominee has said he wouldn’t seek reelection if his mental or physical health declined. He has also referred to himself as a “transition candidate,” acting as a bridge to a younger generation of leadership.
Biden is rarely known for sticking to a script, and the comments are evidence of his candid style. But they’re also contributing to intense speculation about who is best positioned to lead the party after him.
“We do have a longer bench as Democrats, a younger bench in terms of elected leadership all across the country,” said Democratic strategist L. Joy Williams, chairwoman of Higher Heights PAC, which is dedicated to electing more women to national and statewide offices.
Biden has not ruled out running for a second term, in part because such an explicit pledge would immediately render him a lame duck in Washington, where political capital will be needed to manage the coronavirus recovery.
But the question of his long-term prospects looms over his candidacy, especially as he considers his options for vice president.
While someone like Elizabeth Warren could broaden Biden’s appeal among progressives, the 70-year-old Massachusetts senator wouldn’t be the face of a new generation many in the party are seeking. That might be an advantage for younger contenders, such as California Sen. Kamala Harris, 55, or Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, 59.
It’s an awkward dynamic for Biden, whose lead in the Democratic primary coincided with the onset of a pandemic, making it harder to establish himself as the party’s unquestioned leader. He can ill afford chatter about who might succeed him when he still faces a competitive race against President Donald Trump in the fall.
There are few historic precedents for a president opting against reelection. None has passed up a chance at a second term after just four years in the White House since shortly after Reconstruction. President Lyndon B. Johnson declined to seek a second, full term in 1968, but was already in office five years by then because of John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
There’s also no guarantee that Biden’s running mate will be the immediate president-in-waiting he envisions. Biden has pledged to pick a woman, but virtually no one under active consideration is likely to satisfy all Democrats. That raises the prospect of a primary battle in 2024 if he steps aside.
Republican pollster Chris Wilson said Biden might elevate several younger Democrats to Cabinet positions to deliberately set up “almost a hand-picked primary pool rather than a single candidate he tries to hand things off to.”
That, Wilson said, “would still be the kind of legacy-building move he seems to be interested in.”
Biden might also change his mind and decide to run for reelection if he unseats Trump. That still might not insulate him from a progressive primary challenge, though.
“Even if Biden wins and says he’s going to run in 2024, he’s absolutely going to be challenged from within the party,” said Eric Hauser, who was press secretary for Bill Bradley’s primary run in 2000 against Al Gore, who had been Bill Clinton’s vice president for eight years and was seen by many as his natural successor. “The left has felt like it got hoodwinked twice, in ‘16 and now. They feel overlooked.”
Gilberto Hinojosa, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, said Biden’s choice of running mate will have to fill twin roles. That person would need to continue to move the country away from the Trump era “if something were to happen while he’s still in office” or later “if Biden decides to retire and pass the baton.”
“I think the stakes are already really high, no matter how you look at it,” Hinojosa said.
Republicans could also face similar tumult. If Trump secures a second term, Vice President Mike Pence would seem to be a natural successor. But there are plenty of other Republicans with presidential ambitions who could be more attractive if Trump becomes unpopular at the end of a second term, which often happens to presidents after eight years in office.
George H.W. Bush is the only sitting vice president in modern history to be elected president. The only other examples are Martin Van Buren in 1836, and Thomas Jefferson and John Adams before that.
“Mike Pence would be inheriting eight years of a tsunami,” Hauser said of Trump’s legacy.
For all the speculation, if Biden is elected, he could decide to seek another term in 2024 in part because the lure of the White House is one of the greatest forces in politics – especially for someone ambitious enough to be on his third presidential bid since 1988.
“Once you’re president, it’s very tempting to keep power,” said Julian Zelizer, a history and public affairs professor at Princeton University who has written about single-term presidents. “It could very well be a genuine idea right now. But we just don’t see people relinquish power very easily.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-17--Du Wei, Chinese ambassador to Israel, found dead near Tel Aviv

JERUSALEM — The Chinese ambassador to Israel was found dead in his home north of Tel Aviv on Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ said .
No cause of death was given and Israeli police said it was investigating @ @ @ @ @ , was appointed envoy in February in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
He @ @ @ @ @ s envoy to Ukraine .
He is survived by a wife and son , both @ @ @ @ @ Israel .
The ambassador ’ s death comes just two days after he condemned comments @ @ @ @ @ State Mike Pompeo , who denounced Chinese investments in Israel and accused China of hiding @ @ @ @ @ .

JERUSALEM — The Chinese ambassador to Israel was found dead in his home north of Tel Aviv on Sunday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said.
No cause of death was given and Israeli police said it was investigating.
Du Wei, 58, was appointed envoy in February in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. He previously served as China’s envoy to Ukraine.
He is survived by a wife and son, both of whom were not in Israel.
Israel enjoys good relations with China.
The ambassador’s death comes just two days after he condemned comments by visiting U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who denounced Chinese investments in Israel and accused China of hiding information about the coronavirus outbreak.