washingtontimes--2020-10-04--Law school graduates worry amid delays in Florida Bar exam

ORLANDO , Fla. ( AP ) - After Ivonne Antonian graduated from Florida A & M ; University ’ s law school in Orlando , she lined up a job at the Orange-Osceola Public Defender ’ s Office and was eager to begin her career as an attorney .
But then the Florida Bar exam was delayed several times - first the traditional in-person version , due to the coronavirus pandemic , and then an online version , due to software concerns - leaving the 26-year-old unable to start working .
Even if she passes the test , now slated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait for the results before she can join the agency , likely in December at the earliest .
In the meantime , she ’ s been living off her credit cards - stressed out and frustrated .
“ It ’ s just completely exhausting , to be honest , ” she said .
“ It diminishes everything you ’ ve gone through at school .
It feels like the end is nowhere in sight.
” She ’ s one of thousands of prospective attorneys left in limbo by the testing delays , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Chief Justice Charles Canady apologized for failures that led to the Bar exam being postponed .
The program allows applicants to work under the supervision of licensed Florida lawyers who ’ ve been practicing at least five years .
But the program excludes people who failed the exam before 2020 and signed up to retake it , as well as those who are already licensed to practice law outside of Florida .
Out of about 3,400 who signed up to take the exam , only a fraction - 308 applicants - were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sept. 17 , according to Florida Board of Bar Examiners .
Critics have called the program ’ s requirements overly restrictive , but FBBE executive director Michele Gavagni said the “ overarching goal is to make sure the public is protected.
” The program also places strict supervision requirements on law firms , which some say creates a disincentive to taking on program participants .
More than 50 attorneys have asked the Florida Supreme Court to waive the exam requirement and allow the applicants to practice law after working six months under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused by the delay .
The high court rejected the move , saying it could cause harm to the public .
Tessa Mears was confident she would pass the Florida Bar exam in July and already had her first job as an attorney lined up at the Pazos Law Group in Coral Gables .
With the Bar exam postponed , the firm approved Mears , who lives in Orlando , to work remotely under the supervised practice program .
The University of Miami graduate said she ’ s grateful to have a job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned about juggling her work with the rigorous study schedule of preparing for the bar exam - while also worrying about COVID-19 .
“ Either you ’ re sick , you know someone who ’ s sick or you ’ re worried about somebody getting sick , ” Mears said .
“ It ’ s mentally draining .
It ’ s really hard .
The only think keeping me sane is knowing I can still work and that my firm is still willing to work with me and my family.
” Nadia Pazos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ’ s “ worth waiting for , ” but the attorney said she hasn ’ t heard of other firms participating in the supervised practice program .
“ Most small firms just can ’ t afford to have another person on staff who isn ’ t barred , ” she said .
The program requires Pazos to assume “ professional responsibility ” for Mears ’ work , sign all her pleadings and court filings , and attend court hearings with her , if a judge requires it .
Pazos said it doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workload to have two people in one place .
“ I feel like I get to babysit her , ” she said .
“ She ’ s completely competent and capable of handling it if they just let her take the bar.
” The Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar lists just 24 lawyers statewide who are willing to become a supervising attorney for a participant .
University of Florida law school graduate Morgan Lester , 25 , of Orlando , said she and her supervising attorney had hoped the program would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on behalf of clients on her own .
“ ( The firm ) suggested I go ahead and sign up so I could potentially handle a larger thrust of assignments , ” she said .
“ … But I ’ m just tagging along .
It ’ s not as expansive - it ’ s not as helpful as we thought it would be.
” The delays in the exam have been “ disheartening , ” she said .
Her goal of becoming a lawyer before turning 25 ended when the exam was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week after her 25th birthday .
“ I was studying from the moment I wake up to the moment I got to bed , ” she said .
“ All law students plan financially for taking May to July off from work to study .
When they moved it , it stretched everybody who was already stretched out financially and mentally .
… It ’ s put a lot of the things I wanted to do on hold.
” Ryan Enage , a Stetson University law school graduate , said he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stable and secure , pointing to concerns about ExamSoft , the online software being used to proctor the exam in Florida .
During Michigan ’ s bar exam , the software crashed temporarily after a hacking attempt , according to the Detroit Free Press .
“ It doesn ’ t feel fair , ” said Enage , of Winter Garden .
“ … We ’ re going to find out Oct. 5 whether this software works when New York does its bar exam.
” Gavagni said FBBE is “ constant contact ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have not been notified by the vendor of security alerts tied to the software , ” she said .
Antonian said she plans to apply for the supervised practice program and look for other legal jobs but , if she doesn ’ t find something soon , she ’ ll have to consider jobs outside her chosen profession .
“ It really sucks not to work in the legal field , especially after I was already offered a position , have all these years in law school , had internships and experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be able to work in that field feels like so much work for nothing .
”

MONIVETTE CORDEIRO, The Orlando Sentinel

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - After Ivonne Antonian graduated from Florida A&M University’s law school in Orlando, she lined up a job at the Orange-Osceola Public Defender’s Office and was eager to begin her career as an attorney.
But then the Florida Bar exam was delayed several times - first the traditional in-person version, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and then an online version, due to software concerns - leaving the 26-year-old unable to start working.
Even if she passes the test, now slated for October, she still has to wait for the results before she can join the agency, likely in December at the earliest. In the meantime, she’s been living off her credit cards - stressed out and frustrated.
“It’s just completely exhausting, to be honest,” she said. “It diminishes everything you’ve gone through at school. It feels like the end is nowhere in sight.”
She’s one of thousands of prospective attorneys left in limbo by the testing delays, despite a supervised practice program launched in August after Chief Justice Charles Canady apologized for failures that led to the Bar exam being postponed. The program allows applicants to work under the supervision of licensed Florida lawyers who’ve been practicing at least five years.
But the program excludes people who failed the exam before 2020 and signed up to retake it, as well as those who are already licensed to practice law outside of Florida. Out of about 3,400 who signed up to take the exam, only a fraction - 308 applicants - were certified to participate in the program as of Sept. 17, according to Florida Board of Bar Examiners.
Critics have called the program’s requirements overly restrictive, but FBBE executive director Michele Gavagni said the “overarching goal is to make sure the public is protected.” The program also places strict supervision requirements on law firms, which some say creates a disincentive to taking on program participants.
More than 50 attorneys have asked the Florida Supreme Court to waive the exam requirement and allow the applicants to practice law after working six months under supervision, citing stress and financial hardship caused by the delay. The high court rejected the move, saying it could cause harm to the public.
Tessa Mears was confident she would pass the Florida Bar exam in July and already had her first job as an attorney lined up at the Pazos Law Group in Coral Gables. With the Bar exam postponed, the firm approved Mears, who lives in Orlando, to work remotely under the supervised practice program.
The University of Miami graduate said she’s grateful to have a job and access to health insurance but is concerned about juggling her work with the rigorous study schedule of preparing for the bar exam - while also worrying about COVID-19.
“Either you’re sick, you know someone who’s sick or you’re worried about somebody getting sick,” Mears said. “It’s mentally draining. It’s really hard. The only think keeping me sane is knowing I can still work and that my firm is still willing to work with me and my family.”
Nadia Pazos said she agreed to supervise Mears because she’s “worth waiting for,” but the attorney said she hasn’t heard of other firms participating in the supervised practice program.
“Most small firms just can’t afford to have another person on staff who isn’t barred,” she said.
The program requires Pazos to assume “professional responsibility” for Mears’ work, sign all her pleadings and court filings, and attend court hearings with her, if a judge requires it. Pazos said it doesn’t help her firm’s workload to have two people in one place.
“I feel like I get to babysit her,” she said. “She’s completely competent and capable of handling it if they just let her take the bar.”
The Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar lists just 24 lawyers statewide who are willing to become a supervising attorney for a participant.
University of Florida law school graduate Morgan Lester, 25, of Orlando, said she and her supervising attorney had hoped the program would allow her to go hearings and appear on behalf of clients on her own.
“(The firm) suggested I go ahead and sign up so I could potentially handle a larger thrust of assignments,” she said. “… But I’m just tagging along. It’s not as expansive - it’s not as helpful as we thought it would be.”
The delays in the exam have been “disheartening,” she said. Her goal of becoming a lawyer before turning 25 ended when the exam was rescheduled to Oct. 13, more than a week after her 25th birthday.
“I was studying from the moment I wake up to the moment I got to bed,” she said. “All law students plan financially for taking May to July off from work to study. When they moved it, it stretched everybody who was already stretched out financially and mentally. … It’s put a lot of the things I wanted to do on hold.”
Ryan Enage, a Stetson University law school graduate, said he’s worried about whether the exam will be stable and secure, pointing to concerns about ExamSoft, the online software being used to proctor the exam in Florida. During Michigan’s bar exam, the software crashed temporarily after a hacking attempt, according to the Detroit Free Press.
“It doesn’t feel fair,” said Enage, of Winter Garden. “… We’re going to find out Oct. 5 whether this software works when New York does its bar exam.”
Gavagni said FBBE is “constant contact” with ExamSoft regarding security alerts.
“We have not been notified by the vendor of security alerts tied to the software,” she said.
Antonian said she plans to apply for the supervised practice program and look for other legal jobs but, if she doesn’t find something soon, she’ll have to consider jobs outside her chosen profession.
“It really sucks not to work in the legal field, especially after I was already offered a position, have all these years in law school, had internships and experience,” she said. “To not be able to work in that field feels like so much work for nothing.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-04--Pilgrims return to Mecca as Saudi eases virus restrictions

RIYADH , Saudi Arabia ( AP ) - A very small , limited number of people donning the white terrycloth garment symbolic of the Muslim pilgrimage circled Islam ’ s holiest site in Mecca on Sunday after Saudi Arabia lifted coronavirus restrictions that had been in place for months .
The kingdom had taken the rare step of suspending the smaller “ umrah ” pilgrimage that draws millions year-round from across the world in early March as the coronavirus morphed into a global pandemic and prompted countries to impose lockdowns and curfews to slow down transmission .
But as nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi government on Sunday started allowing a maximum of 6,000 pilgrims a day to enter the sprawling Grand Mosque in Mecca .
Only Saudi citizens and residents will be permitted to enter the mosque during this first phase of reopening , and each person has up to three hours to complete the pilgrimage .
The Grand Mosque , which is being sterilized and cleaned multiple times a day , houses the cube-shaped Kaaba that observant Muslims pray toward five times a day .
Before visitors can enter the mosque to pray or perform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reserve a specific time and date through an online application to avoid crowding and maintain social distancing .
Visitors can also select via the app their means of transportation and meeting points .
State TV showed on Sunday what appeared to be fewer than 50 people circling the Kaaba at the same time and walking several meters ( feet ) apart .
Typically , the mosque would be packed with worshippers from around the world crowded shoulder-to-shoulder at all times of the day and night .
The second phase for loosening restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Oct. 18 , allowing a maximum of 15,000 pilgrims and 40,000 for prayer from among residents and citizens based on allocated times via the app .
Muslim travelers from outside Saudi Arabia could be allowed to perform the umrah pilgrimage as early as Nov. 1 , the Interior Ministry has said .
Saudi Arabia recently began easing some restrictions on international flights for the first time since March .
The kingdom held a dramatically downsized , symbolic hajj pilgrimage in July due to concerns that it could easily have become a global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were selected after applying through an online portal and all were residents or citizens of Saudi Arabia .
Rather than the more than 2 million pilgrims the kingdom hosts for the annual event , as little as 1,000 took part after being tested for the virus and quarantined .
Despite taking early and sweeping measures to contain the virus , Saudi Arabia has recorded nearly 336,000 cases , including 4,850 deaths .

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - A very small, limited number of people on Sunday donned the white terrycloth garment symbolic of the Muslim pilgrimage and circled Islam’s holiest site in Mecca, after Saudi Arabia lifted coronavirus restrictions that had been in place for months.
The kingdom had taken the rare step in early March of suspending the smaller “umrah” pilgrimage, which can be taken at any time of the year and draws millions from across the world, as the coronavirus morphed into a global pandemic and prompted countries to impose lockdowns and curfews to slow down transmission.
But as nations begin to ease those restrictions, the Saudi government on Sunday started allowing a maximum of 6,000 pilgrims a day to enter the sprawling Grand Mosque in Mecca. Only Saudi citizens and residents will be permitted to enter the mosque during this first phase of reopening, and each person has up to three hours to complete the pilgrimage.
The Grand Mosque, which is being sterilized and cleaned multiple times a day, houses the cube-shaped Kaaba that observant Muslims pray toward five times a day.
Before visitors can enter the mosque to pray or perform the umrah, they have to apply and reserve a specific time and date through an online application to avoid crowding and maintain social distancing. Visitors can also select their means of transportation and meeting points via the app .
State TV showed on Sunday what appeared to be fewer than 50 people circling the Kaaba at the same time and walking several meters (feet) apart. Typically, the mosque would be packed with worshippers from around the world crowded shoulder-to-shoulder at all times of the day and night.
The second phase for loosening restrictions at the Grand Mosque comes into effect on Oct. 18, allowing a maximum of 15,000 pilgrims and 40,000 for prayer from among residents and citizens based on allocated times via the app.
Muslim travelers from outside Saudi Arabia could be allowed to perform the umrah pilgrimage as early as Nov. 1, the Interior Ministry has said. Saudi Arabia recently began easing some restrictions on international flights for the first time since March.
The kingdom held a dramatically downsized, symbolic hajj pilgrimage in July due to concerns that it could easily have become a global super-spreader event for the virus. Pilgrims were selected after applying through an online portal and all were residents or citizens of Saudi Arabia. Rather than the more than 2 million pilgrims the kingdom hosts for the annual event, as little as 1,000 took part after being tested for the virus and quarantined.
Despite taking early and sweeping measures to contain the virus, Saudi Arabia has recorded nearly 336,000 cases, including 4,850 deaths.


washingtontimes--2020-10-04--'Saturday Night Live' recreates debate in 46th season opener

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - “ Saturday Night Live ” went political with a parody of this week ’ s presidential debate , Chris Rock ’ s jab at President Donald Trump and Megan Thee Stallion ’ s message supporting Black people during her performance .
The NBC late-night sketch series on Saturday night jumped into the reenactment of the recent debate between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden .
The series opened its 46th season , returning to the studio this week after the coronavirus pandemic halted production .
Alec Baldwin returned to play Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Jim Carrey made his feature debut as Biden .
In the sketch , Baldwin ’ s Trump commandeered the debate in the same fashion as on Tuesday , trying to trip up Biden by interrupting and insulting him .
Meanwhile , Carrey ’ s Biden tried to maintain his anger by breathing into a paper brown bag and talking to himself .
“ Look man , I ’ m a nice guy , but you give anymore guff tonight , I ’ ll rip your face off like a mad chimp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself again saying , “ The country ’ s counting on you Joe .
Just stand here and look lucid.
” Maya Rudolph made a cameo appearance as Sen. Kamala Harris calling for a WAP ( Woman As President ) - a nod to the hit song by Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B - before Carrey ’ s Biden pulled out a remote control to pause Trump .
“ Let ’ s bask in the Trumplessness , ” Carrey said .
The show was hosted by Chris Rock who stepped onstage with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perform his monologue .
He opened in front of a live audience , which included about two dozen first responders who all wore masks .
Rock joked about how the coronavirus pandemic has ruined much of 2020 .
The actor-comedian also sarcastically showed empathy toward Trump being hospitalized after his virus diagnosis .
“ President Trump is in the hospital from COVID , and I just want to say that my heart goes out to COVID , ” he joked .
Rock offered his thoughts on America needing to “ renegotiate their plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job do you have for 4 years no matter what ?
Just show me one job .
If you hired a cook , and he was making people vomit every day , do you sit there and say ‘ Oh , he ’ s got a 4-year deal , ’ ” he said .
“ We just got to vomit for four more years.
” Rock was once part of an “ SNL ” cast that included Chris Farley , Mike Myers , David Spade and Adam Sandler .
Rock spent three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1993 .
Megan Thee Stallion hit the stage as the musical guest performing her hit single “ Savage.
” While wearing a black-and-white ensemble , the rapper delivered a message calling for the protection of Black people , in addition to the words “ Protect Black Women ” flashing on the screen behind her .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - “Saturday Night Live” went political with a parody of this week’s presidential debate, Chris Rock’s jab at President Donald Trump and Megan Thee Stallion’s message supporting Black people during her performance.
The NBC late-night sketch series on Saturday night jumped into the reenactment of the recent debate between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden. The series opened its 46th season, returning to the studio this week after the coronavirus pandemic halted production.
Alec Baldwin returned to play Trump before the president’s COVID diagnosis, while Jim Carrey made his feature debut as Biden.
In the sketch, Baldwin’s Trump commandeered the debate in the same fashion as on Tuesday, trying to trip up Biden by interrupting and insulting him. Meanwhile, Carrey’s Biden tried to maintain his anger by breathing into a paper brown bag and talking to himself.
“Look man, I’m a nice guy, but you give anymore guff tonight, I’ll rip your face off like a mad chimp,” Carrey yelled before talking to himself again saying, “The country’s counting on you Joe. Just stand here and look lucid.”
Maya Rudolph made a cameo appearance as Sen. Kamala Harris calling for a WAP (Woman As President) - a nod to the hit song by Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B - before Carrey’s Biden pulled out a remote control to pause Trump.
“Let’s bask in the Trumplessness,” Carrey said.
The show was hosted by Chris Rock who stepped onstage with a mask before snatching it off to perform his monologue. He opened in front of a live audience, which included about two dozen first responders who all wore masks.
Rock joked about how the coronavirus pandemic has ruined much of 2020. The actor-comedian also sarcastically showed empathy toward Trump being hospitalized after his virus diagnosis.
“President Trump is in the hospital from COVID, and I just want to say that my heart goes out to COVID,” he joked.
Rock offered his thoughts on America needing to “renegotiate their plans” with the government.
“What job do you have for 4 years no matter what? Just show me one job. If you hired a cook, and he was making people vomit every day, do you sit there and say ‘Oh, he’s got a 4-year deal,’” he said. “We just got to vomit for four more years.”
Rock was once part of an “SNL” cast that included Chris Farley, Mike Myers, David Spade and Adam Sandler. Rock spent three years on the show before he left in 1993.
Megan Thee Stallion hit the stage as the musical guest performing her hit single “Savage.” While wearing a black-and-white ensemble, the rapper delivered a message calling for the protection of Black people, in addition to the words “Protect Black Women” flashing on the screen behind her.


washingtontimes--2020-10-04--West Virginia delegate resigns after homophobic comments

A West Virginia delegate resigned Saturday night after messages circulated online that allegedly show him making homophobic comments in a group chat .
John Mandt Jr. ’ s resignation from the West Virginia House of Delegates is effective the end of Saturday , Republican House Speaker Roger Hanshaw said in a statement .
Mandt , a Republican of Cabell County , was running for reelection in District 16 .
Hanshaw said in a statement that Mandt approached him Saturday regarding stepping down from his role .
Hanshaw said it is the “ best course of action ” for Mandt ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that Mandt ’ s mother died earlier this year and that he ’ s spending time taking care of his father .
Screenshots of what appears to be a Facebook group chat called The “ Right ” Stuff were posted on Twitter , showing homophobic comments and anti-gay slurs .
Jeffrey Ward , who is running for Huntington City Council District 4 , told the Herald-Dispatch he was invited to join the group and confirmed that Mandt made the comments .
But , Mandt has denied their authenticity and said they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fabricated .
It ’ s by design , my family , my business are being attacked , ” Mandt wrote in a now-deleted Facebook post , in which he said he received threats .
Mandt did not immediately respond to The Associated Press late Saturday night .
The group message thread shows bigoted comments against gay people and Muslims , as well as disparaging remarks about other delegates and officials .
At one point , Mandt allegedly used a homophobic slur .
Hanshaw , of Clay , also said in another statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media and that he spoke with Mandt , who stuck to denying the comments .
“ I want to be very clear : I strongly condemn these comments and his type of rhetoric , ” Hanshaw said .
“ I don ’ t care who said it - it ’ s wrong and I want everyone to know there is no place for hatred or bigotry in our state , our political discourse or the West Virginia House of Delegates.
” Under West Virginia law , the party of the preceding delegate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vacancy in the House of Delegates , and the governor appoints one to fill the position .

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - A West Virginia House delegate has resigned after homophobic messages attributed to him were circulated online, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw said.
John Mandt Jr.’s resignation from the state House of Delegates was effective the end of Saturday, Hanshaw said in a statement. Mandt, a Republican from Cabell County, was running for reelection in District 16. Hanshaw said it is the “best course of action” for Mandt’s family and business.
Mandt did not respond to requests for comment by telephone and by email on Sunday, but he denied making such statements in a now-deleted Facebook post.
Screenshots of what appears to be a Facebook group chat called The “Right” Stuff were posted on Twitter, showing homophobic comments and anti-gay slurs. Jeffrey Ward, who is running for Huntington City Council District 4, told the Herald-Dispatch he was invited to join the group and said Mandt made the comments.
But Mandt has denied their authenticity and said they’re fabricated.
“Everything electronic can be fabricated. It’s by design, my family, my business are being attacked,” Mandt wrote in the deleted Facebook post, in which he said he received threats.
In a statement issued by the House of Delegates on Saturday night, Mandt said that after talking with Hanshaw, “Right now, my focus and priority needs to be on my family and business, and feel it is best at this time to terminate my campaign and make room (for) other individuals to serve the state.”
The group message thread shows bigoted comments against gay people and Muslims. At one point, Mandt allegedly used a homophobic slur. According to the civil rights advocacy group Fairness West Virginia, Mandt also disparaged other Republican state lawmakers who supported LGBTQ legislation.
Hanshaw, a Republican from Clay, said in the House statement that he saw the posts circulating on social media and that he spoke with Mandt, who denied the comments.
“I want to be very clear: I strongly condemn these comments and this type of rhetoric,” Hanshaw said. “I don’t care who said it - it’s wrong and I want everyone to know there is no place for hatred or bigotry in our state, our political discourse or the West Virginia House of Delegates.”
Under West Virginia law, the party of the preceding delegate submits three suggested people to fill a vacancy in the House of Delegates, and the governor appoints one to fill the position.
The 16th District of the House has three seats. One Democrat and one Republican occupy the other two seats. There are five candidates seeking the three seats in November: three Democrats and two Republicans.
Mandt’s decision raises the prospect that Democrats could benefit, though it’s uncertain whether his name will remain on the ballot or can be replaced. The State Election Commission must approve any withdrawals from the race.
___
Elamroussi reported from Bayonne, New Jersey. Follow her on Twitter @aya_elamroussi.


washingtontimes--2020-10-04--The Latest: UK leader: We face a "bumpy" coronavirus winter

LONDON - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended his handling of the coronavirus pandemic , but warned that the country faces a “ bumpy ” winter ahead .
Britain has Europe ’ s highest coronavirus death toll , at more than 42,000 , and Johnson ’ s Conservative government is facing criticism from all sides .
Opponents say tougher social restrictions are needed to suppress a second pandemic wave , but many in Johnson ’ s own right-of-center party argue that restrictions must be eased to save the economy .
Johnson told the BBC that the government had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t “ take a course that could expose us to tens of thousands more deaths in very short order.
” Johnson expressed hope that progress on vaccines and testing would “ change the scientific equation ” in the next few months , allowing a return to normality .
But he said “ it ’ s going to continue to be bumpy through to Christmas .
It may even be bumpy beyond.
” Britain on Saturday reported a record 12,872 new coronavirus infections , by far the highest daily total since the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backlog of previously unreported cases .
HERE ’ S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK : - Doctor : Trump improving , but not ‘ out of the woods ’ yet - South Africa and India have asked the World Trade Organization to waive provisions on intellectual property rights to speed efforts to prevent , treat and contain the COVID-19 pandemic .
- Madrid , Europe ’ s most critical coronavirus hot spot , is under a partial lockdown , with police controlling travel in and out of the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with precautions .
HERE ’ S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING : NEW DELHI - India says it is planning to immunize at least 250 million of its 1.4 billion people by July 2021 after receiving between 400 and 500 million coronavirus vaccine doses .
Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the government will ensure “ equitable access ” to the vaccine and is in the process of identifying the high-risk groups that will be the first in line , including health care workers .
India is testing three potential vaccines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Oxford and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca .
That will be mass produced by India ’ s Serum Institute , the world ’ s biggest vaccine producer .
The Serum Institute has said it would produce 200 million doses of coronavirus vaccines for developing countries , including India .
India has reported 6.5 million cases and more than 100,000 deaths in the pandemic .
MOSCOW - Coronavirus infections in Russia hit a new record on Sunday , with the government reporting over 10,000 new confirmed cases for the first time since mid-May .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring the country ’ s total to over 1.2 million .
Russia currently has the fourth largest caseload in the world and has so far reported over 21,000 deaths .
The Russian authorities insist there are no plans to impose a second lockdown in the country that has lifted most of the virus-related restrictions imposed in the spring .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday another lockdown is currently not being discussed in the government .
At the same time in Moscow , which reported over 3,000 new cases on Sunday in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommended the elderly to self-isolate at home and have extended upcoming school holidays by a week .
On Thursday , Moscow mayor also ordered employers to have at least 30 % of their staff work from home .
WASHINGTON __ President Donald Trump went through a “ very concerning ” period Friday and faces a “ critical ” next two days in his fight against COVID-19 at a military hospital , his chief of staff said Saturday - in contrast to a rosier assessment moments earlier by Trump doctors , who took pains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplemental oxygen at the White House before his hospital admission .
Trump remained at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday .
He offered his own assessment of his status Saturday evening in a video from his hospital suite , saying he was beginning to feel better and hoped to “ be back soon.
” Hours earlier , chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters , “ We ’ re still not on a clear path yet to a full recovery.
” In an update Saturday night , Trump ’ s chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president was “ not yet out of the woods.
” The changing , and at times contradictory , accounts created a credibility crisis for the White House at a crucial moment .
With Trump expected to remain hospitalized several more days and the presidential election looming , his condition is being anxiously watched by Americans .
BRATISLAVA , Slovakia - Slovakia ’ s record surge of new confirmed coronavirus cases has not slowed down despite tough restrictive measures , surpassing 800 new daily cases for the first time .
The Health Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record high of 818 on Saturday .
The government has reacted to the recent spike by declaring a state of emergency accompanied by strict restrictions .
Prime Minister Igor Matovic call3e on fellow Slovaks on Sunday to avoid any public gatherings and not to organize any family celebrations .
“ We ’ re heading for very difficult days , ” Matovic said on Facebook .
Slovakia has reported 13,139 virus infections and 55 deaths , still low numbers compared with other European countries .
JERUSALEM - A member of Israel ’ s Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country remains under lockdown while battling a second wave of infection .
Gila Gamliel , Israel ’ s environmental protection minister and a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s Likud party , announced on Twitter Sunday that she had tested positive .
She was the fourth minister in Israel ’ s government to test positive .
The Israeli government imposed a nationwide lockdown on Sept. 18 ahead of the Jewish High Holidays in an effort to rein in a runaway outbreak of the coronavirus .
According to Health Ministry figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and almost 1,700 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic .
WINDOW ROCK , Ariz. — The Navajo Nation , which sprawls across Arizona , New Mexico and Utah , reported 17 new coronavirus cases and no new deaths Saturday .
The total number of deaths related to the virus on the huge reservation remains at 558 , and the total number of cases is now 10,421 .
NEW DELHI - India has registered 75,829 confirmed coronaviruses cases in the past 24 hours , a day after crossing 100,000 fatalities .
The Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to more than 6.5 million on Sunday and said at least 101,782 people have died of COVID-19 .
India is still registering the highest number of daily cases globally but with the recovery rate at more than 83 % , the number of those cured has surpassed 5.5 million , the Health Ministry said , crediting increased testing .
India is preparing to reopen cinemas and entertainment parks with limited capacity beginning Oct. 15 , in an effort to revive the economy .
Health experts warn the move has the potential for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ festival and winter season .
RIYADH , Saudi Arabia -A very small , limited number of people donning the white terrycloth garment symbolic of the Muslim pilgrimage circled Islam ’ s holiest site in Mecca after Saudi Arabia lifted coronavirus restrictions that had been in place for months .
The kingdom had taken the rare step of suspending the smaller “ umrah ” pilgrimage that draws millions year-round from across the world in early March as the coronavirus morphed into a global pandemic .
But as nations begin to ease those restrictions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a maximum of 6,000 pilgrims a day to enter the sprawling Grand Mosque in Mecca .
Only Saudi citizens and residents will be permitted to enter the mosque during this first phase of reopening , and each person has up to three hours to complete the pilgrimage .
MELBOURNE , Australia - The premier of Australia ’ s Victoria state has called on citizens to “ stay the course ” after large groups flooded beaches and parks at the weekend in defiance of strict lockdown regulations .
Victoria , emerging from a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown regulations last weekend but still allowed only five people from up to two households to congregate outside .
Many ignored those regulations on Saturday and crowded parks and beaches , causing Premier Daniel Andrews to remind Victorians not to be selfish and maintain social distancing .
Victoria reported only 12 new coronavirus cases and one death Sunday , well down on the peaks of winter .
Andrews said the situation in Victoria is “ delicately poised ” as the state moves toward further easing of lockdown rules .
“ People love to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s sunny but there ’ s a global pandemic on , ” he said .
“ Surely , there ’ s a greater urge to see this thing , to defeat it and to have a normal summer and have a COVID normal Christmas and 2021.
” SEOUL , South Korea - South Korea has reported 64 new cases of the coronavirus , the fourth straight day its increase came below 100 , possibly reflecting the fewer number of tests conducted during one of the biggest holidays of the year .
The figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prevention Agency on Sunday brought the national caseload to 24,091 , including 421 deaths .
Thirty-eight of the new cases were reported from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area .
Health workers have struggled to track transmissions tied to churches , hospitals , schools and offices .
Seventeen of the new cases were linked to international arrivals .
SANTA FE , N.M. - New Mexico officials have reported 298 additional known COVID-19 cases and three more deaths , increasing the statewide totals to 30,296 cases with 890 deaths .
The additional cases reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 67 in Dona Ana County , 32 in Chaves County , 22 in Lea County and 20 in Curry County .
The three deaths occurred one each in Bernalillo , Curry and Dona Ana counties and involving people in their 70s or 80s with underlying conditions .
PHOENIX - Numerous inmates say Arizona ’ s prison system has failed to provide necessary testing , supplies and treatment during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Arizona Republic reports that dozens of letters from inmates in recent months said the Arizona Department of Corrections , Rehabilitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and inmates during the outbreak .
The Republic reports inmates ’ letters describing fears and frustrations , asking for help while others provided graphic details in personal narratives of surviving the virus .
A department spokesperson denied many allegations by inmates , including that sick inmates weren ’ t tested .
Department spokesperson Judy Keane also cited health and safety protocols announced during the pandemic .
NEW YORK - New York state ’ s daily count of new coronavirus cases is continuing to rise .
The state reported on Saturday there were more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , up slightly from the day before with case totals not seen since May .
Some of the hot spots in the state included the New York City borough of Brooklyn , where more than 350 people tested positive , and in suburban Rockland County , which saw at least 120 new cases .

SEOUL, South Korea - South Korea has reported 73 new cases of the coronavirus, its fifth straight day of below 100, although officials expressed concern that could rise because of increased travel during a five-day holiday period that ended Sunday.
The figures released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Monday brought the national caseload to 24,164, including 422 deaths.
Fifty-one of the new cases were reported from the greater capital area, where health workers have scrambled to stem transmissions tied to various places, including churches, hospitals, schools, restaurants and workplaces. The newest cluster of infections in the region is an army unit in Pocheon, north of capital Seoul, where more than 30 troops have so far tested positive.
The KDCA said nine of the new cases were linked to international arrivals, including passengers from the United States, Poland, Britain, Russia and Uzbekistan.
There’s a possibility that the downward trend in confirmed infections is related to the fewer tests that were conducted during the five-day Chuseok harvest holiday. Health Minister Park Neung-hoo during a virus briefing Monday urged people who experience fever or other symptoms after traveling during the period get tested immediately.
Park said usage of express buses and rail services declined by more than 40% during the holiday break compared to last year as officials pleaded that people stay home to help slow transmissions.
___
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:
- Virus spreads on panel handling U.S. Supreme Court nomination.
- Pope: Market capitalism has failed in pandemic, needs reform.
- South African coffin-maker saw COVID-19 at work and at home.
- South Africa and India have asked the World Trade Organization to waive provisions on intellectual property rights to speed efforts to prevent, treat and contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Madrid, Europe’s most critical coronavirus hot spot, is under a partial lockdown, with police controlling travel in and out of the city. Still some flamenco houses reopened, with precautions.
___
Follow AP’s pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
___
HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:
ROME - The Italian government is weighing whether to require masks outdoors nationwide amid a steady, nine-week increase in coronavirus infections.
Already several individual regions have imposed outdoor mask mandates in a bid to curb the rebound in infections. On Sunday, Italy added another 2,578 confirmed cases, far fewer new daily infections than in neighboring France or Spain, but cause for concern in the onetime European epicenter of the pandemic.
Another 18 people died, bringing Italy’s toll to 35,986, the second highest in Europe after Britain.
Health Minister Roberto Speranza told RAI 3 television a national outdoor mask mandate was being considered by the government in a bid to keep infections from spiraling out of control now that schools have reopened. There have been 900 cases tied to schools, and 14 school-based clusters in the last week alone. But health authorities said in their weekly monitoring report that it will still be some time before they know the full effect of schools reopening on the infection curve.
___
ATHENS, Greece - Greek health authorities announced 229 new coronavirus cases and 4 deaths Sunday.
The total number of cases since the pandemic started is 19,842, with 409 deaths.
There are 82 patients on ventilators.
A health ministry expert said that, while people largely abide by the face mask and social distancing rules during the day, they largely ignore them at nights and this has helped fuel the rise in cases: about 80 percent of new COVID-19 cases have been registered over the past two months.
Government experts say daily new cases must drop before colder weather sets in.
—
NEW YORK - New York City’s mayor says he has asked the state for permission to close schools and reinstate restrictions on nonessential businesses in several neighborhoods because of a resurgence of the coronavirus.
Shutdowns would happen starting Wednesday in nine zip codes in the city.
Mayor Bill de Blasio says about 300 public and private schools would have to close. Indoor dining, which just resumed a few days ago, would be suspended. Gyms would also close.
De Blasio said the city needed the state to sign off on the restrictions.
Over the past two weeks, the number of new cases of the virus has been rising in pockets of the city.
—
LONDON - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, but warned that the country faces a “bumpy” winter ahead.
Britain has Europe’s highest coronavirus death toll, at more than 42,000, and Johnson’s Conservative government is facing criticism from all sides. Opponents say tougher social restrictions are needed to suppress a second pandemic wave, but many in Johnson’s own right-of-center party argue that restrictions must be eased to save the economy.
Johnson told the BBC that the government had to strike a difficult balance and he couldn’t “take a course that could expose us to tens of thousands more deaths in very short order.”
Johnson expressed hope that progress on vaccines and testing would “change the scientific equation” in the next few months, allowing a return to normality.
But he said “it’s going to continue to be bumpy through to Christmas. It may even be bumpy beyond.”
Britain on Saturday reported a record 12,872 new coronavirus infections, by far the highest daily total since the outbreak began, though the figure included a backlog of previously unreported cases.
—
NEW DELHI - India says it is planning to immunize at least 250 million of its 1.4 billion people by July 2021 after receiving between 400 and 500 million coronavirus vaccine doses.
Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the government will ensure “equitable access” to the vaccine and is in the process of identifying the high-risk groups that will be the first in line, including health care workers.
India is testing three potential vaccines, including one being developed jointly by the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.
That will be mass produced by India’s Serum Institute, the world’s biggest vaccine producer. The Serum Institute has said it would produce 200 million doses of coronavirus vaccines for developing countries, including India.
India has reported 6.5 million cases and more than 100,000 deaths in the pandemic.
—
MOSCOW - Coronavirus infections in Russia hit a new record on Sunday, with the government reporting over 10,000 new confirmed cases for the first time since mid-May.
The 10,499 new cases reported on Sunday bring the country’s total to over 1.2 million. Russia currently has the fourth largest caseload in the world and has so far reported over 21,000 deaths.
The Russian authorities insist there are no plans to impose a second lockdown in the country that has lifted most of the virus-related restrictions imposed in the spring. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday another lockdown is currently not being discussed in the government.
At the same time in Moscow, which reported over 3,000 new cases on Sunday in the biggest surge in months, officials have recommended the elderly to self-isolate at home and have extended upcoming school holidays by a week.
—
WASHINGTON __ President Donald Trump went through a “very concerning” period Friday and faces a “critical” next two days in his fight against COVID-19 at a military hospital, his chief of staff said Saturday - in contrast to a rosier assessment moments earlier by Trump doctors, who took pains not to reveal the president had received supplemental oxygen at the White House before his hospital admission.
Trump remained at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday. He offered his own assessment of his status Saturday evening in a video from his hospital suite, saying he was beginning to feel better and hoped to “be back soon.”
Hours earlier, chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters, “We’re still not on a clear path yet to a full recovery.” In an update Saturday night, Trump’s chief doctor expressed cautious optimism but added that the president was “not yet out of the woods.”
The changing, and at times contradictory, accounts created a credibility crisis for the White House at a crucial moment. With Trump expected to remain hospitalized several more days and the presidential election looming, his condition is being anxiously watched by Americans.
—
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia - Slovakia’s record surge of new confirmed coronavirus cases has not slowed down despite tough restrictive measures, surpassing 800 new daily cases for the first time.
The Health Ministry says the day-to-day increase reached a new record high of 818 on Saturday. The government has reacted to the recent spike by declaring a state of emergency accompanied by strict restrictions.
Prime Minister Igor Matovic call3e on fellow Slovaks on Sunday to avoid any public gatherings and not to organize any family celebrations.
“We’re heading for very difficult days,” Matovic said on Facebook.
Slovakia has reported 13,139 virus infections and 55 deaths, still low numbers compared with other European countries.
___
JERUSALEM - A member of Israel’s Cabinet has tested positive for the coronavirus as the country remains under lockdown while battling a second wave of infection.
Gila Gamliel, Israel’s environmental protection minister and a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, announced on Twitter Sunday that she had tested positive. She was the fourth minister in Israel’s government to test positive.
The Israeli government imposed a nationwide lockdown on Sept. 18 ahead of the Jewish High Holidays in an effort to rein in a runaway outbreak of the coronavirus. According to Health Ministry figures, Israel has recorded over 264,000 cases and almost 1,700 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.
___
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation, which sprawls across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, reported 17 new coronavirus cases and no new deaths Saturday.
The total number of deaths related to the virus on the huge reservation remains at 558, and the total number of cases is now 10,421.
___
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan authorities closed schools countrywide and imposed a curfew Sunday in two suburbs in Western Province, after a person tested positive for the coronavirus.
The person was being treated at a hospital for a fever when a coronavirus test came back positive. About 15 hospital staff and 40 co-workers have been put in self-quarantine.
On Sunday, the Education Ministry announced that schools are closed from Oct 5 after the authorities decided to advance the school holidays to Oct. 5 from the scheduled date of Oct. 9.
The curfew imposed on Sunday covers Minuwangoda and Divulapitiya suburbs, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of the capital Colombo, from where the patient was reported.
For more than two months, health officials have been saying that they have prevented the community spread of the virus.
The country has reported 3,388 confirmed cases, including 13 deaths. Of the total, 3,254 have recovered.
___
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -A very small, limited number of people donning the white terrycloth garment symbolic of the Muslim pilgrimage circled Islam’s holiest site in Mecca after Saudi Arabia lifted coronavirus restrictions that had been in place for months.
The kingdom had taken the rare step of suspending the smaller “umrah” pilgrimage that draws millions year-round from across the world in early March as the coronavirus morphed into a global pandemic.
But as nations begin to ease those restrictions, the Saudi government on Sunday started allowing a maximum of 6,000 pilgrims a day to enter the sprawling Grand Mosque in Mecca. Only Saudi citizens and residents will be permitted to enter the mosque during this first phase of reopening, and each person has up to three hours to complete the pilgrimage.
—
MELBOURNE, Australia - The premier of Australia’s Victoria state has called on citizens to “stay the course” after large groups flooded beaches and parks at the weekend in defiance of strict lockdown regulations.
Victoria, emerging from a major winter spike in coronavirus cases, relaxed lockdown regulations last weekend but still allowed only five people from up to two households to congregate outside.
Many ignored those regulations on Saturday and crowded parks and beaches, causing Premier Daniel Andrews to remind Victorians not to be selfish and maintain social distancing. Victoria reported only 12 new coronavirus cases and one death Sunday, well down on the peaks of winter.
Andrews said the situation in Victoria is “delicately poised” as the state moves toward further easing of lockdown rules.
“People love to go to the beach when it’s sunny but there’s a global pandemic on,” he said. “Surely, there’s a greater urge to see this thing, to defeat it and to have a normal summer and have a COVID normal Christmas and 2021.”
___
SEOUL, South Korea - South Korea has reported 64 new cases of the coronavirus, the fourth straight day its increase came below 100, possibly reflecting the fewer number of tests conducted during one of the biggest holidays of the year.
The figures released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Sunday brought the national caseload to 24,091, including 421 deaths.
Thirty-eight of the new cases were reported from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area. Health workers have struggled to track transmissions tied to churches, hospitals, schools and offices. Seventeen of the new cases were linked to international arrivals.


washingtontimes--2020-10-04--For sleuths, documenting tombstones proves fulfilling

WILMETTE , Ill. ( AP ) - At first glance , the septuagenarians carefully brushing leaves and lichen from the tombstones at a suburban cemetery seem to have stepped straight out of a scene from a British mystery show .
“ When the time comes , you want to make sure you have a vertical tombstone , so the weather doesn ’ t get to it , ” advised Wilmette resident Julie Busse , 76 , who on a recent September morning , strolled among the tombstones rising out of the mossy grounds at the St. Peter ’ s United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gesturing toward a column-style tombstone that marked the graves of three young children from one family who died in the early 20th century , Busse comments , “ I know from the English parish registries I ’ ve visited , at that time , before antibiotics , families lost child after child before the age of five.
” But the heartbreak experienced by generations of families who buried their dead in this suburban Chicago cemetery is just one chapter of the history being recorded every Tuesday morning by Busse and her friend and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of Morton Grove .
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the pair to forfeit their weekly visits to the Wilmette Family History Center , they turned their attention to the Skokie cemetery , where this month , they plan to finish photographing and documenting roughly 1,200 tombstones .
On a recent Tuesday morning , the cemetery sleuths were busy cleaning off tombstones and snapping photos with a special app that automatically uploads their research and tracks the plots ’ locations via GPS to the website billiongraves.com .
Tugging along carts holding maps and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filled with water , the genealogists say they are close to reaching their goal of documenting every plot and tombstone in the Skokie cemetery .
Roginski , a retired librarian and grandmother , said her weekly visits to the cemetery with Busse since July have become a bright spot in the rather bleak past six months since the arrival of the pandemic .
“ It was really hard at first , because the genealogy center was closed , and so we were all locked into our homes in place for a few months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with our work at the cemetery , we ’ re kind of paying it forward , volunteering our genealogical skills without being at risk.
” Like many genealogists , Roginski said once she started researching her own family ’ s history , “ it quickly became addictive.
” ( Most read ) Man who appears to be Dreadhead Cowboy slows traffic on Dan Ryan while riding on horse » “ My family thinks I ’ m crazy … I ’ m up at 4 a.m. , and by the time my husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done three hours of research , ” Roginski said .
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , which offers an immense database of genealogical records to the public free of charge through the nonprofit FamilySearch , Busse said the pastime also dovetails with her faith journey .
“ The church is very strong on the family as a basic unit of society , and we believe that family ties are forever , ” Busse said .
“ I don ’ t see death as the end , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear to me.
” Instead , Busse , a retired researcher , and Roginski agree that their work at the Skokie cemetery is rewarding and meaningful , albeit tough on their lower backs due to all the bending over needed to closely examine the tombstones .
While the life stories of those buried beneath the tombstones remain a mystery , a brief stroll among the plots quickly revealed a predominately German community , including a World War I veteran , William J. Kruse , 1894-1952 , and his wife , Anna Kruse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their two daughters , one who died at seven , the other at nine months .
“ Reading these tombstones , you do develop a feeling for people you ’ ve never met before , and you feel for them , ” Busse said .
Roginski said documenting the tombstones gives one a strong sense of family and history .
“ Even though I don ’ t have anyone buried here , this cemetery feels like our cemetery , and our people ” she said .

WILMETTE, Ill. (AP) - At first glance, the septuagenarians carefully brushing leaves and lichen from the tombstones at a suburban cemetery seem to have stepped straight out of a scene from a British mystery show.
“When the time comes, you want to make sure you have a vertical tombstone, so the weather doesn’t get to it,” advised Wilmette resident Julie Busse, 76, who on a recent September morning, strolled among the tombstones rising out of the mossy grounds at the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Cemetery in Skokie.
Gesturing toward a column-style tombstone that marked the graves of three young children from one family who died in the early 20th century, Busse comments, “I know from the English parish registries I’ve visited, at that time, before antibiotics, families lost child after child before the age of five.”
But the heartbreak experienced by generations of families who buried their dead in this suburban Chicago cemetery is just one chapter of the history being recorded every Tuesday morning by Busse and her friend and fellow genealogist, Donna Roginski, 75, of Morton Grove.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the pair to forfeit their weekly visits to the Wilmette Family History Center, they turned their attention to the Skokie cemetery, where this month, they plan to finish photographing and documenting roughly 1,200 tombstones.
On a recent Tuesday morning, the cemetery sleuths were busy cleaning off tombstones and snapping photos with a special app that automatically uploads their research and tracks the plots’ locations via GPS to the website billiongraves.com.
Tugging along carts holding maps and spreadsheets, special brushes and spray bottles filled with water, the genealogists say they are close to reaching their goal of documenting every plot and tombstone in the Skokie cemetery.
Roginski, a retired librarian and grandmother, said her weekly visits to the cemetery with Busse since July have become a bright spot in the rather bleak past six months since the arrival of the pandemic.
“It was really hard at first, because the genealogy center was closed, and so we were all locked into our homes in place for a few months,” Roginski said. “Now, with our work at the cemetery, we’re kind of paying it forward, volunteering our genealogical skills without being at risk.”
Like many genealogists, Roginski said once she started researching her own family’s history, “it quickly became addictive.”
(Most read) Man who appears to be Dreadhead Cowboy slows traffic on Dan Ryan while riding on horse »
“My family thinks I’m crazy … I’m up at 4 a.m., and by the time my husband is awake, I’ve already done three hours of research,” Roginski said.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which offers an immense database of genealogical records to the public free of charge through the nonprofit FamilySearch, Busse said the pastime also dovetails with her faith journey.
“The church is very strong on the family as a basic unit of society, and we believe that family ties are forever,” Busse said. “I don’t see death as the end, so cemeteries don’t bring any fear to me.”
Instead, Busse, a retired researcher, and Roginski agree that their work at the Skokie cemetery is rewarding and meaningful, albeit tough on their lower backs due to all the bending over needed to closely examine the tombstones.
While the life stories of those buried beneath the tombstones remain a mystery, a brief stroll among the plots quickly revealed a predominately German community, including a World War I veteran, William J. Kruse, 1894-1952, and his wife, Anna Kruse, 1902-1975.
Buried alongside the couple are their two daughters, one who died at seven, the other at nine months.
“Reading these tombstones, you do develop a feeling for people you’ve never met before, and you feel for them,” Busse said.
Roginski said documenting the tombstones gives one a strong sense of family and history.
“Even though I don’t have anyone buried here, this cemetery feels like our cemetery, and our people” she said.
___
Source: Pioneer Press, https://bit.ly/3iSN4ZZ


washingtontimes--2020-10-04--Iowa City program helps students navigate online learning

IOWA CITY , Iowa ( AP ) - While Kevyn Doningueiz , 11 , a sixth-grader at Mark Twain Elementary , focuses on his virtual learning , his younger siblings get help from volunteers who can teach them how to use the computer and access online classes - thanks to Neighborhood NESTS .
The Neighborhood NESTS - Nurturing Every Student Together Safely - is organized and operated by local not-for-profit groups for students in the Iowa City Community School District to access free Wi-Fi and get technical and academic support from volunteers , and for families to receive some child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Neighborhood NESTS operated by Open Heartland , a not-for-profit serving families in five mobile home communities in Johnson County whose residents are mainly Hispanic immigrants .
When Iowa City schools announced a virtual start to the school year , Open Heartland pivoted its mission to open a nest .
The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports the organization was founded just last year and visited mobile home communities to play with the children , drop off food , backpacks and school supplies , and coats , hats and gloves in the winter .
Participants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church East Campus in Iowa City .
Doningueiz is enrolled in online learning and will not be returning in-person classes , even as the district transitions to standard learning on Sept. 28 .
“ I feel pretty nervous to do this the rest of the semester .
I don ’ t want to have bad grades , ” he said .
Coming to the nest is helpful for Doningueiz and his family , he said , because his mother doesn ’ t speak English .
“ I ’ d be the one helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 11-year-old said .
But at Open Heartland ’ s nest , volunteers are there to help Doningueiz ’ s nine- and five-year-old siblings as he focuses on his own classwork .
Open Heartland ’ s nest serves up to 25 students a day at no cost .
Anyone who comes to the nest gets their temperature checked and is required to wear a mask .
Names are taken to help with contact tracing should someone test positive for COVID-19 .
“ Our goal is to get this family unit feeling empowered about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Deb Dunkhase , founder of Open Heartland .
The Iowa City Community School District , which started school Sept. 8 , is continuing online only classes until Sept. 25 , with a waiver from the Iowa Department of Education .
On Sept. 28 , students who registered for standard enrollment will transition to school 50 percent on-site and 50 percent online .
About 55 percent of Iowa City students have registered for standard enrollment .
The other 45 percent are enrolled in online learning .
Alejandra Ibarra ’ s three children attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming to the nest , she said she didn ’ t even know how to turn on a computer .
“ They learn , and I learn , too , ” Ibarra said in Spanish , speaking through interpreter Elizabeth Bernal , co-founder of Open Heartland .
Ibarra ’ s children , Carolina Pacheco , 10 , Julieta Pacheco , six , and Romina Pacheco , four , are enrolled in the online learning program at Mark Twain Elementary .
Ibarra chose online learning for her children as she watched cases of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s scared for them , she said .
“ I hope they can learn a little , and I hope they can succeed , ” Ibarra said .
Missie Forbes , who is leading the Neighborhood NESTS initiative , said the idea sprung out of a concern for students who don ’ t have access to the internet and for English Language Learners .
The organization also aims to address child care and provide academic support .
Forbes also is director of 4Cs of Johnson County , which opened a nest to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to provide child care .
Combined , the nests are serving about 200 students .
A $ 50,000 grant from the city of Iowa City has helped cover some of the operating costs of the nests , but more donations and volunteers will be needed if the groups are to continue operating through the end of the school year , in June 2021 .
All volunteers are subjected to background checks , which are provided by the school district .
The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County will open two nests next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Lutheran Church and one in Coralville at Life Church .
Families who wish to use these sites will have to enroll and there is a fee to attend the Iowa City location .
Anthony Branch , program director of Neighborhood Centers , said he hopes the nests give respite , especially to older students who may be caring for their younger siblings while their parents are at work .
“ There ’ s going to be a lot of chaos , a lot of challenges , but there will be small moments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hats on , ” Branch said .
“ We have to celebrate those small little victories as we ’ re all navigating these incredible challenges together .
”

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - While Kevyn Doningueiz, 11, a sixth-grader at Mark Twain Elementary, focuses on his virtual learning, his younger siblings get help from volunteers who can teach them how to use the computer and access online classes - thanks to Neighborhood NESTS.
The Neighborhood NESTS - Nurturing Every Student Together Safely - is organized and operated by local not-for-profit groups for students in the Iowa City Community School District to access free Wi-Fi and get technical and academic support from volunteers, and for families to receive some child care services.
Doningueiz has been attending a Neighborhood NESTS operated by Open Heartland, a not-for-profit serving families in five mobile home communities in Johnson County whose residents are mainly Hispanic immigrants.
When Iowa City schools announced a virtual start to the school year, Open Heartland pivoted its mission to open a nest.
The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports the organization was founded just last year and visited mobile home communities to play with the children, drop off food, backpacks and school supplies, and coats, hats and gloves in the winter. Participants are operating the nest out of Parkview Church East Campus in Iowa City.
Doningueiz is enrolled in online learning and will not be returning in-person classes, even as the district transitions to standard learning on Sept. 28.
“I feel pretty nervous to do this the rest of the semester. I don’t want to have bad grades,” he said.
Coming to the nest is helpful for Doningueiz and his family, he said, because his mother doesn’t speak English.
“I’d be the one helping my siblings with online learning,” the 11-year-old said.
But at Open Heartland’s nest, volunteers are there to help Doningueiz’s nine- and five-year-old siblings as he focuses on his own classwork.
Open Heartland’s nest serves up to 25 students a day at no cost. Anyone who comes to the nest gets their temperature checked and is required to wear a mask.
Names are taken to help with contact tracing should someone test positive for COVID-19.
“Our goal is to get this family unit feeling empowered about how to use online learning,” said Deb Dunkhase, founder of Open Heartland.
The Iowa City Community School District, which started school Sept. 8, is continuing online only classes until Sept. 25, with a waiver from the Iowa Department of Education.
On Sept. 28, students who registered for standard enrollment will transition to school 50 percent on-site and 50 percent online.
About 55 percent of Iowa City students have registered for standard enrollment. The other 45 percent are enrolled in online learning.
Alejandra Ibarra’s three children attend the nest at Open Heartland. Before coming to the nest, she said she didn’t even know how to turn on a computer.
“They learn, and I learn, too,” Ibarra said in Spanish, speaking through interpreter Elizabeth Bernal, co-founder of Open Heartland.
Ibarra’s children, Carolina Pacheco, 10, Julieta Pacheco, six, and Romina Pacheco, four, are enrolled in the online learning program at Mark Twain Elementary.
Ibarra chose online learning for her children as she watched cases of the coronavirus rise in Johnson County. She’s scared for them, she said.
“I hope they can learn a little, and I hope they can succeed,” Ibarra said.
Missie Forbes, who is leading the Neighborhood NESTS initiative, said the idea sprung out of a concern for students who don’t have access to the internet and for English Language Learners. The organization also aims to address child care and provide academic support.
Forbes also is director of 4Cs of Johnson County, which opened a nest to serve families at risk of becoming homeless and to provide child care.
Combined, the nests are serving about 200 students.
A $50,000 grant from the city of Iowa City has helped cover some of the operating costs of the nests, but more donations and volunteers will be needed if the groups are to continue operating through the end of the school year, in June 2021.
All volunteers are subjected to background checks, which are provided by the school district.
The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County will open two nests next week - one in Iowa City at St. Andrew Lutheran Church and one in Coralville at Life Church. Families who wish to use these sites will have to enroll and there is a fee to attend the Iowa City location.
Anthony Branch, program director of Neighborhood Centers, said he hopes the nests give respite, especially to older students who may be caring for their younger siblings while their parents are at work.
“There’s going to be a lot of chaos, a lot of challenges, but there will be small moments of success we have to hang our hats on,” Branch said. “We have to celebrate those small little victories as we’re all navigating these incredible challenges together.”


washingtontimes--2020-10-04--Pleasanton company will use ice and water to process hemp

PLEASANTON , Neb .
( AP ) - When the Sweetwater Hemp Company ’ s 16,000-square-foot hemp processing plant is operational in a few months , it will be the largest ice water extraction facility in the United States .
CEO Rory Cruise told the Kearney Hub the plant will run two extraction lines and can process fresh , frozen or dried buds .
He added that most hemp processing plants use solvents such as carbon dioxide , ethanol or butane to extract the cannabinoids CBD or CBG .
“ COVID has put me behind by about 3½ months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by Canada ’ s Whistler Technologies - north of Vancouver - has not been delivered yet and processing likely won ’ t begin until January .
There will be two 2,000-liter systems , which will allow identity-preserved batches based on CBD or CBG and different plant genetics and markets .
Cruise said the processing will start by mixing 133 pounds of buds with 600 pounds of ice and water that is kept right at freezing temperature .
The focus is on trichomes , the clear , sticky substance from resin glands on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBD and the other cannabinoids .
He said the ice and water keeps the trichomes and plant material from sticking together .
A sifter removes the biomass , which Cruise said can be used on fields like any other valuable organic matter , “ like green manure.
” What remains is “ bubble hash , ” a mix of CBD trichomes and terpenes that give flowers and herbs their aroma and flavor .
He explained that the bubble hash is melted down later in a “ terp reactor ” and mixed with coconut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Allan Jenkins of Kearney , a professor of economics at the University of Nebraska at Kearney who also is licensed as a 2020 hemp processor , said comments by Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson gives some processors cause for concern .
Jenkins described it as “ a pretty significant curveball , ” which is why he didn ’ t order processing equipment this year .
He said the attorney general ’ s office has indicated that at no time during processing can the THC level exceed the 0.3 % legal limit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s “ unavoidable because you ’ re concentrating everything ” while extracting CBD oil from the plant .
When asked by the Hub if Jenkins ’ summary about THC levels and CBD processing are a true representation of Peterson ’ s statements , Suzanne Gage , director of communications for the Nebraska Attorney General , wrote , “ Our office previously issued a memo specifically intended as guidance for law enforcement and county attorneys in response to a law change .
“ There is currently a case pending before the Nebraska Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , originating in Washington County ) involving the legality of hemp products that could provide further guidance on these issues.
” Jenkins called the 0.3 % THC limit “ a bright red line and you can ’ t go over it , ” even though the raw product coming in and processed product sold are below the limit .
“ If you read the law , it doesn ’ t say that , ” Cruise said about never crossing the THC limit during processing .
He agreed with Jenkins that concentration is involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extracted from a raw product , and used biofuels processing as a similar example .
Cruise said the THC level issue won ’ t affect the Sweetwater Hemp process because freezing water will keep THC levels down and the CBD will be mixed with oils .
“ Our engineers are working on the process to be in compliance , ” he said .
Jenkins worries about how the U.S. Justice Department ’ s Drug Enforcement Agency might interpret the rules .
So despite being a longtime advocate for hemp , he said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I won ’ t risk going to jail.
” Meanwhile , Cruise continues to source 2020 hemp from other growers .
He has 900 plants in his family ’ s Sprout House greenhouse southeast of Pleasanton and across the road from the processing plant , but estimates he ’ ll need buds from 450 acres for year-round operations .
He ’ s now working with eight to 10 growers .
Cruise said that because of the delay in getting plant operations started , those farmers have been asked to dry their own hemp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plant .
Building construction started in May as part of an overall investment of about $ 3 million in a hemp growing , processing and marketing business .
The contractor is Bel-Wood Buildings of Grand Island .
The overall plan is for another 2,000-liter processing unit to be added within six months to a year , Cruise said .
“ Before COVID hit , this facility was designed with a two-acre greenhouse … to grow up to six types of cannabinoids , ” he added .
“ It ’ s all designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to depend on if this ( processing ) part grows.
” For now , he ’ s planning to grow 900 plants again in 2021 .
“ I probably will change the genetics to learn more about hemp genetics , ” Cruise said .

PLEASANTON, Neb. (AP) - When the Sweetwater Hemp Company’s 16,000-square-foot hemp processing plant is operational in a few months, it will be the largest ice water extraction facility in the United States.
CEO Rory Cruise told the Kearney Hub the plant will run two extraction lines and can process fresh, frozen or dried buds. He added that most hemp processing plants use solvents such as carbon dioxide, ethanol or butane to extract the cannabinoids CBD or CBG.
“COVID has put me behind by about 3½ months,” Cruise said, so the equipment made by Canada’s Whistler Technologies - north of Vancouver - has not been delivered yet and processing likely won’t begin until January.
There will be two 2,000-liter systems, which will allow identity-preserved batches based on CBD or CBG and different plant genetics and markets.
Cruise said the processing will start by mixing 133 pounds of buds with 600 pounds of ice and water that is kept right at freezing temperature.
The focus is on trichomes, the clear, sticky substance from resin glands on cannabis flowers (buds) that has CBD and the other cannabinoids. He said the ice and water keeps the trichomes and plant material from sticking together.
A sifter removes the biomass, which Cruise said can be used on fields like any other valuable organic matter, “like green manure.”
What remains is “bubble hash,” a mix of CBD trichomes and terpenes that give flowers and herbs their aroma and flavor. He explained that the bubble hash is melted down later in a “terp reactor” and mixed with coconut or golden hemp seed oil.
Cruise and Allan Jenkins of Kearney, a professor of economics at the University of Nebraska at Kearney who also is licensed as a 2020 hemp processor, said comments by Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson gives some processors cause for concern.
Jenkins described it as “a pretty significant curveball,” which is why he didn’t order processing equipment this year.
He said the attorney general’s office has indicated that at no time during processing can the THC level exceed the 0.3% legal limit for hemp products.
Jenkins said that’s “unavoidable because you’re concentrating everything” while extracting CBD oil from the plant.
When asked by the Hub if Jenkins’ summary about THC levels and CBD processing are a true representation of Peterson’s statements, Suzanne Gage, director of communications for the Nebraska Attorney General, wrote, “Our office previously issued a memo specifically intended as guidance for law enforcement and county attorneys in response to a law change.
“There is currently a case pending before the Nebraska Supreme Court (State of Nebraska v. Deborah Archer, originating in Washington County) involving the legality of hemp products that could provide further guidance on these issues.”
Jenkins called the 0.3% THC limit “a bright red line and you can’t go over it,” even though the raw product coming in and processed product sold are below the limit.
“If you read the law, it doesn’t say that,” Cruise said about never crossing the THC limit during processing. He agreed with Jenkins that concentration is involved any time one or two elements are extracted from a raw product, and used biofuels processing as a similar example.
Cruise said the THC level issue won’t affect the Sweetwater Hemp process because freezing water will keep THC levels down and the CBD will be mixed with oils. “Our engineers are working on the process to be in compliance,” he said.
Jenkins worries about how the U.S. Justice Department’s Drug Enforcement Agency might interpret the rules. So despite being a longtime advocate for hemp, he said that until the issue is clarified, “I won’t risk going to jail.”
Meanwhile, Cruise continues to source 2020 hemp from other growers.
He has 900 plants in his family’s Sprout House greenhouse southeast of Pleasanton and across the road from the processing plant, but estimates he’ll need buds from 450 acres for year-round operations.
He’s now working with eight to 10 growers. Cruise said that because of the delay in getting plant operations started, those farmers have been asked to dry their own hemp, bag it and deliver it to the plant.
Building construction started in May as part of an overall investment of about $3 million in a hemp growing, processing and marketing business. The contractor is Bel-Wood Buildings of Grand Island.
The overall plan is for another 2,000-liter processing unit to be added within six months to a year, Cruise said.
“Before COVID hit, this facility was designed with a two-acre greenhouse … to grow up to six types of cannabinoids,” he added. “It’s all designed and planned, but it’s going to depend on if this (processing) part grows.”
For now, he’s planning to grow 900 plants again in 2021.
“I probably will change the genetics to learn more about hemp genetics,” Cruise said.


washingtontimes--2020-10-04--Entrepreneur finds formula to grow Detroit Flower Company

DETROIT ( AP ) - Twitter has a consistent flow of tweets leading to an Instagram page about the Detroit Flower Company , with followers dropping hints to people to purchase a bouquet for them .
Detroit Flower ’ s Instagram followers - 6,460 people and growing - wait for the company ’ s founder , Ja ’ Nye Hampton , 21 , to post images of flowers each day .
If she misses a day , she says , she receives several messages from people asking why .
“ It ’ s overwhelming , ” Hampton told the Detroit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing .
They only want to see you win .
So many people that I ’ ve never met in my entire life go so hard for me.I just can ’ t believe it.
” Hampton , 21 , started the business two years ago , but she originally had dreams of becoming a fitness trainer .
Now , she knows that flowers have been her calling this whole time .
Customers send messages to order colorful sunflowers and roses in various arrangements around the clock .
But no flower arrangement is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just love waking up and doing flowers , ” said Hampton .
“ I ’ ve worked jobs and I ’ ve managed jobs , but there ’ s nothing like having your own ( company ) .
I really put my all into it and I literally live to please my customers .
It goes far beyond the flowers , whether it ’ s giving them their favorite candy , doing last-minute accommodations and adding flowers for free.
” Hampton said that people want to support her because she is a young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal to have conversations with her customer and be as personable as possible .
In the future , Hampton hopes to open a flower truck or store with a full team .
But the journey to get to this moment has been full of life-changing events .
Hampton started a summer job in 10th grade at a Thrifty Florist location near her home .
She was hired , but in just two weeks , she had become sick with sepsis .
The life-threatening condition happens when an infection is already present , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tissue , and potentially causing organ failure and even death .
“ I just remember calling the lady who was managing the place , ” said Hampton .
“ My mom was telling her that I wouldn ’ t be able to come back and I would probably have to be in the hospital for two to three weeks , which I was .
But she ended up letting me keep my job.
” Hampton ’ s job gave her two weeks to recover .
After she learned all of the Thrifty Florist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her to do their flower arrangements .
She eventually left her job and went to college at Ferris State University .
But when she returned home to the metro Detroit , she realized she had to find a new job .
So Hampton moved on to working as a fitness and yoga coach , which she is certified in .
It wasn ’ t until 2018 when Detroit Flower Company started .
Her first customer would buy flower arrangements every week .
Hampton would also receive a lot of orders on Valentine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day .
But in 2020 , things changed again .
When the pandemic started earlier this year , Hampton was forced to leave both her fitness and restaurant jobs .
So she started making flower arrangements full-time at home and posting photos of them on social media .
At the time , she had about 700 followers on Instagram .
Now , her number of followers increases every day , and she has more than 6,460 .
Hampton said she made sales of $ 10,000 just in the month of July .
Prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 420 .
But behind the scenes , things haven ’ t been easy .
She never had a set place to do her flower arrangements .
Then Hampton hit a road block in August when she was forced to move because she had a business running in her condo , which she didn ’ t know was not allowed .
She was also delivering all of the arrangements by herself .
She moved back to Detroit and now has her own space to make arrangements and custom paint the flowers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lessen the load on herself .
Since July , she has completed over 400 sales .
When creating the arrangements , Hampton said , “ I just have an eye .
But for the most part , it ’ s the customers .
They put together the bouquets and flowers they want , and I just bring the vision to life.
” Hampton hopes to find time to hang out with her friends and get back to fitness , but right now , she is enjoying the support coming from other Detroiters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the rest of my life , ” she said .

DETROIT (AP) - Twitter has a consistent flow of tweets leading to an Instagram page about the Detroit Flower Company, with followers dropping hints to people to purchase a bouquet for them.
Detroit Flower’s Instagram followers - 6,460 people and growing - wait for the company’s founder, Ja’Nye Hampton, 21, to post images of flowers each day. If she misses a day, she says, she receives several messages from people asking why.
“It’s overwhelming,” Hampton told the Detroit Free Pres s. “Detroit is literally amazing. They only want to see you win. So many people that I’ve never met in my entire life go so hard for me.I just can’t believe it.”
Hampton, 21, started the business two years ago, but she originally had dreams of becoming a fitness trainer. Now, she knows that flowers have been her calling this whole time.
Customers send messages to order colorful sunflowers and roses in various arrangements around the clock. But no flower arrangement is the same, Hampton said.
“I just love waking up and doing flowers,” said Hampton. “I’ve worked jobs and I’ve managed jobs, but there’s nothing like having your own (company). I really put my all into it and I literally live to please my customers. It goes far beyond the flowers, whether it’s giving them their favorite candy, doing last-minute accommodations and adding flowers for free.”
Hampton said that people want to support her because she is a young, Black entrepreneur. She has a goal to have conversations with her customer and be as personable as possible.
In the future, Hampton hopes to open a flower truck or store with a full team. But the journey to get to this moment has been full of life-changing events.
Hampton started a summer job in 10th grade at a Thrifty Florist location near her home. She was hired, but in just two weeks, she had become sick with sepsis. The life-threatening condition happens when an infection is already present, but it travels through the body, damaging tissue, and potentially causing organ failure and even death.
“I just remember calling the lady who was managing the place,” said Hampton. “My mom was telling her that I wouldn’t be able to come back and I would probably have to be in the hospital for two to three weeks, which I was. But she ended up letting me keep my job.”
Hampton’s job gave her two weeks to recover. After she learned all of the Thrifty Florist techniques, soon, customers began looking for her to do their flower arrangements.
She eventually left her job and went to college at Ferris State University. But when she returned home to the metro Detroit, she realized she had to find a new job. So Hampton moved on to working as a fitness and yoga coach, which she is certified in.
It wasn’t until 2018 when Detroit Flower Company started. Her first customer would buy flower arrangements every week. Hampton would also receive a lot of orders on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. But in 2020, things changed again.
When the pandemic started earlier this year, Hampton was forced to leave both her fitness and restaurant jobs. So she started making flower arrangements full-time at home and posting photos of them on social media. At the time, she had about 700 followers on Instagram.
Now, her number of followers increases every day, and she has more than 6,460. Hampton said she made sales of $10,000 just in the month of July. Prices of flower arrangements range from $50 to $420.
But behind the scenes, things haven’t been easy. She never had a set place to do her flower arrangements. Then Hampton hit a road block in August when she was forced to move because she had a business running in her condo, which she didn’t know was not allowed. She was also delivering all of the arrangements by herself.
She moved back to Detroit and now has her own space to make arrangements and custom paint the flowers. Hampton also has a delivery driver to lessen the load on herself. Since July, she has completed over 400 sales.
When creating the arrangements, Hampton said, “I just have an eye. But for the most part, it’s the customers. They put together the bouquets and flowers they want, and I just bring the vision to life.”
Hampton hopes to find time to hang out with her friends and get back to fitness, but right now, she is enjoying the support coming from other Detroiters.
“I definitely want to do this for the rest of my life,” she said.