washingtontimes--2020-04-25--The Latest: Italy to ease lockdown on May 4, give free masks

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic .
The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness or death .
-WHO warns against idea of ‘ immunity passports.
’ -Italy to ease lockdown restrictions May 4 , give free masks to nursing homes , transport workers , police .
ROME - Italy will start distributing free protective masks to nursing homes , many of which have been devastated by coronavirus infections and deaths .
Domenico Arcuri , the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says doing so is a “ gesture of solidarity and nearness and support to these places ever more at the epicenter of this great crisis.
” Arcuri says free masks also will be distributed to public officials , transport workers and police .
Millions of Italians will be allowed to return to workplaces starting on May 4 , when lockdown restrictions will be considerably eased .
Italy , with some 26,000 reported deaths , most of them of elderly persons , has Europe ’ s highest toll from COVID-19 .
In Lombardy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors are investigating about two dozen homes , including one in Milan where some 200 residents died .
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis has singled out funeral home workers for people ’ s prayers during the COVID-19 pandemic .
In Italy and some other countries , the deaths of people with coronavirus infections have meant funeral parlor workers must deal with the grief of families who aren ’ t allowed to hold public funerals as part of government-ordered measures to try to contain the pandemic .
Francis says , “ What they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really feel the pain of this pandemic so close.
” The pope made the appeal for prayers during morning Mass on Saturday in the Vatican City hotel where he resides .
In past remarks , the pope has cited others for doing what he called heroic work during the pandemic , including doctors , nurses , supermarket clerks and transport workers .
The Vatican has its own lockdown , barring the public from its museums and religious ceremonies .
It has reported nine coronavirus cases among the residents or employees of the walled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - British medical authorities are urging people not to ignore symptoms of conditions other than the coronavirus .
The move comes amid fears that cancer and other illnesses are going untreated as the health system focuses on fighting the pandemic .
Public Health England says visits to hospital emergency departments have fallen by almost 50 % in April from the same month last year .
The charity Cancer Research UK has estimated that 2,250 new cases of the disease could be going undetected each week , partly because people are reluctant to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus or overburdening the system .
The National Health Service is launching a public information campaign urging people to seek urgent help if needed and to continue to attend services such as cancer screening and maternity appointments .
It says the system still has capacity to treat other conditions .
NHS chief executive Simon Stevens said “ ignoring problems can have serious consequences - now or in the future.
” BERLIN - Chancellor Angela Merkel is looking forward to a German presidency of the European Union that will be dominated by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions such as climate policy won ’ t be neglected .
Germany will take over the 27-nation EU ’ s rotating presidency from Croatia for six months starting July 1 .
In her weekly video podcast Saturday , Merkel pointed to the dramatic economic fallout from the pandemic and said it will be important “ to show in the coming weeks and months that we belong together.
” EU leaders have agreed on the need for a massive recovery plan and also face the task of agreeing on the EU ’ s next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the EU presidency , “ we must see that we do something for strengthening Europe economically , that we do something for social cohesion and that we think of the future – and that means climate and environmental questions.
” Merkel also said that “ the question will arise of how we can build an efficient European health system in all member states.
” She said she wants there to be “ more Europe ” at the end of the German presidency .
LONDON - Britain ’ s government has defended the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the coronavirus pandemic after it emerged that Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s controversial chief aide had attended meetings of the panel .
After a report in The Guardian , the government confirmed that Dominic Cummings had attended several meetings of the Scientific Advice for Emergencies , or SAGE , and listened to discussions .
But it denied Cummings — who is not a scientist - was a member of the group .
The government said “ SAGE provides independent scientific advice to the government .
Political advisers have no role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headed by Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty .
The government has declined to publish its full membership , saying that could leave the scientists open to lobbying or pressure .
As Britain ’ s official toll from the virus approaches 20,000 dead , the government ’ s response is under increasing scrutiny , especially its perceived slowness in imposing a nationwide lockdown .
BERLIN - The World Health Organization is cautioning against the idea of “ immunity passports.
” It says there is currently no evidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have antibodies are protected against a second infection .
The concept of “ immunity passports ” or “ risk-free certificates ” has been floated as a way of allowing people protected against reinfection to return to work .
But the Geneva-based U.N. health agency says in a scientific brief released Saturday that more research is needed .
It says “ at this point in the pandemic , there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an ‘ immunity passport ’ or ‘ risk-free certificate.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are immune to reinfection may ignore public health advice , and such certificates could raise the risks of continued virus transmission .
WHO adds that tests for antibodies of the coronavirus also “ need further validation to determine their accuracy and reliability.
” NEW DELHI - India announces easing of a stringent lockdown for 1.3 billion people by opening neighborhood and standalone shops with restrictions such as 50 % of workers with face masks and social distancing .
A home ministry statement issued late Friday says that shops in single and multi-brand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anywhere in the country .
The relaxation also would not be applicable in hundreds of hotspots and containment zones across the country .
India has so far reported more than 24,500 positive coronavirus cases and 775 deaths .
The worst-hit states are Maharashtra with 6,817 positive cases , Gujarat with 3,815 cases , New Delhi 2,514 and Rajasthan 2,034 cases .
India imposed a lockdown for its 1.3 billion people on March 25 and it is due to end on May 3 .
Last week , the government allowed resumption of manufacturing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of daily wage-earners were left without work .
The Home Ministry says the rise in number of positive cases in India is linear , not exponential .
SEOUL , South Korea - South Korea has reported 10 new cases of the coronavirus , the eighth day in a row its daily increase was below 20 , as its outbreak slows amid tightened border controls and waning infections in the worst-hit city of Daegu .
The country reported Saturday no new deaths for the second straight day .
The figures released from South Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prevention on Saturday brought national totals to 10,718 cases and 240 deaths .
While a slowing caseload has allowed South Korea to relax its social distancing guidelines over the past week , Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun raised concern over possible transmissions by “ quiet spreaders ” and instructed officials to conduct antibody tests in Daegu and nearby towns .
Chung also called for stronger financial tools to ease the epidemic ’ s economic shock , which has caused severe cash flow problems for airlines while also hurting major exporters , such as carmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a 40 trillion won ( $ 32 billion ) fund through bonds issued by state-run banks to protect jobs in key industries , but the plan needs parliamentary approval .
South Korea ’ s economy shrank 1.4 % during the first three months of the year , the worst contraction since late-2008 , as the pandemic hit both domestic consumption and exports .
BEIJING - For the 10th straight day , China reported no new deaths from the coronavirus .
Twelve new cases were reported on Saturday , 11 of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang bordering on Russia , according to the National Health Commission .
Just 838 people remain hospitalized with COVID-19 while another 1,000 people are undergoing isolation and monitoring for being either suspected cases or having tested positive for the virus while showing no symptoms .
China , widely believed to be the source of the global pandemic , has reported a total of 4,632 deaths among 82,816 cases .
Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
TOP OF THE HOUR:
- Hawaii’s stay-at-home order extended to May 31
- China reports 11 more cornavirus cases but no deaths for 11th straight day
- Warm weather draws people outdoors in California, prompting warnings
- Britain tops 20,000 deaths from coronavirus.
- WHO warns against idea of ‘immunity passports.’
- Spain hopeful of easing confinement restrictions soon.
___
HONOLULU - Gov. David Ige on Saturday extended Hawaii’s stay-at-home order and the mandatory quarantine for visitors through May 31.
“This was not an easy decision. I know this has been difficult for everyone. Businesses need to reopen. People want to end this self-isolation and we want to return to normal,” Ige said in a statement. “But this virus is potentially deadly, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.”
At a news conference to announce the decision, Ige pointed to alarming COVID-19 clusters on the Big Island and Maui, Hawaii News Now reported. “We still need to remain vigilant.”
In his statement, Ige warned of undoing Hawaii’s progress in containing the virus if public places open up too early. Hawaii has 601 cases of coronavirus and 13 deaths from the illness.
“Thanks to our residents, we are flattening the curve, saving lives, and avoiding a resurgence of this virus by not reopening prematurely,” Ige said.
The governor also extended the eviction moratorium, which prevents any eviction from a residential dwelling for failure to pay rent, through May 31.
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BEIJING - China said Sunday morning that it had confirmed 11 more cases of the new coronavirus the previous day, bringing its official count to 82,827. However, there were no reported deaths for the 11th day in a row.
Five of the new cases were in Heilongjiang province, a northeastern border area with Russia that has seen a surge in infections. Another was in Guangdong province, a manufacturing and tech region bordering Hong Kong in the south.
The other five cases were imported from overseas. China has identified 1,634 imported cases in all.
China said it also has 1,000 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus but do not have any symptoms. They are under medical observation but not included in the confirmed case count. (edited)
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LOS ANGELES — A spring heat wave drove an uptick of people to California beaches, golf courses and trails, leading to the closure of one coastal park as authorities warned people not to swarm recreational areas for fear of igniting a deadly coronavirus surge.
Temperatures soared into the 80s and 90s in many areas from Sacramento to San Diego on Saturday. While most recreation remains shuttered under various stay-at-home orders, officials are wary that those still open could draw crowds that will ignore social distancing rules and seek sun and air after being mainly confined indoors for more than a month.
“We’re seeing a summer day crowd,” said Brian O’Rourke, a lifeguard battalion chief in Newport Beach in Orange County, which saw an estimated 40,000 people on Friday. A similar crowd was expected Saturday as the fog burns off.
Police in Pacific Grove said they had to close the picturesque Lovers Point Park and Beach at the southern end of Monterey Bay because of a lack of social distancing.
Los Angeles city and county beaches, trails and playgrounds were closed, and officers on horseback were patrolling those areas to enforce social distancing rules. The city also opened cooling centers for people “who might not be able to survive the heat wave at home,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said.
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WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump says his press briefings are “not worth the time & effort” as his administration prepares to adjust his public presence amid the coronavirus pandemic toward addressing the nation’s economic woes.
Tweeting on Saturday, one of the few days in which he has not held a daily briefing since the start of the outbreak, Trump says: “What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions, & then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately.”
The president’s tweet comes two days after he used a briefing to muse about the injection of chemical disinfectants, drawing warnings from manufacturers and the nation’s top medical professionals. The White House claimed Friday that Trump was misinterpreted, though the president later asserted he was speaking “sarcastically.”
His tweet questioning the value of press briefings also comes as White House aides are developing plans to shift the president’s public emphasis from the virus to addressing the economic crisis it has caused and the government’s plans for reopening the economy.
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NEW YORK - Potbelly Sandwich Shop is the latest large company to say it will return money it received as part of the Payroll Protection Program.
The company said Saturday that its sales dropped dramatically when COVID-19 hit, forcing it to furlough employees and close shops. Potbelly applied for and qualified for assistance under the program.
“We were surprised and disappointed when the fund was quickly exhausted, leaving many without help,” the company said in a news release. “We are returning the PPP loan after further clarification from the Treasury Department.”
The Chicago-based sandwich shop has about 6,000 employees and annual revenues of more than $400 million, according to FactSet.
The PPP is intended to help small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Its initial $349 billion in funds ran out last week and the House gave final approval to $310 billion in additional funds Thursday.
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PHOENIX - The pace of additional deaths in Arizona’s coronavirus outbreak has slowed following a recent surge.
The Department of Health Services’ tally of deaths statewide rose by seven to 273 as of Saturday, following an increase of 17 deaths reported Friday and a total of 62 deaths reported over the previous three days
The department said there were 6,820 cases reported statewide as of Saturday, an increase of 235 from Friday.
Health officials say the recent surge in reported fatalities likely resulted from a boost in cases weeks ago. It was expected to slow because it often takes weeks for patients to die once hospitalized and because hospitalizations appear to have leveled off.
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WASHINGTON - The Navy reports that the number of sailors aboard the USS Kidd confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus has nearly doubled, rising from 18 to 33.
The destroyer with its crew of 350 are off the Pacific coast of South America on a mission related to U.S. counter-drug activities.
In a statement issued Saturday, the Navy said a medical team continues testing of the Kidd’s crew. Two sailors have been medically evacuated to the United States. Meanwhile, officials say those aboard the Kidd are wearing N95 masks and other personal protective equipment.
The Navy says the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island is en route to rendezvous with the Kidd in case medical support is required at sea. Officials say the Makin Island has a fleet surgical team, intensive care capacity and ventilators, as well as additional testing capability.
The Kidd is the second Navy ship at sea to report an outbreak of the coronavirus. Officials say the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt has reported more than 850 cases of infection among its nearly 5,000 crew members. Most of its crew has been moved ashore to quarantine on Guam.
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UNDATED - Dr. Anthony Fauci is urging careful science to prove whether any of the drugs being explored as COVID-19 treatments actually work.
Fauci, infectious diseases chief at the National Institutes of Health, said Saturday during an online meeting of the National Academy of Sciences that the only way to get an answer that is not just perpetual ambiguity is by doing a randomized controlled trial.
“We need something out there, but safety and efficacy is something we owe to the global population,” Fauci said.
Fauci also stressed that caution is needed as economies reopen, pointing to a step-wise approach with restrictions gradually lifted as areas reach certain milestones.
“Any attempt to leapfrog over these almost certainly will result in a rebound, and then we can set ourselves back,” he said. “If we don’t get control of it we will never get back to normal. I know we will, but we’ve got to do it correctly.”
Fauci also cautioned against looking for a magic number of available tests needed as the country reopens.
“We don’t want to get fixated on how many tests you need,” Fauci said. Instead, places must “have enough tests to respond to the outbreaks that will inevitably occur.”
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MIAMI - The president of a Florida medical center said at a press conference Saturday that any changes made going forward will have to be evaluated daily.
Orthopedic surgeon Wael Barsoum was referencing remarks by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis about restarting activities, such as elective procedures and surgeries.
“I think that there is a lot of excitement about seeing what happens as we move forward, as we start slowly seeing changes with the requirements that we’ve had put in place,” said Barsoum, president of Cleveland Clinic Florida. “But please recognize that we will learn every day, and we may have to step back from some of those decisions as a society.”
Barsoum said he told his parents, who are 75 and 84 years old, that regardless of what happens in the coming weeks he expects they will remain indoors.
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MADRID - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says that Spaniards will be allowed to leave their homes for short walks and exercise starting on May 2 after seven weeks of strict home confinement.
Sánchez announced in a televised address Saturday that the government plans to allow those outings for physical fitness “if the evolution of the epidemic remains favorable as it has recently.” Since the start of the state of emergency, Spaniards have only been allowed to leave home for essential shopping, except those workers in industries who cannot work from home.
Sánchez also announced that he would present a detailed plan on the “de-escalation” of the lockdown on Tuesday that he hopes to put into effect in the coming weeks.
Spain has one of the world’s strictest lockdowns as it fights to contain a COVID-19 outbreak that has claimed over 22,000 lives and infected over 200,000 people.
The measures have helped reduce a daily contagion rate that was over 20% a month ago to under 2% this week. On Sunday, children under 14 years old will be allowed to take walks with a parent for up to one hour and within one kilometer from home, ending six weeks of complete seclusion.
“Maximum caution will be our guideline for the rollback,” Sánchez said. “We must be very prudent because there is no manual, no road map to follow.”
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ROME - Nearly 200,000 Italian companies have asked authorities for permission to be able to operate during Italy’s lockdown, either because they help essential businesses or because they deem themselves strategic for the national economy during the coronavirus pandemic.
The interior ministry said Saturday that a streamlined procedure is being implemented that “trusts the sense of responsibility of individual business persons” in allowing companies to resume operations.
The ministry’s local authorities can verify that a company respects COVID-19 safety rules, including social distancing. Most of the requests have come from three northern regions that are among Italy’s most productive, but also among those most heavily hit by coronavirus cases.
So far, only a tiny percentage of the businesses have been found not following the rules, which are part of a government decree aimed at containing Italy’s COVID-19 outbreak.
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ISTANBUL - Turkey’s health ministry has documented 106 new deaths from COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 2,706.
Minister Fahrettin Koca shared daily figures Saturday, showing 2,861 new confirmed cases. The total number of confirmed infections has reached 107,773.
According to the data, 3,845 people were released from hospitals in the past 24 hours, increasing the number of recovered patients to 25,582.
“The rate of positive tests is decreasing,” Koca tweeted and urged continued precaution.
Turkey ranks seventh in the world for the number of confirmed infections, according to Johns Hopkins University. But experts believe the actual toll of the pandemic around the world is higher than the tally.
Nearly 870,000 people have been tested in Turkey so far.
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NEW YORK - Oil producers in the U.S. are making painful decisions about how to shut down operations after the pandemic decimated the need for fuel.
The price of U.S. benchmark crude plummeted more than 70% since the start of the year, selling for $17 a barrel Friday, well below what producers need to remain viable.
Parsley Energy, a mid-sized fracking company based in Austin, Texas, lost half its market value since the year began and told regulators it has been shutting down enough wells to take about 400 barrels of oil per day off the market.
In recent weeks, Exxon slashed its capital spending plan by 30%, or $10 billion, and Chevron gutted its capital expenses by 20%, or $4 billion. Both companies are planning to halt drilling for new oil in different parts of the world and will likely shrink further since conditions have deteriorated since their announcements.
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BERLIN - About 1,000 people gathered in Berlin to protest restrictions caused by the coronavirus, defying social distancing rules.
Demonstrators have gathered in the Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz square in Berlin for several Saturdays. The protests have drawn a variety of people, including some right-wing populists and conspiracy theorists.
News agency dpa reported police repeatedly called on participants to leave and a few people were detained before the crowd dispersed.
Although Germany recently loosened its restrictions slightly by allowing small shops to reopen, rules still call for people to keep a 1.5-meters (5 feet) apart in public.
Authorities can allow gatherings of up to 20 people, although that permission wasn’t granted for Saturday’s protest.
The Volksbuehne theater distanced itself from the demonstration saying, “we are not your backdrop.”
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ROME - Italy has reported 415 deaths and 2,357 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.
The Italian health ministry puts Europe’s highest death toll at more than 26,000. The total known infections stand at more than 195,000.
The Lombardy region registers the most cases in Italy, adding some 700 on Saturday for a total of nearly 72,000 infected persons there since Italy’s first case in that northern region on Feb. 20.
Much of Italy’s south has been spared the brunt of the outbreak. Authorities cautioned Italians against abandoning social distancing practices after the current lockdown ends and looser restrictions begin on May 4.
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ATHENS, Greece - Greece has recorded no deaths from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
Greek authorities say the total number of fatalities remains at 130. There were 16 new confirmed cases, raising the total to 2,506.
The number of people on ventilators in intensive care units continued to decline to 47.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and several ministers met Saturday to consider gradually easing the strict quarantine measures. Mitsotakis will make an announcement on Monday.
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OSLO, Norway - Norway is extending the ban on all events with more than 500 participants until Sept. 1
Norwegian Culture Minister Abid Raja said during a press conference Saturday “there is now a ban on major sporting events, festivals and concerts until 15 June. That ban is now extended until September 1.”
He says the decision wasn’t easy for the Norwegian government to make but stressed “we cannot have big events (in Norway) that can contribute to more infections that will affect life and health.”
Norway has reported 201 coronavirus deaths and 7,493 confirmed cases.
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Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Tacoma teachers struggle to reach kids amid virus closure

That ’ s how many of her students Nichol Everett , a teacher at Jason Lee Middle School in Tacoma , says she hasn ’ t heard from since Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee shut down public schools in response to the coronavirus more than a month ago .
Everett says she ’ s sent emails , made phone calls , tried to utilize social media and even mailed postcards .
During the first weeks of the school closure , she created a website full of resources .
In total , Everett - who teaches sixth graders and eight graders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and participation even among those she ’ s managed to reach is scattershot .
Many have responded , in some capacity , to daily online check-ins , she says , but few are completing the assigned work .
“ About 20 students have turned in any work in the last six weeks , ” Everett says .
“ On the assignments - the academic work - ( participation ) has been very low.
” At least anecdotally , Everett ’ s experience has been shared by a number of teachers in Tacoma .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - with many more weeks to come - teachers from neighborhoods across the city describe similar challenges .
The coronavirus pandemic has forced Tacoma Public Schools teachers to adapt , essentially overnight , to the new reality of distance learning and instruction from afar .
Some say that various impediments - including students ’ access to technology and the task of motivating kids to complete what amounts to ungraded work - have often made the transition difficult .
District spokesperson Dan Voelpel says Tacoma “ teachers are doing some amazing work under difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges .
“ School as we know it is about routines , structure and supports that we ’ ve meticulously built to give kids the best shot at learning -and we indoctrinate the kids in it starting in preschool and kindergarten , ” Voelpel says .
“ Those routines , structures and support disappeared in the blink of an eye .
Everyone here has been doing the best they can to reengage with students in new yet meaningful ways to keep the learning going.
” That process has been “ really , really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who teaches honors English and AP Human Geography at Lincoln High School .
Typically , Zamira is in front of his classes .
Now , he says he has “ a desk job , ” where he spends most of his time sending emails , making phone calls and scheduling meetings .
Zamira says he ’ s trying to provide students with roughly three hours of work per week .
He has sophomores working through the novel , “ Things Fall Apart , ” while he ’ s helping his AP human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s exam , which is scheduled for May 12 .
Like administrators and school board members , Zamira is keenly aware of the district-wide disparities .
At home , he knows some of his students don ’ t have access to the internet or a consistent way to access it .
He also knows COVID-19 and the economic disruption it has caused has created additional financial uncertainty for many families .
He ’ s trying his best to “ put stuff in front of them that ’ s engaging , challenging … and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zamira ’ has 140 students .
He says he “ hasn ’ t heard back - at all - from about 40 to 45 of them.
” “ They either haven ’ t called me back or emailed me back or logged on to look at their assignments .
I don ’ t know where they are , or what ’ s going on - so it ’ s been a real challenge , ” Zamira says .
“ I definitely think there ’ s a technology gap .
“ I also think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students ) heard school is closed , so they ’ re kind of moving into this wait-and-see approach .
Do I need to do this work ?
Does it affect my grade ?
” Recently , Tacoma Public Schools announced an updated policy that will limit middle and high school students to A , B , or C letter grades through the end of the school year .
Weeks ago , when Tacoma schools undertook distance learning , teachers were instructed to inform students that they could only improve grades through distance learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , some students see little reason to do the work , and it ’ s having a predictable effect on participation .
“ I just think there ’ s a lot of uncertainty , and it doesn ’ t create an environment where they ’ re going to go and seek out these learning opportunities , ” Zamira says .
Carinna Tarvin , who teaches 10th grade AP world history and 11th grade U.S. history at Lincoln , says she ’ s “ wary ” of some of the “ underlying assumptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-poverty high school .
Disparities exist , she says , but lowered expectations carry their own risk .
In Tarvin ’ s AP world history classes , there are 86 students .
She says 66 have viewed or attended an online class , and 28 have turned in an assignment .
Of the 52 students in Tarvin ’ s U.S. history classes , 10 have turned in an assignment , she says .
Tarvin says she knows many of her students are “ MIA because of stress , family responsibilities and a lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now working 40 hours a week at McDonalds , for example - but she also believes many simply “ don ’ t have any real incentive to do schoolwork ” right now .
“ It ’ s hard to say anything definitive about why students aren ’ t participating , since … they aren ’ t participating , ” Tarvin says .
Across town , at Tacoma Public Schools ’ Science and Math Institute ( SAMI ) in Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium , Matt Lonsdale says he ’ s having many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days trying to connect with students and creating curriculum that ’ s accessible , he says .
Teaching upper division natural sciences courses - largely to juniors and seniors - Lonsdale says he knows at least half of his students are getting his emails .
Very few are completing assignments , he says .
More than anything , Lonsdale is concerned about what else is being missed when schools are forced to go virtual .
There are important interactions that happen at school , and without that , he worries about the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be struggling .
“ The biggest challenge or shift for me was really the loss of being able to connect with the students , and check in with them .
Those conversations that happen all the time that are not academic based - just checking in with the kids and seeing how they ’ re doing , ” Lonsdale says .
“ The loss of that , and trying to recreate it in some digital way , has been difficult.
” That ’ s precisely the challenge for kindergarten teachers like Point Defiance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle school or high school teachers , the learning that happens in kindergarten and elementary school is often tied to the “ family atmosphere ” of the classroom and dependent on human interaction , King says .
When the in-person school year abruptly ended , King says she spent the first week “ in a state of denial and sadness.
” “ There were lots of tears , and that ache for my students .
It took me maybe over a week to realize I needed to adapt , ” King says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ personally is that I had to start rethinking everything I do as an educator.
” King has been a kindergarten teacher at Point Defiance for the last decade .
Before that , she spent 25 years teaching at Boze Elementary on the Eastside .
Over the course of a lengthy career , King developed a teaching style that had to be quickly re-calibrated , she says .
The pandemic school closure forced her to embrace new technologies and return to the fundamentals of education .
King says she tries to reach out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week , and so far has had overwhelming participation from the kids and their parents .
“ It ’ s a whole new way of looking at teaching , but this is our reality now , and we are going to make it work , ” King says .
“ We have to .
We have too much on the line to give up .
”

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - At least 40 percent.
That’s how many of her students Nichol Everett, a teacher at Jason Lee Middle School in Tacoma, says she hasn’t heard from since Washington Gov. Jay Inslee shut down public schools in response to the coronavirus more than a month ago.
Everett says she’s sent emails, made phone calls, tried to utilize social media and even mailed postcards. During the first weeks of the school closure, she created a website full of resources.
In total, Everett - who teaches sixth graders and eight graders - says she has 158 students, and participation even among those she’s managed to reach is scattershot.
Many have responded, in some capacity, to daily online check-ins, she says, but few are completing the assigned work.
“About 20 students have turned in any work in the last six weeks,” Everett says. “On the assignments - the academic work - (participation) has been very low.”
At least anecdotally, Everett’s experience has been shared by a number of teachers in Tacoma. Roughly six weeks into the school closure - with many more weeks to come - teachers from neighborhoods across the city describe similar challenges.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced Tacoma Public Schools teachers to adapt, essentially overnight, to the new reality of distance learning and instruction from afar. Some say that various impediments - including students’ access to technology and the task of motivating kids to complete what amounts to ungraded work - have often made the transition difficult.
District spokesperson Dan Voelpel says Tacoma “teachers are doing some amazing work under difficult circumstances,” while also acknowledging the challenges.
“School as we know it is about routines, structure and supports that we’ve meticulously built to give kids the best shot at learning -and we indoctrinate the kids in it starting in preschool and kindergarten,” Voelpel says. “Those routines, structures and support disappeared in the blink of an eye. Everyone here has been doing the best they can to reengage with students in new yet meaningful ways to keep the learning going.”
That process has been “really, really hard,” according to Kevin Zamira, who teaches honors English and AP Human Geography at Lincoln High School.
Typically, Zamira is in front of his classes. Now, he says he has “a desk job,” where he spends most of his time sending emails, making phone calls and scheduling meetings.
Zamira says he’s trying to provide students with roughly three hours of work per week. He has sophomores working through the novel, “Things Fall Apart,” while he’s helping his AP human geography students prepare for this year’s exam, which is scheduled for May 12.
Like administrators and school board members, Zamira is keenly aware of the district-wide disparities. At home, he knows some of his students don’t have access to the internet or a consistent way to access it. He also knows COVID-19 and the economic disruption it has caused has created additional financial uncertainty for many families.
He’s trying his best to “put stuff in front of them that’s engaging, challenging … and also equitable,” he says.
Zamira’ has 140 students. He says he “hasn’t heard back - at all - from about 40 to 45 of them.”
“They either haven’t called me back or emailed me back or logged on to look at their assignments. I don’t know where they are, or what’s going on - so it’s been a real challenge,” Zamira says. “I definitely think there’s a technology gap.
“I also think a lot of it is that (students) heard school is closed, so they’re kind of moving into this wait-and-see approach. Do I need to do this work? Does it affect my grade?”
Recently, Tacoma Public Schools announced an updated policy that will limit middle and high school students to A, B, or C letter grades through the end of the school year.
Weeks ago, when Tacoma schools undertook distance learning, teachers were instructed to inform students that they could only improve grades through distance learning schoolwork.
In other words, Zamira says, some students see little reason to do the work, and it’s having a predictable effect on participation.
“I just think there’s a lot of uncertainty, and it doesn’t create an environment where they’re going to go and seek out these learning opportunities,” Zamira says.
Carinna Tarvin, who teaches 10th grade AP world history and 11th grade U.S. history at Lincoln, says she’s “wary” of some of the “underlying assumptions” people have about students at the high-poverty high school.
Disparities exist, she says, but lowered expectations carry their own risk.
In Tarvin’s AP world history classes, there are 86 students. She says 66 have viewed or attended an online class, and 28 have turned in an assignment.
Of the 52 students in Tarvin’s U.S. history classes, 10 have turned in an assignment, she says.
Tarvin says she knows many of her students are “MIA because of stress, family responsibilities and a lack of technology” - she has one now working 40 hours a week at McDonalds, for example - but she also believes many simply “don’t have any real incentive to do schoolwork” right now.
“It’s hard to say anything definitive about why students aren’t participating, since … they aren’t participating,” Tarvin says.
Across town, at Tacoma Public Schools’ Science and Math Institute (SAMI) in Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Matt Lonsdale says he’s having many of the same issues.
Lonsdale spends his days trying to connect with students and creating curriculum that’s accessible, he says.
Teaching upper division natural sciences courses - largely to juniors and seniors - Lonsdale says he knows at least half of his students are getting his emails.
Very few are completing assignments, he says.
More than anything, Lonsdale is concerned about what else is being missed when schools are forced to go virtual. There are important interactions that happen at school, and without that, he worries about the impact it will have on students who might be struggling.
“The biggest challenge or shift for me was really the loss of being able to connect with the students, and check in with them. Those conversations that happen all the time that are not academic based - just checking in with the kids and seeing how they’re doing,” Lonsdale says. “The loss of that, and trying to recreate it in some digital way, has been difficult.”
That’s precisely the challenge for kindergarten teachers like Point Defiance Elementary’s Kelly King.
Unlike middle school or high school teachers, the learning that happens in kindergarten and elementary school is often tied to the “family atmosphere” of the classroom and dependent on human interaction, King says.
When the in-person school year abruptly ended, King says she spent the first week “in a state of denial and sadness.”
“There were lots of tears, and that ache for my students. It took me maybe over a week to realize I needed to adapt,” King says. “What that looked like for me personally is that I had to start rethinking everything I do as an educator.”
King has been a kindergarten teacher at Point Defiance for the last decade. Before that, she spent 25 years teaching at Boze Elementary on the Eastside.
Over the course of a lengthy career, King developed a teaching style that had to be quickly re-calibrated, she says. The pandemic school closure forced her to embrace new technologies and return to the fundamentals of education.
King says she tries to reach out to each of her students’ families once a week, and so far has had overwhelming participation from the kids and their parents.
“It’s a whole new way of looking at teaching, but this is our reality now, and we are going to make it work,” King says.
“We have to. We have too much on the line to give up.”


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Panthers make history, use all 7 picks on defensive players

CHARLOTTE , N.C. ( AP ) - The Carolina Panthers sent a clear message over the weekend : It ’ s time to upgrade the defense .
General manager Marty Hurney and new coach Matt Rhule used all seven draft picks on defensive players , hoping to improve a unit that allowed 29.4 points per game last season , the most in franchise history .
It marks the first time since the AFL-NFL merger that a team has used all seven picks on defense , per ESPN Stats and Info .
The 1985 Browns used all seven picks on offense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive starters from last year .
Rhule knew it would be a defense-heavy draft for the Panthers , but said the team didn ’ t rule out picking offensive players .
He said things just happened to fall that way .
“ The great thing is we have this young cohort of defensive guys who are going to grow together in ( defensive coordinator ) Phil Snow ’ s system over the next couple of years , ” Rhule said Rhule did , however , realize what was happening as the NFL ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at one point teased his offensive staff on Zoom , saying , “ Are we even paying you guys for today ?
Are you guys even doing anything ?
” Hurney and Rhule selected defensive tackle Derrick Brown from Auburn in the first round and Penn State defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn in the second round .
They used their final four picks of the draft on Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride Jr. , former West Virginia and XFL safety Kenny Robinson , Baylor defensive tackle Bravvion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Brown figures to be the centerpiece .
The No .
7 overall pick is viewed as three-down player who at 6-foot-5 and 326 pounds is stout enough to take on double-teams up front , which should free up teammates to make tackles .
Brown was one of the most dominant players in the SEC , which had 63 players taken in the draft .
Auburn defensive line coach Rodney Garner previously coached highly regarded defensive tackles Richard Seymour and Marcus Stroud at Georgia , but said “ at this stage ( Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is a combination of Richard and Marcus , ” Garner said .
“ He has the athleticism of Seymour but the stature and power of Stroud .
So when you put those two together it equates into a pretty special player .
… He imposed his will on pretty much every opponent that we played this year.
” Robinson became the first ( and perhaps only ) XFL player drafted into the NFL when he was selected in the fifth round .
After being booted out of West Virginia for violating academic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s St. Louis BattleHawks , where he had 21 tackles and two interceptions in five games before the league collapsed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and ultimately filed for bankruptcy .
Because he still had college eligibility remaining , he qualified for the NFL draft .
“ I knew the XFL benefited me in ways like preparing me to be a professional , ” Robinson said .
“ I was a professional football player for like six months before anyone else could be.
” Fourth-round pick Pride has a decent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Panthers parted ways with last year ’ s starting cornerback tandem , James Bradberry and Ross Cockrell .
If Pride does start , he ’ ll play in a division that includes three potential Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Tom Brady , Drew Brees and Matt Ryan , as well as wide receivers Julio Jones , Michael Thomas and Mike Evans .
“ You relish that moment to compete against the best because , shoot , the cream is going to rise to the top , ” said Pride , the fastest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was no surprise the Panthers drafted a player from Baylor , where Rhule coached last season .
“ I knew this was a possibility , ” Roy said .
“ He knows what I ’ m about.
” As for the potential of being paired on the interior defensive line with the mammoth Brown , the 6-1 , 332-pound Roy replied , “ there ’ s gon na be some problems for some people , I ’ ll tell you that right now.
” Gross-Matos ’ childhood was marred by family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
When he was 2 years old , he fell off the side of a boat and his father , Michael Gross , drowned after saving him .
He was 29 .
Nine years later , Gross-Matos ’ brother , Chelal , died after being struck by lightning .
“ It put the rest of my life in perspective , ” Gross-Matos said .
“ It ’ s about taking advantage of opportunities every second , every day .
Give your best and love the people around you.
” Chinn is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was selected to Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year .
“ He ’ s definitely been a mentor for me , ” Chinn said .
“ I ’ ve been able to talk to him about the way life is about to change .
From before being an NFL athlete and afterwards and relationships and things like that .
”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The Carolina Panthers sent a clear message over the weekend: It’s time to upgrade the defense.
General manager Marty Hurney and new coach Matt Rhule used all seven draft picks on defensive players, hoping to improve a unit that allowed 29.4 points per game last season, the most in franchise history.
It marks the first time since the AFL-NFL merger that a team has used all seven picks on defense, per ESPN Stats and Info. The 1985 Browns used all seven picks on offense. The Panthers needed to replace nine defensive starters from last year.
Rhule knew it would be a defense-heavy draft for the Panthers, but said the team didn’t rule out picking offensive players. He said things just happened to fall that way.
“The great thing is we have this young cohort of defensive guys who are going to grow together in (defensive coordinator) Phil Snow’s system over the next couple of years,” Rhule said
Rhule did, however, realize what was happening as the NFL’s first virtual draft went on, and at one point teased his offensive staff on Zoom, saying, “Are we even paying you guys for today? Are you guys even doing anything?”
Hurney and Rhule selected defensive tackle Derrick Brown from Auburn in the first round and Penn State defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn in the second round. They used their final four picks of the draft on Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride Jr., former West Virginia and XFL safety Kenny Robinson, Baylor defensive tackle Bravvion Roy and Florida International cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver.
Brown figures to be the centerpiece.
The No. 7 overall pick is viewed as three-down player who at 6-foot-5 and 326 pounds is stout enough to take on double-teams up front, which should free up teammates to make tackles.
Brown was one of the most dominant players in the SEC, which had 63 players taken in the draft.
Auburn defensive line coach Rodney Garner previously coached highly regarded defensive tackles Richard Seymour and Marcus Stroud at Georgia, but said “at this stage (Brown) is a better player.”
“He is a combination of Richard and Marcus,” Garner said. “He has the athleticism of Seymour but the stature and power of Stroud. So when you put those two together it equates into a pretty special player. … He imposed his will on pretty much every opponent that we played this year.”
DRAFTING A PRO
Robinson became the first (and perhaps only) XFL player drafted into the NFL when he was selected in the fifth round. After being booted out of West Virginia for violating academic rules, he signed with the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks, where he had 21 tackles and two interceptions in five games before the league collapsed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and ultimately filed for bankruptcy.
Because he still had college eligibility remaining, he qualified for the NFL draft.
“I knew the XFL benefited me in ways like preparing me to be a professional,” Robinson said. “I was a professional football player for like six months before anyone else could be.”
PRIDE AND JOY
Fourth-round pick Pride has a decent chance of starting right away given that the Panthers parted ways with last year’s starting cornerback tandem, James Bradberry and Ross Cockrell.
If Pride does start, he’ll play in a division that includes three potential Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Matt Ryan, as well as wide receivers Julio Jones, Michael Thomas and Mike Evans.
“You relish that moment to compete against the best because, shoot, the cream is going to rise to the top,” said Pride, the fastest cornerback at the scouting combine this year.
A RHULE GUY
It was no surprise the Panthers drafted a player from Baylor, where Rhule coached last season.
“I knew this was a possibility,” Roy said. “He knows what I’m about.”
As for the potential of being paired on the interior defensive line with the mammoth Brown, the 6-1, 332-pound Roy replied, “there’s gonna be some problems for some people, I’ll tell you that right now.”
TRAGIC CHILDHOOD
Gross-Matos’ childhood was marred by family tragedies that he said have shaped his life.
When he was 2 years old, he fell off the side of a boat and his father, Michael Gross, drowned after saving him. He was 29. Nine years later, Gross-Matos’ brother, Chelal, died after being struck by lightning.
“It put the rest of my life in perspective,” Gross-Matos said. “It’s about taking advantage of opportunities every second, every day. Give your best and love the people around you.”
FAMOUS UNCLE
Chinn is the nephew of former Broncos safety Steve Atwater, who was selected to Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“He’s definitely been a mentor for me,” Chinn said. “I’ve been able to talk to him about the way life is about to change. From before being an NFL athlete and afterwards and relationships and things like that.”
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Hawaii's governor extends stay-at-home order until May 31

HONOLULU ( AP ) - Gov .
David Ige on Saturday extended the state ’ s state-at-home order and the mandatory quarantine for visitors through May 31 .
“ This was not an easy decision .
I know this has been difficult for everyone .
Businesses need to reopen .
People want to end this self-isolation and we want to return to normal , ” Ige said in a statement .
“ But this virus is potentially deadly , especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
” At a news conference to announce the decision , Ige pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Island and Maui , Hawaii News Now reported .
“ We still need to remain vigilant.
” In his statement , Ige warned of undoing Hawaii ’ s progress in containing the virus if public places open up too early .
Hawaii has 601 cases of coronavirus and 13 deaths from the illness .
“ Thanks to our residents , we are flattening the curve , saving lives , and avoiding a resurgence of this virus by not reopening prematurely , ” Ige said .
The governor also extended the eviction moratorium , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dwelling for failure to pay rent , through May 31 .
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 , including pneumonia , and death .
The vast majority of people recover .

HONOLULU (AP) - Gov. David Ige on Saturday extended the state’s stay-at-home order and the mandatory quarantine for visitors through May 31.
“This was not an easy decision. I know this has been difficult for everyone. Businesses need to reopen. People want to end this self-isolation and we want to return to normal,” Ige said in a statement. “But this virus is potentially deadly, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.”
Ige also announced that elective surgeries may now take place and beaches will be open for exercise.
At a news conference to outline the moves, Ige pointed to alarming COVID-19 clusters on the Big Island and Maui, Hawaii News Now reported. “We still need to remain vigilant.”
In his statement, Ige warned of undoing Hawaii’s progress in containing the virus if public places open up too early. Hawaii has around 600 cases of coronavirus and 14 deaths from the illness, according to the Johns Hopkins University database.
“Thanks to our residents, we are flattening the curve, saving lives, and avoiding a resurgence of this virus by not reopening prematurely,” Ige said.
The governor also extended the eviction moratorium, which prevents any eviction from a residential dwelling for failure to pay rent, through May 31.
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, including pneumonia, and death. The vast majority of people recover.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Yemen's southern separatists claim sole control of Aden

SANAA , Yemen ( AP ) - Yemen ’ s southern separatists on Sunday broke a peace deal with the country ’ s internationally recognized government and claimed sole control of the regional capital of Aden , threatening to resume fighting between the two ostensible allies .
In a statement , the separatist ’ Southern Transitional Council , which is backed by the United Arab Emirates , declared a state of emergency and said it would “ self-govern ” the key southern port city and other southern provinces .
The separatists accused Yemen ’ s government , which is supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mismanagement .
There was no immediate response from the internationally recognized government to the separatists ’ announcement .
The division between the two supposed allies is another facet of the country ’ s complicated civil war .
On one side are the separatists and on the other are forces loyal to former President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi .
Both have fought together in the Saudi-led coalition ’ s war against Yemen ’ s Shiite Houthi rebels .
The Houthis in 2014 overran major parts of northern Yemen , including the capital , Sanaa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ushering in a war that has killed tens of thousands of people .
Hadi fled first to Aden and then to Saudi Arabia .
The Saudi-led coalition intervened in the conflict in 2015 and has since waged war against the Houthis in an effort to restore Hadi ’ s government to power .
The fighting in the Arab world ’ s poorest country has also left millions suffering from food and medical care shortages and pushed the country to the brink of famine .
In August , heavy fighting broke out between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separatists when the latter took Aden , the temporary seat of Hadi ’ s government , and key southern provinces .
The fighting stopped when the two groups reached a deal in November .
Sunday ’ s announcement by the separatists raises concerns that Yemen could slide further into chaos amid the worldwide coronavirus pandemic .
Yemen so far has only one confirmed case , in the southern province of Hadramawt , but experts and health workers have warned that the disease could wreak havoc there due to the dilapidated health system and @ @ @

SANAA, Yemen (AP) - Yemen’s southern separatists on Sunday broke a peace deal with the country’s internationally recognized government and claimed sole control of the regional capital of Aden, threatening to resume fighting between the two ostensible allies.
In a statement, the separatists’ Southern Transitional Council, which is backed by the United Arab Emirates, declared a state of emergency and said it would “self-govern” the key southern port city and other southern provinces. The separatists accused Yemen’s government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia, of corruption and mismanagement.
The government dismissed the separatists’ move. Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdullah al-Hadrami called for Saudi Arabia to have a “clear position” and take “decisive measures against the continuing rebellion of the so-called Transitional Council.”
The division between the two supposed allies is another facet of the country’s complicated civil war. On one side are the separatists and on the other are forces loyal to former President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. Both have fought together in the Saudi-led coalition’s war against Yemen’s Shiite Houthi rebels.
The Houthis in 2014 overran major parts of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, pushing out the internationally recognized government and ushering in a war that has killed tens of thousands of people. Hadi fled first to Aden and then to Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi-led coalition intervened in the conflict in 2015 and has since waged war against the Houthis in an effort to restore Hadi’s government to power. The fighting in the Arab world’s poorest country has also left millions suffering from food and medical care shortages and pushed the country to the brink of famine.
In August, heavy fighting broke out between Hadi’s forces and the southern separatists when the latter took Aden, the temporary seat of Hadi’s government, and key southern provinces. The fighting stopped when the two groups reached a deal in November.
The deal however has yet to be implemented with both sides traded accusations on halting its implementation.
Saturday’s move came amid protests in Aden against Hadi’s government and the separatists following devastating torrential rains and floods earlier this week. The rains plunged swaths of the country under water, causing extensive damage to homes and leaving dozens of people missing, homeless or dead. It forced Hadi’s government to declare a state of emergency in Aden, which was hit hard.
Sunday’s announcement by the separatists raises concerns that Yemen could slide further into chaos amid the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. Yemen so far has only one confirmed case, in the southern province of Hadramawt, but experts and health workers have warned that the disease could wreak havoc there due to the dilapidated health system and damaged infrastructure.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Browns young GM sticks to NFL draft plan like "seasoned vet"

CLEVELAND ( AP ) - Andrew Berry ’ s draft debut as Browns general manager was undeniably unique and ultimately unforgettable .
It ’ s way too early to know if it was successful .
It already seems smart .
The NFL ’ s youngest GM stuck to his plan and addressed Cleveland ’ s most pressing needs in this stay-at-home draft , which gave everyone a peek at Commissioner Roger Goodell ’ s basement and provided sports fans a much-needed respite from weeks of being quarantined because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
This was Berry ’ s first draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be picked .
He had previously been a part of draft rooms in Cleveland and Philadelphia , but this time it was all in Berry ’ s hands and Browns rookie coach Kevin Stefanski was impressed with how his boss handled things .
“ I was very impressed with how he operated , ” Stefanski said .
“ He knew when to have everybody be very quiet and he knew when to take input .
He looked like a seasoned vet to me.
” Berry suppressed the urge to make a major move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle Jedrick Wills with the No .
10 overall pick .
There were other options , but Berry stayed true to his board - he claimed the Browns had Williams ranked atop a talented class of tackles - and now has a protector for quarterback Baker Mayfield ’ s blind side .
Wills ’ selection underscores a strong connection between Berry and Stefanski , who share Ivy League backgrounds and vision for how the Browns should be built .
It hasn ’ t always been that way in Cleveland , where power struggles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days are finally over .
“ We have a ways to go , ” Stefanski said .
“ We are definitely not where we want to be , but I am appreciative of the group we have been able to put together to this point.
” Berry said his working relationship with Stefanski bodes well for the Browns .
“ I love working with Kevin , ” he said .
” His insight , his calmness , his intelligence , it really does not matter the situation that we are dealing with , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciated over the course of the last few days , going through the draft .
I really could not ask for a better partner , really in any situation and I am really pleased with how our first drafts has gone as a group.
” If there was a thread connecting Berry ’ s picks it was pedigree .
He added Wills , from one of the best programs in the country , along with a pair of LSU standouts - safety Grant Delpit and linebacker Jacob Phillips , who helped the Tigers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida Atlantic tight end Harrison Bryant was voted the nation ’ s best at that position , Washington center Nick Harris was voted his team ’ s most inspirational player and Michigan wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones has been on the radar of NFL scouts since high school .
The Browns concluded the draft Saturday with three picks , returning to the offensive side after taking three defensive players Friday .
The first brought a smile to Stefanski as Cleveland selected Bryant in the fourth round .
Bryant is certain to get plenty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-tight-end formations .
“ The more we have in the room , the merrier , ” Stefanski said .
With the No .
160 pick , the Browns selected the versatile Harris and then concluded their picks by taking Peoples-Jones , a player who didn ’ t fulfill high expectations in college and could have a significant role in Cleveland .
“ There is a lot this kid can do , ” Stefanski said .
“ Then , it is going to be a matter of him showing it to us.
” Cleveland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the SEC , college football ’ s best conference .
After Wills , the Browns selected LSU safety Grant Delpit , Missouri defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and LSU linebacker Jacob Phillips .
And while Berry and Stefanski insisted the run of SEC players was more coincidence than planned , the coach acknowledged it ’ s a bonus to get players accustomed to the big stage .
“ We did not go into this saying , ‘ Let ’ s only draft SEC players , ’ ” Stefanski said .
“ Now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from one league , it probably would make sense to draft from that league .
I can tell you , though , when you are watching these guys , the lights are bright in that conference and to see the guys perform under those types of elements certainly does not hurt in evaluation.
” There ’ s more star power than ever in the AFC North .
With top pick Joe Burrow now Cincinnati ’ s quarterback , and Lamar Jackson , the NFL ’ s reigning MVP running loose in Baltimore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands full for years to come .
Berry said he didn ’ t base any of his decisions on moves by the Ravens , Bengals - or Pittsburgh Steelers .
“ We are not going to build our team or build our defense just with those two players in mind , but we understand the challenges we face moving forward against two very talented young quarterbacks , ” he said .
The 2021 draft is scheduled to be held in downtown Cleveland , but the uncertainty about mass gatherings - as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual undertaking - could alter the league ’ s plans .
The Browns currently have 10 picks next year after acquiring a third-round pick from Indianapolis on Friday .

CLEVELAND (AP) - Andrew Berry’s draft debut as Browns general manager was undeniably unique and ultimately unforgettable. It’s way too early to know if it was successful.
It already seems smart.
The NFL’s youngest GM stuck to his plan and addressed Cleveland’s most pressing needs in this stay-at-home draft, which gave everyone a peek at Commissioner Roger Goodell’s basement and provided sports fans a much-needed respite from weeks of being quarantined because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
This was Berry’s first draft with final authority over which players would be picked. He had previously been a part of draft rooms in Cleveland and Philadelphia, but this time it was all in Berry’s hands and Browns rookie coach Kevin Stefanski was impressed with how his boss handled things.
“I was very impressed with how he operated,” Stefanski said. “He knew when to have everybody be very quiet and he knew when to take input. He looked like a seasoned vet to me.”
Berry suppressed the urge to make a major move in the first round and landed Alabama tackle Jedrick Wills with the No. 10 overall pick. There were other options, but Berry stayed true to his board - he claimed the Browns had Williams ranked atop a talented class of tackles - and now has a protector for quarterback Baker Mayfield’s blind side.
Wills’ selection underscores a strong connection between Berry and Stefanski, who share Ivy League backgrounds and vision for how the Browns should be built. It hasn’t always been that way in Cleveland, where power struggles have been the norm.
Maybe those days are finally over.
“We have a ways to go,” Stefanski said. “We are definitely not where we want to be, but I am appreciative of the group we have been able to put together to this point.”
Berry said his working relationship with Stefanski bodes well for the Browns.
“I love working with Kevin,” he said. ”His insight, his calmness, his intelligence, it really does not matter the situation that we are dealing with, and certainly his presence is more than appreciated over the course of the last few days, going through the draft. I really could not ask for a better partner, really in any situation and I am really pleased with how our first drafts has gone as a group.”
QUALITY CONTROL
If there was a thread connecting Berry’s picks it was pedigree.
He added Wills, from one of the best programs in the country, along with a pair of LSU standouts - safety Grant Delpit and linebacker Jacob Phillips, who helped the Tigers win a national championship last season.
Florida Atlantic tight end Harrison Bryant was voted the nation’s best at that position, Washington center Nick Harris was voted his team’s most inspirational player and Michigan wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones has been on the radar of NFL scouts since high school.
LATE ROUNDS
The Browns concluded the draft Saturday with three picks, returning to the offensive side after taking three defensive players Friday.
The first brought a smile to Stefanski as Cleveland selected Bryant in the fourth round. Bryant is certain to get plenty of playing time under Stefanski, who prefers two-tight-end formations.
“The more we have in the room, the merrier,” Stefanski said.
With the No. 160 pick, the Browns selected the versatile Harris and then concluded their picks by taking Peoples-Jones, a player who didn’t fulfill high expectations in college and could have a significant role in Cleveland.
“There is a lot this kid can do,” Stefanski said. “Then, it is going to be a matter of him showing it to us.”
CONFERENCE CALL
The Browns showed some southern bias.
Cleveland’s first four selections all came from the SEC, college football’s best conference. After Wills, the Browns selected LSU safety Grant Delpit, Missouri defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and LSU linebacker Jacob Phillips.
And while Berry and Stefanski insisted the run of SEC players was more coincidence than planned, the coach acknowledged it’s a bonus to get players accustomed to the big stage.
“We did not go into this saying, ‘Let’s only draft SEC players,’” Stefanski said. “Now, if you are only going to draft from one league, it probably would make sense to draft from that league. I can tell you, though, when you are watching these guys, the lights are bright in that conference and to see the guys perform under those types of elements certainly does not hurt in evaluation.”
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
There’s more star power than ever in the AFC North.
With top pick Joe Burrow now Cincinnati’s quarterback, and Lamar Jackson, the NFL’s reigning MVP running loose in Baltimore, the Browns are going to have their hands full for years to come.
Berry said he didn’t base any of his decisions on moves by the Ravens, Bengals - or Pittsburgh Steelers.
“We are not going to build our team or build our defense just with those two players in mind, but we understand the challenges we face moving forward against two very talented young quarterbacks,” he said.
NEXT YEAR
The 2021 draft is scheduled to be held in downtown Cleveland, but the uncertainty about mass gatherings - as well as the success of this year’s virtual undertaking - could alter the league’s plans.
The Browns currently have 10 picks next year after acquiring a third-round pick from Indianapolis on Friday.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Retail 'to go' offered as Texas eases virus-related rules

DALLAS ( AP ) — As Texas eases restrictions put in place to fight the coronavirus pandemic , one clothing store owner said Saturday that most of her customers so far are sticking to having orders shipped even though retail “ to go ” is now allowed .
Allison Scott , who along with her parents owns a franchise of the clothing store Apricot Lane in Dallas , said though that she thinks the “ to go ” offering does provide some happiness to those “ who are just itching to go somewhere.
” “ We have the few people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to go order it and come pick it up and have it and not worry about the mail , ” said Scott , who is also the store ’ s buyer .
Around the world , countries are taking cautious steps toward easing lockdowns imposed amid the pandemic .
As of Friday , Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott , a Republican , allowed retailers to sell items for curbside pickup .
Also this week , he reopened state parks and is allowing doctors to perform nonessential surgeries .
But appointments at salons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are still not yet allowed .
At Galleria Dallas , the shopping mall where Scott ’ s Apricot Lane store is located , shoppers can now pull up and their purchases are placed in their vehicle .
Scott said that on Friday they took five orders down to customers , and none on Saturday .
She said that as much as she ’ d like to see things return to the way they were and people be allowed to shop in person again , she thinks it ’ s too risky health-wise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be open more than anything but I don ’ t think that society is ready to come out either , ” she said .
With the opening Friday of retail “ to go , ” a handful of other businesses around the state reopened even though they weren ’ t supposed to .
Those included a hair salon in Dallas that got a citation for opening to give haircuts and do nails .
Texas has reported 623 deaths and about 24,000 overall cases of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick .
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 , including pneumonia .

DALLAS (AP) — As Texas eases restrictions put in place to fight the coronavirus pandemic, one clothing store owner said Saturday that most of her customers so far are sticking to having orders shipped even though retail “to go” is now allowed.
Allison Scott, who along with her parents owns a franchise of the clothing store Apricot Lane in Dallas, said though that she thinks the “to go” offering does provide some happiness to those “who are just itching to go somewhere.”
“We have the few people who want the immediate gratification. They want to go order it and come pick it up and have it and not worry about the mail,” said Scott, who is also the store’s buyer.
Around the world, countries are taking cautious steps toward easing lockdowns imposed amid the pandemic.
As of Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, allowed retailers to sell items for curbside pickup. Also this week, he reopened state parks and is allowing doctors to perform nonessential surgeries. But appointments at salons and dine-in restaurant service, for instance, are still not yet allowed.
At Galleria Dallas, the shopping mall where Scott’s Apricot Lane store is located, shoppers can now pull up and their purchases are placed in their vehicle. Scott said that on Friday they took five orders down to customers, and none on Saturday.
She said that as much as she’d like to see things return to the way they were and people be allowed to shop in person again, she thinks it’s too risky health-wise right now.
“I want to be open more than anything but I don’t think that society is ready to come out either,” she said.
With the opening Friday of retail “to go,” a handful of other businesses around the state reopened even though they weren’t supposed to. Those included a hair salon in Dallas that got a citation for opening to give haircuts and do nails.
Texas has reported 623 deaths and about 24,000 overall cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. The number of infections is likely much higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
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, including pneumonia.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Man gets 18 months in prison for threatening to kill Trump

DALLAS ( AP ) - A 36-year-old Texas man has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for threatening @ @ @ @ @ , prosecutors said .
Mickael Gedlu was sentenced Friday , according to a statement from @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office in Dallas .
He pleaded guilty in December to making threats against @ @ @ @ @ documents , Gedlu admitted he threatened Trump ’ s life on social media , stating @ @ @ @ @ am waiting for Trump to visit Dallas before I attempt to assassinate him.
” During @ @ @ @ @ that on May 31 , 2018 , Gedlu was observed across the street from Dallas @ @ @ @ @ minutes before Trump arrived there for a fundraiser .
Dallas police officers noticed Gedlu holding @ @ @ @ @ sign and detained him as he screamed “ kill the president.
” Prosecutors said the @ @ @ @ @ investigation with the assistance of Dallas police .

DALLAS (AP) - A 36-year-old Texas man has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump, prosecutors said.
Mickael Gedlu was sentenced Friday, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox’s office in Dallas. He pleaded guilty in December to making threats against Trump.
According to plea documents, Gedlu admitted he threatened Trump’s life on social media, stating on YouTube: “I am waiting for Trump to visit Dallas before I attempt to assassinate him.”
During court proceedings, prosecutors said that on May 31, 2018, Gedlu was observed across the street from Dallas’ Adolphus Hotel just 30 minutes before Trump arrived there for a fundraiser. Dallas police officers noticed Gedlu holding a “Kill Trump” sign and detained him as he screamed “kill the president.”
Prosecutors said the U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of Dallas police.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Official: 3 killed in plane crash in remote area of Nevada

ELKO , Nev. ( AP ) - Three people were killed in a plane crash in a remote area of @ @ @ @ @ County official said .
Chief Deputy Coroner Nick Czegledi said a man , a woman @ @ @ @ @ in the crash Friday night , the Elko Daily Free Press reported .
Their identities @ @ @ @ @ but the Daily Free Press reported that the victims were apparently Arizona residents .
The @ @ @ @ @ Valley , an area about 20 miles west of the Nevada-Utah line , Czegledi told @ @ @ @ @ said the U.S. Air Force notified the county Sheriff ’ s Office about a possible @ @ @ @ @ sent to the sent spotted the wreckage near the coordinates provided by the Air Force @ @ @ @ @ that crashed was trying to land for unknown reasons and came down hard , nose @ @ @ @ @ Czegledi and a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for additional @ @ @ @ @

ELKO, Nev. (AP) - Three people were killed in a plane crash in a remote area of northeastern Nevada, an Elko County official said.
Chief Deputy Coroner Nick Czegledi said a man, a woman and a boy were killed in the crash Friday night, the Elko Daily Free Press reported.
Their identities weren’t released, but the Daily Free Press reported that the victims were apparently Arizona residents.
The crash occurred in the Goshute Valley, an area about 20 miles west of the Nevada-Utah line, Czegledi told the Daily Free Press..
He said the U.S. Air Force notified the county Sheriff’s Office about a possible plane crash and an aircraft sent to the sent spotted the wreckage near the coordinates provided by the Air Force.
It appeared the plane that crashed was trying to land for unknown reasons and came down hard, nose down, Czegledi said.
Czegledi and a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for additional information about the incident.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--New order requires Delaware residents to wear face coverings

WILMINGTON , Del .
( AP ) - Delaware residents will be required to wear masks or other face coverings in public settings once a new order by Gov .
John Carney takes effect on Tuesday morning .
The governor on Saturday modified an emergency declaration to include the new requirement , which doesn ’ t apply to children who are 12 years old or younger .
The governor ’ s office says children who are 2 years old or younger must not wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation .
The places where cloth face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convenience stores , pharmacies , doctors ’ offices and on public transportation .
“ Now is not the time for Delawareans to get complacent , ” Carney said in a statement .
“ Wearing a face covering in public settings is important to prevent transmission of this disease .
But wearing a face covering is not permission to go out in public more often.
” Carney ’ s modified order also requires businesses to take steps designed to protect customers and employees from COVID-19 infections .
By Friday morning , businesses must provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Employees must wear a face covering while working in public areas or places where they are likely to come within 6 feet of co-workers .

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Delaware residents will be required to wear masks or other face coverings in public settings once a new order by Gov. John Carney takes effect on Tuesday morning.
The governor on Saturday modified an emergency declaration to include the new requirement, which doesn’t apply to children who are 12 years old or younger. The governor’s office says children who are 2 years old or younger must not wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation.
The places where cloth face coverings will be required includes grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, doctors’ offices and on public transportation.
“Now is not the time for Delawareans to get complacent,” Carney said in a statement. “Wearing a face covering in public settings is important to prevent transmission of this disease. But wearing a face covering is not permission to go out in public more often.”
Carney’s modified order also requires businesses to take steps designed to protect customers and employees from COVID-19 infections. By Friday morning, businesses must provide employees with face coverings and hand sanitizer. Employees must wear a face covering while working in public areas or places where they are likely to come within 6 feet of co-workers.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Man charged with murder in death of his mother

BELMONT , N.H. ( AP ) - Defense attorneys have raised concerns over the mental competency of a New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ mother .
Nicholas Murphy was arraigned Friday by video and faces two second-degree murder charges @ @ @ @ @ Murphy , the Concord Monitor reported .
Nicholas Murphy pleaded not guilty to both charges @ @ @ @ @ raised concerns that the defendant may not be able to stand trial but did not @ @ @ @ @ allege that Nicholas Murphy killed his mother on March 16 in their home .
Associate @ @ @ @ @ James conducted an autopsy and determined that Pamela Murphy sustained trauma to the head and @ @

BELMONT, N.H. (AP) - Defense attorneys have raised concerns over the mental competency of a New Hampshire man accused of killing his mother.
Nicholas Murphy was arraigned Friday by video and faces two second-degree murder charges for the death of Pamela Murphy, the Concord Monitor reported.
Nicholas Murphy pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Public defender Caroline Smith raised concerns that the defendant may not be able to stand trial but did not divulge specific concerns.
Prosecutors allege that Nicholas Murphy killed his mother on March 16 in their home.
Associate Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Christine James conducted an autopsy and determined that Pamela Murphy sustained trauma to the head and neck.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--2 more dead of COVID-19 in Utah, total deaths at 41

SALT LAKE CITY ( AP ) - Utah health officials said Saturday that two more people have died of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ the illness have been confirmed .
That brings the total number of cases to 3,948 @ @ @ @ @ , the state ’ s health authorities said .
Another 14 people were hospitalized with @ @ @ @ @ total of 329 .
Health officials said both deaths were females who were older than @ @ @ @ @ conditions .
One was a resident of a long-term care facility , and the other @ @ @ @ @ death .
For most people , the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such @ @ @ @ @ that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults @ @ @ @ @ problems , it can cause more severe illness or death .

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah health officials said Saturday that two more people have died of COVID-19 and 166 more cases of the illness have been confirmed.
That brings the total number of cases to 3,948 statewide, with 41 deaths, the state’s health authorities said. Another 14 people were hospitalized with symptoms COVID-19, for a total of 329.
Health officials said both deaths were females who were older than 60 and had underlying medical conditions. One was a resident of a long-term care facility, and the other was hospitalized prior to her death.
For most people, the virus 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--2020-04-25--Co-owner of prominent Jackson restaurant charged with murder

JACKSON , Miss .
( AP ) - The co-owner of a prominent restaurant in Mississippi ’ s capital has @ @ @ @ @ murder , police said .
Greta Brown-Bully is accused of shooting Larry Lee Friday night @ @ @ @ @ Brown told television station WJTV .
Lee was shot several times and died at the @ @ @ @ @ , Brown said .
Brown-Bully and her husband , Tyrone Bully , own Bully ’ @ @ @ @ @ won a James Beard America ’ s Classic award in 2016 .
Brown-Bully is charged @ @ @ @ @ on $ 100,000 bond , according to the Hinds County Sheriff ’ s Office .
@ @ @ @ @ clear Saturday whether she had a lawyer who could comment on the charge .

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The co-owner of a prominent restaurant in Mississippi’s capital has been arrested and charged with murder, police said.
Greta Brown-Bully is accused of shooting Larry Lee Friday night, Jackson police spokesman Sam Brown told television station WJTV. Lee was shot several times and died at the scene on Medgar Evers Boulevard, Brown said.
Brown-Bully and her husband, Tyrone Bully, own Bully’s Restaurant. The restaurant won a James Beard America’s Classic award in 2016.
Brown-Bully is charged with murder but was released on $100,000 bond, according to the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office. It wasn’t immediately clear Saturday whether she had a lawyer who could comment on the charge.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Protesters drive through Mississippi to urge reopening state

JACKSON , Miss .
( AP ) - Dozens of Mississippi motorists drove around downtown Jackson on Saturday , honking horns and encircling the Governor ’ s Mansion in an effort to get Gov .
Tate Reeves to fully reopen the state .
The drive-thru rally , which lasted about an hour , was established by a group called Reopen Mississippi .
A spokeswoman for the group told The Clarion Ledger that many in the state are hurting .
“ So many of our beloved small businesses are closing , ” Napp said .
The group said Reeves ’ shelter-in-place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedoms protected by both the U.S. Constitution and Mississippi Constitution .
Nationally , Americans remain overwhelmingly in favor of stay-at-home orders , according to a survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research .
Reeves said Friday that a safer-at-home order will go into effect Monday that will allow several retail businesses to reopen , but they must limit customers in their stores at one time to no greater than 50 % of their store capacity , the governor said .
Reeves acknowledged that the group had the right to protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While I would rather them not be protesting what ’ s going on in Mississippi , I fully support and appreciate their right to do so , ” he said Friday .
“ People are upset and frustrated because of the challenges so many of us are under .
… I just hope and pray they protest in a smart way.
” Saturday ’ s protest had a limited police presence and it appeared orderly .
There were no signs of speeding and motorists appeared to follow all traffic regulations .
A handful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flying the American and state flags , passed by honking their horns .
Meanwhile , the Mississippi Department of Health announced 12 additional deaths and 284 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday , bringing the state ’ s total cases to more than 5,710 , with at least 221 deaths .

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Dozens of Mississippi motorists drove around downtown Jackson on Saturday, honking horns and encircling the Governor’s Mansion in an effort to get Gov. Tate Reeves to fully reopen the state.
The drive-thru rally, which lasted about an hour, was established by a group called Reopen Mississippi. A spokeswoman for the group told The Clarion Ledger that many in the state are hurting.
“So many of our beloved small businesses are closing,” Napp said.
The group said Reeves’ shelter-in-place orders violate Mississippi citizens’ rights and freedoms protected by both the U.S. Constitution and Mississippi Constitution.
Nationally, Americans remain overwhelmingly in favor of stay-at-home orders, according to a survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Reeves said Friday that a safer-at-home order will go into effect Monday that will allow several retail businesses to reopen, but they must limit customers in their stores at one time to no greater than 50% of their store capacity, the governor said. Reeves acknowledged that the group had the right to protest its government and its leaders.
“While I would rather them not be protesting what’s going on in Mississippi, I fully support and appreciate their right to do so,” he said Friday. “People are upset and frustrated because of the challenges so many of us are under. … I just hope and pray they protest in a smart way.”
Saturday’s protest had a limited police presence and it appeared orderly. There were no signs of speeding and motorists appeared to follow all traffic regulations. A handful of people watched as cars, some flying the American and state flags, passed by honking their horns.
Meanwhile, the Mississippi Department of Health announced 12 additional deaths and 284 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, bringing the state’s total cases to more than 5,710, with at least 221 deaths.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Oklahoma businesses reopening as COVID-19 restrictions ease

OKLAHOMA CITY ( AP ) - Some businesses are reopening in parts of Oklahoma after Gov .
Kevin Stitt eased restrictions put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic .
On Friday , salons , spas and barbershops were allowed to reopen in much of the state , despite concerns from medical professionals .
Those businesses have been told to adhere to social distancing standards , have employees wear masks and frequently sanitize equipment .
The Oklahoma State Department of Health said Saturday there were about 3,200 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state and that six more people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths to 194 .
The number of infections , though , is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick .
Some of the state ’ s largest cities , including Norman , Oklahoma City and Tulsa , decided to keep their bans in place until at least the end of the month , while other municipalities that had bans in place lifted them to align with the governor ’ s authorization .
The mayors of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift their stay-at-home orders next Friday , when Stitt , a Republican , has said that restaurants , movie theaters , gyms and places of worship can reopen .
Teri Stevens , owner of The Barber Shop in the Tulsa suburb of Broken Arrow , told the Tulsa World on Friday that she was back at work cutting hair .
She said her face was hot from wearing a mask and the atmosphere was “ a little weird ” because there ’ s usually “ a little more camaraderie and people being out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and socializing.
” But Stevens said it was good to be back to work .
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 , including pneumonia .

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Some businesses are reopening in parts of Oklahoma after Gov. Kevin Stitt eased restrictions put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.
On Friday, salons, spas and barbershops were allowed to reopen in much of the state, despite concerns from medical professionals. Those businesses have been told to adhere to social distancing standards, have employees wear masks and frequently sanitize equipment.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health said Saturday there were about 3,200 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state and that six more people have died, bringing the total number of deaths to 194. The number of infections, though, is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
Some of the state’s largest cities, including Norman, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, decided to keep their bans in place until at least the end of the month, while other municipalities that had bans in place lifted them to align with the governor’s authorization.
The mayors of Tulsa and Oklahoma City announced they would lift their stay-at-home orders next Friday, when Stitt, a Republican, has said that restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and places of worship can reopen.
Teri Stevens, owner of The Barber Shop in the Tulsa suburb of Broken Arrow, told the Tulsa World on Friday that she was back at work cutting hair. She said her face was hot from wearing a mask and the atmosphere was “a little weird” because there’s usually “a little more camaraderie and people being out in the waiting area and everybody talking and socializing.”
But Stevens said it was good to be back to work.
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, including pneumonia.


washingtontimes--2020-04-25--Court reinstates California ammunition purchase law

SAN FRANCISCO ( AP ) - An appeals court has reinstated a California law requiring background checks for people buying ammunition , reversing a federal judge ’ s decision to stop the checks that he said violate the constitutional right to bear arms .
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday granted the state attorney general ’ s request to stay the judge ’ s order .
“ This means that the same restrictions that have been previously in effect regarding ammunition in California are back for the time being , ” the National Rifle Association , which hailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a news release .
The law , which took effect last July , requires Californians to pass an in-store background check before buying ammunition , which involves running buyers ’ names through a California Department of Justice database that tracks legal purchases of guns .
Gun rights activists complained the law ’ s red tape and database errors unfairly limited legal purchases of ammunition .
U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez in San Diego ruled in their favor , saying the law “ defies common sense while unduly and severely burdening the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun-owning citizen desiring to lawfully buy ammunition.
” While it is intended to keep ammunition from criminals , it blocked sales to legitimate , law-abiding buyers about 16 % of the time , Benitez wrote .
Moreover , he ruled that the state ’ s ban on importing ammunition from outside California violates federal interstate commerce laws .
Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a court filing earlier this month that the background checks stopped more than 750 people from buying bullets illegally from July 2019 through January 2020 , not including those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they knew they weren ’ t eligible .
The law requires buyers who already are in the state ’ s firearm background check database to pay a $ 1 fee each time they buy ammunition , while others can buy longer-term licenses if they do not have certain criminal convictions or mental health commitments .
It took an average of less than five minutes to complete the background checks , according to state court filings .

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - An appeals court has reinstated a California law requiring background checks for people buying ammunition, reversing a federal judge’s decision to stop the checks that he said violate the constitutional right to bear arms.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday granted the state attorney general’s request to stay the judge’s order.
“This means that the same restrictions that have been previously in effect regarding ammunition in California are back for the time being,” the National Rifle Association, which hailed the judge’s injunction, said in a news release.
The law, which took effect last July, requires Californians to pass an in-store background check before buying ammunition, which involves running buyers’ names through a California Department of Justice database that tracks legal purchases of guns.
Gun rights activists complained the law’s red tape and database errors unfairly limited legal purchases of ammunition.
U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez in San Diego ruled in their favor, saying the law “defies common sense while unduly and severely burdening the Second Amendment rights of every responsible, gun-owning citizen desiring to lawfully buy ammunition.”
While it is intended to keep ammunition from criminals, it blocked sales to legitimate, law-abiding buyers about 16% of the time, Benitez wrote. Moreover, he ruled that the state’s ban on importing ammunition from outside California violates federal interstate commerce laws.
Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a court filing earlier this month that the background checks stopped more than 750 people from buying bullets illegally from July 2019 through January 2020, not including those who didn’t even try because they knew they weren’t eligible.
The law requires buyers who already are in the state’s firearm background check database to pay a $1 fee each time they buy ammunition, while others can buy longer-term licenses if they do not have certain criminal convictions or mental health commitments.
It took an average of less than five minutes to complete the background checks, according to state court filings.