washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Pennsylvania judge accused of mishandling criminal cases

PITTSBURGH ( AP ) - A Greene County judge has been accused of judicial misconduct by the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board for the alleged mishandling of criminal cases .
The board filed a 21-count complaint Thursday against President Judge Farley Toothman , the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported .
The complaint alleges that in one incident Toothman retaliated against a Christy McCarty who confronted his law clerk for an alleged theft that occurred at a Sunoco gas station in 2017 .
Toothman asked police to investigate the incident and held a closed-door hearing the next day for McCarty without the presence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 days on contempt charges for allegedly violating a payment plan in connection to an unrelated case .
Toothman could not be immediately reached to comment on the charges , but he told the Observer-Reporter newspaper Thursday that the complaint was regrettable .
“ I do my best every day , ” Toothman said .
“ I respect the system and will comply with the process.
” If Toothman is found guilty the Court of Judicial Discipline could impose sanctions including censure , suspension , fines and removal from office .
Toothman has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

PITTSBURGH (AP) - A Greene County judge has been accused of judicial misconduct by the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board for the alleged mishandling of criminal cases.
The board filed a 21-count complaint Thursday against President Judge Farley Toothman, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
The complaint alleges that in one incident Toothman retaliated against a Christy McCarty who confronted his law clerk for an alleged theft that occurred at a Sunoco gas station in 2017.
Toothman asked police to investigate the incident and held a closed-door hearing the next day for McCarty without the presence of an attorney.
McCarty was incarcerated for 25 days on contempt charges for allegedly violating a payment plan in connection to an unrelated case.
Toothman could not be immediately reached to comment on the charges, but he told the Observer-Reporter newspaper Thursday that the complaint was regrettable.
“I do my best every day,” Toothman said. “I respect the system and will comply with the process.”
If Toothman is found guilty the Court of Judicial Discipline could impose sanctions including censure, suspension, fines and removal from office. Toothman has 30 days to respond to the complaint.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Hillary Clinton: 'Domestic terrorism' by armed men protesting Mich. shutdown 'cannot be tolerated'

Hillary Clinton says “ domestic terrorism ” has come to America via armed and angry quarantine protesters in Michigan .
The former secretary of state blasted citizens who showed up outside the state ’ s capital building this week to protest Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic , which has claimed the lives of roughly 87,000 Americans nationwide .
“ Armed men storming a legislature to disrupt its democratic proceedings is domestic terrorism , ” Mrs. Clinton wrote .
“ It can not be tolerated.
” The failed presidential candidate ’ s tweet linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which involved private invitation-only Facebook groups ; random members expressed a desire for the governor to “ be hanged , lynched , shot , beaten or beheaded.
” “ Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel have considered banning firearms from the Capitol building but are awaiting the six-member Michigan State Capitol Commission to figure out if they have the legal authority to do so , ” Newsweek reported .
The Detroit Free Press reported on Thursday that police departments are struggling with how and when to for compliance with the governor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrounding an Owosso barber working in defiance of her order , Shiawassee County Sheriff Brian BeGole issued a letter Monday saying that while the judicial branch weighed Whitmer ’ s choice to extend a state of emergency without the Legislature ’ s OK , his officers won ’ t actively enforce the governor ’ s mandates , ” the newspaper reported .
“ His office has ‘ basically decided to not do any enforcement , ” even as a gym opened in direct defiance this month , ” the newspaper reported .

Hillary Clinton says “domestic terrorism” has come to America via armed and angry quarantine protesters in Michigan.
The former secretary of state blasted citizens who showed up outside the state’s capital building this week to protest Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed the lives of roughly 87,000 Americans nationwide.
“Armed men storming a legislature to disrupt its democratic proceedings is domestic terrorism,” Mrs. Clinton wrote. “It cannot be tolerated.”
The failed presidential candidate’s tweet linked to a Newsweek article on the situation, which involved private invitation-only Facebook groups; random members expressed a desire for the governor to “be hanged, lynched, shot, beaten or beheaded.”
“Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel have considered banning firearms from the Capitol building but are awaiting the six-member Michigan State Capitol Commission to figure out if they have the legal authority to do so,” Newsweek reported.
The Detroit Free Press reported on Thursday that police departments are struggling with how and when to for compliance with the governor’s executive orders.
“Amid hubbub surrounding an Owosso barber working in defiance of her order, Shiawassee County Sheriff Brian BeGole issued a letter Monday saying that while the judicial branch weighed Whitmer’s choice to extend a state of emergency without the Legislature’s OK, his officers won’t actively enforce the governor’s mandates,” the newspaper reported.
Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy told the Livingston Press & Argus concurred.
“His office has ‘basically decided to not do any enforcement,” even as a gym opened in direct defiance this month,” the newspaper reported.
Armed men storming a legislature to disrupt its democratic proceedings is domestic terrorism. It cannot be tolerated.https://t.co/NcCFgA5COE — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 15, 2020
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--House passes historic rule change to allow remote voting and committee work during pandemic

House Democrats in a party-line vote Friday pushed through a historic rule change that will allow members to work remotely for the first time in the chamber ’ s more than 200-year history .
Democrats argued that the time had come for Congress to adapt like the rest of the country to social distancing rules and find ways to adequately do their jobs remotely .
“ Convening Congress must not turn into a super-spreader event , ” said Rules Chairman Jim McGovern , Massachusetts Democrat .
“ Technology has changed considerably over the last 231 years .
There are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and remote voting on the House floor possible .
Not forever , just temporarily during this emergency.
” Republicans rejected the new rules , arguing it was a breach of tradition and power grab from the majority .
They said that the fact members were voting in person Friday proved they could be phasing in a return to Capitol Hill the same as other essential workers .
“ The work of our frontline heroes is the definition of essential .
It can not be done remotely or by proxy .
Why should Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to represent the people , ” said Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , California Republican .
“ A virtual Congress would be a Congress that is connected to the internet , but disconnected from the American people.
” Now members will be allowed to cast their votes by designating another member to do it for them on the House floor .
They must notify the House clerk in person .
Each proxy must receive written instructions for each vote and is only allowed to stand in for up to 10 members .
For committees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire virtual or hybrid meetings where some members are physically present in Washington , D.C. Any virtual participants have to use software approved by the Chief Administrative Officer , but they will be allowed to vote on committee items .
The House Administration Committee also will be tasked to study and approve a secure way to vote via virtual technology — which can be approved by the House Rules Committee and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
The authorization lasts for 45 days — which can be renewed and modified — if the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go away , ” Mrs. Pelosi , California Democrat , told reporters this week .
“ The District of Columbia has just pushed back their shelter in place .
I mean , I would hope that it wouldn ’ t be any longer than that , but we just have to judge at the time.
” While most of the chamber ’ s 430 members were able to return on Friday for votes , they were operating under starkly different procedures directly related to the debate and voting process .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of about 70 to keep the lawmakers socially distanced on the House floor .
The House currently has five vacant seats .
Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer , Maryland Democrat , encouraged members to use electronic voting machines spaced throughout the chamber and stay in their offices until it ’ s their designated time to vote .
Rep. Jared Huffman , California Democrat , shared a photo of the packed plane he took to travel to Washington and expressed his concern about risking exposure to the deadly virus .

House Democrats in a party-line vote Friday pushed through a historic rule change that will allow members to work remotely for the first time in the chamber’s more than 200-year history.
The resolution passed on a 217-189 vote.
Democrats argued that the time had come for Congress to adapt like the rest of the country to social distancing rules and find ways to adequately do their jobs remotely.
“Convening Congress must not turn into a super-spreader event,” said Rules Chairman Jim McGovern, Massachusetts Democrat. “Technology has changed considerably over the last 231 years. There are now tools available that make temporary committee proceedings and remote voting on the House floor possible. Not forever, just temporarily during this emergency.”
Republicans rejected the new rules, arguing it was a breach of tradition and power grab from the majority. They said that the fact members were voting in person Friday proved they could be phasing in a return to Capitol Hill the same as other essential workers.
“The work of our frontline heroes is the definition of essential. It cannot be done remotely or by proxy. Why should Congress be any different? We are supposed to represent the people,” said Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, California Republican. “A virtual Congress would be a Congress that is connected to the internet, but disconnected from the American people.”
Now members will be allowed to cast their votes by designating another member to do it for them on the House floor. They must notify the House clerk in person. Each proxy must receive written instructions for each vote and is only allowed to stand in for up to 10 members.
For committees, chairs can decide whether to hold entire virtual or hybrid meetings where some members are physically present in Washington, D.C. Any virtual participants have to use software approved by the Chief Administrative Officer, but they will be allowed to vote on committee items.
The House Administration Committee also will be tasked to study and approve a secure way to vote via virtual technology — which can be approved by the House Rules Committee and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The authorization lasts for 45 days — which can be renewed and modified — if the pandemic continues.
“God willing, this will go away,” Mrs. Pelosi, California Democrat, told reporters this week. “The District of Columbia has just pushed back their shelter in place. I mean, I would hope that it wouldn’t be any longer than that, but we just have to judge at the time.”
While most of the chamber’s 430 members were able to return on Friday for votes, they were operating under starkly different procedures directly related to the debate and voting process.
They were divided into six, alphabetically sorted groups of about 70 to keep the lawmakers socially distanced on the House floor.
The House currently has five vacant seats.
Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, Maryland Democrat, encouraged members to use electronic voting machines spaced throughout the chamber and stay in their offices until it’s their designated time to vote.
Rep. Jared Huffman, California Democrat, shared a photo of the packed plane he took to travel to Washington and expressed his concern about risking exposure to the deadly virus.
Packed. On redeye to DC via Charlotte. Not safe and not OK. pic.twitter.com/GTmjRfAzPR — Rep. Jared Huffman (@JaredHuffman) May 15, 2020
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Federal lawsuit targets Delaware coronavirus restrictions

DOVER , Del .
( AP ) - A Delaware man is suing Democratic Gov .
John Carney in federal court over restrictions he has imposed on access to the state ’ s beaches and his ban on short-term rentals .
Patrick J. Murray argues in a complaint filed Friday that the restrictions imposed by Carney because of the coronavirus deprive him of his liberty and his property in violation of the Constitution .
Murray is seeking restraining orders prohibiting Carney from restricting access to beaches in any way other than requiring face coverings , and from continuing a blanket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Murray is being represented in the case by his wife , Georgetown attorney Julianne Murray .
Julianne Murray confirmed in an affidavit that she did not attempt to give notice to Carney before filing the suit , noting that “ time is of the essence.
” Her husband swore in an affidavit that he will suffer irreparable injury if he is unable to rent the couple ’ s Dewey Beach condominium starting Memorial Day weekend , because the rental income from the summer pays the mortgage for the year .
“ To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position of committing a crime if they rent their property on a short term basis is simply too much , ” the lawsuit states .
“ The blanket ban is overbroad and runs afoul of the U.S. Constitution.
” “ Even if the defendant could argue that there is a compelling state interest that justifies the violation of constitutional rights , the government must use the least-restrictive means , ” the complaint reads .
“ A blanket ban on commercial lodging and all short term rentals is not the least restrictive means when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to social distancing or other recommendations of the CDC.
” Julianne Murray said in a phone interview that there are many other beach property owners who are similarly situated , and that a class-action lawsuit “ is not out of the question.
” “ People are worried about taking on the governor , ” she said .
“ Patrick is not one of those people.
” A spokesman for Carney said the governor ’ s legal team was reviewing the complaint .
The lawsuit was filed one day after Carney announced that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pools on May 22 , subject to social distancing requirements and other restrictions .
Carney ’ s emergency declaration had closed access to all Delaware beaches except for exercising and dog walking , while allowing local officials to shut down their beaches completely .
Carney ’ s announcement came on the same day that the mayor of Ocean City , Maryland , just over the state line , opened hotels and vacation rentals in the sprawling beach resort and lifted a 14-day quarantine rule for out-of-state visitors .
Carney , however , reiterated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a mandate that out-of-state visitors self-quarantine for 14 days , would remain in place .
“ Now is not the time to go wild and run to the beach and get out there with lots of friends and have a party on the beach with 20 or 30 people , ” he said .
“ In fact , that would not be permitted.
” “ There ’ s quite a bit of pressure coming , as you might imagine , from the towns and the business sector about eliminating the short-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But he said keeping the rental ban and quarantine mandate in place is aimed at limiting an “ onslaught ” of visitors to Delaware beaches while not violating constitutional rights to travel among states .
The lawsuit claims that Carney ’ s restrictions are violating other constitutional rights .
Murray argues that the prohibition against renting his condominium amounts to a government taking of private property without compensation .
He also argues that requiring people from different households to remain at least 6 feet ( 2 meters ) apart on the beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to life and liberty .
“ If plaintiff and someone outside his household want to take the risk of sitting closer than 6 feet on the beach they ought to be permitted to do so , ” the lawsuit states .
Meanwhile Friday , Carney released guidance for the first phase of a rolling reopening of Delaware ’ s economy , which will allow businesses such as restaurants and retail shops to reopen , with significant restrictions .
Among other things , they would generally have to limit capacity to 30 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak .

DOVER, Del. (AP) - A Delaware man is suing Democratic Gov. John Carney in federal court over restrictions he has imposed on access to the state’s beaches and his ban on short-term rentals.
Patrick J. Murray argues in a complaint filed Friday that the restrictions imposed by Carney because of the coronavirus deprive him of his liberty and his property in violation of the Constitution.
Murray is seeking restraining orders prohibiting Carney from restricting access to beaches in any way other than requiring face coverings, and from continuing a blanket ban on short-term rentals and commercial lodging.
Murray is being represented in the case by his wife, Georgetown attorney Julianne Murray.
Julianne Murray confirmed in an affidavit that she did not attempt to give notice to Carney before filing the suit, noting that “time is of the essence.”
Her husband swore in an affidavit that he will suffer irreparable injury if he is unable to rent the couple’s Dewey Beach condominium starting Memorial Day weekend, because the rental income from the summer pays the mortgage for the year.
“To put plaintiff and other Delawareans in the position of committing a crime if they rent their property on a short term basis is simply too much,” the lawsuit states. “The blanket ban is overbroad and runs afoul of the U.S. Constitution.”
“Even if the defendant could argue that there is a compelling state interest that justifies the violation of constitutional rights, the government must use the least-restrictive means,” the complaint reads. “A blanket ban on commercial lodging and all short term rentals is not the least restrictive means when it is possible for renters to adhere to social distancing or other recommendations of the CDC.”
Julianne Murray said in a phone interview that there are many other beach property owners who are similarly situated, and that a class-action lawsuit “is not out of the question.”
“People are worried about taking on the governor,” she said. “Patrick is not one of those people.”
A spokesman for Carney said the governor’s legal team was reviewing the complaint.
The lawsuit was filed one day after Carney announced that he will lift restrictions on beaches and community pools on May 22, subject to social distancing requirements and other restrictions. Carney’s emergency declaration had closed access to all Delaware beaches except for exercising and dog walking, while allowing local officials to shut down their beaches completely.
Carney’s announcement came on the same day that the mayor of Ocean City, Maryland, just over the state line, opened hotels and vacation rentals in the sprawling beach resort and lifted a 14-day quarantine rule for out-of-state visitors.
Carney, however, reiterated Friday that his ban on short-term rentals, and a mandate that out-of-state visitors self-quarantine for 14 days, would remain in place.
“Now is not the time to go wild and run to the beach and get out there with lots of friends and have a party on the beach with 20 or 30 people,” he said. “In fact, that would not be permitted.”
“There’s quite a bit of pressure coming, as you might imagine, from the towns and the business sector about eliminating the short-term rental issue,” the governor acknowledged. But he said keeping the rental ban and quarantine mandate in place is aimed at limiting an “onslaught” of visitors to Delaware beaches while not violating constitutional rights to travel among states.
The lawsuit claims that Carney’s restrictions are violating other constitutional rights.
Murray argues that the prohibition against renting his condominium amounts to a government taking of private property without compensation. He also argues that requiring people from different households to remain at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart on the beach at all times violates his constitutional rights to life and liberty.
“If plaintiff and someone outside his household want to take the risk of sitting closer than 6 feet on the beach they ought to be permitted to do so,” the lawsuit states.
Meanwhile Friday, Carney released guidance for the first phase of a rolling reopening of Delaware’s economy, which will allow businesses such as restaurants and retail shops to reopen, with significant restrictions. Among other things, they would generally have to limit capacity to 30 percent of fire code occupancy, excluding staff.
___
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--J.C. Penney files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in pandemic fallout

NEW YORK ( AP ) — The coronavirus pandemic has pushed troubled department store chain J.C. Penney into Chapter 11 bankruptcy .
It is the fourth major retailer to meet that fate .
As part of its reorganization , the 118-year-old company said late Friday it will be closing some of its stores and will disclose details and timing in the coming weeks .
It operates 850 stores and it has nearly 90,000 workers .
It said that it received $ 900 million in financing to help it operate during the restructuring .
Penney joins luxury department store chain Neiman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filing for bankruptcy reorganization .
Plenty of other retailers are expected to follow .
Many experts are pessimistic about Penney ’ s survival even as it sheds its debt and shrinks the number of its stores .
Its fashion and home offerings haven ’ t stood out for years .
And moreover , its middle-to-low income customers have been the hardest hit by massive layoffs during the pandemic .
Many of them will likely shop more at discounters — if they shop at all , analysts say .
“ This is a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perkins , president of Retail Metrics , a retail research firm .
“ Penney offers no reason to shop there compared to its competitors , whether it ’ s Macy ’ s or T.J. Maxx or Walmart .
How are they going to survive ?
” Like many department stores , Penney is struggling to remain relevant in an era when Americans are buying more online or from discounters .
Sears has now been reduced to a couple hundred stores after being bought by hedge fund billionaire and its former chairman Eddie Lampert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York closed its doors earlier this year and Bon-Ton Stores went out of business in 2018 .
The pandemic has just put department stores further in peril as they see their sales evaporate with extended closures .
Even as retailers like Penney start to reopen in states like Texas and Florida that have relaxed their lock downs , they ’ re also facing Herculean challenges in making shoppers feel comfortable to be in public spaces .
Like Sears , J.C. Penney ’ s troubles were years in the making , marking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1960s through 1980s when it became a key shopping destination at malls for families .
The company ’ s roots began in 1902 when James Cash Penney started a dry good store in Kemmerer , Wyoming .
The retailer had focused its stores in downtown areas but expanded into suburban shopping malls as they became more popular starting in the 1960s .
With that expansion , Penney added appliances , hair salons and portrait studios .
But since the late 1990s , Penney struggled with weak sales and heavier competition from discounters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business from both ends .
Penney ’ s began flirting with bankruptcy nearly a decade ago when a disastrous reinvention plan spearheaded by then CEO Ron Johnson caused sales to go into free fall .
Johnson drastically cut promotions and brought in hip brands that turned off loyal shoppers .
As a result , sales dropped from $ 17 .
3 billion during the fiscal year that ended in early 2012 to $ 13 billion a year later .
Many longtime customers walked away and have not returned .
Johnson was fired in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the job .
Since then , Penney ’ s has undergone a series of management changes , each employing different strategies that failed to revive sales .
The company based in Plano , Texas , has suffered five straight years of declining sales , which now hover around $ 11.2 billion .
Its shares are trading at less than 20 cents , down from $ 1.26 a year ago , and from its all-time peak of $ 81 in 2006 .
Penney ’ s CEO Jill Soltau has acted swiftly since joining the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from stores major appliances that were weighing down operating profits .
That reversed the strategy of her predecessor , Marvin Ellison , who brought appliances to the showroom floor after a 30-year absence in an attempt to capitalize on the troubles of ailing Sears .
Soltau turned the company ’ s focus back to women ’ s clothing and goods for the home like towels and bed sheets , which carry higher profit margins .
Furniture is still available , but only online .
Still , sales and profits have remained weak .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 , sales at stores opened at least a year dropped 4.7 adjusted for the exit of appliances .
Profits were down 64 % .

NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has pushed troubled department store chain J.C. Penney into Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It is the fourth major retailer to meet that fate.
As part of its reorganization, the 118-year-old company said late Friday it will be closing some of its stores and will disclose details and timing in the coming weeks.
It operates 850 stores and it has nearly 90,000 workers. It said that it received $900 million in financing to help it operate during the restructuring.
Penney joins luxury department store chain Neiman Marcus, J.Crew and Stage Stores in filing for bankruptcy reorganization. Plenty of other retailers are expected to follow.
Many experts are pessimistic about Penney’s survival even as it sheds its debt and shrinks the number of its stores. Its fashion and home offerings haven’t stood out for years. And moreover, its middle-to-low income customers have been the hardest hit by massive layoffs during the pandemic. Many of them will likely shop more at discounters — if they shop at all, analysts say.
“This is a long, sad story,” said Ken Perkins, president of Retail Metrics, a retail research firm. “Penney offers no reason to shop there compared to its competitors, whether it’s Macy’s or T.J. Maxx or Walmart. How are they going to survive?”
Like many department stores, Penney is struggling to remain relevant in an era when Americans are buying more online or from discounters. Sears has now been reduced to a couple hundred stores after being bought by hedge fund billionaire and its former chairman Eddie Lampert in bankruptcy in early 2019. Barneys New York closed its doors earlier this year and Bon-Ton Stores went out of business in 2018.
The pandemic has just put department stores further in peril as they see their sales evaporate with extended closures. Even as retailers like Penney start to reopen in states like Texas and Florida that have relaxed their lock downs, they’re also facing Herculean challenges in making shoppers feel comfortable to be in public spaces.
Like Sears, J.C. Penney’s troubles were years in the making, marking a slow decline from its glory days during the 1960s through 1980s when it became a key shopping destination at malls for families.
The company’s roots began in 1902 when James Cash Penney started a dry good store in Kemmerer, Wyoming. The retailer had focused its stores in downtown areas but expanded into suburban shopping malls as they became more popular starting in the 1960s. With that expansion, Penney added appliances, hair salons and portrait studios.
But since the late 1990s, Penney struggled with weak sales and heavier competition from discounters and specialty chains that were squeezing its business from both ends. Penney’s began flirting with bankruptcy nearly a decade ago when a disastrous reinvention plan spearheaded by then CEO Ron Johnson caused sales to go into free fall.
Johnson drastically cut promotions and brought in hip brands that turned off loyal shoppers. As a result, sales dropped from $17. 3 billion during the fiscal year that ended in early 2012 to $13 billion a year later. Many longtime customers walked away and have not returned. Johnson was fired in April 2013 after just 17 months on the job.
Since then, Penney’s has undergone a series of management changes, each employing different strategies that failed to revive sales. The company based in Plano, Texas, has suffered five straight years of declining sales, which now hover around $11.2 billion. Its shares are trading at less than 20 cents, down from $1.26 a year ago, and from its all-time peak of $81 in 2006.
Penney’s CEO Jill Soltau has acted swiftly since joining the company in October 2018. She jettisoned from stores major appliances that were weighing down operating profits. That reversed the strategy of her predecessor, Marvin Ellison, who brought appliances to the showroom floor after a 30-year absence in an attempt to capitalize on the troubles of ailing Sears.
Soltau turned the company’s focus back to women’s clothing and goods for the home like towels and bed sheets, which carry higher profit margins. Furniture is still available, but only online.
Still, sales and profits have remained weak. For the fiscal fourth quarter ended Feb. 1, sales at stores opened at least a year dropped 4.7 adjusted for the exit of appliances. Profits were down 64%.


washingtontimes--2020-05-15--Alaska lawmakers plan to reconvene to address aid dollars

JUNEAU , Alaska ( AP ) - The Alaska Legislature plans to reconvene Monday , prodded by a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of plans to distribute federal coronavirus relief funds .
The sole focus will be on taking action aimed at clearing up concerns about the funding , according to Senate majority communications director Daniel McDonald and a release from the House majority .
Gov .
Mike Dunleavy submitted plans for distributing federal aid dollars to the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee under a process set out in law .
The process allows a governor to submit plans to accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds on a budget item .
The committee signed off despite questions about whether use of that process was appropriate for some of the items .
Some legislators argued the items in question should have been taken up by the full Legislature .
Lawmakers have been in recess since late March amid coronavirus concerns .
A 90-day session limit set in law has passed but the constitution permits sessions of up to 121 days , a deadline that will be reached Wednesday .
The constitution allows a 10-day extension if there is sufficient @ @ @ @

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - An Alaska lawmaker on Friday defended asking whether stickers that individuals may be asked to wear as part of a Capitol coronavirus screening process will be “available as a yellow Star of David.”
Republican Rep. Ben Carpenter of Nikiski said he was serious in making the comment in an email chain with other legislators. He was responding to proposed protocols aimed at guarding against the virus as lawmakers prepare to reconvene Monday. The protocols suggest stickers be worn to confirm someone at the Capitol had been screened.
“The point is, tying it to the Star of David shows, who amongst the human population has lost their liberties more than the Jewish people?” he said in an interview. “And if there were more people standing up for the loss of liberties prior to World War II, maybe we wouldn’t have had the Holocaust.”
“This is about the loss of liberties within our people, and we’re just turning a blind eye to it,” he said, adding that virus fears are “causing us to have policies that don’t make any sense.”
In his email, Carpenter asked about the screening process. “If my sticker falls off, do I get a new one or do I get public shaming too? Are the stickers available as a yellow Star of David?”
Rep. Grier Hopkins, a Fairbanks Democrat, responded to Carpenter’s email by calling the remark “disgusting. Keep your Holocaust jokes to yourself.”
The state has reported 388 cases of COVID-19 involving Alaska residents and eight cases involving nonresidents. There have been 10 deaths related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, according to the state health department.
The Legislature, which recessed in late March amid coronavirus concerns, plans to reconvene Monday, prodded by a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of plans to distribute federal coronavirus relief funds.
The sole focus will be on taking action aimed at clearing up concerns about the funding, according to Senate majority communications director Daniel McDonald and a release from the House majority.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy submitted plans for distributing federal aid dollars to the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee under a process set out in law. The process allows a governor to submit plans to accept and spend additional federal or other program funds on a budget item.
The committee signed off despite questions about whether use of that process was appropriate for some of the items. Some legislators argued the items in question should have been taken up by the full Legislature.
The lawsuit raises similar issues.
A 90-day session limit set in law has passed, but the constitution permits sessions of up to 121 days, a deadline that will be reached Wednesday. The constitution allows a 10-day extension if there is sufficient support for one.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Newport beach getting new self-pay kiosks

Visitors to Easton ’ s Beach in Newport will no longer hand over money to a human worker to get @ @ @ @ @ The city has installed eight self-pay kiosks .
Although the kiosks were approved by the @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , city spokesman Tom Shevlin told The Newport Daily News the pay @ @ @ @ @ work environment for beach staff by eliminating the handling of large amounts of cash .
@ @ @ @ @ personnel to perform other duties .
Similar kiosks at another city lot installed last year @ @ @ @ @ , increased collection of revenue and better customer service , he said .
The parking @ @ @ @ @ Beach are currently closed because of the pandemic .
The reopening date remains uncertain .
@ @ @ @ @ programs at the beach will be discontinued for the 2020 season because of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) -
Visitors to Easton’s Beach in Newport will no longer hand over money to a human worker to get into the parking lot.
The city has installed eight self-pay kiosks.
Although the kiosks were approved by the City Council last year before the coronavirus pandemic, city spokesman Tom Shevlin told The Newport Daily News the pay stations will provide a safer work environment for beach staff by eliminating the handling of large amounts of cash. They will also free up personnel to perform other duties.
Similar kiosks at another city lot installed last year resulted in reduced operating costs, increased collection of revenue and better customer service, he said.
The parking areas at Easton’s Beach are currently closed because of the pandemic. The reopening date remains uncertain.
The bathhouse and reserved parking programs at the beach will be discontinued for the 2020 season because of the pandemic, the city said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Circuit court Plaistow to close, security, ADA issues cited

CONCORD , N.H. ( AP ) - The New Hampshire Supreme Court has issued an order to close the Plaistow @ @ @ @ @ does not meet security or Americans With Disabilities Act requirements .
The closure is in @ @ @ @ @ boards of selectmen and police chiefs of the affected towns , as well as legislators @ @ @ @ @ that the building had failed accreditation by the New Hampshire Court Accreditation Commission following results @ @ @ @ @ , the Governor ’ s Commission on Disability , the U.S .
Marshal Service , @ @ @ @ @ New Hampshire Fire Marshal .
The last day of hearings in Plaistow will be June @ @ @ @ @ district and family division matters arising out of the Plaistow jurisdiction will be divided between @ @ @ @ @ Brentwood , said David King , administrative judge of the circuit court .

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The New Hampshire Supreme Court has issued an order to close the Plaistow Circuit Court because the building does not meet security or Americans With Disabilities Act requirements.
The closure is in effect June 30.
The boards of selectmen and police chiefs of the affected towns, as well as legislators, were notified in January that the building had failed accreditation by the New Hampshire Court Accreditation Commission following results of inspections by the commission, the Governor’s Commission on Disability, the U.S. Marshal Service, and the Office of the New Hampshire Fire Marshal.
The last day of hearings in Plaistow will be June 15. After that, district and family division matters arising out of the Plaistow jurisdiction will be divided between the courthouses in Salem and Brentwood, said David King, administrative judge of the circuit court.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Pelosi to address Smith graduates at virtual commencement

NORTHAMPTON , Mass .
( AP ) - Seniors at Smith College are getting some words of wisdom this weekend @ @ @ @ @ .
The California Democrat is scheduled to address about 635 undergraduates and 51 graduate students @ @ @ @ @ s college in Northampton during a virtual commencement ceremony Sunday .
The ceremony format prompted @ @ @ @ @ the conferral of degrees and the reading of the names of every graduating senior , @ @ @ @ @ President Kathleen McCartney .
An in-person event celebrating the class of 2020 will be held @ @ @ @ @ to be determined sometime during the next academic year , the school said .
In @ @ @ @ @ by Pelosi , the program is expected to feature remarks by McCartney , senior class @ @ @ @ @ Government Association President Rosalie Toupin .
Smith students have been studying remotely since March 30 @ @ @ @ @

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) - Seniors at Smith College are getting some words of wisdom this weekend from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The California Democrat is scheduled to address about 635 undergraduates and 51 graduate students at the prestigious women’s college in Northampton during a virtual commencement ceremony Sunday.
The ceremony format prompted by the coronavirus pandemic includes the conferral of degrees and the reading of the names of every graduating senior, according to a statement from President Kathleen McCartney.
An in-person event celebrating the class of 2020 will be held on campus at a date to be determined sometime during the next academic year, the school said.
In addition to the commencement address by Pelosi, the program is expected to feature remarks by McCartney, senior class President Toula Sierros and Student Government Association President Rosalie Toupin.
Smith students have been studying remotely since March 30 because of the pandemic.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Central Maine hospital gets help to address youth trauma

AUGUSTA , Maine ( AP ) - A hospital in central Maine has received $ 2 million in federal aid @ @ @ @ @ .
Officials at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta said the facility has received the five-year @ @ @ @ @ & Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services .
@ @ @ @ @ will help make improvements to its pediatric center .
The hospital will be able to @ @ @ @ @ 100 providers for children who have experienced trauma or are in high-risk situations .
It @ @ @ @ @ Trauma 101 ” curriculum provided for free to organizations that serve children , including schools @ @ @ @ @ the Central Maine Youth Trauma Initiative .

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - A hospital in central Maine has received $2 million in federal aid to help address youth trauma.
Officials at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta said the facility has received the five-year grant from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The hospital said the grant will help make improvements to its pediatric center.
The hospital will be able to provide training for up to 100 providers for children who have experienced trauma or are in high-risk situations. It will also create a “Trauma 101” curriculum provided for free to organizations that serve children, including schools.
The effort is called the Central Maine Youth Trauma Initiative.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Judge to hear arguments about virus in Connecticut prisons

HARTFORD , Conn. ( AP ) - A federal judge is set to hear arguments this week in a lawsuit that attempts to force the state of Connecticut to take new measures to protect prison inmates from the coronavirus .
U.S. District Court Judge Janet Bond Arterton will hold the hearing by video conference next Friday .
The ACLU of Connecticut is asking the court to order emergency actions that could include releasing more inmates to protect them from the pandemic .
Dan Barrett , the ACLU of Connecticut ’ s legal director , said the organization is upset that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most at-risk for catching the virus , are still being housed in dormitories where social distancing is impossible .
“ The DOC ’ s reactive , backward approach to COVID-19 has made Connecticut prisons and jails among the most dangerous , unhealthy places anyone could be during this pandemic , ” he said .
On Friday the Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers , which houses inmates in both dormitories and cells , was locked down after 105 asymptomatic inmates tested positive for the coronavirus .
The move came after the Department of Correction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A total of 617 of the prison ’ s approximately 1,060 offenders were tested .
Of the 339 results returned so far , 105 have been confirmed positive for COVID-19 .
Results are still pending from the remaining 278 tests .
The lawsuit , which seeks class-action status , names five plaintiffs , including several housed in dormitories with risk factors including hypertension , hepatitis and HIV .
The state Department of Correction said it has taken steps to limit exposure to the virus , including placing prisoners who have tested positive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 14 days .
Department spokeswoman Karen Martucci said inmates in dorms are also required to wear face masks .
She said the department is expediting the release of inmates who meet eligibility requirements , including having suitable housing and programs to be released into .
“ We have to strike a balance taking into consideration both public health and public safety , ” she said .
As of Friday , the state reported 598 infections among inmates and 369 among Correction Department staff .
Six inmates have died of COVID-19 related issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered from the virus and returned to their original housing units .
A similar lawsuit was struck down last month in state court .
State Superior Court Judge Barbar Bellis found the department ’ s actions “ do not rise to the level of a conscious disregard of an excessive risk to inmate health or safety .
”

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A federal judge is set to hear arguments this week in a lawsuit that attempts to force the state of Connecticut to take new measures to protect prison inmates from the coronavirus.
U.S. District Court Judge Janet Bond Arterton will hold the hearing by video conference next Friday.
The ACLU of Connecticut is asking the court to order emergency actions that could include releasing more inmates to protect them from the pandemic.
Dan Barrett, the ACLU of Connecticut’s legal director, said the organization is upset that many inmates, including some who are most at-risk for catching the virus, are still being housed in dormitories where social distancing is impossible.
“The DOC’s reactive, backward approach to COVID-19 has made Connecticut prisons and jails among the most dangerous, unhealthy places anyone could be during this pandemic,” he said.
On Friday the Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers, which houses inmates in both dormitories and cells, was locked down after 105 asymptomatic inmates tested positive for the coronavirus.
The move came after the Department of Correction began testing all staff and inmates. A total of 617 of the prison’s approximately 1,060 offenders were tested. Of the 339 results returned so far, 105 have been confirmed positive for COVID-19.
Results are still pending from the remaining 278 tests.
The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status, names five plaintiffs, including several housed in dormitories with risk factors including hypertension, hepatitis and HIV.
The state Department of Correction said it has taken steps to limit exposure to the virus, including placing prisoners who have tested positive in isolation at the maximum-security Northern Correctional Institution for 14 days. Department spokeswoman Karen Martucci said inmates in dorms are also required to wear face masks.
She said the department is expediting the release of inmates who meet eligibility requirements, including having suitable housing and programs to be released into.
“We have to strike a balance taking into consideration both public health and public safety,” she said.
As of Friday, the state reported 598 infections among inmates and 369 among Correction Department staff. Six inmates have died of issues related to COVID-19. The department says 444 inmates have recovered from the virus and returned to their original housing units.
A similar lawsuit was struck down last month in state court.
State Superior Court Judge Barbar Bellis found the department’s actions “do not rise to the level of a conscious disregard of an excessive risk to inmate health or safety.”
In other coronavirus-related developments around Connecticut:
___
DEATHS RISE, HOSPITALIZATIONS FALL
Fifty-four more deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported through Friday evening, bringing the state’s total to 3,339.
Data for the same period showed a slight drop in the number of people hospitalized with the virus, to just below 1,000. Connecticut now has more than 36,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, after more than 600 new cases were reported.
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.
___
BEACHES, PARKS REACH CAPACITY
State authorities have again had to close more than a dozen parks and beaches where parking areas had reached capacity under social distancing guidelines.
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said it had closed at least 15 parks by mid-afternoon Saturday, from Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.
The DEEP has kept parks open during the pandemic but has implemented lower capacity limits to support social distancing.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--AP Week in Pictures, Global

AP Week in Pictures, Global

This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by The Associated Press from around the @ @ @ @ @ curated by AP photo editor Patrick Sison in New York .

MAY 9 - 15, 2020
This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by The Associated Press from around the world.
The selection was curated by AP photo editor Patrick Sison in New York.
Follow AP visual journalism:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apnews
AP Images on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AP_Images
AP Images blog: http://apimagesblog.com


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Ybor chickens are ruling the Seventh Avenue roost

TAMPA , Fla. ( AP ) - Cephas Gilbert says he is visited daily by old buddies .
For years , the same flock of red chickens and roosters hung outside his Cephas Hot Shop restaurant at 1701 Fourth Avenue in Ybor City .
Then , in February , he said goodbye to his feathery friends when he opened a juice bar under the same name a few blocks over at 1613 Seventh Ave .
But he says some of those birds have been hanging around his business lately .
Well , not really .
Chickens famously find all sorts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but most of the Ybor fowl have historically stayed away from Seventh Avenue due to its high volume of cars and people .
Then came the shutdown of most Ybor businesses to help stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Seventh Avenue was suddenly chicken friendly and they made their way to the main thoroughfare .
“ You see more here now than ever , ” said Gilbert , who has been in Ybor since 1981 .
“ It ’ s nice.
” Photos of animals claiming spaces throughout the world during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monkeys in New Delhi , mountain goats in Wales .
But the Ybor chickens did not initially follow suit .
The birds are animals of habit , said Dylan Breese , founder of the Ybor Chickens Society that cares for the wild fowl .
Flocks stick to their certain areas .
Some live in Centennial Park , for instance , and others in the vacant lots that dot Fifth Avenue between 19th and 20th streets .
“ They don ’ t venture out because that is where they feel safe , ” Breese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another chicken ’ s territory , that is when fights happen.
” But then people ventured back onto Seventh Avenue for takeout food that they would eat on walks .
“ My wife and I would see those folks actively feeding the chickens or discarding food , ” said Chris Wojtowicz , chairman of the Ybor City Development Corporation and a resident of the community .
“ Then we began to see large flocks gather on Seventh.
” Parts of Seventh Avenue were closed to car traffic May 4 to be used for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping them reopen while practicing social distancing .
Breese now fears outdoor diners will think it is cute to feed chickens .
“ They lose their independence and they start to depend on people to eat or could think this is a place to get food and jump on a table , ” he said .
“ Also , a lot of food you think would be good for them like certain vegetables are actually toxic.
” His society of volunteers has taken to the streets and social media to get their message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chickens , ” he said .
The Ybor birds have caused the same issue for those few cars on Seventh Avenue lately as they normally do on the surrounding streets .
They don ’ t speed up their journey across the road , no matter how loud a car might honk .
Still , it hasn ’ t been a concern because the Latin District has been so vacant , Wojtowicz said .
Plus , he added , the chickens mostly stick to the sidewalks where they can find discarded food .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of 7-11 ” at 1535 Seventh Ave. , Wojtowicz said .
He then added with a laugh , “ Maybe they want Slurpees.
” How the chickens made Ybor home is its own debate .
Some believe they are the descendants of the chickens owned by Ybor ’ s founding immigrants .
Others say chickens didn ’ t reappear in the district until the 1970s .
Gilbert takes some credit .
He says a storm in the 1980s destroyed his Ybor chicken coup , allowing 40 birds to roam free and birth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue , Wojtowicz said .
People purchase chickens for home coops , realize they take work to maintain , and leave the birds in Ybor , which is illegal and dangerous .
“ Those poor domesticated birds don ’ t stand a chance against the feral , ” Wojtowicz said .
Wojtowicz expects the chickens to again shun Seventh Avenue as pedestrian and vehicular traffic picks up .
“ I ’ ll have to visit them , ” he said .
“ We ’ re old friends .
”

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Cephas Gilbert says he is visited daily by old buddies.
For years, the same flock of red chickens and roosters hung outside his Cephas Hot Shop restaurant at 1701 Fourth Avenue in Ybor City.
Then, in February, he said goodbye to his feathery friends when he opened a juice bar under the same name a few blocks over at 1613 Seventh Ave.
But he says some of those birds have been hanging around his business lately.
“They miss me,” Gilbert said with a laugh.
Well, not really.
Chickens famously find all sorts of reasons to cross the road, but most of the Ybor fowl have historically stayed away from Seventh Avenue due to its high volume of cars and people.
Then came the shutdown of most Ybor businesses to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Seventh Avenue was suddenly chicken friendly and they made their way to the main thoroughfare.
“You see more here now than ever,” said Gilbert, who has been in Ybor since 1981. “It’s nice.”
Photos of animals claiming spaces throughout the world during the pandemic have spread via social media - monkeys in New Delhi, mountain goats in Wales.
But the Ybor chickens did not initially follow suit.
The birds are animals of habit, said Dylan Breese, founder of the Ybor Chickens Society that cares for the wild fowl. Flocks stick to their certain areas.
Some live in Centennial Park, for instance, and others in the vacant lots that dot Fifth Avenue between 19th and 20th streets.
“They don’t venture out because that is where they feel safe,” Breese said. “If they venture into another chicken’s territory, that is when fights happen.”
But then people ventured back onto Seventh Avenue for takeout food that they would eat on walks.
“My wife and I would see those folks actively feeding the chickens or discarding food,” said Chris Wojtowicz, chairman of the Ybor City Development Corporation and a resident of the community. “Then we began to see large flocks gather on Seventh.”
Parts of Seventh Avenue were closed to car traffic May 4 to be used for outdoor seating by the surrounding restaurants, helping them reopen while practicing social distancing.
Breese now fears outdoor diners will think it is cute to feed chickens.
“They lose their independence and they start to depend on people to eat or could think this is a place to get food and jump on a table,” he said. “Also, a lot of food you think would be good for them like certain vegetables are actually toxic.”
His society of volunteers has taken to the streets and social media to get their message across.
“Don’t feed the chickens,” he said.
The Ybor birds have caused the same issue for those few cars on Seventh Avenue lately as they normally do on the surrounding streets. They don’t speed up their journey across the road, no matter how loud a car might honk.
Still, it hasn’t been a concern because the Latin District has been so vacant, Wojtowicz said.
Plus, he added, the chickens mostly stick to the sidewalks where they can find discarded food.
“I notice a lot hanging in front of 7-11” at 1535 Seventh Ave., Wojtowicz said. He then added with a laugh, “Maybe they want Slurpees.”
How the chickens made Ybor home is its own debate.
Some believe they are the descendants of the chickens owned by Ybor’s founding immigrants. Others say chickens didn’t reappear in the district until the 1970s.
Gilbert takes some credit. He says a storm in the 1980s destroyed his Ybor chicken coup, allowing 40 birds to roam free and birth future generations.
Drop offs remain an issue, Wojtowicz said. People purchase chickens for home coops, realize they take work to maintain, and leave the birds in Ybor, which is illegal and dangerous.
“Those poor domesticated birds don’t stand a chance against the feral,” Wojtowicz said.
Wojtowicz expects the chickens to again shun Seventh Avenue as pedestrian and vehicular traffic picks up.
Gilbert will miss them.
“I’ll have to visit them,” he said. “We’re old friends.”


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Amid uncertainty, families thankful for time together

FORT MYERS , Fla. ( AP ) - Florida has been asked to stay at home for close to a month now to help combat the spread of the novel coronavirus .
For some Southwest Florida families , their vigils at home have been even longer .
Photographers from the Naples Daily News and The News-Press set out to document how some Southwest Florida families have decided to pass the time by capturing them on their front porches .
The Front Porch Project began in the Northeast and has spread across the country to photograph families interacting with one another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , photographers have raised money for charity .
Across Southwest Florida , individuals have stood at their front doors to take in some morning sun .
Others have set out beach chairs to watch the sunset burn across the sky .
Families have ordered kiddie pools to replace the Gulf of Mexico , and they ’ ve turned to gardening to keep themselves occupied .
In Collier County , Sarah Piercy-Janeiro and her family have been home since March 16 , leaving their house only to walk their neighborhood .
Her husband goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail and client files .
Piercy-Janiero and her family have focused on homework and games .
On a recent afternoon the family sat at a table together playing a game of chess .
“ We have learned more about ourselves and our kids in the past few weeks , ” Piercy-Janiero , 40 , said .
In Lee County , Rhonda Wilson , 49 , moved to Cape Coral with her 20-year-old daughter Anna on March 6 .
“ We walked into a pandemic , ” she said .
“ We ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved here and haven ’ t been able to meet any neighbors or any friends or even get jobs .
“ It ’ s been very hard on us because we are truly isolated.
” Families having to stay home have scheduled their days to stay on task .
In the Hood family , each member is assigned a task .
Cotrenia Hood , 45 , serves as the primary chef , movie night and game night coordinator , as well as the family cheerleader .
Cotrenia affectionately refers to her husband , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clean.
” He is the “ official germ killer , ” she said .
Their daughter , 11-year-old Savannah , is the activities coordinator while their son , Jordan Davenport , 22 , is the fitness instructor .
“ The most important thing is we love each other , choose to support each other and know that we will make it through this because we do , ” Cotrenia said .
For Jessica Copeland , 45 , isolating has been difficult for her and her family because they miss their loved ones .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing well , she said .
“ While we are not considered high risk , we hope to aid in flattening the curve as to not overwhelm our healthcare system , ” Copeland said , adding that her family is “ grateful to be happy , healthy and together.
” Debbie McPhail , 70 , has the company of her dog , Daisy .
The Fort Myers woman leaves her home with a mask on to do her groceries during “ senior hour.
” Besides that , she takes long walks every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She spends time working on her yard , a botanical explosion of brilliantly colored flowers and plants of many green hues .
She ’ s been gardening more than usual .
“ Lots of flowers , ” she said , “ so I can spread joy with flowers.
” The pandemic has brought fear to many .
But , families are still choosing to cherish their moments together .
“ For us , sheltering at home means doing our part to protect the community as a whole from further spread , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his husband , Daniel , 37 , who live in San Carlos Park , have been working from home while entertaining their sons , Jordan , 2 and Jase , 1 .
“ The pandemic has brought many challenges , but we are grateful to have the opportunity to spend so much time with our children , ” Selvey Shaw , 37 , said .
The time together has led them to strengthen their family ’ s bond , he said .
Staying home has meant slowing down for Kelsey Leone , 37 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It means we don ’ t wear shoes anymore or wake up to alarms , ” she said .
It also means there is the challenge of dealing with no more alone time , she said .
“ We lose our tempers with one another and wonder how much longer until we can be with our friends , ” she said .
Life as it was is no more , said Deanna Kreider , 47 , a Fort Myers resident .
She has been at home with her husband , Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Darbylee .
“ Our lives have been changed , and I believe it ’ s all for the better , ” she said .
“ I think the long-term changes will be an even greater appreciation for each other , our good health , our extended family , our jobs , and being able to go places.
” The Longs have been finding new activities to keep themselves busy , like coloring with chalk , doing arts and crafts and having family game nights , which has been Delaney ’ s favorite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending a lot more time as a family , which is awesome , ” Deric Long said .
Maldonado and his wife Mary Ann Torres own a small Lehigh Acres nutrition business called the Spartan Wellness Center .
They are extremely concerned they are going to close because they can ’ t pay the rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
They still have an income coming into the house because she is also a teacher in Immokalee .
“ My home finances are OK because I am a teacher , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot families , ” she said .
“ I ’ ve used this time to work on myself , be outside and stay positive.
” Besides going out for essential needs , the couple and their family is taking the pandemic seriously and staying home .
She said that several times a week the whole family gathers in the garage to work out .
Wesley was a former professional boxer in Puerto Rico .
The Guttery family has been quarantined but decided to stay active by challenging each other to do different basketball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call it “ Trick Shot Tuesday.
” “ Trick Shot Tuesday has been a fun diversion for me and an opportunity to do something fun with my family , ” said Scott Guttery , adding that he has also spread the challenge to ECS sports teams and other schools .
He is using the time to be with family , praying and reading God ’ s word , he said .
“ I hope that our country , city , and the entire world can recover from this as soon as possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to God and their families .
With no sports taking place , I am way ahead on my scheduling and planning for next school year .
All of our season schedules for next year are complete , ” Scott Guttery said .
“ This really has allowed me to have a closer relationship with God and has shined light on to things I may have taken for granted .
It ’ s definitely giving me more time to really focus on who and what is important in my life , ” Charlene Towe @ @

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) - Florida has been asked to stay at home for close to a month now to help combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.
For some Southwest Florida families, their vigils at home have been even longer.
Photographers from the Naples Daily News and The News-Press set out to document how some Southwest Florida families have decided to pass the time by capturing them on their front porches.
The Front Porch Project began in the Northeast and has spread across the country to photograph families interacting with one another on their front steps. In Massachusetts, photographers have raised money for charity.
Across Southwest Florida, individuals have stood at their front doors to take in some morning sun. Others have set out beach chairs to watch the sunset burn across the sky. Families have ordered kiddie pools to replace the Gulf of Mexico, and they’ve turned to gardening to keep themselves occupied.
In Collier County, Sarah Piercy-Janeiro and her family have been home since March 16, leaving their house only to walk their neighborhood. Her husband goes to his law firm to pick up mail and client files.
Piercy-Janiero and her family have focused on homework and games. On a recent afternoon the family sat at a table together playing a game of chess.
“We have learned more about ourselves and our kids in the past few weeks,” Piercy-Janiero, 40, said.
In Lee County, Rhonda Wilson, 49, moved to Cape Coral with her 20-year-old daughter Anna on March 6.
“We walked into a pandemic,” she said. “We’ve been on lockdown pretty much since we moved here and haven’t been able to meet any neighbors or any friends or even get jobs.
“It’s been very hard on us because we are truly isolated.”
Families having to stay home have scheduled their days to stay on task.
In the Hood family, each member is assigned a task. Cotrenia Hood, 45, serves as the primary chef, movie night and game night coordinator, as well as the family cheerleader. Cotrenia affectionately refers to her husband, 54-year-old Richard, as “Mr. Clean.” He is the “official germ killer,” she said. Their daughter, 11-year-old Savannah, is the activities coordinator while their son, Jordan Davenport, 22, is the fitness instructor.
“The most important thing is we love each other, choose to support each other and know that we will make it through this because we do,” Cotrenia said.
For Jessica Copeland, 45, isolating has been difficult for her and her family because they miss their loved ones.
But, the Fort Myers family is managing well, she said.
“While we are not considered high risk, we hope to aid in flattening the curve as to not overwhelm our healthcare system,” Copeland said, adding that her family is “grateful to be happy, healthy and together.”
Debbie McPhail, 70, has the company of her dog, Daisy.
The Fort Myers woman leaves her home with a mask on to do her groceries during “senior hour.” Besides that, she takes long walks every day in lieu of going to the gym.
She spends time working on her yard, a botanical explosion of brilliantly colored flowers and plants of many green hues.
She’s been gardening more than usual.
“Lots of flowers,” she said, “so I can spread joy with flowers.”
The pandemic has brought fear to many. But, families are still choosing to cherish their moments together.
“For us, sheltering at home means doing our part to protect the community as a whole from further spread,” Derrick Selvey Shaw said.
He and his husband, Daniel, 37, who live in San Carlos Park, have been working from home while entertaining their sons, Jordan, 2 and Jase, 1.
“The pandemic has brought many challenges, but we are grateful to have the opportunity to spend so much time with our children,” Selvey Shaw, 37, said.
The time together has led them to strengthen their family’s bond, he said.
Staying home has meant slowing down for Kelsey Leone, 37, and her family in Fort Myers.
“It means we don’t wear shoes anymore or wake up to alarms,” she said.
It also means there is the challenge of dealing with no more alone time, she said.
“We lose our tempers with one another and wonder how much longer until we can be with our friends,” she said.
Life as it was is no more, said Deanna Kreider, 47, a Fort Myers resident. She has been at home with her husband, Matt, 38, and her 6-year-old daughter, Darbylee.
“Our lives have been changed, and I believe it’s all for the better,” she said. “I think the long-term changes will be an even greater appreciation for each other, our good health, our extended family, our jobs, and being able to go places.”
The Longs have been finding new activities to keep themselves busy, like coloring with chalk, doing arts and crafts and having family game nights, which has been Delaney’s favorite part.
“We’ve been spending a lot more time as a family, which is awesome,” Deric Long said.
Maldonado and his wife Mary Ann Torres own a small Lehigh Acres nutrition business called the Spartan Wellness Center. They are extremely concerned they are going to close because they can’t pay the rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They still have an income coming into the house because she is also a teacher in Immokalee.
“My home finances are OK because I am a teacher, but that is not the same story for a lot families,” she said. “I’ve used this time to work on myself, be outside and stay positive.”
Besides going out for essential needs, the couple and their family is taking the pandemic seriously and staying home. She said that several times a week the whole family gathers in the garage to work out. Wesley was a former professional boxer in Puerto Rico.
The Guttery family has been quarantined but decided to stay active by challenging each other to do different basketball trick shots in their driveway. They call it “Trick Shot Tuesday.”
“Trick Shot Tuesday has been a fun diversion for me and an opportunity to do something fun with my family,” said Scott Guttery, adding that he has also spread the challenge to ECS sports teams and other schools.
He is using the time to be with family, praying and reading God’s word, he said.
“I hope that our country, city, and the entire world can recover from this as soon as possible. I also hope it draws people closer to God and their families. With no sports taking place, I am way ahead on my scheduling and planning for next school year. All of our season schedules for next year are complete,” Scott Guttery said.
“This really has allowed me to have a closer relationship with God and has shined light on to things I may have taken for granted. It’s definitely giving me more time to really focus on who and what is important in my life,” Charlene Towe said.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Report: Bryant crash pilot had no drugs, alcohol in system

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - The pilot flying Kobe Bryant and seven others to a youth basketball tournament did not have alcohol or drugs in his system , and all nine sustained immediately fatal injuries when their helicopter slammed into a hillside outside Los Angeles in January , according to autopsies released Friday .
The reports by the Los Angeles County coroner ’ s office provide a clinical but unvarnished look at the brutality of the crash .
One of the most popular sports figures in Los Angeles and a celebrity around the globe , Bryant was broken beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wreckage of the chopper , His remains had to be identified by his fingerprints .
The report made it clear : Bryant and the passengers almost certainly were dead in an instant due to blunt trauma .
“ These injuries are rapidly if not instantly fatal , ” wrote Juan Carrillo , senior deputy medical examiner , in Bryant ’ s report .
The crash that killed the 41-year-old retired Los Angeles Lakers star , his 13-year-old daughter Gianna - clad in the jersey she would have worn to play that morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the front and her last name on the back - pilot Ara Zobayan and the others is considered accidental .
Bryant was headed from his Orange County home to his daughter ’ s tournament at his Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks on the morning of Jan. 26 .
The group , including one of his daughter ’ s coaches , and two of her teammates , encountered thick fog in the San Fernando Valley north of Los Angeles .
Zobayan , an experienced pilot who often flew Bryant , climbed sharply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clouds when the craft took an abrupt left turn and plunged into the grassy , oak studded hills below .
When it struck the ground , it was flying at about 184 mph ( 296 kph ) and descending at a rate of more than 4,000 feet per minute .
The impact caused a crater and scattered debris over an area the size of a football field in the Calabasas hills .
Flames engulfed the wreckage , but burns on the bodies were determined to have occurred after death .
Bryant ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wreckage and his daughter was found in a ravine on the opposite side .
The autopsy noted Bryant ’ s tattoo of a crown on his right shoulder , above where his wife ’ s name , Vanessa , was imprinted .
On the lower right arm were the names of three of his four daughters : Bianka Bella , Natalia Diamante and Gianna Maria-Onore , the daughter who died with him .
The youngest girl , Capri Kobe , only 7 months old when her father died , is not mentioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s system was methylphenidate , which is sold under the brand name Ritalin and used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy .
The National Transportation Safety Board has not concluded what caused the crash on the outskirts of Los Angeles County but said there was no sign of mechanical failure in the Sikorsky S-76 .
A final report is not expected for months .
The aircraft did not have a device called the Terrain Awareness and Warning System , which signals when an aircraft is in danger of hitting ground .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommended the system be mandatory for helicopters , the Federal Aviation Administration only requires it for air ambulances .
Both California ’ s senators have called for the FAA to mandate the devices in the wake of the tragedy .
The others killed were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli , his wife , Keri , and their daughter Alyssa ; Christina Mauser , who helped Bryant coach his daughter ’ s basketball team ; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton .
Alyssa and Payton were Gianna ’ s teammates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have his team retire two numbers in his honor .
He was selected last month for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame .
A ceremony is scheduled for late August though it may be delayed until at least October because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Bryant and his daughter were honored at a star-studded public memorial Feb. 24 at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles , with 20,000 in attendance at the arena where Bryant spent most of his two-decade career with the Lakers .
The date 2/24 corresponded with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the No .
2 worn by Gianna .
The same day , Vanessa Bryant filed a lengthy lawsuit alleging that Zobayan was careless and negligent to fly in the fog and should have aborted the flight .
She has also filed a claim , a precursor to a lawsuit , against the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department after deputies allegedly shared unauthorized photos of the crash site .
Zobayan ’ s brother , Berge Zobayan , has said in a court filing that Bryant knew the risks of helicopter flying and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damages from the pilot ’ s estate , while the helicopter company , Island Express , says they are not responsible for damages , calling the crash , among other things , “ an act of God ” and “ an unavoidable accident ” that was beyond their control .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The pilot flying Kobe Bryant and seven others to a youth basketball tournament did not have alcohol or drugs in his system, and all nine sustained immediately fatal injuries when their helicopter slammed into a hillside outside Los Angeles in January, according to autopsies released Friday.
The reports by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office provide a clinical but unvarnished look at the brutality of the crash.
One of the most popular sports figures in Los Angeles and a celebrity around the globe, Bryant was broken beyond recognition when his body was found outside the wreckage of the chopper, His remains had to be identified by his fingerprints.
The report made it clear: Bryant and the passengers almost certainly were dead in an instant due to blunt trauma.
“These injuries are rapidly if not instantly fatal,” wrote Juan Carrillo, senior deputy medical examiner, in Bryant’s report.
The crash that killed the 41-year-old retired Los Angeles Lakers star, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna - clad in the jersey she would have worn to play that morning, with the word “Mamba” on the front and her last name on the back - pilot Ara Zobayan and the others is considered accidental.
Bryant was headed from his Orange County home to his daughter’s tournament at his Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks on the morning of Jan. 26. The group, including one of his daughter’s coaches, and two of her teammates, encountered thick fog in the San Fernando Valley north of Los Angeles.
Zobayan, an experienced pilot who often flew Bryant, climbed sharply and had nearly succeeded breaking through the clouds when the craft took an abrupt left turn and plunged into the grassy, oak studded hills below.
When it struck the ground, it was flying at about 184 mph (296 kph) and descending at a rate of more than 4,000 feet per minute. The impact caused a crater and scattered debris over an area the size of a football field in the Calabasas hills. Flames engulfed the wreckage, but burns on the bodies were determined to have occurred after death.
Bryant’s body was found on one side of the wreckage and his daughter was found in a ravine on the opposite side.
The autopsy noted Bryant’s tattoo of a crown on his right shoulder, above where his wife’s name, Vanessa, was imprinted. On the lower right arm were the names of three of his four daughters: Bianka Bella, Natalia Diamante and Gianna Maria-Onore, the daughter who died with him.
The youngest girl, Capri Kobe, only 7 months old when her father died, is not mentioned.
The only drug in Bryant’s system was methylphenidate, which is sold under the brand name Ritalin and used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.
The National Transportation Safety Board has not concluded what caused the crash on the outskirts of Los Angeles County but said there was no sign of mechanical failure in the Sikorsky S-76. A final report is not expected for months.
The aircraft did not have a device called the Terrain Awareness and Warning System, which signals when an aircraft is in danger of hitting ground. While the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended the system be mandatory for helicopters, the Federal Aviation Administration only requires it for air ambulances. Both California’s senators have called for the FAA to mandate the devices in the wake of the tragedy.
The others killed were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; Christina Mauser, who helped Bryant coach his daughter’s basketball team; and Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton. Alyssa and Payton were Gianna’s teammates.
Bryant is the only NBA player to have his team retire two numbers in his honor. He was selected last month for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. A ceremony is scheduled for late August though it may be delayed until at least October because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bryant and his daughter were honored at a star-studded public memorial Feb. 24 at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, with 20,000 in attendance at the arena where Bryant spent most of his two-decade career with the Lakers. The date 2/24 corresponded with the No. 24 jersey he wore and the No. 2 worn by Gianna.
The same day, Vanessa Bryant filed a lengthy lawsuit alleging that Zobayan was careless and negligent to fly in the fog and should have aborted the flight. She has also filed a claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after deputies allegedly shared unauthorized photos of the crash site.
Zobayan’s brother, Berge Zobayan, has said in a court filing that Bryant knew the risks of helicopter flying and his survivors aren’t entitled to damages from the pilot’s estate, while the helicopter company, Island Express, says they are not responsible for damages, calling the crash, among other things, “an act of God” and “an unavoidable accident” that was beyond their control.
___
Associated Press Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds in Miami contributed.


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Photographer undertakes coronavirus-inspired ‘shootings’

WASHINGTON , Ill. ( AP ) - There was a drive-by shooting earlier this week in Washington .
The perpetrator said the effort was part of her aim to spread positive vibes during the coronavirus pandemic .
The subjects appeared overjoyed with the results .
Instead of meeting clients inside her studio , Peoria-based photographer Shaun Mosley is traveling to their homes .
Or just outside their homes , to be more accurate .
Mosley has been photographing subjects as they sit or stand on their porches or nearby .
Appropriate physical distancing is maintained , in keeping with COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produces a digital image the subjects can obtain through social media .
On Instagram , Washington resident Chris Monroe accessed the portrait Mosley took of him and his wife and their two teenage daughters as they stood on their front porch .
“ She just pulls up in front of your house , ” said Monroe , a Peoria financial adviser and owner of a medical-equipment firm .
“ She stood about 20 feet away .
That ’ s as close as we got to her .
She took several shots of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mosley calls her effort “ drive-by shootings.
” She said a conversation with a friend sparked the idea .
For more information about Peoria photographer Shaun Mosley ’ s porch sessions , call 678-6905 .
“ I am the type of person who , when it comes to a devastating time like this , I think , ‘ What can we do to move forward , and how can we stay positive ?
’ ” said Mosley , who operates Shaun V Photography .
Mosley is positive the photos can provide not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moment in American history .
“ It gives people something that adds on to what ’ s going on right now , but it ’ s a positive thing , uplifthing , ” she said .
“ You think about 15 or 20 years from now , their kids will look at that and say , ‘ Hey , I remember that day.
’ ” One of Mosley ’ s more memorable drive-bys thus far was a couple that posed in bathrobes .
She ’ s conducted about 10 porch sessions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ much he ’ s planning to have her shoot some of his employees .
“ She ’ s doing it as a blessing to other people , ” Monroe said .
“ That ’ s something I think is very cool in this quarantine time .
I think everyone ought to be looking for ways to do that.
” It appears Monroe ’ s reaction isn ’ t unique , as Mosley tells it .
“ I expected them to be kind and nice , but they ’ re really like , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time out of your day .
God bless you , ’ ” she said .
“ I ’ ve heard everything .
“ One lady said , ‘ You shot some really great work .
This is a drive-by I wouldn ’ t mind taking part in .
’ ”

WASHINGTON, Ill. (AP) - There was a drive-by shooting earlier this week in Washington.
The perpetrator said the effort was part of her aim to spread positive vibes during the coronavirus pandemic. The subjects appeared overjoyed with the results.
Instead of meeting clients inside her studio, Peoria-based photographer Shaun Mosley is traveling to their homes. Or just outside their homes, to be more accurate.
Mosley has been photographing subjects as they sit or stand on their porches or nearby. Appropriate physical distancing is maintained, in keeping with COVID-19 avoidance.
Free of charge, Mosley produces a digital image the subjects can obtain through social media.
On Instagram, Washington resident Chris Monroe accessed the portrait Mosley took of him and his wife and their two teenage daughters as they stood on their front porch.
“She just pulls up in front of your house,” said Monroe, a Peoria financial adviser and owner of a medical-equipment firm. “She stood about 20 feet away. That’s as close as we got to her. She took several shots of the family and went on her way.”
Mosley calls her effort “drive-by shootings.” She said a conversation with a friend sparked the idea.
‘Drive-by shootings’
For more information about Peoria photographer Shaun Mosley’s porch sessions, call 678-6905.
“I am the type of person who, when it comes to a devastating time like this, I think, ‘What can we do to move forward, and how can we stay positive?’” said Mosley, who operates Shaun V Photography.
Mosley is positive the photos can provide not only a keepsake but also a chronicle of a moment in American history.
“It gives people something that adds on to what’s going on right now, but it’s a positive thing, uplifthing,” she said. “You think about 15 or 20 years from now, their kids will look at that and say, ‘Hey, I remember that day.’”
One of Mosley’s more memorable drive-bys thus far was a couple that posed in bathrobes. She’s conducted about 10 porch sessions.
Monroe liked Mosley’s handiwork so much he’s planning to have her shoot some of his employees.
“She’s doing it as a blessing to other people,” Monroe said. “That’s something I think is very cool in this quarantine time. I think everyone ought to be looking for ways to do that.”
It appears Monroe’s reaction isn’t unique, as Mosley tells it.
“I expected them to be kind and nice, but they’re really like, ‘Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day. God bless you,’” she said. “I’ve heard everything.
“One lady said, ‘You shot some really great work. This is a drive-by I wouldn’t mind taking part in.’”
___
Source: (Peoria) Journal Star, https://bit.ly/3cIimPV


washingtontimes--2020-05-16--Cedar Falls couple takes road trip without leaving town

CEDAR FALLS , Iowa ( AP ) - George and Sandy Glenn have lived in Cedar Falls since 1966 .
Like most residents , they ’ ve driven many of the city ’ s streets over the years , but not every street .
While sheltering at home during the COVID-19 pandemic , an old conversation popped up , one the couple have had many times .
“ Over the years , we ’ d be driving and go past a street and wonder , ‘ what ’ s down there ?
, ’ or ‘ we ’ ve never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided to drive those streets , ” said Sandy , a former member of the Cedar Falls City Council .
They hatched an idea for an adventure that would get them out of of the house while following COVID-19 safety guidelines .
They decided to call it their Great Cedar Falls Road Trip .
George , a retired University of Northern Iowa professor of theater history , decided they needed a city map before setting off on the adventure .
He found a free one in the Cedar Falls Visitors Center lobby , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it highlighted attractions , not city streets .
At Sandy ’ s behest , he called the city and paid $ 5 for a plat map .
“ It ’ s big and shows every street in Cedar Falls , including streets that haven ’ t even been built yet ” in areas under development , he told the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier .
“ We marked out in a green magic marker on the map every street we ’ d driven before , and then off we went .
Sandy gave directions while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Between April 6 and 17 , the Glenns made eight afternoon drives for a total of 226 miles – and they never left the city limits .
As they navigated each street , Sandy marked it in yellow on the map .
Their last drive was a 150-yard-long street off Greenhill Road that is under development .
“ I was on the way to the can redemption center on Greenhill and there ’ s a construction project .
I ’ d never paid much attention before but this time I saw a street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandy , and we went back and drove down the street and amended our record , ” George said .
Their journeys took them through residential and commercial areas and neighborhoods large and small in all socio-economic levels .
Their longest drive was 51 miles from their home to explore northeast Cedar Falls - “ as far as we could go and stay in the city limits , ” he explained .
“ Eighty percent of the new streets we drove weren ’ t here when we moved to town in ’ 66.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cul de sacs and dead-end streets , but she was delighted to see so many people outdoors in their yards - “ working in the yard , washing cars , cleaning garages , playing with their dogs .
There were kids riding bikes .
Neighbors were social distancing , but people waved at us .
Sometimes we wondered if people noticed how we were driving up one street and down the next and thought about calling the cops , ” she said , laughing .
Although they never got out of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cedar Falls Road Trip comforting .
For Sandy , it brought back memories of leisurely Sunday afternoon drives and driving around to ooh and aah over Christmas lights during the holidays .
Glenn recalled the days of lower gas prices , and he felt lucky to use his gas discount card at a convenience store and fill up his tank for 78 cents a gallon .
The Glenns ’ road trip has encouraged their friends to explore their own backyards .
“ Just wave when you go by , ” George added .

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) - George and Sandy Glenn have lived in Cedar Falls since 1966. Like most residents, they’ve driven many of the city’s streets over the years, but not every street. While sheltering at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, an old conversation popped up, one the couple have had many times.
“Over the years, we’d be driving and go past a street and wonder, ‘what’s down there?,’ or ‘we’ve never been down that street before.’ We decided to drive those streets,” said Sandy, a former member of the Cedar Falls City Council.
They hatched an idea for an adventure that would get them out of of the house while following COVID-19 safety guidelines.
They decided to call it their Great Cedar Falls Road Trip.
George, a retired University of Northern Iowa professor of theater history, decided they needed a city map before setting off on the adventure. He found a free one in the Cedar Falls Visitors Center lobby, but the print was too small and it highlighted attractions, not city streets. At Sandy’s behest, he called the city and paid $5 for a plat map.
“It’s big and shows every street in Cedar Falls, including streets that haven’t even been built yet” in areas under development, he told the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.
“We marked out in a green magic marker on the map every street we’d driven before, and then off we went. Sandy gave directions while I drove,” George explained.
Between April 6 and 17, the Glenns made eight afternoon drives for a total of 226 miles – and they never left the city limits. As they navigated each street, Sandy marked it in yellow on the map.
Their last drive was a 150-yard-long street off Greenhill Road that is under development. “I was on the way to the can redemption center on Greenhill and there’s a construction project. I’d never paid much attention before but this time I saw a street sign. I went home and got Sandy, and we went back and drove down the street and amended our record,” George said.
Their journeys took them through residential and commercial areas and neighborhoods large and small in all socio-economic levels. Their longest drive was 51 miles from their home to explore northeast Cedar Falls - “as far as we could go and stay in the city limits,” he explained. “Eighty percent of the new streets we drove weren’t here when we moved to town in ’66.”
Sandy was surprised at the number of cul de sacs and dead-end streets, but she was delighted to see so many people outdoors in their yards - “working in the yard, washing cars, cleaning garages, playing with their dogs. There were kids riding bikes. Neighbors were social distancing, but people waved at us. Sometimes we wondered if people noticed how we were driving up one street and down the next and thought about calling the cops,” she said, laughing.
Although they never got out of their car, the Glenns found their Great Cedar Falls Road Trip comforting. For Sandy, it brought back memories of leisurely Sunday afternoon drives and driving around to ooh and aah over Christmas lights during the holidays. Glenn recalled the days of lower gas prices, and he felt lucky to use his gas discount card at a convenience store and fill up his tank for 78 cents a gallon.
The Glenns’ road trip has encouraged their friends to explore their own backyards. “Just wave when you go by,” George added.