washingtontimes--2020-04-17--The Latest: American Family golf championship canceled

MADISON , Wis. ( AP ) - The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak in Wisconsin ( all times local ) : Organizers of the American Family Insurance Championship in Madison couldn ’ t find a suitable date for rescheduling the event and have now canceled it altogether because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The PGA Tour provided alternate summer dates for the June 5-7 championship , but an agreement on a time that was suitable for all parties could not be reached .
“ It was not an easy decision by any means , ” Madison resident and tournament host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We know how much this event means to the community , the fans , the volunteers and the sponsors .
We all look forward to it , even the golfers , we look forward to it .
But given the mandates … we just felt like it was in the best interest of everybody and the safety of everybody to cancel this year ’ s event.
” All events associated with the championship were also canceled , including UW Carbone ’ s Race for Research and concerts featuring Little Big Town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go on next year , slated for June 11-13 .

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak in Wisconsin (all times local):
1:10 p.m.
University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross is ordering everyone that works in system administration to take one furlough day per month for the next year.
Cross sent an email to nearly 600 system administration employees Friday announcing that starting in May they all must take one furlough day per month until June 2021.
System spokesman Mark Pitsch says the more will result in $3 million in savings as the system grapples with coronavirus pandemic’s economic fallout.
The system shut down in-person classes in March. told students to move back home and canceled all spring sports. The moves are expected to cost the system nearly $170 million in the spring semester alone. The losses include refunds for on-campus parking, dining and housing, technology purchases to move classes online, payments to student workers who lost their jobs and nonexistent athletic ticket sales.
System regents on Thursday authorized Cross to implement furloughs among administration workers and chancellors to order campus-based furloughs.
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9:25 a.m.
Interest in a rally at the Wisconsin state Capitol calling for a reopening of the state has exploded after Gov. Tony Evers extended a stay-at-home order until May 26.
The rally scheduled for April 24 had about 700 people who said on Facebook they planned to attend just before Evers announced the order extension on Thursday. As of Friday morning, more than 2,400 said they were attending.
One of the organizers of the rally, Madison Elmer, said Friday that a group of people got together to put it on out of frustration over how Evers has handled reaction to the pandemic. She said they have been approached by special interest groups that want to get involved, but they’ve declined their involvement.
“We didn’t want them hijacking it or turning it into something political to fit their agenda,” said Elmer, 33, who said she lives in southeast Wisconsin but declined to say where. She said organizers have been deluged with threats and “people saying they hope we die, people calling us murderers.”
“My personal goal of the rally is to start bringing people together that have common goals in mind, which is to get rid of the stay at home order,” Elmer said. “Lots of us want us to demand Gov. Evers and (the Department of Health Services) come up with a plan for ending this. There is no plan in place. He’s not reassuring us this is going to end.”
Evers and state health officials have said their actions have been guided by the science and what steps are most appropriate to save lives. As of Thursday there were 197 COVID-19 deaths in Wisconsin and nearly 3,900 confirmed cases.
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6:05 a.m.
Organizers of the American Family Insurance Championship in Madison couldn’t find a suitable date for rescheduling the event and have now canceled it altogether because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The PGA Tour provided alternate summer dates for the June 5-7 championship, but an agreement on a time that was suitable for all parties could not be reached.
“It was not an easy decision by any means,” Madison resident and tournament host Steve Stricker said in a video message. “We know how much this event means to the community, the fans, the volunteers and the sponsors. We all look forward to it, even the golfers, we look forward to it. But given the mandates … we just felt like it was in the best interest of everybody and the safety of everybody to cancel this year’s event.”
All events associated with the championship were also canceled, including UW Carbone’s Race for Research and concerts featuring Little Big Town and the BoDeans.
The tournament will go on next year, slated for June 11-13.


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Baltimore NAACP uses sound truck to broadcast virus safety

BALTIMORE ( AP ) - The NAACP in Baltimore has started circulating a sound truck blasting requests to “ stay-at-home ” during the coronavirus pandemic .
The truck , which features messages from local celebrities , politicians and athletes , has started driving around areas where residents have continued to gather despite Gov .
Larry Hogan ’ s stay-at-home order , The Baltimore Sun reported .
The messages tell people to remain in their homes when possible , practice social-distancing guidelines , wash their hands frequently and wear masks .
Spokesman Joshua Harris said the 40-foot sound truck made its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low-income and “ hard to reach ” areas of the city for six to eight hours a day in the upcoming weeks .
“ It ’ s clear that the mobile education unit grabs the attention of people who are not at home , ” said the Rev .
Kobi Little , president of the NAACP ’ s Baltimore branch .
They ’ re focused on giving information about the virus outbreak to people who aren ’ t tuning in for public health updates on the news or social media .
Baltimore Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been prevalent misinformation that the virus does not affect African-Americans , who make up 60 % of the city ’ s population .
Across the nation , African-Americans are being disproportionately harmed by the virus .
According to the latest figures from the Maryland Department of Health , black people represent about half of the state ’ s 10,784 cases and 459 deaths .
African-Americans also account for 25 of the 36 deaths related to coronavirus in Baltimore , according to the city ’ s Health department .
The truck represents the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ StayHomeBaltimore ” campaign .
The second will include local celebrities and influencers who will share virus safety messages on social media .
The Baltimore Police Department also has recordings that broadcast social-distancing guidelines to people who gather in the city .
Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at http : //apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

BALTIMORE (AP) - The NAACP in Baltimore has started circulating a sound truck blasting requests to “stay-at-home” during the coronavirus pandemic.
The truck, which features messages from local celebrities, politicians and athletes, has started driving around areas where residents have continued to gather despite Gov. Larry Hogan’s stay-at-home order, The Baltimore Sun reported. The messages tell people to remain in their homes when possible, practice social-distancing guidelines, wash their hands frequently and wear masks.
Spokesman Joshua Harris said the 40-foot sound truck made its first rounds on Wednesday and will target low-income and “hard to reach” areas of the city for six to eight hours a day in the upcoming weeks.
“It’s clear that the mobile education unit grabs the attention of people who are not at home,” said the Rev. Kobi Little, president of the NAACP’s Baltimore branch.
They’re focused on giving information about the virus outbreak to people who aren’t tuning in for public health updates on the news or social media.
Baltimore Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa said there has also been prevalent misinformation that the virus does not affect African-Americans, who make up 60% of the city’s population.
Across the nation, African-Americans are being disproportionately harmed by the virus. According to the latest figures from the Maryland Department of Health, black people represent about half of the state’s 10,784 cases and 459 deaths.
African-Americans also account for 25 of the 36 deaths related to coronavirus in Baltimore, according to the city’s Health department.
The truck represents the first part of NAACP’s “#StayHomeBaltimore” campaign. The second will include local celebrities and influencers who will share virus safety messages on social media.
The Baltimore Police Department also has recordings that broadcast social-distancing guidelines to people who gather in the city.
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Follow AP coverage of the pandemic at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Announcers find ways to keep busy with sports world on hold

Joe Buck has taken up a different type of commentary with games at a standstill .
Instead of setting the scene from the 18th fairway , the Fox announcer can be heard describing a toddler ’ s short game on social media .
“ This kid ’ s got it , ” Buck said of 18-month-old Harrison Viñal ’ s swing .
“ I ’ ve got him pegged for the U.S. Open sometime in 2030 , and I ’ ll be long gone by then.
” Buck ’ s “ Quarantine Calls ” on Twitter are one of many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ busy while monitoring the news and wondering when games will resume .
“ Limbo is the worst position to be in .
If baseball said June 20 is the new opening day , at least there ’ s a date to look forward to , ” said Buck , who started doing the videos after a conversation with Fox Sports President Eric Shanks about what he was going to do while sports were suspended .
“ No one really knows , though , and things are fluid as far as containing this virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside , which is different.
” Buck does have limits on what he will call .
He declined a $ 1 million offer from an adult camming site to offer commentary on 25 live cam shows per week for at least six weeks .
The new coronavirus has caused a global pandemic that has sickened at least 2.2 million and killed over 148,500 worldwide , halted sports and forced restrictions on the movement of millions of people in an effort to stop the virus from spreading further and overwhelming health care systems .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 , the next live event might not occur until late May , at the earliest .
“ At this point the three most followed people might be Dr. ( Anthony ) Fauci , ( NFL draft experts ) Mel Kiper and Daniel Jeremiah .
People are looking for something to sink their teeth into , ” Buck said .
Buck isn ’ t the only one who has had to trade the press box for a home office .
NBC ’ s Mike Tirico interviewed IOC President Thomas Bach via Skype from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and assisted with a special when the Tokyo Games were postponed until next year .
The hiatus has also allowed some to branch out .
Buck started a podcast with actor and longtime friend Oliver Hudson focusing on their perspectives on fatherhood .
Tirico is doing a weekday afternoon talk show on the NBC Sports Network for the first time in 11 years .
Tirico used to do his ESPN Radio show from home most of the time , but he has found an appreciation for how technology has allowed many to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it parallels and dovetails with everything going on .
We try to find the best way to make it work , ” Tirico said .
“ There ’ s great value in a newsroom and studio setting , but there is more opportunity to do things remotely and do it as quality television.
” NBC Premier League host Rebecca Lowe has had one of the busier schedules among network hosts with cross-country trips nine months out of the year , but she has not had to worry about filling up her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital shows from her home in Northern California — one on the Premier League and another where she answers questions asked on social media .
“ When you have a 3-year-old boy there isn ’ t a lot of down time .
It feels so strange not going into work , but I ’ ve definitely not had issues with boredom , ” she said .
Others have devoted their time to assisting others .
ESPN ’ s Dave Pasch is raising money for Phoenix-area families having problems paying bills due to job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be calling NBA games , said it has been good to see people rallying around each other while trying to navigate the crisis .
“ It was amazing to see how many people were affected right away , ” he said .
“ Everyone is working through fear , anxiety and stress , but seeing colleagues and strangers coming together and asking how they can help has been overwhelming.
” The ones who may be feeling the effects the most are those who work for regional networks .
Unless an announcer or reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team and network , they are often classified as freelance employees who are paid on a per game basis .
Fox Sports West ’ s Carrlyn Bathe , who is the Los Angeles Kings rinkside reporter , has been doing intermission interviews when the Kings have had video game simulations .
Bathe said since the pandemic shutdown started , she has been in regular contact with other announcers .
“ The only certainty I have is that everybody wants to look out for one another .
It has been eye-opening in that respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a text on how the game is going , it is now about how the family is doing .
I think that is good and healthy.
” Whenever things do resume , it could be a packed calendar the rest of the year .
“ The energy and excitement levels when everything resumes are going to be something to see , ” Lowe said .

Joe Buck has taken up a different type of commentary with games at a standstill.
Instead of setting the scene from the 18th fairway, the Fox announcer can be heard describing a toddler’s short game on social media.
“This kid’s got it,” Buck said of 18-month-old Harrison Viñal’s swing. “I’ve got him pegged for the U.S. Open sometime in 2030, and I’ll be long gone by then.”
Buck’s “Quarantine Calls” on Twitter are one of many examples of the way broadcasters are keeping busy while monitoring the news and wondering when games will resume.
“Limbo is the worst position to be in. If baseball said June 20 is the new opening day, at least there’s a date to look forward to,” said Buck, who started doing the videos after a conversation with Fox Sports President Eric Shanks about what he was going to do while sports were suspended. “No one really knows, though, and things are fluid as far as containing this virus. We’re all just stuck inside, which is different.”
Buck does have limits on what he will call. He declined a $1 million offer from an adult camming site to offer commentary on 25 live cam shows per week for at least six weeks.
The new coronavirus has caused a global pandemic that has sickened at least 2.2 million and killed over 148,500 worldwide, halted sports and forced restrictions on the movement of millions of people in an effort to stop the virus from spreading further and overwhelming health care systems.
After the NFL draft concludes on April 25, the next live event might not occur until late May, at the earliest.
“At this point the three most followed people might be Dr. (Anthony) Fauci, (NFL draft experts) Mel Kiper and Daniel Jeremiah. People are looking for something to sink their teeth into,” Buck said.
Buck isn’t the only one who has had to trade the press box for a home office. NBC’s Mike Tirico interviewed IOC President Thomas Bach via Skype from his kitchen in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and assisted with a special when the Tokyo Games were postponed until next year.
The hiatus has also allowed some to branch out. Buck started a podcast with actor and longtime friend Oliver Hudson focusing on their perspectives on fatherhood.
Tirico is doing a weekday afternoon talk show on the NBC Sports Network for the first time in 11 years. Tirico used to do his ESPN Radio show from home most of the time, but he has found an appreciation for how technology has allowed many to be able to work from home
“I think it parallels and dovetails with everything going on. We try to find the best way to make it work,” Tirico said. “There’s great value in a newsroom and studio setting, but there is more opportunity to do things remotely and do it as quality television.”
NBC Premier League host Rebecca Lowe has had one of the busier schedules among network hosts with cross-country trips nine months out of the year, but she has not had to worry about filling up her time now. Lowe is anchoring two digital shows from her home in Northern California — one on the Premier League and another where she answers questions asked on social media.
“When you have a 3-year-old boy there isn’t a lot of down time. It feels so strange not going into work, but I’ve definitely not had issues with boredom,” she said.
Others have devoted their time to assisting others. ESPN’s Dave Pasch is raising money for Phoenix-area families having problems paying bills due to job losses.
Pasch, who would normally be calling NBA games, said it has been good to see people rallying around each other while trying to navigate the crisis.
“It was amazing to see how many people were affected right away,” he said. “Everyone is working through fear, anxiety and stress, but seeing colleagues and strangers coming together and asking how they can help has been overwhelming.”
The ones who may be feeling the effects the most are those who work for regional networks. Unless an announcer or reporter is hired as an employee of the team and network, they are often classified as freelance employees who are paid on a per game basis.
Fox Sports West’s Carrlyn Bathe, who is the Los Angeles Kings rinkside reporter, has been doing intermission interviews when the Kings have had video game simulations. Bathe said since the pandemic shutdown started, she has been in regular contact with other announcers.
“The only certainty I have is that everybody wants to look out for one another. It has been eye-opening in that respect,” she said. “Instead of a text on how the game is going, it is now about how the family is doing. I think that is good and healthy.”
Whenever things do resume, it could be a packed calendar the rest of the year.
“The energy and excitement levels when everything resumes are going to be something to see,” Lowe said.
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Follow Joe Reedy on Twitter at https://twitter.com/joereedy
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More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--1 killed at adult club in suburban Portland

MILWAUKIE , Ore. ( AP ) - The Clackamas County Sheriff ’ s Office says someone was killed at an @ @ @ @ @ Portland .
According to the sheriff ’ s office , the shooting happened at the @ @ @ @ @ 2:45 p.m. Friday .
Sgt .
Marcus Mendoza said the business was not open at @ @ @ @ @ , but workers were doing construction and remodeling on the building , The Oregonian/OregonLive reported @ @ @ @ @ one worker shot another .
He said the suspect , a man , was taken @ @ @ @ @ without incident .

MILWAUKIE, Ore. (AP) - The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office says someone was killed at an adult entertainment club in suburban Portland.
According to the sheriff’s office, the shooting happened at the Gold Club in Milwaukie around 2:45 p.m. Friday.
Sgt. Marcus Mendoza said the business was not open at the time of the shooting, but workers were doing construction and remodeling on the building, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.
Mendoza said investigators believe one worker shot another. He said the suspect, a man, was taken into custody at the scene without incident.


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Judge denies request to gather initiative signatures online

GLENDALE , Ariz. ( AP ) - A federal judge refused Friday to order Arizona to allow its existing electronic signature-gathering system to be used by backers of citizen initiatives as they try to qualify measures for the ballot .
Proponents of two initiatives had urged U.S. District Judge Dominic Lanza to allow them to use the system during the coronavirus outbreak that has made person-to-person signature gathering virtually impossible .
Elected officials can currently collect signatures they need to qualify a measure for the ballot using the secretary of state ’ s online “ E-Qual ” system .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualifying signatures in-person .
They said they have been hamstrung by the virus outbreak in collecting signatures they need to get their measures on the November ballot .
The federal case was brought by backers of initiatives that would create automatic voter registration and curb big-money election donors and another aimed at ending unexpected medical bills , Granting access to the state system was opposed by Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich and the GOP-controlled state Legislature .
Lawyers for Brnovich told Lanza at a Tuesday hearing that 100-year-old Arizona law on initiatives require @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Katie Hobbs had supported the request .
Lanza said initiative backers were asking him to overturn a provision in state law , but it ’ s the Arizona Constitution that directs that petitions must be signed in person , and he refused to do that .
He also said they had not shown they had suffered a severe burden , since some initiatives already have enough signatures to qualify and others might if the virus lockdown ends .
“ Although plaintiffs are correct that the COVID-19 pandemic constitutes an ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ profound ’ dislocations , it is also a profound thing for a federal court to rewrite state election laws that have been in place since the 1910s , ” Lanza wrote .
Brnovich said in a statement that he was defending state law and it is up to the Legislature to make a change if it is needed .
“ We all share a common concern for public safety during this pandemic , but you can ’ t use a health crisis to disregard our state constitution , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked the state Supreme Court to order the use of the “ E-Qual ” system for initiatives .
The court has set an expedited briefing schedule and could rule within weeks .
The proponents argue there ’ s no other safe and effective way for them to get their proposals on the ballot .
They also contend the requirement for initiative backers to collect signatures in person violates the state Constitution .
They say the ability of voters to write their own laws through the initiative process is a fundamental right and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They face a July 2 deadline to collect nearly 238,000 valid signatures from registered voters .
Brnovich also is opposing that effort .
The four initiatives would legalize recreational marijuana , provide new school revenue by raising taxes on high-earning Arizonans , limit school vouchers and implement criminal justice reform .

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) - A federal judge refused Friday to order Arizona to allow its existing electronic signature-gathering system to be used by backers of citizen initiatives as they try to qualify measures for the ballot.
Proponents of two initiatives had urged U.S. District Judge Dominic Lanza to allow them to use the system during the coronavirus outbreak that has made person-to-person signature gathering virtually impossible.
Elected officials can currently collect signatures they need to qualify a measure for the ballot using the secretary of state’s online “E-Qual” system. But initiatives backers are required to collect their qualifying signatures in-person.
They said they have been hamstrung by the virus outbreak in collecting signatures they need to get their measures on the November ballot.
The federal case was brought by backers of initiatives that would create automatic voter registration and curb big-money election donors and another aimed at ending unexpected medical bills,
Granting access to the state system was opposed by Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich and the GOP-controlled state Legislature. Lawyers for Brnovich told Lanza at a Tuesday hearing that 100-year-old Arizona law on initiatives require signatures to be gathered in-person.
Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs had supported the request.
Lanza said initiative backers were asking him to overturn a provision in state law, but it’s the Arizona Constitution that directs that petitions must be signed in person, and he refused to do that. He also said they had not shown they had suffered a severe burden, since some initiatives already have enough signatures to qualify and others might if the virus lockdown ends.
“Although plaintiffs are correct that the COVID-19 pandemic constitutes an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ that has resulted in ‘profound’ dislocations, it is also a profound thing for a federal court to rewrite state election laws that have been in place since the 1910s,” Lanza wrote.
Brnovich said in a statement that he was defending state law and it is up to the Legislature to make a change if it is needed.
“We all share a common concern for public safety during this pandemic, but you can’t use a health crisis to disregard our state constitution,” he said.
Backers of four other initiatives have separately asked the state Supreme Court to order the use of the “E-Qual” system for initiatives. The court has set an expedited briefing schedule and could rule within weeks.
The proponents argue there’s no other safe and effective way for them to get their proposals on the ballot.
They also contend the requirement for initiative backers to collect signatures in person violates the state Constitution. They say the ability of voters to write their own laws through the initiative process is a fundamental right and the current emergency prevents them from doing that. They face a July 2 deadline to collect nearly 238,000 valid signatures from registered voters.
Brnovich also is opposing that effort.
The four initiatives would legalize recreational marijuana, provide new school revenue by raising taxes on high-earning Arizonans, limit school vouchers and implement criminal justice reform.


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Navajos cancel legislative session amid coronavirus outbreak

FLAGSTAFF , Ariz. ( AP ) - The Navajo Nation has canceled its spring legislative session amid an outbreak of coronavirus that has kept lawmakers away from the tribal capital .
Lawmakers calling in remotely Friday approved the legislation during a special session .
The legislative branch cited the difficulty in getting everyone who plays a part in the session , including the 24 lawmakers , support staff , attorneys , and heads of tribal offices , to participate from afar .
Byron Shorty , a spokesman for the council , said a regular legislative session hasn ’ t been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council usually gathers quarterly in Window Rock for weeklong sessions .
The spring session was scheduled to start Monday .
Lawmakers on Friday also approved bills to provide $ 250,000 for burial assistance and to give $ 121,000 to the Office of the Speaker for supplies , communication , utilities and outreach .
Another bill would create a fund to take in donations for the coronavirus response .
Tribal President Jonathan Nez has 10 days to act on the legislation once he receives it .
He warned lawmakers this week of possible vetoes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be good stewards of our resources and of our own money , ” he said Thursday .
“ I ’ m sure that hurts .
If you don ’ t want a veto , don ’ t let it come to our desks because we are taking care of Navajo people ’ s money for the future.
” The Navajo Nation has been hit harder by the coronavirus than any other Native American tribe .
As of Friday , it had 1,127 cases among the 175,000 residents of the vast reservation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Utah .
Deaths total 44 .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
The vast majority of people recover .
Residents of the Navajo Nation , including non-tribal members , are under a daily nighttime curfew .
Lockdowns for the next two weekends will prevent them from leaving their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an emergency , from dusk Friday until early Monday .
Drive-thru restaurants were ordered closed over the weekend , and people who sell hay , wood , food or other goods from the roadside can not operate .
Gas stations and grocery stores will be open but for limited hours and must regulate the number of people inside .
Navajo police are enforcing the curfews and lockdown by issuing citations that can carry a fine of up to $ 1,000 and 30 days in jail .
Essential workers are not subject to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navajo Nation : -The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority has postponed a project to connect 300 families to the electric grid for the first time .
Nearly 40 utilities from 15 states had volunteered for the project .
-The City of Albuquerque asked its residents to consider donating non-perishable food to the Navajo community of To ’ hajiilee , which lies west of the New Mexico city .

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - The Navajo Nation has canceled its spring legislative session amid an outbreak of coronavirus that has kept lawmakers away from the tribal capital.
Lawmakers calling in remotely Friday approved the legislation during a special session. The legislative branch cited the difficulty in getting everyone who plays a part in the session, including the 24 lawmakers, support staff, attorneys, and heads of tribal offices, to participate from afar.
Byron Shorty, a spokesman for the council, said a regular legislative session hasn’t been canceled in decades.
The Navajo Nation Council usually gathers quarterly in Window Rock for weeklong sessions. The spring session was scheduled to start Monday.
Lawmakers on Friday also approved bills to provide $250,000 for burial assistance and to give $121,000 to the Office of the Speaker for supplies, communication, utilities and outreach. Another bill would create a fund to take in donations for the coronavirus response.
Tribal President Jonathan Nez has 10 days to act on the legislation once he receives it. He warned lawmakers this week of possible vetoes on spending measures.
“We have to be good stewards of our resources and of our own money,” he said Thursday. “I’m sure that hurts. If you don’t want a veto, don’t let it come to our desks because we are taking care of Navajo people’s money for the future.”
The Navajo Nation has been hit harder by the coronavirus than any other Native American tribe. As of Friday, it had 1,127 cases among the 175,000 residents of the vast reservation that extends into New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. Deaths total 44.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
Residents of the Navajo Nation, including non-tribal members, are under a daily nighttime curfew. Lockdowns for the next two weekends will prevent them from leaving their homes, except in the case of an emergency, from dusk Friday until early Monday.
Drive-thru restaurants were ordered closed over the weekend, and people who sell hay, wood, food or other goods from the roadside cannot operate. Gas stations and grocery stores will be open but for limited hours and must regulate the number of people inside.
Navajo police are enforcing the curfews and lockdown by issuing citations that can carry a fine of up to $1,000 and 30 days in jail. Essential workers are not subject to the restrictions.
Among other developments regarding the Navajo Nation:
-The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority has postponed a project to connect 300 families to the electric grid for the first time. Nearly 40 utilities from 15 states had volunteered for the project.
-The City of Albuquerque asked its residents to consider donating non-perishable food to the Navajo community of To’hajiilee, which lies west of the New Mexico city.


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Trump: China must have most COVID-19 deaths

President Trump on Friday insisted that China must have the most coronavirus deaths in the world given its size and the fact the pathogen sprung from one of its major cities at the end of last year .
“ We don ’ t have the most in the world — deaths .
The most in the world has to be China , ” he said .
“ They must have the most.
” The president slammed China after it increased its official death toll by 50 % in Wuhan , the city where the outbreak began .
Beijing now says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hubei Province , an increase of 1,290 from the previous tally of 2,579 .
Officially , the U.S. has the most deaths in the world , at nearly 37,000 , according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker .
Chinese officials reportedly adjusted its number because of people who died at home , lags in reporting from various entities and the fact medical personnel were more focused on treating the crush of cases instead of reporting deaths .
The revision was intended to show accountability .
Instead , it will fuel widespread doubts about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling of a pandemic that upended the world .
Chinese authorities were slow to sound the alarm at the end of December and the start of the new year .
Then , whistleblower doctors were stifled in mid-January .
Beijing is also under pressure to explain what sparked the virus .
It is widely believed to be natural in origin , with bats as a natural reservoir and other animals serving as a potential pass-through to humans .
Early reports blamed a “ wet market ” with live animals in Wuhan , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accidentally slipped out of a high-level lab in the city .
“ We ’ re looking at it , a lot of people are looking at it , ” Mr. Trump said of the claims .
Mr. Trump said the right bat wasn ’ t sold in that “ wet zone , ” presumably meaning the wet market .
At the same time , Mr. Trump has been reluctant to attack Chinese President Xi Jinping , who controls the centralized communist government in Beijing .
Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi struck a phase-one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to negotiate phase two when the pandemic hit .
“ China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus .
The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency .
It will all work out well .
In particular , on behalf of the American People , I want to thank President Xi !
” Mr. Trump tweeted Jan. 24 , as the virus swamped Wuhan .
One week later , Mr. Trump decided to ban foreign nationals who ’ d been in China over the past 14 days from entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move prevented a far worse outbreak , though critics say he squandered that time by failing to set up a robust diagnostics program and medical supply chain during February .

President Trump on Friday insisted that China must have the most coronavirus deaths in the world given its size and the fact the pathogen sprung from one of its major cities at the end of last year.
“We don’t have the most in the world — deaths. The most in the world has to be China,” he said. “They must have the most.”
The president slammed China after it increased its official death toll by 50% in Wuhan, the city where the outbreak began.
Beijing now says 3,869 died within the large city in Hubei Province, an increase of 1,290 from the previous tally of 2,579.
Officially, the U.S. has the most deaths in the world, at nearly 37,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. Mainland China has reported 4,636 overall.
Chinese officials reportedly adjusted their Wuhan numbers because of people who died at home, lags in reporting from various entities and the fact medical personnel were more focused on treating the crush of cases instead of reporting deaths.
The revision was intended to show accountability. Instead, it will fuel widespread doubts about the communist government’s reporting and handling of a pandemic that upended the world.
Chinese authorities were slow to sound the alarm at the end of December and the start of the new year. Then, whistleblower doctors were stifled in mid-January.
Beijing is also under pressure to explain what sparked the virus. It is widely believed to be natural in origin, with bats as a natural reservoir and other animals serving as a potential pass-through to humans.
Early reports blamed a “wet market” with live animals in Wuhan, though others want to know if the pathogen accidentally slipped out of a high-level lab in the city.
“We’re looking at it, a lot of people are looking at it,” Mr. Trump said of the claims.
Mr. Trump said the right bat wasn’t sold in that “wet zone,” presumably meaning the wet market.
At the same time, Mr. Trump has been reluctant to attack Chinese President Xi Jinping, who controls the centralized communist government in Beijing.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi struck a phase-one trade deal earlier this year and were set to negotiate phase two when the pandemic hit.
“China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus. The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!” Mr. Trump tweeted Jan. 24, as the virus swamped Wuhan.
One week later, Mr. Trump decided to ban foreign nationals who’d been in China over the past 14 days from entering the U.S.
The president said his move prevented a far worse outbreak, though critics say he squandered that time by failing to set up a robust diagnostics program and medical supply chain during February.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Japan baseball delayed again, no date set for resumption

TOKYO ( AP ) - Nippon Professional Baseball ’ s season openers will not take place in May due to the new coronavirus pandemic , with no firm date set for the start .
Representatives of the 12 teams decided Friday to also scrap interleague play .
The removal of 18 interleague games from each team ’ s calendar would make for a 125-game regular season .
Although no specific date had been set to start the season , the representatives agreed in an online meeting to not start before the end of May .
The interleague games between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May since the format was established in 2005 .
“ It was clear that we were going to have to reduce the number of games , ” said Shosaku Yokota of the Orix Buffaloes .
“ We decided that in such a case , it was best to protect league games.
” Both leagues were originally scheduled to open play on March 20 .
Opening day was then reset for April 10 , and then again for April 24 .
Earlier this month , the teams gave up on fixing a starting time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start was designed to allow for a three-week break in the summer for the Tokyo Olympics .
After the March 24 announcement that the Olympics would be postponed until next year , that break was no longer needed and teams still held out hope of playing a full 143-game schedule .
That hope ended Friday .
Taiwan ’ s four-team Chinese Professional Baseball League opened its season last weekend with games played without spectators .

TOKYO (AP) - Nippon Professional Baseball’s season openers will not take place in May due to the new coronavirus pandemic, with no firm date set for the start.
Representatives of the 12 teams decided Friday to also scrap interleague play. The removal of 18 interleague games from each team’s calendar would make for a 125-game regular season.
Although no specific date had been set to start the season, the representatives agreed in an online meeting to not start before the end of May. The interleague games between the Central and Pacific leagues have started in May since the format was established in 2005.
“It was clear that we were going to have to reduce the number of games,” said Shosaku Yokota of the Orix Buffaloes. “We decided that in such a case, it was best to protect league games.”
Both leagues were originally scheduled to open play on March 20. Opening day was then reset for April 10, and then again for April 24. Earlier this month, the teams gave up on fixing a starting time.
This year’s original early start was designed to allow for a three-week break in the summer for the Tokyo Olympics. After the March 24 announcement that the Olympics would be postponed until next year, that break was no longer needed and teams still held out hope of playing a full 143-game schedule. That hope ended Friday.
Taiwan’s four-team Chinese Professional Baseball League opened its season last weekend with games played without spectators.
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More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Police: Mom, boyfriend charged with fatally shooting son

BIRMINGHAM , Ala. ( AP ) - An Alabama woman and her boyfriend were arrested and accused of fatally shooting @ @ @ @ @ , authorities said .
Micia Sharika Gamble , 45 , and Gregory Peck , 59 @ @ @ @ @ charged with murder in the death of 21-year-old Tim ’ Darius Theophilus Gamble , news @ @ @ @ @ responded to a home Monday night and found Tim ’ Darius Gamble lying in the @ @ @ @ @ pronounced dead at the scene , police said .
It ’ s unclear whether Micia @ @ @ @ @ who could comment on their behalf .

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama woman and her boyfriend were arrested and accused of fatally shooting the woman’s son, authorities said.
Micia Sharika Gamble, 45, and Gregory Peck, 59, were arrested Wednesday and charged with murder in the death of 21-year-old Tim’Darius Theophilus Gamble, news outlets reported.
Birmingham police responded to a home Monday night and found Tim’Darius Gamble lying in the back yard. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Details surrounding the shooting weren’t immediately released.
It’s unclear whether Micia Gamble and Peck had attorneys who could comment on their behalf.


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Trump says Virginia's gun-control is an example of 'too much' control by governors during crisis

President Trump singled out Virginia ’ s latest gun-control measure as an example of Democratic governors doing “ too much ” with their authority during the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I think elements of what they ’ ve done is too much , ” Mr. Trump said , referring to the governors of Virginia , Michigan and Minnesota .
“ What they ’ ve done in Virginia is just incredible .
They want to take their guns away .
“ Gov .
Ralph Northam signed legislation on April 10 limiting the number of guns law-abiding Virginians can buy each month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Northam has issued a stay-at-home order until June 10 .
“ If he were a Republican , he ’ d be under siege , ” the president said .
The president tweeted earlier Friday that Minnesota , Michigan and Virginia should “ liberate , ” after conservatives protested stay-at-home orders .
Asked about Washington state Gov .
Jay Inslee ’ s criticism that Mr. Trump was fomenting “ rebellion , ” the president disagreed and said the crisis was “ too tough ” for some leaders such as Mr. Inslee , another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem to be very responsible people to me .
They ’ ve been treated a little bit rough .
”

President Trump singled out Virginia’s latest gun-control measure as an example of Democratic governors doing “too much” with their authority during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I think elements of what they’ve done is too much,” Mr. Trump said, referring to the governors of Virginia, Michigan and Minnesota. “What they’ve done in Virginia is just incredible. They want to take their guns away. “
Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation on April 10 limiting the number of guns law-abiding Virginians can buy each month, and banning private gun sales. Mr. Northam has issued a stay-at-home order until June 10.
“If he were a Republican, he’d be under siege,” the president said.
The president tweeted earlier Friday that Minnesota, Michigan and Virginia should “liberate,” after conservatives protested stay-at-home orders.
Asked about Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee’s criticism that Mr. Trump was fomenting “rebellion,” the president disagreed and said the crisis was “too tough” for some leaders such as Mr. Inslee, another Democrat.
He said the demonstrators “seem to be very responsible people to me. They’ve been treated a little bit rough.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Indiana Election Commission virtual meeting zapped with porn

INDIANAPOLIS ( AP ) - A virtual meeting of the Indiana Election Commission on an online video platform was disrupted @ @ @ @ @ .
Commission chairman Paul Okeson said the meeting was open to anyone to join .
@ @ @ @ @ government agencies must be accessible to the public .
Okeson said the interruption on the @ @ @ @ @ swiftly taken care of .
An unidentified participant took over a single screen shared among @ @ @ @ @ county election officials and used it to display a video of a man performing a @ @ @ @ @ video ran for about one minute before the manager of the commission ’ s online @ @ @ @ @ That was sufficiently disturbing , ” Okeson said after the image was removed .
The @ @ @ @ @ warning about the interruption of Zoom meetings after several incidents at schools in the Boston @ @ @ @ @ Zoom meetings not be made public .

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A virtual meeting of the Indiana Election Commission on an online video platform was disrupted with pornographic imagery on Friday.
Commission chairman Paul Okeson said the meeting was open to anyone to join. By law, meetings of government agencies must be accessible to the public. Okeson said the interruption on the Zoom video conferencing site was swiftly taken care of.
An unidentified participant took over a single screen shared among commission members, state and county election officials and used it to display a video of a man performing a solitary sexual act. The video ran for about one minute before the manager of the commission’s online services removed it.
“That was sufficiently disturbing,” Okeson said after the image was removed.
The FBI in March issued a warning about the interruption of Zoom meetings after several incidents at schools in the Boston area. Officials have advised Zoom meetings not be made public.


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Controlled burn morphs into wildfire in Alabama

MOBILE , Alabama ( AP ) - Crews worked Friday to put out a wildfire in Alabama that started as @ @ @ @ @ Alabama Forestry Commission said the fire began Thursday on 250 acres of Alabama Power property @ @ @ @ @ part of the company ’ s plan to manage vegetation , WKRG-TV reported .
The @ @ @ @ @ , however , and spread to an additional 180 acres , authorities said .
Investigators @ @ @ @ @ several areas still burning .
On Thursday , a number of different agencies had to @ @ @ @ @ to keep the fire away from homes .
Firefighters said current conditions - especially the @ @ @ @ @ dangerous .
“ It doesn ’ t take much for a single ember to be @ @ @ @ @ else , ” Mobile Fire-Rescue spokesman Steven Millhouse told the television station .

MOBILE, Alabama (AP) - Crews worked Friday to put out a wildfire in Alabama that started as a controlled burn.
The Alabama Forestry Commission said the fire began Thursday on 250 acres of Alabama Power property in south Mobile County as part of the company’s plan to manage vegetation, WKRG-TV reported. The burn whipped out of control, however, and spread to an additional 180 acres, authorities said.
Investigators assessing the fire Friday found several areas still burning. On Thursday, a number of different agencies had to be brought in in order to keep the fire away from homes.
Firefighters said current conditions - especially the winds - make burning anything dangerous.
“It doesn’t take much for a single ember to be lifted and transported some place else,” Mobile Fire-Rescue spokesman Steven Millhouse told the television station.


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Biden looks to placate Sanders by letting him keep delegates

WASHINGTON ( AP ) - Seeking to avoid the bitter feelings that marred the 2016 Democratic convention , Joe Biden ’ s campaign is angling to allow Bernie Sanders to keep some of the delegates he would otherwise forfeit by dropping out of the presidential race .
Under a strict application of party rules , Sanders should lose about a third of the delegates he ’ s won in primaries and caucuses as the process moves ahead and states select the actual people who will attend the Democratic National Convention .
The rules say those delegates should be Biden supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still actively seeking the party ’ s nomination .
Quiet talks between the two campaigns center on allowing Sanders to keep some of his delegates , essentially a goodwill gesture from a presumptive nominee seeking to court Sanders ‘ progressive supporters and unite the party .
It is not yet settled how many .
“ We feel strongly that it is in the best interest of the party to ensure that the Sanders campaign receives statewide delegates to reflect the work that they have done to contribute to the movement that will beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Biden official , who wasn ’ t authorized to discuss private negotiations publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity .
“ We are in discussion with them now on how to best accomplish that.
” Sanders ’ campaign declined to comment on the talks .
“ Nothing to add from us , ” said Sanders spokesman Mike Casca .
In some ways , the delegate count is a moot point .
While he has yet to formally win the 1,991 delegates needed to claim the Democratic nomination on the first ballot at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat ’ s presumptive nominee .
All of his rivals - including Sanders - have endorsed him after ending their own campaigns .
But with the nomination essentially decided , who has how many delegates takes on a new meaning .
In 2016 , rowdy Sanders supporters booed some speakers and any mention of nominee Hillary Clinton at the party ’ s Philadelphia convention .
The disruptions were so embarrassing to the party that Sanders pleaded with his supporters not to stage protests on the floor .
By claiming the delegates that ought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Biden could cut down on the number of Sanders ’ backers - some of whom have been slow to embrace the former vice president - who could stage a replay of that divide .
Instead , he ’ s decided to try to attract Sanders ’ supporters rather than silence them .
For his part , Sanders wants as many delegates as possible to help shape the party ’ s platform and get Biden and the Democratic Party to embrace his democratic socialist agenda .
It is not unusual for rival presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominating contest is over .
In 2008 , Clinton and Barack Obama fought over how to divvy up delegates from disputed primaries in Michigan and Florida .
Clinton won both states .
However , the states had violated party rules by holding their primaries too early in the calendar and were therefore to be stripped of all their delegates .
Clinton ’ s supporters were furious over the outcome , which saw Obama getting delegates from both states even though he wasn ’ t even on the ballot in Michigan .
But at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Clinton who made the motion during the roll call vote to nominate Obama by acclimation .
Democratic candidates win convention delegates based on their share of the vote in the party ’ s primaries and caucuses .
To date , Biden leads Sanders 1,293 to 937 .
Nearly two-thirds of delegates are won based on results in individual congressional districts and they stay with the candidates all the way to the convention .
It ’ s the other third of delegates - won based on statewide results - that are at issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must still be running for president when the people who will serve as convention delegates are selected , usually at state party conventions , according to the party ’ s delegate selection rules .
Those rules say Biden should get 346 delegates won by Sanders , Elizabeth Warren , Mike Bloomberg , Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar .
Sanders ’ delegate count would fall to 628 .
Most states have yet to select the people who will attend the convention as delegates , and The Associated Press has not yet updated its delegate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Biden to Sanders that should take place under party rules .
But some states , including Colorado , have updated their delegate counts based on those rules .
Sanders won the Colorado primary on March 3 and took the most delegates from the state .
But after he quit the race , the state party announced that Biden - the only candidate left - will end up with the most delegates from Colorado .
Biden will take 34 delegates from Colorado to the Milwaukee convention , including all those awarded statewide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Bloomberg getting nine and Warren eight .
Associated Press writer Will Weissert contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON (AP) - Seeking to avoid the bitter feelings that marred the 2016 Democratic convention, Joe Biden’s campaign is angling to allow Bernie Sanders to keep some of the delegates he would otherwise forfeit by dropping out of the presidential race.
Under a strict application of party rules, Sanders should lose about a third of the delegates he’s won in primaries and caucuses as the process moves ahead and states select the actual people who will attend the Democratic National Convention. The rules say those delegates should be Biden supporters, as he is the only candidate still actively seeking the party’s nomination.
Quiet talks between the two campaigns center on allowing Sanders to keep some of his delegates, essentially a goodwill gesture from a presumptive nominee seeking to court Sanders’ progressive supporters and unite the party. It is not yet settled how many.
“We feel strongly that it is in the best interest of the party to ensure that the Sanders campaign receives statewide delegates to reflect the work that they have done to contribute to the movement that will beat Donald Trump this fall,” said a Biden official, who wasn’t authorized to discuss private negotiations publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. “We are in discussion with them now on how to best accomplish that.”
Sanders’ campaign declined to comment on the talks. “Nothing to add from us,” said Sanders spokesman Mike Casca.
In some ways, the delegate count is a moot point. While he has yet to formally win the 1,991 delegates needed to claim the Democratic nomination on the first ballot at the party convention, Biden is the Democrat’s presumptive nominee. All of his rivals - including Sanders - have endorsed him after ending their own campaigns.
But with the nomination essentially decided, who has how many delegates takes on a new meaning. In 2016, rowdy Sanders supporters booed some speakers and any mention of nominee Hillary Clinton at the party’s Philadelphia convention. The disruptions were so embarrassing to the party that Sanders pleaded with his supporters not to stage protests on the floor.
By claiming the delegates that ought to belong to him under party rules, Biden could cut down on the number of Sanders’ backers - some of whom have been slow to embrace the former vice president - who could stage a replay of that divide. Instead, he’s decided to try to attract Sanders’ supporters rather than silence them.
For his part, Sanders wants as many delegates as possible to help shape the party’s platform and get Biden and the Democratic Party to embrace his democratic socialist agenda.
It is not unusual for rival presidential campaigns to negotiate over delegates once the nominating contest is over. In 2008, Clinton and Barack Obama fought over how to divvy up delegates from disputed primaries in Michigan and Florida. Clinton won both states. However, the states had violated party rules by holding their primaries too early in the calendar and were therefore to be stripped of all their delegates.
Clinton’s supporters were furious over the outcome, which saw Obama getting delegates from both states even though he wasn’t even on the ballot in Michigan. But at the national convention that summer, it was Clinton who made the motion during the roll call vote to nominate Obama by acclimation.
Democratic candidates win convention delegates based on their share of the vote in the party’s primaries and caucuses. To date, Biden leads Sanders 1,293 to 937.
Nearly two-thirds of delegates are won based on results in individual congressional districts and they stay with the candidates all the way to the convention.
It’s the other third of delegates - won based on statewide results - that are at issue. To keep these delegates, candidates must still be running for president when the people who will serve as convention delegates are selected, usually at state party conventions, according to the party’s delegate selection rules.
Those rules say Biden should get 346 delegates won by Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Mike Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar. Sanders’ delegate count would fall to 628.
Most states have yet to select the people who will attend the convention as delegates, and The Associated Press has not yet updated its delegate count to reflect the shift in delegates from Biden to Sanders that should take place under party rules. But some states, including Colorado, have updated their delegate counts based on those rules.
Sanders won the Colorado primary on March 3 and took the most delegates from the state. But after he quit the race, the state party announced that Biden - the only candidate left - will end up with the most delegates from Colorado.
Biden will take 34 delegates from Colorado to the Milwaukee convention, including all those awarded statewide. Sanders, meanwhile, will get 16, with Bloomberg getting nine and Warren eight.
___
Associated Press writer Will Weissert contributed to this report.
___
Stephen Ohlemacher is The AP’s Election Decision Editor.


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Trump consults faith leaders on phased-in reopening

NEW YORK ( AP ) - President Donald Trump held a call with faith leaders on Friday that included discussion about a phased-in return to broader in-person worship after weeks of religious services largely shifting online in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump ’ s call with faith leaders came one day after the White House included houses of worship among “ large venues ” that could be able to reopen while observing “ strict physical distancing protocols ” in the first stage of a three-part plan to reopen a U.S. economy that ’ s been frozen by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The call included representatives of multiple Christian denominations as well as Jewish and Islamic leaders , according to a statement distributed by the White House .
Trump “ mentioned his memories as a young child attending Billy Graham ’ s service at Yankee Stadium , and acknowledged that while he has enjoyed watching services online from the White House , he told the faith leaders it is important for people to soon be able to once again come together , pray , and worship , ” the White House said in its statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders said it featured discussion about how restarting in-person worship could work , without any conclusion reached , and underscored their commitment to not imperiling the health of the faithful .
Indeed , Trump has said that governors would be empowered to spearhead their states ’ paces of economic reopening .
Jack Graham , pastor of Texas-based Prestonwood Baptist Church , said the call included conversation about “ how would we go about bringing people back together , ” adding that those involved agreed that “ we ’ re going to do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people at risk.
” Samuel Rodriguez , president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Council , said that religious institutions “ want to be a blessing and not a burden ” by not returning to practices that could “ cause more harm than good ” if taken up too early .
Rodriguez added that he hoped to see clergy and other faith leaders nationwide identified as essential workers , as well as a clear resumption of outdoor religious services that can be conducted with people remaining in their automobiles .
That sort of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new normal , ” he said .
Cissie Graham Lynch of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan ’ s Purse , said churches would be committed to keeping their congregations safe and emphasized the importance of healing the spiritual pain caused by widespread social distancing restrictions imposed to fight the virus .
“ People are lonely , people are scared , ” Lynch said .
Those who participated in the call described Trump as closely engaged in the discussion .
“ We may be opening , but we ’ re putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters Friday .
The faith leaders ’ conversation with Trump is not the only sign that religious leaders are beginning to explore how to resume in-person worship services .
The Christian executive search firm Vanderbloemen has launched ReopeningChurch.com and ReopeningSchool.com websites to start a conversation on that process .
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation .
The AP is solely responsible for this content .

NEW YORK (AP) - President Donald Trump held a call with faith leaders on Friday that included discussion about a phased-in return to broader in-person worship after weeks of religious services largely shifting online in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump’s call with faith leaders came one day after the White House included houses of worship among “large venues” that could be able to reopen while observing “strict physical distancing protocols” in the first stage of a three-part plan to reopen a U.S. economy that’s been frozen by the toll of the highly contagious virus.
The call included representatives of multiple Christian denominations as well as Jewish and Islamic leaders, according to a statement distributed by the White House.
Trump “mentioned his memories as a young child attending Billy Graham’s service at Yankee Stadium, and acknowledged that while he has enjoyed watching services online from the White House, he told the faith leaders it is important for people to soon be able to once again come together, pray, and worship,” the White House said in its statement.
Participants in the call with faith leaders said it featured discussion about how restarting in-person worship could work, without any conclusion reached, and underscored their commitment to not imperiling the health of the faithful. Indeed, Trump has said that governors would be empowered to spearhead their states’ paces of economic reopening.
Jack Graham, pastor of Texas-based Prestonwood Baptist Church, said the call included conversation about “how would we go about bringing people back together,” adding that those involved agreed that “we’re going to do that carefully and gradually, and not put people at risk.”
Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Council, said that religious institutions “want to be a blessing and not a burden” by not returning to practices that could “cause more harm than good” if taken up too early.
Rodriguez added that he hoped to see clergy and other faith leaders nationwide identified as essential workers, as well as a clear resumption of outdoor religious services that can be conducted with people remaining in their automobiles. That sort of step would “help us transition to a new normal,” he said.
Cissie Graham Lynch of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, said churches would be committed to keeping their congregations safe and emphasized the importance of healing the spiritual pain caused by widespread social distancing restrictions imposed to fight the virus.
“People are lonely, people are scared,” Lynch said.
Those who participated in the call described Trump as closely engaged in the discussion.
“We may be opening, but we’re putting safety first,” the president told reporters Friday.
The faith leaders’ conversation with Trump is not the only sign that religious leaders are beginning to explore how to resume in-person worship services. The Christian executive search firm Vanderbloemen has launched ReopeningChurch.com and ReopeningSchool.com websites to start a conversation on that process.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through the Religion News Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
___


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Man missing more than a week found alive in closed WVa mine

WILLIAMSON , W.Va. ( AP ) - A man reported missing more than a week ago was found alive in a closed West Virginia mine , state officials said Friday .
The West Virginia Office of Miners ’ Health , Safety and Training said the man was found in a Mingo County mine , where he apparently became lost after trespassing .
The location was the former Isaban Deep Mine # 3 , the agency said in a news release .
Timothy Kennedy , 26 , was reported missing April 9 by a family member .
An investigation led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coal in 2011 , the agency said .
Official from the Office of Miners ’ Health , Safety and Training ; West Virginia State Police ; Southern Pocahontas Mine Rescue Team ; and U.S .
Mine Safety and Health Administration took part in the search and rescue .
Kennedy was located more than a half-mile from the mine entrance and taken to a hospital for evaluation .
Further information about his condition was not immediately available .
The state cited the miner owner , Frasier Creek Mining , on March 9 for failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. (AP) - A man reported missing more than a week ago was found alive in a closed West Virginia mine, state officials said Friday.
The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training said the man was found in a Mingo County mine, where he apparently became lost after trespassing. The location was the former Isaban Deep Mine #3, the agency said in a news release.
Timothy Kennedy, 26, was reported missing April 9 by a family member. An investigation led to the Gilbert-area mine, which last produced coal in 2011, the agency said.
Official from the Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training; West Virginia State Police; Southern Pocahontas Mine Rescue Team; and U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration took part in the search and rescue. Kennedy was located more than a half-mile from the mine entrance and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Further information about his condition was not immediately available.
The state cited the miner owner, Frasier Creek Mining, on March 9 for failure to barricade openings to the mine.


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Minnesota sophomore wins "Jeopardy!" College Championship

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - Nibir Sarma has become the first winner of the “ Jeopardy !
” College @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota .
Sarma , a sophomore from Eden Prairie , Minnesota , won the two-week @ @ @ @ @ Friday night , earning $ 100,000 and a berth against regular “ Jeopardy !
” @ @ @ @ @ of Champions .
Sarma beat second-place finisher Tyler Combs , a senior at Indiana University @ @ @ @ @ Xiaoke Ying , a sophomore at the University of Southern California who came in third @ @ @ @ @ .
Sarma , a chemical engineering major , became the first winner of the tournament @ @ @ @ @ 2014 .
“ I ’ m so proud and happy to represent the state of @ @ @ @ @ students at large public universities who sort of get viewed in a different way than @ @ @ @ @ colleges , ” Sarma said in a statement .
“ I really love representing my @ @ @ @ @ .
”

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Nibir Sarma has become the first winner of the “Jeopardy!” College Championship from the University of Minnesota.
Sarma, a sophomore from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, won the two-week tournament in an episode airing Friday night, earning $100,000 and a berth against regular “Jeopardy!” winners in the annual Tournament of Champions.
Sarma beat second-place finisher Tyler Combs, a senior at Indiana University who wins $50,000 and Xiaoke Ying, a sophomore at the University of Southern California who came in third and took home $25,000.
Sarma, a chemical engineering major, became the first winner of the tournament from a public university since 2014.
“I’m so proud and happy to represent the state of Minnesota, and also represent students at large public universities who sort of get viewed in a different way than, say, some private colleges,” Sarma said in a statement. “I really love representing my hometown college and my community.”


washingtontimes--2020-04-17--Officials implore Tyson to close plant amid virus outbreak

DES MOINES , Iowa ( AP ) - More than a dozen Iowa elected officials on Friday implored Tyson Fresh Meats to close their Waterloo pork processing plant , saying the coronavirus is spreading among workers and is endangering both employees and the surrounding community .
Mayors , county officials and state legislators signed the letter that was sent to Tyson on Thursday .
The 19 officials said at a Friday news conference they had only received confirmation from the company that it had received the letter but no other action .
“ I ’ m really fearful that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue effectively , their workforce will either voluntarily stop coming to work or be too sick to work , ” Waterloo Mayor Quinten Hart said .
“ Our hope was that in a time of crisis when we ’ re all made equal that we would inherently do the ethical , morally right thing that wasn ’ t done.
” Company spokeswoman Liz Croston said Tyson has been working with local , state and federal officials and is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines .
She said worker temperatures are taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required and cleaning has been increased as has distancing between workers .
“ Our primary focus is protecting our people while continuing to fulfill our critical role of feeding families in this community and around the nation , while providing market continuity for hundreds of area hog farmers , ” Croston said .
The Waterloo area officials also accused Gov .
Kim Reynolds of misleading Iowans on the seriousness of the outbreak among the nearly 3,000 workers at the plant and for failure to take more aggressive action .
Hart said he contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Public Health on Wednesday morning seeking immediate closure of the plant .
Reynolds contacted him that afternoon , Hart said , assuring him the state was taking proactive measures .
Reynolds said at her daily news conference Friday that the state ’ s goal is to avoid closing the plant , which can process 19,000 pigs a day .
She said the state is working with Tyson to test employees at facilities in Columbus Junction and Waterloo , and to trace their connections to others to identify community spread .
Testing was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyson officials said two workers had died following an outbreak where at least 148 workers have been infected .
The plant has been closed since April 6 but the company hopes to reopen it next week .
Reynolds said 2,700 tests were sent to the Waterloo plant and they will be processed at a state laboratory over the weekend .
Iowa Department of Public Health Deputy Director Sarah Reisetter said the plant hasn ’ t reached the point of requiring closure .
“ We will continue to keep an eye on the data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were helping the facilities with the surveillance testing because we do believe that the CEOs at these companies want to do the right thing , want to keep their employees healthy , ” Reisetter said .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The outbreak at the Waterloo plant comes amid similar problems that have forced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , including a pork plant in Sioux Falls , South Dakota , where hundreds of workers have tested positive ; a beef plant in Greeley , Colorado , where at least two workers have died ; and several meat plants in Pennsylvania where many workers are ill. On Friday , Tyson announced four workers had died at a poultry plant in Georgia after being infected with the coronavirus .
Álso Friday , there were 19 reported cases of the coronavirus identified at a large JBS pork plant in Worthington , Minnesota , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 2,000 workers at the facility .
State health officials said seven cases have been confirmed and the number is expected to rise .
The plant remains open .

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - More than a dozen Iowa elected officials on Friday implored Tyson Fresh Meats to close their Waterloo pork processing plant, saying the coronavirus is spreading among workers and is endangering both employees and the surrounding community.
Mayors, county officials and state legislators signed the letter that was sent to Tyson on Thursday. The 19 officials said at a Friday news conference they had only received confirmation from the company that it had received the letter but no other action.
“I’m really fearful that if Tyson management doesn’t address this issue effectively, their workforce will either voluntarily stop coming to work or be too sick to work,” Waterloo Mayor Quinten Hart said. “Our hope was that in a time of crisis when we’re all made equal that we would inherently do the ethical, morally right thing that wasn’t done.”
Company spokeswoman Liz Croston said Tyson has been working with local, state and federal officials and is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. She said worker temperatures are taken before entering the plant, masks are required and cleaning has been increased as has distancing between workers.
“Our primary focus is protecting our people while continuing to fulfill our critical role of feeding families in this community and around the nation, while providing market continuity for hundreds of area hog farmers,” Croston said.
The Waterloo area officials also accused Gov. Kim Reynolds of misleading Iowans on the seriousness of the outbreak among the nearly 3,000 workers at the plant and for failure to take more aggressive action.
Hart said he contacted Reynolds’ staff and the Iowa Department of Public Health on Wednesday morning seeking immediate closure of the plant. Reynolds contacted him that afternoon, Hart said, assuring him the state was taking proactive measures.
Reynolds said at her daily news conference Friday that the state’s goal is to avoid closing the plant, which can process 19,000 pigs a day. She said the state is working with Tyson to test employees at facilities in Columbus Junction and Waterloo, and to trace their connections to others to identify community spread.
Testing was completed Friday in Columbus Junction, where Tyson officials said two workers had died following an outbreak where at least 148 workers have been infected. The plant has been closed since April 6 but the company hopes to reopen it next week.
Reynolds said 2,700 tests were sent to the Waterloo plant and they will be processed at a state laboratory over the weekend.
Iowa Department of Public Health Deputy Director Sarah Reisetter said the plant hasn’t reached the point of requiring closure.
“We will continue to keep an eye on the data but that’s really the reason were helping the facilities with the surveillance testing because we do believe that the CEOs at these companies want to do the right thing, want to keep their employees healthy,” Reisetter said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The outbreak at the Waterloo plant comes amid similar problems that have forced the closure of meat processing plants across the country, including a pork plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where hundreds of workers have tested positive; a beef plant in Greeley, Colorado, where at least two workers have died; and several meat plants in Pennsylvania where many workers are ill.
On Friday, Tyson announced four workers had died at a poultry plant in Georgia after being infected with the coronavirus.
Álso Friday, there were 19 reported cases of the coronavirus identified at a large JBS pork plant in Worthington, Minnesota, according to the union that represents most of the 2,000 workers at the facility. State health officials said seven cases have been confirmed and the number is expected to rise. The plant remains open.