CSi Weather….

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON…

.REST OF TODAY…Mostly sunny.   A 20 percent chance of light rain in the afternoon in the Valley City area. Highs in the lower 40s. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Partly cloudy. Slight chance of rain in the evening.

Lows 15 to 20. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in

the evening.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s. Northwest winds

5 to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s. Southwest

winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s. West winds 10 to

15 mph shifting to the northwest in the afternoon.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the lower 20s.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 30 percent chance of rain and

snow in the evening. Lows in the mid 20s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny. Slight chance of snow in the morning,

then chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 40s.

Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain and

snow in the evening. Lows in the lower 20s.

.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. Highs around 40.

 

 

…FAVORABLE THAW/MELT CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE THROUGH THE WEEKEND AND INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK…MONITORING POTENTIAL WEATHER SYSTEM MIDWEEK NEXT WEEK…

Near perfect thaw/melt conditions thus far this spring have
potentially allowed for a reduced flood threat. If conditions in the
next several weeks continue to follow this pattern (slow melting
during the day with some refreezing at night and dry weather
conditions), most locations can expect to see river levels peak
from snowmelt in the 75% to 95% range of the probabilistic
guidance issued March 15th.

However, peak river levels will still be contingent upon future
precipitation. If significant precipitation happens to occur
(especially concurrent with peak snowmelt rises), river levels
will be prone to reaching higher levels, likely above the 50%
stage levels of the March 15th guidance.

The James River at LaMoure is currently at 7.5 feet and has risen around six inches in the past week, with a 50 percent chance the river will reach minor flood stage of 14 feet at LaMoure and a 5 percent chance it will reach major flood stage of 18 feet.

North of Jamestown the James River basin Jamestown and Pipestem dams shows a normal to slightly above normal chance of overland and small stream flooding.

South of the dams  includes a well above normal chance of overland flooding.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  still forecasts a combined release from Jamestown and Pipestem dams of 750 cfs,  below levels that would action for flood protection in Jamestown.

James River level through Jamestown.

Sheyenne River Level Though Valley City

Lake Ashtabula Level

 

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on
current forecasts.

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible
Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be
prepared to take action should flooding develop.

 

 

Valley City (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met in Special Session on Thursday evening unanimously  approving  a Resolution to declare a Flood emergency.  All members were present.

City Administrator, David Schelkoph said the purpose of the Resolution is prepare paperwork in order to send to state and federal officials, in the event funds are needed in a flood fight.

He said the city’s action is not to increase fear in the community on possible flooding.

He said the projected flood stage on the Sheyenne in Valley City is 13 to 16 and a half feet adding the level depends on rainfall amounts and the progress of the snow melt.

He said major flood stage is 17 feet, moderate flood stage is 16 feet, and flood prevention action kicks in at 15 feet.  At a river level of 16 feet, about 10,000 sandbags would be needed for additional protection.

He said city officials are preparing for any possible flooding as there is a significant amount of water in the water shed north of Valley City.

He added that Lake Ashtabula has significant capacity to handle inflows as of of Friday morning, at 1257.90 feet. See the latest reading from the NWS click here National Weather Service  and scroll down to Bald Hill dam and Valley City levels.

He said the previously projected flood impacts on the Sheyenne and Valley City is about two weeks ahead of what is actually occurring.

He said significant rainfall, in the next few weeks, or a rapid increase in snow melt, will change the flood outlook and any actual flooding that may occur.

Water amounts in the snow pack  are located on the National Weather Service.

He added that Valley City has been proactive in flood prevention in installing permanent flood mitigation and buying out homes in the flood zone.

He said a decision will be made on building flood walls if or when the river level reaches 12-13 feet.

Valley City hosted the meeting on March 18th, when  Schelkoph said, North Dakota Emergency Management, and local authorities including the Corps of Engineers, are on the same page to  mobilize their flood fighting efforts.

 

Then, the City Commission with a Resolution to request Emergency Flood Assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was tabled at this time.

Schelkoph said flood protection with the river level at below 15 feet would be able to be handled by city crews, above would require action by the City Commission to contact the Corps for assistance.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

 

Valley City (CSi-AmericInn) – The AmericInn by Wyndham in Valley City has announced that it has been awarded the annual “Best of AmericInn” which recognizes the brand’s top performing hotels and their staffs.

In celebration of the achievement, Jeff Nathan, one of the hotel’s owners, accepted the award from AmericInn and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts leadership. Mici Loibl is the General Manager of the AmericInn by Wyndham in Valley City.

Nathan says, “Receiving this honor is a testament to the incredible work of our hotel teams in delivering top-notch hospitality day in and day out.  Winning the hearts and loyalty of guests is all about maintaining a quality hotel and cultivating a staff that’s passionate about the details; we’ve succeeded on both fronts, and we’ll continue striving to set the bar even
higher for what it means to be a ‘Best of AmericInn.”

To be eligible for the award, hotels must demonstrate strong quality scores, outstanding guest reviews and an unwavering commitment to the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program and its members.

 

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The dates have been set for the  122nd Annual, 2019 Stutsman County Fair, June 26–29.

The Murphy Brothers Exposition is back as the carnival.

Bands scheduled to perfore include:

Wednesday, June 26, Tripwire

Thursday, June 27, The Johnny Holm Band

Friday, June 28, IV Play

Saturday, June 29, Truvail.

James River Rodeo performances at the fairgrounds are Friday and Saturday.

Stock car races on Saturday evening, June 29 at Jamestown Speedway at the fairgrounds.

Gator Boys with education and shows of exotic animals and reptiles.

 

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce announces the date for the next District 24 Legislative Forum, Saturday April 6, 2019,  from 9-a.m., to 11-a.m., at the Valley City Eagles, Riverside Room.

The public is invited to hear comments from North Dakota legislators from District 24, followed by the opportunity to ask them questions.

 

Jamestown (JRMC) – Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) recently announced Elayne Hartman as its most recent Legend Award recipient.

The Legend Award is the most prestigious distinction for a JRMC employee. The Legend Award recognizes employees who exceed expectations and make THE difference in the lives of those they serve.

JRMC Foundation Office Coordinator, Penny Holland, and Nutrition Services Aide, Jewel Wolhart, nominated Hartman because of her compassionate heart for helping fellow coworkers, patients and guests.

“Elayne Hartman truly makes THE difference for her JRMC family,” Holland and Wolhart wrote in their nomination. “Hartman recently helped Wolhart’s granddaughter who suffered extensive injuries after a motor vehicle accident last fall. Because of the injuries, her time spent in school is limited. Hartman wanted to find a way to get a laptop donated so Wolhart’s granddaughter could communicate with her teacher and stay current on homework.”

Hartman joined the JRMC team in 2011 and resides in Jamestown.

“Because of Hartman’s initiative, United Way donated a laptop to Wolhart’s granddaughter,” Holland said. “And, an additional grant was awarded form the Employee Support Fund at JRMC. This grant helped purchase the software necessary to communicate with the school.”

JRMC’s 350 employees cast anonymous votes to select the Legend Award winner.

The purpose of the Legend Award is to inspire, motivate and capture the moments that define JRMC. The goal is to help employees and volunteers connect to the sense of purpose that brought them to the organization. This award is for employees who’ve made extreme efforts to benefit their patients and colleagues.

“The nominations inspire staff members to continually be the best, exceed expectations and make THE difference in the lives of those we serve,” said JRMC President & CEO, Mike Delfs.

Once nominated, both JRMC administration and employees voted on their top nominees and their stories.

“We are grateful for our employees’ commitment to each other, patients and our community,” said Chief Operating Officer Ricki Ramlo. “Elayne is a treasured employee and great example of THE difference our employees make in the lives of those we serve.”

The Legend Award first began in 2012. Since then, more than 30 individuals have been named Legends and more than 110 employees have been nominated.

 

Bismarck  (CSi)  North Dakota and law enforcement across the state will have extra patrols to enforce the state’s distracted driving law from April 1-30 for the nationwide U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign.

Last year, more than 370 citations were issued in North Dakota to distracted drivers during the state’s two enforcement periods (April and September). Distracted driving takes on many forms; however, texting is one of the most common across the nation.

Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger  says, “Texting and driving is illegal because it is dangerous.  It’s not worth it to put your life and the lives of others at risk. Put the phone away or get a do not disturb app so you always drive distraction free.”

 

Bismarck (Gov. Burgum’s Office)  – Gov. Doug Burgum will deliver remarks and sign a proclamation Friday declaring March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in North Dakota during a ceremony at the Capitol honoring Vietnam War veterans.

The ceremony at the State Capital Memorial Hall, starting at 10-a.m.  will include a reading of the names of North Dakotans killed in action during the Vietnam War. More than 15,000 North Dakotans left home to serve in the Vietnam War, and 198 never returned. State Sen. Richard Marcellais of Belcourt, a Vietnam veteran, also will deliver remarks.  Also on hand will be members of the North Dakota National Guard, and others.

 

The Daughters of the American Revolution Minishoshe-Mandan Chapter will host a free lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. in honor of Vietnam Veterans Day at the Bismarck AMVETS Club, Roy C. Wagner Post #9, 2402 Railroad Ave., Bismarck.

 

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A father has been charged with driving drunk and causing a crash that killed his 7-year-old son and critically injured the boy’s 5-year-old brother in Fargo.

Charges filed in Cass County District Court allege Christopher Devine had a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit when he collided with another vehicle last Saturday night.

The 31-year-old father is charged with criminal vehicular homicide and two counts of criminal vehicular injury. Devine and another passenger in his vehicle were also injured. People in the other vehicle were not seriously hurt.

Jason Devine died several days after the crash. Court documents say Branden Devine remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Authorities say the father told police he had been drinking before the crash, but has no memory of it. Court records do not list an attorney for him.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s Senate dealt Gov. Doug Burgum his first veto setback of the session, overriding his rejection of a bill to raise driver’s license fees for the first time in more than 30 years.Senators voted 41-4 to override Burgum on Thursday. The legislation now goes to the House for an override vote.

The House and Senate easily passed the legislation that raises commercial and non-commercial driver’s license fees from $15 to $30.

Burgum says the increase in fees “imposes an unnecessary additional burden on our residents.”

The Legislature last raised the driver’s license fees in 1987. Several prior attempts to raise the fees have been rebuffed by lawmakers, who called it a tax increase.

The increased fees are expected to raise $5.5 million in a two-year budget cycle.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has signed a bill that aims to end a longstanding disagreement over shared revenues on the oil-rich Fort Berthold Indian reservation.

Burgum on Thursday signed legislation that ratifies the compact he signed last month with Three Affiliated Tribes Chairman Mark Fox.

The bill reworks a tax-sharing agreement that favors the Three Affiliated Tribes on the reservation that accounts for about a fifth of North Dakota’s oil production. The bill passed the North Dakota Legislature by wide margins.

The legislation is the result of nearly two years of negotiations between tribal leaders, Burgum, legislative leaders, the state Tax Department and industry officials.

The state Tax Department estimates the tribes will gain an additional $33 million in revenue over the next two-year budget cycle under the legislation.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — It didn’t take long for a New York City councilman’s claim that he’s the world’s tallest male politician to draw some challenges.

Robert Cornegy Jr., a 6-foot-10 (208 centimeter) councilman from Brooklyn, was certified by Guinness World Records in January and honored for the distinction this week at a City Hall ceremony.

But North Dakota’s insurance commissioner, Jon Godfread, quickly stepped forward to say he will contest the title. Godfread, who played basketball at the University of Northern Iowa and played professionally in Germany, says he’s 6-11¾ (212 centimeters).

Brad Sellers, a former Ohio State and Chicago Bulls star listed at 7 feet (213 centimeters), also says he has a claim. Sellers is the mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio.

Former NBA basketball player Yao Ming could top them all. Yao is a delegate in the advisory body to China’s National People’s Congress. He is listed at 7-feet-6 (228.6-centimeters).

Godfread says he didn’t know “being a tall politician was a thing.”

 

 

In sports…

Valley City  (VCSU)  The No. 9-ranked Valley City State softball team will play its first home games of the season this Sunday on the VCSU football turf.

Valley City State will host conference rival Dickinson State University for a four-game series Sunday and Monday at VCSU’s Lokken Stadium. Doubleheaders on both days are scheduled to start at 1 p.m. VCSU athletics will be offering free hot cider for all fans at the home openers on Sunday.

Valley City State is currently 24-1 overall this season and is ranked No. 9 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll released this week. The Vikings are 4-0 in conference play after sweeping a four-game series from Dakota State last week.

Dickinson State has a 13-10 overall record and is 3-1 to start the North Star Athletic Association schedule. The Blue Hawks are perennial contenders in the conference and were picked to finish third in the NSAA Preseason Poll. Dickinson State won the NSAA Tournament championship last season and has won four out of the five NSAA Tournaments played since the conference was formed in 2013-14.

 

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota State has promoted assistant Eric Henderson to be the next head coach of its men’s basketball team.

Henderson was an assistant the past three seasons. He succeeds T.J. Otzelberger, who is taking over as head coach at UNLV.

Otzelberger led the Jackrabbits to the NCAA Tournament twice in his three seasons, and athletic director Justin Sell says Henderson was a big part of that success.

Henderson has previously been an assistant at Wayne State and North Dakota State. He also coached in the prep ranks in Wisconsin.

 

NCAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT…

UNDATED (AP) — Ty Jerome scored 13 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 3:34 remaining, and No. 1 seed Virginia reached its second regional final in four years with a 53-49 victory over No. 12 Oregon in the NCAA South Region. Points were hard to come by for both schools, especially for the Cavaliers on a night they shot just 36 percent and matched a season low in scoring. But Virginia got baskets when needed to outlast the Ducks, with Jerome’s 3 the biggest. Virginia will face Purdue in the South final.

In other tournament action:

— Texas Tech is in a regional final for the second straight year after defeating Michigan 63-44 in the second West Region semifinal in Anaheim, California. Jarrett Culver scored 22 points and Davide Moretti added 15 as the Red Raiders knocked out last year’s national runner-up.

— Purdue is in the South Region final after outlasting Tennessee 99-94 in overtime. Carsen Edwards made two of three free throws with 1.7 seconds remaining in regulation to force OT for the Boilermakers. He followed with six more in the extra session, including a free throw with 6 seconds left to seal the game. The third-seeded Boilermakers face either No. 1 seed Virginia or No. 12 seed Oregon on Saturday.

— Gonzaga is in the Elite Eight. The Bulldogs beat Florida State 72-58, holding off the Seminoles and advancing to face either Michigan or Texas Tech in the regional final. Rui Hachimura scored 17 points, one of four Gonzaga players with at least 14. Trent Forrest scored 20 for Florida State.

 

NBA…

 

UNDATED (AP) — Wayne Ellington scored 17 of his 25 points in the third quarter and the Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 115-98 Thursday night in a matchup of teams battling for Eastern Conference playoff positions. Blake Griffin had 20 points and 10 rebounds for Detroit. Andre Drummond had 18 points and 18 rebounds, and Ish Smith scored 15 points off the bench. Aaron Gordon scored 20 points for Orlando.

In other Thursday action:

— James Harden scored 38 points and the Houston Rockets used a huge second quarter to build the lead and get an easy 112-85 win over the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets, who entered the day just a half-game behind the first-place Golden State Warriors, got 20 points from Jamal Murray as they lost for the second time in three games.

— DeMar DeRozan had 25 points and the San Antonio Spurs celebrated Manu Ginobili’s number retirement ceremony by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-110. Collin Sexton had 24 points for Cleveland and Kevin Love added 18.

— Goran Dragic (GOHR’-uhn DRAH’-gich) had 23 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for his second career triple-double, Dwyane Wade capped the win with a steal and score in the final seconds and the Heat moved back into eighth place in the Eastern Conference by topping the Dallas Mavericks 105-99. Dragic outdueled Luka Doncic in the first head-to-head meeting between the only two Slovenians currently in the NBA.

— Pascal Siakam scored 31 points and the Toronto Raptors routed the New York Knicks for the second time in 11 nights, winning 117-92 to sweep the season series. Toronto rested Kawhi Leonard.

— Joel Embiid had 39 points, 13 rebounds and six assists to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 123-110 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. JJ Redick scored 18 points and Ben Simmons had 16 points and eight assists for the 76ers, who snapped a two-game losing streak. Joe Harris scored 22 points and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 19 for Brooklyn.

— Julius Randle capped a 34-point and 11-rebound night with a driving left-handed bank shot between two defenders with eight seconds left to help the New Orleans Pelicans beat Sacramento 121-118. Buddy Hield scored 27 points for the Kings. But Hield’s 3-point attempt for the tie in the final seconds rimmed out. The result places Sacramento on the brink of mathematical elimination from playoff contention.

— Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 points and grabbed nine rebounds before leaving with an apparent lower leg injury in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 128-118 victory over the Clippers that snapped Los Angeles’ six-game winning streak. Antetokounmpo went to the floor and held his right ankle after dunking the ball with 7:46 left in the game, and he immediately went to the bench and didn’t return. Khris Middleton had a season-high 39 points as Milwaukee won its fourth straight.

 

MLB..

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Marwin Gonzalez hit a two-run double in the seventh inning of his debut with Minnesota, helping Jose Berrios outduel Corey Kluber in a 2-0 victory for the Twins over the Cleveland Indians to start the season in manager Rocco Baldelli’s first game. Berrios set a Twins opening day record with 10 strikeouts, with the 24-year-old right-hander picking up where he left off as an All-Star in 2018. Kluber finished seven innings after taking a no-hitter into the sixth.

 

UNDATED (AP) — Kyle Freeland allowed two hits and one run in seven innings in his first opening day start, and the Colorado Rockies beat the sloppy Miami Marlins 6-3. Freeland, who had a breakout 17-win season in 2018, retired the first 11 batters before Starlin Castro lined a single. The only other hit the left-hander allowed was a pinch-hit home run by J.T Riddle leading off the sixth inning.

 

— Brad Keller pitched two-hit ball over seven shutout innings, Adalberto Mondesi tripled twice and the Kansas Royals held off the Chicago White Sox 5-3 after the start of their season opener was delayed nearly two hours by rain. Eloy Jimenez went 0 for 3 with an RBI in his major league debut for Chicago after signing a $43 million, six-year contract.

— Joc Pederson and Enrique Hernandez each hit two of the Dodgers’ eight home runs in a 12-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The eight homers set a major league record for opening day and tied the franchise record for any game. Adam Jones and Christian Walker went deep for the Diamondbacks.

— Jordan Zimmermann took a perfect game into the seventh inning, Christian Stewart hit a two-run homer in the 10th and the Detroit Tigers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 2-0 on opening day. Zimmermann, who pitched a no-hitter for Washington on the final day of the 2014 season, came close to bookending it.

— Javier Baez homered twice, Jon Lester pitched six solid innings and the Chicago Cubs opened the season with a 12-4 win at Texas. The loss spoiled the debut of new Rangers manager Chris Woodward. Kris Bryant added a two-run homer for the Cubs.

Manny Machado went hitless in his first game with the San Diego Padres and Fernando Tatis Jr. singled twice in his big league debut, a 2-0 opening win over the San Francisco Giants. The Padres signaled their intentions to move beyond the rebuilding stage when they signed Machado to a $300 million, 10-year contract.

Reigning homer run champion Khris Davis went deep for the second time this season, Marcus Semien added a solo shot and the Oakland Athletics beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-0 on for their first win after a pair of losses to Seattle last week in Japan. Mike Trout singled and walked going 1 for 3 in his first game since signing a $426.5 million, 12-year contract, and manager Brad Ausmus lost his Angels debut after taking over for Mike Scioscia.

— Tim Beckham hit two of Seattle’s three home runs off Boston ace Chris Sale, and the Mariners improved to 3-0 with a 12-4 win over the World Series champion Red Sox. The Mariners followed up their two wins over Oakland last week in Japan by rattling Sale and knocking out the lefty that had dominated Seattle in the past.

— Justin Verlander outpitched Blake Snell in a rare opening day matchup between a reigning Cy Young winner and the runner-up for the award, helping the Houston Astros begin the season with a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. George Springer homered on opening day for the third straight year. Michael Brantley and Jose Altuve also homered for the Astros.

— Derek Dietrich’s three-run homer in the seventh inning rallied the new-look Reds to a 5-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, an encouraging start for a Cincinnati team looking to escape last place. Playing their first game under manager David Bell, the Reds got starring performances from two players signed for backup roles last month.

— Robinson Cano homered in his debut at-bat for the Mets, then added a late RBI single, and Jacob deGrom outpitched Max Scherzer as New York edged the Washington Nationals 2-0 in the opener for both teams. A day after signing a $137.5 million, five-year contract, deGrom compiled 10 strikeouts with one walk and five hits in six innings, setting a major league record with his 30th consecutive start allowing three runs or fewer.

— Luke Voit hit a first-inning homer, Masahiro Tanaka finally got an opening day victory in his fourth try and the New York Yankees started the season with a 7-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Voit smashed a three-run shot off Andrew Cashner, and Greg Bird added a solo homer in the eighth, the first big flies for New York a year after clubbing a record 267 en route to 100 wins.

— Bryce Harper struck out twice in green Phanatic cleats in his $330 million debut and bowed to thousands of fans in No. 3 jerseys who gave him rousing standing ovations in the Philadelphia Phillies’ 10-4 win over the Atlanta Braves. Harper went 0 for 3 with one intentional walk. He was intentionally walked to load the bases and Rhys Hoskins hit a grand slam.

—Milwaukee center fielder Lorenzo Cain soared above the wall to rob Jose Martinez of a tying home run for the final out, lifting Christian Yelich and the Brewers over the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 in an opener.

 

MLB-NEWS

Injury ends Kershaw’s streak of opening day starts

UNDATED (AP) —Clayton Kershaw has been placed on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ injured list, officially ending his franchise-record streak of eight consecutive opening day starts.

The Dodgers announced the move Thursday before they faced Arizona. The move is retroactive to Monday, allowing Kershaw to return by April 4.

Kershaw developed inflammation in his left shoulder early in spring training, but the Dodgers waited nearly a month to determine whether Kershaw could be ready for opening day.

The 31-year-old ace has missed playing time in each of the past three seasons due to injuries.

In other baseball news:

— Oakland has acquired first baseman Kendrys Morales from Toronto, which will give the Athletics $11,445,000 to cover near all of his $12 million salary. The A’s sent the Blue Jays minor league infielder Jesus Lopez and $1 million in international signing bonus pool allocation. The addition of the 35-year-old Morales gives the A’s a replacement for injured first baseman Matt Olson.

— The new No. 3 is the new No. 1. Major League Baseball says that Bryce Harper has the sport’s top-selling jersey, ending a two-year reign for Aaron Judge’s No. 99. Harper signed a $330 million, 13-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies this spring, and his new No. 3 jersey set professional sports records for sales in 24 and 48 hours, according to online retailer Fanatics. His fresh get-up has been the top-selling jersey on MLB.com since Jan. 1, 2019.

 

NBA-NEWS

Lakers’ Josh Hart done for season with right knee injury

UNDATED (AP) —Los Angeles Lakers guard Josh Hart will miss the rest of the season with a right knee injury.

The second-year pro has missed four straight games and five of the last seven with right knee tendinitis. He had an ultrasonic debridement procedure on his right knee patellar tendon on Thursday morning.

The Lakers will miss the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. Hart is expected to return to basketball activities in about 12 weeks.

Hart is averaging 7.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

In other NBA news:

— The Utah Jazz say guard Dante Exum underwent surgery to repair a partially torn patellar tendon in his right knee and will be sidelined indefinitely. Exum had the procedure Wednesday in Los Angeles. The 23-year-old appeared in 42 games this season, averaging 6.9 points and 2.6 assists. The fifth overall pick in 2014, Exum missed all but 14 games in 2017-18 after suffering a preseason shoulder injury. He also missed the 2015-16 season with a knee injury.

—The NBA is going to play a regular-season game in Paris for the first time next year. The league says Charlotte and Milwaukee will play there on Jan. 24. Paris has played host to preseason games before. Having Charlotte involved makes sense because the Hornets feature French national-teamers Tony Parker and Nicolas Batum.

 

NHL…

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Tyler Bertuzzi had two goals, including the winner in overtime, to lead the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.

Dylan Larkin also had two goals for Detroit, and Filip Hronek also scored. Jimmy Howard made 35 saves as Detroit won for the sixth time in seven games.

In other Thursday night ice action:

— Tanner Pearson scored in the fourth round of the shootout and the Vancouver Canucks kept their faint playoff hopes alive, beating the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 Thursday night. The win snapped a three-game losing skid for the Canucks.

— Jonathan Huberdeau scored twice and the Florida Panthers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 5-2 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night in a matchup of teams eliminated from playoff contention.

— Casey Cizikas and Jordan Eberle scored 33 seconds apart in the final two minutes of the third period to lift the New York Islanders to a 5-4 comeback win over the Winnipeg Jets.

— Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice, Sergei Bobrovsky had 28 saves and the Columbus Blue Jackets moved into an Eastern Division wild-card spot with a 6-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

— Nic Dowd scored on a deflection with 4:56 remaining, and the Washington Capitals clinched a playoff berth with a 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Brett Connolly and Jakub Vrana scored and Braden Holtby made 24 saves. They helped the reigning Stanley Cup champions reach the 100-point mark for the fifth straight year and wrap up their 11th spot in the playoffs in 12 seasons.

 

NHL-NEWS

Sabres demote center Tage Thompson to minors

UNDATED (AP) — The Buffalo Sabres have demoted center Tage Thompson to the minors. Thompson is being sent down to AHL Rochester while in the midst of a 23-game goal drought. The 22-year-old has just seven goals and five assists for 12 points in 65 games this season. Buffalo acquired the 2016 first-round draft pick in a multiplayer trade that sent center Ryan O’Reilly to the St. Louis Blues in July.

Thompson’s demotion on Thursday comes a day after Buffalo called up rookie forward Victor Olofsson. Olofsson is leading Rochester with 60 points. He has an opportunity to make his NHL debut Thursday, when Buffalo hosts Detroit.

In other NHL news:

— The NHL has announced its third partnership with a sports gambling operator, a deal with William Hill. The league previously into entered deals with FanDuel and MGM. All three companies have been designated as “official sports betting partners” of the NHL. Sports betting is now legal in eight states, and William Hill runs sports books in Nevada, Mississippi, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

 

NFL NEWS

Cowboys acquire Dolphins DE Robert Quinn for 6th-round pick

UNDATED (AP) — The Cowboys have agreed to acquire defensive end Robert Quinn from the Miami Dolphins for a sixth-round draft pick in a trade that would bolster the Dallas pass rush while the club works on a long-term contract for DeMarcus Lawrence. The deal also gives the Cowboys another option while they wait to see if Randy Gregory will play in 2019 after his fourth substance-abuse suspension.

In other NFL news:

— Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Rutgers coach Greg Schiano has stepped down as defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, less than two months after taking the job. The Patriots never announced his hiring but confirmed his departure by posting statements from Schiano and coach Bill Belichick on the team’s website. Schiano said he needs to “spend more time on my faith and family.”

 

DOPING-HSU

Olympic champion weightlifter Hsu apologizes for doping

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Two-time Olympic gold medalist Hsu Shu-ching apologized today for testing positive for doping and said she is willing to accept her punishment.

The Taiwanese weightlifter was told of the result last year but the news was not made public until this week.

The 27-year-old Hsu said the banned substance was contained in a dietary supplement she took ahead of the 2017 world championships.

Hsu, who retired from the sport last year citing injuries, returned a silver medal she won at the championships and resigned a coaching position. It was unclear what punishment she could face.

 

In world and national news…

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A fired-up President Donald Trump turned the findings of the Russia investigation into a political weapon at a Michigan rally that was part victory lap, part 2020 campaign push.

Trump unleashed a diatribe Thursday about the inquiry, which he deemed “the greatest hoax in the history of our country.” He warned that those behind the probe “would be held accountable,” aired his grievances about the “unfair” media coverage and seethed that the matter was an attempt “to tear up the fabric of our great democracy.”

The 82-minute speech unfolded before a boisterous crowd in a key state that Trump swiped from Democrats in 2016. It marked his first political event since Attorney General William Barr released a summary of special counsel Robert Mueller’s report.

 

 

LONDON (AP) — On the day that Britain was originally scheduled to leave the European Union, lawmakers are facing what Theresa May’s government describes as the “last chance to vote for Brexit.”

Friday’s parliamentary vote is on only part of the deal that Prime Minister Theresa May negotiated with the EU, in a bid by May to blunt the opposition that has already forced her to ask for an extension.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox told the BBC that people will wonder why Parliament hasn’t lived up to its commitment to abide by voters’ decision to leave the EU.

Fox says: “It is, in fact, really, the last chance we have to vote for Brexit as we understood it today. … I think all MPs will have to reflect today who are the masters and who are the servants in our democratic process.”

 

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has issued sweeping new sex abuse legislation for Vatican personnel and Holy See diplomats overseas, requiring the immediate reporting of abuse allegations to Vatican prosecutors, a policy shift aimed at being a model for the Catholic Church worldwide.

The mandatory reporting provision of the legislation published Friday marks the first time the Vatican has put into law requirements for Catholic officials to report allegations of sex crimes to civil authorities or face fines and possible jail time.

Francis also issued child protection guidelines for Vatican City State and its youth seminary, acting after the global sex abuse scandal exploded anew last year and The Associated Press reported that the headquarters of the Catholic Church had no policy to protect children from predator priests.

 

 

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — A man who survived the mosque attacks told a crowd of about 20,000 that he forgives the terrorist who killed his wife and 49 other people.

Farid Ahmed was speaking at a national remembrance service held Friday in Christchurch to commemorate those who died in the attacks two weeks ago.

It was the third major memorial held in the city since the attacks and a more formal occasion, with dignitaries from other countries attending, including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

New Zealand’s police force put on a show of force, closing down nearby streets and patrolling the park with semi-automatic weapons. But the atmosphere was relaxed during the 90-minute service held on a sunny morning in Hagley Park.

Featured musical guest was Yusuf Islam, also known as Cat Stevens.

 

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats intensified their demands for Robert Mueller’s full report after learning the special counsel’s findings from his Trump-Russia investigation run to more than 300 pages, while President Donald Trump boasted of total exoneration based on a four-page summary by his attorney general.

House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler was told by Attorney General William Barr that there’s no intention of giving the confidential report to Congress immediately as he redacts grand jury testimony and other elements.

Democrats say they may subpoena the report if it’s not forthcoming by their Tuesday deadline, which Barr has said will not be met.

Trump himself headed to Grand Rapids, Michigan, for a Thursday campaign rally, where he deemed the probe “the greatest hoax in the history of our country.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge is striking down the Trump administration’s highly touted small-business health insurance plan, calling it an “end run” around consumer protections.

The ruling Thursday by U.S. District Judge John Bates in Washington, D.C., is the second setback in a week for the administration’s health care initiatives. On Wednesday another federal judge blocked Medicaid work requirements for low-income people.

At issue in the latest ruling are so-called “association health plans,” in which businesses and sole proprietors can band together to offer lower-cost coverage that doesn’t provide all the benefits required under the Affordable Care Act.

President Donald Trump has hailed the small-business plans as a big success, but their impact is difficult to measure.

Unable to repeal the Obama health law in Congress, the Trump administration has tried to use its rule-making powers to create room for alternatives.

 

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he is backing off his budget request to eliminate funding for the Special Olympics. He’s reversing course on a proposal that was unlikely to be approved by Congress after days of bipartisan criticism.

Speaking to reporters Thursday as he left the White House for a rally in Michigan, Trump said he had authorized funding for the organization. Trump said he “heard about it this morning.” And he said he has “overridden” his people and is funding the Special Olympics.

Trump’s announcement came after Education Secretary Betsy DeVos spent days defending the proposal, which drew widespread condemnation from lawmakers, as well as advocates and celebrities.