– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Mar 19

CSi Weather…

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 PM CDT
THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…North winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph
expected.

* WHERE…Stutsman, Logan, La Moure, McIntosh and Dickey
Counties.

* WHEN…From 1 PM this afternoon to 10 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Patchy blowing and drifting snow is
possible, mainly along west-to-east oriented roads.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

Forecast…

.REST OF TODAY…Mostly sunny in the afternoon.

Windy, colder. Highs 15 to 20. Temperature falling through the afternoon.

North winds 20 to 30 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation 60 percent in the Jamestown area 50 percent in the Valley City area.

.TONIGHT…Mostly clear. Windy. Lows zero to 5 above. North winds

20 to 30 mph becoming northwest around 15 mph after midnight.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs 15 to 20. North winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows zero to 5 above.

Southeast winds around 5 mph.

.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 20s. Southeast winds

5 to 15 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.

.SUNDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 30s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.

.TUESDAY…Cloudy. A 20 percent chance of rain in the afternoon.

Highs around 40.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Cloudy. Slight chance of rain and snow in the

evening, then chance of snow after midnight. Lows in the mid 20s.

Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow in the morning, then

chance of snow possibly mixed with rain in the afternoon. Highs

in the mid 30s. Chance of precipitation 40 percent.

All wintry precipitation is expected to end by early this afternoon.

The strongest winds are expected during the afternoon from the James River Valley into far south central North Dakota, where wind gusts will be to 45 mph. A Wind Advisory has been issued for these areas this afternoon and early evening. Patchy blowing snow is also possible through this evening, especially where the greatest snowfall occurred last night.

Temperatures will be quite chilly for this time of year, with highs

today struggling to make it above 20. High pressure begins to settle

over the region tonight. Expect low temperatures below zero across

much of northern North Dakota, with overnight wind chills as cold as

20 below near the Turtle Mountains.

Valley City (VCPS) — Valley City Public Schools has made the decision Wednesday evening to cancel school for the week of March 23rd-March 27th due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in the state of North Dakota. Any decisions beyond the week of March 23rd-27th will be made at a later date and shared with our community.

Superintendent Josh Johnson said, “We believe that is our responsibility as school and community leaders to make decisions that are in the best interest for our students, staff, and community. During these unprecedented times in our country, we cannot wait for the decisions of others that may adversely affect our students and citizens in Valley City. Throughout this pandemic, we have been in constant communication with our local health officials and they support this decision 100%. We know that a decision by the Governor of North Dakota is likely to happen on Thursday afternoon or Friday. We have been planning and preparing for this possible event for the past two weeks and we owe it to our stakeholders to inform them as early as possible.”

Valley City Public Schools will continue with our plans for our “Resource Blitz” Thursday, March 19th and specific information regarding this has been shared to your emails and is located on our social media pages. If you have any questions regarding this event, or this important decision, or any other related services we are providing in our District with regard to the COVID-19 District Plan, please contact us at the district office 701.845.0483.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding how much we care about the safety of our students, staff, and community.

Mr. Josh Johnson

Valley City (VCPS) Valley City Public Schools announces that there will be a “Resource Blitz,” on essential items and personal belongings “Pick-up” plan for students in the Valley City Public School District.

Superintendent Josh Johnson says on Thursday, March 19 parents and students of VCPS will have the opportunity to stop at schools to pick up personal belongings and necessary supplies to continue their educational opportunities at home, in the event that school closures continue past March 20th.

In order to help alleviate large crowds,the following times have been announced and divided up families by last name.

Please utilize your assigned time slot. Also, we are envisioning a very quick collection while at school. No loitering will be encouraged.

For those of you that need transportation services to the school. Please contact Dietrich Busing on Wednesday, March 18 at 845-1590 to schedule your pick-up.

Times and Last Names that start with:
9:00 – 11:00 – Last Names that begin with A – I
11:00 – 1:00 – Last Names that begin with J – R
1:00 – 3:00 – Last Names that begin with S – Z

If you are unable to make these times work, please contact your
building administrator to make arrangements.

Update…

Bismarck (State Health Dept., Mar 18, 2020) – The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) Wednesday confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 both are confirmed cases of community spread of the disease in North Dakota, in Morton County.

The additional confirmations bring the total to 7 confirmed cases in North Dakota, of 362 individuals tested, as of Wednesday.

Community spread means the spread of an illness for which the source of infection is unknown. In the Morton County the patients are female, one in her 30’s the other in the 10-19 years old range. They are not hospitalized and are self-isolating at home. Neither had a history of traveling, and contracted the virus inside of North Dakota.

The NDDoH is working to identify other individuals who may have come into close contact with the patients while they were symptomatic. These individuals will be contacted directly by the NDDoH. These individuals will be monitored by public health for fever and respiratory symptoms.

Burgum said, “These are first confirmed cases of community transmission in North Dakota, and it reinforces the importance for all North Dakotans to practice social distancing and stay home when you’re sick, even if it’s minor.”

One of the Ward County men confirmed to have COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, is on the Minot Air Force Base, military officials said Wednesday, March 18.

The man, who is in his 60s, is not a member of the military and was confirmed to have coronavirus on Tuesday, according to a base spokesperson. The case was first announced by state officials, who said the man had a history of travel to an area with a high concentration of cases.

With evidence of community spread now in North Dakota, Burgum strongly recommended that movie theaters, gyms and similar types of businesses where the public congregates consider closing, and that restaurants and bars consider closing or switching to food takeout or delivery options only. Burgum said the potential for mandatory closures will be evaluated on a day-by-day basis, with a focus on whether people are exercising personal responsibility and practicing social distancing.

“If you are sick, you need to stay home. If you are being tested for COVID-19 or a family member is, you need to stay home until your test results are in,” said Mylynn Tufte, North Dakota State Health Officer. “Self-isolating, washing your hands and keeping six feet away from other individuals is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Burgum, Tufte and state health officials strongly recommend that North Dakotans follow the guidelines released by the White House on Monday to slow the spread of coronavirus, including:

Stay home and don’t go to work if you feel sick.
Practice good hygiene: wash your hands, avoid touching your face and cover coughs and sneezes.
If someone in the household has tested positive for coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.
Older individuals and those with underlying health conditions should stay away from other people.
Work from home when possible.
Avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people.
Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup or delivery options.
Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits.

Health officials also ask individuals returning from traveling on a cruise ship or individuals returning from skiing in Colorado to self-isolate for two weeks and self-report on the NDDoH website.

Symptoms of COVID-19 in people who have been exposed can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Individuals who think they may have COVID-19 but have minor symptoms should self-isolate at home. Individuals seeking medical attention should call before they go in.

For questions related to COVID-19, the public can call the NDDoH health hotline at 1-866-207-2880 daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Individuals who need medical advice should contact their health care provider.
For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, including test result counts, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus , follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Public Schools announces that due to the need for deep cleaning and sanitizing the Jamestown Public Schools buildings, the administration is asking students and parents to pick up all class materials and personal items from his or her locker or classroom desk.

All K-12 students or parents will be asked to come in during designated times as to honor the practice of social distancing.

Thursday 3-19-20, 12-noon to-4-pm, Last name starting with A-I

Friday 3-20-20 8-am – noon, Last name starting J-R

Friday 3-20-20 12 noon to 4-pm. Last name starting S-Z

If these times do not work for you, please contact the office of your school building to plan another time.

Update…

Jamestown (UJ) University of Jamestown President, Dr. Polly Peterson, has announced that the University will move to online learning to support prevention efforts aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dr. Peterson says, “Throughout the past few weeks, the Administration’s desire has been to retain the classroom experience for our residential programs while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those we serve. Unfortunately, with the rapidly changing circumstances that inform and influence our decisions, the Administration has made the decision to continue our semester in an online learning environment through Monday, April 13, with the goal of returning to campus on Tuesday, April 14.”

Originally, the University planned to have students return to in-person classes on March 23, after extending Spring Break one week.

Campus housing will continue to remain open with available dining options. To read Dr. Peterson’s full announcement, as well as past announcements pertaining to COVID-19, please visit uj.edu/coronavirus.

Valley City (CSi) The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Wednesday evening at City Hall.

All members were present.

Approval of Consent Agenda Items: Approved, Electrician, Plumber and/or Mechanical Contractor License(s) for the following businesses:

Differding Electric, LLC
Hope Electric, Inc.
Sheyenne River Repair
And complete applications received by March 31, 2020 in the Auditor’s Office

Approved a House Movers License for the following businesses: a. Liechty Homes, Inc.

And complete applications received by March 31, 2020 in the Auditor’s Office

Approved Raffle Permit for St. Catherine Knights of Columbus, Disabled American Veterans

Public Comments: No one spoke.

Ordinance

City Commissioners, approved the first reading of an Ordinance Annexing Auditor’s Lot 5 of the NE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 27, Township 140, Range 58, proposed by Bridgetown Partners, Donny Eberle.
Resolutions

Approved a Resolution Determining Sufficiency of Protests for Paving Improvement District No. 120 (NDDOT Project No. UGP-2-999(051), PCN 2280) on Central Avenue South.

One written protest was received, no oral protests at a previous public hearing.

Approved a Resolution Determining Sufficiency of Protests for Paving Improvement District No. 121 (2020 Seal Coat).

Approved a Resolution Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract for Paving Improvement District No. 121 (2020 Seal Coat). KLJ said the recommended bid is for $109,210.89

Approved a Resolution Ratifying Declaration of Emergency COVID-19. City Attorney Martineck said the Declaration is valid for 30 days.

City Updates & Commission Reports

Mayor Carlsrud said Screenings are taking place in Valley City to test for the COVID-19 virus. He said decisions will be made on ‘Safety First.’

He said the community is in the battle to fight the virus together, and noted those most at risk to contract the virus.

He added that the biggest contribution is following the safety guidelines set by the CDC and State Health officials, including social distancing, noting as people travel the exposure to the virus becomes greater.

He said he’s meeting daily with city staff, for input and to pass along information.

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

Valley City (CSi) The Barnes County Courthouse, Highway Department and other County offices are on lockdown, due to the COVID19 pandemic.

County Auditor Beth Didier says the offices are open for business, but the courthouse is locked. Visitors will be let in by appointment only. Please call ahead and attempt to complete your business via phone. If that is not possible, then please make an appointment and whoever the appointment is with they will have to let you into the building.

City-County Health District will remain open; however, the public should call ahead for an appointment, use the east door and check in immediately with reception.

Jamestown (CSi) The Stutsman County Commission has passed an Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drafted by Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist, the declaration allows Stutsman County access to any potential funding that would cover costs or damages accrued during the outbreak.

Stutsman County COO and Auditor, Nicole Meland, adds the closure of the Stutsman County Courthouse has been authorized, to begin Monday March 23, 2020.

Southeast District Court has canceled all jury trials.

Valley City (CSi) Gaukler Family Wellness Center is closed, through March 22. A further decision will be made at that time along with VCPR announcements, on cancelled activities.

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Arts Center, Director, Mindi Schmitz says, the Arts Center is making ongoing and fluid changes to its classes and performance schedule due to the concerns over the coronavirus.

The center’s main goal is public safety and the health and well-being of patrons, artists and staff.

During the month of March operating hours at The Arts Center will be intermittent. People should consider calling ahead at 251-2496 or emailing prior to coming in. The Arts Center will keep the gallery open as staffing allows.

The Arts After School program has been canceled for the week of March 16-20. The program follows the Jamestown Public Schools schedule. If the public schools remain closed the Arts After School program will remain closed as well.

The Back Porch Band concert scheduled for March 20 has been postponed.

All events related to the World of Music by Todd Green have been canceled. This includes:

Tuesday, March 24: Roosevelt Elementary

Thursday, March 26: Ave Maria Village and Heritage Centre

Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m.: concert at The Arts Center

The Arts Center is disappointed to have to cancel these programs and events but staff said they believe this is in the best interest of public health and safety for the community, artists and staff.

Valley City, ND Due to President Trump’s National State of Emergency Disaster Declaration and precautionary measures, CHI Mercy Health is implementing visitor restrictions until further notice.

Main Entrance Door #1

Visitor restrictions include:

Use Main Entrance Door # 1.
South Door (nearest handicapped parking) will be locked.
ONLY immediate family, without a fever, cough or runny nose will be allowed to visit
Visitation is restricted to ONE healthy family member at a time
All visitors will be screened upon arrival to the hospital

We’re requesting anyone who is suspicious of or concerned with COVID-19 exposure to PLEASE CALL 701-845-6400 FIRST prior to coming to the hospital / Emergency Room. Screening questions will be used during the phone call. These along with additional screening procedures have been implemented to keep our patients and staff safe.

Valley City (CSi) South Central Adult Services informs the community that it will continue to deliver meals to Seniors and provide transportation services following reports of the COVID-19 virus.

There will be no meals served on site. To go meals available.

Other planned activities will not be held.

Call for more information..

Director Pat Hansen says South Central Adult Services says precautionary measures have been taken since word was received of a North Dakota man tested positive for the virus last week in Ward County.

Jamestown (JRHS) The James River Humane Society informs the community that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shelter is only open by appointment.

To see cats, call Sheila at 701-367-6913

To see dogs call Kris at 701-269-2803

Jamestown (CSi) Great Plains Housing Authority has implemented its infection disease plan in response to the current pandemic.

Office availability and client interactions will be limited. In-person interviews already scheduled will be suspended and moved to conference calls. GPHA encourages using phone calls and email in place of in-person interviews for eligibility and other ways to provide information.

Great Plains Housing Authority is ready to help those affected by the COVID-19 as businesses reduce hours and staffing. Its housing application is available online at greatplainsha.com. GPHA will be processing applications as efficiently as possible to aid households in need.

The Housing Authority may utilize alternative inspection processes during an infectious disease situation to meet HUD time requirements with proper documentation. However, the initial inspections must have a physical inspection. The Housing Authority staff will not conduct inspections and rental assistance will be delayed if the public health officials require community self-quarantine.

GPHA encourages households to submit documents by email at office@greatplainsha.com or by fax 701-252-7735, mail to 300 2nd Ave. NE Ste 200. Jamestown, ND 58401 or to use the drop box at the office as much as possible instead of in-person. Office staff is available by phone at 252-1098. People are asked to call before coming to the office.

GPHA continues to receive guidance and consult with local public health departments and health providers, state officials, federal agencies and directly with HUD on how to operate programming during a pandemic.

For information, go to www.greatplainsha.com or call 252-1098.

FARGO — West Acres mall plans to close for nearly two weeks to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.

The mall will close at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, and remain closed through Tuesday, March 31, West Acres CEO Brad Schlossman said in a statement.

The move comes as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum recommends the closure of community gathering spaces to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The mall had initially closed food court seating and changed its hours in response to the pandemic.

FARGO, N.D. (KFGO-AM) — A 30-year-old man is facing numerous felony charges after police say he threatened multiple people with a knife, stole a vehicle and crashed in Fargo. Officers responded to a report of a man threatening to stab a driver as he carjacked a vehicle Tuesday afternoon. KFGO reports the man drove away in the stolen vehicle and crashed into another vehicle. Police say he threatened the occupants of that vehicle and drove away in the stolen vehicle. An officer tried to pull the man over but he fled. A Clay County sheriff’s deputy used a tactical maneuver to stop the suspect on Interstate 94 where he subsequently crashed and was arrested.

Jamestown (UJ) University of Jamestown hosted 39 prospective students during its Winter Wilson Scholarship Day on Jan. 20, 2020. After participating in on-campus interviews and writing an essay, two high school students, Bonnie Thompson (Dickinson, ND) and Isaiah Reis (Ellendale, ND), were awarded full-tuition scholarships.

Established in memory of the late Dr. John L. Wilson and his wife, Palma, the Wilson Competitive Scholarship Program provides four full-tuition scholarships for four years.

Each fall and winter, University of Jamestown invites admitted students with a 3.5 GPA and 24 ACT to compete in their prestigious Wilson Scholarship Day Event. Qualifying students interview with members of the faculty and compose a brief essay. The top two students from each competition receive a Wilson Full-Tuition Scholarship. All other participants are granted a Distinguished Scholarship worth $1,000 per year.

The next Wilson Scholarship Day will be held in the fall of 2020. Students interested in registering for the event should contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-336-2554 or admission@uj.edu.

For more information on the Wilson Scholarship and the legacy of Dr. John L. Wilson at UJ, please visit uj.edu/WilsonScholarship.

In sports…

VIRUS OUTBEAK-MLB

Source say MLB could skip draft

NEW YORK (AP) — People familiar with the discussions tell The Associated Press that Major League Baseball is considering skipping its amateur draft this year and putting off the next international signing period as a way to preserve cash while games are affected by the new coronavirus.

MLB proposed crediting full major league service for 130 games or more and proportional service for a shorter season. The union wants a full season of service even if no games are played.

Service determines eligibility for free agency and salary arbitration.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-POLL

Kansas finishes No. 1 in final AP poll; Gonzaga, Dayton next

UNDATED (AP) — Kansas can start celebrating their finish atop the final Top 25 from The Associated Press. The regular-season Big 12 champions, who were 28-3 when the season abruptly ended after the first day of the conference tournament last week, received 63 of 65 first-place votes from a national media panel in balloting released Wednesday.

That easily outdistanced No. 2 Gonzaga and No. 3 Dayton, each of which received a first-place vote.

Florida State was fourth, easily the best finish ever for the Seminoles, while Baylor rounded out the top five after spending a longer stretch at No. 1 than any other team during a topsy-turvy season.

The final rankings were based on play through March 11, when the outbreak of the coronavirus brought the sport to a halt.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTS

Ottawa NHL player tests positive

UNDATED (AP) — The NHL has its first player who has tested positive for the new coronavirus.

The Ottawa Senators say an unidentified player tested positive for COVID-19. The player was experiencing mild symptoms and was in isolation. Ottawa’s final three games of the suspended season were all in California.

In other virus-related developments:

— The Cincinnati Reds say an employee who worked at Cincinnati’s spring training complex in Goodyear, Arizona has tested positive for the new coronavirus. The team says the employee lives in Arizona and has been self-quarantined, along with other members of the Reds staff who were in close contact. The employee worked at the complex from Feb. 29 through March 14.

— The IndyCar race in Long Beach, California, won’t be held this year. Officials with the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach said Wednesday they pursued the possibility of rescheduling the popular race to a later date. The race had been scheduled for April 19.

— Formula One has moved its midseason break from August to March and April because of the coronavirus pandemic. The break has also been extended from 14 days to 21. Four of the season’s 22 races have already been postponed, and they are hoping that moving the annual break forward could make it easier to find new dates later for events.

— The Green Bay Packers are extending the deadline for season ticket holders to pay for their 2020 tickets to June 1 to allow them more time to deal with any potential impact from the coronavirus.

— Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and pop star wife Ciara have announced they are donating 1 million meals through Seattle’s Food Lifeline to help provide meals for those in need during the coronavirus outbreak in the region.

— All men’s and women’s professional tennis tournaments through June 7 are being called off because of the pandemic. The ATP and WTA announced that the entire clay-court circuit “will not be held as scheduled.” Both tours also said that their rankings will be frozen until further notices.

— The Western Athletic Conference has canceled all competition and championships for the remainder of the academic year. The WAC’s decision affects men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, men’s and women’s tennis, softball and baseball.

— The Big South Conference became the latest to announce it is canceling all spring athletic activities due to the coronavirus pandemic.

— People familiar with the discussions tell The Associated Press that Major League Baseball is considering skipping its amateur draft this year and putting off the next international signing period as a way to preserve cash while games are affected by the new coronavirus.

IDITAROD

Norwegian musher wins Alaska’s Iditarod sled dog race

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — As a boy in Norway, Thomas Waerner (WAR’-ner) dreamed of American muscle cars and winning the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. On Wednesday, one of those dreams came true as Waerner won the nearly 1,000-mile sled dog race across Alaska. He blew away the competition and left the closet musher to him about five hours behind. Waerner picks up $50,000 and a new pickup truck for winning the world’s most famous sled dog race. He took his dogs over mountain ranges, the frozen Yukon River and across treacherous Bering sea ice to the finish line in Nome in 9 days, 10 hours, 37 minutes and 47 seconds.

NFL-FREE AGENCY

AP sources: Free agent deals can’t be official even as NFL year begins

UNDATED (AP) — The new NFL year has begun, but free agent contracts and trades agreed upon in recent days or weeks won’t become official just yet.

Although information on dozens of contract agreements and a slew of trades has been leaked, teams were not allowed to complete the deals until the 4 p.m. EDT Wednesday start of the 2020 NFL business year. However, all of those transactions now come with the caveat that the signings and physicals need to occur. Free agents involved won’t be getting paid until those deals are signed and physicals are taken.

The NFL has barred travel to team facilities by free agents and also has banned team personnel from traveling to meet with players as a safeguard against the new coronavirus.

In free agency news:

— The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter free agency with expectations of signing six-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady. There’s been no official announcement on Brady joining the Bucs after 20 seasons with the New England Patriots. But there’s already an increased demand for tickets. Within hours of reports of the team closing in on a deal with Brady, the website selling season passes for 2020 showed more than 2,400 people waiting for a chance to make purchases.

— A person familiar with the trade says the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to send quarterback Nick Foles to the Chicago Bears for a compensatory fourth-round draft pick. The Jaguars are dumping Foles a little more than a year after giving the former Super Bowl MVP a four-year, $88 million contract that included a whopping $50 million guaranteed. Foles is due to make $15 million in 2020 and would have counted almost $22 million against Jacksonville’s salary cap.

— DeForest Buckner made it official by signing a four-year, $84 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, one day after his celebrating his 26th birthday. The deal makes Buckner the second-highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL. Indy also has agreed to terms on a one-year, $25 million deal with quarterback Philip Rivers.

— The Patriots were in cost-cutting mode on the first day of free agency. Safety Duron Harmon was traded to the Lions, defensive tackle Danny Shelton also landed in Detroit and offensive lineman Ted Karras agreed to a deal with the Dolphins. Linebacker Elandon Roberts is also expected to sign with the Dolphins. Combined with other moves this week, the Patriots are about $13 million under the salary cap and they still have to replace Tom Brady.

— The Miami Dolphins have added up to seven starters with a spending spree at the start of free agency. The latest addition to the starting lineup: center Ted Karras. Earlier the Dolphins made Byron Jones the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback and bolstered their pass rush by reaching agreements with linebacker Kyle Van Noy and defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Emmanuel Ogbah. On offense they upgraded by acquiring running back Jordan Howard and guard Ereck Flowers. The seven deals were for a total of more than $222 million.

— Darius Slay is apparently ready to leave Detroit. ESPN, citing an unidentified source, reported Wednesday night that cornerback Desmond Trufant had agreed to a two-year deal with the Lions. Slay, who is currently Detroit’s top player at that position, tweeted in response to that reported deal that he’s hoping for a quick trade. The Lions have also agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with defensive tackle Danny Shelton.

— The Bengals released right guard John Miller. The move came five days after the Bengals released left tackle Cordy Glenn, who missed 10 games last season with a concussion and a team suspension. The Bengals also released B.W. Webb as part of a cornerback shuffle. They’re expected to sign former Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes.

—The Atlanta Falcons and Dante Fowler have agreed to a $48 million, three-year contract, reuniting the outside linebacker with one of his coaches in college according to a person familiar with the deal. The 25-year-old Fowler played college ball at the University of Florida. When he was a freshman in 2012, Falcons coach Dan Quinn was the Gators’ defensive coordinator.

— The Minnesota Vikings shed yet more salary with the termination of right guard Josh Kline’s contract. Kline joined fellow starters defensive tackle Linval Joseph, cornerback Trae Waynes and wide receiver Stefon Diggs on their way to other teams. The Vikings made their biggest move this week by extending the contract of quarterback Kirk Cousins and agreeing to trade Diggs to Buffalo. Their most notable pickup on the market was former Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce to replace Joseph.

— The Baltimore Ravens added 6-foot-8 defensive end Calais Campbell and the acquisition of 6-5 free agent defensive tackle Michael Brockers. The Ravens also sent tight end Hayden Hurst and a 2020 fourth-round draft choice to the Falcons for Atlanta’s second- and fifth-round selections in the draft.

—The Chicago Bears traded for quarterback Nick Foles to push Mitchell Trubisky. They also brought in one former All-Pro to boost their pass rush by agreeing to a five-year, $70 million deal with Robert Quinn, and have another former star on the way in tight end Jimmy Graham.

— The Carolina Panthers have released Eric Reid, just 13 months after giving the veteran safety a three-year, $22 million contract extension. The decision to release Reid means the Panthers will be on the hook for $5 million in dead money. Reid was the first player to join former teammate Colin Kaepernick’s protest against social injustice by kneeling during the national anthem. He has also been an outspoken voice in the players’ union.

— The Green Bay Packers’ additions of linebacker Christian Kirksey and Rick Wagner this week signaled moving forward without two key veterans. Longtime right tackle Bryan Bulaga has agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Chargers and linebacker Blake Martinez is joining the New York Giants.

— The Buffalo Bills have signed cornerback Josh Norman to a one-year contract in hopes the eighth-year player can secure a starting job opposite Tre’Davious White.

-The Philadelphia Eagles added former Steelers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, released standout safety Malcolm Jenkins and retained starting safety Rodney McLeod, starting cornerback Jalen Mills, defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway and backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld so far in free agency.

— Defensive tackle Linval Joseph has agreed to a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Two people familiar with the deal tell The Associated Press that Joseph’s contract is for $17 million but could go as high as $19 million with additional incentives.

—The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to an $11 million, two-year deal with Brandon Shell, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. And the Seahawks are reuniting with an old friend, bringing back former first-round pick Bruce Irvin, who will be a boost to Seattle’s pass rush that needed attention.

— The New York Jets are re-signing cornerback Brian Poole to a one-year, $5 million fully guaranteed contract, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus. Poole was the Jets’ best cornerback last season in Gregg Williams’ defense, playing in the nickel spot. Trumaine Johnson’s stint with the New York Jets is over after two disappointing and injury-plagued seasons. The move saves New York $11 million in salary cap space this year.

—The Washington Redskins are signing safety Sean Davis for a one-year deal that can be worth up to $5 million. The Redskins also agreed to terms with linebackers Thomas Davis and Kevin Pierre-Louis and re-signed Jon Bostic, and signed guard Wes Schweitzer for help on the offensive line.

— The Denver Broncos have acquired five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jurrell Casey from the Tennessee Titans. Two people familiar with the trade tell The Associated Press that the Titans swapped Casey to Denver for a seventh-round draft pick. Casey is due $11.2 million this season and is under contract through 2022 with a price tag that only rises in the final two years.

— Versatile Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Austin Blythe has agreed to a one-year deal to return. Blythe has started all but one game over the past two seasons with the Rams after serving as a backup in 2017

— A person familiar with the deal says free agent cornerback Eli Apple has agreed to a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.

— The Texans traded star receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona by receiving running back David Johnson in the deal. Both Carlos Hyde and Lamar Miller becoming free agents this week. Randall Cobb could help fill the void left by Hopkins.

— A person with knowledge of the deal says the Los Angeles Rams have agreed to a one-year contract worth $10 million with pass-rushing linebacker Leonard Floyd. The Rams also agreed to re-sign starting offensive linemen Andrew Whitworth and Austin Blythe.

— The Giants’ Nate Solder faces an uncertain future on the left side and veteran Mike Remmers is a free agent. And, now, the Giants don’t have much salary cap space after agreeing to terms in free agency with Panthers cornerback James Bradberry, Packers linebackers Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell, and 49ers tight end Levine Toilolo, and franchising defensive tackle Leonard Williams.

— The Browns secured contracts with linebacker B.J. Goodson and safety Karl Joseph. A person familiar with the deals told the AP that Goodson will likely take over in the middle for departed linebacker Joe Schobert.

In world and national news…

BEIJING (AP) — Wuhan, the city where the new coronavirus outbreak first took hold, reported no new cases while the death toll in Italy appeared set to overtake that of China. The two milestones were a dramatic illustration of how much the global outbreak has pivoted toward Europe and the United States. The news from China on Thursday offered a rare glimmer of hope as the world battles the virus, and perhaps a lesson in the strict measures needed to halt its spread. It came as President Donald Trump likened the fight to “a war” and invoked emergency powers that allow him to compel manufacturers to deal with the pandemic.

The Costa Luminosa trans-Atlantic cruise ship, which has recorded several cases of COVID-19 among its passengers, has docked in the French Mediterranean port city of Marseille. More than 1,400 people, including around 200 Americans, are on the cruise. French authorities have allowed the ship entry Thursday and to stay for up to four days under strict conditions. It is not known whether passengers will be allowed off, given the current stringent restrictions imposed in France amid the coronavirus pandemic.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials are focusing on the Trump administration’s $1 trillion plan to stabilize a national economy reeling from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The pandemic endangering the health of untold millions of Americans is also threatening financial ruin for individuals and businesses. The plan’s centerpiece is $500 billion to start issuing direct payments to Americans by early next month. The plan would also funnel cash to businesses to help keep workers on payroll. On Wednesday, Congress approved a $100 billion-plus bill to boost testing for the virus and guarantee paid sick leave for millions of workers hit by it. Trump quickly signed the bill into law.

Washington (AP) — The Federal Reserve says it will establish an emergency lending facility to help unclog a short-term credit market that has been disrupted by the viral outbreak. The Fed said late Wednesday that it will lend money to banks that purchase financial assets from money market funds, including short-term IOUs known as commercial paper. By facilitating the purchase of commercial paper, which is issued by large businesses and banks, the Fed hopes to spur more lending to firms that are seeking to raise cash as their revenues plummet amid the spread of the coronavirus.

BANGKOK (AP) — Shares have opened higher in Europe after another day of mostly moderate losses in Asia. Germany’s DAX rose 2.4% and shares were also higher in London and Paris early Thursday. New York futures were flat. But Japan’s benchmark failed to hold onto early gains and South Korea’s Kospi sank 7%. Fears of a prolonged recession due to the coronavirus crisis are prompting investors to shift to cash, pushing prices of most assets lower. The Dow lost more than 1,300 points, or 6.3%, on Wednesday. Oil prices rebounded after a 24% loss a day earlier, with U.S. crude gaining nearly 14%.