– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Apr 15

This Day In History, April 15.1907 – North Coast Limited Train Leaves the tracks. . . . from the 125th Anniversary Calendar of Jamestown History. Photo: Jamestown Weekly Alert

West bound North Coast Limited leaves rails two miles east of Jamestown Depot. Several injured and rail traffic in both directions is delayed.

Jamestown (CSi) Jamestown Public Works informs motorists that continuing through Weds April 15, 5th St SE between 6th Ave SE and 7th Ave SE will be temporarily closed to through traffic.

Also, Beginning Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at approximately 7:30 am and continuing through Thursday, April 16, 2020, the intersection of 9th St SE and 2nd Ave SE will be temporarily closed.

Motorist’s should use extreme caution in this area.
PLEASE NOTE:
The above schedule is contingent upon weather conditions.
For more information, contact the Engineering department at 252-5900 or email engineering@jamestownnd.gov

Jamestown (CVHD) Another COVID-19 Public Health Joint Briefing for City of Jamestown and Stutsman County, was held Tuesday.

Central Valley Health District, Administrator, Robin Iszler said there have been 213 tests for the COVID-19 virus in Stutsman County, with one positive. In Barnes County two positives, on positive in Foster County and one positive in McIntosh County.

She said CVHD is collecting donated homemade facemasks. Call the office for more information at 701-252-8130.

Jamestown Regional Medical Center:

Hospital President, and CEO Mike Delfs said JRMC follows CDC Guidelines including protective gear, and equipment.

He said as of Tuesday JRMC has conducted 66 coronavirus tests, and zero positives.

He added that JRMC has a policy of one visitor per patient during the pandemic.

He said JRMC is in good financial condition, as many small rural hospitals are struggling financially, due to a downturn in patients.

He said general appointments are still be accepted such as for mammograms, and ultrasounds and the like.

University of Jamestown:

Vice President of Student Affairs, Dustin Jensen said, currently 15 percent of the student population remain living on campus as several out of state students feel safer at here than returning home, right now.

He said summer classes are still planned, but it’s not know if they will be on site, or online.

Activities continue to be pushed off awaiting how long the pandemic’s social distancing and other mandates remain in effect.

Student international travel is cancelled such as band trips and others. All athletic competitions, and related activities are cancelled. Athletes will have another year of eligibility to compete in sports next academic year if they so choose.

Commencement has been postponed until Oct 10, 2020 in conjunction with homecoming activities. The Annual Dine and bid dinner and auction has also been postponed.

More information on line at uj.edu.

North Dakota State Hospital:

Administrator, Tanya Perkins said the State Hospital has been and is prepared to handle those patients testing positive for the COVID-19 virus, while continue to care for patients following its mission, maintaining specialized inpatient and residential care to individuals with severe, complex and persistent mental illnesses and substance use disorders. New patients are screened when admitted for the virus.

She said the hospital’s emergency management team is also collaborating regularly with state and local partners on COVID-19 emergency preparedness planning.

She said there is no visitors allowed on the State Hospital Campus during the pandemic emergency.

SAFE Shelter: Director, Lynne Talley passed along a statement, read by Robin Iszler, that home can be a dangerous place during the pandemic, domestic abuse can be on the rise. She said SAFE Shelter is still staffed and working from home. Those needing assistance, call the 24 hour hotline is 701-251-2300.

She pointed out that SAFE Shelter continues to provide a temporary safe home for those being abused. If a person doesn’t feel secure in calling, have a friend or someone else call. And DO NOT use a computer the abuser has access to.

In an emergency call 9-1-1.

The meeting was shown live and replays on CSi TV 10 -The Replay Channel & CSi 67. To view the briefing online, go to the CSi LiveStream at Facebook.

The next Stutsman County COVID-19 briefing is scheduled for Friday April 17, 2020, at 2:30-p.m.

Valley City (CSi) The City of Valley City is hosting a COVID-19 Response briefing this evening, Apr 15, 2020 at 5:30-p.m.

On hand will be officials from City-County Health District, South Central Human Service Center, and Local Government are expected to speak, including:

Theresa Will – Administrator for City-County Health District

Chelsea Modlin – Valley City Site Director for South Central Human Service Center

Bill Carlblom – Barnes County Commissioner

Dave Carlsrud – Valley City Mayor

Each organization will provide updates and information pertaining to recent developments in the COVID-19 community response.

The briefing is closed the public to honor social distancing. Members of the public can view live on The City-County Health Facebook page and on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

Bismarck (CSi) Governor Doug Burgum held his daily COVID-19 News Briefing on Tuesday afternoon at the State Capital in Bismarck. He provided an update on North Dakota’s COVID-19 pandemic and discussed its hospital surge plan. He was joined by ND Indian Affairs Commission (NDIAC) Executive Director Scott Davis.

He passed along the latest numbers, which he said showed lagging results, due to the Easter Holiday weekend.

NDDoH

April 14, 2020 11-a.m.

Positive COVID-19 Test Results
Results listed are from the previous day.

POSITIVE TEST RESULTS

Man in his 40s from Burleigh County, close contact
Man in his 30s from Cass County, close contact
Man in his 80s from Cass County, community spread
Woman in her 40s from Cass County, under investigation
Woman in her 20s from Cass County, under investigation
Woman in her 30s from Cass County, under investigation
Man in his 40s from Cass County, under investigation
Woman in her 70s from Cass County, under investigation
Woman in her 30s from Grand Forks County, under investigation
Man in his 50s from Morton County, close contact

Categories: Travel, Possible Travel, Community Spread, Close Contact, Household Contact, Under Investigation

INDIVIDUAL WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

Man in his 80s from Morton County who was a close contact to someone who tested positive to COVID-19. He had underlying health conditions.

BY THE NUMBERS

10,916 – Total Tested (+135 individuals from yesterday)

10,575 – Negative (+125 individuals from yesterday)

341 – Positive (+10 individuals from yesterday)

42 – Hospitalized (+2 individuals from yesterday)

13 – Currently Hospitalized (+0 individuals from yesterday)

138 – Recovered (+11 individuals from yesterday)

9 – Death (+1 individual from yesterday)

For descriptions of these categories, visit the NDDoH dashboard.

For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

He said North Dakota officials are looking at the number of border states, that have individuals coming to North Dakota for healthcare. He said the North Dakota positive numbers can stay low, if residents continue to change their lifestyles, practicing such things a social distancing good hygiene, and limiting travel and staying safe when they visit stores.

He said hospital bed capacity in the state remains good, using less than one percent of the current bed capacity.

Tammy Miller, the Unified Command Center Co-Leader talked about the surge plan with hospitals and the National Guard and other agencies.

The goal of the surge plan is to protect residents, and ensure hospitals and communities have resources, with 50 hospitals in the state identified, with “tiers” indicated concerning bed capacity. As hospital beds, at Tier one become full, the next Tier is identified, with additional bed capacity. Tier Three is crisis status, which calls for providing several more beds to be utilized. At Tier 3 7500 beds become available, including utilizing the University of Mary Fieldhouse, and the Fargodome. Jamestown is identified as a Minimal Care Facility at the University of Jamestown’s Newman Center, and The Larson Center, with JRMC the lead Hospital. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers has been assisting with identifying potential hospital bed locations.

The State Health Department helps monitor the bed capacity.

Burgum said the state shares plans with the state’s Indian Tribal Nations. He was joined by ND Indian Affairs Commission (NDIAC) Executive Director Scott Davis.

Davis said the Tribal Nations have declared a pandemic emergency with the State of North Dakota, which he says the Nation is grateful for. Tribal leaders have issue Executive Orders to help slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state, such as good hygiene, social distancing and other messages. He said testing has been well received by residents, in cooperation with the State of North Dakota. He said the Tribal Nations are working well with the State Department of Public Instruction, along with the Secretary of State’s office with this year’s elections.

Burgum said the state, federal, and Tribal Nations are working together including the Tribal Leaders.

With behavior health, Burgum added that that form of health needs to be thought of on an equal footing with physical health. He said the State Hospital in Jamestown continues to follow CDC guidelines concerning patient care concerning challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Burgum said 17,000 people have downloaded the CARE – 19 tracing app, through the Apple App Store.

The ND commerce Department continues to hold regular virtual briefing with the latest and updates and information. The meeting schedule can be found at NDResponse.gov and where other links to business loans and other information can be found.

With unemployment, 49,716, claims, have been filed, with a total of 9,826 pandemic related jobless claims filed.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Gov. Doug Burgum stopped short of mandating that all polling places close during North Dakota’s primary election, despite being urged by county auditors to do so out of public health concerns amid the coronavirus outbreak. A Burgum spokesman says the governor wanted to give counties the option of having open polling places. Conducting elections safely amidst the coronavirus has become an issue nationwide, most notably last week in Wisconsin, where Republicans insisted on holding in-person voting despite widespread health fear’s. North Dakota’s top two Republicans say they think the decision should be left to counties.

(CSi) Tuesday afternoon, NFIB hosted an informational webinar with Sen. John Hoeven. The Senator connected with North Dakota small business owners, giving them the latest information about what’s going on in Washington D.C. and how Congress is helping small business owners during this coronavirus crisis. The Senator was joined by NFIB State Director in North Dakota, Alison Ritter, and SBA District Director Al Haut.

“Once we’ve beaten COVID-19, we need our economy to get moving as quickly as possible,” said Senator Hoeven, an NFIB member since 2012. “These meetings are about helping businesses take advantage of the assistance provided under the CARES Act. That means keeping their operations intact and ready to go with employees still on payroll. In order to bolster these efforts, we’re working to secure more funding for the PPP and preparing the next phase of our response. We welcome the feedback from our state’s businesses. We appreciate the local NFIB for helping set up today’s discussion and SBA District Director Haut for working with us to address their members’ needs.”

Sen. Hoeven thanked the small business owners on the call for being the backbone of the North Dakota economy. He told them they would help lead North Dakota our of this crisis because North Dakotans are pragmatic people who know how to do things right.

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC) Board, Monday, voted to tentatively to approve a $215,000 loan for the Eagles Flat home housing project planned for downtown Jamestown. Following approval by the Jamestown City Council and the Stutsman County Commission, the loan repayment would begin in 15 years after the initial mortgage of the project is retired.

Commonwealth, is the Wisconsin company developing the project

The project is planned for the former Eagles building that would be demolished for the 33-unit housing complex.

Maximum rents for the apartments, based on the median annual income of Stutsman County.

The Jamestown City Council has approved a Payment in Lieu of Tax incentive as Eagle Flats would pay the city of Jamestown $35,000 per year for 15 years rather than property taxes based on the value of the building, estimate to save Commonwealth about $40,000 per year.

The JSDC loan is contingent from the Bank of North Dakota, Housing Flex Pace program, granting Commonwealth $550,000 reducing interest costs on the initial mortgage.

The bank requires local participation such as from the JSDC, in the form of a grant or loan to approve the project.

Jamestown (CSi) The Annual Runnin O’ The Green has been postponed again.

The Run, originally scheduled in March, was pushed back to May 2 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich says that after talking with Run founder/organizer Larry Knoblich they determined the May 2 date is not a realistic date, to reschedule the Run.

The selection of a new date will be made when restrictions imposed by the pandemic become known, and then choose of a new date.

The new date will be planned so as not to conflict with other events or activities in Jamestown.

Bismarck (Sen. Cramer’s Office) – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced Tuesday the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded funds to North Dakota airports as a part of their $10 billion nation-wide allocation to commercial and general aviation airports through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Airport Grant Program.

Jamestown Regional Airport received $1,061,538, and the Barnes County Airport received $30,00.

This funding will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The total available amount for each recipient is based on funding appropriated under the CARES Act, a bill crafted in the Senate which Senator Cramer helped pass. This effort is providing unprecedented and immediate relief to American families, workers, and businesses.

Click here for more details and the list of grantees.

Bismarck – Chief Information Officer Shawn Riley Tuesday congratulated ten North Dakota students who received national recognition by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), as well as Valley City State University student Shane Hitch who was a top-five finisher in a Capture the Flag cybersecurity competition hosted by NICERC, the National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center. The CTF was held in conjunction with the first-of-its-kind technology focused, multi-industry career expo, Dakota Strike, scheduled for April 8 at the Fargodome, which was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Ten high school ladies from four schools were recognized by NCWIT. Five girls won NCWIT’s Aspirations in Computing Award along with two runners-up, and three girls received Rising Star Awards. Recipients are from Cavalier, Century, Fairmount and Williston High Schools. The Aspirations in Computing award is given annually to students who are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing as demonstrated by their computing experience, related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers, and post-secondary education plans.

“North Dakota’s students and educators are rising to the challenge of a new e-learning environment during the current pandemic, and these awards emphasize the importance of technology skills now more than ever,” said Riley. “Whether students are participating in a traditional classroom or virtually, we want to encourage every student in every school to become cyber educated and embrace the limitless opportunity of technology in any career.”

The CTF competition was held over four days in March, with 303 registered users from across the nation and globally competing for points in the virtual cybersecurity game. Five North Dakota students participated including Hitch who was also a SANS scholarship recipient in 2019.

Chuck Gardner, NICERC’s Director of Curriculum, stated, “Now, more than ever, students need to know how to operate safely online. The current COVID-19 environment is presenting threat actors with opportunities to capitalize on our fears. Capture the Flag competitions give students hands-on opportunities to learn how to prevent malicious events at home, in school or at work.”

A Cybersecurity Education and Diversity Summit slated for April 20 with Gov. Doug Burgum, Palo Alto Networks, Girl Scouts of the USA and NICERC has also been postponed.

WEST FARGO, N.D. (AP) — West Fargo police have rescued a driver after his vehicle plunged into a water-filled ditch. Officers were called around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday and found the vehicle in the ditch and the driver on the water’s edge. Police pulled him from the water. The ditch was filled with about 4 feet of water. Police say the crash did not hurt the driver. He was taken to a hospital. Authorities don’t know his condition and have not released his name. Police continue to investigate but say there are no criminal charges.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KFGO-AM) — Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found in a house damaged by fire. KFGO reports officers were called to the home for a welfare check about 8 p.m. Tuesday and discovered the man’s body. Police say there was fire damage to the interior, but did not say to what extent. The Grand Forks Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are assisting police with the investigation.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Regulators say daily oil production in North Dakota rose slightly in February. According to the Department of Mineral Resources, North Dakota produced an average of 1.45 million barrels of oil daily in February. That’s up 1% from 1.43 million barrels a day in January. Natural gas production in North Dakota slipped in February. The state produced nearly 90 billion cubic feet of natural gas in February, down from 93.6 billion cubic feet in January. But daily natural gas production of 3.1 billion cubic feet in February was a record. The February numbers are before the coronavirus pandemic devastated the U.S. oil industry.

In sports…

VIRUS AFFECTING THE SPORTS WORLD…

UNDATED (AP) — ESPN is asking some of its on-air personalities to take a 15% pay cut over the next three months because of the coronavirus pandemic. The request applies to about 100 ESPN commentators. The voluntary pay cuts would apply to ESPN’s highest-paid broadcasters. They are designed to help deter further immediate furloughs that would affect network employees who might be more financially vulnerable.

In other developments related to the coronavirus pandemic:

—The Senior British Open has been postponed amid the coronavirus outbreak, but organizers are still hoping the last senior major of the year can be played in 2020. The event, due to take place at Sunningdale from July 23-26, is the fourth of the five senior majors to lose its scheduled place on the calendar because of the pandemic.

— The Tour de France won’t begin as planned because French President Emmanuel Macron (eh-mahn-yoo-EHL’ mah-KROHN’) has canceled all public events with large crowds through mid-July in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Tour organizers say it is now impossible for the three-week race to start on June 27.

— The NHL will remain on pause through at least the end of the month. The league on Tuesday announced it was extending its self-quarantine recommendation for players, coaches and staff through April 30. The announcement marks the third time the NHL has pushed back its timetable.

— Major League Soccer says its hopes of returning in mid-May are “extremely unlikely.” In a statement Tuesday, the league said guidance from federal and local public health officials is making it unlikely the league will be able to restart in about a month.

— Major League Baseball is moving its annual celebration of Jackie Robinson online because of the delay in the season caused by the new coronavirus. The Jackie Robinson Foundation is launching a virtual learning hub to coincide with Wednesday’s 73rd anniversary of Robinson breaking the major league color barrier.

—The Chicago Cubs are putting Wrigley Field to use as a food distribution hub to help support COVID-19 relief efforts. The Cubs said they will use the famed ballpark’s concourse as a food-packing and distribution center starting this week while working with Lakeview Pantry.

— There will be no Golden Spikes Award this year, ending a streak of 42 consecutive seasons. USA Baseball made the announcement Tuesday. It followed the NCAA’s decision to cancel spring sports seasons due to the new coronavirus.

— The University of Cincinnati has eliminated its men’s soccer program as other colleges weigh cutbacks because of budget problems resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. College are grappling with revenue losses from spring sports cancellations.

MLB-NEWS

Hank Steinbrenner dead at 63

UNDATED (AP) — New York Yankees co-owner Hank Steinbrenner has died. The oldest son of George Steinbrenner was 63. The team said he died at home in Clearwater, Florida, due to a long-standing health issue.

Hank Steinbrenner was one of the four siblings who own the team’s controlling shares. He had hoped to succeed as father as the team’s controlling owner. Between the 2007 and 2008 seasons, he became the public voice of the Yankees ownership. He didn’t appear to have much involvement in the team’s operations in recent years and devoted more time to racing interests.

In other baseball news:

—The San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks are two of the Major League Baseball teams participating in a study of the coronavirus that will test hundreds of people — including players — from the various clubs for antibodies. The Oakland Athletics also are taking part.

— Former big league manager Jim Frey has died at age 88. Frey managed the Kansas City Royals to the 1980 AL pennant and the Chicago Cubs within one win of the 1984 World Series. His 1980 Royals swept the Yankees in the ALCS, then lost to Philadelphia in a six-game World Series. His Cubs wasted a 2-0 lead against San Diego in the 1984 NLCS.

—Former World Series MVP Steve Pearce is retiring, saying he’s done playing after an injury-plagued season for the Boston Red Sox. Pearce made the announcement Monday night on Boston radio station WEEI while it aired a replay of the 2018 World Series opener between the Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. The career journeyman homered and hit a three-run double in Game 4 of that matchup, then homered twice the next day as the Red Sox took title and he won the MVP.

NASCAR-LARSON FIRED

Larson fired over slur

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kyle Larson has been fired by Chip Ganassi Racing, a day after nearly every one of his sponsors dropped the star driver for using a racial slur during a live stream of a virtual race.

Larson was in his seventh Cup season with Ganassi and had been prepping to test free agency for the first time. Just weeks ago, the 27-year-old was considered the top free agent in NASCAR. Now he is out of a job in what could ultimately be an eight-figure blunder.

He was suspended without pay by Ganassi early Monday, then suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and Larson, who is half Japanese, was ordered to complete a sensitivity training. But his entire program fell apart as primary sponsors McDonalds and Credit One Bank pulled their funding from Larson. Chevrolet suspended its relationship with him, and all but one commercial partner denounced Larson’s comment and indicated they were ending their relationship.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-NEWS

Kentucky’s Richards is fourth player to enter NBA draft

UNDATED (AP) — Kentucky forward Nick Richards will enter the NBA draft and forego his final season of collegiate eligibility by signing with an agency.

He’s coming off a breakout season in which he was named a first team All-Southeastern Conference selection by The Associated Press and league coaches. His per-game scoring average increased 10 points this season to 14.0 while starting 30 of 31 contests to help the Wildcats earn the SEC regular season title. Richards also ranked fourth nationally in shooting at 64% and made the SEC all-defensive squad with averages of 7.8 rebounds and 2.13 blocks per game.

In other college basketball news:

— Florida will have its top scorer back next season. Forward Keyontae Johnson announced on social media Tuesday that he plans to return for his junior year with the Gators, a huge boost for coach Mike White’s program. Johnson averaged 14.0 points a game to lead the team in scoring and was second in rebounding. He also led the team in steals with 38, was second in 3-point shooting at 38% and ranked third in assists with 49.

NFL-CHARGERS-PARHAM

Chargers sign former XFL tight end Donald Parham Jr.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Donald Parham Jr., who led XFL tight ends in yards and receptions, has signed a multi-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Parham had 24 receptions for 307 yards and four touchdowns for the Dallas Renegades before the XFL season ended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Parham was also the only tight end in the league to have a 100-yard receiving game.

Parham spent time with the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins during the offseason last year.

In other NFL moves:

— Offensive tackle Storm Norton has signed a multi-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Norton played for the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL before the league ended midway through its season due to the coronavirus pandemic. He played for the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 and had previous stints with the Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals.

In world and national news…

BEIJING (AP) — The U.S. ambassador to China says he doesn’t believe Beijing is deliberately blocking exports of masks and other medical supplies to fight the coronavirus, and that the shipment of 1,200 tons of such products to the U.S. could not have been possible without Chinese support. Ambassador Terry Branstad also says the U.S. has concerns about how China initially handled the virus outbreak in the central city of Wuhan, but that such issues should be addressed after the pandemic has been brought under control. Chinese officials are believed to have delayed reporting the outbreak for several crucial days in January due to political concerns, allowing the virus to spread further. China has adamantly denied doing so, despite strong evidence.

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is trying to head off a chaotic easing of coronavirus restrictions across the 27 nation bloc. With some countries already lifting lockdown measures, the EU commission unveiled Wednesday a roadmap that plans for an easing of lock-downs over a number of months. First, the spread of the disease would have to be checked, hospital capacities boosted and wide-scale testing conducted. The EU commission says business should be phased in depending on economic importance. Schools could reopen although with smaller classes. It recommends that shops gradually open but with limits on the number of people who could enter. Around one month should be left between steps to monitor whether the virus is spreading.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The secretary-general of the United Nations says now isn’t the time for the U.S. to withhold financial support from the U.N. health agency, the World Health Organization. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is cutting off payments to the WHO because, in his view, the organization failed to do enough to stop the coronavirus virus from spreading after it first surfaced in China. In response, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the WHO “absolutely critical” to the global effort to combat the disease caused by the coronavirus. Trump said the U.S. would review the WHO’s actions before deciding whether to resume the aid.

Asian stock markets have edged lower in cautious trading after the International Monetary Fund said the global economy will suffer a “its worst year since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Benchmarks fell in Shanghai and Sydney on Wednesday and were flat in Tokyo and Hong Kong. Overnight, Wall Street gained on buying of technology shares as investors looked ahead to how restrictions imposed to fight the coronavirus pandemic might end. The IMF says it expects the global economy to shrink by 3% this year, bigger contraction than 2009’s 0.1% decline during the global financial crisis.

LONDON (AP) — The International Energy Agency says world demand for oil will fall this year by the most ever due to the economic lockdowns enforced around the world to contain the coronavirus pandemic. The agency says the estimated drop in demand of 9.3 million barrels a day this year is equivalent to a decade’s worth of growth. The IEA advises nations on energy use. It expects the slide in demand to be the most intense this month, calling it a “Black April” for the energy market. The head of the IEA said that 2020 may turn out to be “the worst year in the history of global markets.”

(AP) Amazon threatened Wednesday to suspend all activity in France after a French court found it wasn’t doing enough to protect its workers. The online giant also announced plans to appeal Tuesday’s emergency ruling, which requires Amazon to stop selling nonessential goods for a month while it works out new worker safety measures. Amazon insisted that it is providing adequate security measures for staff. But the court found Amazon didn’t do enough to enforce social distancing, to ensure that turnstiles and locker rooms were virus-free, or to increase cleaning of its warehouses. Unions say one worker infected with the virus is in intensive care.

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Lockdowns in Africa limiting the movement of people in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus are threatening to choke off supplies of what the continent needs the most: Food. At least 33 of Africa’s 54 countries have lockdowns or partial shutdowns in place because of the virus and the U.N.’s World Food Program, the World Bank and others are warning there could be a severe food crisis. Africa is already struggling to feed its 1.3 billion people. Nearly 250 million people don’t have enough food because of floods, drought, plagues of locusts, armed conflicts and government failures. Now Africa’s poor are being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.