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CSi Weather:
REST OF TODAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, in the Valley City area. Highs in the mid 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the northwest in the afternoon.
.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Rain showers and thunderstorms likely
after midnight. Lows in the mid 50s. Northwest winds around
10 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.
.TUESDAY…Cloudy. Rain showers and thunderstorms likely in the
morning, then chance of rain showers and thunderstorms in the
afternoon. Cooler. Highs in the mid 60s. North winds 10 to
15 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent in the Jamestown area, 80 percent in the Valley City area.
.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of rain
showers and thunderstorms in the Jamestown area, 50 percent in the Valley City area. Lows in the lower 50s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain
showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s. Northwest
winds 10 to 20 mph.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows around 50.
.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s.
.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 50s.
.SUNDAY…Partly sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain showers
and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s.
Another day of severe weather is expected this afternoon into
Monday night. Storms Monday afternoon will initially be scattered
bringing the threat of very large hail greater than 2 inches in
diameter, damaging wind gusts up to 75 mph, and perhaps a brief
tornado.
Activity will transition a cluster of storms towards evening with damaging wind becoming the main threat. Excessive rainfall leading to localized flash flooding and aerial flooding is possible, especially for areas that have seen high rain totals over the past couple of days. Hot and muggy conditions are again expected Monday.
Thunderstorms will be possible Tuesday, mainly within the Red
River Valley into Minnesota.
The Sunday Evening storms caused a power outage in part of Southeast Jamestown, between about 7:50-p.m., and about 8:40 -p.m.
FARGO, N.D. (KFGO-AM) — Severe weather packing heavy rain and winds gusts of more than 70 mph toppled trees and caused power outrages and localized flooding in North Dakota. The National Weather Service say two weather systems rolled through Fargo overnight Sunday and early Monday. A wind gust of 71 mph was recorded at Hector Airport. Another gust caused vehicles to slide on Interstate 29 between Harwood and Argusville. KFGO reported. Xcel Energy and Cass County Electric reported nearly 5,000 customer lost power during the storms. The National Weather Service said power lines were down in Dilworth. A large tree was toppled outside the Clay County Courthouse in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Update
Jamestown (CSi) The City Fire Dept was called out at 7:25 am Monday, to 820 18 St SW, at Cross Roads Auto Wash. Lt. Sheldon Mohr says, a utility pole was burned and was smoking.
He says, the likely cause was a lightning strike, from Sunday night’s storm.
No other structures were involved.
Otter Tail Power was also dispatched to the scene.
22 city fire department firefighters and three units were on scene about two hours.
COVID Stats:
Cass County – 31
Eddy County – 1
Grand Forks County – 1
Mountrail County – 1
Richland County – 1
Stutsman County – 7
Ward County – 1
Wells County – 1By the numbers:113,847 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+2,321 total tests from yesterday)79,933 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+1,053 unique individuals from yesterday)77,072 – Total Negative (+1,008 unique individuals from yesterday)2,861 – Total Positive (+45 unique individuals from yesterday)1.9% – Daily Positivity Rate**183 – Total Hospitalized (+1 individuals from yesterday)28 – Currently Hospitalized (-1 individuals from yesterday)2,307 – Total Recovered (+39 individuals from yesterday)72 – Total Deaths*** (+0 individual from yesterday)
OMAHA, Neb. (USACE) Reservoir releases were increased Friday from Pipestem Dam, to begin evacuating storage in the flood control pool. Releases are being reduced from nearby Jamestown Dam as it nears its target elevation of 1431.0 feet, the base of the exclusive flood control pool.The current pool elevation at Jamestown Dam on Friday is 1432.2 ft, less than 2% into its flood pool. The reservoir continues to drop after reaching its peak pool elevation earlier this year, and is expected to reach its target elevation next week. Releases are being reduced from 800 cubic feet per second to 600 cfs today. Lake levels peaked this year on April 16 at 1439.7 ft, about 20% into its flood pool.
The current pool elevation Friday was at Pipestem Dam is 1479.3 ft, almost 53% into its flood pool. The reservoir has been stable the past few days, and will begin to drop as releases are increased. Releases are being increased from 50 cfs to 250 cfs Friday. The goal for Pipestem Dam operation is to set a constant release over the summer, targeting the base of the flood control pool (1442.5 ft) by Sept. 1.
The total combined releases will remain constant at 850 cfs with these release changes. Next week, additional release changes from both dams are expected as Jamestown Dam is evacuated and Pipestem Dam releases are stepped up to its summer release.
Valley City (CSi) About 70 people attended the rally Black Lives Matter Rally in City Park in Valley City on Sunday.
The peaceful gathering was to honor George Floyd, who died while he was handcuffed on the ground with a Minneapolis police officer’s knee on Floyd’s neck for several minutes on a city sidewalk on May 25th in Minneapolis.
Several people then walked from city park to downtown Valley City in a support of solidarity for the rights of all people.
Valley City Police Chief Phil Hatcher said police presence was increased a bit in Valley City to monitor the peaceful protest in the event something more destructive may have occurred.
Valley City (CSi) The City of Valley City regular election will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at the Barnes County Courthouse, 230 4th Street NW, Valley City, ND.
Barnes County is administering the June 9, 2020 election. This election will be STRICTLY Vote-By-Mail with no in-person voting on Election Day.
When returning your absentee ballot, please send to the Barnes County Auditor’s Office, 230 4th Street NW, Valley City, ND 58072….post marked no later than today, June 8.
The County has a drop box available in front of the Courthouse on the north side for people to drop off their ballots, in case they choose not to mail them in. Election ballots must be returned in person by 4 pm June 9.
Questions? Call 701-845-8121.
A reminder that during the June 9 Valley City election, a measure will be on the ballot to support or oppose the extension of an existing one-half (1/2) percent sales tax for 15 years.
Ballots for the school board election in Barnes County should be placed in the individual school district drop boxes.
Jamestown (CSi) The Primary, City, and School Board Election on June 9, 2020, will be via VOTE BY MAIL.
This means Stutsman County will not have any open polling sites for Absentee Voting, Early Voting or on Election Day.
If you did not receive ballot please contact the Auditor’s Office at (701) 252-9035.
Mail in ballots must have a postmark no later than June 8, 2020. Those received after June 8, but carry a postmark no later than June 8, 2020 will be counted, in the canvass. Mail delivery suggestion: Ballots mailed Monday June 8 in Jamestown won’t be delivered until Weds June 10. It is suggested that you take your ballot to the Stutsman County Courthouse to drop off in person on Monday or Tuesday.
Those bringing a ballot to the courthouse on Tuesday June 9, election day, must do so no later than 4-p.m.
Bismarck (CSi) Governor Doug Burgum held a COVID-19 News Briefing, Friday afternoon, at the state capital in Bismarck he was joined by North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Jon Jensen and Department of Human Services Executive Director Chris Jones.
With long term care facilities Burgum signed an Executive Order, Friday that modifies visitation restrictions, with a phased reopening plan. Also outdoor visitation will be allowed, in conjunction with each facility, that allows outdoor visitation. The guidelines must include observing social distancing, wearing face masks, using a safe location, and making visiting appointments. This applies if there are no active COVID-19 cases in the facility. County positive numbers will also determine the relaxing of visitation restrictions.
More than 40 facilities have been approved to begin the first phase of the plan, which includes group dining and activities such as bingo. A record 4,034 tests were completed Friday, about half of which were people who have been screened more than once. It’s the first time testing has topped 4,000.
The state will balance the relaxing of restrictions with COVID-19 testing.
Burgum said Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks has set aside a separate living area for those who have tested positive with the virus. Currently there are no residents, or staff with the virus, there. President and CEO Garth Ryland praised the state for its healthcare programs and guidelines during the pandemic, and providing Personal Protective Equipment. He also recognized other state departments.
With the court system, North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Jon Jensen talked about restarting the court system including jury trials, beginning July 1, 2020.
On June 1st, in person court proceedings have been established. The state is working with local courthouse officials, with their reopening schedule.
With resuming jury trial, social distancing is an issue, with the jury seating.
He said if jury trials are not set back in motion, the backlog will become unmanageable.
Starting soon, jury pools will again be established, with the courthouse to be given instructions to be safe during jury trials, including marking out the courtrooms, for social distancing, and wearing face masks.
Flexibility has been added to the Payroll Protection plan. June 30 is the deadline to file for those not preciously taking advantage of the program. NDresponse.com has more information.
Burgum said, the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division was recently awarded a Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support the behavioral health of North Dakotans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this grant, the division is launching Project Renew, a partnership with Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, to provide free and anonymous brief support services to individuals throughout the state.
The Project Renew hotline can be reached at 701-223-1510 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. Individuals can also send an email to renew@lssnd.org.
The North Dakota Department of Human Services announced Friday that it is extending the application period for the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) food assistance program for those families whose children participated in the free and reduced-priced school meal program and who have not already applied for or received P-EBT benefits.
The application period is through June 15, so that families who did not participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but whose children participated in the child nutrition program at their local school have more time to apply.
Families who participated in SNAP and whose children received free or reduced-priced school meals were automatically enrolled and have already received their P-EBT benefits.
Families who have not already applied for or received P-EBT benefits can apply online at www.nd.gov/dhs/info/covid-19/families.html. If a family is unable to complete an online application, the family should contact their children’s school for an application.
Burgum added that beginning Saturday, the public health hotline will be available Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The hotline currently runs 7 days a week, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
With demonstrations surrounding the death of George Floyd, Burgum said mayors of the largest metropolitan areas have held dialogues. He said unlawful demonstrations takes away from the message of liberty and justice for all. He added that many cities have held peaceful demonstrations. He said the state is listening to the peaceful messages of those demonstrations.
The next scheduled News Briefing is Wed. Jun 10, at 3:30-p.m
Jamestown (CSi) The 2020 Buffalo Days Celebration will be July 25, 26 in Jamestown.
Chamber Executive, Emily Bivens says, the citywide event will look a little different this year, however, it will still offer the parade, and activities in McElroy Park.
Society distancing requires the changes to stay safe during the pandemic.
She says with that in mind, the parade route will be circular, so parade goers can maintain social distancing, as it will loop around and return down 3rd Avenue, Southeast.
Still planned are: activities in the park with a limited amount of vendors and entertainment, along with the car show. The 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse will be available with activities, and Ft. Seward.
More information on specifics will be announced soon.
Jamestown (Chamber) Members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee and the Young Professionals of Jamestown presented the Customer Service Award for June to Larry Hust of Larry’s Auto Gladd for his outstanding customer service. The chamber honors individuals who demonstrate a consistent commitment to delivering products or services that satisfy customers by exceeding their requirements or expectations.
His nomination said, “I had a large chip in my windshield. Larry got my car in right away and even let me drop it off early, before work hours. He then drove me to my office in time for work. When he finished fixing the chip, he brought my car back to me, and it was only about an hour after I had dropped it off! Then when I got in my car to head to lunch, I was extremely surprised to find that Larry vacuumed out the entire front of my car. He also made the whole working through insurance company a breeze. And the giant chip in my window is now practically non-existent. I’m am so glad to have a business like his in our community!”
Congratulations to Larry, who along with all the other monthly winners, will be recognized at the Chamber’s annual banquet in January 2021. Customer Service Award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and on their website at www.jamestownchamber.com or call 701-252-4830.
Jamestown (Chamber) The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce City Beautification Committee is pleased to announce the 2nd winner of Yard of the Week Program for 2020. Charlotte Enger and Les Nordgaard of 1617 5 ½ Ave NE, in Jamestown, has received this award. Congratulations to them on this beautiful yard and thank you to them for their efforts to help beautify Jamestown. Congratulations for a job well done!
The Yard of the Week program has been established to recognize those within the community that take pride in the appearance of their yard and do their part to beautify the community. The program began June 1st and ends August 28th. Yards will be selected each week from nominations received. Nominated yards must be visible from the street.
To nominate a yard for the Yard of the Week program, please contact the Chamber at 701-252-4830. The completed forms require a valid phone number so we can contact the perspective winner. Forms are also available on our website at www.jamestownchamber.com. Forms can be emailed to director@jamestownchamber.com. All single family residences within Jamestown are eligible for the program.
Jamestown (CSi) June is Adopt A Cat Month, and the James River Humane Society is offering reduced adoption fees.
On Friday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, spokesperson, Gary Sahr said, the fee is reduced from $150 and $125 to adopt a second cat, to $125 and $100 to adopt a second cat. He pointed out that all animals are spayed and neutered, and have all shots.
Currently the Shelter has 15 cats and 10 dogs available for adoption.
Gary said that a dog named “Batman,” a year and a half old Sheppard cross will have knee surgery on July 1.
Donations are being accepted toward his surgery costs.
Send donations to:
The James River Humane Society at PO Box 636, Jamestown, ND 58401.
Donate through Paypal, and visit www.jamesriverhumanesociety.org
For more information call the shelter at 701-252-0747.
The James River Humane Society is available to visit by appointment.
Call Sheila the Cat Manager, at 701-367-6913, Kris the Dog Manager
701-269-2803.
Volunteers are still welcome, along with supplies, and dog and cat food donations, toys and cleaning supplies.
Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown Parks and Recreation Department and the “Wings on Strings” Kite Club are sponsoring the 2020 Kite Festival on Friday June 12 to Sunday June 14 at Meidinger Park Field (10th St. & 17th Ave SW).
2014 Kite Festival – More photos at Facebook
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2019 Kite Festival – More Photos at Facebook
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2017 Kite Festival – 104 Photos by Matt Sheppard at Facebook
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Bismarck emergency management officials are sounding the alarm to get the city’s outdoor warning sirens working. City Emergency Manager Gary Stocket tells the Bismarck Tribune that five systemwide failures have occurred since January 2019. He says the city has experienced delays with Dakota Communications, the local vendor responsible for repairs, and are looking to bypass it by purchasing a new system. Mark Nelson, spokesman for Dakota Communications, questions whether the system is to blame for the problems. He says most of the problems have been due to “operator error or something else.”
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Intraparty fights by Republicans for a rural state House seat and for the top slot at a little-known state agency are drumming up interest ahead of the primary election. Thousands of North Dakotans have already voted in the election that is being conducted entirely by mail after all 53 counties chose to avoid in-person voting due to the coronavirus. The high number of returned ballots ahead of Tuesday’s tabulation may make it one of the biggest turnouts in recent state history. Ballots must be postmarked by Monday to be counted.
In sports:
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (uj.edu) –– The NAIA Council of Presidents announced Thursday changes to the 2020 fall sports schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes included a return to play threshold, a delay to start the season, and a reduction in the number of allowable contests.
With the delayed and shortened seasons, the University of Jamestown, the Great Plains Athletic Conference, and NAIA schools around the country will be revamping their schedules in the upcoming weeks.
Maximum Contests Allowed
With the delayed start dates, the maximum number of contests have been reduced as follows: cross country (7 meets, down from 8); football (9 games, down from 11); men’s and women’s socccer (14 games, down from 18); and women’s volleyball (22 matches, down from 28).
(This will affect the UJ Vs. VCSU football game. The Paint Bucket football game between the Jimmies and Vikings will not be played in 2020).
Return to Play Threshold
The COP Executive Committee approved a Return to Play Threshold system as a guideline for determining a return to play. The threshold goal is for about half of the participating institutions in each sport to receive clearance from local authorities to return to competition before the season can begin. For example, NAIA football has 95 participating institutions. When half (47) of these programs gain clearance from local authorities to play, the NAIA football season will be authorized to begin.
Delayed Start Dates
Assuming the Return to Play Threshold has been met, the earliest start date for football games will be Sept. 12, while all other fall sports can start competition on Sept. 5.
All sports can begin team practices on Aug. 15.
“The rationale behind the selection of these dates is to provide an adequate acclimatization, conditioning and practice period prior to competition for each sport, while minimizing the need for student-athletes to return to campus early,” the NAIA stated in its announcement. “Establishing start dates also creates a more level playing field for all institutions that are able to compete this fall.”
Currently, the NAIA intends to host all fall national championship events as scheduled.
Valley City The Valley City Tennis Association is not hosting Junior Team Tennis this summer due to USTA Northern cancelling the whole program due to COVID.
Wednesdays Summer Session June 24th – July 14th (4 weeks only) 5:00 to 5:45PM at North Courts $20 per player
All Coaches are required to pass the USTA background check and complete Safe Sport training.
NASCAR-ATLANTA
Harvick wins as NASCAR recognizes social unease following death of Floyd
HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — Kevin Harvick is a winner at the site of his first NASCAR Cup victory.
Harvick turned in another dominating run at Atlanta Motor Speedway, cruising to victory over Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. Harvick won for the second time since NASCAR returned from the shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, adding to his emotional victory at Darlington in the first race back.
Harvick came into the day having led 1,138 laps on the 1.54-mile Atlanta trioval, far more than any other driver in the 40-car field.
He now has 51 wins — breaking a tie with Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson for the 12th spot on the career list. Three of those triumphs have come at Atlanta Motor Speedway, including in 2001 and 2018.
Busch ended up second, followed by Truex, Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin. Seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson was seventh in what may have been his final Atlanta appearance. Johnson plans to retire as a driver after the season.
NASCAR acknowledged the social unrest in the country and vowed to do a better job of addressing racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps addressed drivers and teams on the track before the race, saying. “The black community and all people of color have suffered in our country, and it has taken far too long for us to hear their demands for change. Our sport must do better. Our country must do better.”
Bubba Wallace donned a black T-shirt with the words “I Can’t Breathe” and “Black Lives Matter.” Wallace is the only African American in the top-level series.
FOOTBALL-OBIT-RILEY
Former Bengals star Ken Riley dead at 72
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Ken Riley was a ball-hawk defensive back in the NFL before serving as a head coach and athletic director at his alma mater, Florida A&M.
The school has announced that Riley died early Sunday morning at 72. No cause of death was given.
Riley was a four-year starting quarterback at Florida A&M and a Rhodes Scholar candidate before he was taken by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft. Moved to cornerback by head coach Paul Brown, Riley had 65 career interceptions for 596 yards and five touchdowns in a 15-year career with the Bengals. He also recovered 18 fumbles, and his interception total ranks fifth in NFL history.
Although named a First Team All-Pro three times and a second teamer on two other occasions, Riley still hasn’t been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite his impressive statistics. He landed on the All-Pro First Team in 1983, his final season.
Riley coached the Rattlers from 1986-93, going 48-39-2 with two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles. He took A&M to the second-ever Heritage Bowl, losing to Grambling State in 1992.
NFL-OBIT-ZOOK
Ex-Falcons DE Zook dies
ATLANTA (AP) — Former NFL defensive end John Zook has died in his native Kansas after a long battle with cancer.
Zook originally was taken by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round in 1969 but was subsequently traded to the Atlanta Falcons. He teamed with Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey to give the Falcons a dynamic combination at defensive end from 1969-75. Zook never missed a game during his tenure with the Falcons, starting 97 of 98 contests. He made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 1973, joining Humphrey in the all-star game.
Zook played his last four seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals before retiring after the 1969 campaign.
His brother, Dean Zook, confirmed the death to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
FOOTBALL-OBIT-CALDWELL
Reche Caldwell fatally shot
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Former University of Florida and NFL wide receiver Reche Caldwell was fatally shot Saturday night in his hometown.
Caldwell’s mother confirmed her son’s death to the Tampa Bay Times, saying police told her they believe her son was ambushed outside his home in a possible robbery attempt.
Caldwell was drafted by San Diego in the second round in 2002. He had 152 catches for 1,851 yards and 11 touchdowns in six NFL seasons — four with the Chargers and one each with New England and Washington.
Caldwell was awaiting sentencing this month after pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, along with several other former NFL players. He also served prison time on a 2014 drug charge.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL-GREEN BAY-RYAN
Green Bay picks Ryan as new hoops coach
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay is turning its men’s basketball program over to Will Ryan.
Athletic director Charles Guthrie has announced that the school and the 41-year-old Ryan have agreed to a deal in principle, though final contract details are still being worked out.
The son of former Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan comes to Green Bay after posting a 14-13 record in his lone season as the head coach at Division II program Wheeling in West Virginia.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL-IOWA-STRENGTH COACH
Iowa coach denies racial misconduct
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle denies any “unethical behavior or bias” based on race.
Several black former players posted on social media Friday night about issues they saw in the football program, attributing many of them to Doyle. He was placed on administrative leave Saturday, part of a decision made by coach Kirk Ferentz in what he called “a defining moment” for Iowa’s football program.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-MAYER
Boxer Mayer tests positive for COVID-19, out of return bout
UNDATED (AP) — Junior lightweight contender Mikaela Mayer has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been pulled from the co-main event of Las Vegas’ first major boxing card since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mayer announced her positive test on social media two days before her scheduled bout against Helen Joseph in the Top Rank show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The former U.S. Olympian is asymptomatic but says she tested positive for the virus on Saturday. The rest of Mayer’s camp has tested negative, including her longtime coach.
In other news related to the coronavirus pandemic:
— Sports fans again will be able to fill stadiums in New Zealand after the government removed restrictions on public gatherings imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand will move from midnight Monday to alert level 1 under which life returns almost to normal, though border restrictions remain in force. New Zealand has succeeded in eradicating the coronavirus; as of Monday it had no active cases of Covid-19 and hadn’t recorded a new infection for 17 days.
— Spanish league president Javier Tebas said Sunday he is in favor of having fans back in stadiums as soon as regions are cleared by health authorities. However, that contradicts an earlier message by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who said it wouldn’t be fair for some clubs to have fans and others not. Spain has been gradually lifting confinement restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic. Some regions have entered advanced stages that could allow them to have matches with at least some fans in the stadiums.
TENNIS-NEW TOURNAMENT
New tennis tournament in France aiming for younger audience
PARIS (AP) — With discussions ongoing over whether the U.S. Open or the French Open can even take place later this year, a new digitally friendly tennis tournament starts Saturday in southern France with four Top 10-ranked players involved.
Co-founder Patrick Mouratoglou hopes the Ultimate Tennis Showdown can change the way tennis is viewed by allowing a younger audience to access the raw feelings of players.
The UTS features ATP Finals winner Stefanos Tsitsipas and U.S. Open semifinalist Matteo Berrettini. There will be 10 players with matches every weekend for five weeks in a round robin format.
Matches will be streamed live with organizers saying every sight and sound will be captured.
DOPING DIACK TRIAL
Massive sports corruption case finally heard at Paris trial
PARIS (AP) — A sports corruption trial involving allegations of doping cover-ups and illicit payoffs at the top of track and field has opened in Paris.
In six days of hearings, the court is due to hear evidence that Russian athletes paid millions of dollars to hide their suspected doping so they could compete at the Olympics in 2012 and other competitions.
Lamine Diack, who served as president of the sport’s governing body for nearly 16 years, is one of the alleged recipients of the payments. The 87-year-old Diack was present in court today, wearing a white face mask.
In world and national news…
HOUSTON (AP) — Mourners in George Floyd’s hometown of Houston will be able to view his casket as the series of memorials in his honor reach their final stop. A six-hour public viewing will be held Monday at a Houston church. Visitors must wear a mask and gloves to comply with coronavirus-related guidelines. Floyd’s funeral and burial will be Tuesday. Floyd died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes even after he stopped responding. His death has inspired international protests and drawn new attention to the treatment of African Americans by police.
NEW YORK (AP) — A new watchdog report says the vast majority of complaints about New York City police officers’ mistreatment of youths stemmed from encounters with black children. The Civilian Complaint Review Board reported Monday that nearly two-thirds of youth complaints involve children of color including many stopped for “innocuous activities.” The report highlights several instances of racial profiling at a time when thousands of New Yorkers are calling for police accountability in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police. The New York City Police Department said it is following its recommendations to prevent “over-policing” of minority youths.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional Democrats are coming out with legislation to overhaul police accountability. Their package expected Monday is in response to mass protests nationwide over the death of George Floyd and other black Americans during interactions with law enforcement. The Justice in Policing Act would overhaul legal protections for police, create a national database of excessive-force episodes and set new standards for police training. The Associated Press obtained a draft outline of the package. The draft document says the proposed legislation would revise the federal criminal police misconduct statute to make it easier to prosecute officers who are involved in misconduct “knowingly or with reckless disregard.”
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Tropical Storm Cristobal has crashed ashore in Louisiana, and the lopsided storm is also bringing high wind and drenching rains to nearby areas of Mississippi and Alabama. The storm also spun off a tornado in north Florida before its landfall Sunday not far from the mouth of the Mississippi River. Sections of U.S. Highway 90 in Mississippi had to be closed due to flooding. In Alabama, the bridge linking the mainland to Dauphin Island was closed to regular traffic Sunday evening. Dangerous storm surge warnings remained in southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi as the storm moved inland.
BANGKOK (AP) — European shares have opened lower after a broad advance in Asia. Monday’s surge in Asia followed the release of surprisingly strong U.S. jobs figures for May. Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 1.4% and most other markets also gained. U.S. futures edged higher. News that more American jobs were added than expected last month has raised hopes that the worst of the recession may have already passed. Economists cautioned, however, that it’s just one month’s data on a long road to a full recovery. Crude prices rose after major oil producing nations agreed to extend a production cut of nearly 10 million barrels of oil a day through the end of July.
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