CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. West winds 15 to 20 mph.

.TONIGHT…Clear. Lows in the mid 50s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the evening.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s. Northwest winds around

5 mph shifting to the southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

 

FRIDAY NIGHT…Showers and thunderstorms. Lows 60 to 65. Chance

of precipitation 80 percent.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s. Northwest winds

5 to 15 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows around 60.

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny with a 50 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers

and thunderstorms. Lows around 60.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms. Highs around 80.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 50s.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny with a 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s.

 

The chance of thunderstorms begins Friday afternoon in the west pushing through central North Dakota in the evening and overnight hours.

The far south central, will see the highest threat for large hail.

Damaging winds would also be a threat.

 

After storms end in the eastern part of the forecast area early

Saturday morning, should be a pleasant summer day as surface high

pressure settles in.

Sunday currently looking like the warmest day of the extended period.

Chance for thunderstorms returns to the west Sunday  with temperatures near to slightly below average.

 

Jamestown (CSi) The Jamestown City Fire Department was called to a house at 1211 3rd Avenue Northeast in Jamestown about 12:23-p.m., Wednesday, to a report of smoke.

City Fire Chief Jim Reuther says the cause was smoke backing up from the fireplace. The home received smoke and soot damage. The Buffalo Valley Red Cross assisted, as the occupant was advised to leave the home until it was cleaned up.

One occupant  was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by Jamestown Ambulance Service.

Five City Fire Units and 23 fire fighters cleared the scene at 1:05-p.m.

 

Valley City (CSi) City County Health District Administrator Theresa Will says with the COVID-19 drive thru testing in Valley City Wednesday, the number of people surpassed the 500 test kit limit available.

Participants testing positive will be notified by phone within 24-72 hours. While those with a negative result will be contacted within 3-5 days.

She says everyone turned away will have another opportunity to get a free test, with a future free testing event in Valley City with information to be released next week.

She thanks the 70 volunteers and 34 North Dakota National Guard members, along with the Salvation Army, who helped on Wednesday including Barnes County Emergency Manager Sue Lloyd and members from Sanford Clinic in Valley City.

(CSi) Governor Doug Burgum on Wednesday held a COVID-19 News Briefing from the state capital in Bismarck.  He was joined by Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer.

July 8th, 2020 COVID-19 Press Conference – ND Joint Information Center

Posted by North Dakota Department of Health on Wednesday, July 8, 2020

 

Burgum said to take advantage of COVID-19 testing opportunities, noting that over the past three week, an average of 23,000 individuals have been tested.

He said summer tourist traffic is moving through North Dakota.  He pointed out the average age of those positive cases have dropped in North Dakota.  He pointed out several states have reclosed businesses and beaches due to a spike in positive cases.   He added that North Dakota active cases have doubled in the past two weeks, stemming in part from more testing and then contact tracing  isolating those testing positive.

Serial testing, those testing more than once, has reached 208,192.

Long term care serial testing is occurring weekly.

He pointed out Burleigh County currently has the most active cases at 128.  Testing has been ramped up in the county. The increase in positives in Burleigh and Morton Counties is being monitored.

Testing sites around the state have been expanded, including mobile testing sites.  A static testing site will be established in Jamestown.

On Wednesday, North Dakota health officials say they’ve confirmed 73 new cases of the coronavirus. The state health department said Wednesday the state has seen 3,971 cases. One additional death was reported Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to 85. Health officials identified the victim as a Cass County woman in her 90s with underlying health conditions. The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher than the state’s totals because many people have not been tested and studies suggest people can be infected without feeling sick. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms.

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Woman in her 90s from Cass County with underlying health conditions.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED WEDNESDAY

  • Benson County – 4
  • Burleigh County – 20
  • Cass County – 15
  • Foster County – 2
  • Grand Forks County – 3
  • Logan County – 1
  • McHenry County – 1
  • McIntosh County – 1
  • McKenzie County – 1
  • Morton County – 7
  • Nelson County – 1
  • Pembina County – 2
  • Pierce County – 1
  • Ramsey County – 6
  • Sheridan County – 1
  • Sioux County – 3
  • Walsh County – 1
  • Williams County – 3

BY THE NUMBERS

208,192 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+3,669 total tests from yesterday)

115,839 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+1,482 unique individuals from yesterday)

111,868 – Total Negative (+1,409 unique individuals from yesterday)

3,971 – Total Positive (+73 unique individuals from yesterday)

2.0% – Daily Positivity Rate**

252 – Total Hospitalized (+4 individual from yesterday)

26 – Currently Hospitalized (+2 individuals from yesterday)

3,447 – Total Recovered (+34 individuals from yesterday)

85 – Total Deaths*** (+1 individual from yesterday)

Upon death record review where COVID-19 is listed as a cause of death, it was determined that this death were not previously reported to the state.

* Note that this does not include individuals from out of state and has been updated to reflect the most recent information discovered after cases were investigated.

**Because the serial tests completed and added to the total number of tests completed can result in new individuals who test positive, the daily positivity rate will be calculated using the total positives for the day by the daily number of tests completed instead of the daily number of unique individuals tested.

*** Number of individuals who tested positive and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19.

Burgum pointed out federal dollars that have been made available in North Dakota to support businesses and individuals, during the pandemic with the help of the North Dakota congressional delegation.

North Dakota Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer says the Payroll Protection Plan has extended the deadline to apply for assistance,  into August, with more information available atNDresponse.com

The North Dakota Department of Commerce will be leading a Special Business Briefing call Thursday, July 9, at 11 a.m. (CST) introducing the new Economic Resiliency Grant (ERG) available to North Dakota businesses, as approved by the Budget Section at its June 25 meeting.

The purpose of the ERG is to support investments in business facilities, systems, equipment or supplies to reduce the spread of infection and inspire consumer confidence. To support this purpose, qualifying North Dakota businesses and nonprofit applicants may apply for funding up to $50,000 for qualifying project costs.

Kommer says the Department of Commerce is working together with the business community to increase safety, in order to inspire consumer confidence in the marketplace.  This grant is one piece of a large, forward facing plan to keep North Dakota open for business.”

The ERG application process is anticipated to open July 24. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding will be approved if the application meets all criteria and funding is available.  Additional information, including educational sessions, will be available shortly, and updates about the program will be posted to Commerce’s website.

Burgum on Wednesday signed an executive order restoring the work registration and search requirements for individuals seeking unemployment benefits, effective July 26.

Registration for employment can be completed online, and all local Job Service offices will be open by July 26 to assist those who need help completing registration.

The requirements were suspended March 13 in order to expand unemployment eligibility amid business closures during the COVID-19 crisis. Under Executive Order 2020-08.2  all individuals seeking unemployment – including those whose unemployment is related to COVID-19 – must register for work and conduct an active work search as required by state statute.

With work searches once again required, if an individual receiving unemployment benefits refuses a suitable job offer, he or she becomes ineligible to receive further unemployment benefits until becoming re-employed and earning sufficient wages to requalify for benefits.

Burgum said. “The suspension of registration and work search requirements was always meant to be temporary. Reintroduction of these requirements will assist employees and employers to return to work and continue a North Dakota Smart Restart. Job Service North Dakota will continue working with individuals receiving benefits on a case-by-case basis to make sure they receive the assistance they need and that we are protecting the lives and livelihoods of all.”

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, Job Service North Dakota has received an unprecedented number of unemployment insurance claims. In total, 97,178 regular unemployment claims have been filed by North Dakota workers. An additional 19,689 North Dakota workers have filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and 20,218 have filed for Pandemic Unemployment Emergency Compensation (PUEC). Nearly $568 million in benefit payments have been made since March 15.

Though claims filings remain more than four times higher than normal, filings are down significantly from the peak filing week of March 29. More importantly, certifications are down 20 percent since the week of May 3, which directly correlates with individuals returning to employment, Burgum noted.

For more information on North Dakota’s COVID-19 response, visit www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus or www.ndresponse.gov.

Burgum said the state lab in Bismarck continues COVID-19 testing 24/7.

Burgum’s next COVID-19 News Briefing will be Tuesday, July 14 at 3:30-p.m

 

Jamestown   (CSi)  The Arts Center is  excited to bring the Downtown Arts Market back to Jamestown this summer beginning July 9 at 5:30 pm to 8:30-p.m, in the Hansen Arts Park, planning an event for each Thursday evening through August.

Arts Center, Director, Mindi Schmitz says,  “We want this to be as safe as it is enjoyable. So, things will be different this year. For instance, there will not be vendors or artisans. This prevents the hand-to-contact and allows the street to be opened up for additional seating area (bring your lawn chair). Social distancing will be observed. Masks will be strongly encouraged. We will also Facebook live the performances for those that still prefer / need to stay isolated.

She adds that the Arts Market plans may have to be adjusted if  Arts Center measures are not respected. The community’s  efforts to be as safe and responsible as possible when attending is greatly appreciated and will allow this loved summer event to continue.

July 9th The Deb Jenkins Band performs   The band started over 40 years ago in Fargo as the band called “Second Wind”. After some member changes and down time Mike, the Keyboard player and husband too Deb, the lead singer, changed the name of the band to “The Deb Jenkins Band”.  The style and type of music performed has stayed true to the beginning with Second Wind. Our style is sometimes referred to as Jazz, but really the heart of our band is rhythm and blues. The one thing we are NOT is back ground music. We want you to dance, dance, and dance.

Click here to view full summer schedule.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The 13th Running of the Pink, on July 11, 2020 will be  a virtual walk/run.  Over 12 years, the race has raised more than $150,000 for breast and cervical cancer screenings.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show, on CSi Cable 2, Tara Kapp said 249 registrations have been received, so far and are still being accepted through Saturday morning  July 11.

She said, initially the event was to be live and in person with social distancing protocols in place.   The event organizers recognized that many participants may not be ready or able to gather, during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The need for continued support of the fight against breast and cervical cancer through early detection goes on so they moved forward with #VirtualROP.

100% of the proceeds will continue to go to the No Excuses and Women’s Way programs through Jamestown Regional Medical Center and Central Valley Health.

She pointed out that all expenses of the event are picked up by Casey Stoudt, allowing all proceeds to stay in Jamestown and Stutsman County to go to the No Excuses, Women’s Way programs.

Funds raised tear down barriers that may otherwise prevent someone from receiving the care they need.  They may be uninsured or under insured, and unable to afford the cost of screenings.

Tara said a survey showed that 50 percent of women in Stutsman County have never had a mammogram screening.

The virtual options gives EVERYONE the opportunity to walk or run at your own time, pace and location but still be a part of the #RunningOfThePink movement.

The registration cost  is $25 for adults, $20 for youth 12 & Under, and $20 for Seniors. All paid registrants will receive a T-shirt.

To register, visit stoudtcars.com or call 701-252-2270 or toll free at 1-800-279-2886, for more information.

Anyone who registered for the live event is being contacted and has the option for a refund or, convert your participation to the virtual option.

Tara said be sure to include friends and family outside the area, and even challenge your crew to a friendly competition.

All virtual registrants are encouraged to post their progress and photos of themselves, on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and add #VirtualROP so we can recognize you. Post a photo of the road or treadmill you walked/ran on, a photo of you or your family or even the scenery on your walk/run.

If you’re running the 5K or 10K and want to be added to the competitive roster, post your time online at www.stoudtcars.com.and we’ll award prizes to the top 3 men and women in each category.

NON COMPETITORS: You can still register online or save the online fee and print and mail in your form. Forms available below, at www.stoudtcars.com or at our dealership.

Again, virtual registration will be open through July 11, 2020.

Results of the event will be posted at Stoudtcars.com and on their Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Stutsman County Commission has approved funding for a new warning siren, that failed during a test on Monday this week.

The cost for the siren replacement at the east side of Jamestown Reservoir at the marina is about $21,000.  Partial grant funding is being sought by the county.

Bismarck  (NDHP)  The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports a NDHP vehicle was struck when it was parked, on Tuesday at 5:53-p.m., on Highway 12, one mile west of Hettinger.

The news release says, a trooper was stopped on an approach conducting a traffic stop. As the trooper was returning to his patrol car, he observed a vehicle traveling west strike his patrol car on the driver’s side rear quarter panel.

A 2007 Kia, Sportage, driven by 37 year old Chad Wanna, of Laramie, Wyoming  was traveling west on Hwy 12, crossed the eastbound lane, and struck the patrol car, a 2019 Ford Interceptor. Wanna exited the vehicle immediately after the crash and started running into the ditch. The trooper was able to detain the subject shortly after the crash.

Wanna was arrested for driving under the influence, driving under suspension, and leaving the scene. There were no injuries sustained during the incident. The crash remains under investigation by the NDHP.

Bismarck  (NDGF)  The North Dakota Game and Fish Department confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels in Lake LaMoure after a local game warden reported the finding earlier this week.

Aquatic nuisance species coordinator Ben Holen said follow-up sampling confirmed well-established populations of zebra mussels of various ages, especially near the dam. It is unknown how the small, sharp-shelled mussels were introduced, and there is no known method to completely rid a lake once they become established.

The 430-acre lake, located in LaMoure County in southeastern North Dakota, is a popular boating and fishing destination.

Holen reminds water recreationists that everyone plays a role in stemming the spread of mussels to uninfested lakes. “This situation shows how important it is for boaters, anglers, swimmers and skiers to be aware of aquatic nuisance species and to take precautions to prevent their spread,” he said.

Prevention is the best way to avoid spreading ANS. They often travel by hitchhiking with unsuspecting lake-goers. “Always clean, drain and dry boats and other equipment before using another lake,” Holen said. “Also, don’t transfer lake water or live fish to another body of water. This can help stop the spread of not only zebra mussels, but most aquatic nuisance species that may be present.”

Since Lake LaMoure eventually flows into the James River above the city of Oakes, Game and Fish Department staff will also increase zebra mussel surveillance on the lower James. In addition, for the remainder of the summer, ANS watercraft inspections will increase at Lake LaMoure.

Lake LaMoure, and the James River in Dickey County, are now considered Class I ANS Infested waters. They join Lake Ashtabula, lower portion of the Sheyenne River, and the Red River as zebra mussel infested waters. Emergency rules will go into effect immediately to prohibit the movement of water away from the lake, including water for transferring bait. Notices will be posted at access sites.

Zebra mussels are just one of the nonnative aquatic species that threaten our waters and native wildlife. After using any body of water, water recreationists must follow North Dakota regulations:

  • Remove aquatic vegetation before leaving the water access and do not import into North Dakota.
  • Drain all water before leaving the water access.
  • Remove drain plugs and devices that hold back water and leave open and out during transport.
  • Do not import bait. For Class I ANS Infested waters, bait cannot be transported in water. In all other areas, bait must be transported in a container that holds 5 gallons or less. Remember that it is illegal to dump unused bait on shore or into the lake.

In addition to North Dakota regulations, the Department strongly recommends that all equipment be cleaned, drained and dried every time it is used.

Bismarck (CSi) Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem Wednesday suspended the license of Powerhouse Gaming, Inc., after confirming that apparently pirated software was installed in its electronic pull tab devices in the state.

The order suspends the California-based company’s gaming license and requires all Powerhouse electronic pull tab device systems operating in North Dakota to be disabled immediately and to remain shut down until further notice.

In the news release Stenehjem said, “North Dakotans, and my office, expect gaming operators to completely comply with our laws. Any violators will be held accountable.”

The Attorney General’s gaming division began an investigation in early May 2020, after receiving credible information that Powerhouse was using illegal or pirated software in its electronic pull tab machines.

Update…

DALTON, Minn. (AP) — The National Weather Service reports a powerful tornado possibly an EF-3 has killed one person, injured at least one person and destroyed farm buildings in western Minnesota, late Wednesday afternoon.

Previously…

The tornado struck at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday near Dalton. The weather service says three farmsteads were hit, and one of those farmhouses was flattened. Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons says two people were taken to a hospital. Their conditions were unknown. The tornado crossed Interstate 94 but no vehicles were affected. A National Weather Service staffer is at the scene checking the tornado aftermath, but the tornado is believed to be at least in the EF-3 category, with winds of 136-165 mph.  Other possible tornado activity was reported in Colorado as well as parts of Nebraska and Illinois.

 

In sports…

Jamestown  (CSi)   Jamestown Drag Racing Association (JDRA) will host drag races on Saturday July 11, and Sunday July 12, at Jamestown Regional Airport.

Gates open at 7-a.m. each day.

The event will accommodate changes to allow safe viewing a participation, in line with Health Department guideline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Registration is available before the Drags take place, the day of the event. The fee to race one day is at $50 and $90 for both days.

Admission is $10.  Those six and under are admitted free.

Participants will compete in  six categories of races.

Gates will open at 7 AM each day. For more information, contact Michael Trautman at 701-320-9177 or email info@jamestowndragracing.com.

The  Drag Races have received grant funding from Jamestown Tourism.

For more information, contact Michael Trautman at 701-320-9177 or email info@jamestowndragracing.com.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Dakota Anglers will be holding a Fish Fry Tournament at Pelican Point Landing on Saturday, July 11th.  This is a fishing tournament for the contestants followed by a fish fry and potluck meal for the membership.

Two person teams may enter; at least one team member must be a Dakota Anglers member or pay $20 dues to become a member.

Registration is from 7-8 at Four Winds Sharpening.  Fishing starts at 8 am.  Weigh in at Pelican Point Landing at 3 pm sharp.

Teams may fish any one legal North Dakota water that must be declared at registration.  Payback is 100%.  Plaques will be awarded for each winning team member and for largest walleye and largest northern.  Call Nathan at 701-200-2327 if you have any questions.

 

Baseball….

Fargo Astros 6   Valley City Royals 3

Fargo Astros 7   Valley City 3

 

MLS-SOCCER RETURNS

Moment of silence before MLS kicks offs off

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Nearly 200 players took the field for an 8-minute, 46-second moment of silence to protest racial injustice before Major League Soccer’s return to action Wednesday night. Players wore black T-shirts, black gloves and black facemasks emblazoned with Black Lives Matter.

The players walked toward midfield, raised their right arms one at a time and held the pose so long that some could be seen stretching fatigued muscles afterward. It was a poignant moment that put two of the nation’s most prominent changes over the last four months — masks and movements — at the forefront of the sport’s return.

The league’s teams are sequestered in resorts for the duration of the World Cup-style tournament, which began with a Group A match that was the first meeting between two Sunshine State teams.

FC Dallas withdrew Monday after 10 players and a coach tested positive for COVID-19. A day later, Nashville SC’s status was thrust into doubt with five confirmed positive tests.

Nashville was supposed to play Chicago in the second game of a doubleheader Wednesday but it was postponed.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTS

Ryder Cup postponed until next year at Whistling Straits

UNDATED (AP) — With no guarantee of fans, there won’t be a Ryder Cup this year. The PGA of America says the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin has been pushed back to 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PGA Tour still hasn’t allowed spectators at its events, and no other golf tournament is dependent on partisan cheering like the Ryder Cup. After working with the PGA Tour and its Presidents Cup, the decision was reached to move the Ryder Cup to Sept. 24-26 in 2021. That means the Presidents Cup will return to even-numbered years starting in 2022 at Quail Hollow in North Carolina.

The Ryder Cup had been scheduled for Sept. 25-27 at Whistling Straits, one week after the U.S. Open.

It’s the second time in the last two decades the Ryder Cup was postponed. It was moved off the odd-numbered years in 2001 because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

In other developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic:

— NASCAR cannot meet the quarantine rules in New York and must move its August race from Watkins Glen. The event will instead be held on the road course at Daytona. It will be NASCAR’s debut on the course used by the IMSA sports car series. The Cup schedule released today covers all of August through the regularly scheduled season finale on the oval at Daytona. The Cup Series will also race doubleheaders at Michigan and Dover.

— Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson has twice tested negative for the coronavirus and will race Sunday at Kentucky Speedway. Johnson missed the first race of his Cup career when he tested positive last Friday. NASCAR confirmed Wednesday that Johnson has been cleared to return. Johnson’s streak of 663 consecutive starts — most among active drivers — was snapped when he didn’t race Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Johnson is the only NASCAR driver to test positive for the coronavirus since the series resumed racing on May 17.

— The Ivy League says will not play sports this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic. The league left open the possibility of moving some seasons to the spring if outbreak is better controlled by then. The move could have ripple effects throughout the big business of college sports. Football players in the Power Five conferences have already begun workouts for a season that starts on Aug. 29. The Ivy League decision affects not just football but soccer, field hockey, volleyball and cross country, as well as the fall portion of winter sports like basketball. The league said it has not yet determined whether fall sports can be moved to the spring.

— North Carolina says it has paused voluntary football workouts for at least a week after reporting 37 positive test results for the new coronavirus among school athletes, coaches and staff. The school announced results following 429 tests administered as they began returning to campus last month. The school didn’t specify which programs were impacted beyond announcing the pause to football workouts. Officials did say the Orange County Health Department had identified a cluster of five or more related cases. It’s unclear exactly when football workouts will resume.

— Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst says the group that travels to Florida on Thursday for the resumption of the NBA season at Walt Disney World likely won’t include the team’s entire 35-person traveling party. The Bucks closed their practice facility in Milwaukee after receiving results of their Friday coronavirus testing. Horst won’t say whether a positive test came from a Bucks player or another member of the traveling party. The Bucks owned a league-leading 53-12 record when play was halted in mid-March due to the pandemic. They return to action July 31 against the Celtics.

— A person with knowledge of the situation says that Kawhi Leonard did not accompany the Los Angeles Clippers on their flight to Central Florida on Wednesday night for the restart of the NBA season. Leonard’s absence was excused and he is expected to join the team at the Disney complex near Orlando sometime in the next few days, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team did not publicly disclose the matter.

— As U.S. team sports prepare to resume, journalists are facing the same issues that their colleagues who cover politics and entertainment have encountered: coming up with new approaches to coverage with reduced access. Professional leagues closed media access to locker rooms and clubhouses in early March. When the games restart, that access is not going to return. Major League Baseball and the NBA will make managers and players available only via telephone or Zoom.

— The Baltimore Ravens have informed season ticket holders that their seats will not be available this year. The team says season ticket holders will be offered the same seats in 2021, and money already spent for this season can be used for next year or refunded upon request. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, NFL games this season are expected to be held without fans or in front of a greatly reduced audience. If fans are permitted to attend, seats would be sold on a game-by-game basis with season ticket holders getting the first chance to buy in advance of any public sale.

— Northwestern’s football game against Wisconsin scheduled for Nov. 7 at Wrigley Field in Chicago is being moved to Ryan Field because of uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Northwestern announced the decision Wednesday after consulting with the Chicago Cubs, state and local authorities and the Big Ten Conference.

— Stanford is dropping 11 sports amid financial difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic for the 2020-21 academic year. Stanford also is eliminating 20 support staff positions. Stanford projected a deficit of more than $25 million in the 2021 fiscal year and a shortfall of nearly $70 million over the next three years due to the pandemic. The school estimated the cost of sustaining the 11 sports permanently would exceed $200 million.

— Wisconsin says seven athletes have tested positive for the new coronavirus since the school started testing them a month ago. School officials previously had said two tested positive out of the 117 athletes who were part of the initial group of tests. The school now has conducted 428 total tests. Wisconsin isolates those who test positive, and the athletic department’s infection response team monitors their recoveries. School officials aren’t specifying which sports are affected by the positive tests.

— Ohio State has paused voluntary workouts by athletes of seven sports on campus after getting the results of its most recent coronavirus testing. The school said in a statement Wednesday night that workouts have been paused for football, men’s and women’s basketball, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. The university said it isn’t sharing cumulative COVID-19 information publicly to avoid identifying specific individuals and compromise medical privacy.

— Associated Press research finds that four-year U.S. colleges have eliminated 171 sports programs because of budget problems blamed on the coronavirus outbreak. About 30 percent of those are in Division I, with Stanford being the only one from a Power Five conference.

MLB-NEWS

More players test positive, others return

CINCINNATI (AP) — As Major League Baseball cautiously tiptoes closer toward beginning its delayed 2020 season, several teams welcomed back players who might have been exposed to the coronavirus and the San Francisco Giants resumed workouts Wednesday after finally receiving the results of COVID-19 tests administered over the weekend.

Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers worked out at Fenway Park for the first time since Boston opened its summer camp. Also, Rangers first baseman Ronald Guzman was on the field after missing the first five days of workouts.

In Cleveland, outfielder Franmil Reyes was cleared to return after being isolated for attending a party over the July 4 weekend.

Elsewhere in the majors:

— Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is in a walking boot as he nurses a sore right heel that will keep him out at least a week. Manager Gabe Kapler says it’s too soon to guess whether the injury could affect Belt’s status to play the season opener July 23 at Dodger Stadium. Belt has dealt with heel pain previously and aggravated it doing agility work. Hunter Pence took batting practice but was unable to run the bases or play the outfield because of minor pain in his foot. Catcher Buster Posey missed another practice because of a personal issue.

— The offseason renovations at Dodger Stadium have hitters adjusting to a new backdrop in center field. First baseman Max Muncy was hit by a pitch on his left ring finger during an intrasquad game and says he couldn’t see the ball coming. The black tarp that served as the backdrop in center is gone, replaced by a new center field plaza. Muncy is expected to be ready by opening day on July 23. But manager Dave Roberts says it’s unsettling that a hitter couldn’t see the ball because of the background.

— Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Junior Guerra has returned to the team after missing the start of summer camp because of a positive coronavirus test. Guerra is one of four Arizona players to test positive and had not participated in summer camp since its start last week. Guerra said his first test for the virus was negative, but his second about 10 days ago was positive. He returned after testing negative twice in 24 hours. Guerra signed with the Diamondbacks last offseason after spending the previous four seasons in Milwaukee.

— Cleveland Indians outfielder Franmil Reyes (FRAHN’-meel RAY’-uhs) has been cleared by the team’s medical staff to return to the field after being isolated for attending a party over the July Fourth weekend. The team kept Reyes away from Progressive Field as a precaution after he attended a holiday gathering without wearing a mask. The Indians learned of Reyes’ off-field actions from social media. Manager Terry Francona says Reyes was re-tested for the coronavirus and may now participate in training camp. Also, Indians outfielder Delino DeShields (deh-LY’-noh deh-SHEELDZ’) Jr., who tested positive for COVID-19, is traveling to Cleveland after he had one negative test.

— Sonny Gray has been chosen to start the Cincinnati Reds’ first game back from Major League Baseball’s shutdown due to the pandemic. Gray started openers for the Athletics in 2014 and 2015, throwing a combined 14 shutout innings while getting a win and a no-decision. He’s in line to face the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park on July 24 as Major League Baseball starts a season shortened because of the pandemic.

— An array of injuries was largely responsible for the blight on the first five years of Byron Buxton’s major league career. The latest setback for Minnesota’s speedy center fielder was surgery last fall to repair labrum damage in his left shoulder. Buxton worked his way onto a rehabilitation track that would have had him ready for the original season opener on March 26. Having four extra months to heal and train due to the virus outbreak sure didn’t hurt. The Twins play the Chicago White Sox on July 24 to start the 60-game season.

— The Chicago White Sox are giving fans the opportunity to purchase cardboard cutouts of themselves that will be displayed at Guaranteed Rate Field during the team’s season-opening homestand. The cutouts cost $49 and will be available while supplies last. Proceeds will benefit the team’s charitable arm. The White Sox open with a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins starting on July 24.

— The Seattle Mariners say they had three positive tests for the new coronavirus among 122 individuals that received initial intake tests before the start of summer camp workouts last week. The team has not specified whether the three that tested positive were players, coaches or staff. The Mariners say all three are asymptomatic and are currently quarantined.

PGA-WORKDAY OPEN

How to make 1 golf course look like 2 different tournaments

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Muirfield Village is gearing up for the first doubleheader on the PGA Tour in 63 years.

A new tournament called the Workday Charity Open starts Thursday on the course Jack Nicklaus built. And then it’s onto the Memorial, the tournament Nicklaus created.

The goal for tour officials is to protect the condition of the course from 157 players this week and 120 players next week. They also want to try to present a different test. That means slower greens, different tees and rough that isn’t quite as high this week.

The last time the PGA Tour had back-to-back tournaments on the same golf course was in 1957, five years before Nicklaus turned pro. The All American Open and the World Championship of Golf were played at Tam O’Shanter in Illinois.

Workday is a one-time event replacing the canceled John Deere Classic.

In other Workday news:

— Three PGA Tour players who have tested positive for the coronavirus but are no longer symptomatic will play together at the Workday Charity Open. The tour announced the change Wednesday in the latest revision of its COVID-19 policies. Nick Watney will play alongside Dylan Frittelli and Denny McCarthy during the first two rounds at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio. Watney was the first tour player to test positive and reported mild symptoms. The tour said all three players continue to test positive for the virus but have met the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for return to work. Players in those circumstances will either be grouped together or play as singles.

NFL-49ers-MOSTERT

Mostert requests trade

UNDATED (AP) — San Francisco 49ers postseason breakout star Raheem Mostert has requested a trade from the team after being unable to renegotiate his contract. Agent Brett Tessler made the request public after talks with the 49ers failed to lead to a new deal to replace the three-year contract Mostert signed in 2019 when he was still mostly a special teams standout.

Mostert has a base salary of $2,575,000 this season and $2,875,000 next season as part of the deal he signed with San Francisco last year.

RACING-KEENELAND BREEDER BANNED

VanMeter banned after racist Facebook post

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A prominent Kentucky horse owner and breeder has been banned from racing and sales at Keeneland Race Course after his racist post on social media. Keeneland says it is banning Tom VanMeter from the premises, including participation by his sales company, while the Lexington track further reviews circumstances related to the recent “reprehensible comments” he made online. The posting drew condemnation across the racing industry. VanMeter later said he was wrong and was disgusted by his actions.

In Facebook post last weekend on Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club president Donnie Snellings’ page that called on followers to “Re-post if you are still boycotting the NFL.” VanMeter, who is white, responded with a post that used an abbreviation of the N-word. He later posted, “Put em back in their cage!!!”

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is expected to rule Thursday on whether Congress and the Manhattan district attorney can see President Donald Trump’s taxes and other financial records the president has fought hard to keep private. The high-stakes dispute tests the balance of power between the White House and Congress, as well as Trump’s claim he can’t be investigated while in office. It’s unclear, even if Trump loses, how much of the material would become public. Trump has so far lost at every step, but the records have not been turned over pending a final court ruling. The court’s other outstanding case is a dispute over land in eastern Oklahoma.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon’s top leaders are going before Congress for the first time in months. They are likely to be questioned Thursday afternoon on several major controversies, including their differences with President Donald Trump over the handling of protests near the White House last month during unrest triggered by the killing of George Floyd in police hands. It is the first congressional testimony by Defense Secretary Mark Esper and the Joint Chiefs chairman, Gen. Mark Milley, since March, before the full impact of the coronavirus pandemic became apparent and before nationwide civil unrest led to a crisis in White House relations with the Pentagon.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The ousted U.S. attorney leading investigations into President Donald Trump’s allies is set to appear before the House Judiciary Committee for a private interview. The former federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York, Geoffrey Berman, engaged in an extraordinary standoff last month when Attorney General William Barr sought to have him leave office. Berman refused to go, relenting only after being assured his office’s probes of Trump’s circle would continue. Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler called Berman’s dismissal “part of a clear and dangerous pattern” of behavior by Barr.

 

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Police say the mayor of South Korean capital Seoul is missing after leaving a verbal message that his daughter described as sounding like a will. Police officers say they are looking for Mayor Park Won-soon at a small hill in Seoul’s Sungbuk neighborhood where his mobile phone signal was last detected. They said Park’s mobile phone was currently turned off. His daughter called police on Thursday afternoon and said her father left “a will-like” message before leaving their home 4-5 hours earlier. Police say the daughter didn’t explain the contents of the message. An activist and human rights lawyer, Park became the city’s first mayor to be voted into a third term last June. He was also a potential presidential candidate in 2022 polls.

 

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s highest court has ruled that online platforms like YouTube don’t have to disclose the full personal data including email addresses, telephone numbers or IP addresses of users who illegally upload movies and copyright material. The case stems from a German film distributor’s request that YouTube provide details about users who had uploaded two films onto the platform. YouTube and its parent company Google refused to provide their email addresses and telephone numbers, as well as the IP addresses they used. The European court said platforms like YouTube need only to provide a user’s postal address in such cases.

 

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is proposing sweeping new uses of the federal government’s regulatory and spending power to bolster U.S. manufacturing and technology firms. Biden wants a $400 billion, four-year increase in government purchasing of U.S.-based goods and services plus $300 billion in new research and development in U.S. technology concerns. Biden’s plan is expected to be announced Thursday. It calls for such investments before negotiating any new international trade deals. Biden also proposes tightening current “Buy American” laws that are intended to benefit U.S. firms but can be easily circumvented by government agencies.