CSi Weather…

TODAY…Decreasing clouds. A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms early in the morning. Highs in the mid 80s. South winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the northwest 10 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Clear. Lows in the lower 60s. North winds around 5 mph

with gusts to around 20 mph shifting to the southeast around

5 mph after midnight.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms

in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may be severe. Highs in the

lower 90s. South winds 10 to 20 mph. Heat index 90 to 95.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms

likely in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Some

thunderstorms may be severe. Lows in the mid 60s. Southwest winds

around 5 mph with gusts to around 25 mph shifting to the west

after midnight. Chance of precipitation 70 percent in the Jamestown area, 80 percent in the Valley City area.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon in the Jamestown area. Highs in the mid 80s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of showers

and thunderstorms in the evening. Lows in the lower 60s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs around 80.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.

.MONDAY…Partly sunny with a 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s.

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

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 50s.

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

thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 80s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear with a 20 percent chance of showers

and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 60s.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the morning. Highs in the mid 80s.

 

A severe storm risk Friday afternoon and evening, with the greatest potential in central and southeastern ND.  The main risks are high wind, and significant rain.

Saturday, scattered showers and storms are possible.

Late this weekend into the early to middle part of next week, occasional chances of showers and storms along with cooler, but seasonable temperatures.

 

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats

Posted Jul 15, 2020

11-a.m.

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

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED WEDNEDAY

  • Burleigh County – 9
  • Cass County – 19
  • Grand Forks County – 1
  • Hettinger County – 1
  • Kidder County – 1
  • McKenzie County – 4
  • Morton County – 1
  • Mountrail County – 15
  • Ramsey County – 1
  • Sioux County – 1
  • Stark County – 4
  • Walsh County – 5
  • Ward County – 2
  • Wells County – 1
  • Williams County – 7


BY THE NUMBERS

238,586 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+3,093 total tests from yesterday)

 

126,564 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+1,531 unique individuals from yesterday)

121,999 – Total Negative (+1,459 unique individuals from yesterday)

4,565 – Total Positive (+72 unique individuals from yesterday)

2.3% – Daily Positivity Rate**

284 – Total Hospitalized (+4 individual from yesterday)

42 – Currently Hospitalized (+0 individuals from yesterday)

3,760 – Total Recovered (+75 individuals from yesterday)

88 – Total Deaths*** (+0 individual from yesterday)

 

* 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.

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.

Valley City  (CSi)  Beginning July 16 the intersection of 5th Avenue Northwest and 6th Street Northwest in Valley City, will be closed, until underground utility work is complete.

2nd Street Northwest will remain open during the closure. The current detour route will remain in effect. The detour runs from Main Street to 9th Avenue NW and then back to 5th Avenue NW via 12th Street NW.

Updated maps e posted on the City of Valley City’s webpage http://www.valleycity.us/engineers/ when they are taking affect.  Contact KLJ at (701)-845-4980.

Valley City  (VCPW)  Valley City Public works will spray mosquitoes on Thursday, July 16, weather permitting,  starting about 8-p.m. and Friday July 17 in the morning, weather permitting.

Parents are advised to keep children and pets out of the streets and away from the spray machines. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area of the operation. If there are any questions, call Public Works at 845-0380.

Bismarck  (CSi)  The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission reports, airline passenger levels in North Dakota and throughout the rest of the country continue their slow recovery from the historically low passenger numbers that were seen in the previous two months.  The lower passenger demand is directly attributed concerns related to the COVID-19 virus.

The June 2020 boardings at Jamestown Regional Airport were 251 compared to 957 in June of 2019, down 73 percent.

The Year to Date Jamestown boardings were in 2020 are at 2882, compared to 5134 in 2019 down 44-percent.

North Dakota’s eight commercial service airports during the month of June posted a total of 24,313 passengers boardings which amounts to 24% of the passengers that the airports experienced during the same month last year.  This is higher than the 5% passenger volume experienced in April or the 14% that was seen in May.

During the first half of calendar year 2020, North Dakota’s commercial service airports have provided a total of 309,217 passenger boardings.  This is a decline of 270,864 passengers or a 47% decrease from this same time period in 2019.

North Dakota Aeronautics Commission  Executive Director, Kyle Wanner says, “We have now had two consecutive months of passenger growth since the month of April; however, our passengers counts are still only at 24% of pre-crisis levels. Concerns regarding further spread of COVID-19 currently limits the upside of the airline industry and its ability to attract additional demand.  Airports in North Dakota and throughout the country are working hard on a daily basis to implement recommended practices to help ensure a safe environment for those who either want or need to utilize air transportation.”

 

Jamestown (CSi)  The Jamestown Tourism Grant/Executive Board meeting agenda for Thursday July 16 includes funding for the planned Buffalo City Park at Frontier Village.

On the agenda is discussion for a Contract for Apogee Attractions and a feasibility study for the planned Buffalo City Park attraction is based on a buffalo theme potentially expanding Frontier Village.

Also on the agenda is a grant request for repairs at Frontier Village that are needed related to a survey of the property by the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund and help from the City of Jamestown, with the work to be done this summer.

 

The Board will also consider the Draft of the New Event Grant Guidelines in the areas of:  Annual Event Guidelines, including New event and Event Enhancement, and Tournament and Races events.

The meeting will be held virtually utilizing the Zoom platform, to observe social distancing.

Jamestown (CSi)  Stutsman County Veterans Service Officer, David Bratton reports the availability of VA Services, and his office.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, David said with VA facilities, including the Jamestown Clinic, regular hours are available, however, when entering wear a face mask, and answer screening questions.

The Stutsman County Veterans Service Office is open, but the office in the lower level of the Law Enforcement Center is locked down, for the safety of law enforcement, and dispatch center employees.  Anyone needing to meet in person with David may call 701-252-9043 and he’ll make arrangements to meet in the lobby.

He said a public meeting location is being sought with the LEC lower level meeting room part of the lockdown.  Meetings include the veterans gatherings for support including talking with  a combat veteran for support.   Call David’s office with any location available and more information at 252-9043.

He added that due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Burleigh County veterans van is not available until further notice.

He said with mental health issues, the Veterans Crisis Line is available for support by calling

1-800-273-8255.

His office has more information about accessing additional information on veterans Emergency Care, along with information on the VA suspending debt collections through the end of this year, due to the pandemic.

Jamestown   (CSi)  The Arts Center is  excited to hold the Downtown Arts Market in Jamestown this summer at 5:30 pm to 8:30-p.m, in the Hansen Arts Park, each Thursday evening through August.

July 16th:    Bolder Shades of Blue
This blues rocking band—full of local talent and years of music experience—never disappoints a crowd. Featuring Ken Gilbertson, Tamara Dallman, Paul Salo and Randy Shrenk. This band can really reach a crowd with upbeat blues rock, classic rock and a few top 40 hits.

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.

 

Click here to view full summer schedule.

Jamestown   (CSi)  The Jamestown United Way plans to  hold a golf tournament toward its fundraising goal.

“This Putts for U” will be held on Friday, July 24 at Jamestown Country Club.

The tournament will be 21 years of age and older.At last report spaces were available for teams of 4 at $50 per person, or $200 per team. A promotion is available to share their Facebook post to golf for free. like their Facebook page here

Call 701-952-UWAY(8929) for more information.

Valley City  (Chamber)  Crazy Daze in Valley City is Wednesday July 22.

Many stores will offer bargains, and there will be great food, along with an exciting scavenger hunt.

There will also be chances to win gift cards from local businesses, and a grand prize of $250 in Valley City Chamber Bucks.

Participating businesses are encouraged to send the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce with sales information or a flyer, to help promote your business.

If you have a Facebook page, please tag the Chamber with any Crazy Daze information you post.

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart will require customers to wear face coverings at all of its namesake and Sam’s Club stores, making it the largest retailer to introduce such a policy that has otherwise proven difficult to enforce without state and federal requirements.

The company said the policy will go into effect on Monday July 20, 2020 to allow time to inform customers. About 65% of its more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is already some form of government mandate on face coverings. Walmart joins a growing but still short list of retailers, including most recently Best Buy, to require masks at all of its stores.

Bismarck  (CSi) – Job Service North Dakota reminds claimants that Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) ends the week of July 25, 2020. In addition, the work registration and job search requirements waived by Governor Doug Burgum in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic are being restored, effective July 26, 2020.

WORK SEARCH AND JOB REGISTRATION

Beginning the week of July 26, 2020, claimants who are coded as not returning to their employer after a temporary layoff will be required to search for work and register for employment with Job Service North Dakota or the employment service within the state they reside.

Claimants who are not returning to their employer will be required to complete three work search activities each week. These activities include items such as employer contacts by telephone, internet, and in-person visits.  Claimants will also be required to register for work on Job Service website at jobsnd.com/job-seeker-begin-your-job-search.

The requirement of work search and registration applies to all claim types, both state and federal.  However, if the claimant is a union member who receives jobs via a hiring hall or is an employee who is returning to the employer who temporarily laid the individual off, the claimant will not be required to search for work or register.  These individuals must be available for recall to the union or employer immediately when work is available and begins.  Failure to return to the union or employer when work is offered will result in a stop on the claim and claimants may be denied benefits from the point of refusal.

PUA claimants who are self-employed and not normally eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits will be required to complete a waiver of work search form and submit it to Job Service.  This waiver will be available to self-employed individuals who have not resumed normal business activities.  Due to the nature of self-employment, these individuals will not be required to complete a work search or register for employment unless they have no intent to resume business operations.

FPUC SCHEDULED TO END

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) provided an additional $600 per week to claimants who lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FPUC was passed as part of the CARES Act. The program provides federal reimbursement to states for payment of an additional $600 per week to claimants. The Act states that the program ends July 31, but benefits must be discontinued the week ending July 25, 2020 because that is the last full week, which runs Sunday to Saturday, in July.  By law Job Service cannot pay partial week benefits. As a result, only payment requests for weeks ending on or before July 25 can include the additional $600. State unemployment benefits will continue to be paid after this date, however the benefit payment will no longer include the additional $600/week.

Other provisions of the federal act do not expire until December 26, 2020. This includes Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides an extra 13 weeks of benefits to persons who exhaust traditional benefits, and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides up to 46 weeks of benefits to persons who are self-employed or who would not otherwise qualify for state benefits.

For more information on eligibility requirements, available benefits, and questions about the unemployment process, visit the Job Service North Dakota website, www.jobsnd.com.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Leaders of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in North Dakota have sued the federal government due to an opinion that sides with the state over valuable mineral rights beneath a portion of a man-made lake on the Fort Berthold Indian reservation. The Three Affiliated Tribes’ lawsuit says the Interior Department is attempting to illegally take property ceded to the tribe before statehood. At stake is an estimated $100 million in unpaid royalties and future payments certain to come from oil drilling beneath the Missouri River. The river was dammed by the federal government in the 1950s, flooding more than a tenth of the reservation.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — State environmental officials say an open valve led to a crude oil spill on a well pad in western North Dakota. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality was notified Wednesday of the spill that happened Tuesday northeast of Fairfield in Billings County. Operator Scout Energy Management, LLC estimates about 7,560 gallons of oil were released, impacting rangeland. Officials say a valve was left open on a recirculation pump due to human error. Personnel from the agency are inspecting the site and will continue to monitor the investigation and remediation.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Felony charges of kidnapping and burglary have been dismissed for a Bismarck man who agreed to plead guilty to lesser charges of threatening and assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Carlos Mendez Jr. will spend just a few more days in jail after he was given credit for 115 days behind bars. The 34-year-old victim told police her ex-boyfriend held a knife to her at her home last March and threatened to kill her. He then made her drive to another residence and struck her multiple times as they drove. The 32-year-old Mendez pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of domestic violence, criminal mischief and violating a protection order.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A man accused of killing the husband of his co-defendent near Bismarck last winter wants to be tried separately from the woman. An attorney for Earl Howard argued at a hearing in Burleigh County Tuesday that the criminal background of his client and Nikkisue Entzel are different and that trying them together would be unfair and could lead to a mistrial. Howard is charged with murder, arson and conspiracy in the death of Chad Entzel, whose body was found Jan. 2 after a house fire. An autopsy showed Entzel died of gunshot wounds. Authorities say Entzel and Howard were in a relationship and plotted the victim’s death with plans to cash in on a life insurance policy.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A federal appeals court has temporarily halted a judge’s order that the Dakota Access Pipeline be shut down in three weeks. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Tuesday issued an “administrative stay” of the judge’s order. But The Bismarck Tribune reports that the appeals court said its order “should not be construed in any way as a ruling on the merits” of the case. The stay will remain in place until the appeals court rules on whether developer Energy Transfer can keep oil flowing while the court decides its appeal of the shutdown order.

In sports…

Babe Ruth Baseball

Charlie Brown Field

Wednesday…

Valley City Kings 10 Ashley 0

Valley City Kings 15 Ashley 3

Kings win the league  title

Linton/Wishek  12 Valley City Dukes  4

 

MLB-NEWS

DeGrom, Rizzo dealing with back issues.

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Mets are breathing a sigh of relief after learning their top pitcher should be fine.

A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press that an MRI on two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom showed nothing to be concerned about. DeGrom was examined after leaving Tuesday’s intrasquad start after just one inning because of a sore back.

Any significant injury to deGrom would be an enormous blow to New York during a season shortened to 60 games by the coronavirus. The right-hander had been scheduled to start on opening day July 24 against Atlanta.

The Mets are spending the season without No. 2 starter Noah Syndergaard (SIHN’-dur-gahrd) due to Tommy John surgery.

Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs manager David Ross says it’s too early to talk about first baseman Anthony Rizzo starting the season on the injured list. An MRI on Tuesday showed rib-head inflammation on Rizzo’s left side that is causing spasms, a condition he has dealt with before in his career.

In other MLB camp news:

— Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge homered in an intrasquad game Wednesday after missing five days due to a stiff neck. The team also says right-hander Masahiro (mah-sah-HEE’-roh) Tanaka is scheduled for a bullpen session Thursday, his first action since he was struck on the head by a liner off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton on July 4.

— Astros manager Dusty Baker doesn’t expect reliever Joe Smith to play for them this season. Smith has not reported to camp because of what general manager James Click called concerns for the safety of his family. Smith was placed on the restricted list Tuesday night, but he has not said publicly if he is opting out of the season

— The Red Sox have placed left-handers Eduardo Rodríguez, Josh Taylor, and Darwinzon Hernandez on the injured list while they recover from COVID-19. Rodríguez won 19 games last year and had been the team’s likely opening day starter. The pitchers are eligible to be activated as soon as they have cleared the protocol, but they have not been able to participate in team workouts and would need time to prepare for the season.

— Rangers outfielder Willie Calhoun is expected to miss the start of the season because of a hip strain. Calhoun has been ready to play again after recovering from a broken jaw sustained in a spring training game more than four months ago.

NBA-PACERS-OLADIPO

Oladipo rethinking decision to sit out rest of season

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo (oh-lah-DEE’-poh) is having second thoughts about calling it a season, saying the workouts in Orlando, Florida, have forced him to rethink his decision. Oladipo said less than two weeks ago that he would sit out because of concerns over his surgically repaired right knee. His presence could give the Pacers a big boost when the season resumes, especially with starting guard Malcolm Brogdon also expected to be healthy.

Also, in the NBA:

— Jamal Crawford is about to become the NBA’s oldest player. The 40 year old is back in the NBA, filling one of the spots that the Brooklyn Nets needed to address after their roster was decimated by injuries and coronavirus-related issues coming into the season restart at Walt Disney World. Crawford scored 51 points in his most recent NBA game, though that was back in April 2019.

NASCAR-ALL-STAR RACE

Wallace bumped from contention

BRISTOL, Tenn. (AP) — Chase Elliott has joined his father as winner of NASCAR’s annual All-Star race, earning the $1 million prize in front of limited spectators at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Elliott won the second and third stages of the event and earned the right to choose which lane he wanted to restart for the final 15-lap sprint to the finish. He picked the outside lane and pulled buddy Ryan Blaney with him on the restart but was never challenged before beating Kyle Busch to the finish line.

Bill Elliott won the race in 1986, the only year it was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Bubba Wallace was wrecked out of the qualifying race, ruining his shot of racing for the $1 million prize.

One driver advanced into the All-Star race through a fan vote and Wallace had been leading when results were last updated by NASCAR a week ago. But he was no longer eligible to win the fan vote after he crashed 17 laps into Wednesday night’s qualifying race

 

NFL-NEWS

Titans, Henry work out new contract…Prescott remains tagged

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL’s reigning rushing leader has a new contract. The Dallas Cowboys’ starting quarterback does not.

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a new contract with Derrick Henry just before today’s deadline. The team announced only that it was a multi-year extension, but ESPN.com says it’s a four-year package worth up to $50 million with $25.5 million guaranteed.

The Titans had to sign him Wednesday or let him play this season under the $10.2 million franchise tag he signed April 2.

Henry ran for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns during the 2019 regular season before pouring it on in the playoffs, averaging 149 yards in three games.

Dak Prescott is set to play the upcoming season under the franchise tag after failing to work out a deal with the Cowboys before the Wednesday afternoon deadline.

The two sides have been working for more than a year on a long-term contract for a two-time Pro Bowler who has started every game of his career.

Prescott signed his $31.4 million contract in June. The 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year earned slightly more than $4 million total in the four years of his rookie contract after being drafted in the fourth round.

Kansas City defensive end Chris Jones worked out a pact before the deadline. He and Henry are the only players to sign a new deal among the 14 players who received a franchise tag.

Elsewhere in the NFL:

— Browns defensive end Myles Garrett’s has signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension on Wednesday, making the talented edge rusher the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player. The deal includes $100 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network. Garrett received a six-game suspension last season after ripping a helmet off of Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and striking him in the head with it.

VIRUS AFFECTING SPORTS…

— Philadelphia officials have clarified their ban on public events, opening up the possibility the Eagles would be allowed to have fans in the stadium if the city changes its rules before or during the season, assuming the NFL plays games this season. The city on Tuesday banned all large public events that require public permits through February 2021. Teams will be permitted to play without fans in Philadelphia.

— The Denver Broncos are telling season ticket holders that Empower Field at Mile High won’t be at full capacity this season because of the coronavirus outbreak. Face masks will be required if local officials allow a limited number of fans to attend games to maintain social distancing.

— The Green Bay Packers say they won’t admit fans to any training camp practices or preseason home games due to the pandemic. This also applies to the annual Packers Family Night, an annual event that features a practice and other activities.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Volunteers report multiple positive results for COVID-19 after the university ran a batch of tests last week.

The tests were conducted after the Fourth of July holiday weekend. A spokesman confirmed Wednesday that the positive tests spanned “multiple sports.”

Tennessee previously had two basketball players test positive, with both clearing quarantine.

COLLEGE SPORTS-WISCONSIN

Wisconsin to don black “W”

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin plans to have its sports teams wear a university crest logo with a black “W” to show solidarity with Black and other underrepresented communities on campus.

School officials said the change would take effect whenever Wisconsin sports teams return to action. They said the black “W” is meant to show support, inclusion and unity from Wisconsin athletes, the athletic department and the university as a whole.

NHL-AWARDS

Adams, Calder finalists announced

NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL has announced the finalists for the Jack Adams Award and the Calder Trophy. Columbus’ John Tortorella, Philadelphia’s Alain Vigneault (VEEN’-yoh) and Boston’s Bruce Cassidy are up for the Adams Award, which goes to the Coach of the Year. Colorado’s Cale Makar (mah-KAHR’), Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes and Chicago’s Dominik Kubalik (koo-BAH’-lihk) are the finalists for the Calder Trophy as the top rookie.

LONDON (AP) — FIFA (FEE’-fuh) has announced a 2022 World Cup schedule that will have four games every day in a 12-day group stage. Matches later in the tournament that go into extra time will extend past midnight in Qatar. Eight venues in close proximity to Doha will be used at the tournament, which will be played in 28 days rather than the 32 days used in Russia to minimize the disruption to the European season.

HORSE RACING-BAFFERT SUSPENDED

Triple-Crown-winning trainer gets 15-day ban

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert has been suspended for 15 days by the Arkansas Racing Commission after two of his horses tested positive for a banned substance. Baffert-trained horses Charlatan and Gamine each tested positive for lidocaine in two rounds of testing after winning races at the Hot Springs, Arkansas, track on May 2. The commission said the suspension will run from Aug. 1 -15.

UNDATED (AP) — Olympic ski racing champion Bode Miller is launching a winter sports academy to help produce the next wave of standouts.

He’s partnering with the Institute for Civic Leadership Academy to open an online learning program geared toward students in grades 7-12.

Miller’s responsibilities include direct communication with students, along with creating video content, workouts and webinars to help local club coaches better instruct their athletes. That’s the blueprint for now in this time of the COVID-19 crisis. Miller envisions opening an actual school in Big Sky, Montana, down the road.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Unemployment remains painfully high in the U.S. even as economic activity slowly picks up. That reality will be on display Thursday morning when the U.S. government releases data on the number of laid off workers who sought unemployment benefits last week, as well as how retailers did in June. Both reports will be closely watched as new confirmed cases of coronavirus rise in 40 states, including huge spikes in large states such as California, Texas and Florida, which threaten to slow the nascent economic recovery.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Rose Parade has been canceled and San Francisco is doubling down on business restrictions as California hits a near-record level of confirmed coronavirus cases. The state reported more than 11,000 additional confirmed cases of the virus between Monday and Tuesday and 140 deaths. Those are the second-highest one-day totals. In Los Angeles County, rising caseloads and hospitalizations prompted the public health director Wednesday to warn that the area is in an “alarming and dangerous phase.” San Francisco said it will keep its tough restrictions on business openings in place. And the 2021 Rose Parade was canceled over virus concerns.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is shaking up his campaign amid sinking poll numbers less than four months before the election, replacing campaign manager Brad Parscale with veteran GOP operative Bill Stepien. The president announced the move Wednesday night on Facebook. Trump and Parscale’s relationship has been strained since a Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally that drew a dismal crowd, infuriating the president. Parscale was a political novice when he ran Trump’s digital advertising in 2016 and was credited with helping bring about his surprise victory. Stepien has been in politics for years, working for former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and serving as Trump’s national field director in 2016.

 

LONDON (AP) — The European Union’s top court has ruled that an agreement that allows big tech companies to transfer data to the United States is invalid, and that national regulators need to take tougher action to protect the privacy of users’ data. Thursday’s ruling does not mean an immediate halt to all data transfers outside the EU, as there is another legal mechanism that some companies can use. But it means that the scrutiny over data transfers will be ramped up and that the EU and U.S. may have to find a new system that guarantees that Europeans’ data is afforded the same privacy protection in the U.S. as it is in the EU.

 

(AP) Unidentified hackers have broken into the Twitter accounts of technology moguls, politicians, celebrities and major companies in an apparent Bitcoin scam. The ruse discovered Wednesday included bogus tweets from Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Mike Bloomberg and a number of tech billionaires including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The fake tweets offered to send $2,000 for every $1,000 sent to a bitcoin address. Twitter said it was aware of a “security incident impacting accounts on Twitter” and was working to fix it. The FBI also said it was aware of Twitter’s security breach, but declined further comment.

 

BEIJING (AP) — A state-owned Chinese company is boasting that its employees received doses of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine even before the government approved testing in people. Whether SinoPharm’s claim is viewed as heroic sacrifice or a violation of international ethical norms, it underscores the enormous stakes as China competes with Western companies to be first with a vaccine. China is testing more candidates than any other country, but it must overcome distrust after past vaccine scandals. SinoPharm is gambling that reassuring people at home that researchers trust the vaccine enough to self-experiment will overcome any questions abroad.