CSi Weather…

.REST OF TODAY…Mostly sunny.  Chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may be severe in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 30 percent in the Jamestown area, 20 percent in the Valley City area . Heat index 90 to 95.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening,  in the Jamestown area, 40 percent in the Valley City area, then mostly clear after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the west after midnight.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Northwest winds 5 to

10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 60s. Northeast

winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the southeast after midnight.

.SUNDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 80s. Southeast winds 5 to

10 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. A 30 percent chance of showers

and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 60s.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.

.TUESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

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

and thunderstorms after midnight. Lows in the mid 60s.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 50s.

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

thunderstorms in the morning. Highs in the upper 70s.

 

From around mid afternoon into early Friday evening there is a chance of strong to severe thunderstorms. Main hazards from these storms will be quarter to ping pong size hail and 60 mph winds.

There is a chance of thunderstorms on Sunday, with perhaps an
isolated strong to severe storm possible. Otherwise, the
probability for widespread hazardous weather is low.

 

Jamestown   (CVHD) Central Valley Health District will work in partnership with the University of Jamestown and the North Dakota National Guard to offer Coronavirus testing,  on August 21 and 22 for college students only as they are welcomed on campus at the University of Jamestown.  This testing will be strictly for UJ students only.

“We will no longer be offering large-scale testing events and will be moving towards smaller weekly events to ensure availability of testing for those who are close contact or symptomatic,” says Robin Iszler, Unit Administrator at Central Valley Health District.

 

Jamestown   (JPD)  Jamestown Police reports that on August 19, 2020, at approximately 10:11-p.m., the Jamestown Police Department was dispatched to the 1200 block of 8 Ave SE, on a report of gunshots being fired in the alley.

Assistant Police Chief, Major Justin Blinsky reports that the caller reported hearing a female screaming and threatening to kill a male. After the threats were made, the caller heard 3 gunshots.
Officers responded and located a male and female in the area, along with a vehicle associated with one of the parties involved. Both subjects were safely detained. Officers obtained statements from both individuals and witnesses. It was determined there had been a physical altercation between the male and female and they were in a domestic relationship.

During further investigation into the incident, a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle. A search of a vehicle located a firearm, ammunition, a spent shell casing, and a metal blunt object, which was used during the altercation.
Based on the statements obtained and evidence collected, 33-year-old Jeromy Ray Mark was arrested on suspicion of Aggravated Domestic Assault. Mark is accused of causing injury to a domestic partner, by using a blunt metal object. Mark is currently staying in Jamestown but does have ties to Oregon.
32-year-old Krystal Lynn Berglund was initially transported to Jamestown Regional Medical Center for medical evaluation. After she was medically cleared, Berglund was arrested on suspicion of Terrorizing, as she is accused of making terroristic threats toward an individual and discharging a firearm during this incident. Berglund is from Pilot Rock, Oregon.
Both subjects were transported to Stutsman County Corrections, awaiting formal charges.

The Jamestown Police Department was assisted by the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office. This incident remains under investigation. If anyone has any further information regarding this incident, please contact the Jamestown Police Department at 701-252-1000.

Jamestown (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council met in  special meeting on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at 10:30 AM, at City Hall, to consider the concurrence of NDDOT bid award for the Main Street Road Diet project as requested by the NDDOT.   All members were present,  Council Member Buchanan joined by phone.

City Engineering Travis Dillman said the total project costs come to $2,255,057.55.

The city’s share of the project costs $241,368.

He said if the city rejects the Road Diet project it will cost the city $375,000, to reimburse the NDDOT and federal dollars put into the project, including traffic studies.

Dillman said the traffic lights that were turned off on First Avenue, will not be turned back on and eliminated.

Council Member Steele expressed his concerns on the project.

He indicated safety and business concerns, specifically with business disruptions during the project, and lost revenue.

Dillman said businesses will be informed on the progress of staged construction plans.

Yet this year pavement striping will be done, indicating the reduction of lanes to three lanes, one in each direction plus the turning lanes.  Next spring additional project work will include installing the bump outs and bike racks.

Steele noted concerns about pedestrian safety at the crossings onto First Avenue.  Dillman said he will be contacting the NDDOT concerning erecting signage or flashing beacons, to assist pedestrians, to safely cross the street.

Mayor Heinrich said the plan will improve traffic flow in Jamestown, while saying the NDDOT “made a mistake,” in not including a traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and First Avenue, North.  He added that the striping of the pavement should have occurred as a test of the traffic lane changes, even before the project plans moved forward.  He said residents that have concerns or more questions about the Road Diet should directly contact the NDDOT.

Following the discussion the City Council unanimously passed a Resolution approving the concurrence of NDDOT bid award for the Main Street Road Diet project as requested by the NDDOT.

The low bid of  $2,255,057.55 was awarded to Tezac Concrete of Minnesota.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67 followed by replays and on CSi 10 The Replay Channel.

 

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats.

Thurs. August 20, 2020

Posted at 11-a.m.

BY THE NUMBERS

7,738 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

414,477 – Total tests completed since pandemic began

274 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday

9,242 – Total positive individuals since pandemic began

3.54% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

1,394 – Total Active Cases

+185 Individuals from yesterday

68 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday****

7,718 – Total recovered since pandemic began

45 – Currently Hospitalized

-4 individuals from yesterday


0 – New Deaths*** (130 total deaths since the pandemic began)


COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED THURSDAY

Barnes New Positive 1

Barnes Total Positives 49

Barnes Active 9

Barnes Recovered 39

  • Benson County – 20
  • Burleigh County – 50
  • Cass County – 21
  • Dickey County – 1
  • Dunn County – 3
  • Eddy County – 1
  • Emmons County – 1
  • Golden Valley County – 1
  • Grand Forks County – 32
  • Hettinger County – 2
  • McLean County – 5
  • Morton County – 14
  • Pierce County – 2
  • Ramsey County – 5
  • Ransom County – 1
  • Rolette County – 1
  • Sioux County – 2
  • Slope County – 1
  • Stark County – 65
  • Stutsman County  3 New Positives
  • Stutsman  Total Positives 134
  • Stutsman Active 5
  • Stutsman Recovered 126
  • Traill County – 1
  • Walsh County – 5
  • Ward County – 34
  • Williams County – 3

 

* 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.
**** The daily numbers are the actual date individuals are officially out of isolation and no longer contagious. The number you get by subtracting today’s number from yesterday’s number is the overall change in what has been reported to us.

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.

 

Jamestown   (CSi)  A free outdoor poetry reading by North Dakota’s Poet Laureate Larry Woiwode is planned for Sunday August 23,2020 at 2 p.m. at the  1883 Stutsman County Courthouse at 504 3rd Ave. SE, Jamestown. The family-friendly presentation will showcase original works by the award-winning writer.

Seating will not be provided. Those attending are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair, and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations on social distancing and personal hygiene. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be canceled.

Woiwode is a recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award and an award-winning novelist of 16 books. He has been published in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Esquire, Harper’s and The Paris Review and been named a Guggenheim Fellow, a John Dos Passos Prize winner, a recipient of the William Faulkner Foundation Award and received the Medal of Merit from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

The courthouse is open to a limited number of visitors at one time with new health and safety protocols for staff and visitors. Heightened cleaning protocols are in place, hands-on exhibits are closed at this time, and building visitors are asked to follow the CDC’s recommendations on social distancing and personal hygiene.

Marlene Axtman

Jamestown  (JRMC)  Healthcare staff at Jamestown Regional Medical Center are on the front-lines of fighting the pandemic every day.

Physicians, nurses, technicians and hospital support staff face the challenge of providing care for patients with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), sometimes risking getting sick to help others.

President of the JRMC Auxiliary, Marlene Axtman says, “They honor us with their legendary commitment and dedication.  In moments of medical need, these dedicated healthcare workers supported our community, no matter the time of day or day of the week.”

To support those healthcare workers and patient care in the region, the JRMC Auxiliary is hosting pop-up shopping events, featuring merchandise from the JRMC Gift Shoppe.

Ms. Axtman adds, “We are bringing the Gift Shoppe to the people.  Since visitation is limited at JRMC, we’re creating a safe and socially distanced shopping experience at Babb’s Coffee House.”

Babb’s Coffee House is a JRMC Community Difference Partner, supporting JRMC Foundation at a level of $1,000 or more each year. A list of supporters and their giving levels are online at www.jrmcnd.com/giving.

Every gift purchased from the JRMC Gift Shoppe gives twice.

JRMC’s Volunteer & Community Development Coordinator. Gian Olson says, “It supports your loved one.  It also supports healthcare workers and patient care at JRMC because the proceeds go to the Foundation.” JRMC is an award-winning destination of care for many reasons. One of them is the awesome support from our Auxiliary and the community.”

In 2020, JRMC received both the Top 20 Critical Access Hospital award from the National Rural Hospital Association as well as a Top 100 Best Places to Work award from Modern Healthcare.

The Auxiliary consists of 40 or so individuals who volunteer their time to support and fundraiser for JRMC. Since 1973 the Auxiliary has raised more than $432,000 for JRMC Foundation.

Ms Axtman adds, “We support JRMC because we know that one day we may need its care. JRMC also supports our children and grandchildren, so we want the hospital to continue to grow and succeed.”

Merchandise available at the pop-up shopping event includes clothing, handbags, accessories, fall décor as well as sales, specials and door prizes. The event is set for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Babb’s Coffee House meeting room.

Learn more at jrmcnd.com/giving.

 

Following Story/ Photo Courtesy of Lisa Wagner For CSiNewsNow.com

Jamestown  People will be circling the Jamestown Reservoir a lot more this month than normal as Ave Maria Village will be hosting its annual Fun Walk.

“I came up with the idea for the walk six years ago when Jan Barnes was the development director,” said Lisa Wagner, Ave Maria Village volunteer.

“We wanted to come up with a big event to raise funds for the Private Room Campaign and something that could also unite the community to join together to do something fun and healthy.”

Annie Hancock, the development director for Ave Maria, said the Private Room Campaign is a series of projects all with the ultimate goal of adding more private rooms to the facility for Ave residents.

“Essentially the Private Room Campaign encompasses a lot of ‘smaller’ projects that needed to be completed before we can start on our private rooms,”

Hancock said. “The part of the campaign we are in now is renovating our original kitchen from 1962. Once that project is completed, we will be able to start the private rooms.”

Wagner said this year, because of the pandemic, Ave Maria could not safely host an in-person event. The Fun Walk has had strong community support in the past so Ave Maria decided to take its shot at a virtual event. Participants can walk anywhere and anytime during the month of August. Registration forms are available on the Ave Maria Village Facebook page or people can contact Hancock at annie.hancock@smphs. org or by phone at (701) 952-5677.

Interested parties can mail registration forms and $10 to Ave Maria.

Participants are encouraged to take a picture of their walk and tag the Ave Maria Facebook page.

“We are unsure what to expect this year as far as numbers, but I am optimistic that we will perhaps have even better participation this year because we live in such a loving, supportive community,” Wagner said. “We want the whole community to continue to support this very worthy cause even though it may look different this year. The Private Room Campaign is going to make a significant impact on the quality of life of the residents of Ave Maria.”

The original course offered the flexibility to walk a one-mile loop, located on the north side of Ave Maria by the reservoir, just one time or up to four times, depending on one’s fitness level.

Participants could take a leisurely stroll or speed walk but Wagner said organizers just wanted to encourage people of all ages and fitness levels to get out there and move.

“Walking is one of the easiest ways to help you stay fit and increase your quality of life at any age,” Wagner said.

“I had found most other walks in the community are a 5K or more – and many people are intimidated by that distance, especially older seniors or those just starting their fitness journey.

“Therefore many people would just not participate in events such as these – I wanted to change that. I wanted a walk that everyone could feel comfortable participating in – all while supporting the dear sweet residents of Ave Maria.”

Wagner said the Fun Walk is different from other walks in that it is designed to meet the needs of everyone – young or old, in shape or out of shape, super fit or people just starting their fitness journey.

Wagner said Ave Maria Village is dedicated to the health and well-being of its residents and the community.

“Getting out for a walk is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wagner said. “Let’s face it – this has been a stressful time for everyone. Exercise and physical activity is a proven way to help deal with that stress. Walking is good for us both physically and mentally.”

Hancock said holding the event virtually creates an opportunity for those across the United States to participate in the walk.

“The North Dakota Long Term Care Association’s theme through this COVID-19 journey has been to find the silver lining in the struggles we are facing as facilities,”

Hancock said. “I extended that challenge to this event.

While it is unfortunate we can’t come together as friends and supporters of Ave Maria Village and walk together, hosting the event virtually and essentially whenever it works best for those who participate allows people from all over to support Ave Maria Village through this fundraiser.”   Original Story:  kgerber@jamestownsun.com / @ GerberKaitlyn on Twitter

 

Fargo  (VA)  The Fargo Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (2101 Elm Street N., Fargo) will host a New Veteran Orientation on Aug. 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., in room 1D-42/43.

Face coverings and pre-registration is required. Call (701) 239-3700 extension 4420 to pre-register. Seating is limited to maintain social distancing. The free orientation is open to all Veterans interested in learning more about the Fargo VA Health Care System. Veterans may bring one guest, such as a fellow Veteran or family member. During the orientation, attendees will receive information regarding health benefits and resources available within the Fargo VA Health Care System. The New Veteran Orientation is an opportunity for our enrolled Veterans to learn all the ins and outs of the Fargo VA Health Care System. The orientation is a great first step for Veterans to equip themselves with important information and knowledge to ensure they take full advantage of everything the Fargo VA Health Care System has to offer.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A company that operates electronic pull tab machines in North Dakota has agreed to dismiss its lawsuit against state officials who suspended its gaming license. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem ordered in July that nearly 500 machines built by Powerhouse Gaming be shut down because the company failed to show it had purchased a software license for each device. Powerhouse Gaming sued, alleging it was unfairly targeted, and sought monetary damages and a restraining order that would allow it to continue operating. The terms of the dismissal are not included in court documents, nor is the status of Powerhouse’s ability to operate in North Dakota.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A Fargo selection committee has picked a new police chief. David Zibolski was among three finalists for the job. The candidates were given the chance to present a 90-day action plan outlining the steps they would take initially if given the chance. The Fargo Police Chief Selection Committee interviewed the three on topics that ranged from handling protests and rioting to improving morale in the department. Committee members say a priority for the new chief is implementing the use of body cameras for all officers. It’s something Zibolski did as police chief in Beloit, Wisconsin. His selection will need to be approved by the Fargo City Commission.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s longest-serving Supreme Court justice expected he would be released from the hospital this week where he has been recovering from COVID-19. Justice Gerald VandeWalle, who has been on the court for 42 years, has been hospitalized at Sanford Health in Bismarck since Aug. 3. The 87-year-old justice says the virus has been much more debilitating than a typical cold or flu. VandeWalle tells the Bismarck Tribune that he lost a lot of his strength while confined to his room. He says he has been keeping up with his work on the court, reading emails and printed briefs and drafting opinions.

In sports…

NBA-DRAFT LOTTERY

Wolves win lottery

UNDATED (AP) — The Timberwolves have won the NBA draft lottery and will have the first pick in the October 16 draft.

The Timberwolves were 19-45 this season, marking the 14th time in 15 years that they failed to make the playoffs and finished with a losing record.

The Warriors hold the No. 2 pick, the Hornets got the No. 3 selection and the Bulls will choose fourth. Charlotte and Chicago both bucked some odds to move into the upper echelon.

The lottery was conducted virtually because of the pandemic, with NBA officials doing the actual draw in Secaucus, New Jersey.

NBA PLAYOFFS

Heat take 2-0 lead

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The NBA’s two No. 1 seeds have knotted their respective first-round series at a game apiece, rebounding from Tuesday’s stunning losses.

The Milwaukee Bucks built a 23-point, first-half lead and coasting to a 111-96 win over the Magic. Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH’-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON’-poh) led the way with 28 points and 20 rebounds for the Bucks, who let Orlando get within nine in the fourth quarter before pulling away.

Brook Lopez finished with 20 points and Pay Cannaughton added 15 on 5 of 8 from 3-point range.

Nikola Vucevic (voo-CHEH’-vihk) had 32 points for the Magic, who missed 13 straight field-goal attempts in the first half and 19 of 20 at one point.

The Los Angeles Lakers rolled to a 111-88 win over the Trail Blazers as Anthony Davis furnished 31 points and 11 rebounds. Davis scored 21 points in the first half to help the Lakers take a 56-39 lead.

The Lakers carried a 31-point lead into the final period despite a quiet night from LeBron James, who had 10 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

The Blazers finished the game without All-Star guard Damian Lillard, who scored 18 points before dislocating his left index finger in the third quarter. CJ McCollum had 13 points and Carmelo Anthony was held to just two for Portland.

In other Game-2 NBA action:

— The Rockets are up 2-0 in their opening-round series after James Harden’s 21 points and nine assists led a 111-98 win over the Thunder. Houston set an NBA playoff record by heaving up 56 3-point attempts, making 19. Danuel (DAN’-yoo-uhl) House Jr. delivered 19 points to help the Rockets win without Russell Westbrook, who sat out again with a right quad strain. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points for the Thunder, who led by six at halftime before scoring just 39 the rest of the way.

— Duncan Robinson finished with 24 points and hit his first six shots, all from 3-point range to help the Heat beat the Pacers, 109-100. He provided Miami’s first three buckets and didn’t miss until midway through the third quarter on his way to a team playoff record-tying seven treys. Goran Dragic (DRAH’-gihch) scored 20 points and Jimmy Butler had 18 as Miami took a 2-0 lead in its series.

 

NHL-STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

Isles oust Caps in 5

EDMONTON (AP) — The New York Islanders played their style for 60 minutes and advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by defeating the Washington Capitals, 4-0 in Game 5. The Dallas Stars used the opposite approach to wrap up their series in six games, scoring seven times on just 24 shots in a 7-3 thrashing of the Flames.

The Islanders were 1-for-19 on the power play in the series until Anthony Beauvillier (boh-VIH’-lee-ay) scored with the man advantage midway through the first period. Beauvillier also tallied in the second period.

Nick Leddy and Josh Bailey added empty-netters. Bailey also assisted on Beauvillier’s two goals as New York made the most out of their 17 shots.

Semyon Varlamov (SEHM’-yahn vahr-LAH’-mahv) stopped 21 shots for his third career playoff shutout and first since 2009 with the Capitals. He allowed just eight goals in the series.

The Stars spotted Calgary a 3-0 lead before Denis Gurianov (gur-ee-AH’-nahv) scored a career-high four goals and had an assist to lead Dallas to the second round. Gurianov notched a hat trick in the Stars’ five-game second period and added his fourth goal of the night midway through the third.

Veteran Joe Pavelski added a goal and an assist for the Stars, who won the last three games of the series.

Radek Faksa and Miro Heiskanen (MEER’-oh HYS’-kah-nehn) also scored for Dallas.

MLB

— Nelson Cruz Jr. smacked a two-run homer and Jorge Polanco laced a two-run double in the Twins’ 7-1 downing of the Brewers. Jose Berrios (beh-REE’-ohs) struck out nine and limited Milwaukee to just one hit over six scoreless innings.

UNDATED (AP) — There’s a new occupant atop the AL East standings after the Tampa Bay Rays completed their first three-game sweep at Yankee Stadium in six years.

Mike Zunino belted a three-run homer while the Rays scored five times in the sixth inning of a 10-5 victory in the Bronx. Yandy Díaz padded the lead in the ninth with a two-run homer, helping Tampa Bay withstand home runs by Gio Urshela (ur-SHEH’-luh) and Luke Voit.

The sweep comes after the Yankees tied a club record with 10 consecutive home wins to start the season. Thursday’s loss drops them a half-game behind the division-leading Rays, who have won 11 of their last 12.

Elsewhere around the majors:

— The Astros extended their major league-best winning streak to eight games with a 10-8 victory over the Rockies. Abraham Toro homered in the second of two five-run innings by Houston.

— Matt Chapman drove in three with a pair of homers and Matt Olson added a two-run blast in the Athletics’ 5-1 verdict over the Diamondbacks. Sean Manaea (mah-NY’-ah) had his best start of the year, allowing one run over 5 1/3 innings to lower his ERA to 6.39.

 

— Lucas Giolito (jee-ah-LEE’-toh) struck out 13 over seven innings and combined with Jimmy Cordero on a five-hitter in the White Sox’s fifth straight win, a 9-0 pounding of the Tigers. Eloy Jimenez hit a two-run homer, Jose Abreu (ah-BRAY’-oo) drove in two and Tim Anderson went 2-for-4 with a homer while lifting his average to .379.

— Unbeaten Shane Bieber racked up 11 more strikeouts and the Indians blanked the Pirates, 2-0 to complete a three-game sweep and extend their winning streak to a season-high six games. Bieber is 5-0 and has struck out a major league-best 65 in 40 2/3 innings, an average of 14.4 per nine frames.

— The Orioles dropped their fifth in a row as Nathan Eovaldi (eh-VAHL’-dee) allowed five hits over seven innings of the Red Sox’s 7-1 win at Baltimore. Xander Bogaerts (BOH’-gahrts) and Mitch Moreland homered in Boston’s second straight win since a nine-game losing streak.

— Clayton Kershaw struck out a season-high 11 in seven strong innings to pitch the Dodgers to their eighth win in nine games, 6-1 versus the Mariners. Cody Bellinger homered for the second straight game and Matt Beaty’s RBI double sparked the Dodgers’ four-run third.

— The Blue Jays took the opener of their doubleheader by defeating the Phillies, 3-2 on an RBI single by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in the seventh and final inning. Santiago Espinal had a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning and Craig Biggio tied the game with an RBI double in the sixth before Toronto completed its fourth win in a row.

— The Blue Jays swept the seven-inning twinbill as Rowdy Tellez (teh-LEHZ’) homered and hit a go-ahead two-run single in a seven-run sixth that keyed a frantic comeback in a 9-8 win over the Phils. The Phillies jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first inning, capped by Andrew McCutchen’s three-run double.

— Kolten Wong’s RBI single capped the Cardinals’ three-run ninth in a 5-4 triumph over the Reds. Cincinnati carried a 4-2 lead into the final inning before Yadier Molina hit an RBI single and Tyler O’Neil scored on a balk. Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina has returned to the starting lineup after missing almost three weeks with COVID-19.

— The Padres came away with an 8-7 win over the Rangers on Jake Cronenworth’s RBI single in the bottom of the 10th. San Diego became the first team in major league history to hit a grand slam in four straight games when Eric Hosmer delivered a bases-loaded bomb in the fifth inning.

— The Giants rolled to a 10-5 win over the Angels behind Wilmer Flores, who was 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and four RBIs. Brandon Crawford also went deep and Kevin Gausman allowed four runs over 5 1/3 innings for his first win since joining San Francisco.

MLB-NEWS

Two Mets personnel test positive for COVID-19

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Mets are the latest major league team to see their schedule altered because of the coronavirus.

MLB says two members of the Mets organization have tested positive for COVID-19. That has forced the postponement of their games Thursday in Miami and Friday against the New York Yankees. Major League Baseball says the postponements are “out of an abundance of caution and to allow for additional testing and contact tracing to be conducted.”

In other MLB news:

— Marlins shortstop Miguel Rojas has become the first player sidelined by the team’s coronavirus outbreak to return. Rojas last played on July 26, when the virus spread so widely among the Marlins that their season was suspended for eight days.

— The Yankees have placed reliever Zack Britton on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring. He was injured in Wednesday’s loss to the Rays.

— Pirates President Travis Williams has tested positive for COVID-19 and says he is “on the road to recovery.” He says he knows of no other positive tests within the organization.

— Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. says he is cancer free after surgery in March to remove a tumor from his prostate. Ripken was diagnosed in February and wasn’t experiencing symptoms, but bloodwork results prompted a visit to a urologist. He initially wanted to keep his story secret but hopes his experience encourages others to be tested.

NFL-NEWS

Browns CB Johnson hospitalized with lacerated liver

UNDATED (AP) — Cleveland Browns cornerback Kevin Johnson remains hospitalized with a lacerated liver, a serious injury sustained in practice when rookie tight end Harrison Bryant landed on him during a routine play.

Johnson was signed this past offseason by Cleveland and expected to be the team’s starting nickel back. He was admitted to University Hospitals on Wednesday.

The team said the 28-year-old is resting comfortably and expected to remain in the hospital for at least another 24 hours for observation.

Liver lacerations can range in severity from mild to very severe to fatal.

In other NFL news:

— Injuries continue to mount for the Super Bowl-champion Chiefs. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill left midway through practice Thursday with a hamstring injury. The severity of the injury was not immediately known. Kansas City was already missing wide receiver Sammy Watkins, left tackle Eric Fisher, defensive end Frank Clark, defensive tackle Chris Jones, cornerback Lavert Hill and tight ends Ricky Seals-Jones and Deon Yelder.

— The Bills are calling their home field “Bills Stadium” after they were unable to find a new naming rights partner before the start of the season. The Buffalo-based New Era Cap Company backed out of its naming rights agreement last month at a time the global sports headwear and clothing apparel company was laying off more than 100 employees as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-NEWS

Georgia St. QB out for season

UNDATED (AP) — Georgia State freshman quarterback Mikele Colasurdo will not be able to play this season after being diagnosed with a heart condition related to COVID-19.

Colasurdo announced the diagnosis Thursday on his Twitter account, depriving the Panthers of a top prospect who enrolled in the spring and was expected to contend for the starting position.

In other college football news:

— Notre Dame announced five football players have tested positive in two rounds of coronavirus testing this week. The athletic department said the football program decided to test twice this week in light of the university’s decision Tuesday to move to remote learning because of a COVID-19 outbreak on campus.

— West Virginia’s season opener against Eastern Kentucky on Sept. 12. will be held without fans because of the pandemic. The school said in a statement only essential game operations personnel and families of the players and football staff will be allowed to attend.

— Six UConn football players have tested positive for the coronavirus, leading the school to suspend all team activities. UConn canceled its football season this month, but the team still had been practicing on Tuesdays and Thursdays and doing weight training on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

— South Carolina has lost one of its most anticipated offensive newcomers for the season after tailback MarShawn Lloyd tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee at practice. Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp said it was a non-contact injury during workouts Wednesday.

FOX-BRENNAMAN-GAY SLUR

Fox says Brennaman won’t announce NFL games

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Thom Brennaman will not be calling NFL games on Fox after using an anti-gay slur on air during a Cincinnati Reds broadcast on Wednesday.

Fox Sports issued a statement Thursday saying that “we are moving forward with our NFL schedule which will not include him.” Fox also said Brennaman’s remarks were “abhorrent, unacceptable, and not representative of the values of Fox Sports.”

Brennaman had been a part of Fox’s NFL announcer lineup since they started televising the league in 1994. He had also called Major League Baseball games for the network from 1996 to 2014.

The Reds announced late Wednesday that the 56-year old broadcaster was suspended. The team also issued an apology for the “horrific, homophobic remark.”

PGA-NORTHERN TRUST OPEN

4-way tie through 18

NORTON, Mass. (AP) — Harris English shares the lead with Kevin Streelman, Cameron Davis of Australia and Russell Henley through one round of the PGA’s Northern Trust Open near Boston.

English birdied four straight holes on the back nine before signing off for a 7-under 64. He is ranked 27th in the FedEx Cup after beginning the year without a full PGA Tour card.

Among those at 65 were Louis Oosthuizen (WUHST’-hy-zehn), Charley Hoffman and Scott Piercy, all well outside the top 70 of those trying to qualify for next week’s $9.5 million event.

Tiger Woods opened with a 68 that featured five birdies over his last 10 holes.

GOLF-WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN

Olson leads Women’s British Open

TROON, Scotland (AP) — American Amy Olson mastered brutal conditions at Royal Troon to shoot 4-under 67 and lead the Women’s British Open by three strokes after the first round. It is the first women’s major of a pandemic-affected golfing year.

Sophia Popov of Germany and Marina Alex of the U.S. share second following 70s. They are the only other players to shoot under par in extremely windy conditions in eastern Scotland.

In world and national news…

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Joe Biden has accepted the Democratic presidential nomination, vowing to take on national crises and declaring that “we will overcome this season of darkness.” Biden’s nomination marks the pinnacle — so far — of a political career that has spanned almost a half-century. The former vice president at 77 years old would be the oldest president ever elected. Biden was saluted by former Democratic foes as he became the party’s official standard bearer for the campaign against President Donald Trump in November. Biden focused on uniting the deeply divided nation as Americans grapple with a monthslong health crisis, related economic devastation and a national awakening on racial justice.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s foreign minister has sent a letter to the U.N. Security Council saying the U.S. has no right to demand the restoration of U.N. sanctions against Iran. According to the Foreign Ministry’s website on Friday, Mohammad Javad Zarif said the U.S. lost the right to make demands in 2018 when it withdrew from the nuclear deal between Iran and major world powers. He also said America’s unilateral pullout violated a U.N. resolution that required signatories to avoid any damage to the deal. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday officially informed the U.N. it is demanding the restoration of all U.N. sanctions on Iran, but allies and opponents declared the U.S. action illegal and doomed to failure.

 

CAIRO (AP) — Libya’s U.N.-supported government announced a cease-fire across the country and called for demilitarizing the strategic city of Sirte, which is controlled by rival forces. In a separate statement Friday, Aguila Saleh, speaker of the rival east-based House of Representatives, also called for a cease-fire. The announcements came amid fears of an escalation in the more than 9-year-old conflict. Both administrations called for an end to an oil blockade imposed by the camp of military commander Khalifa Hifter since earlier this year. Hifter is an ally to the parliament speaker. They also called for oil revenues, the country’s main source of revenue, to flow into the bank account of the National Oil Corporation outside Libya.

 

 

NEW YORK (AP) — The star of “Veep” brought some bite to her role at the Democrats’ virtual convention. Actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus took several shots at President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in her role as the celebrity host for the final night of the convention. After joking that the 30330 text number for information on Democrat Joe Biden’s campaign would be Trump’s golf score “if he didn’t cheat,” Louis-Dreyfus gleefully said Thursday she was proud to be a “nasty woman.” She called Pence “Pints,” “Paints” and “Poonce” in an obvious reference to some Republicans’ difficulty — intentional or not — in pronouncing Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ first name.

 

OLD FORGE, Pa. (AP) — President Donald Trump has taken the fight for Pennsylvania to Joe Biden’s old backyard, insisting his Democratic rival would be the state’s “worst nightmare” if elected president. In a particularly in-your-face bit of campaign trolling, Trump staged a small rally just outside the former vice president’s birthplace in Scranton mere hours before Biden was to formally accept the Democratic presidential nomination. Trump insists Biden is “no friend of Pennsylvania.” The former vice president is particularly suited in the Democratic field to carry Pennsylvania, with his deep ties to Scranton and messages catering to white working-class voters and Black voters in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.