CSi  Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 40s. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 20s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

.SATURDAY…Sunny. Highs in the lower 40s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 30 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s. Northwest

winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s. West winds 5 to

10 mph.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 20s.

.MONDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 40s.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows in the mid 20s.

.THURSDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.

 

From the 125th Anniversary Calendar of Jamestown History  

This Day In History, December 4, 1947 – Plans were underway for Army to build the James River Dam in 1952. Twelve million dollars is the estimated cost of this project.

 

 

ND Covid Stats

Thurs. Dec. 3, 2020

10:00-a.m.

Barnes County

New Positives:  33

Total Positives: 1080

Active:  127

Recovered:  935

 

Stutsman County

NEW DEATHS 1
Man in his 70s

TOTAL DEATHS 45

New Positives: 16

Total Positives: 2663

Active:  159

Recovered:   2459

 

COVID-19 Test Results 
The results listed are from the previous day. Additional data can be found on the NDDoH website.


BY THE NUMBERS

10,977 – Total Tests from Yesterday*

1,164,267 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

978 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

81,105 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

9.65% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

5,461 – Total Active Cases

+225 Individuals from Yesterday

734 – Individuals Recovered from Yesterday (640 with a recovery date of yesterday****)

74,667 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

306 – Currently Hospitalized

+5 – Individuals from yesterday

 

11 – New Deaths*** (977 total deaths since the pandemic began) 

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

  • Man in his 80s from Burleigh County.
  • Woman in her 40s from Burleigh County.
  • Man in his 70s from Cass County.
  • Woman in her 90s from Cass County.
  • Man in his 70s from Cass County.
  • Woman in her 70s from Divide County.
  • Woman in her 100s from Foster County.
  • Woman in her 90s from Grand Forks County.
  • Man in his 80s from Ramsey County.
  • Man in his 70s from Stutsman County.
  • Woman in her 90s from Ward County.

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED THURSDAY

  • Adams County – 6
  • Barnes County – 33
  • Benson County – 6
  • Bottineau County – 5
  • Burke County – 3
  • Burleigh County – 99
  • Cass County – 230
  • Cavalier County – 2
  • Dickey County – 6
  • Dunn County – 2
  • Eddy County – 4
  • Emmons County – 3
  • Foster County – 3
  • Golden Valley County – 2
  • Grand Forks County – 76
  • Griggs County – 3
  • Hettinger County – 4
  • Kidder County – 1
  • LaMoure County – 1
  • Logan County – 3
  • McHenry County – 8
  • McIntosh County – 1
  • McKenzie County – 15
  • McLean County – 21
  • Mercer County – 20
  • Morton County – 47
  • Mountrail County – 16
  • Nelson County – 1
  • Pembina County – 12
  • Pierce County – 7
  • Ramsey County – 21
  • Ransom County – 10
  • Renville County – 1
  • Richland County – 42
  • Rolette County – 69
  • Sargent County – 14
  • Sheridan County – 3
  • Sioux County – 9
  • Stark County – 10
  • Steele County – 3
  • Stutsman County – 16
  • Towner County – 3
  • Traill County – 11
  • Walsh County – 18
  • Ward County – 78
  • Wells County – 5
  • Williams County – 25

 

* 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.

**Individuals who tested positive divided by the total number of people tested who have not previously tested positive (susceptible encounters).

*** Number of individuals who tested positive and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19. There is a lag in the time deaths are reported to the NDDoH.

**** The actual date individuals are officially out of isolation and no longer contagious.

*****Totals may be adjusted as individuals are found to live out of state, in another county, or as other information is found during investigation.

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 FacebookTwitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Jamestown  (CVHD)   Central Valley Health District says the next Covid testing will be:

Fri., Dec 4, 2020 10am to noon

Inside the Jamestown Civic Center.

Anyone wanting to attend a community testing event must register at least one time on the https://testreg.nd.gov site.

CVHD Unit Administrator, Robin Iszler states that Central Valley Health Could not hold an event such as this, without the assistance of the National Guard. “We greatly appreciate their assistance.”

Central Valley Health reminds the public to watch for COVID 19 other testing dates in December, as dates will change each week in December due to commitments at the Civic Center and also the upcoming Christmas Holiday. Iszler encourages everyone to like Central Valley Health’s Facebook page to find the latest updates on testing events.

Update:

Valley City  (VCPS)  Updated information from Valley City Public Schools Superintendent Josh Johnson, affecting changes in the school district immediately.

The news release from Superintendent Josh Johnson contains new information stemming from the North Dakota Department of Health’s releasing of new CDC guidelines on quarantines.

Valley City Public Schools began following the new guidelines starting Thursday, December 03, 2020.

Highlights of these changes include:
1) An individual required to quarantine, will be allowed to end the quarantine at 10 days if they have been symptom free (excludes household contacts).
2) An individual required to quarantine, will be allowed to end the quarantine at 7 days if they have had a negative test within 48 hours of the 7th day of quarantine (also excludes household contacts).Further information and specifics regarding these new guidelines on quarantines should be released very soon to the public by the North Dakota Department of Health. Information that is applicable to Valley City Public Schools students, staff, and parents will be shared with you via email as soon as possible.

The news release says, if a student currently in quarantine is eligible to end the quarantine early following these new guidelines, parents/guardians will be contacted by Valley City Public Schools at least one day prior to your new ‘possible’ end date of quarantine. This includes students that would be eligible to return on Thursday, December 03 and Friday, December 04, 2020.

Thank you for understanding that we will be learning more about these new guidelines along with all of you in the coming days. Your patience and grace are very appreciated. Our school district will remain committed to the health and safety of our students and staff, while continuing to prioritize in-person learning at Valley City Public Schools.

Josh Johnson

Superintendent

Valley City Public Schools

(701) 845-0483

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The North Star Classic Country Christmas is set for Friday, December 4 Saturday December 5, and Sunday December 6, at the North Dakota Winter Show Event Center.

Admission Friday is with a Cattemen’s Ball & Sale Dinner ticket from 5pm to close.  Saturday, December 5th from 10am to 3pm in the South Exhibit Building of the North Dakota Winter Show Event Center.

On Saturday, admission is one can of a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Barnes County Food Pantry.

On Sunday, December 6 is a Gun Raffle, tickets available from any North Dakota Winter Show board member for $20 apiece. For more details about this year’s North Star Classic go to www.northdakotawintershow.com

Bismarck  (CSi) – The North Dakota Department of Commerce Thursday announced that the Hospitality Economic Resiliency Grant PLUS application window will begin on Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. CST and will close on Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. CST.

The Hospitality Economic Resiliency Grant PLUS expands the Hospitality Economic Resiliency Grant (HERG) to provide funding for the accommodation sector which includes hotels, motels, lodges and resort establishments. The Hospitality Economic Resiliently Grant PLUS is intended to assist the state’s hotels, motels and lodging businesses who have been impacted by loss of revenue due to low occupancy rates as a result of the pandemic.

The grant is not intended for private vacation rentals or bed-and-breakfasts who rent rooms, apartments, condos or homes to the traveling public through online marketplaces. Extended stay hotels that offer rooms for an ongoing nightly basis are eligible but, those who only serve long-term stays defined as 30 days or more are not eligible.

Eligible facilities may apply for up to $40,000. Applicants with more than one facility may apply for up to $80,000 with maximum of $40,000 to be used per location.

 

Funds must be used to reimburse eligible entities for costs in operations, like payroll, rent, utilities, and other expenses that comply with CARES Act federal and/or CDC guidelines. Eligible expenses must have been incurred on or after March 27, 2020, and no later than date of application.

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 is available at https://belegendary.link/PHERG.

Washington  (CSi)   the Jamestown Reservoir Land Conveyance signing ceremony conducted by Senator John Hoeven will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Due to concerns of COVID-19, access to the ceremony will be via Zoom.

Please utilize the conference line below.

Attendee call-in info (listen-only): Link to join event by computer: https://senate.webex.com/senate/onstage/g.php?MTID=eb8cee88c719a4f7e1ea44ec798726365 Password (computer only): SFhXVpgR259 Call-in #: +1-415-527-5035 US Toll Event #: 199 627 1923

Valley City  (CSi) Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation has announced that Alicia Hoffarth has resigned her position.

The news release from the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation, states:

“Alicia Hoffarth, Resource Development Specialist for the Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation, has served the community for the past 15 years. The position has seen tremendous success in assisting community organizations secure grant funds for education, healthcare, public infrastructure, non-profits and more. In addition, Alicia has worked with and helped establish the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation serving as Secretary/Treasurer.

The Resource Development Specialist position was created in April 2001. Since then, community organizations have been assisted with securing nearly $10 Million in grant funds. Hoffarth recently resigned her position to begin a new career at Lindemann Aviation & Hefty Seed as the company’s Program Development Manager. Jennifer Feist, the Corporation’s Director, said “Alicia has done a wonderful job for us; the community has benefited tremendously from her work.  We will miss her and wish her the very best in her new position. We hope the experiences and opportunities through the Corporation will be helpful in this new position and look forward to seeing the many growth opportunities at Lindemann Aviation & Hefty Seed move forward and become successful.”

For grant assistance, please email the Corporation at vdgrds@hellovalley.com.

Individuals interested in applying for the position can contact Jennifer Feist, Director of Development, at 701-840-7820 or by email at vdg@hellovalley.com for more information. Candidates are encouraged to submit a resume, application letter and writing sample. The position description can be viewed at www.valleycitynd.org/jobopenings (search under Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation).

 

(JRMC)  The Jamestown Regional Medical Center Foundation is hosting the 23rd annual Tree of Love Dedication on Monday, December 14, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

JRMC Foundation Director, Lisa Jackson says, “This year, like most events, will be different. We will host a Facebook Live event at 2 p.m. with prayer and dedication. Supporters can drive-thru during this time to purchase or pick up their ornaments. The Tree of Love is one of my favorite holiday traditions. Even though we can’t gather together, it will still be a special time to reflect on the ones we honor, miss and love. We have two trees, one inside with the named ornaments ‘in honor’ and ‘in memory’ and one outside for our patients and families to enjoy,” Jackson said.

Katie Ryan-Anderson, Marketing Manager for the JRMC, Katie Ryan-Anderson says it’s her favorite event and allows participants to honor loved ones.

Ornaments are available for a donation of $10 or more online or by mail. Supporters can dedicate ornament tags to a caregiver who made a difference, a beloved spouse or family member, co-worker or friend.

Lisa adds,“In addition to the gifted ornaments, JRMC Foundation also recognizes those who have passed away during the year who are either co-workers or provided a legacy gift through estate giving or their memorials.”

The proceeds raised from this event will go towards the fund of your choice or, if undesignated, a new educational app for expecting parents. JRMC Family BirthPlace welcomes about 350 babies each year. Emily Woodley, thee JRMC Family BirthPlace manager, says, “The new technology will connect their parents to valuable, interactive content that is available anytime – from any device. The accessibility helps provide the best care to welcome our littlest patients.”

The technology cost is $6,000. The platform offers medically-accurate content that can also be customized to create a unique patient experience. Text, videos and animations are available on pregnancy, labor and birth, postpartum care, breastfeeding and newborn care.

For more information on the Tree of Love or funding projects, contact JRMC Foundation at (701) 952-4880 or visit www.jrmcnd.com/giving.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has unveiled a $15 billion budget that bumps state spending by 2%. The plan presented Thursday to the Legislature includes a $1.25 billion bonding package largely aimed at funding statewide infrastructure projects.es.” The Legislature will take up the governor’s proposal in its next session, which starts Jan. 5. The Republican governor’s budget is the second-biggest proposed by a governor in state history. Former Gov. Jack Dalrymple proposed a $15.7 billion budget in 2015 that eventually was whittled by lawmakers to $14.2 billion. The governor’s suggested spending does not raise taxes on sales or income.

To expand access to treatment services, the budget proposes increasing funding from $8 million to $17 million for the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Voucher program through the Department of Human Services (DHS). The program exhausted its entire appropriation in just 14 months this biennium, and the budget proposal matches funding to the increased demand for the program.
The budget proposes construction of a new State Hospital in Jamestown through a public-private partnership. A private entity would build and maintain the hospital through a 40-year agreement. DHS would realize savings and efficiencies of about $5.5 million per year, which would help offset the cost, leaving a gap payment of approximately $1.7 million per year for debt service on the new hospital starting in the 2023-25 biennium.

Click here for more information

 

In sports…

Jamestown  (CSi) The annual Stutsman County Girl’s Basketball has been canceled.

Governor Doug Burgum’s proclamation on November 13, 2020, created the four week pause in winter sports games.

The Stutsman County Tournament committee has been unable to find open dates available to resechedule, from the original dates of December 10, 11, and 12.

The Stutsman County Boy’s Basketball Tournament is still scheduled for  January 7, 8 and 9, 2021 at the Jamestown Civic Center.

The eight Class B teams competing includes,  Medina-Pingree-Buchanan, Carrington, Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier, Ellendale, Kidder County, Midkota, Napoleon/Gackle-Streeter and South Border.

 

NFL THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL.

Kansas City 27 Tampa Bay 24

 

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-MEN’S

Garza, Nunge lead No. 3 Iowa past Western Illinois, 99-58

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP)— Luka Garza scored 35 points, 30 in the first half, and Jack Nunge added 18 as No. 3 Iowa stayed undefeated with a 99-58 home win over Western Illinois. It was the second consecutive game in which Garza scored 30 or more points in the first half. The preseason All-American also pulled down 10 rebounds.

Nunge, who missed the Hawkeyes’ first two games this season because of his father’s death, matched his career scoring high.

In other college hoops action:

— Remy Martin produced another impressive performance on California’s home floor, finishing with 22 points, five assists and four rebounds as No. 25 Arizona State beat the Golden Bears 70-62 in the Pac-12 opener for both schools. Prized freshman Josh Christopher added 14 points for the Sun Devils, and Holland Woods knocked down a key 3-pointer with 2:24 remaining. Cal star Matt Bradley had 20 points and eight rebounds but was just 1 for 9 on 3-pointers.

— Keve Aluma had 17 points and 12 rebounds and No. 16 Virginia Tech won its 34th consecutive nonconference game at home, beating VMI 64-57 on Thursday night. Tyrece Radford added 13 points and Justyn Mutts had 10 points and nine rebounds for the Hokies. They led 30-23 at halftime and used a 9-0 run in the second half to take control. Radford had five points in the burst, including a three-point play to finish it. Myles Lewis had 13 points and 12 rebounds for VMI.

—David McCormack scored 17 points, Ochai Agbaji added 16 and Jalen Wilson had 12, helping seventh-ranked Kansas cruise to a 89-54 victory over lower-division Washburn in the Jayhawks’ long-delayed home opener. Kansas had opened with a pair of games in Florida and beat Kentucky in Indianapolis before returning to Allen Fieldhouse. But their first game played in the Phog since the COVID-19 pandemic began lacked much of the atmosphere that has made the building one of the toughest in college basketball. Levi Braun and Tyler Geiman scored nine points apiece to lead the Ichabods.

NBA-NEWS

Agent: Anthony Davis inking 5-year deal to return to Lakers

UNDATED (AP) — Anthony Davis is finalizing a five-year contract worth up to $190 million to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to his agent.

One day after LeBron James agreed to a two-year, $85 million contract extension with the Lakers through 2022-23, Davis committed to the Lakers through the 2024-25 season. According to Davis’ agent, the deal includes an early termination clause prior to the fifth year, but the contract is still a clear declaration that the 27-year-old Davis sees his long-term future with the 17-time NBA champions.

In other NBA news:

— The Denver Nuggets have re-signed forward Paul Millsap to a one-year deal. The signing follows the departures of key frontcourt players Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee in free agency. Millsap shot a career-best 43.5% from three-point range last season.

— Dallas Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis (KRIHS’-tahps pohr-ZIHN’-gihs) is upbeat as he prepares for his start of the season to be delayed over another knee issue. Porzingis had surgery in October after injuring his right knee in his first career playoff game in August. The 7-foot-3 Latvian missed 20 months after tearing the ACL in his left knee in what ended up being his final game with the New York Knicks in early 2018. Porzingis is expected to miss two high-profile games to start the season. The Mavs say Luka Doncic’s European sidekick should be ready in January.

— Jrue Holiday says the Bucks’ big investment in him really, really made him feel like they wanted him to be here. The Bucks traded guards Eric Bledsoe and George Hill, first-round draft choice R.J. Hampton plus two future first-round selections as part of a four-team trade to pick up Holiday. The Bucks gave the New Orleans Hornets the right to swap two future first-round picks as well.

NFL-NEWS

Steelers, Chiefs, Saints closing in on playoff spots

UNDATED (AP) — The unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers and the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs are closing in on clinching their respective divisions going into Week 13.

The Steelers, who are 11-0, can wrap up the AFC North with a win over Washington on Monday night and a Browns loss against Tennessee on Sunday. The Steelers can clinch a playoff spot with a win or losses by the Raiders, Dolphins or Colts on Sunday.

The Chiefs can take the AFC West again with a win over the Broncos on Sunday night and a Raiders loss to the winless Jets. Or earn a playoff spot with a win.

And in the NFC, the Saints, who have won eight in a row, can clinch a playoff spot with a win and a loss by the reeling Bears.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

— Josh Gordon was conditionally reinstated by the NFL and can begin the process of joining the Seattle Seahawks roster as early as Friday after nearly a one-year suspension following his latest off-field transgression for violations of the league’s substance abuse policies. Gordon was suspended in December 2019. He tested positive for performance enhancers and “substances of abuse”. Seattle signed Gordon in September hoping he would be reinstated at some point during the 2020 season.

— Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow had knee surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. Burrow’s season ended Nov. 22 when he was hit by Washington pass-rushers and his leg was bent severely. The structural damage in his left knee required surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

— Browns star Myles Garrett came through practice OK and is on track to play Sunday at Tennessee after missing two games with COVID-19. Garrett came back on Wednesday and coach Kevin Stefanski said the defensive end looked like himself. The 24-year-old was leading the NFL in sacks when he got sick.

— New York Jets coach Adam Gase says he hasn’t done a good enough job of helping quarterback Sam Darnold in their two seasons together. The 23-year-old Darnold has struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season. He has thrown just three touchdown passes and none in his past four-plus games. The Jets are 0-11 and are looking at having the No. 1 overall pick in April. That means both Darnold and Gase could be out after the season.

— Saquon (SAY’-kwahn) Barkley has no doubt he will get back on the field and play for the New York Giants once he’s finished rehabilitating the torn ACL in his right knee. However there is not a timetable on his return. The 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year insists his goal is to improve 1% every day. The running back has now been hit with injuries two straight seasons. He missed three games last year because of a high ankle sprain.

— Thirty-two players have been nominated for the seventh annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, from star quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes to standout center Jason Kelce (KEL’-see) to dynamic defensive end Joey Bosa (BOH’-sah). Each NFL team nominated one player for the award, which recognizes players who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field. It is named for the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Rooney Sr.

— San Francisco 49ers players are pleased with the setup the team has put together for their extended stay in Arizona. The team is staying at a hotel adjacent to the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium, where the Niners will play their next two games. They have set up a weight room and converted a 15,000-square-foot ballroom into a temporary locker room so the players can change at the hotel before going to the practice fields next to the stadium. The players will almost exclusively spend their time at the hotel, practice field and stadium, where they will have everything they need and won’t need to venture into the community.

MLB-NEWS

The Minnesota Twins and closer Taylor Rogers have agreed to a $6 million, one-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not yet been finalized. Rogers compiled a 4.05 ERA in 21 appearances with nine saves and two blown chances in the abbreviated 60-game season. The left-hander was the last remaining Twins player eligible for arbitration. Rogers took a step back in 2020 after notching 30 saves with 90 strikeouts over 69 innings in 2019.

Gatto gets Rangers’ one-year deal

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Right-hander Joe Gatto agreed to a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers, who brought back outfielder Scott Heineman with a one-year deal just one day after allowing him to become a free agent. Gatto would earn the $570,500 major league minimum if he is in the big leagues. Heineman would earn $595,000. The 25-year-old Gatto made two appearances during spring training this year and did not pitch after the coronavirus shutdown. He has never appeared in the major leagues. Heineman, who turns 28 on Friday, hit .154 with one homer and seven RBIs for the Rangers this year.

 

VIRUS OUTBREAK-COLLEGE SPORTS

AP source: Michigan had at least 12 positive COVID-19 cases

UNDATED (AP) — Michigan canceled this weekend’s game against Maryland because it had at least 12 positive COVID-19 cases within the football program, according to a person familiar with the situation.

While outbreaks have disrupted more than 100 games across major college football since late August, the problems with the Wolverines are being closely watched in part because they could put next week’s rivalry game at No. 3 Ohio State in jeopardy.

Ohio State has missed two games already in this pandemic-shortened season because of COVID-19 issues. One more would leave the 4-0 Buckeyes unable to reach a conference-mandated minimum to be eligible for the Big Ten championship game and potentially hurt their resume for a playoff berth.

In other virus-related college sports news:

— No. 8 BYU will play at No. 14 Coastal Carolina on Saturday after the Chanticleers’ original opponent, No. 25 Liberty, was hit with COVID-19 issues. The Cougars have been looking to add another game to improve their case for a major bowl bid. The 9-0 Chanticleers have already earned a spot in the Sun Belt championship game, which will be played Dec. 19, but could still be in play to earn a spot in the major bowl game as College Football Playoff selection committee’s highest-ranked Group of Five conference champion. Independent BYU isn’t eligible for that spot and is ranked No. 13 by the committee. The Cougars will likely need to move up at least a spot or two to have a chance for a New Year’s bowl bid and the $4 million payday that comes with it.

— No. 12 Iowa State’s most remarkable accomplishment this season might be staying on the field in a season dominated by the pandemic. The Cyclones are one of three Big 12 teams set to finish their 10-game regular season Saturday. The others are Kansas State and Texas Tech. While the Big 12 has only had to reschedule three games so far, there are still the weekly and even daily COVID-19 issues for every team.

— Boise State’s football game at UNLV scheduled for Friday night has been canceled. The Mountain West Conference says the game will not be rescheduled. Boise State is scheduled to play at Wyoming next, while UNLV’s next game is scheduled to be at Hawaii, both on Dec. 12.

— The Las Vegas Bowl has been canceled because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The decision comes as Nevada state officials ordered a statewide pause that includes smaller public and private gatherings. The game was slated to be the first bowl game played in Allegiant Stadium and was to feature a new matchup between the Pac-12 Conference and Southeastern Conference as part of a rotating cycle that also includes the Big Ten.

— No spectators will be allowed at the Rose Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal on Jan. 1 because of state, county and city of Pasadena COVID-19 restrictions. The Tournament of Roses says it requested special permission but was denied.

— Vanderbilt has canceled its men’s basketball game at SMU on Tuesday, extending its pause on activities. The Commodores announced the cancellation Wednesday night, two days after pausing activities and withdrawing from a pair of games in Connecticut due to a positive test within its program.

— Purdue Fort Wayne men’s basketball team has suspended activities and canceled games for the next two weeks because of positive COVID-19 tests within the program. The team canceled Thursday’s game with Adrian, Saturday’s game at Dayton and games against Defiance on Dec. 12 and 13. The next scheduled game is Dec. 19 against Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.

— Conference USA has announced a change to this weekend’s football schedule. WKU at Charlotte, which had been previously scheduled to be played on Dec. 1, has been rescheduled for Sunday at noon at Richardson Stadium. Along with this schedule addition, the FIU at Charlotte game that was scheduled for Saturday has been canceled. A final determination of the matchups for the last weekend of the regular season, Dec. 10-12, will be made by Sunday.

— The University at Albany men’s and women’s basketball programs are on a temporary pause from team activities due to presumptive positive tests among individuals associated with both programs’ Tier 1 group. Tier 1 individuals include coaches, athletes, team managers, athletic trainers, and support staff.

— A positive COVID-19 test has caused Boston University’s men’s hockey team to pause all athletic activities and the school has canceled Saturday’s game at Connecticut.

TRUMP-LOU HOLTZ

Trump honors football coach Holtz as ‘one of the greatest’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump calls Lou Holtz “one of the greatest coaches in American history” and has honored the college football Hall of Famer and political ally with the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Holtz received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during an Oval Office ceremony Thursday.

Holtz had a 34-year coaching career that included the 1988 national title at the University of Notre Dame.

The 83-year-old Holtz has been an outspoken backer of the president and spoke at this year’s Republican National Convention.

PGA-MAYAKOBA GOLF CLASSIC

Russell Knox takes 1st-round lead in Mayakoba Golf Classic

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico (AP) — Russell Knox shot a 6-under 65 Thursday at breezy and wet El Camaleon Golf Club to take the first-round lead in the PGA Tour’s Mayakoba Golf Classic.

The 35-year-old Scot birdied five of the last six holes on his opening nine, then played the final nine in 1 under with a bogey on the par-4 second and birdies on the par-5 fifth and par-4 sixth.

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann was a stroke back with Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo and American Tom Hoge.

LPGA TOUR

Charley Hull takes LPGA Tour in chilly North Texas

THE COLONY, Texas (AP) — Charley Hull fought through cold and windy conditions to take the first-round lead Thursday in the LPGA Tour’s Volunteers of America Classic. The 24-year-old Englishwoman shot a 3-under 69, making six birdies and three bogeys at Old American Golf Club with the afternoon temperature only climbing into the high 40s.

Jessica Korda, Jennifer Kupcho and Pornanong Phatlum were a stroke back in the final event before the U.S. Women’s Open next week at Champions Golf Club in Houston.

GOLF-IGF-SORENSTAM

Sorenstam elected president of International Golf Federation

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Annika Sorenstam has been elected president of the International Golf Federation, replacing the outgoing Peter Dawson.

Sorenstam, a 72-time winner on the LPGA Tour and former No. 1, will take up the position on Jan. 1.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Optimism about delivering long-sought COVID-19 relief is building on Capitol Hill after additional rank-and-file lawmakers voiced support for a bipartisan, middle-of-the-road plan taking shape in the Senate. Also, top congressional leaders connected on the topic for the first time in months. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — frequent rivals but proven dealmakers — spoke on the phone Thursday. Their conversation came the day after Pelosi signaled a willingness to make major concessions in search of a COVID-19 rescue package in the $1 trillion range. Some conservatives, including Republicans from COVID-19 hotspots like North Dakota and Iowa, said they were comfortable with an aid package carrying the almost $1 trillion price tag.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Outgoing National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe says China poses the greatest threat to America and the rest of the free world since World War II. He said in an op-ed published by The Wall Street Journal on Thursday that intelligence shows that Beijing intends to dominate the U.S. and the rest of the planet economically, militarily and technologically. Trump administration officials have been stepping up their anti-China rhetoric for months. President Donald Trump used the campaign trail to warn that Biden would be soft on China, although the president-elect agrees that China is not abiding by international trade rules, is giving unfair subsidies to Chinese companies and stealing American innovation.

 

LONDON (AP) — America’s top infectious disease expert has apologized for suggesting U.K. authorities rushed their authorization of a COVID-19 vaccine, saying he has “great faith” in the country’s regulators. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, had sparked controversy with an earlier interview in which he said U.K. regulators hadn’t acted “as carefully” as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fauci told the BBC late Thursday that he meant to say U.S. authorities do things differently than their British counterparts, not better, but his comments weren’t phrased properly.

 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Americans couldn’t resist the urge to gather for Thanksgiving. That’s according to data from roadways and airports provided to The Associated Press. Americans drove only slightly less than a year ago and largely ignored the pleas of public health experts, who begged them to forgo holiday travel to help contain the coronavirus pandemic. The nation’s unwillingness to tamp down on travel offered a warning in advance of Christmas and New Year’s as virus deaths and hospitalizations hit new highs. U.S. deaths from the outbreak eclipsed 3,100 on Thursday, obliterating the single-day record set last spring.

 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Powerful winds have pushed flames through Southern California canyons as an out-of-control wildfire burns near homes, forcing residents to flee. The blaze in Orange County’s Silverado Canyon began late Wednesday as a house fire that quickly spread to tinder-dry brush. It exploded in size early Thursday. Firefighters are struggling in steep terrain amid unpredictable Santa Ana winds that have raised fire danger for much of the region. The blaze broke out as Southern California utilities cut the power to tens of thousands of customers to avoid the threat of wildfires during the windy weather.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Friday’s monthly U.S. jobs report will help answer a key question overhanging the economy: Just how much damage is being caused by the resurgent coronavirus, the resulting curbs on businesses and the reluctance of consumers to shop, travel and dine out? Economists surveyed by the data provider FactSet have forecast that employers added 450,000 jobs in November. In normal times, that would be a healthy increase. But a gain that size would amount to the weakest monthly hiring since April. The unemployment rate is projected to drop one-tenth of a percentage point to 6.8%.

BEIJING (AP) — Global stock markets are mostly higher after U.S. jobs data and a pact by oil producers to raise output helped to allay concern following Pfizer’s reduction of the number of coronavirus vaccine doses it might ship this year. Benchmarks in London, Shanghai, Frankfurt and Hong Kong advanced, while Tokyo declined. Fewer Americans applied for jobless benefits last week than expected. OPEC and allies including Russia agreed to raise oil output in January that they had slashed to support prices after the pandemic depressed demand. U.S. stock futures gained, rebounding from Thursday’s decline after Pfizer reduced the number of vaccine doses it might ship this year by half to 50 million.