CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Cloudy. Highs in the lower 40s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.

.TONIGHT…Cloudy. Lows in the upper 20s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.

 

.FRIDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 40s. North winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 20s. North winds

10 to 15 mph.

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 50s. Northwest winds

10 to 15 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. Lows around 30.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. A 30 percent chance of rain in the

afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain and snow in the

evening, then slight chance of snow after midnight. Lows in the

mid 20s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs around 40.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows in the lower 20s.

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

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

.WEDNESDAY…Sunny. Highs in the upper 40s.

This Day In History, April 15.1907 – North Coast Limited Train Leaves the tracks. . . .  from the 125th Anniversary Calendar of Jamestown History. Photo: Jamestown Weekly Alert

West bound North Coast Limited leaves rails two miles east of Jamestown Depot. Several injured and rail traffic in both directions is delayed.

NDDoH

COVID-19 Stats

11am

Wed. Apr. 14, 2021

Barnes

New Positives 0

Total Positives: 1358

Active: 11

Recovered 1315

Stutsman:

New Positives: 6

Total Positives: 3401

Active:  47

Recovered: 3270

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

Please note that from now on the daily news release will be sent Monday – Friday. The NDDoH dashboard will continue to be updated daily.

 

BY THE NUMBERS
263,317 Residents who received at least one dose of vaccine
484,203 Total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered
7,041 Total Tests from yesterday*
1,857,018 Total tests completed since the pandemic began
177 Positive Individuals from yesterday*****
90 PCR Tests
87 Antigen Tests
105,215 Total positive individuals since the pandemic began
3.54% Daily Positivity Rate**
1,155 Total Active Cases
+36 Change in active cases from yesterday
130 Individuals with a recovery date of yesterday****
102,586 Total recovered since the pandemic began
28 Currently hospitalized
+1 Change in hospitalizations from yesterday
1 New death(s)
1,474 Total deaths since the pandemic began

 
INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19
Man in his 70s from Golden Valley County
 

NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED WEDNESDAY BY COUNTY
Adams 0 Grant 0 Ransom 2
Barnes 0 Griggs 0 Renville 0
Benson 1 Hettinger 0 Richland 3
Billings 0 Kidder 0 Rolette 1
Bottineau 0 LaMoure 0 Sargent 1
Bowman 0 Logan 6 Sheridan 0
Burke 0 McHenry 3 Sioux 1
Burleigh 30 McIntosh 1 Slope 0
Cass 62 McKenzie 4 Stark 5
Cavalier 0 McLean 0 Steele 0
Dickey 2 Mercer 2 Stutsman 6
Divide 0 Morton 12 Towner 1
Dunn 0 Mountrail 1 Traill 1
Eddy 0 Nelson 0 Walsh 4
Emmons 0 Oliver 0 Ward 3
Foster 1 Pembina 1 Wells 0
Golden Valley 0 Pierce 1 Williams 6
Grand Forks 14 Ramsey 2

 

* Note that this includes PCR and antigen; it does not include individuals from out of state. 

**Individuals (PCR or antigen) 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 with a PCR or antigen test and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19. Please remember that deaths are reported as they’re reported to us by the facility or through the official death record (up to 10-day delay). 

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

*****Daily positive numbers include people who tested with a PCR or antigen test. 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 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota health officials say the number of confirmed variant cases of the coronavirus has doubled this month and are warning about the possibility of another wave of infections. The state lab has identified 79 total cases of four variants, said Kirby Kruger, director of the Health Department’s Disease Control Division. The includes 50 of the one first identified in the United Kingdom, 28 of the two California variants and one of the South African variant. Total active cases of COVID-19 have nearly doubled in North Dakota and Kruger cites variants as a key factor

 

Jamestown  (CVHD)  Central Valley Health has set more vaccination clinics.

First & Second Dose:

Moderna Vaccine

Thursday April 15

9-a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

At Central Valley Health

Jamestown (CVHD)  Central Valley Health District this week will have COVID-19 Testing at the Jamestown Civic Center in April from 11-a.m. to 12 noon,  at the Jamestown Civic Center,  April, 16,19, 21, 23, 26,28, 30, using the Rapid Testing, BinaxNow.

By screening with rapid antigen tests, event attendees will be able to receive their test results within 15 minutes via text notification. The test also is less invasive than a PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test in that it uses a nasal swab to collect a sample from the lower part of the nostril.

If a person tests positive, they should isolate at home immediately and a case investigator will be in touch with them within 24 hours. If the screening yields a negative result, individuals should continue to monitor for symptoms.

Interested individuals should fill out an online survey at testreg.nd.gov for faster registration.

For more information about rapid antigen tests and North Dakota’s screening strategies, visit https://www.health.nd.gov/rapid-antigen-screening

Valley City  (CSi)  A free COVID-19 testing event for the VCSU and Valley City communities will be held this week from 1-2 p.m. at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, “The Bubble”. Rapid and conventional testing will be offered at again on April 16.

These are WALK-IN testing events. If you wish to be tested, please park your vehicle and enter through the west entrance. Handicap parking spaces and access are available at the east entrance. Preregistration at testreg.nd.gov is encouraged; one only needs to register once.

Valley City (VCSU)  A COVID-19 vaccination clinic will take place On

On Friday April 16

9-a.m. to 11:30-a.m.

Moderna Vaccines

CCHD Administrator Theresa Will says, those who have registered to receive the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, will instead receive the Moderna Vaccine. Moderna is a two dose vaccine, and you will have to register for the second dose.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  After a year’s absence in 2020 due to safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Runnin O’ The Green through Jamestown is set for Saturday April 17, 2021.

On Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Larry Knoblich said the health and safety of all participants is the paramount concern of the organizers.  The run helps raise funds for the  ND Elks Camp Grassick and local cancer patients.  The event brings back the largest charity event to our great community

Register  now at Cork & Barrel Liquors, and all week up until the green flag drops.

Friday April 16th, 2021 – is Registration Night at the Elks beginning at 4:30pm.

At registration make your donation of $10, and then you will receive a participation tag, to indicate your donation has been made, to participate.

Saturday morning the day of, the run registration event at the Frontier Fort, the starting line, begins at 10-a.m. The first flight will take off at 2:00 PM sharp, and Larry adds the “flights” are expected to be around 75 runners, down from the 100 or so, to help maintain social distancing.

Larry points out that law enforcement officers will be patrolling the route, with some on foot patrol.  He reminds runners that there is to be no open containers of alcoholic beverage, on the street, which must be consumed in the bar.

He said those bars with outside seating will  try have that available in a closed in area, if possible, and to keep alcoholic beverages and consumption within that area.

Larry adds, that with the COVID-19 pandemic each individual needs to take personal responsibility to stay safe to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

He urges runners and motorists to be watchful for each other, and runners need to take care of each other for safety.

Larry thanks the Jamestown Elks Lodge for taking the lead in organizing this year’s Runnin O’ the Green.

 

Jamestown (JPD)  Jamestown Police reports a Jamestown man was arrested Tuesday evening following   a brief pursuit in Northwest Jamestown around8:30-p.m.

Jamestown Police Assistant Police Chief,  Major Justin Blinsky reports that due to road conditions, officers used caution in proceeding with the pursuit.

Police units, lost sight of the vehicle, but then quickly learned the vehicle was somewhere in the Northwest part of Jamestown. Officers then attempted to make contact with the vehicle owner

The driver was identified as 33 year-old Cody Allen Buchanan of Jamestown.

He was arrested on suspicion of fleeing/attempting to elude a police officer, reckless driving, and exhibition driving.

The investigation continues by Jamestown Police.

Buchanan has posted $1,250 in bond.

 

Jamestown  (Chamber)  Members of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee and the Young Professionals of Jamestown presented the Customer Service Award for April to Deb Lee for her outstanding customer service.  The chamber honors individuals who demonstrate a consistent commitment to delivering products or services that satisfy customers by exceeding their requirements or expectations.

 

Her nomination said, “I was finishing up my shopping at the Dakota Store and had my toddler in tow. He was determined to destroy the store and I was really flustered and embarrassed as I chased him around in circles picking up items he had thrown on the floor and knocked over. Deb asked if it was okay to read him a book in the back and my answer was an overwhelming YES. She was so sweet with him for the 5 mins I needed to finish my shopping and checkout. I really appreciated her help as I was about to give up and come back another day. The support I felt as an exhausted parent in that moment really meant a lot to me.”

 

Congratulations to Deb! The Dakota Store is located at 601 1st Ave. South, and offers Pride of Dakota products.

Customer Service Award nomination forms are available at the Chamber office and on their website at www.jamestownchamber.com or call 701-252-4830.

 

Jamestown  (CSi) The Jamestown High School drama department won the ND state class A one-act play competition in Devils Lake on Monday.  First time Jamestown has ever won and it is a state high school sanctioned activity.  They also had two of their company voted best actor and actress.

The Jamestown High School team performed Alan Haehnel’s comedy “A Simple Task.” The cast and crew include Ian Weis, Rebecca Krieger, Zoe Bennett, Olivia Schriock, Emma Wiley, Anja McDermid, Logan-Ross Motter, Dominique Scobee, Daniel Nyland, Ray Jasmann, Haylee Spurgeon and Isaac Hasbargen.

Zoe Bennett was named outstanding actor for her performance as Empie, and Ian Weis was also awarded for his portrayals of Ralph, Guard #1, and Lover.

In 2013, the NDHSAA Class A One-Act Play Festival shifted to a Contest format. This is the first time since that change that JHS has been crowned the champion

Valley City  (CSi) The Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation invites Valley City residents to join in a Pilot Project conversation, a precursor to an upcoming community event this summer, The Longest Table.

The Pilot Project will be held at Alley Beans on Thursday, April 15. Each conversation is limited to 18 people and registration is required.

The Longest Table is a community event featuring a continuous table on Central Avenue welcoming residents to enjoy a free dinner and facilitated conversation. Residents will be seated among new people to foster stronger connections, exchange stories, and share ideas about community innovation. Conversations will cover various community aspects such as: overall image, attractions, engagement, quality of life, and amenities.

CLICK HERE to register for the 8:15-9:30 a.m. conversation. Coffee and treats will be provided.

CLICK HERE to register for the 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. conversation. Lunch will be provided.

The goal of the Pilot Project is to hone in on key issues facing the community. The conversation will then carry over to this summer’s The Longest Table, where residents will be encouraged to have open conversations about those issues and share ideas about community innovation. Contact Andrea Nelson for more information or questions: vdgoffice@hellovalley.com

Valley City  (CSi)  The public is invited to a meeting of the Barnes County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Steering Committee, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 15 at the VCSU  Rhoades Science Center,  in Room 102.

Agenda items include an update on the survey for the plan, a presentation from the Barnes County Highway Department on progress of highway mitigation projects, and a risk assessment workshop analyzing the impact, frequency, likelihood, and vulnerability of natural hazards and man-made threats in Barnes County and incorporated cities. The meeting is open to the public. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed.

For more information, call the  Barnes County Emergency Manager Sue Lloyd at 701-845-8510 or Daniel Schwartz at Nexus Planning & Consulting, LLC at 701-989-7970.

 

Jamestown (NDHP)  Friday, April 16th, 2021 a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Stutsman
County near Jamestown.

The checkpoint will be held between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. After the conclusion of the checkpoint troopers will focus enforcement patrols within Stutsman County, in an effort to remove impaired motorists from the roadway.

So far in 2021 nine of the twenty-two traffic fatalities occurred during alcohol related crashes.

Alcohol and drug-related crashes are preventable; every driver needs to consistently make the choice to always drive sober or to designate a sober driver.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Owners of the Dakota Access pipeline have asked the full Washington D.C. circuit court to review a panel’s decision that essentially said the North Dakota project is operating without a key permit. The appeal filed Monday calls for a rehearing on a ruling by the three-judge panel affirming U.S. District Judge James Boasberg’s opinion that the pipeline is operating without a federal permit granting easement to cross beneath a reservoir along the Missouri River. Opponents want the pipeline shut down while the U.S. Corps of Engineers conducts an extensive environmental review, a decision that will likely fall to Boasberg.The chances of a full review by the D.C. Court are unlikely and lawyers for the pipeline opponents aren’t required to file a response unless requested by the court.

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Fairmount Republican Larry Luick has been chosen as the North Dakota Senate’s new president pro tempore (pro TEM’-por-ay). The job involves presiding over Senate sessions when the lieutenant governor is absent. Luick replaces Minot Sen. Randy Burckhard. Luick will have the job until the next regular session of the Legislature begins in January 2023. The GOP has the majority in the North Dakota Senate, and Luick defeated Fargo Democrat Tim Mathern Wednesday to win the job. The 62-year-old farmer and excavation contractor was first elected to the Senate in 2010 and represents District 25, in the state’s southeastern corner.

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP) — A white former Minnesota police officer faces her first court appearance in the traffic-stop shooting of Black motorist Daunte Wright that has engulfed a small Minneapolis suburb with four straight days of bitter conflict between protesters and police. Kim Potter, who quit her job on the Brooklyn Center force two days after Wright’s death, is expected to appear via Zoom on Thursday afternoon. She was charged Wednesday with second-degree manslaughter in what her chief said appeared to be a case of confusing her Taser with her handgun. She was arrested and later freed after posting a $100,000 bond. Wright’s death came as the broader Minneapolis area nervously awaits the outcome of the trial for Derek Chauvin, the first of four officers charged in George Floyd’s death.

In sports…

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota House has passed a bill restricting transgender girls from participating in public elementary and secondary school sports and sent the legislation to the Senate. The bill passed Wednesday prohibits K-12 schools from “knowingly” allowing a student to join an athletic team exclusively for their opposite gender, but does allow girls to play on boys teams. The legislation includes an optional interim study of the impact of the bill on student athletic events. Any recommendations would be forwarded to the 2023 Legislature. Supporters of the bill say it ensures fairness in girls sports. Opponents say the bill discriminates against transgender youth and risks possible legal action.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Missouri Valley Football Conference says it has canceled the North Dakota at Youngstown State game scheduled Saturday. The league said in a release that the Penguins played a league-high seven games in eight weeks this spring and determined they could not play the game. The school said its players need to focus on academics. North Dakota will share the league title with Missouri State and the winner of Saturday’s game between South Dakota State and North Dakota State. The 16-team FCS playoff bracket is set to be announced Sunday morning. The winner of the SDSU-NDSU game earns the league’s automatic berth into the postseason. The FCS title is scheduled May 16 in Frisco, Texas.

 

NBA

— Khris Middleton had 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in three quarters of the Bucks’ 130-105 blowout over the Timberwolves. Brook Lopez added 18 points and eight rebounds for the Bucks, who were coming off a 37-point win over the Magic. Jrue Holiday pitched in 15 points and three steals as Milwaukee improved to 3-3 since Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH’-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON’-poh) was taken from the lineup due to left knee soreness.

UNDATED (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers are sole owners of the NBA’s Eastern Conference after defeating the short-handed Brooklyn Nets.

Joel Embiid (joh-EHL’ ehm-BEED’) had 39 points and 13 rebounds in leading the Sixers to their third straight win, 123-117. Embiid scored 21 points by halftime, his 14th 20-point 1st half this season. Tobias Harris made all six shots in the second quarter and scored 13 of his 26 points to help the Sixers move one game ahead of Brooklyn.

Kyrie Irving scored 23 of his 37 points in the first half for the Nets, who were without James Harden, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge.

— Luka Doncic (DAHN’-chihch) hit a leaning, lunging 3-pointer as time expired to give the Mavericks a 114-113 victory over the Grizzlies. Doncic ended the night with 29 points, while Kristaps Porzingis (KRIHS’-tahps pohr-ZIHN’-gihs) added 21 points. Grayson Allen paced the Grizzlies with 23 points, but the 90.6% free throw shooter missed a pair of foul shots with 2.2 second left to set up Doncic’s heroics.

Checking out Wednesday’s NBA action:

— Reggie Jackson sank a jumper with 2.3 seconds left against his former team to give the Clippers their seventh straight victory, 100-98 over the Pistons. The Clippers rallied from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter despite playing without Kawhi (kah-WY’) Leonard, Paul George, Serge Ibaka (ih-BAH’-kah), Patrick Beverley and Marcus Morris. Jackson finished with 29 points and ex-Piston Luke Kennard had 17 with 10 rebounds.

— Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH’-lah YOH’-kihch) had 17 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his 15th triple-double of the season, guiding the Nuggets to a 123-106 victory versus the Heat. Michael Porter Jr. added 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets. Six Denver players scored in double figures in the team’s first game without Jamal Murray, who is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.

 

— Caris LeVert delivered 27 points and Domantas Sabonis (doh-MAHN’-tahs sah-BOH’-nihs) added 22 for the Pacers in a 132-124 victory against the Rockets. Sabonis was dominant in the paint, making 10 of 18 shots from the field while also grabbing 11 rebounds and adding seven assists. Malcolm Brogdon fell one assist shy of his second career triple-double and his first since his rookie season in 2016-2017, finishing with 23 points and 13 rebounds.

— Stephen Curry contributed 25 of his 42 points in the third quarter to help the Warriors run away from the Thunder, 147-109. Curry went 8 for 8 from the field and made all six of his 3-point attempts in the third quarter to post his high point total for a quarter this season. He finished 11 of 16 from 3-point range and was 14 of 20 overall.

— OG Anunoby (an-oo-NOH’-bee) scored 22 points and Pascal Siakam (see-A’-kam) added 20 with 11 rebounds in the Raptors’ 117-112 verdict over the Spurs. Raptors rookie Malachi Flynn had a productive fourth quarter, scoring eight of his 16 points in the period and finishing with seven assists. Derrick White led San Antonio with 25 points and Patty Mills added 23.

— Julius Randle scored 32 points against his former team to lead the Knicks to a 116-106 decision over the Pelicans. Alec Burks scored New York’s first 11 points of the fourth quarter and finished with 21 in the Knicks’ season-high fourth straight win. Brandon Ingram scored 28 and Zion Williamson added 25 in New Orleans’ first loss in four games.

— The Cavaliers knocked off the Hornets, 103-90 as Taurean Prince scored a season-high 25 points with six 3-pointers. Jarrett Allen had 15 points and eight rebounds in his first action since March 26. Kevin Love added 17 points and 11 rebounds for Cleveland, which snapped a two-game skid and handed Charlotte its third straight home loss.

— James Ennis scored 22 points and the Magic ended a six-game losing streak by defeating the Bulls, 115-106. Wendell Carter Jr. added 19 points and 12 rebounds for Orlando, which outscored Chicago by 20 in the third quarter to take a 21-point advantage into the final period. Nikola Vucevic (VOO’-cheh-vihch) had 29 points and 11 rebounds in his first game against the Magic since they dealt the two-time All-Star to Chicago at the deadline.

MLB..

— Nathan Eovaldi (ee-VAHL’-dee) allowed two runs over five innings of the Red Sox’s 3-2 victory over the Twins in Game 1 of a doubleheader. Christian Arroyo, Alex Verdugo and Xander Bogaerts (ZAN’-dur BOH’-gahrtz) each had two hits for Boston. Kenta Maeda (mah-EH’-dah) was undone by Minnesota’s defense in the second inning, including his own throwing error that allowed a run to score.

— The Red Sox also took the nightcap of the twinbill for their ninth straight win, their longest winning streak since a 10-game run in 2018. Verdugo had three hits, including a two-run single in a six-run fifth that fueled a 7-1 victory at Minnesota. Eduardo Rodríguez pitched five innings and gave up one run on five hits for Boston.

 

UNDATED (AP) — Carlos Rodón has thrown the second no-hitter of the major league season, and second in five days.

Rodón was two out from a perfect game before settling for a no-no in the White Sox’s 8-0 thrashing of the Indians. Perfection ended when he hit Roberto Perez on the foot with a pitch.

Rodón recovered to fan Yu Chang before retiring Jordan Luplow on a grounder to third. The Chicago hurler pitched most of the night with a huge lead as Yermin Mercedes belted a three-run homer in a six-run first.

Indians starter Zach Plesac (PLEE’-sak) was yanked after two-thirds of an inning, charged with six runs and seven hits.

Elsewhere in the majors:

— Joe Musgrove suffered a loss in his first start since tossing San Diego’s first-ever no-hitter, allowing one run over four innings of a 5-1 setback against the Pirates. Musgrove had thrown 32 consecutive scoreless innings dating to last season with Pittsburgh before Gregory Polanco homered in the second off his former teammate. Tyler Anderson gave up one run in 5 1/3 innings to get his first win with the Bucs.

— The Brewers won for the sixth time in eight games as Corbin Burnes struck out 10 in six dominant innings of a 7-0 shutout of the Cubs. Burnes allowed just two hits and delivered a two-run single for his first career RBIs. Travis Shaw hit a solo homer and an RBI single for the Brewers, who have allowed just 19 runs over their last eight games.

— Johnny Cueto (KWAY’-toh) worked the first 5 2/3 innings of the Giants’ 3-0 shutout of the Reds before leaving the game with a tight lat muscle. Showing no signs of physical duress before his injury occurred, the 35-year-old Cueto surrendered three hits and walked none while striking out four against his former team. Austin Slater doubled up the game’s first run and came around to score on a grounder.

— The Marlins coughed up a 5-0 lead before Jesus Aguilar (HAY’-soos AG’-ee-ahr) doubled home the winning run in the 10th inning of Miami’s 6-5 victory in Atlanta. Jazz Chisholm Jr. staked the Marlins to their big lead with a three-run homer in the third inning against Charlie Morton. Ronald Acuña (ah-KOON’-yah) Jr. homered twice for the Braves, who are 0-3 in extra innings.

— David Peterson tied a career high with 10 strikeouts while tossing two-hit ball over six innings of the Mets’ third straight win over the Phillies, 5-1. Brian McCann had three hits, including a two-run blast for his first homer as a Met. Brandon Nimmo and Dominic Smith also got three hits apiece, and Francisco Lindor (lihn-DOHR’) scored twice.

— Joe Ross tossed six innings of four-hit ball as the Nationals downed the Cardinals, 6-0. Ross also singled and scored a run before four relievers combined to hold St. Louis hitless the rest of the way. Ryan Zimmerman hit his first homer of the season, a two-run drive off Adam Wainwright.

— Nate Lowe smacked a solo homer and rookie Kohei Arihara got his first major league victory, pitching into the sixth inning of the Rangers’ 5-1 win over the Rays. Arihara allowed two singles and a double over 5 2/3 scoreless innings in his third start since signing with the Rangers. David Dahl’s two-run double and Adolis García’s two-run triple broke it open in the seventh.

— Salvador Pérez homered and doubled to cap off an impressive series, leading Brad Keller and the Royals over the Angels, 6-1. The All-Star catcher drove in two runs Wednesday and went 8 for 12 with four RBIs in the series. Carlos Santana also homered as the Royals took two of three from the Angels.

— Bo Bichette’s (bih-SHEHT’) second homer of the day was a walk-off blast in the ninth inning of the Blue Jays’ 5-4 win over the Yankees. Bichette extended his hitting streak to 11 games, going 3-for-4 with his two solo blasts and a stolen base. Alejandro Kirk belted a two-run shot and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had two hits as the Jays took the rubber match of the three-game set.

 

MLB-NEWS

COVID issues among Astros, Twins

UNDATED (AP) — The Astros will spend time without second baseman Jose Altuve (al-TOO’-vay), third baseman Alex Bregman, designated hitter Yordan Álvarez, catcher Martín Maldonado and infielder Robel Garcia. They’ve been placed on the injured list because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Also, Twins shortstop Andrelton (AN’-drul-tuhn) Simmons has tested positive for COVID-19. He was placed on the COVID-19 injured list before Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Red Sox.

Simmons has said he doesn’t plan to get the vaccine, which was made available to the team in a single-shot dosage last week.

In other MLB news:

— Braves left-hander Max Fried (freed) has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring after injuring himself while running the bases. Cristian Pache is also on the injured list with a strained left groin. Left-hander Tucker Davidson and outfielder Guillermo Heredia were called up from the alternate-training site to fill the openings.

— Toronto Blue Jays closer Julian Merryweather has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left oblique. The right-hander felt discomfort in the left side of his abdomen on his final warmup pitch in the eighth inning of Tuesday night’s 7-3 victory over the Yankees.

— Cincinnati right-hander Sonny Gray is set to make his first start of the season Saturday at Cleveland. Gray began spring training as the Reds’ possible opening day starter but began the regular season on the 10-day injured list. The two-time All-Star was 5-3 with a 3.70 ERA last year.

— The Orioles and Mariners were rained out in Baltimore, the teams’ second rainout in three days. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Thursday.

NHL..

UNDATED (AP) — The Minnesota Wild took another major step toward securing a Stanley Cup playoff berth.

Mats Zuccarello (zzo-kahy-REH’-loh) scored two power-play goals as the Wild beat the Coyotes for the fifth time in six meetings this season, 5-2. Zuccarello’s power-play tallies give Minnesota 12 in their last seven games.

Zach Parise (pah-rEE’-say) and Jared Spurgeon also scored and Cam Talbot made 28 saves to help the Wild solidify their hold on third place in the West Division. Parise’s second-period goal put the Wild ahead to stay.

Jakob Chychrun (CHIK’-rihn) and Phil Kessel (KEH’-suhl) scored in Arizona’s fifth straight loss.

Elsewhere on NHL ice:

— Mikko Rantanen (MEE’-koh RAN’-tah-nehn) and J.T. Compher each had a goal and an assist as the Avalanche won their fourth in a row, 4-3 against the Blues. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Brandon Saad (sahd) also scored, and Liam O’Brien had a pair of assists to help Devan Dubnyk (DOOB’-nihk) win his Avs debut. Colorado is 17-1-2 since March 10, setting a mark for the best 20-game stretch in franchise history.

— Mathieu Perreault (peh-ROH’) and Trevor Lewis scored third-period goals to rally the Jets past the Senators, 3-2. Mark Scheifele (SHY’-flee) also scored in Winnipeg’s fourth win in five games. Laurent Brossoit (lohr-AHNT brah-SAH’) finished with 27 saves in place of Connor Hellebuyck (HEH’-leh-buhk), who had made seven straight starts.

— The Flames won their third in a row as Mark Giordano had a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over the Canadiens. Noah Hanafin, Josh Leivo and Sean Monahan also scored, and Chris Tanev had two assists for Calgary. Jacob Markstrom stopped 26 shots to help the Flames get within four points of Montreal for the final North Division playoff berth.

NHL-NEWS

Radulov done, Bishop won’t play at all for Stars this season

UNDATED (AP) — Dallas Stars high-scoring forward Alexander Radulov (RAD’-yoo-lahv) won’t return this season, and goaltender Ben Bishop won’t play at all.

Radulov needs surgery to repair a core muscle injury after playing only 11 games this season. Bishop hasn’t played while rehabbing from twice having knee surgery last year. Both players are expected to be healthy for next season.

In other NHL news:

— Sabres captain Jack Eichel (EYE’-kul) will miss the rest of the season with a herniated disc in his neck. Eichel had 18 points in 21 games before coming out of Buffalo’s lineup.

NFL-NEWS

NFL’s revised offseason program includes mandatory minicamp

UNDATED (AP) — Free agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has signed a one-year, $10 million contact with the Cleveland Browns, where he’ll be paired with All-Pro Myles Garrett.

The No. 1 overall pick in 2014 hasn’t always played up to his reputation and has dealt with numerous injuries. The sides agreed to a deal after he completed a medical exam.

In other NFL news:

— The Giants have waived cornerback Ryan Lewis and added cornerback Adoree Jackson in free agency. They have 14 defensive backs on the roster, including James Bradberry, Darnay Holmes, Julian Love, Logan Ryan, Jabrill Peppers and Xavier McKinney.

— A lawyer has told Pittsburgh police that Rams star Aaron Donald and others assaulted his 26-year-old client at a nightclub last weekend, causing multiple injuries. De’Vincent Spriggs’ attorney say Spriggs required 16 stitches and suffered a broken orbital bone in his head, a broken nose and a sprained or broken arm at a bar around 3 a.m. Sunday.

— One of the 22 women who filed lawsuits accusing Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and harassment has dropped her case The woman cites privacy and security concerns after some of the women were ordered to make their names public following court hearings last week. In court documents an attorney says the women have faced death threats since accusing Watson.

— The NFL’s revised offseason program still includes a post-draft rookie minicamp, voluntary workouts and a mandatory minicamp next month despite the union’s objection to in-person activities due to COVID-19 concerns. The league says that its altered offseason program complies with COVID-19 protocols agreed upon last season.

NCAA-NEWS

NCAA dumps requirement that transfers sit a year

UNDATED (AP) — Major college football and basketball players will be permitted to transfer one time before graduating without being required to sit out a year of competition starting next season. The NCAA Division I Council voted to changed the long-standing rule which has helped deter players in high-profile sports from switching schools.

Starting this fall semester, all athletes will be operating under the same rules: Transfers will be allowed to play right away.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-NEWS

Louisville’s Johnson to enter NBA draft, forego eligibility

UNDATED (AP) — Louisville guard David Johnson will enter the NBA draft and forego his final two seasons of eligibility after being one of the Cardinals’ most productive players the past two years.

The 6-foot-5 Louisville native averaged 12.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 19 games and was an All-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mention.

In other college basketball news:

— Michigan guard Eli Brooks is returning for a fifth season with the Wolverines. Brooks started 27 games this season and was one of the key players on a team that won the Big Ten title.

— UConn swingman Tyler Polley has announced plans to take advantage of an extra year of eligibility and return to the school but says he’ll put his name into the NBA draft pool for evaluation purposes. The decision will allow the 3-point specialist to continue exploring his professional options and receive feedback from pro scouts.

— Duke forward Matthew Hurt is declaring for the NBA draft and intends to hire an agent following a breakout sophomore season in which he became the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top scorer. Hurt averaged 18.6 points in conference play, and ranked second in ACC shooting at 56%.

— South Florida forward Alexis Yetna is headed to Seton Hall as a graduate transfer. Yetna returned to the court this past season and averaged 9.5 points and 7.3 rebounds for South Florida.

— Arizona has hired longtime Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd as its men’s basketball coach. Lloyd replaces Sean Miller, who was fired last week after 12 years amid an NCAA infractions investigation.

— Arkansas has signed men’s basketball coach Eric Musselman to a new, five-year agreement that runs through April 2026. The extension comes a month after Arkansas reached its first NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearance in more than 25 years.

— Joe Golding has been named the new men’s basketball coach at UTEP. The move comes after a decade at Abilene Christian that included an upset victory for the 14th-seeded Wildcats over No. 3 seed Texas in the first round of this season’s NCAA Tournament.

WOMEN’S SOCCER-UNEQUAL PAY

US women soccer players appeal decision against equal pay

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Players on the women’s national soccer team have asked a federal appeals court to overturn a lower court decision throwing out their lawsuit seeking equal pay to the men’s team.

Appeals are assigned to three-judge panels. The 9th Circuit estimates that oral arguments in civil appeals will be scheduled 12 to 20 months from the notice of appeal.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is preparing to announce new sanctions in response to a massive Russian hacking campaign that breached vital federal agencies, as well as for election interference. That’s according to a senior administration official who confirmed the measures to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. The sanctions have been foreshadowed for weeks by the administration. They would represent the first retaliatory action announced against the Kremlin for last year’s hack, familiarly known as the SolarWinds breach. The measures are to be announced Thursday.

 

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is making an unannounced visit to Afghanistan to sell Afghan leaders and a wary public on President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw all American troops from the country. Blinken was meeting separately with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, his governing partner Abdullah Abdullah, and civic figures, a day after Biden announced that the remaining 2,500 U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan would be coming home before the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that led to the U.S. invasion. His trip also came after NATO immediately followed suit, saying its roughly 7,000 non-American forces in Afghanistan would also be departing within a few months.

 

GENEVA (AP) — A top official from the World Health Organization says Europe has surpassed 1 million deaths from COVID-19. Dr. Hans Kluge said the situation remains “serious” with about 1.6 million new cases reported each week in the 53 countries that make up its European region. Addressing recent concerns about vaccines, Kluge also said the risk of people suffering blood clots is far higher for people with COVID-19 than people who receive AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine. Kluge did point to “early signs that transmission may be slowing across several countries” and cited “declining incidence” among the oldest people. He said the proportion of COVID-19 deaths among people over 80, who have been prioritized for vaccines, had dropped to nearly 30%

 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s supreme leader says the offers being made at the Vienna talks over his country’s tattered nuclear deal “are not worth looking at.” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made the comment Wednesday in a speech on the first day of Ramadan in Iran. As supreme leader, he has final say on all matters of state. That makes his comments on the talk critical. Khamenei’s comments come as Iran says it will enrich uranium at a level higher than ever before after a weekend attack on its Natanz nuclear facility. Iran has blamed Israel for the attack. Israel has not claimed the assault but is widely suspected of having carried it out.