Police nab 19 Chinese nationals involved in online gambling – Malay Mail

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Police have arrested 19 Chinese nationals for being allegedly involved in online gambling activities. Picture by Hari Anggara

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2Police have arrested 19 Chinese nationals including a woman for being allegedly involved in online gambling activitiesduring separate raids at two luxury premises in Jalan Raja Chulan, here,onTuesday.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim said all the suspects,aged between 20 and 45 years, were detained by a team from the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7).

Police also seized laptops and mobile phones of various brands worth RM200,000.

Mazlan said investigations revealed that the syndicate was promotingcrypto-currency stock gambling activitiestargeting victims in China using the WeChat application.

The syndicate canrake inup to RM150,000 a day, reaching RM4.5 million in a month, he said.

They had beencarrying out their operation from the rentedluxury premisesfor almost two months, he said in a statement here today.

Mazlan said all suspects had entered Malaysia as tourists using social visit passes and wereremanded for 14 days under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. Bernama

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Police nab 19 Chinese nationals involved in online gambling - Malay Mail

Denmark and the Netherland Rattle Regulatory Sabers – GamblingNews.com

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Increased interest in bingo activities in Denmark and the Netherlands has prompted regulators to issue a warning to parties hosting such activities.

Amid Denmarks lockdown, enforced as a measure against COVID-19, Spillemyndigheden, the Danish Gambling regulator, detected an increase in unlicensed bingo games.

Similar to Denmark, the Netherlands has observed increased traffic for online bingo games. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), which is the countrys gambling regulator, announced on Friday, May 1, that it had received many more reports about online bingos than before the corona crisis.

The Spillemyndigheden director Morten Niels Jakobsen commented on the subject cited by iGamingBusiness:

We certainly understand that at this particular time, there is a great desire to unite people through enjoyable entertainment such as bingo games, which is a game that can easily be adapted to the current requirements to keep distance.

Although the regulator was aware that private games between friends were happening, the regulator discussed cases where people play for money or run bingo rooms for personal gain.

Jakobsen explained that if a game involved profit or a financial prize, and a deposit was required to participate, the host of the game must have a license from the regulator to run the activity.

This is not a restrictive measure, Jakobsen explained, but rather a matter of compliance with the Danish Act on Gambling.

When gambling was legalized in Denmark in 2012, the countrys regulator began hunting for unapproved gambling websites. In light of the lockdown, Spillemyndigheden has stepped its efforts in clamping down on unregulated operators targeting Danish players. In March, the regulator sought to block 17 illegal gambling websites, 16 of which were suspended last week.The 17th operated had opted out of the country voluntarily.

This is not the first time the Danish Gaming Authority has won a case against illegal gambling operators. Back in 2018, Danish telecoms were ordered to block 24 gaming websites following a court case won by Spillemyndigheden. Among the banned sites were seven skin betting sites, two online sportsbooks and seven online casinos.

With the latest move, the number of gambling websites that have been suspended in Denmark has reached 90.

Given recent events and increased interest in online bingo, the Danish Gambling Authority has issued a warning to avoid running games where a prize or deposit involved. For such games to take place, each organizer will have to go through the process of obtaining a license from the regulator.

Linda Lomborg, Head of Responsible Gambling and Charity Lotteries at the Danish Gambling Authority commented, cited by iGamingBusiness: If organizers are in any doubt about whether a bingo event is legal, they are always welcome to contact us.

She continued that the regulators employees can guide bingo event organizers in order to make sure that they comply with the rules and regulations.

Meanwhile in the Netherlands, KSA acknowledged an increase in bingo activities. The regulator noted that many games were organized by people with good hearts, granting those parties temporary leniency with regards to obtaining a license. However, any activities organized with the specific purpose of personal gain or scamming people would prompt KSA to act swiftly, the regulator concluded.

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Denmark and the Netherland Rattle Regulatory Sabers - GamblingNews.com

Punters move online as Lotto, SkyCity report increased activity in lockdown – RNZ

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The Problem Gambling Foundation is concerned by a rise in people using online lotto and gambling sites during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Lotto app. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Physical premises have been shut to customers, but gamblers can still access services from computers, mobile phones and tablets.

Lotto sales have been reduced to about 60 percent of normal sales, because of the store closures, Lotto New Zealand said.

"We expected to see a significant drop in sales during the lockdown, as we would normally see around 75 percent of our sales come from retail stores, and 25 percent online," it said.

However, about 125,000 customers had registered with MyLotto online, which had resulted in a more than twice the normal online sales.

Casino operator SkyCity said its online offering has been trading strongly over the past two months. It now has more than 15,000 registered users on the site.

Problem Gambling Foundation chairman Richard Northey said online gambling was dangerously accessible.

"If they're at home they can access [it] straight away, particularly among younger people, who in the lockdown are looking for other recreational opportunities."

Northey said international gambling sites were particularly bad as they did not show any responsibility.

The foundation has had to close all clinics during the lockdown, but counselling was still being offered by phone and video calls.

New Zealanders spent about $2402 million on gambling carried out within the country in the 2018/19 financial year, including $530m on Lotto and $616m at casinos, Department of Internal Affairs data shows.

Data from the Health Promotion Agency showed most people are gambling less, or about the same.

The report revealed:

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Punters move online as Lotto, SkyCity report increased activity in lockdown - RNZ

Lockdown could be the enforced rehab gambling addicts need, say experts – 1News

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The lockdown has become a rehab of sorts for some of the countrys worst gambling addicts and is giving many a real chance to kick the habit for good.

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With pokies venues closed, gambling addicts have been forced to take a break. Source: 1 NEWS

Experts say the prolonged closure of all gambling venues has broken the usual pattern of addiction for hundreds of people, who would usually spend hours every week at the pokies.

One recovering gambling addict, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told 1 NEWS the sudden closure had changed her life by removing the temptation.

It sort of gave me a wake up call that I don't want to be this person anymore, I don't want to have to rely on something that is so draining, she says.

The woman had battled with gambling for 20 years, and had at times gone without food to feed her habit, but is now engaging with support services and proud to say she was two months clean.

It's almost like, as if, like you've gone into your own rehab really, the only difference is you've got your home comforts, you've got people who love you, who support you.

The Problem Gambling Foundation says the lockdown has helped around half of its clients and believes the break is a real chance for many to beat their habit.

Communications director Andree Froude says many had experienced an enormous sense of relief.

People who normally gamble on pokies at a physical venue, they don't find the same experience online gambling, and what we've heard from some of our clients is there's just not that attraction there to gamble online, she says.

So with pokie venues closed, they've got more money in their pockets, they're not gambling at all.

The Salvation Army had also seen a similar pattern at its Oasis support programme, saying the break was helping many of its clients to realise they could live without gambling.

But their national director of services, Lynette Hutson, was concerned it could create a false sense of security as restrictions lift and venues reopen.

That return to normality, so to speak, does become a trigger for people to engage more in gambling and those who might be on the cusp of having a problem, being drawn into it, she says.

We're worried that we're going to see people almost binging on going to the pokies, going to venues and gambling way more than they intended to, and falling into behaviours.

Theyre now urging all gambling providers to take extreme care to monitor harmful gambling when premises to reopen, saying that responsibility is part of their obligation under New Zealand law.

It is reasonably obvious to spot, so we would want staff at venues and sites to think about how they could intervene.

Reopening is a terrifying prospect for the recovering gambler who spoke to 1 NEWS anonymously.

It's actually really scary, just you saying that makes my lips dry, it makes me think, am I strong enough to not do it? So then your mind will think, just do it once, just do it once, you can do it once, what's once going to do.

However, she praised the help of the support services, and encouraged others facing the same problem to get help.

In six months time, where am I going to be? Am I going to be the same person? If I keep doing what I did before the lockdown, then sure, I'm going to be the same person.

Now may just be the best chance many get to beat the addiction once and for all.

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Lockdown could be the enforced rehab gambling addicts need, say experts - 1News

Online gambling in a time of crisis – The Irish Times

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Sir, We are writing to ask that the chief executives of Paddy Power/Betfair, Boyle Sports, Ladbrokes and other gambling operators immediately implement mandatory deposit and spending limits on their online gambling platforms in Ireland for the duration of the Covid-19 lockdown. A system of mandatory deposit limits already exists for the National Lotterys online platform.

Several European countries, including Latvia, Lithuania, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Finland and Portugal, have already implemented restrictions on online gambling and advertising on the basis that people are more vulnerable to gambling problematically during the lockdown. On April 21st, the UKs culture minister wrote to the chief executives of the five largest gambling operators to ask them to take extra steps to protect players at this time of heightened risk.

Live sport is extremely limited at the moment, so vulnerable people are turning to virtual sports, online slots and casino gambling. According to the Gambling Commission, 9.2 per cent who bet on casino games online had an addiction, in contrast with 2.5 per cent of online sports gamblers.

The UKs gambling self-exclusion service, Gamstop, has experienced a large increase in people seeking to break their self-exclusion, since the lockdown began. In Australia, consumer spending on online gambling has increased by 67 per cent in recent weeks.

The last thing the gambling industry would want to be accused of is taking advantage during a time of unprecedented crisis. Yours, etc,

Prof COLIN OGARA,

Consultant Psychiatrist,

St John of God Hospital,

Stillorgan, Co Dublin;

OISN McCONVILLE,

Addiction Counsellor,

Newry, Co Down;

BARRY GRANT,

Addiction Counsellor,

Problem Gambling Ireland,

Waterford.

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Online gambling in a time of crisis - The Irish Times

Bitcoin Is Not Cash For the World: Recap of Webit Fireside Chat with Roger Ver – Cointelegraph

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On April 29, Cointelegraph participated in a fireside chat event organized by the Webit Foundation. The panel, with the title of Can blockchain be a solution for the upcoming economic crisis, featured Roger Ver from Bitcoin.com as the main speaker.

Like all events during the Coronavirus pandemic, the panel was held virtually, with its participants dialing in via video conference. The talk was hosted by Dr. Plamen Russev, executive chairman of Webit Foundation. The chat featured Roger Ver, Bitcoin.coms executive chairman, and Kristina Lucrezia Cornr, managing editor at Cointelegraph, as a Q&A moderator.

Vers answers at the panel can be summarized as a deep belief in freedom and libertarian economics. He believes these ideals to be the answers to the crisis at hand. He also focused on censorship an issue that has regained relevance amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

Ver was greatly disturbed by the harsh censorship policy enacted by Youtube in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He cited an example of two doctors who made statements going against the mainstream narrative behind the pandemic, and whose video was deleted a few days after it was published.

The policy is allegedly the culprit behind a new wave of bans to crypto content creators, which recently hit high-profile influencers like Tone Vays and Crypto Lark.

Ver explained his view against censorship:

I think the solution to people saying crazy or wrong things is other people being able to rebut those things, not massive censorship.

When discussing censorship, Ver also threw several jabs against the Bitcoin community, and said that his biggest regret throughout the years was not being even louder when speaking out against censorship in the cryptocurrency community.

This refers to 2015, when the moderators of the /r/Bitcoin Reddit forum began censoring any discussion relating to Bitcoin XT a proposal for larger blocks in Bitcoin (BTC) that can be considered as the ideological ancestor to Bitcoin Cash (BCH).

Ver holds a utilitarian view of the purpose of cryptocurrency, focusing heavily on its use as a censorship-resistant payment system. He emphasized that it is free trade that creates wealth in the world, while the lockdowns destroy the ability to trade freely and thus, the economy. He also considers the multi-trillion dollar stimulus package to be theft of a similar nature to counterfeiting money.

Cryptocurrency, as the freest form of money, would be the best tool to escape the governments excessive control, according to Ver. But he also believes that it can only happen when cryptocurrency is used for payments, which is something that Bitcoin is no longer useful for, he claimed:

The sad part about what everybody is calling Bitcoin today, it doesnt have those characteristics that made the early investors and adopters so excited about it early on. Most of those people are now working on things like Bitcoin Cash or Ethereum.

He claimed that most of its current supporters are either speculators betting on future speculation, or people who still didnt figure out that the project is no longer trying to be cash for the world.

You can check out the full panel by clicking on this link.

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Bitcoin Is Not Cash For the World: Recap of Webit Fireside Chat with Roger Ver - Cointelegraph

Exclusive Interview with Roger Ver: Should We Expect Something Similar to 2017s Crypto Boom Again? – U.Today

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Roger Ver is a famous Bitcoin-veteran, prominent entrepreneur and, probably, one of the most aware people in all of the cryptocurrency space, hence he has often been called Bitcoin Jesus. Roger shared with me some of his earliest memories of the beginning of Bitcoins history and explained why he changed his mind on BTC cryptocurrency.

Since hes widely known as an experienced investor, I also asked him to share some advice on the best way to make investments. Lets dive in and find out what he thinks about the industry these days and the one thing he would change about the industry if he could.

U.Today: As one of the first investors in Bitcoin and one of the earliest adopters, you must have some interesting stories about the early industry. Can you share with us a meaningful memory from that period of Bitcoins existence?

Roger Ver: For me, the really fun turning point that I remember in this space was, everybody used to always say, yeah, Bitcoin, well, what can you buy with it? And there wasn't really a good answer. You could buy some alpaca socks and maybe you could buy some drugs from the dark net. But in 2012 I launched a website called bitcoinstore.com that had more than half a million consumer electronics products listed at prices for the most part cheaper than Amazon.

Image bytwitter.com/rogerkver

We only accepted Bitcoin and we sold millions of dollars worth of products to people all over the world. And that was a real big turning point in Bitcoin. So from that point on, whenever anybody asked, Hey, what can you buy with Bitcoin? You could tell them, Hey, more than half a million consumer electronic products, at prices usually cheaper than Amazon. So that was a real big turning point that inspired the other businesses later, like Newegg, and TigerDirect, and Dell Computer, and Microsoft to have to start accepting Bitcoin at their businesses as well.

U.Today: According to your previous interviews, you lost faith in Bitcoin (BTC) in 2017 because of the slow transaction speed and high fees and switched to Bitcoin Cash saying that it's the best version of Bitcoin. Do you still think so? What are your thoughts on BSV?

Roger Ver: At the end of 2017, the average fee on the BTC network got to be $50 and the average confirmation time got to be nearly two weeks. Right? So that meant you had to pay $50, on average, and wait for two weeks on average for your transaction to go through on the BTC blockchain. That's certainly not the money of the future. That's an embarrassment to anybody trying to promote it. So, of course, I could no longer promote Bitcoin when it became that unreliable. And you have to point out that it became that unreliable by the intentional design of the Bitcoin core developers, people like Adam Back and Greg Maxwell and a bunch of people that got hoodwinked into thinking that full blocks and the high fees and unreliable transactions that they cause or are a good thing. I still think that with BTC, you're just waiting for another fee incident and another problem to happen like that again. If Bitcoin ever becomes popular enough again, it's going to have the exact same problem.

So, your final question, what do you think about BSV? I think it's just fine. I think that there are several thousand cryptocurrencies out there and people can use the ones that are the most useful to them. BSV isn't listed on hardly any exchanges and has hardly any merchant adoption. So I'm not super bullish on that front, but they're doing some other things that I do think are interesting.

Image bytwitter.com/rogerkver

The thing that just left a horribly bad taste in my mouth is the fact that they're busy suing everybody about everything. So they're suing myself and Vitalik and podcasters and other heads of exchanges. I'm not going to use them because of that. So, that's the real big turn off. And they're threatening to sue everybody else in the world with their patents. I'm opposed to patents. I think it's a legitimate government-granted monopoly.

U.Today: I recently spoke with Charles Hoskinson, and he said that its actually not too hard to find out who Satoshi Nakamoto is using Code Stylometry (the analysis of actual source code), but hes not interested in doing it. What about you? Have you ever tried to find out who this person is? Do you have any guesses as to who it might be?

Roger Ver: I don't know. Whoever Satoshi is, if he wants his privacy, he deserves it and I'm not gonna pester him. So, if Charles Hoskinson thinks that it's easy to do, he can do it, I suppose. But, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. So I'm not really convinced by his claim there.

U.Today: Who, in the crypto space, do you respect the most? I saw in one of your interviews that you had pretty warm feedback for Vitalik. Is there anyone else you consider to have a bright mind? What about other projects in the space - which ones are the most interesting for you?

Roger Ver: So, of course, CZ has been an amazing entrepreneur in the space. Really just kudos to CZ for doing such an amazing job. I think people are really underestimating Binance coin BNB. Their whole slogan is like "BNB, pay with BNB." That was the entire point of Bitcoin. That's how Bitcoin started to get traction in the first place. People were using it to pay for things.

What other projects are interesting in the space? Of course, BNB because they're trying to get people to use it as money. I really like that and am a fan of that. Ethereum's amazing. And DeFi should not be underestimated.

People know I'm already a fan of Bitcoin Cash. Other ones - I'm a fan of all the privacy coins. I think fungibility makes money, money. If it's not fungible, it's not good money. So I'm a fan of the privacy coins. I think people don't fully realize it yet - Bitcoin cash is right on the verge of being one of the strongest privacy coins in the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem period. It'll have some of the strongest privacy and it'll have the most merchant adoption of any privacy coin. So that's a really, really big deal. And one of the additional reasons I'm so bullish on Bitcoin cash is cash fusion.

U.Today: Can you give our readers who want to make successful investments any advice on how to do so?

Roger Ver: Sure. So you don't invest your money where the capital already is today. You invest your money today where the capital's going to be tomorrow. And so, within the cryptocurrency space, BTC has the most capital invested in it. But remember, with Bitcoin, there can be multiple-week-long waits for your transaction to go through and unreliable fees, which can be $3 or $30 or $50. You don't know. I've paid more than a thousand dollars in Bitcoin fees for a single transaction more times than I can count. And a lot of people didn't believe that or said I was a liar, but it's right there on the blockchain. Anybody can check. You can go to blockshare.com, I think it is. And you can search the blockchain and sort it by transactions that paid more than a thousand dollars in fees.

So that's 28,000 times people used the BTC network and said, why would I ever want to use this again where I had to pay $1,000 in fees? I'm going to use Ethereum, I'm going to use Bitcoin Cash, I'm going to use BNB, I'm going to use anything but this stupid BTC coin that has slow, expensive, unreliable transactions. So it's just amazing to me how many people still don't see that yet. But the people that don't see that yet are the ones that never actually tried using Bitcoin for payments or they would know firsthand. Anybody that was trying to use it for payments, saw it firsthand and they know. That's why the CEO of Coinbase, the CEO of blockchain, the CEO of any exchange, knows that BTC was an absolute disaster when the blocks became full. So, my investment advice: invest your currency or your money now where the capital is going to flow to in the future, not where the capital is today.

U.Today: Do you think its possible for people to truly get rid of government regulation and take control of their own finances? If so, how much time will it take to get to that point?

Roger Ver: I don't know if we'll ever be able to get rid of government completely, but that doesn't mean it's not a worthy goal, right? Like, are we going to manage to live in a world someday in which there's never ever a rape? I hope so, but that's going to be hard, right? There's always rapists out there and maybe the government people will manage to continue using violence to control peaceful people. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't try to minimize the amount of violence that governments are allowed to impose. Just like we should try and minimize the number of times people rape people.

U.Today: There are lots of projects like, for example, How I went a whole day spending only crypto which means that its still something thats hard to put into practice. How often do you use cryptocurrencies in your everyday life?

Roger Ver: Every day I pay for things in cryptocurrency more often than I pay for things with credit cards or fiat currency. I do almost all of my shopping on purse.io on Amazon and whenever I have to pay anybody in the world, I'm paying them with Bitcoin Cash. It's just so fast, cheap and reliable and I'm looking forward to getting even more people around the world using that. So, I use it all the time. And that's why I saw, maybe so much more clearly than other people, why BTC was a disaster. Because I was trying to use it for payments and it just plain stopped working for payments.

Image bytwitter.com/rogerkver

I remember specifically, I paid around $20,000 in Bitcoin for, I forget what I was paying for, maybe some advertising fee or something, and the transaction didn't go through. And like six hours later I checked and my transaction wound up getting dropped from the mempool because the fees had spiked. My transaction didn't have high enough fees for the network there. And then people say, Oh, you need to calculate the fee or set the fee manually or this and that. I'm a professional, I've been using Bitcoin for 10 years and I understand how the fee market works and understand everything else. Everybody's busy in life and if I paid the wrong fee with a wallet that's supposed to calculate it automatically, or the fee market changed afterward, that's a horrible, horrible user experience.

So if I, myself, as a professional in the ecosystem, have a bad time, imagine how hard it's going to be for some normal person that has no idea what full blocks are or what a fee is or what one satoshi per byte even means. It's gonna be an absolute disaster for those people.

U.Today: I understand that youre a person who joined the space for the idea, not for speculation. And, youve been in crypto longer than most, so given your experience, your vision on how everything will develop is very interesting for our readers. Do you think the Bitcoin (BTC, BCH, BSV) price will continue rising? Will we ever see something similar to 2017s boom again?

Roger Ver: Yeah, that's a good question. There's always the ups and downs, but in the long term, whatever cryptocurrency is the most useful is the one that's going to be used by the biggest number of people. So, BTC has the biggest network effect and, because of that, the biggest brand recognition and trust. But BCH has the best user experience and still a pretty darn big network effect. And BSV - there are people out there that like it - it has an even smaller network effect.

If the user experience becomes bad enough and there's an alternative ready for people, people will make the switch. If BTC continues to have full blocks and the bad experiences that those cause and no alternative on-chain, like lightning networks not being ready - if you're using a custodial solution, you might as well just use PayPal. You don't need a blockchain at all. So if, anyhow, the bad user experience on BTC continues, despite its brand awareness around the world and brand recognition, people are going to switch to something else. I think that Bitcoin Cash has a fantastic shot at being that thing that lots of people switch to.

U.Today: What would you personally change in the community if you could?

Roger Ver: I would get rid of the censorship. People don't realize it. And I also underestimated just how big of a deal that censorship would be.

The censorship is still going on to this very day in places like r/bitcoin and bitcointalk.org and at the time the censorship started the vast majority of the community were big blockers and they knew and understood and appreciated how important it was to use Bitcoin as money and how important the work that I did in the early time was and that I wasn't out to scam anybody. I was out here to try and build the tools to bring more economic freedom to the world. And now all the people that came to cryptocurrency after the censorship started, they only got to hear one side of the story. They don't know the truth and they're prevented from hearing the truth because of the censorship.

If everybody around you in the world told you that Bitcoin Cash is stupid and big blocks are stupid and small blocks are great, you'd believe it if you were never allowed to hear the counter-arguments. And that's what's happened, in large part, to the Bitcoin community due to the censorship. So if I could change one thing, it would be the censorship.

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Exclusive Interview with Roger Ver: Should We Expect Something Similar to 2017s Crypto Boom Again? - U.Today

Elon Musk and Roger Ver Say That It Is Time to End the COVID-19 Lockdowns – CryptoGlobe

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Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk and Bitcoin.com chairman Roger Ver have both called for an end to the COVID-19 economic lockdown.

According to a report by Reuters on April 29, Musk called the U.S. governments sweeping, stay-at-home restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic fascist. Speaking in a conference call, Musk told shareholders he did not know when Tesla would be allowed to resume production in California and called the stay-at-home order a serious risk to the business.

To say that they cannot leave their house and they will be arrested if they do, this is fascist. This is not democratic, this is not freedom. Give people back their goddamn freedom!

The Tesla CEO pinned a tweet to his personal Twitter account saying FREE AMERICA NOW.

Roger Ver, chairman of Bitcoin.com, also voiced his displeasure with the lockdown policies. Speaking at Virtual Blockchain Week, Ver argued people should have the right to decide whether they stay in quarantine.

I think the lockdown needs to come to an end, right now, today. If you want to lock yourself down, more power to you, feel free, have at it. But for the rest of us that want to live our lives, we should be able to do that too.

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Elon Musk and Roger Ver Say That It Is Time to End the COVID-19 Lockdowns - CryptoGlobe

No Visits, No Parole: Ross Ulbricht Is More Alone Than Ever During COVID-19 – CoinDesk

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The coronavirus infection spreading across the United States prison system is throwing Ross Ulbrichts confinement into sharp relief.

Found guilty of seven charges including money laundering, conspiracy to traffic narcotics and computer hacking, the controversial founder of the Silk Road is currently serving a double life sentence plus 40 years, without the possibility of parole.

As the pandemic worsens conditions for the nations large prison population, Ross spends 22 hours a day behind bars in Tucson, Ariz., where hes currently being held. Outside visits are stopped so Rosss mother, Lyn, and other loved ones, who work tirelessly for his release, are unable to act as Ross lifeline to the outside world. And Ross stands a good chance of being infected, with rates in his part of the system running four times the New York average.

Because of the nature of his crime, Ross is not allowed access to a computer or the internet, not even to check his email. So he spends his time writing, reading and meditating, his mother said, and calling home.

Even though Ross is a grown man, I'm still a mom and can't help reminding him to drink lots of water, wash his hands and take vitamin C when he calls," Lyn Ulbricht said. "He assures me he's doing all that and I don't need to worry, but it's hard under these circumstances. Prisons are probably the most at-risk places for contracting the virus."

The Silk Road holds a storied position in Bitcoins history. Named after the ancient trade routes that connected East to West, the online emporium became the currencys first proven link to the world of internet commerce (it even introduced some well-known crypto folk to bitcoin). Anonymized shoppers could buy anything, as long as it didn't harm a third party, from fake IDs to opioids, or any narcotic, as well as spyware, art and books. For Ulbricht, the innovation wasnt what was sold, but how: voluntary exchange.

What were doing isnt about scoring drugs or sticking it to the man. Its about standing up for our rights as human beings and refusing to submit when weve done no wrong, the Silk Road founder, then operating under the pseudonym Dread Pirate Roberts, said in an interview with Forbes. (It should be said: Lyn and Ross both maintain this quote is not his. Nor has Forbes has not attributed this quote to Ross.)

Despite his alleged crimes, Ulbricht has become a folk hero in libertarian and crypto circles. Ross is an amazing entrepreneur who helped make the world a better place, Roger Ver, founder of Bitcoin.com, said in a direct message. Ver is among thousands of supporters who have fomented a movement seeking to liberate Ulbricht (with the hashtag #freeross).

And the coronavirus crisis could accelerate this process. It certainly doesnt seem like it can hurt his cause, Ver said.

Close, unsanitary quarters are hotbeds for viral infection. Worse, throughout the pandemic prisoners have had limited access to protective or hygienic products and, sometimes, lack basic medical care. These conditions have activists, politicians and even Attorney General William Barr calling for the temporary release of at-risk populations. Others are pushing harder for the amnesty of all non-violent offenders.

The call for criminal justice reform amid a global pandemic echoes the issues the Free Ross campaign has been championing for years.

Begging the system that put him in prison to now take him out seems like an uphill battle

Theres been a lot more attention brought to the subject [of prison reform], said Lyn Ulbricht. There are many people serving horrific sentences in our country now for nonviolent crimes. It shouldn't be like that. We're the biggest incarcerator in the world. That's a national disgrace.

Lyn Ulbricht is the organizing force behind the loosely coordinated campaign seeking her sons release. In 2013, when the 29-year-old Ulbricht was arrested, she created the FreeRoss.org website to raise awareness and funds for his bail, which was ultimately rebuked.

In 2015, ahead of and during the 11-week federal trial held at the Southern District of New York, Lyn spoke frequently at conferences, to media and online arguing Ross case had wide implications for the future of internet commerce, First and Fourth amendment rights and criminal justice.

Then, in 2017, after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld Ross conviction and sentence essentially eliminating any chance of legal recourse she began seeking clemency through political means. This effort has culminated in a petition directed at President Trump, asking him issue Ulbricht a commutation. The most recent petition has received over 280,00 signatures.

Many who agitate on Ross behalf see his case as representative of the totality of crimes committed through mass incarceration and the prison industrial complex.

We should support anyone who is being persecuted for victimless crimes, Roger Ver said. The police, prosecutors and judges are the ones who are the criminal aggressors in this case, and the world should speak out against them just like we now speak out against the runaway slave catchers of the past.

While Ver had donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Freedom Fund He made it possible for us to go to trial, Lyn said he remains pessimistic about the political process. Begging the system that put him in prison to now take him out seems like an uphill battle, he said. This is something Lyn Ulbricht reluctantly admits.

Despite her efforts to reach the Trump administration, his family and even Kim Kardashian who successfully lobbied the president to release a 63-year-old woman serving a life sentence for a nonviolent drug conviction she has had little success.

Its difficult to coordinate efforts. Ive tried to reach out but its not easy to get to them, she said. While she thinks Trump has shown an inclination to reform the justice system with the First Step Act, its a matter of convincing President Trump this is something that is worthy of his attention and mercy.

That doesnt mean she lacks hope. Trump makes instinctual decisions, she said, adding, Anyone who looks at the sentence can see it's wrong. Ulbricht was a first-time offender, convicted on non-violent charges in a trial that shows some signs of malpractice. The charges listed in Ross original indictment wouldve, at minimum, landed him a 30-year prison sentence.

A more lenient sentence would be in line with what busted merchants on the Silk Road have been handed. Not to mention the former U.S. Secret Service agent who skimmed bitcoin from the site while participating in federal investigation to uncover its founder. Instead, Ulbricht received a punishment Lyn argues is unconstitutional.

The Eighth Amendment says no cruel or unusual punishment and this is very unusual for a first time nonviolent offender, and it's certainly cruel, she said. While the conviction has opened her mind to the possible injustices of the law, its something all her hopes are tied to.

[Trump] can sign a piece of paper and Ross would walk out the door, she said.

Criminal justice reform

Seven years ago, Ulbricht found himself behind bars at New Yorks Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting trial. Today, this municipal prison system has an infection rate of more than 9 percent, according to the Legal Aid Society. This is compared to the 2 percent infection rate on the citys streets.

Prisoners across the country report they are unable to practice social distancing or even properly wash their hands. Found wanting before the outbreak, prison medical care is reportedly incapable of managing a prison outbreak. In a memo to the Bureau of Prisons, Attorney General Barr confirmed the virus is materially affecting operations, and called for the release of vulnerable and at-risk inmates to home confinement.

Still, there is no consistent national approach to manage the virus in prisons, nor federal guidelines to determine which inmates may be eligible for temporary release. And that guidance may not come soon, with Trump decrying the proactive release of elderly and infirm prisoners he called very serious criminals during a White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing earlier this month.

'Even though Ross is a grown man, I'm still a mom and can't help reminding him to drink lots of water, wash his hands and take vitamin C when he calls.'

Its in this landscape that reformist policies begin to make sense. A 2016 report showed nearly 40 percent of people in state and federal prisons were incarcerated without provably presenting a danger to their communities. That means these sentences are strictly punitive, not correctional, Lyn Ulbricht said.

During Ross bail hearing, prosecutors said he operated the most sophisticated and extensive criminal marketplace on the internet today. And while the prosecution accused him of hiring hitmen, Ulbricht is, technically, a non-violent offender.A number of eminent scholars, lawyers and celebrities have weighed in, calling the sentence "a shocking miscarriage of justice," to use Noam Chomsky's words.

Still young at 36, healthy and without any underlying conditions, its unlikely Ulbricht will be released to home confinement during the pandemic. Instead, he, like the majority of the 2.3 million people incarcerated in federal, state and local prisons, jails and other correctional facilities across the country, will spend 22 hours a day in his cage with his cellmate as a precautionary measure, Lyn said.

Lyn has moved three times since 2013 to be closer to Ross in Arizona so she can make weekly visits. These visits are also on hold for the foreseeable future, and its unclear when these restrictions will be lifted. The federal Bureau of Prisons has not responded to a request for comment.

He can be under house arrest with an ankle brace on, Lyn said. Hes not a dangerous person.

Update(April 30, 22:50 UTC):This story has been updated to emphasize that Forbes has not identified Ross Ulbricht as the pseudonymous Dread Pirate Roberts interviewed in 2013.

See the original post here:

No Visits, No Parole: Ross Ulbricht Is More Alone Than Ever During COVID-19 - CoinDesk

Banking the Unbanked: How the Crypto Community Can Make a Big Impact – Yahoo Finance

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For tech-savvy yet unbanked young adults in communities often overlooked by traditional big business, the crypto and blockchain industry offers opportunities that others dont.

For more episodes and free early access, subscribe withApple Podcasts,Spotify,Pocketcasts,Google Podcasts,Castbox,Stitcher,RadioPublica,IHeartRadioorRSS.

Hodl has become quite the rallying cry in the crypto industry today. But to boost adoption, that might be the wrong trend.

Related: Bitcoin News Roundup for May 1, 2020

So says Carlos Acevedo, director of sales and the regional lead of Latin America for Brave, the crypto-powered web browser. In this episode of CoinDesk Live, hosted by Consensus organizer Stephanie Izquieta, Acevedo seemed to invoke the giving nature of early bitcoin enthusiasts such as Roger Ver, who would give away bitcoin to anyone and everyone he met.

According to Acevedo, thats the best way to get more people interested in the technology. Theyll not only be interested from a price perspective but become more curious about how crypto could offer efficiencies and benefits in other areas of their life.

For people in lower-income communities that are unbanked or underbanked, its introducing a whole new concept of finance they didnt have access to before.

The movement is so small but so, so powerful, Acevedo said.

Related: From Corrupt to Broken: An Insiders Analysis of the Fed, Feat. Danielle Dimartino Booth

Listen in to hear more about:

Next up:

CoinDesk Live: Lockdown Edition continues its popular twice-weekly virtual chats with Consensus speakers via Zoom and Twitter, giving you a preview of whats to come at Consensus: Distributed, our first fully virtual and fully free big-tent conference May 11-15.

Register to join our fifth session Thursday, April 30, with speaker Hudson Jameson from the Ethereum Foundation to discuss private transactions, client improvements and dealing with FUD, hosted by Consensus organizer Nolan Bauerle. Zoom participants can ask questions directly to our guests.

Then, of course, join us at Consensus: Distributed May 11-15 where all the guests you hear on CoinDesk LIVE will be speaking in more depth.

Read more here:

Banking the Unbanked: How the Crypto Community Can Make a Big Impact - Yahoo Finance

Gov. Northam talks testing progress and where Virginia stands – WHSV

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RICHMOND, Va. (WHSV) Virginia Governor Ralph Northam addressed the commonwealth on Friday for his latest briefing on Virginia's response to COVID-19.

The governor's Friday briefing comes after he announced on Wednesday that elective procedures would resume at medical facilities across Virginia as of May 1 and addressed testing challenges that Virginia has faced up to this point. On Monday, he discussed the situation at meat processing plants and the need for continued pediatrician visits throughout the pandemic.

Northam's blueprint on reopening Virginia established last Friday calls for the commonwealth to see two weeks of a trend showing declining daily case totals before we can enter Phase 1 of the process.

This past Sunday and Monday saw declining daily case totals, but a rise of 804 from Monday to Tuesday broke that streak. From Tuesday to Wednesday, cases rose by 602, and then, as testing began increasing, so did the case numbers reported, with 885 from Wednesday to Thursday and then 1,055 from Thursday to Friday.

The Virginia Department of Health's numbers reported on Friday also appeared to show the highest single-day increase of tests reported to the state, with nearly 15,000. However, in Friday's briefing, state health commissioner Dr. Norm Oliver said the number of tests from Thursday to Friday was about 5,800. It's just that the health department changed their methodology to now report the total number of tests for Virginia rather than the total number of people tested, which included people who had been tested multiple times. (More on that can be found in today's updates below).

While cases appeared to skyrocket, the percentage of Virginians who have gotten tested and received positive test results dropped by about a percentage point, to 16%, with more tests now available.

As of May 1, Virginia has 16,901 confirmed tests and clinical diagnoses for COVID-19. Month-by-month, that was more than 11 times the total of 1,484 that had been reported on April 1.

Virginia's projected peak, according to most data modeling, should be around now, but the number of reported cases may continue to rise significantly as Virginia works to ramp up testing.

You can watch each of the governor's briefings through WHSV's livestream at whsv.com/livestream2 or on the WHSV News app. That livestream can also be watched through our Roku and Amazon Fire apps. You'll also be able to watch it live in the video player above during the briefing.

The testing timeline in Virginia

Governor Northam started Friday's briefing by recapping the commonwealth's timeline for COVID-19 leading up to May.

The governor highlighted that when Virginia's first positive COVID-19 case was confirmed on March 7, less than eight weeks ago, there was a real fear that hospitals could be overwhelmed in Virginia, as had been seen in places like Italy and New York.

Northam said the state struggled to obtain supplies for testing and PPE at the start of the pandemic, but implemented restrictions, including the Stay at Home order and business closures, to help prevent that situation from happening.

He said the commonwealth waited to see if those restrictions would work, "and it has worked."

Highlighting the fact that hospitals have not been overwhelmed, with plenty of ventilator and ICU capacity available, Northam said while the case count continues climbing, so does testing.

Testing, Northam said, is the key to moving forward carefully, and he presented a slideshow on where Virginia stands as far as testing.

Showing graphs on Virginia's cumulative testing and daily cases reported, he pointed out the steady rise in cumulative cases and the increase in daily cases, saying that the daily cases will need to begin declining for future steps.

A graph showing hospitalization numbers alongside cumulative cases made the governor's point that capacity is available in hospitals, which he said was part of the state decision to resume elective procedures.

Also key to increasing testing, the governor said, is a steady supply of PPE. To help make that possible, Northam said the state is opening up three new facilities to decontaminate mass quantities of masks and other PPE to allow more supplies to be reused.

Testing: A multi-step process

Dr. Karen Remley, the former Virginia Department of Health commissioner who's been leading Virginia's testing task force, took part of Friday's briefing to outline the testing process.

Dr. Remley called it a 5-step process, with the 5 steps being: sick patient, clinician, specimen collection, lab test, test result

Each of those steps, she said, is a place Virginia can improve the process.

First, Dr. Remley said the key is getting patients who are experiencing symptoms to get themselves tested, which she said can still be a challenge. She said patients who are experiencing possible symptoms can go to the Virginia Department of Health website and find an online map that shows all testing locations in the state with a search by zip code.

As far as collecting the test itself, she said Virginia is implementing the CDC's newest guidance on testing, which allows doctors to let individuals perform their own nasal swab test, using less PPE and allowing testing in many more locations.

For lab tests, Dr. Remley said Virginia's state lab has increased testing capacity by at least 3,000 tests a day with new contracts with private labs in Virginia and North Carolina.

Touching back on the blueprint outlined by Gov. Northam last week for reopening, she said Virginia is now in Phase 2 of testing, which calls for around 5,000 tests to be administered a day.

Phase 3 calls for 7,500 tests a day, Phase 4 calls for 10,000 tests a day, and Phase 5 calls for 2,000 tests a day with a steady rate of testing once most cases have already been identified.

Dr. Remley said the state has gotten increased supplies necessary to ramp up testing, and is doing so, focusing on the people who meet the CDC's priorities for testing, including hospitalized patients, healthcare workers, and high risk populations.

As far as next steps, she said the health department is working with more private labs to do up to 5,000 more tests a week and that local health districts are establishing more drive-thru and mobile testing sites to get more people tested.

She heavily encouraged people to keep following all social distancing guidelines but to go out and get tested if you have symptoms.

Phase 1 and what's next

Gov. Northam said the big picture of all the data presented is that Virginia is making progress and that the measures taken have worked to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent any surges that would overwhelm hospitals.

He said PPE supplies are now steady, hospital capacity is available, and Virginia is increasing testing.

But what comes next?

Virginia has not entered Phase 1 of Northam's blueprint for reopening, and won't until we see a 14-day trend of declining daily case totals.

But the governor emphasized multiple times in Friday's briefing that where Virginia currently stands is what many states are calling their "Phase 1."

Virginia has resumed elective procedures and reopened dentist offices to non-emergency appointments. Beaches and parks have remained open for the purpose of exercise throughout the pandemic.

Each of those are steps other states are counting as parts of their "Phase 1."

As far as exactly what Virginia's Phase 1 will look like, when it can be implemented, and what it will mean for businesses, Northam said announcements on that will be made at his briefing scheduled for Monday.

Virginia's businesses and what's been able to stay open

Northam's Chief of Staff Clark Mercer answered a reporter question on Virginia's businesses, providing some insight into Virginia's decision to only close select non-essential businesses throughout the pandemic.

Touching on Northam's point that Virginia is already at what "Phase 1" is for some other states, he said Virginia never closed many non-essential stores, like toy stores, for instance, and only required the closure of businesses where social distancing isn't possible, like hair and nail salons and wineries.

Mercer said that was because they did not want, as a government, to define which businesses could sell the same type of product, effectively forcing people away from local toy stores into big box stores that also sell toys, to continue his toy store example.

Mercer said the key has been for all the non-essential stores allowed to remain open to keep following guidelines on social distancing and abide by the state's limit on gatherings of 10.

How can testing increase?

The governor, acknowledging studies showing that Virginia's per-capita testing was among the lowest in the country, said that the commonwealth focused on high-risk populations to start with, but is moving to a new strategy as they ask doctors to not turn away patients and have anyone who meets the CDC criteria for testing tested.

Northam said the goal is to make it as easy as possible for a sick person to get a test in a setting they trust. To do that, his administration is developing guidance for doctors to provide more tests in outpatient settings.

Why did the numbers on Friday show an increase of 15,000 tests?

The latest Virginia Department of Health numbers released on Friday morning appeared to show around 15,000 tests administered from Thursday to Friday, which would have been a huge increase over previous highs of about 5,000 tests a day.

That increase, according to state health commissioner Dr. Norm Oliver, was largely due to a change in methodology.

While testing did increase on Friday to around 5,800, the spike in testing numbers appeared because the VDH numbers now display the total number of tests administered overall, whereas they had previous reported the number of people tested.

According to Dr. Oliver, previously, it was not uncommon for a sick patient to get tested, get tested again in the hospital, and potentially get tested again going to a skilled nursing facility, and that would all display as one test on Virginia's system. Now, the system will indicate every single test, rather than just the total number of people tested.

The rationale behind the change, according to Northam's staff, is because every test administered uses testing supplies, reagents, and PPE that is critical to the state response.

They estimated about ten percent of people positive for COVID-19 received more than one test, causing the increase in Friday numbers.

It also is one explanation for why Virginia's testing numbers had been so low, compared to surrounding states.

The situation at long-term care facilities

Two weeks ago, Gov. Northam established a nursing home task force to set up COVID-19 testing at any facilities in the state with at least two confirmed cases. The testing, known as point-prevalence, has involved testing every single resident and staff member on the same day to determine the scope of outbreaks.

It's been performed in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health, UVA Medical Center, VCU Health, the Virginia state lab, and the National Guard, which helps run tests when needed.

Now, Northam says any long-term care facility in the state can reach out to their local health district to request point-prevalence testing at any point, thanks to the efforts of the nursing home task force.

The governor reminded people that the National Guard is in areas to help perform tests, and reminded Virginians that seeing their vehicles should be no cause for alarm.

The Census

The governor reminded Virginians that it's not too late to respond to the U.S. Census, saying it's critical to count every single person living in Virginia. He urged anyone who has not yet filled it out to do so online or through the mail.

Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Gov. Northam said at this time, it's a reminder that many people of Asian descent have faced increased bigotry and harassment simply because the coronavirus originated in China, and reminded people that that is unacceptable.

Foster Care Month

May is also Foster Care Month, so Gov. Northam thanked foster parents for all they've done to welcome children into their lives and the social workers who support them.

Money granted for schools

Northam announced that the Virginia Department of Education has allocated $238.6 million in federal funding through the CARES Act, with 90% going directly to local school districts and 10% to statewide efforts.

What's the timeline on reopening schools?

Gov. Northam said so long as Virginians keep doing what they're doing, he's confident that K-12 schools will be able to begin again in August and September, as usual.

He said there's been no discussion on a start date for year-round schools who have been looking at July.

What's the timeline on reopening businesses?

When asked about a previous projection that Virginia may be able to enter Phase 1 and start reopening non-essential businesses on May 8, Northam said the plan for reopening businesses remains under consideration with the state's COVID-19 Business Task Force and will be fleshed out in his Monday briefing.

He said the task force is working on a blueprint and criteria to determine exactly what Phase 1 will look like

He thanked people for their patience as his administration considers a lot of data to make the decisions, and said he understands that consumers want to be reassured that entering a business is safe for them.

What is Virginia's contact tracing capability?

Dr. Norm Oliver was asked about Virginia's workforce on tracing the contacts of positive cases after Virginia did not have data to report to NPR when they reported on numbers for contact tracing nationwide.

He said the Virginia Department of Health does not have a central roster of the people doing contact tracing because it's handled by local health districts.

Citing an example of one district that increased their normal number of people working on contact tracing from 5 to 20, he estimated the number for Virginia as a whole is "in the hundreds" and said they're working to increase it to about 1,500.

Will Virginia identify specific facilities with outbreaks?

The governor was asked, for at least the third time in a briefing, if Virginia will be able to report the specific facilities where outbreak have been identified, especially involving long-term care centers.

For at least the third time, Dr. Norm Oliver explained that it's not a decision the Virginia Department of Health or the governor can make, because Virginia's state code defines facilities and businesses as "persons" and requires the health department to protect the anonymity of all "persons," effectively meaning that they can't identify facilities with outbreaks unless the facility agrees.

There's no way for that to change, Dr. Norm Oliver highlighted once again, unless legislators were to change the state code.

Cases in Virginia doubling

Gov. Northam said while Virginia has still seen the total number of cases doubling, it's happening with less frequency. At the start, Virginia saw its cases double around every 2 to 3 days. Now, that's around 9 to 12 days as the curve slowly begins to flatten.

Dr. Remley said part of the increase in Virginia's cases is due to an increase in testing, but that cases are increasing as well.

What about reopening Virginia by region?

Gov. Northam said in a prior briefing that he was open to the idea of reopening parts of Virginia on varying schedules, depending on the status of cases in each region.

However, on Friday, he said feedback on that idea from the state's business task force has been mixed.

He highlighted a concern from one business in southwest Virginia, where few cases have been reported, that reopening their business while similar businesses elsewhere in the state remained closed could result in people traveling from hot spots to them, ultimately causing a spike of cases in their area that would then force them to close again.

Northam said feedback from the business task force is being considered and once again pointed to Monday as the day he'll announce guidance for businesses looking toward Phase 1.

Unemployment

Gov. Northam said the Virginia Employment Commission has been inundated with applications, seeing more in a week than they had in the previous three years.

As many Virginians report not getting their unemployment benefits and a nearly impossible system to navigate, with a phone line that almost never gets you to a person and instead hangs up on you, Northam said VEC workers are "doing all they can" to handle the surge of claims.

Moving into the future

Gov. Northam reminded everyone to keep washing their hands, social distancing, and taking care of their friends, family members, and neighbors.

The governor said his administration will continue to reach out to businesses over the coming days and continue to assess data to establish new guidelines for Phase 1 of reopening.

Virginia remains under a series of public health orders and executive orders designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the commonwealth. The timeline of those measures can be seen below.

On Wednesday, April 29, Gov. Ralph Northam announced the first public health order to end, letting elective procedures resume on May 1. That also effectively re-opened dentist's offices for regular appointments and veterinarian's offices.

See the rest here:

Gov. Northam talks testing progress and where Virginia stands - WHSV

Miami Dolphins offensive line will be a work in progress – PhinPhanatic

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SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 12: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 30-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Is this the end of the Miami Dolphins constant merry-go-round of offensive lineman. A turnstile that has continued to rotate for the better part of a decade? The last time that the Dolphins had a good offensive line was when Richie Incognito was the starting guard, Mike Pouncey was the starting center, and Jonathan Martin was the starting right tackle. Thanks Martin!

Since then, the Dolphins brass has viewed the line as something they could get by with and not something they needed to fix. It was patchworked. A piece here then a removal there and another mid-round draft pick that wouldnt pan out. These were the Jamal Douglas, Billy Turner, and Dallas Thomas types. And then there was the horrible line coaching that resulted in turnover at that level as well.

Now, we see that the Dolphins have put an emphasis on fixing the problems that have plagued the team but they need to be coached because there are questions. These guys can be great or simply another in a long line of players walking through that revolving door.

Entering the 2020 off-season, the Dolphins needed to make the line a priority. Last year was more of the same. In free agency, they added Ereck Flowers, a former first-round pick who was drafted to play tackle but performed better as a guard. The Dolphins are hoping he can continue that improvement.

The team invested a first-round pick in Austin Jackson this year but he is not a walk-on ready NFL tackle. He will need to develop a little more and while it was a mild reach at 18 overall, he was viewed as the best tackle remaining at that time. In round two, the Dolphins went big again with Robert Hunt. Hunt is a big lineman with a mauler mentality but like Jackson, he needs to develop at the next level and good coaching will bring that out. Brian Flores believes the team can do just that.

The Dolphins were not done with offensive lineman. In round four they drafted another big body lineman, Solomon Kindley who played next to first-round pick Andrew Thomas at Alabama. Thomas was drafted 4th overall and was scouted by the Dolphins. Kindley is another physical football player and it shows a shift in ideas within the Dolphins organization. Miami is looking for physical players. Its why the signed former Patriots center Ted Karras in free agency as well.

Most believe that Miami is ready to improve leaps and bounds over the last few seasons but the reality is all of these players will need to develop but more importantly they will need to learn to play together. The good news is they will get that chance. They are all coming onto the roster at the same time and all share youth on their side.

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Miami Dolphins offensive line will be a work in progress - PhinPhanatic

3 Ways NJ Is Showing Big Progress In Coronavirus Outbreak – Patch.com

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NEW JERSEY Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Saturday news conference, showed three ways New Jersey is making big progress in the coronavirus crisis as he gets ready to make a decision on schools. Murphy spoke as state and county parks reopened this weekend (you can watch it here, below).

The updates comes as Murphy said on Saturday that he plans to hold a news conference at 12 noon on Monday, and will likely address his decision on schools. Patch will cover it live. "We will give you that guidance on Monday," he said. "We want to get this right." Read more: Gov. Murphy To Make Decision On NJ Schools In Coronavirus Crisis

Murphy also announced 2,912 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, raising the overall total to 123,717. The governor also reported 205 more deaths, raising that "unfathomable" total to 7,742. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

In the coronavirus crisis, Murphy said the trend lines are pointing in the right direction, and he hopes they will eventually lead to a "responsible" opening of New Jersey economy as soon as possible. He has said he hopes for a reopening in June or July.

"We need to keep seeing these lines moving in these directions before we can put New Jersey on the road back and before we are able to responsibly restart our economy, Murphy said. "Public health creates economic health."

Here are three ways New Jersey has made big progress, Murphy said:

Hospitalizations

Hospitalizations have trended downward, particularly over the last week. The number of hospitalizations have dropped by 1,000 in one week, or about 18 percent, to 5,713.

The number of new hospitalizations dropped to 378 for one day on Saturday, among the lowest nubmers in weeks. Here are two graphics that show the trend lines:

Hospitalizations have dropped particularly in North and Central Jersey, though the same figure has risen a little in South Jersey:

Decline in overall number of cases

After routinely exceeding 3,500 new cases a day and even peaking above 4,000 at times New Jersey's daily case averages fell below 3,000 all week.

"Heat map"

The "heat map" that shows counties and their rate of doubling of new cases has dropped dramatically over the past week.

Nine of New Jersey's counties now see their cases double every 30 days or more. A month ago, cases in those same counties every day.

Those same counties have also improved since a little more than a week ago, when Murphy said New Jersey briefly "backslid" on the heat map. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ 'Backslides' In Coronavirus Outbreak

Two maps show the progress between April 24 and May 2. Here is May 2:

Here is April 24:

The heat map "continues to get lighter and lighter as the rate of doubling of cases continues to slow," Murphy said. "We'll be watching these charts to see (what happens) as we reopen our parks."

So far, Murphy said, reports of park behavior on Saturday was "so far, so good."

Murphy also paid tribute to those who died:

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.

Watch Murphy here:

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Here's what else you should know:

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses. This includes:

Read more here:

3 Ways NJ Is Showing Big Progress In Coronavirus Outbreak - Patch.com

Frank Reich makes progress on makeover of Colts’ offense – Indianapolis Colts Blog- ESPN – ESPN

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INDIANAPOLIS -- Frank Reichs fingerprints are all over the Indianapolis Colts' moves this offseason.

From the new starting quarterback to the tight end he coached in Philadelphia to the first two players taken in this years NFL draft, the Colts coach has been working to get the players he wants to run to his offense.

The offensive struggles of 2019 couldnt be placed squarely on the shoulders of Reich or even quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Nobody expected quarterback Andrew Luck to retire just two weeks before the start of the regular season. Reich still took the blame for an offense that ranked 30th overall in the NFL in passing last season.

All 255 picks | Biggest takeaways Bowen's favorites | Pick analysis Experts on Round 1 | Home setups Full class rankings from Scouts Inc. More NFL draft coverage

That hurt, Reich said in February during the NFL combine. Ive always taken pride in having a dynamic passing game. Everywhere that weve been, Im not saying weve been the best in the league, but the teams Ive been on have been pretty dynamic for the most part. You cant always have it all. We made some good strides in the running game. Thats a very important step for our team and where were going and how we get to the next level. I know we can do this other side of it. We just have to figure that out and get better there, and I think the end result will be a good thing.

Thats what accountable coaches do. Reich, who broke into coaching as an offensive assistant after a 14-year career as a quarterback, vowed to correct the problem.

Enter QB Philip Rivers.

Reich and Rivers spent three seasons together with the Chargers. Rivers, despite throwing 20 interceptions last season, isnt timid when it comes to taking shots down the field. That was a weakness of the Colts last season with Brissett at quarterback.

Rivers essentially has been running Reichs offensive system since 2013, when Reich was quarterbacks coach with the Chargers.

Why is that important? Because it's likely there won't be as many workouts and practices this spring and summer because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Colts would like to have as smooth a transition as possible for Rivers while playing behind one of best offensive lines in the NFL.

As far as Philip is concerned, I havent worked with him for three years -- getting an inside look at his accuracy, at his toughness, physical and mental toughness, at his playmaking ability, not just the three years I was with him, but when you look over the course of his career, Reich recently said on ESPN Radio's Golic and Wingo show. And then when you look at when he has been at his best, and theres been a ton a great football games and great years in his career, is I think back to those days when he had LT (LaDainian Tomlinson) and they were running the ball great. One thing about Philip is, he knows how to create big plays in the play-action game, and on the trend that were on, I just think hes the playmaker and leader that can help take us to the next level.

Then there was the signing of tight end Trey Burton following his release from the Chicago Bears after two seasons. Burton could take the place of Eric Ebron as the team's pass-catching tight end.

Burton is another player familiar with the offense, as he was coached by Reich when the Colts coach was the Eagles' offensive coordinator. Search "Philly Special" on YouTube and youll see Burton throwing a touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles in Philadelphias Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots after the 2017 season.

Heading into the draft last weekend, Reich and the Colts had their eyes on USC receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The Colts, in their draft video on the team website, compared the 6-foot-4 Pittman to former receiver Vincent Jackson because of his combination of speed, size and toughness.

T.Y. Hilton, who will turn 31 in November, is still the teams No. 1 receiver, but Pittman has the potential to become their top receiver down the road. He had 101 receptions for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns last season at USC. Ballard said Pittman can win at all three levels. And by that he means the receiver is big, strong to the ball, competes, got better every year in college.

Hes kind of a guy who plays above the rim. He brings an element that we were kind of missing to our wideout room [in 2019], that big-bodied presence, Colts area scout Chris McGaha said. Hes somebody that I never saw, watching in practice, lose a one-on-one rep. I know that might sound crazy, but its true. It speaks to his competitiveness. Wasnt a guy who won a rep and let you know about it. He went about his business.

The addition of Pittman -- selected No. 34 overall -- gives the Colts a player capable of using his strength to go up and get contested passes. He should complement the speedy receivers Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni like to use in crossing routes.

But one thing won't change: Reich still wants to run the damn ball. The Colts proved that when they traded up three spots from No. 44 to select Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor dominated on the ground last season at Wisconsin, rushing for 2,003 yards and 21 touchdowns. His 12 career games with at least 200 rushing yards are the most by any player in Football Bowl Subdivision history.

But what about Marlon Mack, who rushed for 1,091 yards last season?

The way Reich looks at it, the more bodies in the backfield, the better. He texted Mack and told him they were going to select Taylor, and Mack told his coach he was ready to roll with it.

I think sometimes you do it by committee, but everybody has their emphasis, Reich said. ... With Jonathan into the mix, I really envision that itll be Jonathan and Marlon really being that one-two punch. When you look at good teams over the years, its a long season. Its a grind, and when you run the ball as much as we run it, its really good to be able to change that up. I think their styles will really complement each other very well. Marlon has that great vision. He can run that outside zone well, he can surge, surge, surge and then he can accelerate in the hole.

"Then you have a guy like Jonathan. He has the size and speed to be able to have good vision, and when he hits it, Jonathan Taylor is an explosive player. That size and 4.3 [40-yard dash] speed -- we want to turn those 10-yard gains into 50- and 60-yard gains. Now both he and Marlon can add that element to our offense.

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10 Iowa basketball topics, including the progress of Patrick McCaffery and Jordan Bohannon – Boone News-Republican

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IOWA CITY Its way too early to have any idea what the 2020-21 college basketball season entails, but there is incremental clarity about what Iowa's 2020-21 roster does.

All-Big Ten guard Joe Wieskamp has already announced hes returning to school for his junior season. And while we can't definitively say that consensus first-team all-American Luka Garza and guard Jordan Bohannon will be back, the odds seem far better than 50/50 that they will be. Both have been serving as offseason team captains (along with Wieskamp and Connor McCaffery), with at least one eye on what's on the table if everyone returns.

"They all recognize, coach Fran McCaffery said Wednesday afternoon, the opportunity before us."

McCaffery indicated that there is no roster scrambling or contingency plans, further cementing the idea of a settled roster. With Cordell Pemsls transfer to Virginia Tech, Iowa would have 13 scholarship players the maximum allowed if Garza, Bohannon and everyone else returns.

Were not looking at any transfer pools or anything, McCaffery said. Were at 13. Were set at 13.

There you have it.

If thats the case, the Hawkeyes would be a preseason top-10 team and Big Ten Conference title contenders ... if not favorites.

As McCaffery said: What an opportunity.

On that note, lets ride with McCaffery to take a deeper dive into 10 offseason topics surrounding Hawkeye basketball.

No. 1: The Garza situation, impact.

Imagine the LSU football team bringing back Joe Burrow for one more year. Seems unthinkable, right? Yet if Garza returns, the impact on Iowa basketball would be similar. It would be returning someone who assembled the most prolific season by any Hawkeye men's player a school-record 740 points, a total that could have pushed 900 if there was a postseason.

The COVID-19 pandemic has pretty much eliminated the valuable parts of the NBA Draft exploratory process for guys like Garza and Wieskamp, which makes staying in school more attractive.

Its not the optimum situation for somebody who put their name in, McCaffery said. I think both felt confident if given those opportunities, they would have performed well. And I agree, they would have.

Stadiums Jeff Goodman on Wednesday reported that after speaking to multiple NBA executives, the verdict on Garza was unanimous that he should stay in school. (And Garza has said he wouldnt make the jump without a roster guarantee.) Goodman quoted the unnamed executive as saying 6-foot-11, 260-pound Garza needed to work on his body, his perimeter shot and his defense. Then maybe he gets drafted.

Bottom line: Boy, what a gift it would be for McCafferys 11th Iowa team to return the Big Ten player of the year who has off-the-charts work ethic. What an example he would set for five incoming freshmen.

Whenever you get a guy like Luka, you hope to coach him for four years, McCaffery said. Youd love to coach him for 40 years. Thats how great he is to be around.

No. 2: Hows Patrick doing?

This question rivals is Luka coming back? as the most-asked I've received from Hawkeye fans lately.

Patrick McCaffery, the coachs ultra-talented middle son, is doing very well. He was sidelined for all but two games of his true freshman season as he battled issues related to past thyroid cancer. (He is still waiting to hear about a medical-hardship waiver, which should be a formality.)

But now, his father reports, 6-foot-9 Patrick isnt as skinny as he used to be: Hes surpassed 200 pounds for the first time in his life. What a huge development if Patrick a top-75 national recruit is a full go 2020-21.

McCaffery said his home has a basketball court and lifting area, and that reminded me: Iowa actually has a huge advantage during this COVID-19 isolation, considering 25% of its returning scholarship players (two of eight) live with the head coach. Connor (who will be a redshirt junior) and Patrick are performing daily workouts, with youngest son Jack also involved at times.

Connor and Patrick have kind of pushed each other, their dad said.

No. 3: Jack Nunge's smooth rehab.

Youre going to notice a positive theme continuing here, even with the hard-luck case of Nunge, who tore his ACL in late November and missed the rest of the season. He is continuing to rehab back home in Indiana, where he is fortunate to have an indoor court to stay sharp.

Has had no setbacks from his knee. Hes been running. Thats a good sign, McCaffery said. But were not rushing anything.

While Nunge (6-11, 245) has only played five games over the last two seasons (he redshirted in Year 2), its easy to forget he, Garza and Connor McCaffery arrived in the same recruiting class. So he's a veteran presence who started 14 games as a true freshman. If Garza did depart for a pro opportunity, Nunge would be the top front-court replacement plan. At minimum, hes tracking to be a rotation contributor perhaps gobbling up the departed minutes of Ryan Kriener (who averaged 18.2) in 2020-21.

No. 4: How good can Bohannon be?

OK, I cannot actually answer that with specificity. Can anyone? None of us have yet truly seen Bohannon at full strength, save perhaps a few stretches as a freshman when he was reeling off nightly double-doubles. Considering hes played through significant pain for the past three seasons (well, 2), theres anticipation to see what the sharpshooting guard can do with two healthy hips and without plantar fasciitis.

McCaffery reports that Bohannon has probably felt the best he has in a really long time after left-hip surgery in late December. Rehab has been faster than from last May's right-hip surgery. The next step in his return to the court is his medical-hardship waiver he played the maximum-allowed 10 games to qualify to be permitted a fifth year of eligibility.

Assuming good news on that front comes in the next few weeks, McCaffery plans to have Iowas all-time leader in 3-pointers with 284 (90 shy of the Big Ten record) at his best level yet. The surgery timing, McCaffery said, had to be done for him to max out this opportunity. It gave him enough time to really get ready for next year.

No. 5: The schedule

Last seasons gauntlet bolstered Iowas metrics to the point that, even with a 20-11 record, it was projected to be a top-seven NCAA Tournament seed. The 2020-21 schedule wont be as difficult, it seems, after McCaffery confirmed that instead of traveling to an exempt tournament (like to the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Las Vegas in recent years), Iowa will be hosting one of its own. The details are thin, but The Athletic has reported South Dakota and Alabama State are among the opponents.

Before you yawn, lets take a step back. Iowa still will play 20 Big Ten games, and the league should again be strong. Given Iowas preseason expectations, the Big Ten/ACC Challenge should bring a premier program to Carver-Hawkeye Arena (maybe Louisville or North Carolina, which both hosted Challenge games last year while Iowa went on the road to Syracuse). Plus, a Dec. 10 home date vs. Iowa State is secured. A probable Gavitt Games road matchup (Villanova? Creighton? Butler?) is in the 31-game mix as well. The schedule will be plenty tough overall, and its OK if there are a few breathers mixed in.

If Iowa is as good as advertised, the results (and NET rankings) will take care of themselves.

No. 6: Is this McCafferys best roster yet? (*if everyone returns)

Yes, I think it would be*, because in Garza and Bohannon you have two of the greats of the McCaffery era, plus Wieskamp, who has a high ceiling in Iowa City and at the next level. An argument could be made for the 2013-14 team when Devyn Marble, Aaron White, Jarrod Uthoff, Mike Gesell, Adam Woodbury and a young Peter Jok were among the key contributors but 2020-21 has a chance to be the gold standard.

A starting five of Bohannon, CJ Fredrick, Wieskamp, Connor McCaffery and Garza, plus a bench of Joe Toussaint (speaking of high ceilings), Nunge and Patrick McCaffery would provide a versatile and potent top eight before any of the incoming freshmen (more on them later) are factored in. And honestly, if those eight stay healthy, Fran McCaffery might not need to expand the rotation.

Iowa's experience and leadership* will become an even bigger factor the more the COVID-19 pandemic limits on-court time. These guys know the offense, know whats expected, and theyre motivated self-starters. These are probably the last college hurrahs for Garza, Bohannon and Wieskamp.

Theyre locked in. And when youre locked in like that, you have a credibility (with) your teammates, McCaffery said. I think we all recognize the challenge thats ahead in terms of (2020-21) expectation."

No. 7: Challenges for the five new faces.

A large freshman class is on the way. Typically, they would arrive on campus in early June and begin working out with their new teammates. Theres no guarantee thatll happen, of course, particularly for the Class of 2020s lone big man.

Josh Ogundele is back in his native London, England, with his family amid the pandemic. McCaffery isn't sure when the 6-foot-11 center will be cleared to return to the U.S., where he played his high-school ball. McCaffery said hes been in regular touch with incoming guards Ahron Ulis and Tony Perkins, as well as Keegan and Kris Murray.

The latter two might be most interesting, considering they spent a year at the DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, after graduating from Cedar Rapids Prairie. Their father is former Hawkeye Kenyon Murray, so the 6-foot-8 twins have had a foot in the program already.

Theyre from here, theyve already been out of school for one year and kind of understand what were doing, McCaffery said. They used to come in last year and play with our guys in open gym. They know all our players.

No. 8: Whats the recruiting plan?

McCaffery only anticipates recruiting behind Garza and Bohannon after next season, though it seems like Wieskamp with a strong season is ready to jump to the next level. Iowa has no commitments for the Class of 2021 or beyond.

McCaffery would be wise to max out this 2020-21 season with his veterans while letting his youngsters learn the system and fight for niche roles.

Maybe we get one (2021 recruit), maybe we get two when its over, McCaffery said. Maybe we sign one and carry one to the following year because we redshirt a guy in this class. Theres a lot of ways to look at it."

No. 9: Has the team moved past the sting of a lost postseason?

In some ways, no. And that could be a good thing.

Weekly Zoom calls have affirmed to McCaffery that his guys are driven. Players felt like they were well-positioned (as the No. 5 seed in the Big Ten Tournament and with one of the nations top players) for a fruitful postseason run. A coach that puts a premium on high-character recruits is seeing continued hunger during the pandemic.

And that should be encouraging to fans excitedly waiting for their next dose of Hawkeye hoops.

This is a self-motivated group. They put the time in. They take care of their bodies. They live their life the right way, McCaffery, who turns 61 later this month, said. Most importantly, theyre connected as friends, teammates and competitors. To be truthful, thats when its fun to coach.

No. 10: What could hold this team back?

Roster-wise, Garza going pro would be the biggest blow. That would dial expectations way back.

Defense remains an ongoing McCaffery-era concern. But dont forget, Fredrick (who McCaffery thinks is one of Iowas best defenders) and Bohannon have barely been healthy during their playing careers.

And the offense should be better than last season, when it was No. 5 (out of 353) nationally in efficiency, according to KenPom.com.

Theres a lot to be excited about. Now we wait to see what Garza decides, to see Bohannons fate. Then, lets hope there is a 2020-21 season to see how this all plays out.

Hawkeyes reporter Chad Leistikow has covered sports for 25 years with The Des Moines Register, USA TODAY and Iowa City Press-Citizen. Follow @ChadLeistikow on Twitter.

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10 Iowa basketball topics, including the progress of Patrick McCaffery and Jordan Bohannon - Boone News-Republican

As parts of Pa. prepare to end coronavirus shutdown, Lehigh Valleys progress is mixed | Analysis – lehighvalleylive.com

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Parts of Pennsylvania are preparing to lift some restrictions of the statewide shutdown. The Lehigh Valleys progress toward that goal is mixed.

A lehighvalleylive.com analysis of available data shows that the rate of new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people over the last two weeks one essential metric Gov Tom Wolfs administration is using to determine which areas are eligible to begin reopening has improved in Lehigh County, but grown worse in Northampton County over the last week.

The situation in nearby counties is similarly jumbled: The rate of new COVID-19 cases is worse in Bucks and Montgomery, but improved in Berks, Monroe and even Philadelphia.

(Cant see the map? Click here.)

The goal set forth last week by Gov. Tom Wolf and Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine is to see counties head below a rate of 50 new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people over two weeks.

A list of what counties will on May 8 move from red to yellow the second tier of Wolfs three-tier reopening plan is to be released sometime Friday, though Wolf told media on Thursday that the list was yet to be drafted.

(UPDATE: 24 Pa. counties will move to the yellow phase)

We will be looking at all of the things, Wolf said. We want to keep people safe.

This chart shows Gov. Tom Wolf's plan for reopening Pennsylvania, with different regions moving through three phases.

Data available as of Thursday afternoon shows 41 of Pennsylvanias 67 counties appearing to meet that threshold, scattered throughout the central and western regions.

In more densely populated eastern Pennsylvania, however, the situation is different.

A week ago, Northampton County had about 216 new cases per 100,000 people over the prior 14 days; Lehigh County had 231. This week, Northamptons two-week rate rose to about 234 new cases per 100,000 residents while Lehighs dropped to about 191.

Philadelphia, which has the most cases and deaths of anywhere in the state, improved, going from 288 new cases per 100,000 residents over two weeks to 262.

Near the Lehigh Valley, the two-week rate of new cases in Bucks County rose from 187 to 214. And in Montgomery County, it increased from 181 to 195.

But in Berks County, the two-week rate of new cases dropped from 354 per capita to 276. In Monroe County, which, when accounting for population, has also been hard hit by the virus, the two-week new case rate fell from 160 to 116 per 100,000 people.

(Cant see the chart? Click here.)

The measurement is also being applied regionally. The Lehigh Valleys counties are considered to be the southernmost in the Northeast region, which extends through the Poconos to the New York state border. Last week, the region had 186 new cases per 100,000 residents over two weeks. This week, the rate is 162.

The adjacent Southeast region, which includes Berks County and Philadelphia, last week was at 221 new cases per 100,000 people over two weeks. This week, it dropped slightly to 215.

The new cases metric is, as Levine described it Thursday, necessary, but not sufficient" on its own to determine when it is reasonably safe to progress from the red level to yellow. State officials are also considering testing availability, hospital capacity, disease forecast models, and an areas proximity to a hotspot in their decisions.

But, Levine said, if a county is significantly above that target level of 50 new cases per 100,000 over two weeks, its much less likely to go to yellow."

If theres a resurgence of coronavirus in a region, the state reserves the ability to close it down again.

Even as areas do progress through the tiers, masks will still be required, restaurants will still be closed to dine-in service and large gatherings will still be prohibited. Wolf, in a conference call with media on Thursday, said Pennsylvanians will have to adjust to a new normal, one with an infectious disease circulating in a way not seen in the last 60 to 70 years.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Health Secretary Rachel Levine, pictured at a news conference in March, say that the rate of new coronavirus cases over two weeks, hospital capacity, disease forecast models, and a region's proximity to a COVID-19 hotspot will all play into the decision to begin lifting shutdown restrictions by region. If the virus shows a resurgence, they can shut the area back down again. (Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com)

Moving from the more-stringent red lockdown to the gradual societal reopening laid out in the yellow phase is all about learning how we interact in this new world. Absent a rapid-fire vaccine or cure, social distancing and mask-wearing are a part of daily life for the near future. Businesses and workplaces will need to find new ways of operating.

We have to behave differently or were all going to get sick, Wolf said.

The stay-at-home order aimed to buy Pennsylvania time to ramp up testing capacity and avoid overwhelming the health care system, an attempt to to buy time in the crudest of ways, Wolf said.

U.S. governors are trying to navigate the uncharted waters of the pandemic in a way that keeps people safe, but also does the least damage, Wolf said. In many ways, he said, those are just irreconcilable goals. Individuals are going to have to decide what this means for themselves in many ways. Will their choices be driven by the hope of protecting a loved one from getting sick?

A lot of this is going to be invented as we go, Wolf said. Weve learned about how to contain the disease. Now we have to learn how to live with it.

It will not be a quick return to normal regardless, but it will be even longer for areas going backward and others nearby.

Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.

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As parts of Pa. prepare to end coronavirus shutdown, Lehigh Valleys progress is mixed | Analysis - lehighvalleylive.com

Ron Wilson: Working together for educational progress – Sentinel-Standard

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The coronavirus pandemic feels like something that is being done to us. There is a sense of powerlessness as we watch our worlds contract into our homes. But our response to the crisis can be something that we can do together.

During the next few weeks Ionia Public Schools will make a concerted effort to listen to our students, parents, staff and community members. We need your feedback as we enter our third week of distant learning. Accordingly, we need to survey teachers, students, and families about how things are going.

A simple three-question survey can gather valuable data:

I would like teachers to ask these questions of students; schools to ask these questions of parents; our district to ask these questions of faculty and families.

In the current scramble to remote learning, it may feel like nothing is more important than making something work for tomorrow or next week. However, I am concerned our current virtual leaning reality may continue into the next school year.

Given all of the challenges that we have encountered gearing up to teach remotely during this crisis, we need to invest substantial time in planning for improving our delivery model for summer and fall.

A friend, Allen Einstein shared some information with me this week and encouraged me to share it with you. It focuses on brain research and some great ideas to enhance your childs learning.

Allen said, When it comes to your brain, researchers have found there's no better superfood than a book. Reading aloud gives you a chance to explore new stories and spend quality time with your family."

He goes on to share the following recommendations from the National Education Association:

Ron Wilson is superintendent of Ionia Public Schools. The views expressed in this column do not necessarily represent the views of Ionia school elected officials, employees, or students. Contact Ron by email at nimsob321@gmail.com.

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Ron Wilson: Working together for educational progress - Sentinel-Standard

Record editorial: Caution remains the watchword even amid positive progress in pandemic response – The Park Record

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So this is what life in our county looks like at least for now.

On Friday, Summit County officials enacted a new public health order, lifting the stay-at-home mandate but replacing it with a host of other measures meant to ensure the reopening of the local economy doesnt inadvertently cause a second spike in coronavirus cases.

Residents, the order said, should still remain at home as much as possible, even continuing to work remotely when they can. Businesses of all kinds must comply with a range of restrictions that require social distancing and enhanced sanitization. And Summit County Health Director Rich Bullough made clear that its still inappropriate for tourists to visit.

Is it anything like the way things were before the pandemic? Not even close.

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Is it positive progress, though there remains understandable concern among some that the health risks of loosening the restrictions outweigh the economic reward of starting to breathe life back into the economy. Even as most businesses were allowed to reopen Friday, it seemed likely that residents would take a dip-the-toe approach rather than immediately seizing the opportunity to patronize local shops and have dinner at restaurants.

Thats a prudent approach, given that its too early to know with precision what the health ramifications will be of moving into the stabilization phase of the pandemic response. County health officials have said it is safe to do so but have also been clear that the stay-at-home mandate could be reinstated if residents and businesses ignore the restrictions in an attempt to return to normalcy too quickly.

Parkites should harbor no illusions about what is at stake. The only way to ensure the reopening is successful is to be diligent about following the requirements the county has mandated, as disruptive as some of them may be.

As long as the coronavirus remains a threat, caution will be the watchword. Proceeding slowly is the only way to get the economy churning again without putting peoples lives at risk.

Normal? If residents have learned anything over the last month and a half, its that theres no such thing right now. There wont be for the foreseeable future. But can we adapt and learn to live with the new restrictions? No doubt.

And in any case, until the pandemic is over and the health of residents is no longer at risk, we dont have much choice.

Readers around Park City and Summit County make the Park Record's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.

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Record editorial: Caution remains the watchword even amid positive progress in pandemic response - The Park Record

Progress report: Checking in on the recruiting class of 2017 – Champaign/Urbana News-Gazette

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The Class of 2017 is heading into its senior season. Heres a look at how that group has fared in the Big Ten, courtesy college basketball writer SCOTT RICHEY:

Ohio State Buckeyes forward Kaleb Wesson (34) is congratulated by forward Justin Ahrens (10) after drawing a foul during the first half of Sunday's NCAA basketball game against the UMass Lowell River Hawks at Value City Arena in Columbus on November 10, 2019. Ohio State won the game 76-56. [Barbara J. Perenic]Ohio State Buckeyes forward Kaleb Wesson (34) is congratulated by forward Justin Ahrens (10) after drawing a foul during the first half of Sunday's NCAA basketball game against the UMass Lowell River Hawks at Value City Arena in Columbus on November 10, 2019. Ohio State won the game 76-56. [Barbara J. Perenic]

Class: No. 75 Kaleb Wesson, No. 80 Kyle Young, No. 149 Musa Jallow

Breakdown: Wesson became the centerpiece for the Chris Holtmann era and has led the Buckeyes in scoring the past two seasons. Young ultimately transferred to Wisconsin, and Jallow missed all of the 2019-20 season with an ankle injury after being a part-time starter as a freshman and sophomore.

Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette llinois guard Trent Frazier (1) reacts to making the 3-point basket that put him over thew 1000 point mark in an NCAA basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Saturday, January 18, 2020.Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette llinois guard Trent Frazier (1) reacts to making the 3-point basket that put him over thew 1000 point mark in an NCAA basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Saturday, January 18, 2020.

Class: No. 79 Mark Smith, No. 109 Trent Frazier, No. 177 DaMonte Williams, No. 510 Greg Eboigbodin, Matic Vesel

Breakdown: The two John Groce recruits have stuck around and carved out key roles for the Illini. Meanwhile, the three players Brad Underwood added after being hired all left the program after one year for Missouri (Smith), Northeastern (Eboigbodin) and home to Slovenia (Vesel).

New York, NY - 12/10/19 - Connecticut Huskies guard Alterique Gilbert (3), right, collides with Indiana Hoosiers forward Justin SmithNew York, NY - 12/10/19 - Connecticut Huskies guard Alterique Gilbert (3), right, collides with Indiana Hoosiers forward Justin Smith

Class: No. 78 Justin Smith, No. 134 Race Thompson, No. 151 Clifton Moore, No. 230 Aljami Durham

Breakdown: Both Tom Crean recruits, Smith and Durham, have developed into starters for Archie Miller the past two seasons. Thompsons tenure with the Hoosiers has been hampered by multiple injuries, while Moore transferred to La Salle after the 2018-19 season.

Nojel Eastern #20 of the Purdue Boilermakers puts up a shot in front of Donta Scott #24 of the Maryland Terrapins in the first half at Xfinity Center on January 18, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images/TNS)Nojel Eastern #20 of the Purdue Boilermakers puts up a shot in front of Donta Scott #24 of the Maryland Terrapins in the first half at Xfinity Center on January 18, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images/TNS)

Class: No. 69 Nojel Eastern, No. 174 Aaron Wheeler, No. 352 Matt Haarms, No. 374 Sasha Stefanovic, Eden Ewing

Breakdown: The 7-foot-3 Haarms (headed to BYU as a grad transfer) arguably made the biggest impact of the class, although Eastern and Stefanovic have filled key roles. Wheeler has been a role player, and Ewing lasted just six games at Purdue before transferring to Texas Southern.

Wisconsin Badgers forward Nate Reuvers (35) scores the first field goal of the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Feb. 23, 2020 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. (John Fisher/CSM/Zuma Press/TNS)Wisconsin Badgers forward Nate Reuvers (35) scores the first field goal of the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Feb. 23, 2020 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. (John Fisher/CSM/Zuma Press/TNS)

Class: No. 66 Nate Reuvers, No. 108 Brad Davison, No. 197 Kobe King

Breakdown: Reuvers remains the top dog in this class, but the group made headlines for non-basketball reasons in 2019-20. King left the team in the middle of the season, and Davison was suspended for one game for a low blow to Iowas Connor McCaffery.

Michigan forward Isaiah Livers (2) shoots a 3-pointer in the second half of their Big Ten Basketball game against Nebraska at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Michigan won the game, 82-58.Michigan forward Isaiah Livers (2) shoots a 3-pointer in the second half of their Big Ten Basketball game against Nebraska at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Michigan won the game, 82-58.

Class: No. 93 Jordan Poole, No. 133 Isaiah Livers, No. 201 Eli Brooks

Breakdown: Poole stayed just two seasons in Ann Arbor before declaring for the 2019 NBA Draft, where he wound up a surprise first round pick. Livers and Brooks, meanwhile, saw a significant increase in production in 2019-20 for first-year coach Juwan Howard.

Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman (23) gets by Maryland forward Jalen Smith (25) in the first half of their Big Ten basketball game at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, on Saturday, February 15, 2020.Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman (23) gets by Maryland forward Jalen Smith (25) in the first half of their Big Ten basketball game at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, on Saturday, February 15, 2020.

Class: No. 8 Jaren Jackson Jr., No. 112 Xavier Tillman Sr.

Breakdown: Size of the class, not talent, had more to do with the ranking. Jackson was one-and-done with the Spartans and became the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, while Tillman went from valuable sixth man to Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Maryland's Darryl Morsell (11) celebrates late in the second half of a 67-60 win against Michigan State at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020.

Class: No. 74 Darryl Morsell, No. 87 Bruno Fernando

Breakdown: Fernando made a significant impact as a true freshman then blew up as a sophomore, averaging a double-double to turn into a second round draft pick. Morsell, meanwhile, has been a three-year starter and key role player for the Terrapins.

Iowa center Luka Garza celebrates a basket against Ohio State on Feb. 20, 2020, in Iowa City. Iowa center Luka Garza celebrates a basket against Ohio State on Feb. 20, 2020, in Iowa City.

Class: No. 118 Luka Garza, No. 152 Connor McCaffery, No. 202 Jack Nunge

Breakdown: Garzas presence alone means the Hawkeyes have out-produced their ranking with this class. Garza was a four-star recruit, but he turned into a national player of the year in 2019-20. McCaffery became a starter his past season, but Nunges year was cut short by an ACL tear.

Rutgers guard Geo Baker Rutgers guard Geo Baker

Class: No. 150 Mamadou Doucoure, No. 371 Myles Johnson, No. 414 Geo Baker, Souf Mensah

Breakdown: The Scarlet Knights hit big on Baker and Johnson. Baker has been a starter and double-digit scorer since day one, while Johnson emerged as a starter in 2019-20 as a redshirt sophomore. Mensah lasted just one year as a JUCO transfer, and Doucoure has played sparingly in three seasons.

Minnesota's Isaiah Washington (11) drives against Wisconsin's Brad Davison (34) in the first half on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. (Jeff Wheeler/Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS)Minnesota's Isaiah Washington (11) drives against Wisconsin's Brad Davison (34) in the first half on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. (Jeff Wheeler/Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS)

Class: No. 62 Isaiah Washington, No. 294 Jamir Harris

Breakdown: Washington was a huge get for the Gophers and Richard Pitino as a four-star point guard, but he lasted just two seasons in Minnesota before transferring closer to home at Iona. Harris didnt even last that long. He was one-and-done with the Gophers before transferring to American.

Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette Illinois' guard Da'Monte Williams (20) and Nebraska's guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) during their NCAA basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Monday, feb. 24, 2020.Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette Illinois' guard Da'Monte Williams (20) and Nebraska's guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) during their NCAA basketball game at the State Farm Center in Champaign on Monday, feb. 24, 2020.

Class: No. 103 Thomas Allen, No. 187 Nana Akenten, Thorir Thorbjarnarson

Breakdown: Only Thorbjarnarson, who started 24 of 32 games and averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assist and steals in 2019-20, is still with the Cornhuskers. Allen transferred to North Carolina State and Akenten to Southeast Missouri State after Tim Miles was fired last March.

Penn State guard Jamari Wheeler moves in toward the basket during a game against Wisconsin on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017 at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa. (Phoebe Sheehan/Centre Daily Times/TNS)Penn State guard Jamari Wheeler moves in toward the basket during a game against Wisconsin on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017 at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pa. (Phoebe Sheehan/Centre Daily Times/TNS)

Class: No. 391 Jamari Wheeler, No. 527 Trent Buttrick, No. 531 John Harrar

Breakdown: While Buttrick has played just 54 games in three seasons and only sparingly off the bench in those appearances, Wheeler and Harrar have grown into key roles for the Nittany Lions. Wheeler is a two-year starter at point guard, while Harrar is a part-time starter in the frontcourt.

Ohio State's Luther Muhammad (1) works around Northwestern's Anthony Gaines in the first half at Schottenstein Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. (Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch/TNS)Ohio State's Luther Muhammad (1) works around Northwestern's Anthony Gaines in the first half at Schottenstein Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. (Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch/TNS)

Class: No. 189 Anthony Gaines

Breakdown: Gaines was off to a solid start in 2019-20 before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the year after just 10 games for a team that could have used his veteran presence on the court. The 6-foot-4 guard has averaged 5.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists for his career with the Wildcats.

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Progress report: Checking in on the recruiting class of 2017 - Champaign/Urbana News-Gazette

Warren Buffett: ‘The progress of mankind has been incredible’ – Yahoo Finance

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Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A, BRK-B), has been a consistent voice of optimism on the U.S. economy and American innovation.

Even as the coronavirus pandemic sparked an unprecedentedly swift drop in equity markets this year, Buffett maintained his characteristically upbeat tone.

The progress of mankind has been incredible. And that won't stop, Buffett told Yahoo Finances editor in chief Andy Serwer in a March 10 interview at Berkshire Hathaways headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.

While U.S. history is riddled social and economic turmoil, the country always seems to come out on top.

We haven't forgotten how to make progress in this country. And we haven't lost interest in making progress, he added. And that will benefit to varying degrees of all kinds of people, I think, around the world. But there will be interruptions.

Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (Yahoo Finance)

When discussing investments, Buffett often reminds listeners to think long-term as it is difficult to predict cyclical economic downturns.

I don't know when they will occur, and I don't know how deep they will occur, he said. I do know they will occur from time to time, but I also know that we'll come out better on the other end.

Buffett used Serwers trip from NYC to Omaha to illustrate his thinking.

You flew over a country that 250 years ago, there wasn't anything here, Buffett added. That's only three of my lifetimes, and there wasn't anything here ... And I mean, it's incredible.

The pandemic has, however, impacted Berkshire Hathaways famed annual shareholder meeting this year, which is set to take place on Saturday, May 2. The event, often called the Woodstock of Capitalism, with thousands of investors convening in Omaha to hear directly from Buffett and Berkshire Vice Chairman Charlie Munger, will not include a physical audience this year. Though, it will be live-streamed exclusively on Yahoo Finance.

Source: David Foster/Yahoo Finance

This year Munger wont be joining Buffett on the stage, and in another departure from the format of past shareholders meetings, Greg Abel, Berkshires vice-chairman of the non-insurance operations, will join Buffett, with shareholders able to ask questions through three journalists.

In the weeks since the COVID-19 outbreak escalated in the U.S. in mid-March, Berkshire Hathaway has trimmed stakes in several of its portfolio companies amid the broader drawdown in the stock market. Berkshire Hathaway unloaded some shares in airlines Delta (DAL) and Southwest (LUV), and sold a small portion of its Bank of New York Mellon (BK) stake earlier this year, according to regulatory filings in April.

Still, however, Berkshire has been known for generally maintaining long-term stakes in its holdings, reaffirming Buffetts own core beliefs in what he calls the American tailwind.

If you stick around long enough, you'll see everything in markets, Buffett said. And it may have taken me to 89 years of age to throw this one into the experience, but, you know, the markets, if you have to be open second by second, they react to news in a big-time way.

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Warren Buffett: 'The progress of mankind has been incredible' - Yahoo Finance