The Reality of a Low Fatality Rate

Friedman says that one reason those least vulnerable should return to work is because the coronavirus’s fatality rate is actually low, less than 1 percent. Friedman cites Dr. John P.A. Ioannidis, co-director of Stanford’s Met-Research Innovation Center, who found that ““A look at some of the best available evidence today, though, indicates it [fatality rate] may be 1 percent and could even be lower.” For Dr. Ioannidis, this means that ““Locking down the world with potentially tremendous social and financial consequences may be totally irrational.”

Current Solutions May be Worse than the Cure

Friedman also states that those least vulnerable should return to work because the current solutions, which do not differentiate for region and vulnerability predictions, cause problems far worse than the spread of the virus (recall low fatality rates). Friedman cites Dr. Steven Woolf, director emeritus of the Center on Society and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University, who says: “Society’s response to Covid-19, such as closing businesses and locking down communities, may be necessary to curb the community spread but could harm health in other ways, costing lives. Imagine a patient with chest pain or developing a stroke, where speed is essential to save lives, hesitating to call 911 for fear of catching the coronavirus.” Woolf also points out, “Lost wages and job layoffs are leaving many workers without health insurance and forcing many families to forgo health care and medications to pay for food, housing, and other basic needs.”

A Common Sense Answer

According to Friedman, the low fatality rate combined with the economic consequences from current solutions, which do not account for economic consequences, point to a common sense solution: those least vulnerable to the coronavirus must return to work while those most vulnerable must isolate.But this is not just Friedman’s opinion: Friedman cites Dr. David L. Katz, the founding director of Yale University’s C.D.C. – funded Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center and an expert in public health and preventive medicine, who says, “We need to pivot from the ‘horizontal interdiction’ strategy we’re now deploying – restricting the movement and commerce of the entire population, without consideration of varying risks for severe infection – to a more ‘surgical’ or ‘vertical interdiction’ strategy.” Katz suggests. “The most vulnerable are carefully shielded until the infection has run its course through the rest of us – and the tiny fraction of those of us at low risk who do develop severe infection nonetheless get expert medical care from a system not overwhelmed.”

The full article can be found here.

However, recently Kiwanis members asked one another as a club, “What can we do as an organization that is dedicated to helping communities from one child at a time to helping communities and the children of those communities on a larger scale?”

Killearn Kiwanis elected to ask the Kiwanis Florida State Organization for a monetary grant that could allow the organization to give more. Shortly thereafter, the club’s request for a Florida Kiwanis grant of $2,000 was approved for hurricane relief.

Members of the club then traveled to the affected areas, met with local leaders and asked what was most needed. The answer was cleaning supplies, diapers, food and water.

On February 21, Killearn Kiwanis Club members delivered $1,000 worth of diapers and cleaning supplies that was purchased at the local Costco. The club also donated $1,000 to Second Harvest who delivered a large truck filled with food.

In addition, many of the members bought more diapers, water, toys, clothes and food to add to the delivery. And the Kiwanis Akton Club – a club for developmentally challenged adults – conducted a food drive over several weeks and filled the bed of a pickup truck with food and water for the victims.

Members Al Eppinger, Tom Fackender, Norm Mears, Kim and Tommy Mills, Jim Varley, and Jim Wylie delivered the donations. The Kiwanis Club members were able to meet the hurricane victims and distribute the donations.

According to Killearn Kiwanis club member, “It humbles all of us to realize these folks have lost everything and we are able to help.”

In the days leading up to the walk, Tallahassee Reports spoke with the center’s Executive Director Jamie Brown to learn more about a Women’s Pregnancy Center, Walk for Life 2019, and how concerned Tallahassee residents can get involved with the center’s efforts.

A Women’s Pregnancy Center is a pro-life ministry founded in 1985. While praying outside of abortion clinics, founders decided that they wanted to offer women reproductive services that would also encourage women to have their babies. Over the years, the center has been in various locations, but it has been in its current home, just off of FSU’s campus, since 2005.

Thousands of college students walk past the center everyday, so the location provides more opportunities for serving college students who are especially vulnerable to experiencing a crisis pregnancy and, thus, choosing to have an abortion. About half of the center’s clientele are college students.

Currently, the center offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and counseling. STD testing is not free, but clients only pay for the cost of the test (around $57). The center also offers material resources at another location called, “Belly Boutique,” which is housed in Element 3 Church. There, clients can receive donated goods such as diapers, strollers, maternity clothes, and so forth.

A Women’s Pregnancy Center touts that it does not take government dollars – even though it could. This is intentional so that the center is not restricted in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to persons experiencing a crisis pregnancy.

The center has 17 workers, three of whom are full time, and 80 volunteers comprised of both men and women. In 2018, the center had 1,700 new clients.

In 2018, the Walk for Life raised over $205,000 and had over 500 participants. This year, the 24^th annual walk, the center hopes to raise $180,000. You can register, give, and learn more at LifeIsPrecious.net.

A Women’s Pregnancy Center is always looking for involvement from the community. Jamie Brown says that they are especially grateful for volunteer nurses and persons willing to undergo a training program in order to serve clients at the center.

According to their reporting, “The e-commerce giant plans to launch urban grocery stores that could offer a spectrum of goods that includes beauty products alongside food.” Though “a small portion of supermarket sales,” beauty products “offer higher profits than more traditional items.”

For other grocery stores, such as Walmart, Kroger, and Target, “the move couldn’t come at a worse time.” Amazon’s grocery competitors are already trying to develop online platforms for selling groceries in order to compete with Amazon online. Amazon’s smaller urban grocery stores are expected to launch at the end of this year “in major cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C.”

Explaining why this is such a “blow,” the co-authors of “Grocers Face a New Amazon Blow” write, “The timing of Amazon’s store development comes during a difficult period for the roughly $1 trillion food and consumer-product retail sector, which already deals with low margins and extreme competition.”

As a result of the changing grocery landscape, the larger grocery stores are stalling traditional expansion plans.

According to the WSJ, “Kroger, the U.S.’s largest supermarket chain by stores and sales, has scaled back on new store plans.” Instead of investing in new stores, Kroger “is spending tens of millions of dollars to build a network of automated warehouses for online grocery services, while trying to expand in higher-margin mass merchandise with a clothing line

After a slow first quarter, JPII trailed 11-13. The start differed from the offensive pace the Panther’s are familiar with, averaging over 60 points per game. Of JPII’s 26 games this season, the Panthers have only scored less than 60 points on seven occasions.

But the lack of scoring had a root: a tough Leon Lion’s defense and referees who let physical plays continue. Because of this, the game got chippy. On separate occasions, referees issued warnings to JPII’s Allan Jeanne-Rose (#10) and Leon head coach Sean Crowe.

After the game, Panther head coach Titus Nixon said, “This team has a way of pulling through even when we don’t have our best nights. Tonight wasn’t our best night shooting. Leon did a really good job of being physical with us. When we play our best, our team is unbelievable; our play tonight had a lot to do with how well Leon played. It was a physical game both ways, but this is how playoff basketball goes.”

JPII shooting guard Allan Jean-Rose said, “We played bad tonight. We had to fix some things and finish the game, even though we got off to a bad start.” Jean-Rose, a native of France, said the biggest adjustment to playing basketball in the U.S. has been more physical play and better fundamentals.

When asked about what his team can learn from a tough game like this, JPII guard, Tyrelle McElwain (#13) said, “We will be fine,” but “we need to be disciplined and take the game possession by possession.” McElwain, a solid shooter from beyond the arc, said confidently, “This team can do anything together.”

Patrick Copenhaver (#3) who had a critical block late in the fourth quarter said that the best qualities of JPII’s team are the “unselfishness, talent, and brotherhood.”

When asked about his motivation to coach, Coach Nixon said, “I love basketball. It was everything growing up. As I got older, I wanted to affect the youth in a positive way, and coaching seemed like the most natural fit.”

McElwain’s comments to TR indicate that no matter how far JPII goes in the playoffs Coach Nixon is making good on his desire to be a positive influence. McElwain said, “I’ve learned a lot from Coach Nixon. He’s taught me to be coachable. At Godby, I wasn’t coachable.” When asked about the difference JPII Catholic has made, McElwain said, “JPII has helped me make it to college. I’ve learned disciplined. Coach Ty is disciplined, he’s a good coach, and he really loves us.”

Enjoying his fifth year at JPII, Nixon said, “JPII is definitely a family environment. It’s amazing how so many different people from all kinds of backgrounds can find a home in the Catholic education here. People truly feel like family when they come here, and basketball is an extension of that.”

Since their win against Leon, the Panthers have produced convincing wins against Florida High (65-43) and Florida A&M (87-51). Looking ahead JPII has a good chance of making a run in the 3A playoffs. Currently, the Panthers are undefeated in their district, which includes Pensacola Christian Academy, Florida A&M, Rocky Bayou Christian, and North Florida Christian; and MaxPreps.com ranks them third in the State of FL for the 3A Conference, behind Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) and Orlando Christian Prep (Orlando).

Olson explains, “The technology giants aren’t interested in selling megawatts – at least not for now. But they are seeking ways to expand their smart speakers, internet-connected thermostats and other devices to harness information on consumers’ personal energy use.”

The future prospects for tech companies in the energy sector – though currently limited – are mostly unexplored. Olson writes that executives foresee “a future where solar panels, battery storage and even electric vehicles all become part of a smart-home ecosystem.”

David Crane, former chief executive of NRG Energy Inc., boldly stated, “In 10 or 20 years, the dominant retail electric provider in the United States is going to be Amazon or Google.” Mr. Crane supported his claim, saying, “They can provide lower cost and better service.”

Both Google and Amazon have made investments to help gain traction in the energy landscape. In 2014, Google bought Nest Labs, a maker of home-security cameras and thermostats, for $3.2 billion. Amazon acquired Ring, who makes video doorbells, for an estimated $1 billion last year.

What are the financial opportunities in this sector? Consulting firm Wood Mackenzie estimated that “spending on home-energy devices exceeded $40 billion in 2018 and is set to double in the next five years.”

According to Finn Newsome (#34), the toughest part of practice is running, but Newsome added, “Running in practice as a team teaches us that we are family.” When asked what he’s learned so far this season, Newsome said, “It’s better to work as a team rather than a one-man-unit.” Although his older brother taught him how to play, Newsome’s favorite player is Shaq.

After playing in his first middle school basketball game, Bretten Gilyard (#14) said he liked everything about the night’s game, adding, “It’s pretty fun.” When asked what he’s learned from his head coach, Gilyard said, “First of all Coach T has taught me how to be a man, get good grades in the classroom, and techniques on defense and offense.” Gilyard’s favorite NBA player is James Hardin because of the way he handles the ball and sets up his shots. Gilyard said, “My personal goals for the season are to score, help my teammates play better, and just win.”

When asked about his favorite part of the game, Major Hartman (#33) said he enjoyed working together so the team can get stronger for future games. Hartman said his “favorite part of basketball is getting to know teammates and learning to trust one another.” Hartman’s favorite player is Steph Curry because he watches him a lot on TV and plays as Curry on his video games.

Reflecting the sentiments of his players, Coach Thompson said he loves to coach because he loves to teach. Coach Thompson claims basketball legend, John Wooden, as one of his own inspirations for becoming a coach, saying of Wooden, “He was a teacher before he was a coach.” Coach Thompson’s biggest surprise about this year’s team is the way they come together on the court and hustle together. Thompson thinks the biggest challenge of middle school basketball is the short season, saying, “It’s tough getting everyone to play together.”

Ryan Williams, one of the newest coaches for Montford, said he got inspired to be a coach by the way his dad coached him. When asked what makes these mustangs so special, Coach Williams said, “The personalities: each kid has a different game, is special to this team, and brings a different kind of energy to the game.” Coach Williams said he enjoys running around at practice with the kids, but he said, “It’s all about making the boys better.”

With a foundation of coaching, teamwork, and fun, this Montford Mustangs team is a sure contender for Tallahassee’s city championship.

Sen. Montford’s words focused on bettering the rural counties of northwest Florida, education, and the environment. Throughout his comments, Sen. Montford – though a democrat – affirmed the DeSantis gubernatorial era as one sparked with promise.

As part of his concerns for the rural areas of Florida, Sen. Montford cited a state chamber study and stated, “Even before Hurricane Michael, the thirty rural counties of Florida had fewer jobs than they did five years ago.” In his words, this means “among the jobs coming to north Florida, they aren’t coming to the rural areas.”

Of course, Hurricane Michael has exacerbated the struggles of rural Florida, but Sen. Montford gave a better idea of how much. A pressing concern is clearing fallen debris that can become a fire hazard. Unfortunately, Sen. Montford said this may cost $1 billion.

Further, Sen. Montford stated, “The amount of debris from Hurricane Michael is more than the combined debris from all storms of the last 11 years.” But without a uniform re-forestation plan in place, Montford said, “We [state legislature] don’t know exactly what to do.”

Concerning public education, especially school choice, Sen. Montford offered a balanced solution. He first asked, “Who can argue with parental choice?” But he later pointed out that because the state only pays 40% of transportation costs, some parents are left without a choice. Sen. Montford summarized his solution by saying, “If we believe in choice, and we do. . . . We have to make sure every child, every parent has an equal opportunity for all the options that are out there.”

When asked about the recent appointment of Richard Corcoran to Education Commissioner, Sen. Montford said, “He is hopeful and optimistic that he will speak for all schools, traditional and public. My position is that he gets things done.”

Sen. Montford stressed that he wishes to “make sure he [Corcoran] knows all of what we know, those of us who are familiar with schools.” He closed comments on Corcoran’s appointment, saying: “I am confident that he will take that into consideration, and let’s give him a chance.”

Sen. Montford centered his comments on Florida’s environment around fracking. Sen. Montford, who recently presented a bill against fracking in Florida, called fracking “the most sensitive issue we will be addressing.”

When asked about the chances of his bill passing, Sen. Montford gave credit to Governor DeSantis, saying, “To the governor’s credit, he has spoken out about environmental issues, his wife has as well.” Sen. Montford believes that fracking’s risk to Florida’s groundwater makes evident: “Florida should be the last state to engage in fracking.”

When asked about Governor DeSantis’s actions so far, Sen. Montford said he is “on the right track,” especially as it concerns the environment and rolling back some of the previous governor’s initiatives.

Although he said he’s always wanted to be a mayor (addressing the rumor that he wishes to return to Blounstown and become mayor), one thing is clear: the work for our area is far from over. Nonetheless, when he is not working, Sen. Montford said his favorite thing to do for fun is play with his grandkids because, in his own words, “that is all I have time for.”

Upon announcing this hike, Netflix’s stock price also went up: 6.5%.

Evidence suggests that the increase is aimed at paying for Netflix’s increased spending on content. But it also signals that Netflix believes consumers have flexibility in discretionary spending. A spokesperson from Netflix said, “We change pricing from time to time as we continue investing in great entertainment and improving overall Netflix experience for the benefit of our members.”

Netflix’s change is a clear signal that the competition for quality online streaming is heating up.

Mr. Flint reports, “Industry analysts expect Netflix this year will spend $12 billion licensing and creating content, more than double what it spent just two years ago.”

The streaming market has no signs of cooling off. Later this year, “Walt Disney Co. and AT&T Inc.’s WarnerMedia are launching their own streaming services to compete with Netflix.” Despite these increases, Mr. Flint notes, “Netflix’s offerings are cheaper than typical cable-TV packages.”

For most girls interested in basketball at Deerlake, playing begins in sixth grade on a “JV” team. JV girls get a chance to practice with the varsity but don’t dress out for games.

Team practices began early, 7 AM early. Lindsay Myrick says, “We’ve been trying to tell coach to change practice to the afternoon. He won’t, so we just keep doing it in the morning. But it’s worth it. I wake up at 6:30ish and pack my bag. But once you get there, you are awake.”

While early practices freed up afternoons, these girls were busy. Raven Hall says, “I do my homework on the way to the game.” Planning ahead with homework was one way this team stayed focus on the prize: a city championship.

Losing in last year’s championship game set the stage for this season. Looking back at last year’s championship, Raven says, “That was one game I was not focused. My head was everywhere.” Madeline Penney adds, “Me too.”

Another loss proved crucial to this team’s success. The three girls agreed that the defining moment of the season was losing early on to Nims who went on to win the 1A City Championship. “That was kind of a turning point. We had to pick it up,” says Lindsay.

But Deerlake was not all work no play. Madeline, whose favorite part of basketball is “everything,” says the season was “Fun.” Lindsay said the things she enjoyed the most were “just goofing around at practice. Focusing, but having fun at the same time. You’re trying to get that dub [win] but still having fun because friends are there.”

For Lindsay, the season was also stressful, saying “I feel like there was a lot more pressure since it was our eighth grade year. We weren’t going to have another chance. Last year was sad, but we knew we were going to have another chance.”

Each of these players has a story and inspiration for playing basketball.

Madeline says, “I started when I was five and played Upward on a team my dad coached.” For Raven, her inspiration for shooting three-pointers comes from Golden State Warrior, Stephen Curry. Raven, who is sporting Golden State Warriors socks with Curry’s face on them, says, “I love Stephen Curry.”

The team is complemented with co-coaches Alex Stemle, Deerlake Athletic Director, and Stacey Burch, a volunteer and former division one player. Raven says, “Coach Burch is the one that pushes you. She is a great coach.” Lindsay says, “Coach Stemle is good at dealing with us, especially if we lose our head, which happens to Raven and I a lot.”

Around 150 people attended the event, known as the Jamboree, and though the awards focused primarily on high school student-athletes, several awards recognized collegiate student-athletes from FAMU & FSU and one head football coach.

Tim Brando, who calls sporting events for Fox Sports, was the ceremony’s featured speaker. Mr. Brando spoke directly to the youth saying, “Don’t let anybody tell you: ‘Oh those kids today.’ ” Mr. Brando said, “I see more of what’s right with the youth of today because of athletics.” He pointed out that athletics bring values like “commitment, purpose, and passion” to the surface of life.

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The night’s message was clear: Football may have brought us together, but uplifting our community’s humanity is what we really strive for. Mr. Brando capped-off his talk by recognizing Coach Jimbo Fisher (who was in attendance for his son’s reception of an award), saying, “I spoke to Coach Jimbo earlier and told him, ‘Congratulations Dad,’ because he is here as a dad tonight, that is what is really special.”

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club has been part of our community since 1949, when it was founded to support high school and college football. To learn more about the Tallahassee Quarterback Club, visit their website at TallahasseeQBClub.com.

Here are the award winners:

Gene Cox Most Valuable Player

Javon Morgan, Florida High | 30 rec, 488 yards, 5 TD, 37 carries, 309 yards, 5 Touchdowns,

56 Tackles, 38 Solo, 2 Interceptions, 1 Touchdown, 478 Kick-odd/Punt return yards, 3 Touchdowns

Charlie Ward Offensive Players of the Year (2 winners)

Trey Fisher, Godby High School | 145/247 passing, 2505 yards, 27 Touchdowns, 1 Rushing Touchdown

Chris Beard, Lincoln High School | 150/251 passing 2049 yards, 17 Touchdowns, 94 carries, 502 yards, 7 Touchdowns

Mickey Andrews Defensive Players of the Year (2 winners)

Jolan Gilley, Florida High | 71 Tackles, 41 Solo, 16 Tackles For Loss, 11.5 Sacks, 2 Fumbles Recovered, 4 Fumbles Forced

Deangelo Mitchell, North Florida Christian | 65 Tackles, 7 Interceptions, 1 returned 109 yards for a Touchdown

Vaughn Mancha Offensive Lineman of the Year

Evan Quigley, Lincoln High School | Graded out for the year at 88%, 46 pancake blocks, 24 knockdowns, 3 Sacks allowed

Receiver of the Year

Robert Parker-Crawford, Maclay School | 29 receptions, 679 yards, 11 Touchdowns

Amos P. Godby Student Athlete of the Year

Kamari Young, Godby High School | 4.1 GPA, 3.8 High School GPA, 2 Advanced Placement classes, Engineering Courses, 2 TCC classes

Special Teams Player of the Year

Tyler Keltner, Chiles High School | 10/12 Field Goals, 46 long, 41/41 PAT, Punt – 27/1147 yd, 43 average

Dale Doss Courage Award Winner

JD Jerry, North Florida Christian

Bobby Bowden High School Coach of the Year

Steve Price, North Florida Christian

Jake Gaither Sportsmanship Award – given to the FAMU player who shows the best sportsmanship during the season

Elijah Richardson, Florida A&M

 Bob Crenshaw Awards – given to the FSU players who shows the “biggest heart”

(Offensive) Derrick Kelly II, Florida State University

(Defensive) Dontavious Jackson, Florida State University

Tallahassee’s peewee Pop Warner football team received special recognition for winning this year’s national championship.

As authorities cracked down on the violence, the New York Times reported that approximately 1,400 people were arrested nationwide.

The yellow vest protests started in October when French President Emmanuel Macron proposed to raise fuel taxes in Jan 2019 to reduce pollution. The Washington Post reported that “Macron said the higher tax was his way of trying to prevent the end of the world.” But the yellow vest protesters turned that around with the slogan: “it’s hard to talk about the end of the world while we are talking about the end of the month.”

Gas taxes have been criticized for being regressive, meaning they affect lower-income earners more than higher earners.For France’s rural citizens who rely more on cars and already face financial strain, the gas tax with Mr. Macron’s decision to eliminate France’s wealth tax for all assets except real estate, cut housing aid, and oppose increases to the minimum wage has altogether fostered a following for the yellow vests. And their protests have enacted real change in France’s public policy.

On the morning of Tuesday, December 4, President Macron announced that the gas tax would be suspended. Now, having tasted the difference protests can bring, the yellow vests say their demands are not through.

It has been reported, that initially, the protesters were filled by members of the working poor from rural areas who were not happy with the planned increase in a fuel tax, which the government canceled this past week in a retreat.

However, now the protests have turned into a much broader anger at President Emmanuel Macron’s economic policies and France’s declining living standards.

Beyond France, the rest of the world is taken note of what happened when, taxes in the name of climate change, impact those who are struggling to make ends meet.

“The events of the last few days in Paris have made me regard the challenges as even greater than I thought earlier,” said Stanford University environmental economist Lawrence Goulder, author of the book “Confronting the Climate Challenge.”

NBC News recently reported that “the French “yellow vest” protests have ignited a debate on the left in the U.S. over how to avoid a similar backlash if Democrats get the chance to enact new environmental laws. And the demonstrations come as environmental issues are taking on more prominence amid dire reports from the United Nations and U.S. government warning lawmakers they have only limited time to minimize the damage.”

At the center of the debate is whether Democrats should pursue a carbon tax as part of their climate plan or whether they might risk enraging low- and middle-income voters, particularly those in rural and suburban America, by raising the cost of living.