text string | url string | crawl_date timestamp[ms] | label int64 | id string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Murder charge over self-induced abortion dismissed in Texas
DALLAS (AP) — A Texas judge formally dismissing a murder charge Monday against a 26-year-old woman over a self-induced abortion did not quiet outrage or questions surrounding the case, including why prosecutors ever brought it to a grand jury.
A woman who ends her own pregnancy cannot be charged with a crime under Texas law. Officials in rural Starr County, along the U.S.-Mexico border, have not released details about why they decided to pursue a case against Lizelle Herrera after being contacted by a hospital.
“There should have been no reason for a report to have been made. There should have been no reason for a criminal investigation to take place,” said Farah Diaz-Tello, senior counsel and legal director at If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice.
News of Herrera’s arrest on Thursday raised alarms for abortion rights advocates, and sparked people to gather in protest outside the jail where she was being held on $500,000 bond. Her March 30 indictment alleges she “intentionally and knowingly” caused the death of “an individual ... by a self-induced abortion” in early January.
Authorities have not described what exactly Herrera allegedly did, and it wasn’t clear if she was accused of giving herself an abortion or assisting in someone else’s self-induced abortion.
An attorney for Herrera, who was released from jail Saturday after posting bond, did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press.
Starr County District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez said in a Sunday statement that he would file the motion to dismiss the charge, saying, “it is clear that Ms. Herrera cannot and should not be prosecuted for the allegation against her.”
But he did not explain why the case was presented to a grand jury, nor did he reply Monday to an email from AP seeking additional information. A woman who answered the phone at his office said Sunday’s statement was “the only thing he’s going to say on the subject” and hung up before identifying herself.
“These were choices that did not have to be made because losing a pregnancy or ending a pregnancy or self-managing an abortion is not a crime in the state of Texas,” Diaz-Tello said.
Texas last year passed a law known as Senate Bill 8, or SB8, that bans abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy. The law leaves enforcement to private citizens who can sue doctors or anyone who helps a woman get an abortion.
Another new Texas law prohibits doctors and clinics from prescribing abortion-inducing medications after seven weeks and prohibits the delivery of the pills by mail.
Neither law authorizes any action against the woman who ends her pregnancy, Diaz-Tello said.
“The problem is, though, when you have this heightened situation of suspicion and fear and the chilling effect that this all creates, that is going to make it much more likely that health care providers are going to improperly err on the side of reporting — err on the side of violating their patient’s confidentiality and bringing in law enforcement,” Diaz-Tello said.
Diaz-Tello said actions taken by the hospital and law enforcement in this case could lead women to be fearful of seeking health care after an abortion.
Joanna Grossman, professor at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in Dallas, said SB8 could be “indirectly playing a lot of roles here.” For one, there has been an increase since SB8 in women going online to get abortion pills, she said.
Also, she said, the law sends a message “that there’s just a war on abortion.”
“It certainly changed access but it’s also I think just changed the whole context in which people evaluate abortion care,” Grossman said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/murder-charge-over-self-induced-abortion-dismissed-texas/ | 2022-04-12T10:45:38 | 1 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/murder-charge-over-self-induced-abortion-dismissed-texas/ |
Sticker shock: March inflation likely set new 40-year high
WASHINGTON (AP) — With ever-rising costs for food, gasoline, housing and other necessities squeezing consumers and threatening the economy, inflation in the United States likely set yet another four-decade high in March.
The government’s consumer price index being released Tuesday is expected to show that prices shot up 8.4% from 12 months earlier, according to economists surveyed by the data firm FactSet. That would mark the fastest year-over-year inflation since December 1981. And it would surpass the 7.9% 12-month increase in February, which itself set a 40-year high.
Economists have also forecast that from February to March, consumer prices jumped 1.1%. That would be the sharpest month-to-month jump since 2005.
The March numbers will be the first the capture the full surge in gasoline prices that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Moscow’s brutal attacks have triggered far-reaching Western sanctions against the Russian economy and have disrupted global food and energy markets. According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of gasoline — $4.11 — is up 44% from a year ago, though it has fallen back in the past couple of weeks.
The escalation of energy prices has led to higher transportation costs for the shipment of goods and components across the economy, which, in turn, has contributed to higher prices for consumers.
“The war in Ukraine has complicated the inflation outlook,’’ noted Luke Tilley, chief economist at Wilmington Trust.
Economists point out that since the economy emerged from the depths of the pandemic, consumers have been gradually broadening their spending beyond goods to include more services. A result is that high inflation, which at first had reflected mainly a shortage of goods — from cars and furniture to electronics and sports equipment — has been gradually emerging in services, too, like travel, health care and entertainment.
If the March price figures come in as expected, they will solidify expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise rates aggressively in the coming months to try to slow borrowing and spending and tame high inflation. The financial markets, in fact, now foresee much steeper rate hikes this year than Fed officials had signaled as recently as last month.
The central bank’s rate increases will make loans sharply more expensive for consumers and businesses. Mortgage rates, in particular, though not directly influenced by the Fed, have rocketed higher in recent weeks, making home buying more expensive. Many economists say they worry that the Fed has waited too long to begin raising rates and might end up acting so aggressively as to trigger a recession.
For now, the economy as a whole remains solid, with unemployment near 50-year lows and job openings near record highs. Still, rocketing inflation, with its impact on Americans’ daily lives, is posing a political threat to President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies as they seek to keep control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.
Economists generally express doubt that even the sharp rate hikes that are expected from the Fed will manage to reduce inflation anywhere near the central bank’s 2% annual target by the end of this year. Tilley, Wilmington Trust economist, said he expects year-over-year consumer inflation to still be 4.5% by the end of 2020. Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he had forecast a much lower 3% rate.
In Tuesday’s government report, even excluding volatile food and energy prices, so-called core inflation for the past 12 months is expected to have hit 6.6%, according to the FactSet survey. That would be the biggest such year-over-year jump since August 1982.
Inflation, which had been largely under control for four decades, began to accelerate last spring as the U.S. and global economies rebounded with unexpected speed and strength from the brief but devastating coronavirus recession that began in the spring of 2020.
The recovery, fueled by huge infusions of government spending and super-low interest rates, caught businesses by surprise, forcing them to scramble to meet surging customer demand. Factories, ports and freight yards struggled to keep up, leading to chronic shipping delays and price spikes.
Critics also blame, in part, the Biden administration’s $1.9 trillion March 2021 stimulus program, which included $1,400 relief checks for most households, for helping overheat an already sizzling economy.
Many Americans have been receiving pay increases, but the pace of inflation has more than wiped out those gains for most people. In February, after accounting for inflation, average hourly wages fell 2.5% from a year earlier. It was the 11th straight monthly drop in inflation-adjusted wages.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/sticker-shock-march-inflation-likely-set-new-40-year-high/ | 2022-04-12T10:45:44 | 1 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/sticker-shock-march-inflation-likely-set-new-40-year-high/ |
Sunny Tuesday with more warm air, tracking rain and storms for Wednesday & Thursday
SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) - The milder weather we’ve been enjoying over the last couple of days continues for today! We’re still tracking rain and storm chances for Wednesday and Thursday, though, and our severe weather risk is also still on the table. This is all as a larger low pressure system passes to the west of the Great Lakes over the next couple of days.
Today
Conditions are very quiet starting off this morning. Temperatures have fallen into the 30s but our wind is calm. We have clear skies which will continue all through the morning and into much of the afternoon. This will allow temperatures to rise up into the 60s again today! Our wind will persist from the south southeast between 5 and 15 mph.
This evening has temperatures holding onto the 50s with dry weather still holding on, though more clouds will be building in. That’s all ahead of the rain we’re expecting for Wednesday and Thursday. With sunset at 8:15 PM today, you’ll still have fantastic weather to enjoy some time outside!
Tonight
Overcast skies return with scattered showers and a few rumbles of thunder after midnight. There will be breaks between these showers, though. This will be the first of a couple of waves of rain into Wednesday. Lows tonight will stay on the milder-side, numbers will land largely in the lower 50s. The wind will pick up, though, with a speed of 10 to 20 mph out of the southeast.
Wednesday
Rain and thunderstorms will come in another wave during the afternoon on Wednesday, then again late into the evening. That’s when the cold front of the passing low sweeps through Mid-Michigan. The thunderstorms during the day could be on the stronger-side and possibly bring small hail; however, the storms during the day are expected to stay below the severe threshold.
The severe weather risk still runs especially for the evening on Wednesday, the Storm Prediction Center still has a Marginal Risk (1 out of 5) for that timeframe. As the cold front of the low moves through, a few severe storms could possibly fire-up ahead of it. Right now, strong wind gusts, hail, heavy rain, and an isolated tornado are all possibly, thought the impact of strong wind gusts have the greatest chance of being observed in our area. The timing of the cold front is imperative. We’re still on track for more of a nighttime arrival, but if shifts earlier into Wednesday, that could increase the threat of severe weather. As always, look for updates on this!
Even more of a warm-up occurs Wednesday, highs will reach up to around 71 by the afternoon. The wind will pick up in speed out of the south at 10 to 15 mph, gusting to 25+ mph during the day.
Thursday
Once the cold front passes through, rain will cut off fairly sharp. Skies will clear out with more sunshine for the rest of the day. Highs will be impacted though, only reaching the lower 50s behind the cold front. The wind will start to pick up, though, gusts will reach and even exceed 40 mph by Thursday afternoon. Rainfall when all is done will range from 0,50″ southeast of the Tri-Cities, to close to 1.0″ farther north and west.
Copyright 2022 WNEM. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/sunny-tuesday-with-more-warm-air-tracking-rain-storms-wednesday-thursday/ | 2022-04-12T10:45:51 | 0 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/sunny-tuesday-with-more-warm-air-tracking-rain-storms-wednesday-thursday/ |
Boy bitten by shark in shallow water in Florida
Published: Apr. 12, 2022 at 4:30 AM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
(CNN) - A young boy was bitten by a shark in south Florida.
It happened in shallow water in Palm Beach County on Monday, officials said.
He said he saw the shark before it bit his foot and estimates it was about 4 feet long.
Paramedics bandaged the wound and took him to the hospital.
Sharks are not uncommon in shallow water, but unprovoked attacks are rare.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/12/boy-bitten-by-shark-shallow-water-florida/ | 2022-04-12T10:59:24 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/12/boy-bitten-by-shark-shallow-water-florida/ |
Murder charge over self-induced abortion dismissed in Texas
DALLAS (AP) — A Texas judge formally dismissing a murder charge Monday against a 26-year-old woman over a self-induced abortion did not quiet outrage or questions surrounding the case, including why prosecutors ever brought it to a grand jury.
A woman who ends her own pregnancy cannot be charged with a crime under Texas law. Officials in rural Starr County, along the U.S.-Mexico border, have not released details about why they decided to pursue a case against Lizelle Herrera after being contacted by a hospital.
“There should have been no reason for a report to have been made. There should have been no reason for a criminal investigation to take place,” said Farah Diaz-Tello, senior counsel and legal director at If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice.
News of Herrera’s arrest on Thursday raised alarms for abortion rights advocates, and sparked people to gather in protest outside the jail where she was being held on $500,000 bond. Her March 30 indictment alleges she “intentionally and knowingly” caused the death of “an individual ... by a self-induced abortion” in early January.
Authorities have not described what exactly Herrera allegedly did, and it wasn’t clear if she was accused of giving herself an abortion or assisting in someone else’s self-induced abortion.
An attorney for Herrera, who was released from jail Saturday after posting bond, did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press.
Starr County District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez said in a Sunday statement that he would file the motion to dismiss the charge, saying, “it is clear that Ms. Herrera cannot and should not be prosecuted for the allegation against her.”
But he did not explain why the case was presented to a grand jury, nor did he reply Monday to an email from AP seeking additional information. A woman who answered the phone at his office said Sunday’s statement was “the only thing he’s going to say on the subject” and hung up before identifying herself.
“These were choices that did not have to be made because losing a pregnancy or ending a pregnancy or self-managing an abortion is not a crime in the state of Texas,” Diaz-Tello said.
Texas last year passed a law known as Senate Bill 8, or SB8, that bans abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy. The law leaves enforcement to private citizens who can sue doctors or anyone who helps a woman get an abortion.
Another new Texas law prohibits doctors and clinics from prescribing abortion-inducing medications after seven weeks and prohibits the delivery of the pills by mail.
Neither law authorizes any action against the woman who ends her pregnancy, Diaz-Tello said.
“The problem is, though, when you have this heightened situation of suspicion and fear and the chilling effect that this all creates, that is going to make it much more likely that health care providers are going to improperly err on the side of reporting — err on the side of violating their patient’s confidentiality and bringing in law enforcement,” Diaz-Tello said.
Diaz-Tello said actions taken by the hospital and law enforcement in this case could lead women to be fearful of seeking health care after an abortion.
Joanna Grossman, professor at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in Dallas, said SB8 could be “indirectly playing a lot of roles here.” For one, there has been an increase since SB8 in women going online to get abortion pills, she said.
Also, she said, the law sends a message “that there’s just a war on abortion.”
“It certainly changed access but it’s also I think just changed the whole context in which people evaluate abortion care,” Grossman said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/12/murder-charge-over-self-induced-abortion-dismissed-texas/ | 2022-04-12T10:59:34 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/12/murder-charge-over-self-induced-abortion-dismissed-texas/ |
Sticker shock: March inflation likely set new 40-year high
WASHINGTON (AP) — With ever-rising costs for food, gasoline, housing and other necessities squeezing consumers and threatening the economy, inflation in the United States likely set yet another four-decade high in March.
The government’s consumer price index being released Tuesday is expected to show that prices shot up 8.4% from 12 months earlier, according to economists surveyed by the data firm FactSet. That would mark the fastest year-over-year inflation since December 1981. And it would surpass the 7.9% 12-month increase in February, which itself set a 40-year high.
Economists have also forecast that from February to March, consumer prices jumped 1.1%. That would be the sharpest month-to-month jump since 2005.
The March numbers will be the first the capture the full surge in gasoline prices that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Moscow’s brutal attacks have triggered far-reaching Western sanctions against the Russian economy and have disrupted global food and energy markets. According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of gasoline — $4.11 — is up 44% from a year ago, though it has fallen back in the past couple of weeks.
The escalation of energy prices has led to higher transportation costs for the shipment of goods and components across the economy, which, in turn, has contributed to higher prices for consumers.
“The war in Ukraine has complicated the inflation outlook,’’ noted Luke Tilley, chief economist at Wilmington Trust.
Economists point out that since the economy emerged from the depths of the pandemic, consumers have been gradually broadening their spending beyond goods to include more services. A result is that high inflation, which at first had reflected mainly a shortage of goods — from cars and furniture to electronics and sports equipment — has been gradually emerging in services, too, like travel, health care and entertainment.
If the March price figures come in as expected, they will solidify expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise rates aggressively in the coming months to try to slow borrowing and spending and tame high inflation. The financial markets, in fact, now foresee much steeper rate hikes this year than Fed officials had signaled as recently as last month.
The central bank’s rate increases will make loans sharply more expensive for consumers and businesses. Mortgage rates, in particular, though not directly influenced by the Fed, have rocketed higher in recent weeks, making home buying more expensive. Many economists say they worry that the Fed has waited too long to begin raising rates and might end up acting so aggressively as to trigger a recession.
For now, the economy as a whole remains solid, with unemployment near 50-year lows and job openings near record highs. Still, rocketing inflation, with its impact on Americans’ daily lives, is posing a political threat to President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies as they seek to keep control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.
Economists generally express doubt that even the sharp rate hikes that are expected from the Fed will manage to reduce inflation anywhere near the central bank’s 2% annual target by the end of this year. Tilley, Wilmington Trust economist, said he expects year-over-year consumer inflation to still be 4.5% by the end of 2020. Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he had forecast a much lower 3% rate.
In Tuesday’s government report, even excluding volatile food and energy prices, so-called core inflation for the past 12 months is expected to have hit 6.6%, according to the FactSet survey. That would be the biggest such year-over-year jump since August 1982.
Inflation, which had been largely under control for four decades, began to accelerate last spring as the U.S. and global economies rebounded with unexpected speed and strength from the brief but devastating coronavirus recession that began in the spring of 2020.
The recovery, fueled by huge infusions of government spending and super-low interest rates, caught businesses by surprise, forcing them to scramble to meet surging customer demand. Factories, ports and freight yards struggled to keep up, leading to chronic shipping delays and price spikes.
Critics also blame, in part, the Biden administration’s $1.9 trillion March 2021 stimulus program, which included $1,400 relief checks for most households, for helping overheat an already sizzling economy.
Many Americans have been receiving pay increases, but the pace of inflation has more than wiped out those gains for most people. In February, after accounting for inflation, average hourly wages fell 2.5% from a year earlier. It was the 11th straight monthly drop in inflation-adjusted wages.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/12/sticker-shock-march-inflation-likely-set-new-40-year-high/ | 2022-04-12T10:59:40 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/12/sticker-shock-march-inflation-likely-set-new-40-year-high/ |
Weather Alert Day: Severe thunderstorms possible late Tuesday afternoon and evening
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - A powerful storm system will move into the central plains Tuesday triggering the potential for severe thunderstorms late Tuesday afternoon and evening. A few morning showers or sprinkles will be possible and it will be breezy. Once the warm front moves through the area, a big warm up is expected this afternoon and it will be windy. Severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds and a few tornadoes will be possible late in the day and Tuesday evening.
Mostly cloudy Tuesday morning in the Lincoln area with a few isolated showers or sprinkles possible. Partly to mostly sunny, windy and very warm. Highs in the upper 80s with a south wind 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Scattered thunderstorms will develop late this afternoon and evening. Many of the storms could be severe with large hail and damaging winds. A few tornadoes will be possible and perhaps an isolated strong tornado or two.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms through midnight with severe storms still possible. After midnight it will be blustery and colder with a few scattered showers possible. Wind becoming northwesterly 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
Partly cloudy, windy and much cooler on Wednesday. Highs in the lower 50s with a northwest wind 15 to 25 mph with gusts around 35 mph. There will be a slight chance for a shower or sprinkles Wednesday morning.
Below average temperatures will continue Thursday into early next week. Precipitation chances appear to be small at this time after Tuesday.
Copyright 2022 KOLN. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/12/weather-alert-day-severe-thunderstorms-possible-late-tuesday-afternoon-evening/ | 2022-04-12T10:59:47 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/12/weather-alert-day-severe-thunderstorms-possible-late-tuesday-afternoon-evening/ |
Email overload is costing businesses millions of dollars. This scam hits all big and small companies, even non-profits. It's known as the Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam.
This scheme targets the inboxes of employees who handle the financial decisions. The scammers typically gain access to a company's email accounts or spoof their email addresses to send what appears to be a legitimate bill.
The FBI recently arrested at least nine suspects in a BEC scheme.
"Oftentimes, there are so many people involved in a company and you know, they just don't know what other departments are purchasing or other services are being provided for another department within the organization. So they just pay it and they think, oh, it's taken care of," Alyssa Parker with the Better Business Bureau of Eastern NC said.
The invoice is typically paid through a wire transfer. By the time it's realized the bill was not legitimate, it's too late. The BBB found that the average loss involving wire transfers is $35,000.
To protect you and your company's money, change your settings so that all emails coming from an outside organization are flagged with a warning. You should also confirm payment requests by phone before acting. But if you do become a victim of email compromise fraud, immediately call the business's bank and report it to the FBI. Authorities say, if it's done within 48 hours, there is a chance the money could be recovered.
In total, the FBI said victims of email compromise schemes reported nearly $2.4 billion in losses in 2021 alone. | https://abc11.com/business-email-compromise-scam-bbb-troubleshooter/11737599/ | 2022-04-12T11:04:25 | 1 | https://abc11.com/business-email-compromise-scam-bbb-troubleshooter/11737599/ |
KYIV, Ukraine -- The besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol yielded up more horrors after six weeks of pummeling by Russian troops, with the mayor saying more than 10,000 civilians have died in the strategic southern port, their corpses "carpeted through the streets."
As Russia pounds the northeastern city of Kharkiv and prepares for an assault in Ukraine's east, the country's president warned President Vladimir Putin's forces could resort to chemical weapons, and Western officials said they were investigating an unconfirmed claim by a Ukrainian regiment that a poisonous substance was dropped in Mariupol.
The city has seen some of the heaviest attacks and civilian suffering in the war, but the land, sea and air assaults by Russian forces fighting to capture it have increasingly limited information about what's happening inside the city.
Speaking by phone Monday with The Associated Press, Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko accused Russian forces of having blocked weeks of attempted humanitarian convoys into the city in part to conceal the carnage. Boychenko said the death toll in Mariupol alone could surpass 20,000.
Boychenko also gave new details of allegations by Ukrainian officials that Russian forces have brought mobile cremation equipment to Mariupol to dispose of the corpses of victims of the siege. He said Russian forces have taken many bodies to a huge shopping center where there are storage facilities and refrigerators.
"Mobile crematoriums have arrived in the form of trucks: You open it, and there is a pipe inside and these bodies are burned," the mayor said.
Boychenko spoke from Ukrainian-controlled territory outside Mariupol. The mayor said he had several sources for his description of the alleged methodical burning of bodies by Russian forces in the city, but did not detail the sources.
The discovery of large numbers of apparently massacred civilians after Russian forces retreated from cities and towns around the capital, Kyiv, already has prompted widespread condemnation and accusations that Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine.
Those forces withdrew after they were failed to take Kyiv in the face of stiff Ukrainian resistance, and they now say they will focus on the Donbas, an industrial region in Ukraine's east. Western officials have pointed to signs Russia's military is gearing up for a major offensive there.
On a visit to Russia's Far East on Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin the Russian military would achieve its goals in Ukraine, saying the campaign was aimed at ensuring Russia's security. He added that his country had no intention to isolating itself and that foreign powers wouldn't succeed in isolating it - despite a raft of sanctions against Russia.
Putin's visit to the Vostochny space launch facility marked his first trip outside Moscow since Russia's invasion on Feb. 24.
The British Defense Ministry said Russian forces are continuing to pull out of Belarus to support operations in eastern Ukraine.
"Fighting in eastern Ukraine will intensify over the next two to three weeks as Russia continues to refocus its efforts there," the ministry said in a tweet. "Russian attacks remain focused on Ukrainian positions near Donetsk and Luhansk with further fighting around Kherson and Mykolaiv and a renewed push toward Kramatorsk."
The Donbas has been torn by fighting between Russian-allied separatists and Ukrainian forces since 2014, and Russia has recognized the separatists' claims of independence. Military strategists say Russian leaders appear to hope local support, logistics and terrain in the Donbas favor Russia's larger and better-armed military, potentially allowing Russian troops to finally turn the tide decisively in their favor in a way they have struggled to thus far.
Russia has appointed a seasoned general to lead its renewed push in the Donbas, but questions remain about the ability of depleted and demoralized Russian forces to conquer much ground.
With their offensive in many parts of the country thwarted, Russian forces have relied increasingly on bombarding cities - a strategy that has flattened many urban areas and killed thousands of people. And Western officials have repeatedly warned that Putin could resort to using unconventional weapons, particularly chemical agents. The warnings were part of campaign by U.S. and U.K. authorities to release intelligence findings about Russian plans, in part as a deterrent.
Zelenskyy repeated that warning in his nightly address Monday. "We take this as seriously as possible," Zelenskyy said.
A Russia-allied separatist official, Eduard Basurin, appeared to urge their use Monday, telling Russian state TV that Russian-backed forces should seize a giant metals plant in Mariupol from Ukrainian forces by first blocking all the exits out of the factory. "And then we'll use chemical troops to smoke them out of there," he said.
A Ukrainian regiment defending the plant claimed Monday, without providing evidence, that a drone had dropped a poisonous substance in Mariupol. It indicated there were no serious injuries.
The claim by the Azov Regiment, a far-right group now part of the Ukrainian military, could not be independently verified.
Basurin was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying Tuesday that the separatist forces "haven't used any chemical weapons in Mariupol."
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement that the U.S. could not confirm the drone report out of Mariupol. But Kirby noted the administration's persistent concerns "about Russia's potential to use a variety of riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents, in Ukraine."
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the U.K. was "working urgently" to investigate the report.
There seemed little diplomatic progress toward ending a war that has driven more than 10 million Ukrainians from their homes, more than 4 million of them from the country.
Ukrainian authorities accuse Russian forces of committing atrocities, including a massacre in the town of Bucha, outside Kyiv, airstrikes on hospitals and a missile attack that killed at least 57 people last week at a train station.
The U.N. children's agency said nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have fled their homes in the six weeks since Russia's invasion began. The United Nations has verified 142 children have been killed and 229 injured, though the actual numbers are likely much higher.
In Mariupol, about 120,000 civilians are in dire need of food, water, warmth and communications, the mayor said.
Ukraine accuses Russian forces of forcibly removing people from the city to Russia. Ukrainian officials say Russian troops are confiscating passports from Ukrainian citizens, then moving them to "filtration camps" in Ukraine's separatist-controlled east before sending them to distant, economically depressed areas in Russia.
Boychenko said Monday that those who did not pass the "filtering" have been moved to improvised prisons. He said 33,000 people or more have been taken to Russia or separatist territory in Ukraine.
Russian has denied moving people against their will.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer met Putin on Monday after a weekend meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, but struck a pessimistic note after what he said were "very direct, open and tough" talks. He said he walked away from the meeting without much optimism for an end to the war any time soon.
___
Karmanau reported from Lviv, Ukraine. Anna reported from Bucha, Ukraine. Associated Press writer Robert Burns in Washington, and AP journalists around the world contributed to this report.
Investigation into whether Russia used chemical warfare in Ukraine, as 10,000 killed in Mariupol
By YURAS KARMANAU, ADAM SCHRECK and CARA ANNA | https://abc11.com/ukraine-russia-volodymyr-zelenskyy-news/11740188/ | 2022-04-12T11:04:31 | 1 | https://abc11.com/ukraine-russia-volodymyr-zelenskyy-news/11740188/ |
Six months after her daughter was stabbed to death, a Bartonville woman wants answers
BARTONVILLE – It's been nearly six months since her daughter was found dead, and Cynthia Love wants answers.
She wants to know who killed her daughter, Danielle "Danni" Thomas, last October — and why. She wants to know what happened in the last moments of her daughter's life.
Thomas, 34, was found dead in a house in the 1900 block of North Dechman Avenue in Peoria on Oct. 27, 2021. She had been stabbed several times. Her death was initially reported to the police as a potential suicide, but that was quickly debunked.
And since then, Love has heard little about what happened. She and her daughter were estranged for the past few years. According to her mother, Thomas was bipolar and Love had open heart surgery a year or so ago. The medications threw her for a loop and, at times, she and her daughter would have conversations that Love admits she doesn't remember.
"I was pretty doped up, and she would throw out little digs. If I took it the wrong way, there is no way now for me to say that, at the time, I didn't understand or that I'm sorry," she said.
Thomas was independent and often kept to herself. Love said she didn't know where her daughter was living at the time of her death, but her daughter knew how to find her and would check up on her to make sure she was OK.
"It wasn't what I wanted," Love said. "I think she was fighting her own demons, and she didn't want to involve me. But she was the type of person who would help others. If she saw someone on the street and they didn't have a place to stay that night, she'd bring them home with her.
"I know she would reach out to anyone to help them, and that could have been her downfall," her mother said. "(Thomas) would go into a McDonald's and have me go up to (a person in need) so she could give them food.
"I wonder if that's what led to her being killed," Love said.
An unsolved death amid a record year
Thomas' death was one of 34 last year, a number that dwarfed the previous high water mark by nine.
Related:2021 shattered a homicide record in Peoria. Here are the lives lost and cases unsolved
Few details have been released about Thomas' death. According to a search warrant filed last fall in Peoria County Circuit Court, a man who was living at the house told police he had left for about 45 minutes that afternoon. When he came back, he found Thomas on the ground with several lacerations across her body.
The front door, the man said, was unlocked and the entry door was open, the search warrant stated.
Semone Roth, a Peoria police spokeswoman, said no arrests have been made in the case yet.
"The case is active and is still being investigated and, due to this case being active, Peoria Police will not be commenting any further, nor doing any interviews," she said in an email.
Love isn't upset over the unsolved nature of her daughter's case. She said she realizes detectives are trying and that the pandemic has played a factor in the investigation, slowing the DNA processing.
"I know they are doing what they can and I have no doubts about that," she said.
But it's hard, she said.
"It's affected me a lot," she said, crying. "My boyfriend tells me I'm not the same person. It's like a part of me is gone. There's no hope for me to ever hold her again.
"There's a part of me that feels guilty of not comprehending what she was going through," she said.
Her hope is that people will remember something – anything – about what happened and go to the police. She just wants to know what happened to her little girl.
Anyone with information regarding Thomas' death is asked to contact police at 309-673-4521, 'tip411' or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 309-673-9000. | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/crime/2022/04/12/six-months-later-no-one-arrested-danielle-thomas-death/9481727002/ | 2022-04-12T11:05:39 | 1 | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/crime/2022/04/12/six-months-later-no-one-arrested-danielle-thomas-death/9481727002/ |
Former Peoria Heights educator fought to keep district from being 'swallowed up by Peoria'
PEORIA HEIGHTS – Today, students attending Peoria Heights High School have Roger Bergia to thank for battling to keep the small district afloat years ago when it was under threat of annexation.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the battle was on for the Richwoods Township School District, which at that time wasn't part of Peoria and included Peoria Heights. Peoria wanted to annex the area and did take in all of the township except for the village of Peoria Heights. Students who were going to Richwoods were now in Peoria Public Schools, then known as District 150.
"He just didn't want to see them swallowed up by Peoria," said his wife, Valerie. "He wanted the Heights to stay its own community and he wanted them to be themselves. It was very important to him."
More from the archive:Roger Bergia steps down as Heights superintendent
Bergia died March 23, 2022, at age 84. He had been employed by Peoria Heights Community Unit School District #325 as a teacher from 1960-1965 and became a principal until 1973, when he was promoted to assistant superintendent. In 1974, he rose to the top job, where he served until 2012.
But he didn't leave after his retirement, his wife said.
"He was still handling their finances. He had gone up to the school a couple of days before he went into the hospital to look over the books. The budget for this year? He worked on that last spring," she said.
The annexation that occurred in 1964 was divisive. It led to a protracted court battle which allowed PPS to absorb Richwoods High School, but required it to allow Heights children to go there.
"After a few years, the kids here went there (to Richwoods), but D150 decided they'd go to Woodruff (high school), which infuriated the Heights homeowners who were still paying taxes on the school," said Eric Heath, the current superintendent for Peoria Heights School District 325. "That's what spawned the building of Peoria Heights High School. This school opened up in 1971. At the time, people were still paying off the old Richwoods school and started to pay off the new high school.
Valerie Bergia said at his visitation last month that many people came up to her and simply said, "If it wasn't for your husband, we wouldn't have our school."
"It was his life, that school district. He loved the teachers and he loved the students. There wasn't a day that he went to work for the district. It wasn't work for him. He loved every minute of it," she said.
And that's the Roger Bergia that Peoria Heights Mayor Mike Phelan knew.
"I never attended the Heights schools, but I don't ever recall a time in my life when I didn't know him or know who he was," he said. "As I became an adult, I got to know him more. Roger was a very positive presence. He always encouraged me, and he was always looking for ways to help people and kids and young people."
Bergia's longtime friend Gerald Brookhart, who retired in 2013 as Peoria County's regional superintendent of education, said a recent show on Benjamin Franklin reminded him of Bergia.
"On that show, they talked about the soft power that (Franklin) was able to use to get a lot of things done," he said. "He had the power to control, but was gentle and inclusive and attentive to other people. He was really able to achieve an awful lot of things without demands, just through persuasion.
"That was Roger more than anything," Brookhart said.
Bergia's compassion and his love of teaching and education were key components, but so was his financial acumen.
"He graduated from Eureka with a degree in economics and he got into teaching when his former superintendent asked him to consider coming back and teaching. When he started in education, he had knowledge of teaching and finances," Valerie Bergia said.
Phelan, who deals with financial issues as the mayor, agreed.
"He was overseeing a district that has lost some population over the decades. He had a lot on his plate and he managed it very well," he said. "We lost an icon as far as someone who has shown how one person can make a difference, and how one person can have a lot of positive change."
Heath said Bergia's longevity was the thing that set him apart.
"Thirty-eight years as the superintendent? That's just a really rare thing. And he worked here for 52 years in all. He's been that steady hand in the community for such a long time."
And that institutional knowledge is now gone, he noted.
Related:Roger Bergia obituary
"He was the keeper of the history of his community. He collected history. He started the historical society in town," Heath said. "His collections, his stories and his generosity and what he meant to the Peoria Heights community, we lost all that."
Phelan said the Heights and, really, the entire Peoria County area has lost a leader.
"He was a giant in the community," he said. "Education was his passion, and that was his calling in life, education and shepherding people into adulthood to make sure they had the tools to get an education and to be successful in life." | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/education/2022/04/12/peoria-heights-educator-roger-bergia-dies-kept-district-independent/7279348001/ | 2022-04-12T11:05:45 | 0 | https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/education/2022/04/12/peoria-heights-educator-roger-bergia-dies-kept-district-independent/7279348001/ |
Why this Chicago Cubs baseball Hall of Famer dropped by Jimmy's Bar in Peoria
PEORIA — Jimmy's Bar added to its lineup of celebrity visitors over the weekend.
Retired Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals reliever Lee Smith dropped in at the iconic spot on Farmington Road in West Peoria on Friday night, then returned on Saturday for lunch.
The baseball Hall of Fame closer was in town to pick up a golf cart he bought from a Peoria-area friend. The cart was loaded on board Smith's pickup truck.
"He was with his wife and son, they came in on Friday for a couple hours then went to dinner at Alexander's," Jimmy's owner Jimmy Spears said. "Then they came back for lunch on Saturday.
Treat me nice:Elvis bust back at Jimmy's Bar after global attention. How he was returned
Smith threw out the first pitch at the Chicago Cubs home opener last Thursday and then came down through Peoria to get the golf cart, Spears said.
"He said he was taking it to his home in Louisiana," Spears said. "Super nice guy, talked with anyone who approached him, took pictures, signed autographs."
Jimmy's Bar is no stranger to celebrities. Olympic swimmer Katie McLaughlin brought her silver medal to the bar last August. The place has been visited in the past by Rudy Giuliani and JB Pritzker, too.
You may like:Olympic swimmer Katie McLaughlin brings her silver medal to Peoria
More:How Bradley remembered a coach, welcomed a baseball hall of famer and beat SIUE
Smith, 64, was inducted into Cooperstown in 2019. He had 478 saves in 18 seasons, primarily with the Cubs. He appeared in seven All-Star games and finished in the top five in Cy Young Award voting three times.
Dave Eminian is the Journal Star sports columnist, and covers Bradley men's basketball, the Rivermen and Chiefs. He writes the Cleve In The Eve sports column for pjstar.com. Reach him at 686-3206 or deminian@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @icetimecleve. | https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/columns/cleve-in-the-eve/2022/04/12/why-cubs-baseball-hall-fame-pitcher-stopped-by-jimmys-bar/7282172001/ | 2022-04-12T11:05:51 | 1 | https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/columns/cleve-in-the-eve/2022/04/12/why-cubs-baseball-hall-fame-pitcher-stopped-by-jimmys-bar/7282172001/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow returned to the air Monday with some bad news for her fans: Starting next month, she will be doing her prime-time show only once a week.
After working her customary five nights a week for the rest of April, Maddow said, she will work on Monday nights only starting in May. The network said it will rotate guest hosts the other four weeknights on a show called “MSNBC Prime.”
“For big news events, for things like the leadup to the election, I will of course be here more than that, but that is the general plan,” Maddow said on her show Monday.
The cable news network’s most popular personality had been on hiatus for the past two months, working on a new podcast and a movie adaptation of her book “Bag Man.” She said the weekly schedule will give her “more time to work on some of this other stuff I’ve got cooking for MSNBC and NBC.”
She heaped praise on Ali Velshi, who had filled in frequently for her while she was away, calling him a “prince among men.”
Yet MSNBC’s ratings in her time slot tumbled in her absence, even with coverage of a gripping news event, the Ukraine war. MSNBC is not alone in questions about its 9 p.m. Eastern hour: CNN hasn’t named a full-time replacement for its former ratings leader, Chris Cuomo, since he was fired in December.
The plan leaves MSNBC executives in an awkward spot. While it has been reported that MSNBC signed a new contract with Maddow that gives her additional flexibility, executives have not publicly addressed that deal, or Maddow’s announcement Monday. It seems, at least for the time being, the network will be happy to get as much as it can from Maddow and leave the light on if she someday decides to do more.
Maddow said she had originally thought she might need another hiatus from her show this year but has determined that she won’t. | https://www.wfla.com/entertainment-news/rachel-maddow-returns-to-msnbc-will-switch-to-once-a-week/ | 2022-04-12T11:07:10 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/entertainment-news/rachel-maddow-returns-to-msnbc-will-switch-to-once-a-week/ |
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho judge ruled Monday that a mother accused of conspiring to kill her children, her estranged husband and a lover’s wife is now mentally competent to stand trial on some of the charges in Idaho.
Daybell and her new husband, Chad Daybell, face numerous charges in the complicated case involving allegations of bizarre spiritual beliefs involving “zombies” and doomsday predictions.
Prosecutors have said that Lori and Chad Daybell espoused the religious beliefs in an effort to encourage or justify the murders.
The case against her had been hold for months after Judge Steven Boyce ordered her committed to a mental facility so she could undergo treatment in an effort to make her mentally fit enough to assist in her own defense.
Boyce’s new order said Lori Vallow Daybell “is restored to competency and is fit to proceed” in the Idaho murder case. He did not provide other details about her treatment or mental condition.
She is scheduled to be formally arraigned in court next week and both Lori and Chad Daybell are set to stand trial together early next year.
Tare charged withconspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Lori Daybell’s children 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, as well as Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell.
Lori Daybell is also charged in Arizona with conspiring to kill her former estranged husband, Charles Vallow, with the help of her now-deceased brother, Alex Cox.
Chad Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the charges and Lori Daybell has not yet had an opportunity to enter a plea. Chad Daybell’s attorney, John Prior, declined to comment on the case. Lori Daybell’s attorney, Jim Archibald, did not immediately respond to voice and email messages requesting comment.
An indictment said Chad and Lori Daybell in 2018 while still married to other people began espousing an apocalyptical system of religious belief.
Lori Daybell’s brother Alex Cox shot and killed her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, in suburban Phoenix, according to an indictment in Arizona.
Cox asserted the shooting was in self-defense, and he was never charged. At the time, Charles Vallow was seeking a divorce, saying his wife believed she had become a god-like figure responsible for ushering in the biblical end of times. Cox later died of an apparent blood clot in his lung.
Shortly after Charles Vallow’s death, Lori Daybell — who then had the last name Vallow — and her children moved to the rural eastern Idaho community of Rexburg, near where Chad Daybell lived. At the time, Chad Daybell was married to Tammy Daybell. She died in October of 2019, and her obituary said the death was from natural causes.
Authorities grew suspicious, however, when Chad and Lori Daybell got married just two weeks later, and investigators had Tammy Daybell’s body exhumed for an autopsy. Authorities have not released her cause of death.
Police began searching for Lori Daybell’s youngest two children in November after relatives raised concerns. The Daybells quickly left town, and were found months later in Hawaii without the children.
Investigators later found the bodies of JJ and Tylee buried in Chad Daybell’s yard back in Idaho. They have not disclosed causes of death but court documents said Tylee’s body was partially burned.
Friends of the Daybells told investigators that the couple believed people could become “zombies” if they were possessed by evil spirits, a state in which their soul was trapped in limbo, according to police reports. The couple reportedly believed that the only way to rid a person of a zombie was for their body to die, according to police reports.
A friend of the couple, Melanie Gibb, told investigators that Lori Daybell referred to her youngest children as “zombies,” and police in Arizona said the couple exchanged text messages saying that Tammy Daybell had been possessed by a dark spirit. | https://www.wfla.com/news/crime/lori-vallow-daybell-mom-accused-in-kids-killings-now-fit-for-trial-judge-says/ | 2022-04-12T11:07:16 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/crime/lori-vallow-daybell-mom-accused-in-kids-killings-now-fit-for-trial-judge-says/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — A California woman who wrongly accused a Black teen of taking her phone at a New York City hotel has reached a plea deal that spares her from prison if she avoids trouble.
The 23-year-old Miya Ponsetto pleaded guilty Monday to unlawful imprisonment as a hate crime, a felony, but will have a chance to replead to a misdemeanor aggravated harassment charge if she follows the terms of the agreement.
She must abide by the terms of her probation for a separate drunk driving and resisting arrest case in her home state for two years, continue to receive counseling and have no further arrests. | https://www.wfla.com/news/crime/plea-deal-no-prison-for-attack-on-black-teen-at-nyc-hotel/ | 2022-04-12T11:07:23 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/crime/plea-deal-no-prison-for-attack-on-black-teen-at-nyc-hotel/ |
(Stacker) — The Census Bureau in April 2020 launched a Household Pulse Survey providing weekly updates on how individuals and families have been affected during the pandemic. Data show ongoing difficulties in finding work, affording food, and paying the rent. Meanwhile, the pandemic has created a “seesaw effect” on rent, with rental rates in the most expensive U.S. cities dropping while rental rates have gone up in historically less expensive areas.
Stacker compiled a list of zip codes with the most expensive homes in Florida using data from Zillow. Zip codes are ranked by the Zillow Home Values Index for all homes as of February 2021. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
Keep reading to see if any of these zip codes from your home state sound familiar.
#50. 32789 (Winter Park)
– Typical home value: $535,755
— 96.2% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +5.7%
– 5 year home value change: +26.3%
– 10 year home value change: +82.0%
– Pictured: 55 Trismen 8 Lot 7 and 9 Ter, Winter Park ($6.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#49. 32266 (Neptune Beach)
– Typical home value: $535,867
— 96.2% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +14.2%
– 5 year home value change: +45.8%
– 10 year home value change: +95.7%
– Pictured: 1842 Strand St, Neptune Beach ($2.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
#48. 33785 (Indian Rocks Beach)
– Typical home value: $538,744
— 97.3% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +11.8%
– 5 year home value change: +35.9%
– 10 year home value change: +82.1%
– Pictured: 19808 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores ($3.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
#47. 33327 (Weston)
– Typical home value: $549,858
— 101.3% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +5.9%
– 5 year home value change: +13.5%
– 10 year home value change: +54.6%
– Pictured: 2548 Sanctuary Dr, Weston ($2.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
#46. 33331 (Weston)
– Typical home value: $551,035
— 101.8% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +7.6%
– 5 year home value change: +22.1%
– 10 year home value change: +62.9%
– Pictured: 5400 Ascot Ter, Southwest Ranches ($9.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
#45. 33001 (Layton)
– Typical home value: $559,560
— 104.9% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +9.3%
– 5 year home value change: +31.0%
– 10 year home value change: data not available
– Pictured: 65760 Overseas Hwy, Village of Islands ($3.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#44. 33767 (Clearwater)
– Typical home value: $566,867
— 107.6% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +9.9%
– 5 year home value change: +25.8%
– 10 year home value change: +58.3%
– Pictured: 837 Harbor Is, Clearwater ($7.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#43. 33076 (Parkland)
– Typical home value: $569,228
— 108.4% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +7.1%
– 5 year home value change: +18.0%
– 10 year home value change: +50.3%
– Pictured: 7131 Lemon Grass Dr, Parkland ($9.5 million, 9 bedrooms)
#42. 33143 (Glenvar Heights)
– Typical home value: $570,663
— 109.0% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +5.4%
– 5 year home value change: +21.1%
– 10 year home value change: +82.0%
– Pictured: 4 Tahiti Beach Island Rd, Coral Gables ($36.5 million, 10 bedrooms)
#41. 33316 (Fort Lauderdale)
– Typical home value: $580,519
— 112.6% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +4.1%
– 5 year home value change: +16.8%
– 10 year home value change: +59.7%
– Pictured: 1712 SE 12th Ct, Fort Lauderdale ($33.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
#40. 34145 (Marco Island)
– Typical home value: $591,702
— 116.7% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +8.7%
– 5 year home value change: +8.6%
– 10 year home value change: +48.9%
– Pictured: 899 Caxambas Dr, Marco Island ($7.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
#39. 32082 (Ponte Vedra Beach)
– Typical home value: $593,449
— 117.3% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +9.2%
– 5 year home value change: +23.8%
– 10 year home value change: +51.6%
– Pictured: 24757 Harbour View Dr, Ponte Vedra Beach ($9.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
#38. 33070 (Tavernier)
– Typical home value: $601,083
— 120.1% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +5.9%
– 5 year home value change: +18.2%
– 10 year home value change: data not available
– Pictured: 94100 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo ($21.9 million, 8 bedrooms)
#37. 33051 (Key Colony Beach)
– Typical home value: $601,166
— 120.1% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +4.6%
– 5 year home value change: +14.7%
– 10 year home value change: data not available
– Pictured: 841 W Ocean Dr, Marathon ($7.9 million, 4 bedrooms)
#36. 33301 (Fort Lauderdale)
– Typical home value: $609,927
— 123.3% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +6.5%
– 5 year home value change: +12.9%
– 10 year home value change: +62.1%
– Pictured: 529 Bontona Ave, Fort Lauderdale ($30.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#35. 33473 (Boynton Beach)
– Typical home value: $621,879
— 127.7% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +6.0%
– 5 year home value change: +9.4%
– 10 year home value change: +44.7%
– Pictured: 13053 Big Bear Blf, Boynton Beach ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#34. 32459 (Santa Rosa Beach)
– Typical home value: $629,956
— 130.7% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +9.8%
– 5 year home value change: +32.9%
– 10 year home value change: +70.1%
– Pictured: 285 Twisted Pine Trl, Santa Rosa Beach ($14.1 million, 6 bedrooms)
#33. 33483 (Delray Beach)
– Typical home value: $630,705
— 130.9% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +6.3%
– 5 year home value change: +19.7%
– 10 year home value change: +70.8%
– Pictured: 701 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach ($35.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
#32. 33606 (Tampa)
– Typical home value: $644,744
— 136.1% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +9.3%
– 5 year home value change: +39.7%
– 10 year home value change: +99.2%
– Pictured: 58 Bahama Cir, Tampa ($29.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
#31. 33332 (Weston)
– Typical home value: $646,474
— 136.7% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +6.9%
– 5 year home value change: +16.9%
– 10 year home value change: +48.9%
– Pictured: 4771 Akai Dr, Southwest Ranches ($10.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#30. 34217 (Holmes Beach)
– Typical home value: $653,257
— 139.2% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +11.4%
– 5 year home value change: +21.3%
– 10 year home value change: +64.4%
– Pictured: 104 75th St N, Holmes Beach ($6.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#29. 32963 (Vero Beach)
– Typical home value: $662,361
— 142.5% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +6.4%
– 5 year home value change: +15.3%
– 10 year home value change: +43.4%
– Pictured: 3700 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach ($20.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
#28. 33042 (Summerland Key)
– Typical home value: $663,888
— 143.1% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +5.7%
– 5 year home value change: +18.0%
– 10 year home value change: data not available
– Pictured: 17398 E Dolphin St, Sugarloaf ($4.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
#27. 33133 (Miami)
– Typical home value: $669,405
— 145.1% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +5.3%
– 5 year home value change: +11.8%
– 10 year home value change: +70.6%
– Pictured: 3503 Main Lodge Dr, Miami ($22.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#26. 33154 (Bal Harbour)
– Typical home value: $673,622
— 146.7% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +3.1%
– 5 year home value change: -3.6%
– 10 year home value change: +53.1%
– Pictured: 182 Bal Bay Dr, Bal Harbour ($35.0 million, 8 bedrooms)
#25. 33330 (Cooper City)
– Typical home value: $673,915
— 146.8% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +8.2%
– 5 year home value change: +26.3%
– 10 year home value change: +64.2%
– Pictured: 5875 SW 128th Ave, Southwest Ranches ($9.0 million, 7 bedrooms)
#24. 33040 (Key West)
– Typical home value: $674,320
— 146.9% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +3.2%
– 5 year home value change: +15.0%
– 10 year home value change: +54.4%
– Pictured: 1109 Fleming St, Key West ($7.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#23. 33786 (Belleair Beach)
– Typical home value: $674,467
— 147.0% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +9.1%
– 5 year home value change: +28.5%
– 10 year home value change: +69.1%
– Pictured: 125 15th St, Belleair Beach ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#22. 33037 (Key Largo)
– Typical home value: $676,138
— 147.6% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +4.4%
– 5 year home value change: +15.6%
– 10 year home value change: data not available
– Pictured: 10 Cannon Pt, Key Largo ($95.0 million, 10 bedrooms)
#21. 34242 (Siesta Key)
– Typical home value: $677,110
— 147.9% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +7.4%
– 5 year home value change: +14.4%
– 10 year home value change: +39.8%
– Pictured: 8218 Sanderling Rd, Sarasota ($14.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#20. 33432 (Boca Raton)
– Typical home value: $689,452
— 152.5% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +8.4%
– 5 year home value change: +24.5%
– 10 year home value change: +72.0%
– Pictured: 819 Orchid Dr, Boca Raton ($25.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
#19. 34236 (Sarasota)
– Typical home value: $696,762
— 155.1% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +8.7%
– 5 year home value change: +16.5%
– 10 year home value change: +57.5%
– Pictured: 1435 Westway Dr, Sarasota ($7.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#18. 34228 (Longboat Key)
– Typical home value: $705,712
— 158.4% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +7.3%
– 5 year home value change: +8.0%
– 10 year home value change: +31.8%
– Pictured: 5965 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key ($11.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
#17. 34108 (Naples)
– Typical home value: $710,407
— 160.1% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +6.9%
– 5 year home value change: +7.4%
– 10 year home value change: +48.7%
– Pictured: 349 Colony Dr, Naples ($10.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#16. 33629 (Tampa)
– Typical home value: $718,951
— 163.3% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +10.1%
– 5 year home value change: +35.0%
– 10 year home value change: +92.8%
– Pictured: 934 S Golf View St, Tampa ($7.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
#15. 33158 (Village of Palmetto Bay)
– Typical home value: $726,945
— 166.2% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +6.1%
– 5 year home value change: +8.8%
– 10 year home value change: +49.4%
– Pictured: 6275 Dolphin Dr, Coral Gables ($3.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
#14. 34103 (Naples)
– Typical home value: $768,344
— 181.3% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +7.5%
– 5 year home value change: +10.7%
– 10 year home value change: +67.1%
– Pictured: 233 Mermaids Bight, Naples ($15.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#13. 34102 (Naples)
– Typical home value: $793,626
— 190.6% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +10.6%
– 5 year home value change: +14.8%
– 10 year home value change: +73.0%
– Pictured: 4540 Gordon Dr, Naples ($49.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#12. 33480 (Palm Beach)
– Typical home value: $810,418
— 196.8% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +6.2%
– 5 year home value change: +19.3%
– 10 year home value change: +57.1%
– Pictured: 1840 S Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach ($115.0 million, 9 bedrooms)
#11. 33957 (Sanibel)
– Typical home value: $810,908
— 196.9% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +5.7%
– 5 year home value change: +9.1%
– 10 year home value change: +33.8%
– Pictured: 6111 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel ($18.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
#10. 33156 (Pinecrest)
– Typical home value: $854,151
— 212.8% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +4.4%
– 5 year home value change: +11.3%
– 10 year home value change: +60.8%
– Pictured: 41 Arvida Pkwy, Coral Gables ($54.9 million, 8 bedrooms)
#9. 33036 (Islamorada)
– Typical home value: $857,887
— 214.1% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +5.0%
– 5 year home value change: +17.7%
– 10 year home value change: data not available
– Pictured: 75900 Overseas Hwy, Village of Islands ($13.9 million, 7 bedrooms)
#8. 32461 (Panama City Beach)
– Typical home value: $938,110
— 243.5% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +8.1%
– 5 year home value change: +29.7%
– 10 year home value change: +75.0%
– Pictured: 427 E Water St, Rosemary Beach ($8.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#7. 33924 (Captiva)
– Typical home value: $1,003,008
— 267.3% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +7.5%
– 5 year home value change: +13.5%
– 10 year home value change: +43.1%
– Pictured: 16660 Captiva Dr, Captiva ($17.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#6. 33146 (Coral Gables)
– Typical home value: $1,016,902
— 272.4% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +5.3%
– 5 year home value change: +7.7%
– 10 year home value change: +59.2%
– Pictured: 6801 Granada Blvd, Coral Gables ($20.9 million, 8 bedrooms)
#5. 33122 (Doral)
– Typical home value: $1,073,601
— 293.1% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: -1.7%
– 5 year home value change: +12.4%
– 10 year home value change: +142.4%
– Pictured: 8404 NW 33rd Ter, Doral ($2.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
#4. 33149 (Key Biscayne)
– Typical home value: $1,095,162
— 301.0% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +1.3%
– 5 year home value change: -12.0%
– 10 year home value change: +33.7%
– Pictured: 400 S Mashta Dr, Key Biscayne ($35.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#3. 34216 (Anna Maria)
– Typical home value: $1,205,391
— 341.4% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +12.8%
– 5 year home value change: +32.1%
– 10 year home value change: +91.2%
– Pictured: 807 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria ($6.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
#2. 33921 (Boca Grande)
– Typical home value: $1,778,239
— 551.1% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: +8.2%
– 5 year home value change: +32.7%
– 10 year home value change: +85.1%
– Pictured: 1000 10th St W, Boca Grande ($23.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#1. 33109 (Fisher Island)
– Typical home value: $3,351,865
— 1127.4% above typical home value in Florida
– 1 year rent change: -2.6%
– 5 year home value change: -10.8%
– 10 year home value change: +56.1%
– Pictured: 6921 Valencia Dr, Miami Beach ($15.5 million, 4 bedrooms) | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/zip-codes-with-the-most-expensive-homes-in-florida/ | 2022-04-12T11:07:29 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/zip-codes-with-the-most-expensive-homes-in-florida/ |
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A 16-year-old Las Vegas student accused of sexually assaulting, punching, and strangling a teacher until she lost consciousness has been identified as Jonathan Eluterio Martinez Garcia.
According to police, the Eldorado High School teacher was in her classroom Thursday when Garcia entered to talk about his grades and eventually became violent.
Police said that Garcia attacked the teacher, caused her to lose consciousness, and later fled the classroom.
Sources told Nexstar’s KLAS that a janitor found the teacher in her classroom later in the afternoon. Officers arrived to the school at around 3:30 p.m. Thursday once the incident was reported.
Garcia was taken into custody and booked into the Clark County Detention Center for attempted murder, sexual assault, battery with intent to commit sexual assault, first-degree kidnapping and robbery.
Garcia’s bail was set at $500,000. If he posts bail, he is to be placed on electronic monitoring and will be ordered to have no contact with the victim.
Garcia is scheduled to appear in court April 12 at 8 a.m.
Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara sent this statement to CCSD staff on Friday:
Dear CCSD Staff,
The safety of every Clark County School District (CCSD) student and employee is our top priority.
I am devastated, and the CCSD family hurts for the teacher assaulted at Eldorado High School. Our hearts are heavy because of the violence committed against her, and we pray for her full recovery.
As I have said previously, “Violent acts, assaults, and bullying will not be tolerated in the Clark County School District, and those who choose to engage in these activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
SUPERINTENDENT JESUS JARA | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/16-year-old-student-accused-of-battering-sexually-assaulting-teacher-identified/ | 2022-04-12T11:07:35 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/16-year-old-student-accused-of-battering-sexually-assaulting-teacher-identified/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is visiting corn-rich Iowa on Tuesday to announce he’ll suspend a federal rule preventing the sale of higher ethanol blend gasoline this summer as his administration tries to tamp down prices at the pump that have spiked during Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Most gasoline sold in the U.S. is blended with 10% ethanol. The Environmental Protection Agency will issue an emergency waiver to allow widespread sale of 15% ethanol blend that is usually prohibited between June 1 and Sept. 15 because of concerns that it adds to smog in high temperatures.
Senior Biden administration officials said the move will save drivers an average of 10 cents per gallon at 2,300 gas stations. Industry groups say most of those stations are in the Midwest and the South, including Texas.
Biden is to announce the move at a biofuel company in Menlo, west of Des Moines. Iowa is the country’s largest producer of corn, key to producing ethanol.
The waiver is another effort to help ease global energy markets that have been rocked since Russia invaded Ukraine. Last month, the president announced the U.S. will release 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve over the next six months. His administration said that has helped to slightly reduce gas prices lately, after they climbed to an average of about $4.23 a gallon by the end of March, compared with $2.87 at the same time a year ago, according to AAA.
Members of Congress from both parties, as well as industry groups, had urged Biden to grant the E15 waiver.
“Homegrown Iowa biofuels provide a quick and clean solution for lowering prices at the pump and bolstering production would help us become energy independent once again,″ said Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley. He was among nine Republican and seven Democratic senators from Midwestern states who sent Biden a letter last month urging him to allow year-round E15 sales.
The trip will be Biden’s first as president to Iowa, where his 2020 presidential campaign limped to a fourth-place finish in the state’s technologically glitchy caucus.
After bouncing back to win the Democratic nomination, Biden returned for a rally at the Iowa state fairgrounds four days before Election Day 2020, only to see Donald Trump win the state by 8 percentage points.
Biden heads back to the state at a moment when he’s facing yet more political peril. He’s saddled with sagging approval ratings and inflation at a 40-year high while his party faces the prospect of big midterm election losses that could cost it control of Congress.
The president also planned to promote his economic plans to help rural families struggling with higher costs, while highlighting the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law enacted last fall. The law includes money to improve internet access, as well as for modernizing wastewater systems, reducing flooding threats and improving roads and bridges, drinking water and electric grids in sparsely populated areas.
“Part of it is showing up in communities of all sizes, regardless of the results of the last election,” said Jesse Harris, who was a senior adviser to Biden’s 2020 campaign in Iowa and directed get out the vote and early voting efforts for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008.
Harris said most presidents who visit Iowa typically go to the state’s largest cities. Hitting an area like Menlo, part of Guthrie County, which backed Trump over Biden by 35 percentage points in 2020, “does speak to the importance the administration places on infrastructure broadly but also infrastructure in rural and smaller communities.”
The Biden administration plans to spend the coming weeks pushing billions of dollars in funding for rural areas. Cabinet members and other senior officials will travel the country to help communities get access to money available as part of the infrastructure package.
“The president is not making this trip through a political prism,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. “He’s making this trip because Iowa is a rural state in the country that would benefit greatly from the president’s policies.”
Still, administration officials have long suggested that Biden travel more to promote an economy that is rebounding from the setbacks of the coronavirus pandemic. The number of Americans collecting unemployment has fallen to the lowest levels since 1970, for example.
But much of the positive jobs news nationally has been overshadowed by surging gas, food and housing prices that have pushed consumer inflation to 7.9% over the past year ending in February. That’s the sharpest spike since 1982. Inflation figures for March, due out Tuesday, are likely to bring more bad news for the Biden administration.
“Maybe a trip back to Iowa will be just what Joe Biden needs to understand what his reckless spending, big government policies are doing to our country,” Iowa Republican Party Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said in a statement.
After Iowa, Biden will visit Greensboro, North Carolina, on Thursday.
Psaki blamed Russia’s war in Ukraine for helping to drive up gas prices and said the administration expects the consumer price index for March to be “extremely elevated” in large part because of it.
The EPA has lifted seasonal restrictions on E15 in the past, including after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The Trump administration allowed for selling E15 in the summer months two years later but had the rule struck down by a federal appeals court. | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/biden-waiving-ethanol-rule-to-try-and-help-lower-gasoline-prices/ | 2022-04-12T11:07:41 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/biden-waiving-ethanol-rule-to-try-and-help-lower-gasoline-prices/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is unveiling a completed rule aimed at reining in the proliferation of ghost guns, firearms without serial numbers that have been turning up at crime scenes across the nation in increasing numbers.
The White House and the Justice Department argue that regulating the firearms parts and requiring dealers to stamp serial numbers on ghost guns will help drive down violent crime and aid investigators in solving crimes. Gun groups, however, argue that the government is overreaching and that its rule violates federal law.
Here’s a look at ghost guns and the debate brewing in the U.S.
WHAT ARE GHOST GUNS?
They are privately-made firearms without serial numbers.
Generally, firearms manufactured by licensed companies are required to have serial numbers – usually displayed on the frame of the gun – that allow officials to trace the gun back to the manufacturer, the firearms dealer and the original purchaser.
Ghost guns, however, are made of parts and are then assembled together. The critical component in building an untraceable gun is what is known as the lower receiver. Some are sold in do-it-yourself kits and the receivers are typically made from metal or polymer.
An unfinished receiver — sometimes referred to as an “80-percent receiver” — can be legally bought online with no serial numbers or other markings on it, no license required. Under the current rules, the federal government does not consider unfinished lower receivers to be firearms.
WHAT DOES THE RULE DO?
It changes the definition of a firearm and will require federal firearms dealers to add serial numbers to ghost guns that come their way.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has, for years, said that unfinished lower receivers don’t meet the legal definition of a firearm. And there is nothing illegal about building your own firearm.
It’s legal to make your own firearm if it’s for your personal use and you don’t intend to sell it. But if you open a business selling guns, you need a federal firearms license.
Under the new rule, the definition of a firearm would change to include unfinished parts, like the frame of a handgun or the receiver of a long gun. The rule also would require those parts to be licensed and include serial numbers. Dealers would also need to run background checks before a sale — just like they do with other commercially made firearms.
The requirement applies regardless of how the firearm was made, meaning it includes ghost guns made from individual parts, kits, or by 3D-printers.
It also will compel federally licensed dealers and gunsmiths who take in firearms without serial numbers to add serial numbers. That means, for example, if someone sells a ghost gun to a pawn broker – or other licensed dealer – the dealer must put a serial number on it before selling the gun to someone else.
HOW PREVALENT ARE GHOST GUNS?
Ghost guns aren’t new. But they are becoming a growing problem for law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
Federal officials have been sounding the alarm about the growing black market for homemade, military-style semi-automatic rifles and handguns. And guns without serial numbers have been turning up more frequently at crime scenes. They have also been increasingly encountered when federal agents buy guns in undercover operations from gang members and other criminals.
Ghost guns really popped into the public consciousness in 2013 when a gunman, John Zawahri, opened fire on the campus of Santa Monica College in California. Six people were killed, including Zawahri’s father and brother. The suspect had assembled an AR-15 after failing a background check at a gun dealer.
A gunman who killed his wife and four others in Northern California in 2017 had been prohibited from owning firearms, but he built his own to skirt the court order before his rampage. And in 2019, a teenager used a homemade handgun to fatally shoot two classmates and wound three others at a school in suburban Los Angeles.
The sale of ghost guns has exploded since then. It is hard to say how many are circulating on the streets, in part because in many cases police departments don’t contact the government about the guns because they can’t be traced.
Justice Department statistics show that nearly 24,000 ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement at crime scenes and reported to the government from 2016 to 2020. The New York Police Department said officers found 131 firearms without serial numbers since January.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Justice Department said the rule goes into effect 120 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. But it’s likely the rule will be met with heavy resistance from gun groups and draw litigation in the coming weeks. Even reaching the point of introducing a rule has taken more than a year. Biden announced plans to impose tighter regulations on ghost guns in April 2021.
Gun Owners of America vowed that it would immediately fight the rule and that it would sue the ATF “to halt the implementation of this rule.” | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/explainer-what-are-ghost-guns-and-why-is-biden-taking-action/ | 2022-04-12T11:07:47 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/explainer-what-are-ghost-guns-and-why-is-biden-taking-action/ |
(The Hill) – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting sanctions imposed on Moscow are contributing to surging global prices that Americans are feeling throughout the economy, particularly at the grocery store and the gas pump.
Russia’s status as a major exporter of raw materials, especially oil and natural gas, along with Ukraine’s position as a key agricultural supplier to regions including Africa and the Middle East, make the conflict between the two countries a flashpoint for commodity prices, which were already on the rise due to the pandemic.
“These countries export a lot of raw materials,” William Reinsch, a former undersecretary of Commerce who now serves as international business analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said in an interview. “They tend to have a world price. And so when supply is constricted, the consequence for Americans is that the price goes up because it goes up everywhere.”
New consumer price index (CPI) data to be released Tuesday by the Labor Department is likely to show another sharp jump in both monthly and annual inflation. Consumer prices rose by 7.9 percent in the year ending in February, and signs of high inflation in March are mounting.
On Friday, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recorded a 12.6 percent increase in its benchmark food price index from February to March, an uptick it described as a “giant leap.” The March numbers represent all-time highs for cereal grains, vegetable oils and meats, while the sugar and dairy sectors also saw major gains.
The FAO cereal price index in particular saw a 17.1 percent increase from February to March, marking its highest level since 1990. The increase was “largely driven by conflict-related export disruptions from Ukraine and, to a lesser extent, the Russian Federation,” according to an FAO assessment.
The global numbers are consistent with the situation in the United States, where food prices spiked 7.9 percent in February compared to the previous year, the largest 12-month increase since July 1981, according to consumer data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The February food-at-home index, which looks at prices relating to domestic food preparation, was up nearly 9 percent in the same period, while wholesale prices for goods jumped 2.4 percent in February, the largest advance since data was first calculated in 2009.
The war in Ukraine also accelerated a steady rise in oil prices driven largely by the recovery from the pandemic. Fuel oil prices rose 6.7 percent and gas prices rose 6.6 percent in February alone, according to the CPI as crude oil prices rose toward $100 per barrel.
The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude peaked near $130 on March 8 before falling to roughly $94 on Monday, but gasoline prices have not fallen nearly as fast. A gallon of regular unleaded gas costs roughly $4.10, according to the AAA national average, down just 20 cents from a month ago.
While inflation-adjusted gas prices are still below the peaks seen in the wake of the Great Recession, higher energy costs can hit consumers harder than inflation in other sectors. Higher gas prices are not only difficult to avoid for drivers but can also increase transportation costs for store-bought goods.
Beyond the cumulative effects of rising commodity prices, which can ripple through the economy and become magnified as they work their way up global production pipelines, Russia does produce certain goods that U.S. companies, and by extension the nation’s consumers, use directly.
“Palladium, vanadium and titanium are three such goods,” said Reinsch.
Palladium is a component in catalytic converters, which convert toxic gasses produced by internal combustion engines into less toxic pollutants. Vanadium is added to steel to make it stronger, and titanium has numerous applications including aircraft shells.
“There are others who produce these products,” Reinsch said. “But again, it’s supply chain interruptions, and we have to scramble around to find them from other places.”
Blame game
As more Americans feel the sting of inflation, the upswing in prices has emerged as a major campaign issue ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, with Republicans and Democrats taking turns placing blame for the upward trend in costs.
Republicans have blamed rising inflation on Democratic-backed policies, including the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that President Biden signed into law in March 2021, about a year after former President Trump signed a bipartisan $2 trillion coronavirus relief package.
A number of Democrats have, in turn, placed blame on corporations and market concentration, accusing larger companies of taking advantage of economic conditions to increase costs.
By contrast, experts have pointed to a combination of factors that have contributed to the higher price stickers.
“Part of it is supply chain disruptions because of the pandemic. We can’t get the goods that we got before, for instance, like computer chips, and so on,” Desmond Lachman, a senior fellow for the American Enterprise Institute, told The Hill.
“But it was also the case that budget policy was too loose, and monetary policy was too loose. So we had all three things pushing in the same direction,” he said.
Ben Page, senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, also told The Hill that stimulative fiscal policy contributed to inflation but added he wouldn’t call it the “root cause for most of the inflation.”
“I think the way that you can see that it’s not purely driven by U.S. policy is that it’s not just a U.S. phenomenon,” Page said. “The increased inflation is something that we’ve seen across the world, or certainly across the developed world.”
In recent weeks, countries such as China, Egypt and France have seen rising inflation rates, a trend experts said is exacerbated by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Sanctions impact
The U.S. has joined allies in unleashing a spate of sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.
Rachel Ziemba, adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told The Hill many of the sanctions have been aimed at raising costs for Russia and restricting how its government accesses the global financial system.
“So, limiting their bank’s ability to the government’s ability to use global banks,” Ziemba continued. “And the sanctions program was set up in a way that tried to use the areas of asymmetry that would hurt Russia more than it would hurt the U.S. and Europe.”Russia installs new general as it prepares next moveEnergy & Environment — How Russian sanctions could hasten energy switch
On the flip side, Ziemba said some of the impacts the U.S. has seen as a result of the sanctions have been “sort of indirect,” while Russia has faced more payment challenges.
“The other issue, of course, the Biden administration is trying to do what they can to alleviate some of these costs. The challenges are we’re in a tight market … and I do think one of the challenges is going to be that a number of the producers of particularly oil and gas don’t make decisions quickly to change their production,” Ziemba said.
“I think that’s where the debates with sort of countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE [United Arab Emirates] have been reluctant to deviate from their go-slow additional supply policy have been disappointing to the administration,” she added. | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/heres-how-the-russia-ukraine-war-is-driving-up-prices/ | 2022-04-12T11:07:53 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/heres-how-the-russia-ukraine-war-is-driving-up-prices/ |
(The Hill) – The White House is bracing for “extraordinarily elevated” inflation numbers to be reflected in Tuesday’s data from the Labor Department, attributing it largely to rising energy costs stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Monthly data from the consumer price index (CPI), a key gauge of inflation, is due out on Tuesday, and White House press secretary Jen Psaki said officials are prepared for heightened numbers.
“Because of the actions we’ve taken to address the Putin price hike, we are in a better place than we were last month,” Psaki said, indirectly referring to releasing additional oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and calls for oil companies to avoid price gouging.
“But, we expect March CPI headline inflation to be extraordinarily elevated, due to Putin’s price hike,” Psaki continued, saying the impact of energy prices will largely be to blame.
The average cost of a gallon of regular gas is $4.11 as of Monday, according to AAA. That number is down slightly from a month ago, when the average price per gallon was $4.33, but it is still up roughly 50 cents from early March.
“I will say that anytime there’s heightened monthly data or inflation reporting or numbers, it is a reminder to us, our allies on the Hill and hopefully to many of the American people that we need to do more to reduce costs for the American people,” Psaki said.
She pushed for Congress to pass the administration’s proposals on prescription drug pricing, childcare and other areas that would reduce costs for families and help mitigate the effects of rising costs for energy and food.
Rising prices for food, energy, shelter and a wide range of consumer goods have squeezed household budgets amid an otherwise strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Administration officials have largely chalked it up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has roiled global energy markets and upended food supply chains. | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/white-house-braces-for-extraordinarily-elevated-inflation-numbers/ | 2022-04-12T11:07:59 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/white-house-braces-for-extraordinarily-elevated-inflation-numbers/ |
(NBC News Channel) — Cameras from the Minnesota Department of Transportation captured the moment a vehicle slammed into a box truck in Spring Lake Park Monday afternoon.
Officials responded to the crash at Highway 10 and 65 just before 2:30 p.m.
The video shows a driver lose control of their car at the ramp and crash into a box truck. The truck veered off the side of the road, hit a barrier and burst into flames.
Police said none of the individuals involved in the crash suffered life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the car “showed suspected signs of impairment,” and was processed for driving while impaired, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
An investigation is underway. | https://www.wfla.com/top-videos/fiery-box-truck-crash-caught-on-camera-in-minnesota/ | 2022-04-12T11:08:53 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/top-videos/fiery-box-truck-crash-caught-on-camera-in-minnesota/ |
This content is only available to subscribers.
Support Local Journalism
$1 for 6 Months.
Your subscription supports:
Are you a subscriber with digital access?
Sign in to your accountAre you a subscriber without digital access?
Activate your digital accountAre you a subscriber without digital access?
Activate your digital accountThis content is only available to subscribers.
Support Local Journalism
$1 for 6 Months.
Your subscription supports:
Are you a subscriber with digital access?
Sign in to your accountAre you a subscriber without digital access?
Activate your digital account | https://www.pjstar.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pjstar.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fhigh-school%2F2022%2F04%2F12%2Fihsa-sports-peoria-journal-star-athlete-week-april-4-9%2F9470281002%2F | 2022-04-12T11:09:59 | 1 | https://www.pjstar.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pjstar.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fhigh-school%2F2022%2F04%2F12%2Fihsa-sports-peoria-journal-star-athlete-week-april-4-9%2F9470281002%2F |
This content is only available to subscribers.
Support Local Journalism
$1 for 6 Months.
Your subscription supports:
Are you a subscriber with digital access?
Sign in to your accountAre you a subscriber without digital access?
Activate your digital accountAre you a subscriber without digital access?
Activate your digital accountThis content is only available to subscribers.
Support Local Journalism
$1 for 6 Months.
Your subscription supports:
Are you a subscriber with digital access?
Sign in to your accountAre you a subscriber without digital access?
Activate your digital account | https://www.pjstar.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pjstar.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnhl%2Frivermen%2F2022%2F04%2F12%2Fpeoria-rivermen-add-year-carver-arena-lease-discussions-remain%2F9425763002%2F | 2022-04-12T11:10:05 | 0 | https://www.pjstar.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pjstar.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnhl%2Frivermen%2F2022%2F04%2F12%2Fpeoria-rivermen-add-year-carver-arena-lease-discussions-remain%2F9425763002%2F |
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Pacific Gas & Electric, the nation’s largest utility, has agreed to pay more than $55 million to avoid criminal prosecution for two major wildfires sparked by its aging Northern California power lines and submit to five years of oversight in an attempt to prevent more deadly blazes.
The company didn’t acknowledge any wrongdoing in the settlement announced Monday with prosecutors in six counties ravaged bylast year’s Dixie Fireand the 2019 Kincade Fire. The utility still faces criminal charges for a 2020 wildfire in Shasta County that killed four people.
The civil settlements are designed to accelerate payments to hundreds of people whose homes were destroyed so they can start rebuilding more quickly than those who suffered devastating losses in 2017 and 2018 blazes ignited by PG&E’s equipment. Those fires prompted the utility to negotiate settlements that included $13.5 billion earmarked for victims — money that still hasn’t been completely distributed.
The deal also thrusts the utility back into five years of independent oversight, similar to the supervision PG&E faced during itscriminal probation after it was convicted of misconduct that contributed to a natural gas explosion that killed eight people in 2010.
Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch said that oversight was the biggest accomplishment to come from the settlement.
“We have limited tools and criminal law to deal with corporations and what we were able to do here was to get a five-year agreement that they will be overseen, that there will be an independent monitor, and that they will have to meet certain benchmarks,” she said Monday.
All told, PG&E has been blamed for more than 30 wildfires since 2017 that wiped out more than 23,000 homes and businesses and killed more than 100 people.
PG&E’s federal probation ended in late January, raising worries from the federal judge who tried to force the utility to reduce fire risks by requiring more maintenance and reporting. U.S. District Judge William Alsup warned that PG&E remained a “continuing menace to California” and urged state prosecutors to try to rein in the company that provides power to 16 million people.
In a joint statement covering five of the six counties that settled, prosecutors said PG&E will be “essentially on a five-year probation” to be overseen by Filsinger Energy Partners, which already acts as a safety monitor for California power regulators.
PG&E will have to underwrite the federal monitor’s costs, up to $15 million annually, in addition to the $55 million in other payments and penalties that the utility expects to incur in the settlement.
As part of their settlement, Sonoma County prosecutors agreed to drop 33 criminal charges filed last year that accused PG&E of inadvertently injuring six firefighters and endangering public health with smoke and ash from the Kincade Fire that began in October 2019.
Fire officials said a PG&E transmission line sparked the fire, which destroyed 374 buildings in wine country and caused nearly 200,000 people to flee as it burned through 120 square miles (311 square kilometers), the largest evacuation in county history.
Prosecutors in the other five counties were exploring criminal charges in last year’s Dixie Fire before cutting the deal that they said will result in far larger payouts than had they hauled PG&E into court. Because there were no deaths in the Dixie Fire, prosecutors said the utility would have paid a maximum penalty of about $330,000 if it had been found guilty in a criminal case.
Ravitch said state laws that limit punishment against a corporation to probation and fines helped motivate the settlement. She said if PG&E had been successfully prosecuted in the Sonoma County case it would have paid a fine of just $9.4 million, most of which would have gone to the state.
Instead, the county will now receive more than $20 million earmarked for nonprofits that help people affected by wildfires and for Santa Rosa Junior College so that it can expand fire safety and vegetation management programs. It will also reimburse the DA’s office for the costs of investigating and litigating the case, she said.
Even when PG&E pleadedguilty to 84 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter f or the deaths in the 2018 Camp Fire, the company was fined just $3.5 million.
In a statement, PG&E CEO Patti Poppe said the utility welcomed the chance to be more transparent — and ultimately more accountable — for its operations.
“We are committed to doing our part, and we look forward to a long partnership with these communities to make it right and make it safe,” Poppe said.
The money that that PG&E will pay as part of the settlements will account for a just sliver of its anticipated liabilities in the Kincade, Zogg and Dixie fires. As of December 31, PG&E estimated it will likely be held responsible for at least $2.3 billion in losses stemming from those wildfires. Some of the estimated $1.15 billion in damages caused by the Dixie Fire may be paid by a state-backed insurance fund that California lawmakers created after PG&E filed for bankruptcy in 2019.
The Dixie Fire burned nearly 1 million acres (3,900 square kilometers) in Butte, Plumas, Lassen, Shasta, and Tehama counties and destroyed more than 1,300 homes and other buildings. The blaze started on July 13, 2021 when a tree hit electrical distribution lines west of a dam in the Sierra Nevada, according to investigators with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The settlement for the Dixie Fire was made by district attorneys in Plumas, Lassen, Tehama, Shasta and Butte counties, which will receive nearly $30 million.
Although her office participated in the Dixie Fire settlement, Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett said she will continue to pursue a criminal case related to the Zogg Fire, which killed four.
___
Liedtke reported from San Ramon, California. | https://www.cenlanow.com/business/california-utility-to-pay-55-million-for-massive-wildfires/ | 2022-04-12T11:11:38 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/business/california-utility-to-pay-55-million-for-massive-wildfires/ |
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s great Twitter turnabout — in which he disclosed his massive stake in the social media company, got a seat on its board, publicly floated drastic changes and then turned down the board role — all happened in a week.
But its aftermath could linger if the mercurial billionaire who now holds a roughly 9% stake in Twitter continues to push forward his ideas for reshaping the business of social media.
WHY DIDN’T MUSK JOIN THE BOARD?
Musk said he informed Twitter on Saturday that he wouldn’t be joining its board of directors, after being invited five days earlier, according to a financial disclosure. He didn’t explain why but the Saturday decision coincided with a barrage of now-deleted tweets from Musk proposing major changes to the company, such as dropping ads — its chief source of revenue — and transforming its San Francisco headquarters into a homeless shelter. Musk left a few clues on Twitter about his thinking, such as by “liking” a tweet that summarized the events as Musk going from “largest shareholder for Free Speech” to being “told to play nice and not speak freely.”
WHAT IS TWITTER SAYING?
Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal said Musk’s not joining was “for the best” but didn’t give explicit reasons in a statement Monday. Agrawal also left some clues, noting that Musk had been awaiting a background check and suggesting that Twitter wanted him on the board — rather than just as a major shareholder — because as a fiduciary he’d be legally and ethically bound to act “in the best interests of the company and all of our shareholders.”
HOW DID MUSK BUILD HIS STAKE?
Musk has been tweeting for a long time, but he began buying Twitter stock in earnest only a few months ago. He started on Jan. 31, when he bought a little more than 620,000 shares at $36.83 apiece. On nearly every single trading day from then through April 1, he bought hundreds of thousands or millions more of shares.
Altogether, Musk was in control of 73.1 million Twitter shares as of the most recent count, or 9.1% of the company. He spent $2.64 billion buying them all on the open market. The market value for all of Twitter, including Musk’s stake, is roughly $38 billion.
HOW BIG IS MUSK’S STAKE COMPARED WITH OTHERS?
Musk seemed to be Twitter’s biggest shareholder until investment giant Vanguard Group filed a report late last week showing it had supplanted him.
Vanguard controls 10.3% of the company through investments made by its suite of mutual funds and ETFs. Vanguard and other fund giants are often the biggest investors in any company, as money keeps pouring into their index funds from retirement savers and other investors. But these fund giants are typically much more hands-off as owners than activist investors, who can push for new management teams or big changes in strategy.
WHAT COULDN’T MUSK DO IF HE HAD JOINED THE BOARD?
Had Musk joined the board, he’d have been only one of several voices in strategy discussions. And he might have chafed at not being able to order the company around.
“The responsibility of the board of directors is to represent the shareholders,” said Harry Kraemer, clinical professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and former chairman and CEO of Baxter International. “They’re not there to represent themselves.”
By turning down a seat on Twitter’s board, Musk also gets out of a promise to keep his ownership stake of Twitter at 14.9% or below. Free of that cap, he has the option to build a bigger stake, where he could try to take over the company or help elect a slate of directors more aligned with his thinking.
“That 15% is an arbitrary number,” said Kraemer. “It’s not like if you own 15%, you can or can’t do something else. I’m speculating, but maybe the thought was: If we bring him on as a director, and he can’t buy more than 15%, that literally stops him from taking control of the company.”
DIDN’T MUSK SAY HE WOULD BE JUST A ‘PASSIVE’ INVESTOR IN TWITTER?
When Musk first unveiled his Twitter stake through a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, he did it with a type of form often used by investors who don’t plan to push for big changes at a company. But he has since amended that filing to use a broader type of form, one that doesn’t have the same restrictions.
WHAT HAS MUSK SAID HE’LL DO WITH HIS SHARES?
He said in a filing with regulators on Monday that he owns the shares for “investment purposes.” He said he may buy more, sell or simply hold the shares, depending on what happens with its price and other factors.
He also said that he may talk with Twitter’s board and its management team from time to time about strategy, as well as possible mergers, sales or acquisitions, among other things. The widely followed tweeter was sure to note that he may express his views to the company “through social media or other channels.”
Musk said he has “no present plans or intentions,” but that his plans could change at any time.
WHAT DOES MUSK REALLY WANT?
Much of Musk’s vocal criticism of Twitter over recent weeks has centered around his belief that it falls short on free speech principles. The social media platform has angered followers of Donald Trump and other far-right political figures who’ve had their accounts suspended for violating its content standards on violence, hate or harmful misinformation. Musk also has a history of his own tweets causing legal problems.
But as long as his attention is sustained, it’s unlikely that Musk would make such a big play for Twitter if he didn’t also have strategic business interests, said Enrique Abeyta, a former hedge fund manager and editor of Empire Financial Research. It’s nearly impossible to start a new social media platform, so Twitter offers the digital equivalent of prime beachfront real estate that just needs some tinkering and fresh ideas, which could range from taking it private to shifting to a subscription-based model with fewer speech restrictions, Abeyta said.
“He clearly has shown an interest in combining his philosophical beliefs and interests with his economic ones,” he said. “I think it would be very dangerous to discount him.”
COULD MUSK BE TWITTER CEO?
Probably not. Neither Musk — who already serves as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and has dabbled in a number of other technology ventures — nor most investors are likely to think that’s a good idea.
“He’d rather be the chairman, the spirit animal, the man who saved Twitter and also made $10 billion on it,” Abeyta said. “He’s the richest person in the world. Being CEO sucks.”
___
Choe reported from New York. | https://www.cenlanow.com/business/explainer-what-elon-musks-dance-with-twitter-really-means/ | 2022-04-12T11:11:45 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/business/explainer-what-elon-musks-dance-with-twitter-really-means/ |
DALLAS (AP) — Barry Biffle is juggling his day job as CEO of Frontier Airlines while also working to save a proposed merger with Spirit Airlines that would create the nation’s fifth-biggest carrier by some measures.
This figures to be a bounce-back year for airlines like Frontier that cater to leisure travelers. After two years of hunkering down during the pandemic, more people are flying.
Biffle says the recovery in travel will enable his Denver-based airline to return to profitability this summer. And he’s puzzled by doubters, including investors who are shorting the stock — betting that the shares will fall in price.
On the merger, Biffle says Frontier and Spirit are answering regulators’ questions, and he is not alarmed that several liberals in Congress are urging the Biden administration to take a close look at whether the deal will hurt consumers.
The bigger obstacle to a Frontier-Spirit deal is JetBlue Airways, which made its own $3.6 billion bid for Spirit last week. JetBlue’s offer is higher than Frontier’s $2.9 billion bid, which was announced in February.
Frontier declined to make Biffle available after the JetBlue announcement. In an interview days earlier, Biffle discussed regulatory review of the Frontier-Spirit merger proposal, travel demand and other topics with The Associated Press. The answers have been edited for length.
Q. Where is travel demand now?
A. We have gone from possibly the worst revenue period at the beginning of Q1, in January and February, to one of the best sales periods. Fare levels and total revenue per passenger in the early March time frame exceeded 2019 levels — over $120 per passenger. COVID has held everyone back, but eventually after two years, it would appear people are ready to get back to their lives.
Q. Why do you think that’s happening?
A. We have been talking a lot about the bad side of inflation; this inflation is driven by higher incomes. We have never seen incomes jumping at the levels that they are, especially at the bottom. That is giving you people cooped up for two years wanting to get back to travel, and they have got more income than they have ever had.
Q. What does that mean for Frontier?
A. Historically that would actually get you back to 2019 levels in revenue. You actually need a little more though, unfortunately, to cover fuel. But with that trajectory, we believe that we can be profitable by the summer.
Q. The number of flyers has gone up and down during the pandemic. Is it hard to schedule the right number of flights?
A. We were really optimistic about the recovery a year ago … but then the delta variant hit and we were caught with way too much capacity. And we were going to have a great fourth quarter, and then the omicron hit. We have looked at other carriers — Alaska, for example — that has kept their capacity constrained (while) we were operating 90%, 95% of utilization in some periods, and we have been punished for that. While (demand) is great, it’s still not great in all the off-peak periods. While Fridays and Sundays are great, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, not so much. While spring break-Easter is still great, I don’t yet know how the first two weeks of May are going to be, I don’t yet know how the first two weeks in June are going to be, I don’t know what the second half of August is going to look like, I don’t know what September is going to look like.
Q. Frontier has an unusually high amount of short-selling, given the number of shares out there. Why is that? (Short sellers borrow shares and sell them while planning to replace the borrowed shares at a lower price. They lose money if they must replace shares at a higher price.)
A. I’m not an expert on it. I don’t run a hedge fund. It is very high, and we are sitting around watching it, kind of scratching our head. Not sure I get it, and it seems very dangerous because if you’re short-selling our stock and the days to cover (replace the borrowed shares) become a problem, that’s what started the whole GameStop craze, right? I’m personally confused at why they think this is a good idea.
Q. It’s been about two months since Frontier and Spirit announced plans to merge. Any news about the name of the new airline, the headquarters location and the management team?
A. No, we’re not planning to announce any of that before July. It’s going to take some time to look through these things and come to the right conclusion.
Q. Are your people talking to antitrust regulators?
A. We have started the process and it’s a very normal process so far. This is going to take to the end of the year to complete. They have questions, and we will deal with them in due course.
Q. Do you have any reason to think they will challenge the merger or require divestitures?
A. We haven’t heard anything like that. Neither one of us have dominant positions in LaGuardia or Reagan (airports). We just don’t have the things that you want to give up because it creates a monopoly.
Q. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders and other members of Congress asked the administration to examine the deal closely. Does that worry you?
A. They didn’t come out opposing it. They are asking the administration to look into if this is going to raise fares to consumers. I understand their concern … many of the mergers that have created the big four in the United States (American, Delta, United and Southwest) caused some challenges for people. I think as they see the facts, they are going to see that (the Frontier-Spirit deal) is good for consumers.
Q. Let’s say the deal gets approved. What is this new, combined airline going to look like in five or 10 years?
A. In a few years, I think we’ll have nationwide notoriety as the place to go for low fares and best value.
Q. What does that mean to shareholders?
A. There is $500 million in (EBITDA, or gross earnings) just in synergies from a combined company. Over a five-year period, both airlines were going to roughly double in size as well … It’s good for the economy, it’s good for the shareholders, and hopefully — back to your short-seller question — we have proven all those people wrong. | https://www.cenlanow.com/business/frontier-ceo-talks-about-airline-merger-travel-outlook/ | 2022-04-12T11:11:51 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/business/frontier-ceo-talks-about-airline-merger-travel-outlook/ |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Britney Spears, less than five months after her conservatorship ended, confused some fans Monday when she posted on Instagram that she’s pregnant, and apparently married.
“I lost so much weight to go on my Maui trip only to gain it back,” the pop star wrote in part Monday, accompanied by a photo of flowers and a cup of coffee. “I thought ”Geez … what happened to my stomach???” My husband said “No you’re food pregnant silly!!!” So I got a pregnancy test … and uhhhhh well … I am having a baby. …”
Spears — with liberal use of various emojis — didn’t name partner Sam Asghari as the “husband” and added: “I obviously won’t be going out as much due to the paps getting their money shot of me like they unfortunately already have.”
While some, including Paris Hilton, congratulated Spears.
Monday evening, Asghari added an Instagram post of his ownaccompanied by a painting of a lion family with three members.
“Marriage and kids are a natural part of a strong relationship filled with love and respect. Fatherhood is something i have always looked forward to and i don’t take lightly. It is the most important job i will ever do,” he wrote.
Spears spoke of suffering from perinatal depression in the past, calling it “absolutely horrible” and saying she’s heartened that the condition is spoken of more freely among women now than at the time of her previous go arounds with her sons, ages 15 and 16. She shares the teens with ex Kevin Federline.
She said “some people considered it dangerous if a woman complained like that with a baby inside her … but now women talk about it everyday … thank Jesus we don’t have to keep that pain a reserved proper secret … This time I will be doing yoga every day !!! Spreading lots of joy and love!!!”
The 40-year-old Spears has said she longed for a baby with the 28-year-old Asghari, a personal trainer, but she has said the nearly 14-year-long conservatorship forced her to remain on birth control.
The two met on the set of her “Slumber Party” video in 2016.
Multiple email requests for confirmation from Spears’ representative were not immediately returned Monday. | https://www.cenlanow.com/entertainment-news/britney-spears-confuses-some-with-instagram-pregnancy-news/ | 2022-04-12T11:11:58 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/entertainment-news/britney-spears-confuses-some-with-instagram-pregnancy-news/ |
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean were the big winners, the Judds reunited, and Kelsea Ballerini turned a tough break into a one-woman house party at Monday night’s CMT music awards.
Underwood and Aldean won video of the year and collaborative video of the year for their duet “If I Didn’t Love You” on the show that uses fan votes to honor the best in country music videos.
“This one’s all about the fans man,” Underwood said as she accepted the belt-buckle CMT trophy for video of the year, a record 25th win for her.
“I’m pretty sure I picked the perfect partner for this song,” Aldean said.
The Judds made their first major awards show performance in over two decades, with 76-year-old Naomi and her 57-year-old daughter Wynonna singing their signature 1990 classic “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
They were joined by a gospel choir in the performance that was pre-recorded outside the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The show from the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee made the best of the last-minute absence of co-host Kelsea Ballerini, who tested positive for COVID-19 a few days earlier.
Her co-host, “Avengers” actor Anthony Mackie, took the stage alone at the start of the live CBS telecast and introduced a “backup KB,” Kane Brown, to help with hosting duties. Brown was also the night’s most nominated artist but came up empty.
But Ballerini wouldn’t be left out. She appeared on a big screen from home, decked out in a full awards-show dress in her living room.
“This is my normal Monday night, in full glam, with lighting I set up myself, and a remote truck outside,” Ballerini said. “I would so much rather be there with you, but I will be popping in all night long.”
Later in the show, Ballerini performed from her backyard, singing her new single “Heartfirst” alone with a white guitar while standing on the grass with images of her band projected on to a curtain hung behind her.
She made constant costume changes, appearing in a new dress for each appearance and ending the night in her pajamas.
Miranda Lambert won her eighth CMT award, for female video of the year, for “If I Was a Cowboy,” which she also performed.
“I am so happy to be a part of the women of country music today,” Lambert said.
Cody Johnson won male video of the year for ”′Til You Can’t.”
Maddie & Tae won best group or duo video for “Woman You Got.” Tae Kerr, who recently went through a difficult pregnancy and premature birth, appeared on a screen from home during their acceptance, holding her new baby.
“I’ve missed you, I’ve missed you so much, and I’ve been drinking because I’m so nervous,” Maddie Font said to her musical partner during an acceptance speech where she went from laughs to tears and back again. “Tell that baby girl I love her.”
At age 69, George Strait won his first ever CMT award, taking CMT performance of the year for “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone?” from “CMT Giants: Charley Pride’.”
Performances came fast and furious during the three hour show.
Keith Urban opened the telecast with his single “Wild Hearts,” followed immediately by the duet “Never Say Never” from Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson, who stepped out to the front of an outdoor stage to let the Nashville rain hit them as they sang.
Underwood sang her song “Ghost Story” in a pre-taped performance from her Las Vegas residency, taking flight mid-song Cirque du Soleil-style on a cloth swing hung from the ceiling.
Jimmie Allen, Monica and Little Big Town gave the first live performance of their collaboration “Pray.” All wore all white and stood on a smoke covered stage as inspirational images from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine were shown behind them.
The hosting change-up wasn’t the only hiccup the show faced: lightning forced the closure of the CMT’s pink carpet before most stars arrived to have their photos taken and be interviewed.
___
This story has been corrected to show that Underwood has won 25 CMT awards.
___
Dalton reported from Los Angeles.
___
Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton | https://www.cenlanow.com/entertainment-news/kelsea-ballerini-to-host-cmt-music-awards-from-home/ | 2022-04-12T11:12:05 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/entertainment-news/kelsea-ballerini-to-host-cmt-music-awards-from-home/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — NBC News is branching out from covering top stories to performing a theatrical reading.
“Today” show hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb will be among the readers of “Murder in Studio One,” planned to be read before an audience on April 27 and released later on a podcast through Audible, Inc.
Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Jenna Bush Hager will also be among the dozen NBC News hosts performing, it was announced on Monday.
They’ll read the murder mystery on the afternoon of April 27 at the Minetta Lane Theater in New York. Ticket sales benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, NBC said.
Audible has recorded other theatrical performances, starring actors like John Lithgow, Billy Crudup, Alan Cumming, Kate Mulgrew and Carey Mulligan. | https://www.cenlanow.com/entertainment-news/nbc-today-show-stars-to-perform-live-theatrical-reading/ | 2022-04-12T11:12:12 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/entertainment-news/nbc-today-show-stars-to-perform-live-theatrical-reading/ |
Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week.
MOVIES
— Astonishingly, “Drive My Car” was not Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s only film last year. His acclaimed Haruki Murakami adaptation certainly got the most attention culminating in the International Feature Oscar win last month, but his three-part anthology film “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy” deserves some more, too (it did win runner up at the Berlin Film Festival). The triptych follows three young women navigating romantic pursuits, ex loves and strange triangles. And it’ll be available to stream on the Criterion Channel starting Thursday. Don’t worry, this one clocks in at only two hours.
— Modern relationships, albeit French ones, are also at the heart of Jacques Audiard’s black and white “Paris, 13th District,” available on VOD on Friday from IFC Films. Adapted from Adrian Tomine’s graphic novels, the film follows various young Parisians living in the less-than-picturesque corner of the city of lights as they struggle to form real connections and relationships in a Tinder world. “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” fans should be excited to know that filmmaker Céline Sciamma helped co-write the film and Noémie Merlant co-stars.
— Continuing on the international streak of new films to stream this week, Filipino director Brillante Mendoza was inspired by the true story of boxer Naozumi Tsuchiyama for his drama “Gensan Punch,” which comes to HBO Max on Friday. The Japanese athlete with a prosthetic leg went to the Philippines to pursue boxing after being denied the opportunity in his home country.
— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr
MUSIC
— Jewel’s first new studio album in seven years “Freewheelin’ Woman” finds her leaning into a soulful and groove-heavy sound. The single “Living With Your Memory” has her kicking up a retro but timeless R&B vibe with a full, horn-heavy band. “I’m rollin’/ rollin’/ rollin’/ Back the time,” she sings. On “Long Way ‘Round,” her voice switches gears thrillingly, as comfortable as a pair of favorite jeans. Jewel is also a contender on NBC’s new music competition series “American Song Contest,” where she represents the state of Alaska among rising and established artists from across the country competing for best song
— Guess who else is on “American Song Contest”? Electronic music outfit The Crystal Method, who will release their seventh studio album, “The Trip Out,” on Friday. A few days before — on Monday — The Crystal Method will represent Nevada on the NBC contest and debut their song “Watch Me Now.” The dance icons recently joined forces with Iggy Pop for “Post Punk,” a menacing, futuristic jam with a relentless beat that sounds perfect for a rave on a mission to Mars.
— AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy
TELEVISION
— Hugh Laurie wears just about every hat for BritBox’s “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?” Laurie directed, produced, wrote and acts in the three-episode mystery series based on Agatha Christie’s 1934 novel of the same title — the final words of a murder victim. Lady Frances and her friend Bobby (Lucy Boynton, Will Poulter), who found the dying man, turn amateur detectives to solve the case. Laurie plays a sanatorium’s clinical director, which should be a good fit for the former Dr. Gregory House. The limited series debuts Tuesday on the streaming service.
— America’s national parks are undeniable gems, but not a monopoly. “Our Great National Parks,” a five-part Netflix series, takes a global view of public lands and the wildlife that inhabits them. Episode one hopscotches across parks and countries, including Hawaii’s Hanauma Bay; Loango National Park, Gabon; Yakushima National Park, Japan, and Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica. Subsequent episodes focus on Chilean Patagonia; Tsavo, Kenya; California’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and Gunung Leuser in Indonesia. Former President Barack Obama produced and narrates the series debuting Wednesday.
— When “The Brothers Garcia” aired on Nickelodeon in the early 2000s, it was among the rare shows with a Latino cast and creators. Nearly two decades later, a reboot of the sitcom for HBO Max still represents a TV scarcity. “The Garcias” revolves around the San Antonio, Texas, family as they congregate for summer vacation at their beach house in Mexico. Actors reprising their roles from the original series include Jeffrey Licon, Bobby Gonzalez, Alvin Alvarez and Vaneza Pitynski as the Garcia siblings. Jeff Valdez, co-creator of the Nickelodeon show, created and is the showrunner for “The Garcias,” debuting Thursday on the streaming service.
— AP Television Writer Lynn Elber
___
Catch up on AP’s entertainment coverage here: https://apnews.com/apf-entertainment. | https://www.cenlanow.com/entertainment-news/new-this-week-the-garcias-jewel-music-and-barack-obama/ | 2022-04-12T11:12:19 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/entertainment-news/new-this-week-the-garcias-jewel-music-and-barack-obama/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow returned to the air Monday with some bad news for her fans: Starting next month, she will be doing her prime-time show only once a week.
After working her customary five nights a week for the rest of April, Maddow said, she will work on Monday nights only starting in May. The network said it will rotate guest hosts the other four weeknights on a show called “MSNBC Prime.”
“For big news events, for things like the leadup to the election, I will of course be here more than that, but that is the general plan,” Maddow said on her show Monday.
The cable news network’s most popular personality had been on hiatus for the past two months, working on a new podcast and a movie adaptation of her book “Bag Man.” She said the weekly schedule will give her “more time to work on some of this other stuff I’ve got cooking for MSNBC and NBC.”
She heaped praise on Ali Velshi, who had filled in frequently for her while she was away, calling him a “prince among men.”
Yet MSNBC’s ratings in her time slot tumbled in her absence, even with coverage of a gripping news event, the Ukraine war. MSNBC is not alone in questions about its 9 p.m. Eastern hour: CNN hasn’t named a full-time replacement for its former ratings leader, Chris Cuomo, since he was fired in December.
The plan leaves MSNBC executives in an awkward spot. While it has been reported that MSNBC signed a new contract with Maddow that gives her additional flexibility, executives have not publicly addressed that deal, or Maddow’s announcement Monday. It seems, at least for the time being, the network will be happy to get as much as it can from Maddow and leave the light on if she someday decides to do more.
Maddow said she had originally thought she might need another hiatus from her show this year but has determined that she won’t. | https://www.cenlanow.com/entertainment-news/rachel-maddow-returns-to-msnbc-will-switch-to-once-a-week/ | 2022-04-12T11:12:26 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/entertainment-news/rachel-maddow-returns-to-msnbc-will-switch-to-once-a-week/ |
UNIVERSITY CITY, Mo. (AP) — When the coronavirus pandemic first hit the U.S., sales of window coverings at Halcyon Shades quickly went dark. So the suburban St. Louis business did what hundreds of other small manufacturers did: It pivoted to make protective supplies, with help from an $870,000 government grant.
But things haven’t worked out as planned. The company quit making face shields because it wasn’t profitable. It still hasn’t sold a single N95 mask because of struggles to get equipment, materials and regulatory approval.
“So far, it has been a net drain of funds and resources and energy,” Halcyon Shades owner Jim Schmersahl said.
Many companies that began producing personal protective equipment with patriotic optimism have scaled back, shut down or given up, according to an Associated Press analysis based on numerous interviews with manufacturers. Some already have sold equipment they bought with state government grants.
As COVID-19 was stressing hospitals and shuttering businesses in 2020, elected officials touted the need to boost U.S. production of protective gear: “All this stuff should be made in the United States and not in China,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in remarks echoed by others.
Yet many manufacturers who answered the call have faced logistical hurdles, regulatory rejections, slumping demand and fierce competition from foreign suppliers. On April 1, Florida-based American Surgical Mask Co. became one of the latest to close.
“I’m just done with the fight,” CEO Matt Brandman told the AP.
After the initial scramble for PPE subsided, many industry newcomers faced difficulty selling products. Government agencies sometimes wanted huge quantities at tough-to-meet deadlines. Hospital systems tended to contract with established suppliers. Retail sales waned after every virus surge.
“At the end of the day, when everybody said they wanted American-made, nobody’s buying, not even the state,” said Tony Blogumas, vice president of Green Resources Consulting, a rural Missouri firm that received an $800,000 state grant but has sold only a few thousand masks. “We’re kind of upset about the whole situation.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson also is disappointed. His administration divided $20 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds among 48 businesses for the production of masks, gowns, sanitizer and other supplies. Parson hoped to seed a permanent field of manufacturers.
“I’m still a firm believer in that — that we need to be making PPE here in this state,” Parson said. “Unfortunately, a lot of entities went right back to where they were getting it before.”
The onset of the pandemic revealed that the U.S. was highly dependent on foreign countries for protective gear. When China limited exports because of its own battle against COVID-19, U.S. stockpiles plummeted. Prices skyrocketed as federal officials, governors and health care systems competed for supplies.
Though federal stockpiles have been replenished, shriveling domestic production has raised concerns that state governments, medical facilities and others could again get stuck scrambling for gear during a future pandemic.
The AP identified more than $125 million in grants to spur production of pandemic supplies made to over 300 business in 10 states — Alabama, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and Ohio. It’s possible that grants were awarded in additional states, but there is no central clearinghouse to track them.
In November 2020, Alabama awarded one of the single largest grants — nearly $10.6 million from federal pandemic relief funds — to HomTex Inc. The company was to equip a new Selma facility to make 250 million surgical masks and 45 million N95 masks annually. The plant returned $1.8 million of the state grant and has yet to make anything due to a lack of customers.
“I can’t produce product that I can’t sell,” HomTex President Jeremy Wootten said.
Other companies also had trouble living up to political hype.
In October 2020, New York announced eight grants that then-Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, now the governor, said were “a model for how we build back better for the post-pandemic future.” Those included $800,000 for newly formed Altor Safety and $1 million for startup firm NYPPE.
But NYPPE’s equipment wasn’t ready until February 2021, by which time the market had changed, President Connor Knapp said.
So Knapp tapped the brakes on his plans. NYPPE still hasn’t sold any N95 masks because it lacks regulatory approval. It just recently scaled up production of surgical masks, after obtaining a U.S. Food and Drug Administration certification that came with its purchase of Altor Safety.
Some PPE manufacturers point to federal regulations as part of the reason for their struggles. Three-ply masks need FDA approval to be marketed for medical use — an important designation for building a long-term customer base.
That process can be time-consuming. Facing delays, Angstrom Manufacturing in Missouri ended up buying another business that already had FDA approval, President Chris Carron said. By then, it was fall 2021 — a year after it received a state grant.
Companies need approval from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to market products as N95 respirators, which filter at least 95% of airborne particles.
During the first two years of the pandemic, NIOSH approved 30 new manufacturers — more than seven times the typical number during a similar pre-pandemic period, according to agency data. Some applications remain pending, while numerous others were denied.
Halcyon Shades’ N95 certification was rejected in October because its samples didn’t have head straps attached. While the company works on another application, its equipment sits idle inside the clear plastic-sheet walls of a “clean room” specially built to shield materials from airborne contaminants. Partially finished masks remain paused on a conveyor belt, waiting to be deposited into a cardboard box.
Without federal approval, “we’re just dead in the water,” said Schmersahl, the company owner.
Progress reports filed with the Missouri Department of Economic Development show that nearly all its PPE grant recipients faced challenges by July 2021, especially with sales.
Patriot Medical Devices, which received $750,000 from Missouri, hired nearly 100 people as it cranked out millions of masks during a COVID-19 surge in late 2020 and early 2021, CEO Rick Needham said. Fewer than 10 employees remain.
“We felt it was our patriotic duty to do something to help solve the problem,” Needham said. But, he added, “It’s frankly a little bit of a dysfunctional business model at this point.”
Ohio awarded $20.8 million to 73 businesses to manufacture pandemic-related supplies, according to state data. Of 60 businesses that complied with a recent reporting deadline, more than one-third no longer produced PPE by the end of 2021.
Cleveland Veteran Business Solutions, which received a $500,000 grant to get into the PPE business, made about 5 million surgical masks beginning in August 2020. It ultimately halted production in the face of cheaper imports and sold its machines this year, co-founder Taner Eren said.
“It was surprising and disappointing strategically that there wasn’t support for a local PPE manufacturing industry,” Eren said.
The business was among several dozen that banded together to form the American Mask Manufacturer’s Association with the goal of sustaining the industry. The group’s membership has dwindled as more and more go out of business.
Association organizers say the industry has reached a critical point. They want the federal government to treat PPE manufacturers like the nation’s defense industry — entering into long-term contracts to perpetually replenish a stockpile for future pandemics or emergencies.
“If the federal government doesn’t come in and help support the U.S. manufacturing base, it’s almost certainly going to go back to China, and we’ll be just as vulnerable as we were in early 2020 and 2019,” said Brent Dillie, the association chairman and co-founder of Premium-PPE, a Virginia manufacturer started during the pandemic that has shed about two-thirds of its roughly 300 employees.
Infrastructure legislation signed by President Joe Biden took a step toward bolstering domestic suppliers. Effective in February, it required new contracts for PPE purchased by the departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to run for at least two years and be awarded to U.S. producers — unless there’s not sufficient quantity and quality at market prices.
The health and veterans departments said they haven’t bought anything yet. Homeland Security hasn’t answered the AP’s questions. Documents show the government solicited bids due Dec. 6 for up to 381 million U.S.-made surgical masks over three years for its stockpile. No deal has been announced.
Other documents show the government is looking to contract with three major suppliers — 3M, Moldex, and Owens & Minor — for a total of $115 million in U.S-made N95 masksover three years. A justification document says noncompetitive contracts are necessary to preserve capacity for future coronavirus surges or emergencies.
The Biden administration also formed a task force of experts from federal agencies, health care providers, PPE manufacturers and distributors to develop a national strategy for ensuring a “resilient public health supply chain.” Its work is expected to extend for years.
Some manufacturers said they can’t wait long for a federal life preserver.
Dentec Safety Specialists is wrapping up a contract to supply 125,000 rubber reusable respirators and 500,000 filtration cartridges from its Kansas facility for the national stockpile, said President Claudio Dente. It needs more orders soon to prevent layoffs, he said.
“I thought that COVID would really change the mindset of the people, the governments and manufacturing,” Dente said. But he added: “The general marketplace is reverting back to their old ways — meaning looking to buy product from China.” | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/efforts-to-make-protective-medical-gear-in-us-falling-flat/ | 2022-04-12T11:12:33 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/efforts-to-make-protective-medical-gear-in-us-falling-flat/ |
The effort to hold drug companies, pharmacies and distributors accountable for their role in the opioid crisis has led to a whirlwind of legal activity around the U.S. that can be difficult keep tabs on.
Three trials are underway now, in Florida, West Virginia and Washington state. New legal settlements are being reached practically every week to provide governments money to fight the crisis and in some cases funds for medicines to reverse overdoses or to help with treatment.
In all, more than 3,000 lawsuits have been filed by state and local governments, Native American tribes, unions, hospitals and other entities in state and federal courts over the toll of opioids. Most allege the industry created a public nuisance in a crisis that has been linked to the deaths of 500,000 Americans over the past two decades.
Collectively, businesses already have faced settlements, judgements and civil and criminal penalties totaling more than $47 billion. The main entities targeted are the companies that manufactured and sold the pills; the businesses that distributed them; and the pharmacies that dispensed them.
Here’s an overview of the litigation and settlements involving the various companies:
PURDUE PHARMA
Purdue is the maker of OxyContin, an extended-release version of oxycodone that packed higher doses into pills. The drug, released in 1996, became a heavily marketed blockbuster drug — and is associated closely with the epidemic’s first wave.
Like other opioids, it was promoted not just for post-surgery and cancer pain but for chronic pain — an area where doctors previously were reluctant to prescribe such powerful drugs.
Faced with thousands of lawsuits, the company went into bankruptcy protection in 2019 to help reach a settlement.
A deal is now in place, but it’s not final.
It calls for members of the Sackler family who own the company to give up their stakes, making way for it to become a new entity — to be known as Knoa Pharma — with profits funding the fight against the opioid crisis. Additionally, family members are to pay $5.5 billion to $6 billion over time, with a portion of the money going to victims.
Earlier this year, three members of the family attended an online hearing in which parents described losing children to addictions that started with OxyContin, and people recovering from addictions described their journeys.
As part of the exchange, Sackler family members would get protection from lawsuits over opioids.
For the settlement to be finalized, a higher court must overturn a judge’s ruling that threw out an earlier version of the deal. A hearing on that is scheduled for April 29 before the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals.
In the meantime, activists and someU.S. senators are asking the Justice Department to consider charges against family members.
OTHER DRUGMAKERS
In a major court victory for drugmakers last year, a California judge ruledagainst some local governments in their case against pharmaceutical companies Johnson & Johnson, Endo International and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.
Some of those drugmakers — Johnson & Johnson, Allergan and Teva — are now on trialin West Virginia.
But companies have largely been settling suits.
Mallinckrodt, which was a leading producer of generic oxycodone, also used bankruptcy court to reach a settlement, agreeing to a $1.6 billion nationwide deal in 2020.
Johnson & Johnson has agreed to a $5 billion nationwide settlement. It was announced alongside a separate settlement involving the three biggest drug wholesalers. The company’s Janssen subsidiary stopped selling its fentanyl patches and pain pills in the U.S. in 2020. J&J was also the first drugmaker to be held liable for the opioid crisis in a trial, though the Oklahoma Supreme Court later overturnedthe ruling.
Endo made the opioid Opana, which was eventually removed from the market. The company has been reaching individual settlementswith states. Deals since last year with Florida, New York, Texas, West Virginia and some district attorneys in Tennessee have totaled well over $200 million.
Late last year, a New York juryfound Teva partly responsible for the state’s opioid crisis through its marketing of the fentanyl drugs Actiq and Fentora. Most of the other companies the state and two counties sued settled before or during a trial last year. A separate trial is to be held to determine damages.
Since the New York trial, Teva has reached settlements with Texas, Floridaand Rhode Island totaling more than $250 million. It will also provide drugs to reverse overdoses and treat addictions.
Allergan, now a subsidiary of AbbVie, has been settling suits involving the extended-release morphine pill Kadian. It reached one major settlement with New York last year. Since then, it has been part of the multi-company settlements in Florida and Rhode Island.
Executives from drugmaker Insys were convictedin 2019 of bribing doctors across the U.S. to prescribe their sublingual fentanyl spray Subsys. Company founder John Kapoor was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in federal prison.
The company also paid $225 million to resolve federal investigations into allegations that it paid kickbacks and used other illegal marketing tactics.
DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
The three big national companies — AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson — finalized their settlement, worth a total of $21 billion over 18 years, in February.
The deal, combined with Johnson & Johnson’s, is expected to be the single biggest settlement between companies in the drug industry and governments.
The total amounts include separate settlements covering all federally recognized Native American tribes.
With settlement money starting to flow to state and local governments, officials are figuring out how to prioritize it. The funds are arriving at a precarious time: The number of U.S. overdose deaths from all drugs topped 100,000 in a 12-month period for the first time last year. The majority of those deaths are from opioids — and particularly illicit synthetic versionsincluding fentanyl.
Unlike the tobacco settlements of the 1990s, there are safeguards intended to steer most of the opioid settlement funds to addressing the crisis. Public health experts have ideasfor how to do that, but the decisions are up to government officials.
The distribution companies also went to trial last year in West Virginia. A judge has not yet ruled.
Closing arguments in Washington state’s trialagainst the distributors are expected this week.
PHARMACIES
Pharmacy chains have been sued less often than companies that make or distribute opioids. In one groundbreaking case, a federal jury in Ohio last year found CVS, Walgreens and Walmart recklessly distributed massive amounts of pain pills in Lake and Trumbull counties.
Late last month, CVS settled in Florida. That left Walgreensto go to trial Monday.
CONSULTING COMPANY
Global consulting firm McKinsey & Company also reached dealslast year with the states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories for advising businesses on how to sell more prescription opioids amid the overdose crisis. Those settlements totaled more than $600 million.
A group of U.S. senators is pushing for a federal investigation, saying there were conflicts when the company consulted on opioid-related issues both for companies and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/explainer-where-do-us-opioid-trials-settlements-stand/ | 2022-04-12T11:12:40 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/explainer-where-do-us-opioid-trials-settlements-stand/ |
Philadelphia became the first major U.S. city to reinstate its indoor mask mandate on Monday after reporting a sharp increase in coronavirus infections, with the city’s top health official saying she wanted to forestall a potential new wave driven by an omicron subvariant.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases have risen more than 50% in 10 days, the threshold at which the city’s guidelines call for people to wear masks indoors, said Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, the health commissioner. Health officials believe the recent spike is being driven by the highly transmissible BA.2 subvariant of omicron, which has spread rapidly throughout Europe and Asia, and has become dominant in the U.S. in recent weeks.
“If we fail to act now, knowing that every previous wave of infections has been followed by a wave of hospitalizations, and then a wave of deaths, it will be too late for many of our residents,” said Bettigole, noting about 750 Philadelphia residents died in the wintertime omicron outbreak. “This is our chance to get ahead of the pandemic, to put our masks on until we have more information about the severity of this new variant.”
Health inspectors will begin enforcing the mask mandate at city businesses on April 18.
Most states and cities dropped their masking requirements in February and early March following new guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that put less focus on case counts and more on hospital capacity. The CDC said at that time that with the virus in retreat, most Americans could safely take off their masks.
Philadelphia ended its indoor mask mandate March 2, and Bettigole acknowledged “it was wonderful to feel that sense of normalcy again.”
Confirmed cases have since risen to more than 140 per day — still a fraction of what Philadelphia saw at the height of the omicron surge — while only 46 patients are in the hospital with COVID-19. The CDC says community spread in Philadelphia remains low, a level at which the agency says that masking can be optional.
The restaurant industry pushed back against the city’s reimposed mask mandate, saying workers will bear the brunt of customer anger over the new rules.
“This announcement is a major blow to thousands of small businesses and other operators in the city who were hoping this spring would be the start of recovery,” said Ben Fileccia, senior director of operations at the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association.
PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia said Friday that while it expects some increased transmission in the northern U.S. over the next several weeks, hospital admissions have remained low and “our team advises against required masking given that hospital capacity is good.”
Bettigole said requiring people to mask up will help restaurants and other businesses stay open, while a huge new wave of COVID-19 would keep customers at home. She said hospital capacity was just one factor that went into her decision to reinstate the mandate.
“I sincerely wish we didn’t have to do this again,” Bettigole said. “But I am very worried about our vulnerable neighbors and loved ones.”
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has paused his push to unwind many of the city’s virus rules as cases have risen, opting for now to keep a mask mandate for 2 to 4-year-olds in city schools and preschools. But Adams, a Democrat who has said New Yorkers should not let the pandemic run their lives, has already lifted most other mask mandates and rules requiring proof of vaccination to dine in restaurants, work out at gyms or attend shows.
Adams was asked at a virtual news conference Monday afternoon if he was considering reimposing the New York City mask mandate in light of Philadelphia’s decision. The mayor said he would listen to his team of medical doctors for their advice on whether to bring back any restrictions. Adams himself tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.
New York City is now averaging around 1,800 new cases per day, about three times higher than in early March when New York began easing rules. That does not include the many home tests that go unreported to health officials.
The latest outbreak has struck many high-profile officials in Washington, including Cabinet members and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut. Some universities have reinstated mask mandates.
D.C. health officials say they have no immediate plans to change virus protocols, but they reserve the right to change course down the road.
___
Rubinkam reported from northeastern Pennsylvania. Associated Press reporter Michelle L. Price in New York contributed to this story. | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/philadelphia-to-restore-indoor-mask-mandate-as-cases-rise/ | 2022-04-12T11:12:48 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/philadelphia-to-restore-indoor-mask-mandate-as-cases-rise/ |
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Families with transgender teens sued the state of Alabama in federal court on Monday to overturn a law that makes it a crime for doctors to treat trans youth under 19 with puberty blockers or hormones to help affirm their gender identity.
The two lawsuits — one on behalf of two families and another on behalf two families and the physicians who treat their children— pose legal challenges to legislation signed into law Friday by Republican Gov. Kay Ivey.
“Transgender youth are a part of Alabama, and they deserve the same privacy, access to treatment, and data-driven health care from trained medical professionals as any other Alabamian,” Tish Gotell Faulks, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, said in a statement. Faulks added that lawmakers are using children, as, “political pawns for their reelection campaigns.” Ivey and legislators face primaries next month.
Unless blocked by the court, the Alabama law will take effect May 8, making it a felony for a doctor to prescribe puberty blockers or hormones to aid in the gender transition of anyone under age 19. Violations will be punishable by up to 10 years in prison. It also prohibits gender transition surgeries, although doctors told lawmakers those are not performed on minors in Alabama.
“The level of legislative overreach into the practice of medicine is unprecedented. And never before has legislative overreach come into pediatric examination rooms to shut down the parent voice in medical decision making between a parent, their pediatrician and their child,” Dr. Morissa Ladinsky, a medical provider and a plaintiff in one of the lawsuits, told The Associated Press in an interview.
Ivey signed the legislation Friday, a day after it was approved by the Alabama Legislature. At a campaign stop Monday, the governor invoked religion when asked about her decision to sign the legislation.
“If the good Lord made you a boy at birth, then you are a boy. If the good Lord made you a girl at birth, then you are a girl,” she said. “We should especially focus our efforts on helping these young people become healthy adults just like God wanted them to be rather than self-induced medical intervenors.”
Asked if the law would survive a court challenge, she replied, “We’ll wait and see.”
The two lawsuits were filed by advocacy groups on behalf of families with transgender children, as well as by two medical providers. The children were not identified in the lawsuits because of their age,
“I know that I am a girl and I always have been,” one of the 15-year-old plaintiffs said in a statement provided by the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama. “Even before I learned the word ‘transgender’ or met other trans people, I knew myself.”
In one of the lawsuits, parents described their fears that their transgender daughter, called “Mary Roe” in the suit, would harm herself or try to commit suicide if she loses access to the puberty blockers she began taking last year. “For Mary to be forced to go through male puberty would be devastating; it would predictably result in her experiencing isolation, depression, anxiety, and distress,” the lawsuit states.
Similar measures have been pushed in other states, but the Alabama legislation is the first to lay out criminal penalties for doctors.
In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the state’s child welfare agency to investigate as abuse reports of gender-confirming care for kids. And a law in Arkansas bans gender-affirming medications. That law has been blocked by a court, however.
Ivey also signed a separate measure that requires students to use bathrooms that align with their original birth certificate and prohibits instruction of gender and sexual identity in kindergarten through fifth grades. | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/transgender-treatment-ban-challenged-by-lawsuit-in-alabama/ | 2022-04-12T11:12:55 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/transgender-treatment-ban-challenged-by-lawsuit-in-alabama/ |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A trial opened Monday in Florida’s opioid epidemic lawsuit against the Walgreens pharmacy chain, which state officials accuse of prioritizing profits over health by improperly dispensing millions of powerful painkillers that caused tens of thousands of deaths.
The trial, in Pasco County north of Tampa, comes after other defendants in the Florida lawsuit including the CVS drug store chain settled for an estimated $870 million. The state could seek similar massive damages from Walgreens in the jury trial expected to last a few weeks.
OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma has a tentative nationwide deal that includes $6 billion in cash from members of the Sackler family who own the company. In all, settlements, civil and criminal penalties around the country since 2007 have totaled over $45 billion, according to an Associated Press tally.
In Florida, the state’s case hinges on accusations that as Walgreens dispensed more than 4.3 billion total opioid pills in Florida from May 2006 to June 2021, more than half contained one or more easily recognized red flags for abuse, fraud and addiction that the company should have noticed and acted upon.
“The evidence will show Walgreens knowingly profited from the opioid crisis,” said attorney Jim Webster for the state in an opening statement, which was attended by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. “Walgreens wasn’t just greedy. It was fueling the opioid crisis that was killing people.”
Walgreens is based in Deerfield, Illinois, and operates more than 9,000 stores in all 50 states, according to the company website. About 820 of those locations are in Florida.
Walgreens attorney Steve Derringer told jurors they should focus on how manufacturers such as Purdue Pharma misled pharmacies on opioid addictive properties. He also noted that Florida did little as the opioid epidemic arose, particularly the predatory “pill mills” that proliferated in the state before a crackdown finally ended them.
“Walgreens had nothing to do with any of that,” Derringer said in his opening statement. “They (drug makers) caused this epidemic by misrepresenting the risks and benefits to pharmacies.”
The opioid epidemic has been linked to more than 500,000 deaths in the U.S. over the past two decades, counting those from prescription painkillers such as OxyContin and generic oxycodone as well as illicit drugs such as heroin and illegally produced fentanyl.
In Florida, Webster said, more than 39,000 Floridians died from opioid abuse or related problems between 1999 and 2020. Walgreens, he said, sold about one of every four opioids in the state over a similar time span often under questionable circumstances, such as a shady doctor, fake prescriptions or huge amounts of drugs obviously far in excess of what was necessary for a given patient.
“Walgreens was the last line of defense,” Webster said. “Walgreens failed its duty to investigate suspicious prescriptions.”
Florida has spent some $14 billion over the last 20 years for multiple opioid-related costs, ranging from criminal justice to drug rehabilitation for addicts to treatment for opioid-addicted infants, Webster said. The state will seek billions of dollars in damages in the Walgreens case.
In the same case, Moody said CVS Health Corp. and CVS Pharmacy Inc. will pay the state $484 million. Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. agreed to pay $195 million and Allergan PLC more than $134 million.
Florida has previously obtained millions of dollars in opioid settlements involving McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., Johnson & Johnson Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Corp. | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/trial-opens-in-florida-opioid-lawsuit-case-against-walgreens/ | 2022-04-12T11:13:01 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/trial-opens-in-florida-opioid-lawsuit-case-against-walgreens/ |
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. official spearheading global vaccination efforts against the coronavirus said Monday the number of countries where 10% or less of the population has been vaccinated dropped from 34 to 18 since January and called for accelerated progress to end the pandemic.
Assistant Secretary-General Ted Chaiban told the U.N. Security Council that with over 6 million lives lost to COVID-19 and just over 1 million new coronavirus infections reported to the World Health Organization in the last 24 hours, it is urgent to increase vaccinations in countries where it wasn’t possible to boost rates in 2021.
“The next six months are critical,” he said. “In 2022, we must take the rapid action needed to accelerate vaccination. The window of opportunity is gradually closing. We risk losing the momentum and failing on vaccine equity.”
Chaiban said more than 11.1 billion doses of vaccines have been administered globally, and 124 of the 194 WHO member nations have vaccinated more than 40% of their populations and 51 countries have reached more than 70%.
However, in low-income countries the rate is only 11%, he said. In WHO’s Africa region, 83% of the people remain unvaccinated, and in its eastern Mediterranean region, which includes Afghanistan, 51% haven’t gotten a first jab.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Chaiban, a senior official at the U.N. children’s agency UNICEF, in February to lead a U.N. team to ensure an effective global response to the pandemic and help close the gap in vaccine availability and distribution. It will also provide financial and technical assistance to overcome vaccine bottlenecks.
Chaiban said a just ended campaign in Ethiopia increased vaccination coverage from 4% in January to just over 20%, including in some conflict-affected areas. In the conflict-affected Central African Republic, he said, strong community engagement including focus group discussions, TV and radio spots with leaders and influencers and the mobilization of young people has led to almost 19% of the population being vaccinated.
Chaiban told the council he was speaking by video link from Congo where this week the U.N. team will be meeting with government officials and key partners “to better address the urgent needs and bottlenecks to expanding vaccination coverage across this country of nearly 100 million people.”
Dr. Esperanza Martinez, a senior adviser to the director-general of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said vaccinations and other health-related activities “are incredibly difficult to carry out” in conflict-affected areas.
“The good news is that as the supply of vaccine doses grows, the potential to get jabs in arms grows, too,” she said.
To achieve this, Martinez said, the Security Council should ensure that international humanitarian law requiring the protection of health workers and facilities is respected, makes coronavirus vaccinations part of broader efforts to improve health and strengthens the health systems of conflict-affected countries. He said community involvement in vaccination activities is key to gaining public trust.
“We have seen vaccines expire on airport tarmacs in Afghanistan, Nigeria, South Sudan and several other places,” Martinez said. “Some of these vaccines were wasted because they arrived with too short expiry date, others because the receiving country’s health systems were not ready to distribute them.”
To address the significant vaccine equity gap, the U.N’s Chaiban urged the council to continue supporting two resolutions it adopted calling for cease-fires and increased global cooperation to facilitate access for vaccinations in major conflict areas.
He urged countries to turn $4.8 billion in pledges at a virtual summit Friday to help lower income countries boost vaccinations “into tangible support” now.
Chaiban also urged council members to advocate for and help guarantee unhindered humanitarian access to deliver vaccine supplies and administer doses and to invest in primary health care “as a key element of future pandemic preparedness.” | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/un-official-urges-acceleration-in-coronavirus-vaccinations/ | 2022-04-12T11:13:08 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/un-official-urges-acceleration-in-coronavirus-vaccinations/ |
BEIJING (AP) — The U.S. has ordered non-emergency government staff to leave Shanghai, which is under a tight lockdown to contain a COVID-19 surge.
Many residents in the city of 26 million have been confined to their homes for up to three weeks as China maintains its “zero-COVID” strategy of handling outbreaks with strict isolation and mass testing.
But people living under the restrictions have described an increasingly desperate situation, with families unable to leave their homes or obtain food and daily necessities, while people who test positive for the coronavirus have been forced into mass quarantine centers where conditions at times have been called crowded and unsanitary.
Authorities on Tuesday said another 23,342 people in Shanghai tested positive for the virus over the previous day, just 994 of whom displayed symptoms. Total infections have topped more than 200,000 in the latest wave, although no additional deaths have been reported.
The State Department said the order announced late Monday is an upgrade from the “authorized” departure advisory last week that made the decision voluntary. The order covers non-emergency U.S. government employees at the consulate in Shanghai and their family members. Consular officers will remain on duty at the consulate.
“Our change in posture reflects our assessment that it is best for our employees and their families to be reduced in number and our operations to be scaled down as we deal with the changing circumstances on the ground,” the announcement said.
The State Department also issued a series of advisories for Americans in Shanghai, including that they ensure they have a “sufficient supply of money, medication, food, and other necessities for your family in the event of sudden restrictions or quarantine.”
China’s government and the entirely state-controlled media are growing increasingly defensive about complaints over the COVID-19 prevention measures.
Beijing responded angrily to last week’s voluntary departure advisory, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian saying China was “strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the U.S. side’s groundless accusation against China’s epidemic response.”
In that announcement, the State Department advised Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to “arbitrary enforcement” of local laws and COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in Hong Kong, Jilin province and Shanghai. U.S. officials cited a risk of “parents and children being separated.”
Despite that, and indications the hardline policy is being dictated by head of the ruling Communist Party Xi Jinping, China has rejected any notion that its response is political in nature. Xi has demanded social stability above all else in the runup to a key party congress later this year at which he is expected to bestow on himself an unprecedented third-term as party leader.
Shanghai authorities also say they have secured daily supplies for residents, following complaints about deliveries of food and other necessities being unavailable or inadequate to demand.
Shanghai says it will gradually lift some restrictions on neighborhoods where no new infections have been reported over the past two weeks. Residents will be able to travel around their districts but not meet in groups. Others will be restricted to their immediate neighborhoods. | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/us-orders-consular-to-leave-shanghai-amid-covid-outbreak/ | 2022-04-12T11:13:16 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/us-orders-consular-to-leave-shanghai-amid-covid-outbreak/ |
VIENNA (AP) — Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said Monday that he urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the invasion of Ukraine and raised the issue of “serious war crimes” committed by the Russian military.
Nehammer was the first European leader to meet Putin in Moscow since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine Feb. 24.
In a statement released after the meeting, the Austrian chancellor said his primary message to Putin in the “very direct, open and tough” talks was that “this war needs to end, because in war both sides can only lose.”
Nehammer told Putin all those responsible for war crimes in the Ukrainian city of Bucha and elsewherewould be “held to account.”
He also stressed the need to open humanitarian corridors so that civilians trapped in cities under attack can access basic supplies like food and water, according to his statement.
The Austrian leader called the Moscow trip to Moscow his “duty” to exhaust every possibility for ending the violence in Ukraine, coming just two days after travelling to Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Nehammer said face-to-face talks to look “each other in the eye, discussing the horrors of war,” could have a greater impact over the long term.
But he said he walked away from the meeting without much optimism for an end to the war any time soon.
“It might be necessary to do it 100 times,” Nehammer said of the meeting. “But I think it’s necessary to do it, so that peace reigns again and the people of Ukraine can live safely.”
European Union-member Austria supported the 27-nation bloc’s sanctions against Russia, though it so far has opposed cutting off deliveries of Russian gas. The country is militarily neutral and is not a member of NATO.
But Nehammer and other Austrian officials have been keen to stress that military neutrality does not mean moral neutrality.
“We are militarily neutral, but have a clear position on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine,” Nehammer wrote on Twitter Sunday when announcing his trip to Moscow. “It must stop!”
Nehammer said he told Putin the EU is “as united as it’s ever been” on the issue of sanctions, and that these will remain in place – and may even be strengthened – as long as Ukrainians continue to die.
Earlier Monday, Austrian foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg said Nehammer decided to make the Moscow trip after meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv and following contacts with the leaders of Turkey, Germany and the European Union.
Schallenberg said ahead of a meeting with his EU counterparts in Luxembourg that it was an effort to “seize every chance to end the humanitarian hell” in Ukraine.
He added that “every voice that makes clear to President Putin what reality looks like outside the walls of Kremlin is not a wasted voice.” | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/austrian-chancellor-tells-putin-to-end-ukraine-war/ | 2022-04-12T11:13:23 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/austrian-chancellor-tells-putin-to-end-ukraine-war/ |
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The corruption trial in South Africa of former President Jacob Zuma has been postponed again on Monday pending the outcome of the ex-leader’s appeal to get the state prosecutor removed from his case.
Zuma was not present in the Pietermaritzburg High Court due to a “medical emergency,” his lawyer Dali Mpofu told the court.
His legal representatives requested that the start of the trial be postponed until the Supreme Court of Appeal decides on Zuma’s effort to have state prosecutor Billy Downer removed from the case. Zuma accuses Downer of bias against the ex-leader.
The case is set to resume on May 17.
The delay is the latest of many as it has been nearly 17 years since Zuma was first charged with corruption, fraud and money laundering related to South Africa’s controversial 1999 arms deal.
He is charged alongside French arms manufacturer Thales, which is accused of paying bribes to Zuma through his former financial advisor Schabir Shaik, who was convicted on related charges in 2005.
South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority opposed the application for the postponement, accusing Zuma of delaying tactics to prevent the start of the trial.
While Zuma has publicly said he wants his day in court, he has over the years launched numerous legal actions that have delayed the start of the trial.
Delivering his judgment on Monday, High Court Judge Piet Koen said while the delay of the trial could lead to frustrations, the current delay was unavoidable as the court had to await the Supreme Court of Appeal’s decision.
Zuma, 79, is currently on medical parole on a 15-month prison sentence following his conviction last year of contempt of court for defying a Constitutional Court order to appear before a judicial commission investigating corruption during his presidential term from 2009 to 2018.
Zuma was imprisoned in July last year which set off days of rioting in the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces in which shops, warehouses and factories were looted and many burned. More than 300 people died in the unrest.
About three months later Zuma was released on medical parole, for an undisclosed health condition. A subsequent court judgment ruled the medical parole was invalid, but his lawyers are appealing that judgment. | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/corruption-trial-delayed-against-south-africas-ex-president/ | 2022-04-12T11:13:29 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/corruption-trial-delayed-against-south-africas-ex-president/ |
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Months of economic discontent in Pakistan were capped by days of tense drama. When the week ended, one of the country’s most charismatic prime ministers was ousted, and his replacement was a member of a prominent political dynasty.
And the turmoil may not be over yet, with implications for the whole region.
Veteran politician Shahbaz Sharif, the brother of a disgraced former premier, was sworn in Monday to head a coalition government of disparate parties spanning the political spectrum from the left to the radically religious. They also have a history of rivalry, and governing won’t be easy.
Sharif replaces Imran Khan, a beloved cricket star turned conservative Islamist politician who was toppled by a no-confidence vote, after a fight that went all the way to Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
A look at what happened and what may be ahead:
WHAT LED TO THE CHANGE?
On April 3, Khan sidestepped an initial no-confidence vote demanded by the opposition by dissolving parliament and calling early elections. The opposition, which accuses Khan of economic mismanagement, appealed to the Supreme Court. It ruled Khan’s move was illegal and the no-confidence vote went ahead early Sunday, removing him from power.
Khan has tapped into anti-American sentiment in Pakistan since 9/11, accusing Washington of conspiring with his opponents to topple him because of his independent foreign policy. The U.S. State Department denies any involvement.
Still, the change in government may be good news for the U.S., whose chaotic departure from neighboring Afghanistan amid the Taliban takeover has left Washington in need of allies in the region.
WHO MAKES UP THE GOVERNMENT NOW?
The new government is a collection of disparate parties that have fought each other bitterly.
The largest are Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (PML) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by the son and husband of Benazir Bhutto, the slain former prime minister. Both are family-run and family-dominated, allowing no leadership challenges.
The third biggest partner is the pro-Talban and radically religious Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Pakistan or Assembly of Clerics. Its religious schools are spread across the northwest, not far from the Afghan border, and have supplied soldiers to the Afghan Taliban and the homegrown Pakistani Taliban. The leaders of the JUI also are a family dynasty, led by Fazl-ur-Rahman.
The leadership of all three parties are tainted by allegations of corruption. That includes Sharif, who was to have been indicted Monday on money-laundering charges. They deny the charges as politically motivated.
They joined forces to oust Khan, but have little in common politically, other than an agenda to change election laws and realign constituencies to improve their chances in the next election, which must take place by summer 2023. They also are united against a return of Khan, who seeks to end Pakistan’s dynastic politics. There are no guarantees their shared agendas will keep them together.
Emboldened by nationwide rallies that brought out hundreds of thousands of his supporters Sunday, Khan also seems to want to force early elections through “street power.” That could lead to violence, because his base is made up mostly of a passionate younger generation.
Even though the opposition ousted him by citing economic mismanagement, it’s not clear if the new government has any easy solutions.
HOW WILL THE CHANGE AFFECT U.S. POLICY IN PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN?
When asked after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan if Pakistan would aid the U.S. with territorial rights, Khan said: “Absolutely not.” saying his country would only be a partner “in peace, but not in war.”
He was a strident critic of the U.S. war on terror after 9/11, a stand that resonates with many in Pakistan who feel they have been unjustly targeted and accused of “not doing enough” to stop the Taliban during Washington’s 20-year war in Afghanistan.
About 80,000 Pakistani civilians died in militant attacks as a result of the war, and nearly 5,000 Pakistani soldiers have been killed, according to Khan, even though no Pakistani or Afghan was involved in 9/11 attacks by al Qaida. Its leader, Osama bin Laden, found a safe haven in Afghanistan to plot the attacks and was killed while hiding in Pakistan in 2011.
Khan has refused to give the U.S. any access to Pakistani territory or airspace for so-called “over- the-horizon” attacks on Islamic State targets in Afghanistan. That strategy allows the U.S. keep its forces out of Afghanistan by using air power to strike militant targets where they find them.
U.S. President Joe Biden did not have a phone call with Khan since his election, lending credence to the conspiracy theories of a rift between Islamabad and Washington. Khan says the U.S. wants a “subservient” Pakistan and opposes its warm relations with China and Russia.
Khan’s government pushed hard for the world to engage more with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers and resisted U.S. attempts to punish them. Khan was deeply critical of Biden’s decision to earmark $3.5 billion in Afghanistan’s reserves held in the U.S. for the families of 9/11 victims.
While Pakistan resisted recognition of the Taliban under Khan, it led efforts to move the world in that direction. He justified some of the Taliban’s restrictive rules, such as stopping education for girls beyond the sixth grade, on tradition and culture. That raised the ire of many, even those in Afghanistan.
Washington is likely to find more willing and like-minded partners among the new government in dealing with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers.
WHAT ECONOMIC TROUBLES LIE AHEAD?
The opposition said Khan had failed to properly manage the economy, with both inflation and energy prices soaring.
He tried last month to cut the price of gas at the pump by 10 Pakistani rupees (a few U.S. cents), but it’s almost certain his successors will have to raise them again. Pakistan also is a net importer of oil and gas from Russia, which is waging war in Ukraine.
The family of the new prime minister controls one of Pakistan’s biggest business houses, owning sugar and steel mills. Sharif’s win strengthened the Pakistani rupee from 86 to 82 to the dollar, and the troubled Karachi Stock Exchange made modest gains.
Khan’s government was praised internationally for managing the coronavirus pandemic with “smart lockdowns” that protected the important construction industry, which provides jobs to the poorest. His anti-corruption reputation encouraged Pakistanis abroad to send money home, returning $29.4 billion in 2020-21. That amount is expected to climb to $31 billion in 2021-22.
But the economic future still looks bleak: The Islamic Development Bank expects Pakistan’s gross domestic product to slow to 4% from 5.6% last year, and inflation is expected to rise from 8.9% in 2021 to about 11% this year.
—-
Follow Kathy Gannon on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Kathygannon | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/explainer-whats-ahead-for-politically-volatile-pakistan/ | 2022-04-12T11:13:36 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/explainer-whats-ahead-for-politically-volatile-pakistan/ |
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Gunmen burst into a home just north of Mexico City and killed eight members of a family, including four children.
Prosecutors in the State of Mexico, which borders the capital, said the shootings occurred in the township of Tultepec, just north of the capital.
The shootings happened between late Sunday and early Monday. Seven people died at the scene, and one woman died late at a hospital.
There was no immediate information on a possible motive, but Tultepec is known for its fireworks workshops, both legal and illegal. | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/gunmen-kill-family-of-8-near-mexico-city/ | 2022-04-12T11:13:43 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/gunmen-kill-family-of-8-near-mexico-city/ |
LONDON (AP) — A jury deliberated for just 18 minutes Monday before finding a fervent Islamic State supporter guilty of stabbing lawmaker David Amess to death a slaying that shocked the nation and sparked calls for increased police protection for politicians.
Ali Harbi Ali, 26, was found guilty by London’s Central Criminal Court of murder and preparing terrorist acts. Ali stabbed the veteran British lawmaker to death last year while he was meeting with voters at a church hall in eastern England.
Ali, who had spent years researching and planning potential attacks on lawmakers, had defended his actions by saying Amess deserved to die as a result of voting for airstrikes on Syria in 2014 and 2015.
Ali, a London man with Somali heritage, had denied charges of murder and preparing acts of terrorism.
Opening the trial, prosecutor Tom Little said the case was “nothing less than an assassination” carried out because of a “warped and twisted and violent ideology.”
“It was a murder carried out by that young man who for many years had been planning just such an attack and who was, and is, a committed, fanatical, radicalized Islamist terrorist,” he said.
Little said Ali bought the knife used to attack Amess five years earlier, and that Ali tricked his way into meeting Amess by pretending to be one of his constituents.
Amess, 69, had been a member of Parliament since 1983. He was pronounced dead at the scene after the stabbing.
The prosecutor also said that Ali had researched and planned attacks on lawmakers and the Parliament building from at least 2019. The research included reconnaissance trips targeting work and home addresses of two other lawmakers, Mike Freer and Cabinet member Michael Gove, he added.
The slaying of Amess shook the nation, as lawmakers often meet directly with the public. It came five years after Labour Party lawmaker Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death by a far-right extremist. | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/is-fanatic-found-guilty-of-killing-uk-lawmaker-david-amess/ | 2022-04-12T11:13:50 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/is-fanatic-found-guilty-of-killing-uk-lawmaker-david-amess/ |
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol yielded up more horrors after six weeks of pummeling by Russian troops, with the mayor saying more than 10,000 civilians have died in the strategic southern port, their corpses “carpeted through the streets.”
As Russia pounded targets around Ukraine and prepared for a major assault in the east, the country’s leader warned President Vladimir Putin’s forces could resort to chemical weapons, and Western officials said they were investigating an unconfirmed claim by a Ukrainian regiment that a poisonous substance was dropped in Mariupol.
The city has seen some of the heaviest attacks and civilian suffering in the war, but the land, sea and air assaults by Russian forces fighting to capture it have increasingly limited information about what’s happening inside the city.
Speaking by phone Monday with The Associated Press, Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko accused Russian forces of having blocked weeks of attempted humanitarian convoys into the city in part to conceal the carnage. Boychenko said the death toll in Mariupol alone could surpass 20,000.
Boychenko also gave new detailsof allegations by Ukrainian officials that Russian forces have brought mobile cremation equipment to Mariupol to dispose of the corpses of victims of the siege. He said Russian forces have taken many bodies to a huge shopping center where there are storage facilities and refrigerators.
“Mobile crematoriums have arrived in the form of trucks: You open it, and there is a pipe inside and these bodies are burned,” the mayor said.
Boychenko spoke from Ukrainian-controlled territory outside Mariupol. The mayor said he had several sources for his description of the alleged methodical burning of bodies by Russian forces in the city, but did not detail the sources.
The discovery of large numbers of apparently massacred civilians after Russian forces retreated from cities and towns around the capital, Kyiv, already has prompted widespread condemnation and accusations that Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine.
Those forces withdrew after they failed to take Kyiv in the face of stiff Ukrainian resistance, and Russia now says it will focus on the Donbas, an industrial region in Ukraine’s east. Already there are signs the military is gearing up for a major offensive there.
On a visit to Russia’s Far East on Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin insisted the military would achieve its goals in Ukraine, saying the campaign was aimed at ensuring Russia’s security and protecting civilians in the east. He added that his country had no intention of isolating itself and that foreign powers wouldn’t succeed in isolating it — despite a raft of sweeping economic sanctions.
Putin’s visit to the Vostochny space launch facility marked his first trip outside Moscow since Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24.
The British Defense Ministry said Russian forces are continuing to pull out of Belarus to support operations in eastern Ukraine, where it said fighting “will intensify over the next two to three weeks.”
While building up forces in the east, Russia continued to strike targets across Ukraine in a bid to wear down the country’s defenses. Russia’s defense ministry said Tuesday that it used used air- and sea-launched missiles to destroy an ammunition depot and airplane hangar at Starokostiantyniv in the western Khmelnytskyi region and an ammunition depot near Kyiv.
The Donbas has been torn by fighting between Russian-allied separatists and Ukrainian forces since 2014, and Russia has recognized the separatists’ claims of independence. Military strategists say Russian leaders appear to hope local support, logistics and terrain in the Donbas favor Russia’s larger and better-armed military, potentially allowing its troops to finally turn the tide decisively in their favor in a way they have struggled to thus far.
Russia has appointed a seasoned general to lead its renewed push in the Donbas, but questions remain about the ability of depleted and demoralized Russian forces to conquer much ground.
When their offensive in many parts of the country was thwarted, Russian forces increasingly relied on bombarding cities — a strategy that has flattened many urban areas and killed thousands of people. And Western officials have warned that Putin could resort to using unconventional weapons, particularly chemical agents — part of campaign by U.S. and U.K. authorities to release intelligence findings about Russian plans, in part as a deterrent.
Zelenskyy repeated the warning in his nightly address Monday, specifically saying the arms might be used in Mariupol. “We take this as seriously as possible,” Zelenskyy said.
A Russia-allied separatist official, Eduard Basurin, appeared to urge their use Monday, telling Russian state TV that separatist forces should seize a giant metals plant in Mariupol from Ukrainian forces by first blocking all the exits out of the factory. “And then we’ll use chemical troops to smoke them out of there,” he said.
A Ukrainian regiment defending the plant claimed Monday, without providing evidence, that a drone had dropped a poisonous substance on the city. It indicated there were no serious injuries.
The claim by the Azov Regiment, a far-right group now part of the Ukrainian military, could not be independently verified.
Basurin was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying Tuesday that the separatist forces “haven’t used any chemical weapons in Mariupol.”
But Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Ukrainian authorities were investigating. She told Ukrainian television that “there is a suggestion that likely it was, possibly, phosphorus munitions.” Britain has warned that Russia may use phosphorus bombs — which cause horrendous burns and whose use in civilian areas is banned under international law — in Mariupol.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement that the U.S. could not confirm the drone report out of Mariupol. But Kirby noted the administration’s persistent concerns “about Russia’s potential to use a variety of riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents, in Ukraine.”
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the U.K. was “working urgently” to investigate the report.
Meanwhile, Western military analysts say Russia’s assault increasingly is focusing on an arc of territory stretching from Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, in the north, to Kherson in the south.
A senior U.S. defense official on Monday described a long Russian convoy now rolling toward the eastern city of Izyum with artillery, aviation and infantry support, as part of redeployment for what appears to be the looming Russian campaign.
Ahead of that offensive, there seemed little diplomatic progress toward ending a war that has driven more than 10 million Ukrainians from their homes, more than 4 million of them from the country, left thousands dead.
The U.N. children’s agency said nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have fled their homessince Russia’s invasion began, while Ukrainian authorities accuse Russian forces of committing atrocities, including a massacre in the town of Bucha, outside Kyiv, airstrikes on hospitalsand a missile attack last week at a train station where people were trying to flee.
In Mariupol, meanwhile, about 120,000 civilians are in dire need of food, water, warmth and communications, the mayor said.
Ukraine accuses Russian forces of forcibly removing people from the city to Ukraine’s separatist-controlled east before sending them to distant, economically depressed areas in Russia. Russia has denied moving people against their will.
___
Karmanau reported from Lviv, Ukraine. Associated Press writer Robert Burns in Washington, and AP journalists around the world contributed to this report.
___
Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/mayor-more-than-10000-civilians-dead-in-ukraine-port-city/ | 2022-04-12T11:13:57 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/mayor-more-than-10000-civilians-dead-in-ukraine-port-city/ |
JERUSALEM (AP) — Mimi Reinhard, a secretary in Oskar Schindler’s office who typed up the list of Jews he saved from extermination by Nazi Germany, has died in Israel at the age of 107.
Reinhard died on Thursday and was laid to rest Sunday in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv.
She was one of 1,200 Jews saved by German businessman Schindler after he bribed Nazi authorities to let him keep them as workers in his factories. The account was made into the acclaimed 1993 film “Schindler’s List” by director Steven Spielberg.
Reinhard was born Carmen Koppel in Vienna, Austria, in 1915, and moved to Krakow, Poland, before the outbreak of World War II. After Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939, she was confined to the Krakow ghetto before being sent to the Plaszow concentration camp in 1942.
Reinhard’s knowledge of shorthand got her work in the camp’s administrative office, where, two years later, she was ordered to type up the handwritten list of Jews that were to be transferred to Schindler’s ammunition factory.
“I didn’t know it was such an important thing, that list,” she told an interviewer with Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, in 2008. “First of all, I got the list of those who were with Schindler already in Krakow, in his factory. I had to put them on the list.” Later she put her own name, and the names of two friends.
At the Brünnlitz labor camp, where Schindler’s ammunition factory was housed, she was put to work in Schindler’s office.
She said that although she worked in Schindler’s office toward the end of the war, she had little personal contact with him.
“He was a very charming man, very outgoing,” she recalled, decades after the war. “He didn’t treat us like scum.”
After the war, she made her way to the United States, where she lived until immigrating to Israel in 2007. | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/mimi-reinhard-who-typed-up-schindlers-list-dies-at-107/ | 2022-04-12T11:14:03 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/mimi-reinhard-who-typed-up-schindlers-list-dies-at-107/ |
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s decision to conduct the trials of suspects charged with terrorism behind closed doors has been criticized by human rights advocates.
The West African nation last week began implementing a new court practice that bans the media and the public from trials involving terrorism charges at the start of the trial of a pro-Biafra separatist leader.
Nnamdi Kanu, who holds dual Nigerian and British citizenship, leads the Indigenous People of Biafra campaigning for the secession from Nigeria of the Igbo, Nigeria’s third-largest ethnic group.
Kanu’s trial in the capital, Abuja, resumed behind closed doors a day after the nation’s Federal High Court announced that court proceedings for offences of terrorism “shall be held in camera,” prompting concern among many human rights advocates.
“We are concerned that this breaches the constitution,” Anietie Ewang, Nigeria Researcher in the Africa division of Human Rights Watch told The Associated Press of the secret court trials.
If Nigerian authorities fear that confidential security information could be made public in a terrorism trial, those concerns should be examined “on a case-by-case basis,” Ewang said, “as opposed to giving out a blanket ban that would clearly restrict public scrutiny.”
Kanu is accused of leading terrorism-related activities and instigating violence in Nigeria’s southeast, including a jailbreak in Imo state last year that led to the escape of nearly 2,000 inmates. He denies the seven charges including terrorism and felony. Eight other charges were dropped by the court when the trial resumed last week.
The proceedings against Kanu “should be a public trial that the whole world can watch,” his lawyer Mike Ozekhome said, likening the secret court sitting to “a gathering of witches and wizards in a coven.”
The concerns are not just about Kanu’s trial, say the activists as Nigeria has dozens of terrorism suspects in detention, many who have been held for years.
“The right to a public hearing safeguards the fairness and independence of the judicial process and helps to maintain public confidence in the judicial system,” Amnesty International Nigeria office told The Associated Press.
Except when a secret trial is meant to protect the interest of a child, “court hearings and judgements must be public,” said Seun Bakare, head of programs at Amnesty Nigeria. | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/nigerias-secret-terrorism-trials-raise-human-rights-worries/ | 2022-04-12T11:14:10 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/nigerias-secret-terrorism-trials-raise-human-rights-worries/ |
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A Polish government special commission has reinforced its earlier allegations that the 2010 plane crash that killed President Lech Kaczynski and 95 others in Russia was the result of Moscow’s assassination plan.
The latest of the commission’s reports, released Monday, alleges that an intentional detonation of planted explosives caused the April 10, 2010 crash of Soviet-made Tu-154M plane that killed Kaczynski, the first lady and 94 other government and armed forces figures as well as many prominent Poles.
Their deaths were the result of an “act of unlawful interference by the Russian side,” the commission’s head Antoni Macierewicz told a news conference.
“The main and indisputable proof of the interference was an explosion in the left wing … followed by an explosion in the plane’s center,” said Macierewicz, who in 2015-2018 served as defense minister in Poland’s right-wing government.
He denied that any mistakes were made by the Polish pilots or crew members, despite bad weather at the time of the crash.
The report repeats many previous allegations made by the commission, appointed by the government whose key figure is the main ruling Law and Justice party leader, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the twin of the late president.
It comes at a time when Russia has unleashed a war on Poland’s neighbor Ukraine, and among the current tense relations between Warsaw and Moscow. Poland supports Ukraine in its struggle against Russia and is calling for very tough sanctions on Moscow for its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.
The latest report once again drums up hostility toward Russia among some Poles, chiefly supporters of the nationalist government, it what seems to be an effort to consolidate the voter base of the Law and Justice party, which was founded by the Kaczynski twins in 2001.
Suspicions are additionally fuelled by Russia’s refusal to return the wreckage, which has complicated Poland’s investigation.
Earlier, two separate reports by Polish and Russian experts on aviation incidents said the crash on approach in dense fog to the Smolensk airport, which did not have sophisticated aviation equipment, was the result of human errors made in adverse weather conditions.
They found no proof of foul play. | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/polish-panel-russia-behind-polish-leaders-plane-crash/ | 2022-04-12T11:14:17 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/polish-panel-russia-behind-polish-leaders-plane-crash/ |
Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza Jr., who was twice sickened in incidents he suspected were poisonings, has been detained in Moscow by police, another prominent opposition figure said Monday.
Ilya Yashin said on Twitter that Kara-Murza was detained Monday near his Moscow residence. It was unclear whether he had been charged.
Kara-Murza was hospitalized with poisoning symptoms twice, in 2015 and 2017. A journalist and associate of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who was shot and killed in 2015, and oligarch-turned-dissident Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Kara-Murza nearly died from kidney failure in the first incident. He suspects he was poisoned but no cause has been determined.
He was taken to a hospital with a sudden, similar illness in 2017 and put into a medically induced coma. His wife said doctors confirmed that he was poisoned. | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/russian-activist-who-said-he-had-been-poisoned-is-detained/ | 2022-04-12T11:14:24 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/russian-activist-who-said-he-had-been-poisoned-is-detained/ |
MOMBASA, Kenya (AP) — Extreme rainfall in southeast Africa has become heavier and more likely to occur during cyclones because of climate change, according to a new analysis released Monday by an international team of weather scientists.
Multiple tropical storms that pummeled Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique earlier this year were analyzed by the World Weather Attribution group, who determined that the storms were made worse by the increase in global temperatures. In just six weeks between January and March the region saw a record three tropical cyclones and two tropical storms make landfall. The heavy rains, storm surges and floods left more than 230 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands across the region.
The countries remain vulnerable to devastating weather this year, with cyclone season set to end in May.
The team of climate scientists used established peer-reviewed methods, including weather observations and computer simulations, to model scenarios using both preindustrial global temperatures and today’s — which is approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer. The difference between the models determined the impact of human-caused global warming.
Sarah Kew, from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute and participated in the study, said they investigated the influence of climate change using 34 prediction models but data gaps made it difficult to determine the full impact of increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
“While our analysis clearly shows that climate change made the storms more damaging, our ability to establish precisely by how much was hampered by inconsistent data and lack of weather observations,” said Dr. Kew. “This would also help to improve forecasts of extreme weather events and their impacts.”
In both Madagascar and Malawi, the study was contrained by a lack of weather stations with suitable data. And of the 23 weather stations in the affected regions of Mozambique, only four had complete records dating back to 1981.
“Strengthening scientific resources in Africa and other parts of the global south is key to help us better understand extreme weather events fueled by climate change, to prepare vulnerable people and infrastructure to better cope with them,” Dr. Izidine Pinto, a climate system analyst at the University of Cape Town, said.
The 33-page study was conducted by 22 researchers, including scientists from universities and meteorological agencies in Madagascar, Mozambique, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and the US.
___
Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/study-africa-cyclones-exacerbated-by-climate-change/ | 2022-04-12T11:14:31 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/study-africa-cyclones-exacerbated-by-climate-change/ |
LONDON (AP) — Britain sanctioned two leading Bosnian-Serb politicians Monday, accusing them of encouraging ethnic hatred and jeopardizing the peace accord that ended the civil war in Bosnia-Herzegovina more than 25 years ago.
Milorad Dodik and Zeljka Cvijanovic will be hit with asset freezes and travel bans in the first sanctions the U.K. has leveled in Bosnia. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine had emboldened the pair to further erode the international rules based system in the Western Balkans.
“These two politicians are deliberately undermining the hard won peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Truss said in a statement. “Encouraged by Putin, their reckless behavior threatens stability and security across the Western Balkans.”
U.K. authorities say the pair have have used their positions to push for the de facto secession of Republika Srpska — one of two semi-autonomous regions that comprise the federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina — in direct contravention of the country’s constitution.
The U.S. Treasury Department on Monday imposed its own sanctions on seven more people from the Western Balkans.
Dodik has for years advocated separating the Bosnian Serb mini-state from the federation and uniting it with neighboring Serbia. He is the Bosnian Serb member of Bosnia’s tripartite presidency, which also includes representatives of the Bosnian Muslim and Croat communities.
Secession would violate the Dayton Accords, the 1995 U.S.-sponsored agreement that ended Bosnia’s civil war, which killed more than 100,000 people and left millions homeless. The agreement established two separate governing entities in Bosnia — one run by Bosnia’s Serbs and the other controlled by the country’s Bosniaks and Croats.
The two entities are linked by joint institutions, and all actions taken at a national level have to be reached by consensus among the three ethnic groups.
U.S. authorities had previously sanctioned Dodik, accusing him of “corrupt activities” that threaten to destabilize the region. The Americans allege that he used his leadership position to accumulate wealth through graft and bribery.
Cvijanovic, the president of Republika Srpska, the Serb entity, has proposed legislation to transfer powers from the national government to her mini-state, British authorities said. She has also glorified war criminals and denied acts of genocide during the civil war, they said.
The top international official in Bosnia, Christian Schmidt, described the decision to impose sanctions on Dodik and Cvijanovic as “reasonable” and thanked the British government for its commitment to Bosnia’s stability and security.
“Dodik and Cvijanovic missed every opportunity to get back into constructive dialogue for the benefit of the people in this country,” said Schmidt, who heads the U.N.’s Office of High Representative in Bosnia. “They will have to bear the consequences of their words and deeds, and the U.K. sanctions are the continuation of the consequences that started in January with the U.S. sanctions.”
The practical impact of Monday’s actions is unclear. Both Dodik and Cvijanovic said they don’t have assets in the U.K.
“All they (British) say are lies. They are old manipulators and enemies of the Serb people. I told them so many times before,” said Dodik.
“They are helpless in their feud with Putin, and they accuse the two of us now of acting on orders from Putin,” he added.
Andi Hoxhaj, an expert in corruption in the Western Balkans at Warwick Law School, described the new sanctions as “appropriate.” The lack of a clear European Union strategy to integrate the Western Balkans has created a vacuum that has allowed Russia and China to undermine democracy and pursue their own goals in the region, he said.
“However, with the ongoing war in Ukraine, there is a policy shift to sanction individuals that undermine peace and democracy in fragile states, and this attempt is to address that,” Hoxhaj said.
In addition to its January action against Dodik, the U.S. on Monday added seven more individuals and a Hungary-based company to the list of people from across the Western Balkans who have been sanctioned for corrupt and destabilizing activities.
“The people designated today constitute a serious threat to regional stability, institutional trust, and the aspirations of those seeking democratic and judicious governance in the Western Balkans,” Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said in a statement.
The list includes various figures from Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro.
The most prominent people targeted by the new U.S. sanctions are an ex-president of the former joint state of Serbia and Montenegro, Svetozar Marovic, former North Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Gordana Tadic, a one-time chief prosecutor in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The sanctions mean that any property they own in the U.S. will be frozen and business transactions with U.S. companies are banned. The individuals from Bosnia-Herzegovina and North Macedonia, along with their immediate family members, are also barred from traveling to the U.S.
“The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior,” the Department of Treasury said. | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/uk-sanctions-2-bosnian-serb-politicians/ | 2022-04-12T11:14:38 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/uk-sanctions-2-bosnian-serb-politicians/ |
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Treasury chief, once seen as a potential candidate for prime minister, is fighting to save his reputation by requesting an investigation of his own conduct after a series of news reports on his family’s finances raised questions about his judgment.
Rishi Sunak, a 41-year-old former hedge fund manager, asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to direct his adviser on ministerial standards to review all of the disclosures Sunak has made — such as his wife’s tax exemption statusand her connection to a company that received government contracts — since he became a government minister.
Sunak said he was confident all “relevant information” was appropriately declared, but he wanted an investigation to reassure the public.
“My overriding concern is that the public retain confidence in the answers they are given, and I believe the best way of achieving this is to ensure those answers are entirely independent, without bias or favor,” Sunak wrote in a letter to Johnson dated Sunday.
Sunak’s standing has been damaged by revelations that his Indian-born wife took advantage of rules that allow many foreigners to escape U.K. taxes on their overseas income. It came at the same time he was raising income taxes for most residents already facing a cost-of-living crisis tied to soaring energy prices.
Sunak defended his wife after the first reports that she had opted for “non-domiciled” tax status, saying she is a private citizen with her own career and independent investments and shouldn’t be subject to the same level of scrutiny as a politician.
But by Friday, his wife, Akshata Murty, a fashion designer and the daughter of an Indian billionaire, said she didn’t want the issue to become a “distraction” for her husband so she had decided to pay U.K. taxes on her worldwide income.
Married people in the U.K. file separate tax returns, unlike in the U.S. where many file joint returns.
But the brouhaha hasn’t ended.
Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party, wrote to Johnson on Sunday asking that his ethics adviser investigate six issues relating to Sunak’s disclosures.
These include allegations that he failed to reveal his wife’s stake in Infosys, an information technology company that has won several contracts from the government, and concerns about the so-called blind trust Sunak established to allow him to maintain his holdings in an investment fund while giving up any role in their day-to-day management.
Steve Reed, Labour’s spokesman on justice issues, said Monday that he believes Sunak has violated government rules on ministerial conduct. Ministers sometimes resign if they break these rules.
“If the chancellor’s household is benefiting from contracts of that kind, that should have been something that he declared in the register of interests, but he didn’t,” Reed told the BBC. “There’s a whole list of areas where the chancellor appears to have failed to declare things he should have declared.”
Sunak’s Cabinet colleagues have defended him.
Environment Minister George Eustice rejected suggestions that Sunak was “too rich” to be chancellor of the exchequer or even potentially prime minister.
“I don’t think it’s right that we should have a rule that says you’re too wealthy to be able to do a role,” he told the BBC. “What matters is the knowledge, the technical expertise, that you have.” | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/uk-treasury-chief-fights-to-save-reputation-in-tax-storm/ | 2022-04-12T11:14:45 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/uk-treasury-chief-fights-to-save-reputation-in-tax-storm/ |
WARSAW (AP) — A disputed compound in the Polish capital of Warsaw administered by Russia’s diplomatic mission is being taken over by the city and will be made available to the Ukrainian community, the mayor said Monday.
Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski was at the site early Monday and said a bailiff had entered the two apparently empty, fenced buildings, nicknamed “Spyville” by Warsaw residents, to check on their condition and to mark them as seized by the city.
Trzaskowski said Warsaw was getting back the compound “unlawfully” occupied by Russia. Last month he said Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine added urgency to the decades-long procedure.
“It is very symbolic that we are closing this procedure of many years now, at the time of Russia’s aggression” against Ukraine, Trzaskowski said on Twitter.
Ukraine’s ambassador, Andrii Deshchytsia, told Poland’s state news agency PAP that Ukraine will file to lease the compound, which could be used for a school or a Ukrainian culture center.
One of Trzaskowski’s proposals for the 100-odd apartments there is to accommodate war refugees from Ukraine. More than 2.6 million of them have crossed into Poland since the Russian invasion began.
Photos from the inside the buildings were published later Monday by the Onet.pl news portal. They showed peeling paint, broken glass on the floor and torn-out flooring.
Russia’s Embassy, which had the tall apartment blocks built in the 1970s on land obtained from the city, has been refusing court orders to pay to lease the land or hand it over.
Once busy, the buildings became empty in the 1990s, after Poland shed its communist rule and Soviet Union’s dominance in 1989, and after the Soviet Union itself dissolved in 1991.
Ever since, Poland has been saying that the contract for the lease of the plot of land had expired and demanded that it be returned. But its gates remained closed and guarded.
Russia’s diplomatic and business missions have much more property in Poland than Poland has in Russia, which is in violation of reciprocity rules, according to Poland’s Foreign Ministry.
___
Follow AP stories on developments in the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/warsaw-takes-over-russia-built-compound-to-give-to-ukraine/ | 2022-04-12T11:14:51 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/warsaw-takes-over-russia-built-compound-to-give-to-ukraine/ |
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An area at the U.S. government’s nuclear waste repository in southeastern New Mexico was evacuated over the weekend after workers handling a shipping container discovered a small amount of radioactive liquid inside it.
There was no indication of airborne contamination and testing of workers’ hands and feet turned up no contamination after the discovery was made late Saturday in a bay where containers are processed before being taken underground for disposal, officials said in a statement issued late Saturday.
“The event at the site has been secured. There is no risk of radiological release and there is no risk to the public or the environment,” plant officials said in the statement.
Officials confirmed Monday that the shipment was packed and sent from Idaho National Laboratory, but investigators were trying to determine the source of the liquid found inside the container, said Bobby St. John, a spokesperson for the contractor that manages the repository for the federal government.
The waste containers were securely placed back into the special shipping container, St. John said.
“We have written processes and protocols in place for this type of situation and all protocols were followed,” he said in an email to The Associated Press. “Additionally, the (contact-handled waste) bay is designed to contain radiological contaminants in order to protect the workforce, surrounding ecology and the local community.”
The repository is the backbone of a multibillion-dollar cleanup program that involves tons of Cold War-era waste from federal labs and defense-related sites around the country.
The waste — remnants of decades of nuclear research and bomb making — typically consists of lab coats, gloves, tools and debris contaminated with plutonium and other radioactive elements.
Independent federal investigators last month raised concerns about whether cost overruns and missed construction deadlines will continue at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant.
A multimillion-dollar project is underway at the underground facility to install a new ventilation system so that full operations can resume, following a radiation leak in 2014 that forced the repository’s closure for nearly three years and led to major policy overhauls.
The container that caused that release had been inappropriately packed at Los Alamos National Laboratory in northern New Mexico.
Operations had to be reduced after the waste plant reopened in 2017 because areas of the facility were contaminated and airflow needed for mining and disposal operations was limited.
It was unclear Monday whether operations had resumed in the area where shipments are processed. St. John said only that the shipping container with the radioactive liquid was placed in a “safe configuration, pending results of the investigation and resulting mitigation actions.”
The repository was carved out of an ancient salt formation about a half-mile (0.8 kilometer) below the ground because officials say that the shifting salt will eventually entomb the radioactive waste.
Its current footprint includes eight sections, which the U.S. Energy Department estimates will be filled in 2025.
State regulators are weighing a permit change that some critics have said could lead to expanded repository operations. A decision is expected later this year. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/discovery-of-radioactive-liquid-pauses-work-at-us-nuke-dump/ | 2022-04-12T11:14:58 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/discovery-of-radioactive-liquid-pauses-work-at-us-nuke-dump/ |
DETROIT (AP) — A jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict for two men charged in a conspiracy to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer means the federal government can take them to trial again.
The jury last week acquitted Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta, whom prosecutors described as “soldiers” in the foiled plot, but deadlocked on the alleged leaders, Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. It was an extraordinary setback for the government, which claimed the men wanted to trigger a civil war before the 2020 election.
HUNG JURY
A hung jury is unable to unanimously agree on someone’s guilt or innocence. It could be just one person on the 12-member panel who disagrees with the others.
Prosecutors can put someone on trial again or drop the case. U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge told reporters Friday that Fox and Croft are “awaiting trial and we’ll get back to work on that.” They remain in jail.
Mark Chutkow, who until recently led the criminal division of the U.S. attorney’s office in Detroit, said he would be surprised if prosecutors fold, citing the significance of the allegations.
“The government has two cooperating defendants who pled guilty, who said they were part of the crime. That’s pretty compelling evidence,” Chutkow said, referring to Ty Garbin and Kaleb Franks, who testified for prosecutors.
SO WHAT HAPPENED?
Only the jury knows. U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker barred lawyers from contacting jurors for any post-trial intelligence, but jurors can reach out to them on their own.
Chutkow said it could help prosecutors and defense attorneys as they prepare for a second trial.
“As a litigant, sometimes you get in the fog of war,” he said. “You’ve spent so much time with your case, you’re not objective as to what it looked like.”
Fox, who was living in the Grand Rapids area, and Croft, from Bear, Delaware, didn’t testify. Their defense came through the cross-examination of the government’s witnesses.
Fox and Croft might have been angry with Whitmer over COVID-19 restrictions, but there was no real plan to kidnap the Democratic governor, their lawyers insisted. They say undercover FBI agents and informants inside the groupfueled wild talk.
Detroit-area defense lawyer Michael Rataj said the challenge for prosecutors in Grand Rapids will be picking a jury from western and northern Michigan.
“It’s Trump country and they don’t like Whitmer. Prosecutors have an uphill battle,” Rataj said.
WHAT HAPPENED AFTER OTHER BIG CASES WITH HUNG JURIES?
Prosecutors sharpened their focus after a federal jury couldn’t agree on 23 of 24 charges at former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s 2010 corruption trial. Jurors said just one person was a holdout.
At Blagojevich’s second trial, prosecutors skipped past his expensive taste for tailored suits and furs for his wife. He was convicted of multiple crimes, including an effort to sell an appointment to the U.S. Senate.
But prosecutors decided against retrying New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez.Many jurors at his 2017 trial favored acquittal. A judge subsequently threw out key bribery charges.
“Sometimes, there is bluster and chest thumping” by prosecutors about a retrial after a deadlocked jury, said Alan Tuerkheimer, a Chicago-based jury consultant. “But when the dust settles and they think more clearly, they can change their minds.”
Learning how jurors voted can be crucial. A jury that was one or two votes away from acquittal is a sign of a weak case, Tuerkheimer said, and can dissuade prosecutors from trying again.
WHO’S IN THE WINGS?
Eight other men face state charges in either Jackson or Antrim counties. They’re accused of assisting the others in the Whitmer plot, among other crimes, and have pleaded not guilty.
Whitmer’s vacation home is in Antrim. Fox and Croft, accompanied by undercover operatives, took a night ride to check the location and look at a bridge that could be blown up during a kidnapping, according to evidence in the federal case.
The state cases have moved slowly since fall 2020; five men charged in Antrim still haven’t had a key hearing at which a judge decides whether there’s enough evidence to go to trial.
Defense attorney Kareem Johnson, who is representing Pete Musico, a founding member of the Wolverine Watchmen militia, compared the two acquittals in federal court to a thrilling basketball game.
“It’s like when a teammate hits a 3-pointer. It motivates you to get back on defense and get a stop,” Johnson said Monday.
___
Find AP’s full coverage of the Whitmer kidnap plot trial at: https://apnews.com/hub/whitmer-kidnap-plot-trial
___
Tarm reported from Chicago. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/explainer-2-men-in-gov-whitmer-plot-could-be-tried-again/ | 2022-04-12T11:15:04 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/explainer-2-men-in-gov-whitmer-plot-could-be-tried-again/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Farms that rely on irrigation from a depleted, federally managed lake on the California-Oregon border, along with a Native American tribe fighting to protect fragile salmon, will both receive extremely limited amounts of water this summer as a historic drought and record-low reservoir levels drag on in the U.S. West.
More than 1,000 farmers and ranchers who draw water from a 257-mile-long (407-kilometer) river that flows from the Upper Klamath Lake to the Pacific Ocean will have access to roughly one-seventh the amount they could get in a wetter year, a federal agency announced Monday. Downstream salmon will receive about half the water they’d get if the reservoir was full.
It’s the third year in a row that severe drought has impacted farmers, fish and tribes in a region where there’s not enough water to satisfy competing demands. Last year, no water at all flowed through the Klamath Reclamation Project’s main irrigation canal, and thousands of downstream juvenile salmon died without reservoir releases to support the Klamath River’s health.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the irrigation project, announced $15 million in relief for affected farmers and $5 million for Native American tribes as a result of its decision and warned farmers not to take water beyond what was ordered or risk further irrigation reductions and legal action. The agency decides the allocations each year, taking into account court rulings that require certain lake levels to support two federally endangered fish species.
Across the American West, a 22-year megadrought deepened so much last year that the region is now in the driest spell in at least 1,200 years — a worst-case climate change scenario playing out in real time, a study found last month.
Inflow to the Upper Klamath Lake is at a record lows, water managers said, and water allocations could drop further if drought conditions worsen this summer.
“We wish we had better news today. Obviously there are no winners in this critical year as all interests are suffering — fisheries, farmers tribes and waterfowl alike — but given the current hydrology that we have to work with, we did the best job we could,” said Ernest Conant, the bureau’s regional director.
Irrigators reacted with shock and anger to the news and said they weren’t sure they could survive another growing season without adequate water supplies. The amount of water available is less than 15% of what the farmers need, said Ben DuVal, president of the Klamath Water Users Association, who operates a farm in Tulelake, California.
“We have 170,000 acres (68,800 hectares) that could be irrigated this year, and we’re ready to get to work,” he said. “On a single acre, we can produce over 50,000 pounds (22,700 kilograms) of potatoes, or 6,000 pounds (2,700 kilograms) of wheat. This year, most of that land will not produce any food because the government is denying water for irrigation.”
Klamath River water that is dammed in the Upper Klamath Lake is the linchpin of the nearly 200,000-acre (80,940-hectare) Klamath Reclamation Project, a major agricultural powerhouse of more than 1,000 farms and ranches. Today, farmers there grow everything from mint to alfalfa to potatoes that go to In ’N Out Burger, Frito-Lay and Kettle Foods.
But the reservoir water is also source of conflict among competing demands, and amid historic drought in the carefully managed river basin there hasn’t been enough water to go around in recent years. Before 2020, the last time water allocations reached such a boiling point in the Klamath Basin was in 2001, when the U.S. government sent federal marshals to the area during a drought year and farmers threatened to breach the head gates.
Under the law, the lake’s water must be kept at a certain level to protect its sucker fish, a key species to the heritage of the Klamath Tribes in southern Oregon. This year’s water decision order irrigators to keep the lake’s water above a certain level for sucker fish spawning in April and May and then at a different level for the remainder of the summer — but even at those levels, the lake will not meet federally mandated minimums for the spring months.
Farmers can start drawing the limited water on Friday.
But federally threatened coho salmon that live in the lower Klamath River, below the reservoir, also need pulses of water from the lake to keep at bay a deadly parasite that thrives in warm and slow-moving water. The salmon are revered by the Yurok Tribe, California’s second-largest Native American tribe.
One so-called “flushing flow” of water that’s about half the normal amount — and half what farmers will get — will be released Friday also.
Yurok Vice Chairman Frankie Myers said the fact that salmon, sucker fish and waterfowl are competing for the region’s water was a “direct sign of the ecological collapse brought by water withdrawals.” He said the Yurok would never stop working to save the salmon.
“Although we are gratified that the river is afforded minimal protections under this plan, it is no time for celebration. Salmon runs will continue to suffer under these conditions, and as climate change intensifies, such protections will become increasingly important,” Myers said.
The slashed water allocations to the Klamath Reclamation Project also will impact two national wildlife refuges in the region that are replenished with irrigation runoff. The refuges host tens of thousands of migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. Last year, environmentalists and farmers used pumps to combine water from two stagnant wetlands into one deeper one to prevent another outbreak of avian botulism like the one that killed 50,000 ducks in 2020.
Hundreds of domestic wells impacted by the increased groundwater pumping have also gone dry since late last summer. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/farms-fish-on-dry-california-oregon-border-see-scant-water/ | 2022-04-12T11:15:11 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/farms-fish-on-dry-california-oregon-border-see-scant-water/ |
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho judge ruled Monday that a mother accused of conspiring to kill her children, her estranged husband and a lover’s wife is now mentally competent to stand trial on some of the charges in Idaho.
Daybell and her new husband, Chad Daybell, face numerous charges in the complicated case involving allegations of bizarre spiritual beliefs involving “zombies” and doomsday predictions.
Prosecutors have said that Lori and Chad Daybell espoused the religious beliefs in an effort to encourage or justify the murders.
The case against her had been hold for months after Judge Steven Boyce ordered her committed to a mental facility so she could undergo treatment in an effort to make her mentally fit enough to assist in her own defense.
Boyce’s new order said Lori Vallow Daybell “is restored to competency and is fit to proceed” in the Idaho murder case. He did not provide other details about her treatment or mental condition.
She is scheduled to be formally arraigned in court next week and both Lori and Chad Daybell are set to stand trial together early next year.
Tare charged withconspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Lori Daybell’s children 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, as well as Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell.
Lori Daybell is also charged in Arizona with conspiring to kill her former estranged husband, Charles Vallow, with the help of her now-deceased brother, Alex Cox.
Chad Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the charges and Lori Daybell has not yet had an opportunity to enter a plea. Chad Daybell’s attorney, John Prior, declined to comment on the case. Lori Daybell’s attorney, Jim Archibald, did not immediately respond to voice and email messages requesting comment.
An indictment said Chad and Lori Daybell in 2018 while still married to other people began espousing an apocalyptical system of religious belief.
Lori Daybell’s brother Alex Cox shot and killed her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, in suburban Phoenix, according to an indictment in Arizona.
Cox asserted the shooting was in self-defense, and he was never charged. At the time, Charles Vallow was seeking a divorce, saying his wife believed she had become a god-like figure responsible for ushering in the biblical end of times. Cox later died of an apparent blood clot in his lung.
Shortly after Charles Vallow’s death, Lori Daybell — who then had the last name Vallow — and her children moved to the rural eastern Idaho community of Rexburg, near where Chad Daybell lived. At the time, Chad Daybell was married to Tammy Daybell. She died in October of 2019, and her obituary said the death was from natural causes.
Authorities grew suspicious, however, when Chad and Lori Daybell got married just two weeks later, and investigators had Tammy Daybell’s body exhumed for an autopsy. Authorities have not released her cause of death.
Police began searching for Lori Daybell’s youngest two children in November after relatives raised concerns. The Daybells quickly left town, and were found months later in Hawaii without the children.
Investigators later found the bodies of JJ and Tylee buried in Chad Daybell’s yard back in Idaho. They have not disclosed causes of death but court documents said Tylee’s body was partially burned.
Friends of the Daybells told investigators that the couple believed people could become “zombies” if they were possessed by evil spirits, a state in which their soul was trapped in limbo, according to police reports. The couple reportedly believed that the only way to rid a person of a zombie was for their body to die, according to police reports.
A friend of the couple, Melanie Gibb, told investigators that Lori Daybell referred to her youngest children as “zombies,” and police in Arizona said the couple exchanged text messages saying that Tammy Daybell had been possessed by a dark spirit. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/idaho-judge-mom-accused-in-kids-killings-now-fit-for-trial/ | 2022-04-12T11:15:17 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/idaho-judge-mom-accused-in-kids-killings-now-fit-for-trial/ |
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — A jury was selected Monday to hear a long-anticipated libel lawsuit Johnny Depp filed against his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard, whom he accuses of falsely portraying him as a domestic abuser.
Depp sued Heard over an op-ed piece she wrote in The Washington Post in 2018 in which Heard refers to herself as a “public figure representing domestic abuse.” The article doesn’t mention Depp by name, but he says it clearly refers to allegations Heard made in other forums that she suffered physical abuse at his hands. Depp denies the accusations.
The lawsuit brought a little bit of Hollywood to a courthouse that has a long history of dealing with high-profile crimes, just not those involving movie stars.
More than a dozen women, some waving signs saying “Justice for Johnny,” joined other fans who waved pirate flags in recognition of Depp’s signature role in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, waited outside the courthouse an hour before the hearing.
The courtroom in the city of Fairfax was closed to the public Monday, with limited closed-circuit access in an overflow courtroom. People lined up before 7 a.m. for the wristbands granting access. Both Depp and Heard were in attendance, but court personnel brought them in and out utilizing special access points that frustrated fans’ ability to see them.
The judge overseeing the trial, Penney Azcarate, has imposed a series of access rules to try to maintain decorum in the courthouse. Most significantly, neither Depp nor Heard are permitted to pose for photos or sign autographs in the courthouse or on the courthouse grounds.
Depp’s fans have been vocal in their support, saying he has been falsely accused. Raylyn Otey, a Depp fan from Bluefield, Virginia, drove five hours to see the movie star. She was disappointed when Depp did not greet fans personally, as sheriff’s deputies carefully limited fan access.
“I’m so disappointed. I came to give him flowers to show some support,” she said, bouquet in hand.
In a separate lawsuit Depp filed against a British newspaper, a judge dismissed the case, finding that Depp assaulted Heard on a dozen occasions and put her in fear for her life on multiple occasions.
Heard has filed a countersuit against Depp that accuses his lawyers of defaming her at his direction.
Heard’s lawyers tried unsuccessfully to have the case moved to California, where the actors reside. A Fairfax judge ruled that Depp was within his rights to bring the case here because the Post’s online editions are published through servers located in Fairfax County. Depp’s lawyers have said they brought the case in Virginia in part because the laws here are more favorable to their case.
A jury of seven, plus four alternates, was selected by Monday afternoon. The smaller jury is typical for civil trials in Virginia.
Opening statements are scheduled for Tuesday morning. The trial is expected to last more than a month. A long list of witnesses includes actors James Franco and Paul Bettany, and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. Some witnesses are expected to appear in person, while others will testify via video link.
___
This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Raylyn Otey’s last name. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/johnny-depp-suit-against-amber-heard-starts-with-jury-picks/ | 2022-04-12T11:15:23 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/johnny-depp-suit-against-amber-heard-starts-with-jury-picks/ |
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors revealed Monday evening that they offered plea deals to three former Minneapolis police officers charged with aiding and abetting the murder of George Floyd, but said at a hearing that the defendants rejected them.
Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill held the hearing mostly to consider whether he has the authority to allow live video coverage of the upcoming trial set to begin in June for former Officers Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng. They’re charged with aiding and abetting both manslaughter and murder when former officer Derek Chauvin used his knee to pin Floyd, a Black man, to the pavement for 9 1/2 minutes on May 25, 2020. Kueng knelt on Floyd’s back, Lane held his legs and Thao kept bystanders back.
Lead prosecutor Matthew Frank did not disclose details of the plea offers in open court but said they were identical and were made March 22 after a jury convicted the three in a separate trial in February on federal civil rights charges stemming from Floyd’s death, according to pool reports from inside the courtroom.
Lane’s attorney, Earl Gray, said it was hard for the defense to negotiate when the three still don’t know what their federal sentences will be. The judge in that case has not set a sentencing date, and all three remain free on bail.
Cahill told Frank to file the offers for the record after the jury is seated for the upcoming trial, which is expected to take around eight weeks, including three for jury selection.
Cahill took the rare step of allowing live audiovisual coverage of Chauvin’s murder trial last year, making an exception to the normal rules of Minnesota courts. He cited the extenuating circumstance of the need to balance protecting participants from COVID-19 against the constitutional requirement for a public trial.
Now that the U.S. has entered a new phase of living with the coronavirus, Cahill must decide whether to allow the same sort of access for the trial of Thao, Lane and Kueng. He did not rule during their pretrial hearing, and said he won’t until after the Minnesota Judicial Council — a panel of leading judges and court administrators — meets Thursday to discuss the issue.
Attorney Leita Walker, who represents a coalition of media organizations, including The Associated Press, urged Cahill to allow video coverage again, saying it’s the most reasonable way to ensure public and media access to the trial. She said the public got to watch Chauvin’s trial, and that interest remains high because both involve Floyd’s death. The killing, which was recorded on video, sparked protests around the world and a national reckoning on race.
“The public is just not going to understand why they got to watch that one gavel to gavel and they won’t be able to watch this one,” Walker said.
But Cahill questioned Walker’s assertions that he has the authority to make another exception and that the pandemic is still an extenuating circumstance.
“COVID-19 is less of a pandemic and more of an endemic issue now,” Cahill said.
Cahill noted that while he has publicly said he now believes the legal presumption should be to allow televised trials, he pointed out that that’s not the rule yet. “I’m still sworn to uphold the law,” he said.
Defense attorneys said they still oppose audiovisual coverage of the upcoming trial, and renewed concerns about the willingness of witnesses to testify.
Minnesota court rules generally require the consent of all parties for audiovisual coverage of trials, with fewer restrictions for sentencings. Chauvin’s trial was the first in Minnesota to be entirely televised, from jury selection to his murder conviction to his sentencing to 22 1/2 years in prison. People worldwide tuned into the livestreams.
“I think livestreaming that trial enabled people here and around the world to see the inner workings of a system that was handling one of the most important trials of our time,” Suki Dardarian, senior managing editor and vice president of the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, which is part of the media coalition, said before the hearing.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office initially opposed having cameras in the court for Chauvin’s trial, but now supports them for the other officers’ upcoming trial.
“The Chauvin trial demonstrated the benefits of robust public access to this important case and proved that the Court could successfully navigate the concerns animating the State’s initial opposition to audio and video coverage,” prosecutors wrote last week. “The Court’s commendable transparency inspired public confidence in the proceedings and helped ensure calm in Minneapolis and across the country.”
Due to federal court rules, live video coverage was not allowed for the first trial of Thao, Lane and Kueng this year, when all three were convicted of violating Floyd’s civil rights. Nor was it allowed for Chauvin’s federal case in which he pleaded guilty to civil rights violations. But it was allowed in the December state court trial of former Brooklyn Center Officer Kim Potter in the death of Daunte Wright, who was killed one year ago Monday.
An advisory committee to the Minnesota Supreme Court is considering whether to allow more video coverage of criminal proceedings. It’s due to release its report by July 1.
Cahill, in a letter to the committee, said he had opposed cameras in criminal cases before, but that his experience in Chauvin’s case changed his opinion, and he now believes they should be presumptively allowed, subject to the trial judge’s discretion.
Hennepin County Judge Regina Chu, who presided over Potter’s trial, told the Star Tribune in an interview that both the Potter and Chauvin trials convinced her that cameras can be present without being disruptive.
“I forgot they were even there,” Chu told the newspaper. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/judge-weighs-cameras-in-next-trial-over-george-floyds-death/ | 2022-04-12T11:15:30 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/judge-weighs-cameras-in-next-trial-over-george-floyds-death/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The mass shooting that police say was a gun battle between rival gangs that left six dead and 12 wounded earlier this month shook the downtown core of California’s capital — and created another challenge for a city trying to redefine itself as a destination for more than just government workers.
In recent years, downtown Sacramento has benefited from billions of dollars of development but has been rattled by rising crime, protests resulting in property damage and an economic drubbing caused by the pandemic. Now, the city is reeling from the aftermath of the April 3 shooting, when at least five gunmen fired 100 shots as people left bars and nightclubs.
The violence just blocks from the Capitol highlights the successes and challenges many U.S. urban centers are facing as struggles with crime and homelessness persist despite revitalization efforts.
Though Sacramento is home to more than 500,000 people, it’s considered sleepy by California standards. The derisive nickname “Cowtown” grew out of its agricultural roots.
Today, downtown is at the center of the city’s efforts to become an entertainment and food destination. Local officials have worked to rebrand the city as “America’s Farm to Fork Capital,” a nod to a large number of well-regarded restaurants that get ingredients from the region’s many farms.
A major part of the revitalization is a six-block strip of K Street anchored by a renovated convention center and the Golden 1 Center, home to the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and a regular stop for major concert tours. The shooting happened on a block that’s home to high-end nightclubs but also dotted by vacant buildings that once housed coffee shops and restaurants.
Police have made two arrests connected to the shootings, but no one has been charged with homicide. The violence “came at a really pivotal moment for downtown,” said Sacramento City Councilwoman Katie Valenzuela, who represents the area.
“It’s causing me to sort of reflect on where we go from here — and as a city, not just as downtown,” she said.
A century ago, K Street was a bustling, diverse center of activity. But the strip struggled as people moved into the suburbs — giving way to decades of failed revival efforts, including the construction of a mall in the late 1960s and the launch of a light rail commuter line in the 1980s.
A fresh wave of investment came to the area about a decade ago, with new businesses opening on K Street as part of an effort to revive downtown after the financial crisis. The Golden 1 Center’s 2016 opening sought to build on that, helping generate $6.7 billion in nearby investment and spurring the opening of 150 new businesses, according to the Downtown Sacramento Partnership business group.
Then the pandemic hit, sending many of downtown’s 100,000 workers home and forcing some businesses closed. Now about 45,000 people work downtown daily, according to the partnership.
As employment fell, crime rose. Aggravated assaults, burglaries and vandalism were up in 2020 and 2021 compared to the five previous years for a roughly 100-square block area that includes the Capitol and the arena, according to Sacramento police crime data.
The city’s central hub has also served as the epicenter for protests focusing on racial justice and police misconduct. Protesters in 2018 shut down a downtown freeway entrance and blocked fans from entering the arena after Sacramento police shot and killed a young Black man. Then demonstrations in 2020 over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis swept the city. Many downtown properties were vandalized and some were ransacked.
“We’ve had a lot of different realities kind of hit downtown in different waves,” said Dion Dwyer, director of public space services for business partnership.
Now Sacramento is among the ranks of cities recovering from recent mass shootings. Since 2017, there have been 133 mass shootings in the U.S., according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University.
Dayton, Ohio, in 2019 was shaken when a gunman killed nine people and wounded 17 just after midnight at a bar in the main entertainment district for the city of 140,000. Sandy Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership, said officials mounted an “intentional strategy to reclaim the district” after the shooting.
Within three weeks of the violence, there was a free performance by Dave Chappelle, who lives outside the city. The community rallied to support local businesses, but it took time for people to feel comfortable returning to nightlife. The pandemic hit just as that activity was rebounding, Gudorf said.
“In people’s minds and hearts they knew that this did not define who we are. It was an incident, it was a tragic incident where we lost lives and people were inured,” she said. “I think it just took time to process all of that.”
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg repeatedly said people should continue to feel comfortable going downtown.
“It’s not one or the other” when it comes to enjoying the city’s entertainment offerings and feeling safe,” he said last week.
Rachel Muro, a manager at the locally owned Capital Books several storefronts away from the shooting, said downtown has problems like any city but that people should not avoid it. The bookstore’s owners recently opened a board game cafe just around the corner.
“We believe in this part of town enough to continue to help make it thrive,” Muro said.
Elsewhere on the block, the area’s troubles are obvious, with many office and restaurant spaces vacant. Homelessness downtown and elsewhere in Sacramento has been a vexing problem.
Last week the City Council voted to place a measure on the November ballot requiring the city build to more shelter beds and ban encampments on public land. Valenzuela, the councilwoman, opposed the plan and said it was inappropriate to debate that proposal so soon after the tragedy.
Crystal Sanchez, president of the Sacramento Homeless Union, said homeless people live downtown because the area has street lighting and lots of activity and plenty of alcoves near businesses where they can shelter.
“People are here because there are coves for protection,” Sanchez said.
At a brewery a few blocks from the shooting site, co-workers enjoying a drink reflected on whether the shooting changed their view of the city.
Braden Kolb, who was at a downtown bar for a friend’s 30th birthday the night before the shooting, said he patronizes downtown about once a month and that the shooting “is not going to change my behavior.”
But his friend Jason Slieter said the incident made him wonder if Sacramento is the right place to raise his family, saying he felt a sense of heaviness downtown when coming to work after the six people were killed.
“It definitely felt like something had changed,” he said.
__
Associated Press journalists Adam Beam in Sacramento and Camille Fassett in Oakland contributed. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/shooting-challenges-downtown-sacramentos-rebuilding-efforts/ | 2022-04-12T11:15:37 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/shooting-challenges-downtown-sacramentos-rebuilding-efforts/ |
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota House is set to decide Tuesday whether Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg should be impeached for his conduct before and after he struck and killed a pedestrian on the shoulder of a highway.
Troopers have said Ravnsborg was distracted before the September 2020 crash that killed 55-year-old Joseph Boever. Ravnsborg initially told authorities he thought he had struck a deer or other large animal. He went back the next day and found Boever’s body.
Opponents of impeachment say Ravnsborg need not be held accountable by the House because he wasn’t on the job when the crash happened. He had been driving back from a Republican fundraiser.
Ravnsborg has cast Boever’s death as a tragic accident. He pleaded no contestlast year to a pair of traffic misdemeanors, including making an illegal lane change.
An investigation committee from the Republican-controlled House votedagainst recommending impeachment after arguments that Ravnsborg’s actions were not part of his official duties. Republican Gov. Kristi Noem has pushed for impeachment, saying Ravnsborg lied to investigators.
The Highway Patrol concluded that Ravnsborg’s car crossed completely onto the highway shoulder before hitting Boever, and criminal investigators said later that they didn’t believe some of Ravnsborg’s statements.
Republican Rep. Will Mortenson, of Pierre, brought articles of impeachment against Ravnsborg more than a year ago. He did not return phone messages left Monday by The Associated Press.
Last week, at the request of Republican Rep. Tim Goodwin, of Rapid City, about 30 lawmakers took in a presentation by two Highway Patrol troopersoutlining details of the investigation.
Goodwin said it raised doubts about the committee’s recommendation. House Speaker Spencer Gosch, who chaired the committee, called it a sales pitch. Gosch did not respond to phone messages Monday.
While it’s unclear whether the presentation would have any effect on the impeachment vote, Noem’s spokesman referenced it Monday to sum up the feelings in the governor’s office.
“The troopers’ presentation speaks better than I ever could,” Ian Fury said.
Democrat House Minority Leader Jamie Smith, a member of the impeachment investigation committee, said the troopers helped with unanswered questions, but he doesn’t believe they will change any minds. He expects Tuesday’s floor debate to last a couple of hours before the vote.
“As a member of the committee, I said I believed there were grounds for impeachment and I will stay with that,” Smith said. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/south-dakota-house-to-vote-on-impeaching-attorney-general/ | 2022-04-12T11:15:44 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/south-dakota-house-to-vote-on-impeaching-attorney-general/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — The 4-foot bronze Fearless Girl statue that was deposited in front of New York City’s Charging Bull in 2017 will remain in its current spot opposite the New York Stock Exchange at least until early next year while city officials wrestle with a permanent disposition for the popular symbol of female empowerment, a city board decided Monday.
Members of the Public Design Commission granted an 11-month permit extension and said they would spend the next six months exploring a way for New York City to take ownership of the statue, which is currently the subject of litigation between artist Kristen Visbal and State Street Global Advisors, the Boston-based asset-management firm that commissioned it.
“We today, the Public Design Commission, cannot make this a permanent piece of art,” commission president Signe Nielsen said. “We can urge that steps be taken to enable this work to be considered for the public collection.”
The statue of a spunky young girl was supposed to be a temporary installation when State Street commissioned it in 2017 to urge higher representation of women on corporate boards, but permits to keep it on display were extended several times once it became a major tourist attraction.
Fearless Girl was moved to its current location opposite the Stock Exchange in December 2018 and has continued to draw selfie-taking visitors there.
Visbal, meanwhile, began selling replicas of the statue around the world. State Street, which had an ownership contract with the artist, sued Visbal alleging the replica sales violated the agreement, and Visbal countersued, arguing that the company was infringing on her rights.
“The commission should be aware that State Street has sued me, which makes it impossible for them to act as fair agents on my behalf,” Visbal told design commission members over Zoom.
She urged the city to take ownership of the piece itself. “I am convinced the only way artists’ rights can be honored and acknowledged is if the city owns the work,” she said.
Both Visbal and State Street indicated support for the board’s vote to renew the statue’s temporary permit while working toward a permanent solution.
“As the Artist and the creator of the ‘Fearless Girl’ statue, I am beyond grateful to New York City and the Public Design Commission for hearing my concerns,” Visbal said in a statement. “I pledge to work with the City to identify a fair and reasonable solution in the coming six months.”
A State Street spokesperson said in a statement: “We are appreciative the Fearless Girl statue will remain at her current location in front of the New York Stock Exchange. With the outcome of today’s hearing with the City of New York’s Public Design Commission, we will work together with the Department of Transportation, PDC and the artist regarding our desire to keep the Fearless Girl statue at her current location for an extended period.” | https://www.cenlanow.com/news/ap-top-headlines/fearless-girl-statue-will-stay-put-opposite-nyse-for-now/ | 2022-04-12T11:15:51 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/news/ap-top-headlines/fearless-girl-statue-will-stay-put-opposite-nyse-for-now/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — With ever-rising costs for food, gasoline, housing and other necessities squeezing consumers and threatening the economy, inflation in the United States likely set yet another four-decade high in March.
The government’s consumer price index being released Tuesday is expected to show that prices shot up 8.4% from 12 months earlier, according to economists surveyed by the data firm FactSet. That would mark the fastest year-over-year inflation since December 1981. And it would surpass the 7.9% 12-month increase in February, which itself set a 40-year high.
Economists have also forecast that from February to March, consumer prices jumped 1.1%. That would be the sharpest month-to-month jump since 2005.
The March numbers will be the first the capture the full surge in gasoline prices that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Moscow’s brutal attacks have triggered far-reaching Western sanctions against the Russian economy and have disrupted global food and energy markets. According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of gasoline — $4.11 — is up 44% from a year ago, though it has fallen back in the past couple of weeks.
The escalation of energy prices has led to higher transportation costs for the shipment of goods and components across the economy, which, in turn, has contributed to higher prices for consumers.
“The war in Ukraine has complicated the inflation outlook,’’ noted Luke Tilley, chief economist at Wilmington Trust.
Economists point out that since the economy emerged from the depths of the pandemic, consumers have been gradually broadening their spending beyond goods to include more services. A result is that high inflation, which at first had reflected mainly a shortage of goods — from cars and furniture to electronics and sports equipment — has been gradually emerging in services, too, like travel, health care and entertainment.
If the March price figures come in as expected, they will solidify expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise rates aggressively in the coming months to try to slow borrowing and spending and tame high inflation. The financial markets, in fact, now foresee much steeper rate hikes this year than Fed officials had signaled as recently as last month.
The central bank’s rate increases will make loans sharply more expensive for consumers and businesses. Mortgage rates, in particular, though not directly influenced by the Fed, have rocketed higher in recent weeks, making home buying more expensive. Many economists say they worry that the Fed has waited too long to begin raising rates and might end up acting so aggressively as to trigger a recession.
For now, the economy as a whole remains solid, with unemployment near 50-year lows and job openings near record highs. Still, rocketing inflation, with its impact on Americans’ daily lives, is posing a political threat to President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies as they seek to keep control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.
Economists generally express doubt that even the sharp rate hikes that are expected from the Fed will manage to reduce inflation anywhere near the central bank’s 2% annual target by the end of this year. Tilley, Wilmington Trust economist, said he expects year-over-year consumer inflation to still be 4.5% by the end of 2020. Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he had forecast a much lower 3% rate.
In Tuesday’s government report, even excluding volatile food and energy prices, so-called core inflation for the past 12 months is expected to have hit 6.6%, according to the FactSet survey. That would be the biggest such year-over-year jump since August 1982.
Inflation, which had been largely under control for four decades, began to accelerate last spring as the U.S. and global economies rebounded with unexpected speed and strength from the brief but devastating coronavirus recession that began in the spring of 2020.
The recovery, fueled by huge infusions of government spending and super-low interest rates, caught businesses by surprise, forcing them to scramble to meet surging customer demand. Factories, ports and freight yards struggled to keep up, leading to chronic shipping delays and price spikes.
Critics also blame, in part, the Biden administration’s $1.9 trillion March 2021 stimulus program, which included $1,400 relief checks for most households, for helping overheat an already sizzling economy.
Many Americans have been receiving pay increases, but the pace of inflation has more than wiped out those gains for most people. In February, after accounting for inflation, average hourly wages fell 2.5% from a year earlier. It was the 11th straight monthly drop in inflation-adjusted wages. | https://www.cenlanow.com/news/ap-top-headlines/sticker-shock-march-inflation-likely-set-new-40-year-high/ | 2022-04-12T11:15:58 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/news/ap-top-headlines/sticker-shock-march-inflation-likely-set-new-40-year-high/ |
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have fled their homes in the six weeks since Russia’s invasion, and the United Nations has verified the deaths of 142 youngsters, though the number is almost certainly much higher, the U.N. children’s agency said Monday.
Manuel Fontaine, UNICEF’s emergency programs director who just returned from Ukraine, said having 4.8 million of Ukraine’s 7.5 million children displaced in such a short time is “quite incredible.” He said it is something he hadn’t before seen happen so quickly in 31 years of humanitarian work.
“They have been forced to leave everything behind — their homes, their schools and, often, their family members,” he told the U.N. Security Council. “I have heard stories of the desperate steps parents are taking to get their children to safety, and children saddened that they are unable to get back to school.”
Ukraine’s U.N. ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya, claimed Russia has taken more than 121,000 children out of Ukraine and reportedly drafted a bill to simplify and accelerate adoption procedures for orphans and even those who have parents and other relatives. He said most of the children were removed from the besieged southern port city of Mariupol and taken to eastern Donetsk and then to the Russian city of Taganrog.
Fontaine said UNICEF has heard the same reports, but added that “we don’t have yet the access that we need to have to be able to look and verify and see if we can assist.”
He said that of Ukraine’s displaced children, 2.8 million are in Ukraine and 2 million more are in other countries. At the same time, he said, nearly half the estimated 3.2 million children still in their homes in Ukraine “may be at risk of not having enough food,” with those in besieged cities like Mariupol facing the most dire situation.
Fontaine said school closings are affecting the education of 5.7 million younger children and 1.5 million students in higher education.
“Hundreds of schools and educational facilities have been attacked or used for military purposes,” he said. “Others are serving as shelters for civilians.”
The council also heard from Sima Bahous, the executive director of the UN Women agency, who recently returned from Moldova, which is hosting an estimated 95,000 Ukrainian refugees.
Bahous said her agency is increasingly hearing allegations of rape and sexual violence. She said Moldova’s government and border police are also very concerned at the risk of human trafficking, especially of young women and unaccompanied teenagers.
“The combination of mass displacement with the large presence of conscripts and mercenaries, and the brutality displayed against Ukrainian civilians, has raised all red flags,” she said.
Ukraine’s ambassador said his country’s prosecutor’s office is now investigating a case in the Kyiv region in which a Russia soldier is alleged to have killed a local resident and then repeatedly raped his wife in their home. He said the alleged perpetrator has been identified.
Kyslytsya said the Prosecutor General’s Office, in cooperation with investigation agencies and health facilities, is also installing “a special mechanism” to document cases of sexual violence by Russian soldiers.
The Security Council meeting on the impact of the war on women and children was convened by the U.S. and Albania during Britain’s presidency of the body.
The three countries, Ukraine and other council members attacked Russia for creating the dire situation for women and children, which Russian deputy ambassador Dmitry Polyansky vehemently denied.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that when men like Russian President Vladimir Putin “start wars, women and children get displaced,” hurt, raped and abused, and they die.
“Since the start of Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, Russia has bombed orphanages and maternity hospitals,” she said. “We’ve seen mass graves with dead children stacked on top of each other.”
Albanian Ambassador Ferit Hoxha accused Russia of committing “unspeakable crimes” every day, including burning civilians, throwing bodies in mass graves, shooting into playgrounds, attacking schools on purpose, and leaving all Ukrainians suffering, especially women and children.
“In their normal life, children draw parents, houses and trees. Russia’s war has made Ukraine kids draw bombs, tanks and weapons,” Hoxha said.
Both the U.S. and Albanian ambassadors, and many others, pointed to the discovery of bodies, some with hands tied behind their backs, in the town of Bucha on the outskirts of Kyiv following the withdrawal of Russian troops, and the missile that killed at least 52 mainly women and children at the train station in eastern Kramatorsk. Hoxha noted that the missile had “a vicious signature, `for our children.’”
Russia’s Polyansky blamed “Ukrainian Nazis” for civilian killings in Bucha and the bombing at the Kramatorsk station, which he called “a classic false flag operation.”
He accused Ukraine and its public relations experts, along with the West, of promoting “fakes and propaganda” as part of “the information war unleashed against Russia.”
“That war is as intense as the military operations on the ground,” he said.
Lord Tariq Ahmad, Britain’s minister of state for the U.N. who presided over the meeting, countered that Russia again was trying to deflect from the reality on the ground “by what can only be described as quite extraordinary statements, and even lies.”
“Yet, what is true, what is fact, is that Russian attacks on civilians and residential areas have been truly barbaric,” he said. | https://www.cenlanow.com/news/ap-top-headlines/un-nearly-two-thirds-of-ukraines-children-have-fled-homes/ | 2022-04-12T11:16:04 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/news/ap-top-headlines/un-nearly-two-thirds-of-ukraines-children-have-fled-homes/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is unveiling a completed rule aimed at reining in the proliferation of ghost guns, firearms without serial numbers that have been turning up at crime scenes across the nation in increasing numbers.
The White House and the Justice Department argue that regulating the firearms parts and requiring dealers to stamp serial numbers on ghost guns will help drive down violent crime and aid investigators in solving crimes. Gun groups, however, argue that the government is overreaching and that its rule violates federal law.
Here’s a look at ghost guns and the debate brewing in the U.S.
WHAT ARE GHOST GUNS?
They are privately-made firearms without serial numbers.
Generally, firearms manufactured by licensed companies are required to have serial numbers – usually displayed on the frame of the gun – that allow officials to trace the gun back to the manufacturer, the firearms dealer and original purchaser.
Ghost guns, however, are made of parts and are then assembledtogether. The critical component in building an untraceable gun is what is known as the lower receiver. Some are sold in do-it-yourself kits and the receivers are typically made from metal or polymer.
An unfinished receiver — sometimes referred to as an “80-percent receiver” — can be legally bought online with no serial numbers or other markings on it, no license required. Under the current rules, the federal government does not consider unfinished lower receivers to be firearms.
WHAT DOES THE RULE DO?
It changes the definition of a firearm and will require federal firearms dealers to add serial numbers to ghost guns that come their way.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has, for years, said that unfinished lower receivers don’t meet the legal definition of a firearm. And there is nothing illegal about building your own firearm.
It’s legal to make your own firearm if it’s for your personal use and you don’t intend to sell it. But if you open a business selling guns, you need a federal firearms license.
Under the new rule, the definition of a firearm would change to include unfinished parts, like the frame of a handgun or the receiver of a long gun. The rule also would require those parts to be licensed and include serial numbers. Dealers would also need to run background checks before a sale — just like they do with other commercially made firearms.
The requirement applies regardless of how the firearm was made, meaning it includes ghost guns made from individual parts, kits, or by 3D-printers.
It also will compel federally licensed dealers and gunsmiths who take in firearms without serial numbers to add serial numbers. That means, for example, if someone sells a ghost gun to a pawn broker – or other licensed dealer – the dealer must put a serial number on it before selling the gun to someone else.
HOW PREVELANT ARE GHOST GUNS?
Ghost guns aren’t new. But they are becoming a growing problem for law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
Federal officials have been sounding the alarm about the growing black market for homemade, military-style semi-automatic rifles and handguns. And guns without serial numbers have been turning up more frequently at crime scenes. They have also been increasingly encountered when federal agents buy guns in undercover operations from gang members and other criminals.
Ghost guns really popped into the public consciousness in 2013 when a gunman, John Zawahri, opened fire on the campus of Santa Monica College in California. Six people were killed, including Zawahri’s father and brother. The suspect had assembled an AR-15 after failing a background check at a gun dealer.
A gunman who killed his wife and four others in Northern California in 2017 had been prohibited from owning firearms, but he built his own to skirt the court order before his rampage. And in 2019, a teenager used a homemade handgun to fatally shoot two classmates and wound three others at a school in suburban Los Angeles.
The sale of ghost guns has exploded since then. It is hard to say how many are circulating on the streets, in part because in many cases police departments don’t contact the government about the guns because they can’t be traced.
Justice Department statistics show that nearly 24,000 ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement at crime scenes and reported to the government from 2016 to 2020. The New York Police Department said officers found 131 firearms without serial numbers since January.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Justice Department said the rule goes into effect 120 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. But it’s likely the rule will be be met with heavy resistance from gun groups and draw litigation in the coming weeks. Even reaching the point of introducing a rule has taken more than a year. Biden announced plansto impose tighter regulations on ghost guns in April 2021.
Gun Owners of America vowed that it would immediately fight the rule and that it would sue the ATF “to halt the implementation of this rule.” | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/explainer-what-are-ghost-guns-why-is-biden-taking-action/ | 2022-04-12T11:16:10 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/explainer-what-are-ghost-guns-why-is-biden-taking-action/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has a book coming out this fall that covers his years in the Trump administration and, according to his publisher, offers “unvarnished appraisals of the deals made and characters encountered along the way.”
Broadside Books, a conservative imprint at HarperCollins Publishers, announced Monday that Pompeo’s untitled book was scheduled for November. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Pompeo “will draw readers deep into the innermost sanctums of government decision-making and reveal the stories and strategic thinking behind key actions regarding North Korea, China, Russia, Iran, Mexico, Israel, Afghanistan, support for international religious freedom, and many other countries and issues,” the announcement reads in part.
Pompeo, 58, is a Republican from Kansas who served three terms in Congress before President Donald Trump appointed him director of the Central Intelligence Agency in 2017, then secretary of state a year later. He has speculated about a 2024 presidential run, one that might find him in competition with his former boss. Other former Trump officials considered possible candidates— and working on books — include Vice President Mike Pence and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
Trump clashed with many of his cabinet officers, including Pompeo’s immediate predecessor at state, Rex Tillerson. But Pompeo remained on good terms with Trump and even broke with precedent for secretaries of state by recording a speech for the 2020 Republican National Convention. He continued to defend him after the Jan. 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, a time when other officials resigned or distanced themselves, and less than two weeks later sent a tweet promoting Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/former-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-has-book-out-this-fall/ | 2022-04-12T11:16:17 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/former-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-has-book-out-this-fall/ |
ATLANTA (AP) — A lawyer representing critics of Georgia’s election system said state officials have “erected a series of roadblocks” to voting through their policies and practices. An attorney for the state countered that the critics are trying to prove “democracy failed” the state, but they lack the evidence to prove it.
The statements came Monday as a trial got underway in a federal lawsuit that initially called for a broad overhaul of Georgia’s election system. The scope of the suit was considerably narrowed when some allegations were addressed by changes in state law and others were dismissed by the court. The lawsuit was filed in 2018 by Fair Fight Action, an organization founded by voting rights activist and Democratic candidate for Georgia governor Stacey Abrams, just weeks after Abrams narrowly lost her first bid for governor.
The bench trial — which means there’s no jury — is being presided over by U.S. District Judge Steve Jones and is expected to last four or five weeks. Jones has said he doesn’t expect to rule before the state’s May 24 primary.
During her opening statement, Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, an attorney for Fair Fight and the other plaintiffs, evoked the image of U.S. Rep. John Lewis marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in 1965 to fight for voting rights. The congressman, who died in July 2020, had planned to be the plaintiffs’ first witness at trial, Lawrence-Hardy said.
“Voting is also a bridge. It is the most basic path to democracy,” she said. Because of the actions of state election officials, she said, “eligible voters in Georgia face roadblock after roadblock as they try to get to that path.”
The secretary of state and State Election Board have made it difficult for Georgians to register to vote, stay registered and cast a ballot that will count, she said.
When Abrams ended her 2018 bid to become governor, she said that under the watch of her victorious Republican opponent, former Secretary of State Brian Kemp, “democracy failed Georgia.” That’s a hypothesis that Fair Fight and its allies have been trying to prove ever since without success, state lawyer Josh Belinfante said.
State officials take very seriously any claims of disenfranchisement or burdens on the right to vote, Belinfante said. The plaintiffs fall short of proving their hypothesis in part because they overlook “the hard work of everyday Georgians,” the election workers who toil under difficult conditions and “just want to get it right,” he said.
The lawsuit initially said state election officials “grossly mismanaged” the 2018 election in a way that disenfranchised some citizens, particularly low-income people and people of color. The issues remaining for the trial have to do with the state’s “exact match” policy, the statewide voter registration list and in-person cancellation of absentee ballots. The plaintiffs allege violations of the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Under the “exact match” policy, information from voter registration applications is checked against information held by the state Department of Driver Services. The “flawed matching methods” used by the state inevitably produce erroneous results, Lawrence-Hardy said. Critics of “exact match” have long said data entry errors or differences as minor as a missing hyphen can trigger a non-match and that naturalized citizens can also be wrongly flagged if records are outdated. The problems disproportionately affect people of color, naturalized citizens and residents of certain counties, Lawrence-Hardy said.
Evidence will show that 98% of Georgians have had no problem with the policy and the other 2% can vote after showing a photo ID, which every voter is required to do, Belinfante said. The “exact match” policy has also become “less stringent” as a result of litigation and a 2019 law, he said.
Lawrence-Hardy also alleged that the statewide voter registration database is full of errors, and state efforts to clean the voter rolls of ineligible voters too often result in the erroneous deletion of eligible voters’ registration or critical information being incorrect. Belinfante acknowledged some unfortunate mistakes but said there’s no evidence that the state deliberately disenfranchises voters.
The lawyer for the plaintiffs argued that counties have different processes for canceling an absentee ballot if someone chooses to vote in person instead, and some subject voters to unnecessary burdens. State officials are aware of these problems, which can cause voters to be turned away or forced to cast a provisional ballot, she said.
Belinfante said a 2019 law clarified the process for canceling an absentee ballot at a polling place and poll worker manuals have been updated.
Lawrence-Hardy told the judge that, over the course of the trial, he will hear from people who experienced trouble voting, as well as from experts who have studied voting in Georgia.
Belinfante said the judge will hear from very few people who were unable to vote in 2018 and even fewer who had problems in 2020. Election officials will testify about ongoing measures to ensure the integrity of the state’s voting system and improve the voter experience, he said.
Fair Fight filed the lawsuit along with Care in Action, a nonprofit that advocates for domestic workers. Several churches have also joined as plaintiffs. | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/georgia-elections-lawsuit-backed-by-abrams-goes-to-trial/ | 2022-04-12T11:16:24 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/georgia-elections-lawsuit-backed-by-abrams-goes-to-trial/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is visiting corn-rich Iowa on Tuesday to announce he’ll suspend a federal rule preventing the sale of higher ethanol blend gasoline this summer as his administration tries to tamp down prices at the pump that have spiked during Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Most gasoline sold in the U.S. is blended with 10% ethanol. The Environmental Protection Agency will issue an emergency waiver to allow widespread sale of 15% ethanol blend that is usually prohibited between June 1 and Sept. 15 because of concerns that it adds to smog in high temperatures.
Senior Biden administration officials said the move will save drivers an average of 10 cents per gallon at 2,300 gas stations. Industry groups say most of those stations are in the Midwest and the South, including Texas.
Biden is to announce the move at a biofuel company in Menlo, west of Des Moines. Iowa is the country’s largest producer of corn, key to producing ethanol.
The waiver is another effort to help ease global energy markets that have been rocked since Russia invaded Ukraine. Last month, the president announced the U.S. will release 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve over the next six months. His administration said that has helped to slightly reduce gas prices lately, after they climbed to an average of about $4.23 a gallon by the end of March, compared with $2.87 at the same time a year ago, according to AAA.
Members of Congress from both parties, as well as industry groups, had urged Biden to grant the E15 waiver.
“Homegrown Iowa biofuels provide a quick and clean solution for lowering prices at the pump and bolstering production would help us become energy independent once again,″ said Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley. He was among nine Republican and seven Democratic senators from Midwestern states who sent Biden a letter last month urging him to allow year-round E15 sales.
The trip will be Biden’s first as president to Iowa, where his 2020 presidential campaign limped to a fourth-place finish in the state’s technologically glitchy caucus.
After bouncing back to win the Democratic nomination, Biden returned for a rally at the Iowa state fairgrounds four days before Election Day 2020, only to see Donald Trump win the state by 8 percentage points.
Biden heads back to the state at a moment when he’s facing yet more political peril. He’s saddled with sagging approval ratings and inflation at a 40-year high while his party faces the prospect of big midterm election losses that could cost it control of Congress.
The president also planned to promote his economic plans to help rural families struggling with higher costs, while highlighting the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law enacted last fall. The law includes money to improve internet access, as well as for modernizing wastewater systems, reducing flooding threats and improving roads and bridges, drinking water and electric grids in sparsely populated areas.
“Part of it is showing up in communities of all sizes, regardless of the results of the last election,” said Jesse Harris, who was a senior adviser to Biden’s 2020 campaign in Iowa and directed get out the vote and early voting efforts for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008.
Harris said most presidents who visit Iowa typically go to the state’s largest cities. Hitting an area like Menlo, part of Guthrie County, which backed Trump over Biden by 35 percentage points in 2020, “does speak to the importance the administration places on infrastructure broadly but also infrastructure in rural and smaller communities.”
The Biden administration plans to spend the coming weeks pushing billions of dollars in funding for rural areas. Cabinet members and other senior officials will travel the country to help communities get access to money available as part of the infrastructure package.
“The president is not making this trip through a political prism,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. “He’s making this trip because Iowa is a rural state in the country that would benefit greatly from the president’s policies.”
Still, administration officials have long suggested that Biden travel more to promote an economy that is rebounding from the setbacks of the coronavirus pandemic. The number of Americans collecting unemployment has fallen to the lowest levels since 1970, for example.
But much of the positive jobs news nationally has been overshadowed by surging gas, food and housing prices that have pushed consumer inflation to 7.9% over the past year ending in February. That’s the sharpest spike since 1982. Inflation figures for March, due out Tuesday, are likely to bring more bad news for the Biden administration.
“Maybe a trip back to Iowa will be just what Joe Biden needs to understand what his reckless spending, big government policies are doing to our country,” Iowa Republican Party Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said in a statement.
After Iowa, Biden will visit Greensboro, North Carolina, on Thursday.
Psaki blamed Russia’s war in Ukraine for helping to drive up gas prices and said the administration expects the consumer price index for March to be “extremely elevated” in large part because of it.
The EPA has lifted seasonal restrictions on E15 in the past, including after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The Trump administration allowed for selling E15 in the summer months two years later but had the rule struck down by a federal appeals court.
___
Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report. | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/iowa-rejected-biden-but-president-back-to-sell-rural-plan/ | 2022-04-12T11:16:31 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/iowa-rejected-biden-but-president-back-to-sell-rural-plan/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal jury convicted a former Virginia police officer of storming the U.S. Capitol with another off-duty officer to obstruct Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory.
Jurors on Monday convicted former Rocky Mount police officer Thomas Robertsonof all six counts he faced stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, including charges that he interfered with police officers at the Capitol and that he entered a restricted area with a dangerous weapon, a large wooden stick.
His sentencing hearing wasn’t immediately scheduled.
Robertson’s jury trial was the second among hundreds of Capitol riot cases. The first ended last month with jurors convicting a Texas man, Guy Reffitt, of all five counts in his indictment.
Robertson didn’t testify at his trial, which started last Tuesday. Jurors deliberated for several hours over two days before reaching their unanimous verdict.
One juror, who spoke to The Associated Press only on condition of anonymity, said as she left the courthouse, “I think the government made a really compelling case and the evidence was fairly overwhelming.”
Defense attorney Mark Rollins said Robertson will appeal the jury’s verdict. “While Mr. Robertson disagrees with the jury’s decision, he respects the rule of law,” Rollins said in a statement.
A key witness for prosecutors in his case was Jacob Fracker, who also served on the Rocky Mount police force and viewed Robertson as a mentor and father figure. Fracker was scheduled to be tried alongside Robertson before he pleaded guilty last month to a conspiracy charge and agreed to cooperate with authorities. Fracker testified Thursday that he had hoped the mob that attacked the Capitol could overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Robertson was charged with six counts: obstruction of Congress, interfering with officers during a civil disorder, entering a restricted area while carrying a dangerous weapon, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted area while carrying a dangerous weapon, disorderly or disruptive conduct inside the Capitol building, and obstruction. The last charge stems from his alleged post-riot destruction of cellphones belonging to him and Fracker.
During the trial’s closing arguments Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Risa Berkower said Robertson went to Washington and joined a “violent vigilante mob” because he believed the election was stolen from then-President Donald Trump. He used the wooden stick to interfere with outnumbered police before he joined the crowd pouring into the Capitol, she said.
“The defendant did all this because he wanted to overturn the election,” Berkower said.
Rollins conceded that Robertson broke the law when he entered the Capitol during the riot. He encouraged jurors to convict Robertson of misdemeanor offenses but urged them to acquit Robertson of felony charges that he used the stick as a dangerous weapon and that he intended to stop Congress from certifying the Electoral College vote.
“There were no plans to go down there and say, ‘I’m going to stop Congress from doing this vote,’” Rollins said.
Fracker testified that he initially believed that he was merely trespassing when he entered the Capitol building. However, he ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiring with Robertson to obstruct Congress.
Under cross-examination by Rollins, Fracker said he didn’t have a “verbal agreement” with anybody to obstruct the joint session of Congress. Fracker said he believed everybody in the mob “pretty much had the same goal” and didn’t need for it to be “said out loud.”
Robertson and Fracker drove with a neighbor to Washington on the morning of Jan. 6. Robertson brought three gas masks for them to use, according to prosecutors.
After listening to speeches near the Washington Monument, Fracker, Robertson and the neighbor walked toward the Capitol, donned the gas masks and joined the growing mob, prosecutors said. Robertson stopped to help his neighbor, who was having trouble breathing. Fracker broke off and entered the building before Robertson, but they reunited inside the Capitol.
Defense attorney Camille Wagner told jurors that Robertson only went into the Capitol because he wanted to retrieve Fracker, who entered the Capitol a few minutes before Robertson. Wagner said the U.S. Army veteran was using the stick to help him walk because he has a limp from getting shot in the right thigh while working as a private contractor for the U.S. Defense Department in Afghanistan in 2011.
Jurors saw some of Robertson’s vitriolic posts on social media before and after the Capitol riot. In a Facebook post on Nov. 7, 2020, Robertson said “being disenfranchised by fraud is my hard line.”
“I’ve spent most of my adult life fighting a counter insurgency. (I’m) about to become part of one, and a very effective one,” he wrote.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Aloi told jurors that Robertson was charged for his actions, not his political beliefs. Wagner also said Robertson should be judged by his actions, not his words.
The town fired Robertson and Fracker after the riot. Rocky Mount is about 25 miles south of Roanoke and has roughly 5,000 residents.
Robertson has been jailed since Cooper ruled in July that he violated the terms of his pretrial release by possessing firearms.
More than 770 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot. Over 250 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors.
Robertson’s trial is one of four so far for Capitol riot defendants. Two others had their cases decided by bench trials before the same judge.
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden convicted New Mexico elected official Couy Griffin last month of illegally entering restricted Capitol grounds but acquitted him of engaging in disorderly conduct. On Wednesday, McFadden acquitted another New Mexico man, Matthew Martin, of all four charges that he faced. | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/jury-to-keep-deliberating-in-ex-officers-capitol-riot-trial/ | 2022-04-12T11:16:38 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/jury-to-keep-deliberating-in-ex-officers-capitol-riot-trial/ |
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A state court judge has ruled that Democrat Abby Finkenauer cannot appear on the June 7 Iowa primary ballot for U.S. Senate because she didn’t gather enough petition signatures, potentially knocking off the candidate considered by many to be the party’s best chance to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley.
Judge Scott Beattie, a 2018 appointee of Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, filed a ruling late Sunday that overturned a decision by a three-member panel of state elected officials. The panel concluded last week that Finkenauer’s campaign staffers had substantially complied with Iowa law that requires candidates to obtain 3,500 names, including at least 100 signatures from at least 19 counties.
Finkenauer plans to appeal the decision and the Iowa Supreme Court scheduled a hearing Wednesday with a promise to rule on the matter by the end of the week to meet deadlines for sending ballots to overseas voters.
Two Republicans challenged Finkenauer’s petition papers, saying signatures from at least two counties did not have the required date accompanying them.
In the past, the panel, which includes the secretary of state, attorney general and state auditor, has found petitions to be in substantial compliance with the law even though signatures were missing or difficult to interpret. Attorney General Tom Miller and Auditor Rob Sand, both Democrats, voted to allow Finkenauer’s petitions citing past precedent for giving deference to campaigns that used the proper forms and made efforts to comply with the law. Secretary of State Paul Pate, a Republican, voted against Finkenauer’s petition.
Kim Schmett and Leanne Pellett, former Republican county elections officials, challenged the signatures and then filed a court appeal of the Iowa Objection Panel’s decision last week.
Beattie concluded that the panel’s legal interpretation was wrong and that the law clearly says each signature should be accompanied by a date. His decision knocked signatures from Allamakee and Cedar counties off of Finkenauer’s nomination petitions, which meant her campaign failed to submit at least 100 signatures from at least 19 counties as required.
Beattie said he took no joy in the decision.
“This court should not be in the position to make a difference in an election, and Ms. Finkenauer and her supporters should have a chance to advance her candidacy. However, this court’s job is to sit as a referee and apply the law without passion or prejudice. It is required to rule without consideration of the politics of the day. Here the court has attempted to fulfill that role,” he said,
Finkenauer accused Beattie of doing the bidding of Grassley and his allies in Washington.
“This misguided, midnight ruling is an outrageous and partisan gift to the Washington Republicans who orchestrated this meritless legal action,” she said. “We are exploring all of our options to fight back hard against this meritless partisan attack, and to ensure that the voices of Iowans will be heard at the ballot box.”
Finkenauer said her petitions had more than 5,000 signatures and she’s confident she has met the requirements to be on the ballot.
Beattie promised last week he would file a decision by midnight Sunday to give either side time to appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court. He filed the decision at 10:49 p.m. Sunday. Pate has said he must know whether Finkenauer qualifies for the ballot by Friday to give him time to have ballots printed and sent to overseas voters who must get their ballots by April 23 to comply with the law.
Finkenauer, who served one term in the U.S. House from 2019-2021, seeks to be on the ballot with Democrats Mike Franken, a retired Navy admiral, and Glenn Hurst, a doctor and Minden City Council member. The primary winner will face Grassley, who is seeking an eighth term in the Senate.
Federal fundraising data and statewide polling indicate that Grassley, who turns 89 in September, is well positioned to retain the seat he has held since 1981 for another six years.
Grassley has raised more than $4.7 million, Finkenauer about $1.9 million and Franken $1.8 million. Hurst raised just over $66,000. Republican state Sen. Jim Carlin, who will be on the Republican primary ballot opposite Grassley, raised $282,151.
The Des Moines Register/Medicom Poll published in November gave Grassley a lead of 18 percentage points over Finkenauer.
Alan R. Ostergren, the attorney for Schmett and Pellett, said the judge’s decision is a victory for the rule of law.
“Iowans expect candidates to follow state law and to follow the same rules as the hundreds of other candidates who successfully qualified to be on the ballot,” he said in a statement. “Anyone who has ever been involved in a political campaign knows that you can easily avoid problems by turning in more than the bare minimum number of signatures. Abby Finkenauer didn’t do this for some reason and got caught short.” | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/leading-iowa-democrat-knocked-off-us-senate-primary-ballot/ | 2022-04-12T11:16:44 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/leading-iowa-democrat-knocked-off-us-senate-primary-ballot/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — Many New Yorkers just want their city to feel orderly, functional and fun again after two years of plague and social disruption. Their new mayor, Eric Adams, has promised to deliver.
The question is, can the Democrat who pledged to bring back New York’s “swagger” gain momentum in the face of repeated setbacks?
Adams’ optimism remained high even as he marked his 100th day as mayor Sunday by going into quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.
A hands-on politician and nightlife enthusiast, Adams, 61, caught the virus after a whirlwind week typical of his persona and time in office: He had attended the Gridiron dinner in Washington, gone to a New York gala, posed with Robert de Niro at a film festival, attended the Yankees opener and a slew of events in the state Capitol.
“I’m going to continue to try to be as visible as possible as we get through COVID and many of the other crises that we’re facing,” Adams said Monday, promising to resume his busy schedule after recovering from the virus.
In his first 100 days in office, Adams has projected an aggressive confidence as he’s implemented policies aimed at combating an image of New York City as hobbled by the pandemic and beset by rising crime.
He dropped many COVID-19 precautions and is reluctant to bring them back, even as virus cases have steadily risen.
He’s ordered homeless encampments removed from public spaces, despite complaints from activists that the sweeps are inhumane.
Over the objection of progressives, Adams, a former police captain, brought back an NYPD anti-gun unit disbanded by the previous mayor, saying that with better oversight it will shed its past reputation for usingexcessive force.
Critics say Adams is embracing the worst tendencies of previous mayors known for their heavy-handed approaches to policing and social services.
Adams says he doesn’t like chaos, as “Saturday Night Live” noted in his first days in office. Instead, he is seeking to harness the city’s tangly dynamism.
“That is what I think our failure is in our city … We have thrown up our hands and said this city is not manageable. That is just not true,” he said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday, prior to testing positive for COVID-19.
He said he starts every morning poring over a series of spreadsheets filled with data on his key initiatives.
When inspecting his efforts to clear tents and makeshift shelters set up by homeless people, Adams scrolls through hundreds of color-coded rows listing individual encampments reported to the city — some that the mayor has phoned in himself.
He checks to see if the entries are shaded blue by someone in his administration, indicating city workers have posted notices they’re about to clean the area. He checks to see that the blue entries are later turned yellow, coded as a “successful cleanup.” If too many days pass and the colors don’t change, he’ll make a call to find out why.
At a news conference last month, he said the city cleared 239 encampments in its first 12 days. Although the city didn’t offer data about how many people were living at the encampments, only five accepted offers to move to a shelter.
Adams said he thinks the number will grow, as it did with efforts to reach out to homeless people in the subway system.
The mayor also checks daily spreadsheets laying out data on crime, the city’s sprawling transit system, affordable and supportive housing units, and hires and promotions in his government.
He likened himself to an airline pilot who sits down and checks his instruments before taking off, calling the city a “complex piece of machinery.”
“You have to constantly inspect what you expect, or it’s suspect,” Adams said, using one of his favored catchphrases.
Adams, a former New York City police captain, state lawmaker and elected borough president of Brooklyn, had to deal with unrelenting crisesin his first month in office.
A fire ripped through a high-rise apartment building, killing 17 people; a baby was wounded by gunfire; two police officers were fatally shot while responding to a call; a woman was pushed to her death in front of a subway train by a stranger.
“Outside of 9/11, I don’t know if another mayor was just inundated with so much at one time,” Adams remarked.
Crime, which has risen in cities across the U.S., has become one of his chief concerns.
It’s by far the thorniest issue Adams took on, said Jon Reinish, a Democratic political strategist in New York City. But 100 days is still early, Reinish said, and a better barometer of progress would be a year into the administration.
“I think that he has navigated that well so far, but Rome wasn’t built in a day,” he said.
New York City’s elected public advocate Jumaane Williams, a progressive Democrat who serves as a city ombudsman, praised Adams for partnering with him on issues like food insecurity, Black maternal health and summer jobs for young people. But he said he’s concerned about too much emphasis on policing and not enough focus on mental health.
Adams, who is Black, points out that he spoke out about racist and unjust practices in the department while he was an officer. He says police can learn from the mistakes of the past while using new tools like body cameras to stay accountable — but the city also can’t go back to the days of high rates of violent crime.
“I know I don’t want to go back to the violence or the abuse. Some people only talk about not going back to the abuse,” he said.
Critics have also called Adams’ actions to clear homeless encampments short-sighted, especially when some people living on the street say they don’t feel safe in the city’s shelters and there’s not enough affordable housing to provide a long-term solution.
“It sounds to me like we’re doing the last thing first,” Williams said.
Adams contends it’s inhumane to accept that people sleep on the street, and defends his plan by pointing to to a city law guaranteeing a right to space in a shelter for any homeless person who needs it.
But he also notes that when an encampment is cleared, “It is just unbelievable how visually, it just changes your mindset of your neighborhood. And that is part of the goal. Because we’re dealing with an actual problem and the perception of a problem.”
Perception, he said is also why he’s posting photos and videos on social media of himself shoveling snow during snowstorms or is seen meeting people all over the city and hitting up restaurants, night clubs and glitzy events.
“We have to get the city back up and operating and many New Yorkers are starting to do so. And they need to see me in the process,” he said. “As I deal with the crises, I also have to be on that red carpet. Because Broadway is a major economic driver for our city.” | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/new-nyc-mayor-adams-strives-for-order-post-covid-comeback/ | 2022-04-12T11:16:51 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/new-nyc-mayor-adams-strives-for-order-post-covid-comeback/ |
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Kelly Tshibaka, who has received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, on Monday officially filed to run as a candidate for U.S. Senate in the race against the incumbent Republican.
Tshibaka will face off against U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who drew Tshibaka’s aim during a news conference after Tshibaka filed with the state Division of Elections in Anchorage.
“Lisa Murkowski has forgotten us because she cares more about being popular with her friends in Washington, D.C.,” said Tshibaka, also a Republican.
Tshibaka claimed Murkowski was helping the agenda of President Joe Biden, a Democrat, with her vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson — whom Tshibaka described as a “leftist judge” — to the U.S. Supreme Court. At the same time, she criticized Murkowski for not backing two Trump nominees to the court, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
Murkowski opposed and later voted “present” on Kavanaugh’s nomination. She voted to confirm Barrett in 2020, after earlier saying she did not support taking up a nominee for a Supreme Court vacancy so close to a presidential election.
Tshibaka chastised Murkowski for supporting other Biden nominees, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
“These are not the votes that a senator from Alaska should be casting,” Tshibaka said. “Murkowski has made poor decisions like this over and over, and we, the people of Alaska, continue to pay the price for her popularity in Washington, D.C.”
Tshibaka is a former commissioner in the Alaska Department of Administration. She formerly worked in the offices of inspector general for the U.S. Postal Service, Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice before joining the administration of Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, according to her resume.
A message sent to Murkowski’s campaign seeking comment was not immediately returned Monday. Her campaign did send a news release showing the support of more than a dozen Alaska mayors and other officials who are endorsing Murkowski.
When Murkowski filed for office in November, she was asked about running against a Trump-backed opponent.
Murkowski told reporters at the time there will be “plenty of people on the outside who will be gunning for me, who will suggest that I am not right for Alaskans. I would put that directly to the people of this state.”
Murkowski, who has held the Senate seat since late 2002, had about six times the cash on hand over Tshibaka at the end of 2021. The latest quarterly fundraising reports — reflecting the first three months of this year — are due around mid-month. Tshibaka’s totals will include money collected from a fundraiser at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.
Trump has said he would campaign for Tshibaka after vowing revenge against Murkowski, who voted to convict him in his second impeachment trial and called on Trump to resign after the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
“He said that he’ll come up into a rally for us, and I think that’ll be great for voter turnout,” Tshibaka said.
Trump also has endorsed former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who is one of 48 candidates running to fill the remainder of U.S. Rep. Don Young’s term after he died last month. Palin was the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee.
When asked if the two big personalities of Trump and Palin could overshadow her campaign, Tshibaka said that is separate from the Senate campaign.
“I’m completely focused on Lisa Murkowski and the damage that she’s done and the fact that she serves as Biden’s chief enabling officer, helping him every step of the way,” she said.
In addition to Murkowski and Tshibaka, 10 other candidates so far have filed to run in the Senate race. Under a new election system approved by Alaska voters in 2020, the top four vote-getters in the August primary, regardless of party, will advance to the November general election, where ranked choice voting will be used. | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/trump-backed-alaska-hopeful-officially-files-for-senate-run/ | 2022-04-12T11:16:58 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/trump-backed-alaska-hopeful-officially-files-for-senate-run/ |
The best Origins skin care products on Sephora
Since the 1990s, Origins has relied on plant-based science to create innovative products that help transform the skin without irritation. The brand has focused on a holistic approach that gives back to the environment to truly celebrate the nature that inspires its skin care.
From gentle cleansers and intensive serums to soothing treatment masks, Origins offers skin care products for every step of your routine. The range includes formulas for all skin types, so you can find products that target your specific skin issues.
To introduce some natural but effective products into your skin care routine, here are the most popular Origins skin care products at Sephora to help give you clear, fresh, healthy skin.
Most popular cleansers
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
This oil-free facial cleanser easily removes dirt, oil, makeup and other impurities from the skin. It has a gel formula that foams up for effective cleaning but never leaves the skin feeling stripped. It’s an excellent option for oily, combination and acne-prone skin.
Sold by Sephora
Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser
Save some time in your skin care routine with this two-in-one cleanser. Not only does it remove dirt and oil, it also helps exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. It has an invigorating citrus and mint scent to help wake you up for the day.
Sold by Sephora
Origins Checks and Balances Polishing Exfoliator
This gentle scrub effectively buffs away dull, dead skin to reveal a soft, smooth complexion. It can also help unclog and soften the look of pores in as little as a week. Best of all, the formula is vegan and cruelty-free.
Sold by Sephora
Most popular serums
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Advanced Face Serum
Featuring a fermented chaga mushroom and reishi mushroom blend, this serum helps strengthen and nourish the skin. It reduces visible redness and calms irritation for healthier skin. Because the formula is gentle, it can work well for sensitive skin.
Sold by Sephora
Origins Plantscription Multi-Powered Anti-Aging Peptide Serum
Minimize the visible signs of aging with this peptide-rich serum. It softens the look of fine lines and helps encourage collagen and elastin production for plumper skin. It also features niacinamide to reduce the appearance of your pores.
Sold by Sephora
Origins GinZing into the Glow Brightening Serum
This lightweight serum features a potent blend of vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs and green coffee extract to give you healthy, glowing skin. It encourages cell turnover, so your skin looks brighter and smoother. It also helps moisturize and plump the skin with hyaluronic acid.
Sold by Sephora
Most popular moisturizers
Origins Plantscription Retinol Night Moisturizer
This nighttime moisturizer helps increase the skin’s hydration while boosting its glow. The included retinol promotes cell turnover to improve your skin’s tone, texture and elasticity. It works especially well for fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and uneven texture. All skin types can use it.
Sold by Sephora
Origins Original Skin Matte Moisturizer with Willowherb
If you want to reduce shine, this water cream moisturizer is an excellent option. It has a natural matte finish, so your skin never looks greasy or oily. The included willow herb helps even out your skin tone and minimizes the appearance of your pores. It also absorbs quickly, so it works well under makeup.
Sold by Sephora
Origins GinZing Ultra-Hydrating Energy-Boosting Cream
This thick, rich moisturizer is like a drink of water for dry skin. It helps prevent moisture loss, so your skin stays hydrated for up to 72 hours. It contains caffeine and ginseng to help energize the skin, leaving it looking fresh and well-rested. The formula is free of parabens and phthalates.
Sold by Sephora
Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff
This lightweight eye cream hydrates the delicate under-eye area and creates the perfect canvas for concealer. The formula features vitamin C to brighten dark circles and ginseng and caffeine to reduce puffiness. The cream is available in two different brightening tones to match most skin tones.
Sold by Sephora
Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream
This creamy body moisturizer leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth after just one application. It features olive, grapeseed, rice bran and apricot kernel oils to nourish and hydrate the skin. It also contains natural lemon, lime and bergamot to give it a bright, refreshing scent.
Sold by Sephora
Most popular face masks
Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask to Purify and Nourish
This bamboo charcoal-fortified mask gently purifies the skin, leaving you with a clean, clear complexion. It’s formulated to draw dirt and impurities from your pores, so it’s effective for treating blemishes and blackheads. It also contains golden wildflower and fermented honey to nourish the skin, so it never feels dry or tight.
Sold by Sephora
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
This face mask not only draws impurities out of the skin but also exfoliates. It features rose clay, willow herb and jojoba beads to gently cleanse the skin and buff away dead skin cells. It’s ideal for normal, oily and combination skin, leaving you with a clear, smooth complexion.
Sold by Sephora
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Glacier Water
This sleeping mask provides intense moisture for normal and dry skin while you sleep. With Swiss glacier water, hyaluronic acid and avocado butter, it provides up to 72 hours of hydration and nourishment. It can be used twice a week, or more if your skin is particularly dry.
Sold by Sephora
Origins Out of Trouble 10-Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin
This multi-action mask helps prevent breakouts and clogged pores for oily and acne-prone skin. It has zinc oxide and sulfur to absorb excess oil that can lead to acne. The formula also helps remove dead skin cells and pulls impurities out of the skin.
Sold by Sephora
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/15-most-popular-origins-skin-care-products-on-sephora/ | 2022-04-12T11:17:04 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/15-most-popular-origins-skin-care-products-on-sephora/ |
What are the best sheet masks at Sephora?
Just about every self-care checklist will suggest treating yourself to a sheet mask — and with good reason. Not only are sheet masks great at delivering nourishing skin care ingredients, but they also give you an excuse to relax.
Whether you struggle with acne, redness or dry skin, there’s a sheet mask for you. If you’re looking to find a popular option, cosmetics retailer Sephora carries a range of sheet masks beloved by customers and beauty experts alike for their nourishing ingredients and excellent results.
Sheet masks vs. clay masks
Sheet masks have been gaining in popularity in Western markets for a few years now, but they’ve been a staple in Korean beauty regimens for much longer. Unlike wash-off facial masks, which usually consist of a clay base, sheet masks are made from fabric, paper or gel that’s been saturated with skin care ingredients. The sheet fibers give your skin a chance to absorb the essence’s beneficial ingredients without the dried-out feeling that can come from clay masks, and there’s no rinsing necessary. While both kinds of masks offer several benefits, sheet masks tend to focus on hydration while clay masks are better for decongesting skin.
How to use sheet masks
To use a sheet mask effectively, start by cleansing your face. You may wish to steam your face with a hot washcloth or facial steamer to open up your pores. This helps your skin absorb the mask’s essence. Wear the mask for the recommended amount of time, then gently massage the leftover essence into your skin. Treat your neck and décolleté as well: if there’s any essence left in the mask’s packaging, massage that in, too. Sheet masks with acne-fighting or exfoliating ingredients are recommended for use once a week, while gentler, hydrating masks can be used more often.
Sheet mask benefits
Almost any skin care concern can be addressed with a sheet mask. Here are some of the key ingredients to look for if you’re shopping for a specific type of sheet mask:
- Exfoliating sheet masks may contain fruit enzymes (like pineapple or papaya) or retinol.
- Hydrating sheet masks may contain hyaluronic acid, snail jelly, honey or coconut water.
- Brightening sheet masks may contain licorice root extract, pearl extract or vitamin C.
- Soothing sheet masks may contain green tea extract, aloe vera or chamomile.
- Acne and blemish-clearing masks may contain salicylic acid, tea tree oil or charcoal.
- Redness-reducing masks may contain niacinamide or tiger grass.
The most popular sheet masks from Sephora
Sephora Collection Clean Face Mask
These affordable masks make great spa-night treats or gifts, and they cover a variety of skin concerns like soothing, exfoliating, mattifying and toning. Biodegradable eucalyptus fibers carry essences formulated with plant extracts like matcha, grapefruit and coconut. The masks are cruelty-free, but not everyone is a fan of the added fragrance.
Sold by Sephora
Glamglow Bubblesheet Oxygenating Deep-Cleanse Mask
Formulated with bamboo charcoal and green tea, this foaming mask bubbles up to help clear out pores and clean away dirt and buildup. It can be drying, so it’s recommended for those with oily skin. Use it as a weekly detox by wearing the mask for just three minutes, then using the charcoal sheet as an exfoliating washcloth while you rinse off.
Sold by Sephora
This two-step mask comes with an ampoule of gel-like serum, which is applied to the two-part rubber sheet mask that’s made from natural clay and algae. Leave the mask on for 30-40 minutes while the rubber prevents ingredients from evaporating, leaving skin soothed, brightened and moisturized. The masks are available for four different skin concerns.
Sold by Sephora
Sephora Collection Clean Foot Mask
Sheet masks aren’t just for your face! Treat your feet with this foot mask. It’s cruelty-free and available in two formulas, one for refreshing feet and one for nourishing dry skin. Just wrap up your clean feet in the masks and leave on for 20 minutes, then massage in the essence.
Sold by Sephora
JLo Beauty That Limitless Glow Sheet Mask
Sold individually or in a set of three, this two-piece mask is engineered to wrap around your ears, gripping your face for targeted treatment. It’s saturated with one ounce of the brand’s Glow serum, which can help minimize the look of pores and fine lines, brighten your complexion and boost radiance. Wear this cruelty-free mask for 10 minutes up to twice a week.
Sold by Sephora
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask
This mask is formulated to combat dryness and support the skin barrier. Whether you have dry, oily, combination or sensitive skin, this mask can hydrate without increasing oil production or irritating your skin. It’s made from biodegradable bamboo cellulose. Users recommend treating the creamy essence like a sleep mask so you can wake up to smoother, hydrated skin.
Sold by Sephora
Peter Thomas Roth 24-Karat Gold Pure Luxury Lift and Firm
Give your under-eye area special attention with these luxurious under-eye masks. They’re formulated with hydrolyzed collagen, caffeine and 24K and colloidal gold to firm, brighten, depuff and smooth the skin under your eyes. The jar contains 30 pairs of eye gels, which are worn for 10-15 minutes at a time.
Sold by Sephora
Sephora Collection After-Sun Mask
This two-piece mask can help both your face and chest recover from a day at the beach with its cooling, hydrating formula. It’s great for mitigating sunburn thanks to watermelon extract, and it can even extend the look of a suntan. Apply both pieces to your face and décolleté and leave on for 15 minutes.
Sold by Sephora
SK-II Pitera Facial Treatment Mask
For a spa-quality treatment, these masks are a luxurious way to improve skin’s elasticity and texture. The fragrance-free formula contains a powerful dose of Pitera, the brand’s exclusive essence, which is packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids to encourage cell renewal. The masks come in a set of six or 10 and can be used once or twice a week for 10-15 minutes.
Sold by Sephora
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Laura Duerr writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/9-most-popular-sheet-masks-at-sephora/ | 2022-04-12T11:17:11 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/9-most-popular-sheet-masks-at-sephora/ |
Which bodyboard is best?
Bodyboarding is used as a stepping stone to surfing; in fact, many people find it more enjoyable. Bodyboards are also just as complex in construction as surfboards, with multiple material and design choices to make.
The best bodyboard is Own The Wave Wave Weapon Bodyboard. It’s light, includes a variety of tethers and comes in several sizes and colors. It’s perfect for beginners to learn and intermediates to improve.
What to know before you buy a bodyboard
Core material
Bodyboards are usually made of one or a mixture of polypropylene, polyethylene or expanded polystyrene. Each interacts differently with various aspects of water.
- PP cores are among the more commonly made. They’re light, which lets them move through the water fastest. They have little flex in return, making them difficult to control. They’re also the most durable.
- Low-density PP sacrifices a little durability for a little more flex, leading to easier control, especially in cold water. It goes by a few other acronyms, such as PX.
- PE cores are the most common. They’re a little heavier with a little more flex than PP cores, making them move slower but granting a greater degree of control. They’re best used in cool water.
- Dual-core, also called 3D core, is a mixture of PP for durability and PE for flex and control.
- EPS cores are the best for beginners. They’re ultra-light, granting maximum buoyancy. As most beginners simply move straight, the lack of flex isn’t a problem.
Tail
The tail (or backend) of the bodyboard comes in two shapes: crescent and bat.
- Crescent tails look like a “C.” They’re easier to control and ride, making them best for beginners or for use on large waves.
- Bat tails resemble a bat. They allow for more precise control, in particular on small waves, but can create drag through large waves.
What to look for in a quality bodyboard
Deck material
The deck, or top, of the bodyboard is usually made of crosslink or polyethylene.
- Crosslink decks are durable but inflexible. They’re also inexpensive, meaning the majority of low-cost and beginner boards are crosslink.
- PE decks are softer and more flexible. They’re more comfortable but will develop divots from your body weight over time, particularly when used regularly.
Slick material
The slick (or bottom) of the bodyboard is arguably the most important section, since it’s what’s in contact with the water. They’re usually made of high-density polyethylene or Surlyn.
- HDPE slicks are inexpensive and equally low-quality. However, they’re more than enough for beginners and casual bodyboarders.
- Surlyn is a soft, translucent polymer. It’s flexible but rapidly returns to its original shape. You’ll have to shell out for a board with a Surlyn slick.
Channels
Most bodyboards have channels like little grooves in the back half of the slick. They usually provide more control or increased speed. For example, some professional boards use a large concave scoop in the back half of the slick for maximum speed with increased control.
How much you can expect to spend on a bodyboard
The low-cost bodyboards you may rent from a beachside shack rarely cost more than $40, while high-end pro-level boards cost $200-$300. A board worth buying to learn and improve on typically costs $50-$100.
Bodyboard FAQ
Do the dimensions of a bodyboard matter?
A. Yes, bodyboard buyers should consider the length and width of their prospective purchase. The length affects comfort. It should be roughly the same as the distance between your chin and knees. You won’t be able to paddle and won’t be kept afloat properly if it’s too long or short, respectively. The width as measured at the widest point of the board affects performance. Wider boards favor stability over control; narrow boards are the inverse. You won’t find narrower boards until you get close to or exceed $100.
Why do bodyboards have indentations at the front?
A. Most have little indentations, sometimes called nose bulbs, to provide extra grip for your fingers. Gripless boards can be difficult to hold onto once you start attempting any non-beginner moves. They’re especially helpful for making sudden, sharp moves and keeping precise control over your direction.
What’s the best bodyboard to buy?
Top bodyboard
Own The Wave Wave Weapon Bodyboard
What you need to know: This is an effective and stylish bodyboard with decent buoyancy and a high-speed surface.
What you’ll love: It has an EPS core with an HDPE slick, a crescent tail and rear-end channels. It comes with a coiled leash and two fin tethers. An e-guide is emailed to you with how-tos and tips. It’s available in three sizes and nearly 10 color combinations.
What you should consider: The skin begins to peel away faster than some consumers appreciate. Some arrived damaged and a few became damaged quickly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top bodyboard for the money
What you need to know: This board costs a little less than usual without much sacrifice in quality.
What you’ll love: It has an EPS core with an HDPE slick, a crescent tail and rear-end channels. It includes a leash. It’s available in two lengths, each with two color options. It weighs only 1.2 or 1.5 pounds, depending on size.
What you should consider: The slick separated quickly for some consumers. Some packages didn’t contain the leash. Some consumers had issues with the paint staining clothes and hair.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Thurso Surf Quill 42-Inch Bodyboard
What you need to know: This board breaks the design mold with a gorgeous faux-wood look.
What you’ll love: It has an EPS core with an HDPE slick, a crescent tail and rear-end channels. The slick is heat-laminated for extra durability. It’s designed for stability and smooth gliding — perfect for recreation of any skill level. It includes a stainless steel double-swivel coiled wrist leash.
What you should consider: It’s a little pricey. Its weight limit is only 210 pounds. There are rare reports of the board breaking down on initial use.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-bodyboard/ | 2022-04-12T11:17:18 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-bodyboard/ |
Which electric knife is best?
For many, the scene is familiar: You’re standing around a magnificent turkey on Thanksgiving or presenting an elaborate roast to a dinner party of friends and family, and the carving pressure is on. If you’re comfortable handling a razor-sharp knife, this might not be a big deal. However, if you’re looking for an easier tool that produces perfect slices with minimal effort or skill, an electric knife is the way to go.
The Cuisinart AC Electric Knife is easy to handle and works well on turkey and ham. It’s also comfortable enough for people with hand pain to use.
What to know before you buy an electric knife
Corded vs. cordless
Electric knives can be either corded or cordless. Corded knives offer more power and can be used for as long as they’re plugged in an outlet. The downside is that you always need an outlet in order to operate them.
On the other hand, cordless electric knives run on batteries and can be used anywhere. You’ll need to keep extra batteries on hand or have a charger to make sure you have enough power when you need it.
Blade length
Blade length matters, especially if you’re cutting into a large fish or piece of meat. Look for blades with a length of 7 to 9 inches. This length allows for the most flexibility and versatility.
Intended use
Another consideration is your intended use of the electric knife. Different blades are used to cut different proteins. The blade to cut a roast is sturdier than the one for filleting a fish.
What to look for in a quality electric knife
Additional blades
If you don’t want to choose your knife based on one type of protein or cutting task, look for one that comes with additional blades. These might vary in both length and cutting edge to provide more uses.
Rechargeable battery
Depending on your use, electric knives can go through a lot of batteries. The best come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that offer anywhere from one to three hours of use per battery.
Variable speed
Variable speeds come in handy. These allow you to slow down when carving around bone and speed up when working your way through a large piece of meat.
Accessories
Accessories make it easier to use your knife. These might include:
- Carrying or storage case
- Cutting board
- Carving fork
- Instructional charts
At a minimum, your electric knife should include a storage case to protect the blade.
Safety features
Electric knives are sharp and dangerous. Children should never operate them, but in the event you’re using them around younger family members, safety features can protect them from harm. Blade locks and a quick shut-off button can prevent accidents and injuries.
How much you can expect to spend on an electric knife
Electric knives are an affordable kitchen tool. Expect to spend $15- $175, depending on functionality and accessories.
Electric knife FAQ
Is there a recommended technique for using an electric knife?
A. As with any new kitchen tool, there’s a bit of a learning curve. To get the best results, do the following:
- Stabilize whatever you’re cutting with a carving fork or other utensil. You can also carve the meat or slice the bread on a kitchen towel to keep it from shifting as you cut.
- Let gravity and the knife itself do the cutting work. There’s no need to saw or press down as you cut.
- To cut around bones or joints, use a slower speed and make shallow cuts. This allows you to see exactly what you’re carving around.
- When you’re finished with your cut, release the power button and gently slide the knife out of whatever you’re cutting.
How do you care for an electric knife?
A. Electric knives should never go into the dishwasher, but the blade is removable. Take care as you remove it and wash with hot, soapy water. Dry completely, then set it aside as you wipe down the body of the electric knife (including the cord).
If the edge of your electric knife dulls, you can either sharpen it yourself following the manufacturer’s instructions, or you can take it to be professionally sharpened at your local grocery or hardware store.
If one is included, always store your electric knife in a carrying or storage case.
What’s the best electric knife to buy?
Top electric knife
What you need to know: This electric knife comes with features and accessories that make it easy to use and store.
What you’ll love: It has a wide stainless steel blade that starts up with light pressure on the switch. The results are consistent, and it’s versatile across a wide variety of cutting tasks. This set includes a cutting board, the knife itself, a form and a storage tray.
What you should consider: This knife is loud when in use, and some of the plastic parts can break.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Top electric knife for the money
Hamilton Beach Electric Carving Knife Set
What you need to know: Hamilton Beach offers this economical choice for those on a budget or who only use an electric knife occasionally.
What you’ll love: It’s easy to use and clean. The handle is comfortable and well-designed, and the knife comes with a carving fork and storage case. One of the best uses is on thick, crusty bread.
What you should consider: The power button is in an awkward position, and users with smaller hands felt the handle was too large.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Bubba Li-Ion Cordless Electric Fillet Knife
What you need to know: Take your carving on the go with this battery-powered knife.
What you’ll love: The included two lithium-ion batteries power this knife for three to five hours total. The kit includes four different blades and a carrying case. It’s great for carving on site when fishing and hunting.
What you should consider: Users note that the blades don’t hold their edge well.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-electric-knife-2/ | 2022-04-12T11:17:25 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-electric-knife-2/ |
Which Ninja blender is best?
Lumpy sauces and smoothies full of chunks are the last things you want from your blender. Ninja blenders are powerful and give excellent results without being as pricey as top-of-the-line blenders.
You’ll still need to think about what type of blender you want and what you need from it. Will it be for nothing but smoothies, or do you need something more versatile? The Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender is the ideal choice for most buyers.
What to know before you buy a Ninja blender
Blender types
You can buy a few types of Ninja blender: countertop blenders, personal blenders and blender systems.
- Countertop blenders have large pitchers and are designed for a wide range of blending tasks, including soups, smoothies, sauces and nut butters. They have powerful motors and can easily crush ice and puree the toughest of ingredients.
- Personal blenders have individually sized blending cups. They’re primarily designed to make single servings of smoothies and shakes, though they’re also great for small batches of cold sauces such as pesto and cashew cream. The cups come with to-go lids so you can drink shakes and smoothies directly from them, at home or out and about. They’re usually less powerful than countertop models.
- Blender systems are similar to countertop blenders but the large pitcher can be swapped out for personal blender cups, a food processor bowl or both. This gives you a versatile appliance with the power of a countertop blender, the convenience of a personal blender and the option to chop, slice, shred, knead and more.
Wattage
A blender’s wattage tells you how powerful its motor is. Ninja blenders are relatively powerful, with even the most basic models sporting 1,000-watt motors and the most powerful with motors of 1,500 watts. By comparison, cheap personal blenders can have motors with as few as 200-300 watts and cheap countertop blenders often have 600-700-watt motors.
Controls
All Ninja countertop blenders and blender systems have at least three speeds and a pulse setting. Some also have preset programs for tasks such as making smoothies or crushing ice. Personal versions don’t always have speed settings but have at least a pulse setting and occasionally a couple of presets. Most Ninja blenders have flat touchpad controls, which are easy to wipe clean.
What to look for in a quality Ninja blender
Dishwasher-safe
With most Ninja blenders, the pitcher, lid and other attachments are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, but check before you clean them in this way. It’s generally best to wash the blades by hand to prevent dulling, even if they’re technically dishwasher-safe.
Stacked blades
Most countertop versions have stacked blades, with three sets of blades stacked vertically, rather than just a single set at the bottom of the pitcher. This helps give more even results.
Ice crush
Look for a model with an ice-crush setting if you like frozen drinks or want to be able to crush batches of ice to put in non-blended beverages.
How much you can expect to spend on a Ninja blender
Ninja blenders cost roughly $60-$200, with personal blenders and basic countertop models on the lower end of the spectrum and high-powered blending systems on the upper end.
Ninja blender FAQ
Can a Ninja blender be used as a food processor?
A. Blenders and food processors aren’t interchangeable. Food processors are great for dry mixtures and ingredients, such as kneading doughs or chopping and slicing vegetables. Blenders, in contrast, need some liquid in the mix, so they’re ideal for pureeing soups and making smoothies. So Ninja blenders can’t be used as food processors with their standard blending pitchers. However, you can buy models with separate food-processing bowls and blades.
Can you put hot food into a Ninja blender?
A. This depends on the type of blender. Countertop versions are fine for blending hot food, as long as you intermittently stop and vent the lid so that steam doesn’t build up and blow it off. Personal blenders, on the other hand, can’t handle hot food, so if you want to puree a hot sauce or soup, you’ll need to let the cooked ingredients cool before blending.
What’s the best Ninja blender to buy?
Top Ninja blender
Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender
What you need to know: This powerful blender packs a 1,400-watt punch, making light work of practically any blending task.
What you’ll love: Thanks to its Auto-IQ function, it takes the guesswork out of crushing ice and making smoothies and ice cream. The 72-ounce blending pitcher is big enough to make food or drinks for the entire household.
What you should consider: It doesn’t come with personal blending cups or any attachments.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Ninja blender for the money
Ninja BL660 Professional Countertop Blender
What you need to know: With a full-sized pitcher and personal blending cups, it’s a great choice for tasks big and small.
What you’ll love: It’s easy to use, with three speed settings, a pulse function and a single-serve function. The personal cups come with to-go lids. The full-sized pitcher has a large 72-ounce capacity.
What you should consider: The 1,100-watt motor is less powerful than that of some Ninja blenders, but it’s still capable of blending most ingredients.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Ninja BL770 Mega Kitchen System
What you need to know: This blender can do it all, with a full-sized pitcher, personal cups and a food-processor attachment with blades and a dough hook.
What you’ll love: It’s extremely powerful, with a 1,500-watt motor. The 16-ounce blending cups have to-go lids to take smoothies or shakes on the go. Suction cups on the base keep it from moving around the counter while it’s running.
What you should consider: It isn’t the best choice if you already have a food processor or don’t want one.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-ninja-blender/ | 2022-04-12T11:17:32 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-ninja-blender/ |
Which pirate model ship is best?
Jack Sparrow’s Black Pearl. Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge. Charles Vane’s Ranger. Seeing any of these ships coming over the horizon during the golden age of piracy was enough to make any sensible captain to turn tail.
But while those days are long gone, you can still get a glimpse of their majestic presence on the high seas. Through highly detailed models such as CubicFun Queen Anne’s Revenge Pirate Ship, you can build them piece by piece to restore them to scaled-down former glory.
What to know before you buy a pirate model ship
Model ships can be complex
Unlike model airplane kits or submarines, sailing ships have a lot of intricate parts. The masts, ropes and rigging can consist of more than a few pieces and will need some steady hands to put together. Patience will be needed, but the included instructions will make it a bit easier to assemble.
Dedicated workspace
When assembling your ship, ensure that you have a dedicated workspace to lay out all the pieces correctly. This is especially important if you build the kit over several days. To save yourself some frustration, also have the necessary tools handy, and cover your day’s work when you finish so it’s not disturbed.
The scale is an indication of the complete size
All model kits are assembled according to the scale of the real object. That’s because the scale references the size of the ship. A model 1/36th the size of a conventional airplane will be smaller than a model 1/48th the size of a full-scale ship, as the real ship is larger than the real airplane.
What to look for in a quality pirate model ship
Attention to detail
Putting a model ship together takes some time, but the reward is a highly detailed ship with correct parts and trimmings. Although pirate ships come in different styles, a good-quality model is packed with small details to be a realistic replica of its real-life counterpart. This includes the correct number of cannons, accurate size and shape of the ship, and flying the pirate flag.
Robust construction materials
Airplane model kits are usually put together from balsa wood pieces, but most pirate model ships are made of robust plastic, metal, or expanded polystyrene foam. This makes assembly more manageable and ensures the model doesn’t degrade over time or get damaged. As with other models, instructions are included, but pirate model ships are different in that the pieces snap or click together. But, again, being made from plastic prevents damage.
How it is displayed
Completing a model ship is exciting, but that’s only half the job. It needs to be displayed in an action-packed, intriguing manner to make the most of your time and effort. A good-quality pirate ship can be staged in scenes where additional components can fill out details such as water, someone walking the plank, or a nearby island with buried treasure.
Keep in mind, though, that not all pirate ship model kits can be staged. If that’s your goal, look for a model that can.
How much you can expect to spend on a pirate model ship
The average price of a model pirate ship depends on its intricacy, manufacturer and construction parts. An entry-level kit retails for $15-$20, while a complex ship sells for $30-$40.
Pirate model ship FAQ
Do you need glue to put a pirate model ship together?
A. While some kits require glue, a shift in model-building techniques has reduced the need for adhesives. Most pirate-ship kits have interlocking parts, so no glue or soldering is needed.
How long does it take to assemble a pirate model ship?
A. That depends on the model’s complexity. In general, when you follow the instructions for a ship that clicks together, it should take around 6 or 7 hours to complete.
What’s the best pirate model ship to buy?
Top pirate model ship
CubicFun Queen Anne’s Revenge Pirate Ship
What you need to know: This model 1/95the the size of Blackbeard’s infamous ship comprises 340 pieces and will take around four hours to complete.
What you’ll love: To make building easier, each part is numbered, and detailed instructions show you exactly where it goes. The hull and trimmings are made of EPS foam, and the sails are made of fabric. But what makes this highly detailed and accurate kit exciting is that it comes with 15 warm LED lights to resemble the ship at night.
What you should consider: It is unclear from the instructions how you change or recharge the battery for the LED lights.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top pirate model ship for the money
Fascinations Metal Black Pearl Ship Model Kit
What you need to know: This model consists of plastic pieces for the hull and metal parts for the sails, giving you a different kind of pirate ship. It’s best suited for builders 14 years and older and doesn’t require glue or soldering.
What you’ll love: Taking on the form of the Black Pearl from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, the all-black parts are easily popped out of two metal sheets. It’s highly detailed and comes with a stand with the ship’s name on it.
What you should consider: This kit is rated as having moderate difficulty for assembly, as you’ll need tweezers to bend and twist the connection tabs.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Revell “Pirates of The Caribbean” The Black Pearl
What you need to know: This 112-part replica of the Black Pearl uses Revell’s Easy-Click interlocking part system, making it easy to assemble. In addition, there is no need for glue or soldering, as the kit includes self-adhesive stickers.
What you’ll love: Standing 8.9 inches high and 10.3 inches long, the model features highly-detailed plastic parts that easily snap out of the frames. It’s 1/150th the size of the real ship and includes accents such as rigging, an accurate figurehead and several cannons.
What you should consider: It model can float on water, but you’ll need to seal the hull and put a weight inside it.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-pirate-model-ship/ | 2022-04-12T11:17:39 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-pirate-model-ship/ |
Which space heater is best?
Even the dead of summer can be too cold if your office blasts the air conditioner. That’s where a space heater can come in handy. Some space heaters can also double as fans if you get too hot.
The best space heater is the Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater with Humidifier. It gets decently hot and the humidifier prevents health issues caused by dry heat.
What to know before you buy a space heater
Outdoor vs. indoor space heaters
Space heaters are usually designed with a location in mind, be it outdoors or indoors, though some can be used in either situation.
- Outdoor heaters tend to be on the smaller side, contrary to what you would expect. They are usually designed to be as portable as possible and focus on heating the area directly in front of them or the air in the immediate vicinity.
- Indoor heaters are more varied. They can be ultra-portable, big enough to require installation or somewhere in between. Most heat the air in front of or around them like outdoor heaters, but a few are able to heat nearby objects directly instead.
Power source
Both indoor and outdoor heaters can be powered by electricity or fossil fuels.
- Electric heaters require a nearby outlet, making the majority of them designed for use indoors. Some are still designed for outdoor use, including those meant for use on your patio. They are safer thanks to their lack of emissions.
- Fossil-fueled heaters typically run on propane, kerosene or natural gas. They are typically used outdoors as using them indoors can be dangerous without access to proper ventilation since their burning fuel emits dangerous vapors. Some are still designed for use indoors, again with proper ventilation, in case of emergency power loss.
What to look for in a quality space heater
Heat output
Space heaters denote their heating ability using either wattage or British thermal units. Bigger equals hotter, but also requires more energy. Fuel type also affects heat output. Electric heaters tend to heat quickly but won’t last if switched off. Fossil-fueled heaters are the opposite, heating up slowly but providing lasting heat once switched off.
Energy efficiency
Space heaters of any kind are one of the most energy-efficient heat sources you can use. They heat up rapidly and maintain heat well. Any heaters with some kind of help moving air, such as those with built-in fans, are even more efficient. However, this efficiency drops off the longer you use them as their fuel consumption rates eventually outpace their heat generation.
How much you can expect to spend on a space heater
Space heaters usually cost roughly $30-$150. The $30-$50 budget models still output plenty of heat for one person while the $75-$150 models can heat up small- to medium-sized rooms.
Space heater FAQ
What are the benefits of using a space heater?
A. Their biggest benefit is the ability to quickly heat a room to your preferred temperature with less energy consumption than your central heating would require. This then allows you to switch to your central heating with a minimal increase in your energy bill while continuing to use the space heater on lower settings to maintain your comfort. Space heaters are also quieter than most central heating units, and they can be moved from room to room as needed.
What are the downsides of using a space heater?
A. The biggest downside is their maximum efficacy is typically limited to small-to-medium homes. Larger spaces simply can’t be comfortably heated as most space heaters only effectively heat the areas in their immediate vicinity. Trying to use one in a large space, or using one as your central source of heating rather than a heating supplement, is energy inefficient and can noticeably raise your energy bill. Their exteriors can also become dangerously hot, even if used for a short amount of time. This makes them difficult to safely use in homes with pets and young children.
What’s the best space heater to buy?
Top space heater
Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater With Humidifier
What you need to know: This humidifier is large and in charge, and it has some great features.
What you’ll love: It has 5,200 BTU of heating power that directly heats objects rather than the air around it. The built-in humidifier adds enough moisture to the room to prevent dry-heat-related problems like nosebleeds and dehydration. Expert assembly is offered, though it can double the total cost.
What you should consider: It’s among the largest, and most expensive, space heaters. Some consumers had issues with the humidifier tank leaking. There are rare reports of melted outlets.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Top space heater for the money
Black and Decker Portable Space Heater
What you need to know: This is surprisingly effective for its small size.
What you’ll love: It’s small enough to be inconspicuous while still providing plenty of heat. Its heat comes from two power modes, 900 and 1,500 watts, plus it has a heatless fan-only mode. It has good safety features, including auto-shutoff if tipped over.
What you should consider: Some consumers had issues with overheating, which led to burning and smoking smells as well as damaged outlets. The carrying handle is uncomfortable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Pelonis Ceramic Tower Indoor Space Heater
What you need to know: This midrange heater is powerful enough to heat a small room.
What you’ll love: It has many heating modes, including a programmable thermostat, multiple heat settings, an oscillation mode and an economy mode. It also has a timer setting and includes a remote control. It heats up to 70 degrees in three seconds and maintains a steady temperature.
What you should consider: Temperature settings can only be changed 5 degrees at a time. Some consumers were concerned with how hot the front of the heater can become.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-space-heater/ | 2022-04-12T11:17:46 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-space-heater/ |
Which table tennis table is best?
Table tennis (also known as Ping-Pong) is one of the easiest sports to pick up and play, provided you have a table available. While most play with friends and family at home or with coworkers on a lunch break, others compete in professional leagues worldwide.
Whether you’re a casual participant or professional player, having a table tennis table around is a great way to spice up a home or office. The Joola Professional Indoor Table Tennis Table is one of the top choices since it’s easy to assemble and store, plus it’s made with durable, high-quality materials.
What to know before you buy a table tennis table
Indoor tables
Indoor table tennis tables typically use materials like wood or fiberboard. They offer the best playing surface and bounce, making them the preferred option for professional-level tournaments and competitions.
Although they aren’t weather-resistant, you can still use indoor table tennis tables outdoors in clear, dry weather. However, make sure to bring the table back indoors after you’re done playing. Leaving indoor table tennis pong tables in direct sunlight for extended periods can damage the surface, and excess moisture can oxidize the metal components.
Outdoor tables
Outdoor tables are typically aluminum or galvanized steel, so they’re more weather-resistant than indoor tables. Even though metal surfaces don’t provide as good of a bounce as wooden tables, they’re more durable and weatherproof. Keep in mind that outdoor table tennis tables aren’t built for professional-level play and are more suitable for recreational home use.
Size
The larger the table tennis table is, the more expensive it will be. A regulation-size table tennis table measures 9 feet by 5 feet. However, if you’re working with a budget or need a smaller table for at-home or office play, you can go with a smaller model.
What to look for in a quality table tennis table
Surface thickness
The bounce of a table tennis ball largely depends on the table top’s thickness. Tables with a surface thickness ranging between 1/4 of an inch to 5/8 of an inch are ideal for friendly games, mainly since they’re lightweight and inexpensive. If you’re an experienced player who wants a balanced and consistent bounce, a 7/8-inch to 1-inch table thickness is ideal.
Convertible
Some table tennis tables have interchangeable tops, which you can switch out to play as foosball or pool. These options are convenient for entertainment and game room setups, but they aren’t ideal for competitive play since the manufacturing quality is usually subpar.
Folding and storage
Outdoor tables are usually a bit bulkier than indoor tables. They don’t have folding independent halves, making it difficult to maneuver them for storage.
Indoor tables usually have foldable halves and easy-to-use folding mechanisms. It makes storage simple, and in addition, you can also set up a folding indoor table tennis table in a way that enables single-player use.
Accessory compartments
While compartments are not a must-have feature, some tables have them for conveniently holding accessories, such as balls and paddles. You can usually find these on the corners of the tables, so they don’t cause any interference while playing. Some table tennis tables also have score-keeping tallies similar to those on foosball tables.
How much you can expect to spend on a table tennis table
A recreational table tennis table can cost anywhere from $250-$800. However, tables made with more high-quality materials range from $800-$1,500. Tournament-grade tables can cost between $1,500-$4,000.
Table tennis table FAQ
Is assembly complicated for table tennis tables?
A. No. Many professional-grade tables come mostly preassembled and often only require 10-15 minutes of assembly.
Are nets and posts sold separately?
A. Most table tennis tables come with nets and posts. High-quality tables often come with detachable clamp-style nets that are easy to attach and remove when it’s time for storage.
What’s the best table tennis table to buy?
Top table tennis table
Joola Professional Indoor Table Tennis Table
What you need to know: This competition-grade table is reliable, durable and ideal for serious players.
What you’ll love: It’s a regulation-size table, and the straightforward assembly only takes 10 minutes. The multilayered painted surface is 3/4 of an inch thick, delivering a tournament-quality bounce. Thanks to its folding halves, you can also use it in one-player practice mode.
What you should consider: It’s heavier than other table tennis tables, which makes maneuvering difficult. Additionally, the wheeled legs aren’t height adjustable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top table tennis table for the money
Stiga Advantage Professional Table Tennis Table
What you need to know: If you want an affordable, lightweight table that’s ideal for entry-level players or recreational play, this is a great choice.
What you’ll love: It has 2-inch lockable wheels for easy maneuvering and is quite lightweight. The foldable design makes storage easy too. The 72-inch net attaches and detaches easily with a clamp, and the 1/2-inch surface offers excellent bounce.
What you should consider: It’s not as sturdy as other tables, and some customers complain of screws popping out of the preassembled parts from time to time.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Joola Rally Professional Indoor Table Tennis Table
What you need to know: This professional-grade table is excellent for competitive players as well as friendly home or office games.
What you’ll love: It has durable steel legs and a high-quality black charcoal top. The independent halves make it easy to assemble and maneuver. There’s a convenient compartment for holding four balls on each corner and a score tally on each side of the table.
What you should consider: It’s a bit large for smaller spaces. Many users also felt the magnetic tally system was too loose, often shifting at the slightest movement of the table.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-table-tennis-table/ | 2022-04-12T11:17:53 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/best-table-tennis-table/ |
Which high-waisted leggings are best?
High-waisted leggings are an enduring style of athleisure wear that’s considered universally flattering. They feature thick waistbands that give the wearer both tummy control and coverage.
Whether you’re wearing them to a yoga class or to brunch, you want a pair that fits perfectly, so they’re comfortable but don’t slide down. For a slimming pair, Skechers Gowalk Skinny Leggings are the top choice.
What to know before you buy high-waisted leggings
Uses
High-waisted leggings are versatile and can be worn as loungewear around the house or as athletic wear. Leggings are also now an acceptable form of casual wear, so feel free to pair them with a sweatshirt and head out to the grocery store.
Material
Some leggings are better for exercise than others, and this is largely determined by the material. If you’re wearing leggings for working out, look for a thick pair that resists breaking under tension.
High-waisted leggings that stretch with your body for yoga are also called yoga pants. These are made from nylon-elastane or nylon-Lycra blends that are breathable and won’t lose their shape when stretching. More budget-friendly pairs are made from polyester blends that have decent stretch but aren’t as breathable. You’ll see rayon, cotton or spandex included in these blends.
Leggings that contain a high percentage of cotton, a natural fiber, are the most comfortable but may not be suitable for working out, since they can lose their shape. They may be better for hanging out. Cotton blends are highly breathable, but are not moisture wicking like synthetic materials.
Waist
High-waisted leggings are defined by their high rise. The waistband extends up above the belly button, offering ample coverage. The measurement between the crotch inseam and waist is between 10 and 12 inches for a true high rise. Some pairs, however, have a shorter rise and extend just up to the belly button.
Waistbands on high-waisted leggings are thick — between 3 and 5 inches — and may provide a compressive panel for tummy control.
Size
Because of the popularity of high-waisted leggings, you can find them in an inclusive range of women’s sizes from XXS to 6X. Not all brands, however, offer extended sizes, and sizing can vary from brand to brand. Be sure to check the sizing guide and compare it to your own measurements for an accurate fit.
What to look for in quality high-waisted leggings
Length
It’s important to check leggings’ length before you buy because they can be difficult and costly to hem. Select a length that you feel comfortable in and consider what activities you’ll be engaging in. High-waisted styles come in a variety of lengths: capri, cropped, seven-eighths and full length. Look for petite and tall sizes if you’re short or tall, respectively.
Pockets
If you have separation anxiety from your phone, many pairs of leggings offer side pockets that can fit a smartphone. Just be sure it can accommodate your model of phone. Not all consumers like the look of these external pockets, but you can also find pairs with a hidden pocket in the waistband that can fit small items such as a key or folded up cash.
Color
Leggings come in every color imaginable, from neutral to bright hues. Black leggings are widely available and hide sweat stains the best. Dark colors such as charcoal, navy, purple, olive and burgundy are also popular for this reason. They are also less likely to be see-through. Still, light colors including shades of pink, beige and gray are popular as well.
Patterns
While solid colors are easy to find, you can also find leggings with patterns. Space dye is popular and has a subtle multi-colored blurred pattern. You can also make more of a statement with leopard print, bold floral prints, camo or marbled leggings. You can pair patterned bottoms with a matching sports bra, if offered, or a solid-colored top.
How much you can expect to spend on high-waisted leggings
High-rise leggings cost between $13-$98.
High-waisted leggings FAQ
What is the ‘squat test’?
A. Some leggings can be sheer, but that can’t be determined unless you try them on in front of a mirror. Squat and bend over to see if the material in the rear stretches too thin and reveals your underwear.
Can I put leggings in the dryer?
A. While the majority of leggings are machine-washable, not all can be tumble dried. This is especially true of high-performance athletic leggings, which need to be air dried. Check the care instructions before washing and drying your leggings.
What are the best high-waisted leggings to buy?
Top high-waisted leggings
Skechers Gowalk Skinny Leggings
What you need to know: These leggings are so comfortable for working out that you’ll end up wearing them all day.
What you’ll love: The very high waist keeps everything in place and is slimming. Many consumers say these are their go-to leggings for the gym and the best pair they’ve ever had. The high-rise style comes in six muted colors that are easy to match.
What you should consider: They run slightly small.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s and Amazon
Top high-waisted leggings for the money
What you need to know: If you don’t want to break the bank on athleisure wear, these high-waisted leggings are buttery soft and highly functional.
What you’ll love: The quality and fit is comparable to luxury yoga pants. The high rise is truly high and stays up. The material is very soft, passes the squat test and comes in over two dozen colors.
What you should consider: These full-length leggings may be too long for shorter wearers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
The Gym People Thick High-Waisted Yoga Leggings
What you need to know: These popular yoga pants feature highly rated pockets that securely hold your phone and cards.
What you’ll love: They come in both full-length and capri styles, and every color and pattern you can imagine. The tummy panel provides compression, and these leggings stay snug and, most importantly, up.
What you should consider: The waistband can cut into skin uncomfortably.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Ana Sanchez writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/bottoms-br/best-high-waisted-leggings/ | 2022-04-12T11:18:00 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/bottoms-br/best-high-waisted-leggings/ |
Which dryer is best?
Unless you prefer to take the time to dry your clothes on a line, you probably use a dryer. There are a dozen reasons to shop for a new one but hundreds of factors to consider. How the dryer is powered, how much laundry it can hold and what drying modes it has are some of the most important.
The best dryer is the Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot Platinum Electric Dryer With Steam. It uses a standard electrical hookup, can hold more than enough clothes and has a steaming mode to reduce wrinkles.
What to know before you buy a dryer
Power source
Dryers are powered via electric or gas hookup.
- Electric models are most common. They cost less upfront and can be installed in any home with a proper outlet. The downside is their energy consumption, which can cost more over 10 years than a gas dryer.
- Gas models are uncommon. They have higher upfront costs and require special natural gas connections most homes lack. They also still need access to electricity. Their installation is complex and typically requires a professional to complete. However, they have two considerable benefits. They have much lower energy costs and dry clothes much faster.
Capacity
Capacity is given in cubic feet. Dryers come in three capacity tiers: compact, standard and oversized.
- Compact models have capacities between 1-3 cubic feet. They can handle up to 8 pounds of clothing, enough for one to two people.
- Standard models have capacities between 3-5 cubic feet. They can handle up to 16 pounds of clothing, enough for three to four people.
- Oversized models have capacities of 5-plus cubic feet. They can handle up to or more than 20 pounds of clothing, enough for five or more people.
Dimensions
Dryer dimensions are hard to predict as they rarely align with capacity. For example, one 5-cubic foot capacity dryer could be a few inches smaller all around than another. When shopping, know how much space you have for installation, leaving a minimum of 3 inches empty space on all sides.
What to look for in a quality dryer
Modes
Most dryers have a huge variety of modes including timed or sensor drying, temperature changes and the use of steam. It may seem beneficial to have as many modes as possible but ask yourself if you’ll actually use all of them. If not, you’re wasting money.
Light
It may seem unimportant, but not having an internal light can be a frustrating experience. The recessed drums of a dryer make it difficult for light to enter, so it will be hard to see if you’ve retrieved all your items.
How much you can expect to spend on a dryer
A basic dryer big enough for one person costs $400-$700. Midrange options good for any circumstances cost $700-$1,000. The huge feature-packed models can cost as much as $2,000-plus.
Dryer FAQ
Are there safety precautions to take when using a dryer?
A. Yes, with the most basic being ensuring your electric or gas connection is secure and properly installed. If you are even slightly unsure of your ability to install properly, hire a professional. Also, routinely check your power connection to make sure it stays secure. Leave at least 3-6 inches of space on all sides for proper ventilation. Don’t overstuff the dryer, and make sure to empty the lint trap after each cycle. Finally, don’t let the dryer run while you’re away from home, lest a fire start when you’re away.
Are there things I shouldn’t put inside a dryer?
A. Yes. Delicates shouldn’t be dried unless your dryer has a specialized setting for them. Antimicrobial clothes and any kind of shoe shouldn’t be dried, either.
Do gas-powered dryers leave a gassy smell on clothing?
A. Not if the dryer is operating as it should. If you do smell gas, you have an extremely hazardous situation on hand that a professional will likely need to be brought in to fix, preferably immediately.
What’s the best dryer to buy?
Top dryer
Samsung 7.5-Cubic-Foot Platinum Electric Dryer With Steam
What you need to know: This has plenty of features at an excellent cost.
What you’ll love: A matching washing machine can be bundled for a discount. The steam setting kills 99.9% of bacteria and greatly decreases wrinkles. The door is reversible. It’s also available in a gas-powered version and it comes in three finishes.
What you should consider: It can make a surprising amount of noise. Some consumers had issues with the heating element failing within a few years.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Top dryer for the money
Whirlpool 7-Cubic-Foot 120-Volt White Gas Vented Dryer With Autodry Drying System
What you need to know: It has more than enough space and capability.
What you’ll love: A matching washer is available in a discounted bundle. It has 14 drying cycles with three temperature levels. You can choose a drying length or let AutoDry detect when clothes are done to prevent overheating them. The door opens downward to stop clothes from hitting the floor.
What you should consider: Drying time can be much longer than with most models and on rare occasions, it needs a second cycle to fully dry. It isn’t stackable.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Worth checking out
LG Electronics 7.4-Cubic-Foot Vented Smart Electric Dryer With Sensor Dry
What you need to know: This is a great dryer for smart-home enthusiasts.
What you’ll love: A matching washer is available in a discounted bundle. Sensor Dry runs the dryer precisely as long as each load needs. It’s Energy Star certified, runs quietly and is stackable. And it can connect to your phone for alerts and troubleshooting.
What you should consider: Drying time is a little longer than with most models, and it doesn’t have an interior light. A few consumers had issues with door leaks.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/appliances-br/washers-dryers-br/best-dryer/ | 2022-04-12T11:18:07 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/appliances-br/washers-dryers-br/best-dryer/ |
Which nursing cover is best?
As soon as your baby is born, breastfeeding becomes a full-time job. To keep your baby happy and fed on the go or when you have visitors over, you may want to consider a nursing cover. It provides you with an easy way to feed your little one discreetly and comfortably.
The Bebe Au Lait Premium Muslin Nursing Cover is the top choice for its soft, breathable fabric, adjustable strap and pretty design.
What to know before you buy a nursing cover
Nursing cover types
There are four types of nursing cover: poncho, apron, shawl and scarf.
- Poncho covers fit over your head and cover your entire upper body all the way around. This is perfect for anyone concerned about an errant gust of wind blowing their cover wide open. However, they offer no breathability, so they can be hot and uncomfortable, for you and your baby.
- Apron covers focus on the front of the body. Just like an apron, they secure using a neck strap, which is usually adjustable. Some use wiring to push the top of the apron away from the body, leaving more room for you and your baby. Unfortunately, they have the highest chance of billowing open.
- Shawl covers let you express a little style. When not in use, they look like any other shawl. They provide similar coverage to ponchos, but with a higher risk of accidental exposure.
- Scarf covers are also worn when not being used, but they wrap around the neck like a scarf. When it’s time to be used as a cover, you simply shake it out and let it drape. They provide similar coverage to aprons.
Size
Most nursing covers come one-size-fits-all. When an item is designed to cover your body, it’s imperative it fits your body appropriately. Look for covers that are marketed as long, short or extra-wide if your body type necessitates it.
What to look for in a quality nursing cover
Material
Most nursing covers are made of cotton, synthetics or stretch knit.
- Cotton is the best material thanks to its low cost, high breathability, softness and low cleaning effort.
- Synthetic, commonly polyester, is much the same as cotton save for one key difference: it doesn’t breathe. This can make feeding your baby unbearably hot in the summer but may be beneficial in the winter.
- Stretch knit is made from stretchy materials such as spandex mixed with a main material such as cotton or polyester. This is most commonly used for covers designed to serve multiple functions. It also struggles to breathe well and may feel too restrictive for you, your baby or both.
Adjustability
Apron and shawl nursing covers have a leg up on the competition thanks to their adjustable fit.
- Apron covers’ neck straps aren’t always adjustable, but most are. Non-adjustable aprons don’t save you enough money to be worth the lack of consideration.
- Shawls require you to tie the ends of the cover together, which is inherently adjustable. Make sure the shawl you’re buying is appropriately sized; otherwise, you’ll have too much material on your shoulders or not enough.
Multifunctional
Multifunctional covers can be used in all manner of ways, though they may only be marketed as being used for covering your body. These options are usually made of stretch knit so they can adjust to most object sizes, including car seats or grocery carts.
How much you can expect to spend on a nursing cover
Nursing covers are among the least expensive pieces of baby gear, with prices that rarely exceed $40 and go as low as $10. The majority of options run $15-$30.
Nursing cover FAQ
How should I wash a nursing cover?
A. Aside from the rare exception, nursing covers are machine-washable and -dryable. After all, it’s going to get awfully dirty, quickly and often.
What’s the best way to pack a nursing cover?
A. This depends on the nursing cover. Most include no method of carrying, instead assuming you intend to keep it in your diaper bag. A few include a carrying bag or even have a pocket sewn into the side that the rest of the cover can fold into. Others may be designed to be worn around the neck as a scarf while you’re out and about.
What’s the best nursing cover to buy?
Top nursing cover
Bebe Au Lait Premium Muslin Nursing Cover
What you need to know: This nursing cover is adjustable, attractive and well-priced.
What you’ll love: It’s made of muslin cotton for softness without sacrificing durability. It uses a patented rig flex open neckline that pushes the cover away from you and your baby and the neck straps are fully adjustable. It comes in three designs.
What you should consider: It’s a little on the thin side, and a few users reported shrinkage after washing. Others were unhappy with its softness.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top nursing cover for the money
Trend Lab Multi-Use Nursing Wrap
What you need to know: This nursing cover doubles as a fashionable infinity scarf.
What you’ll love: When not in use as a nursing cover, you can simply wrap it around your neck and it becomes a gorgeous infinity scarf. It can also be used as a cover for a carrier, shopping cart and high chair. It comes in five designs.
What you should consider: It doesn’t provide as much coverage as cover-only models, and its durability isn’t as high as other models.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Milk Snob Original 5-in-1 Cover
What you need to know: This all-in-one cover is worth a look for function-focused moms.
What you’ll love: The five cover uses as marketed are nursing, car seat, carrier/stroller, high chair and shopping cart. It comes in a large variety of designs, including multiple patterns and prints. It’s soft and easy to stretch, plus it’s machine-washable.
What you should consider: Some buyers felt the material was too thin for comfort, and a few had issues with holes forming along the seams.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and BuyBuyBaby
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/baby-kids-br/nursing-feeding-br/best-nursing-cover/ | 2022-04-12T11:18:14 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/baby-kids-br/nursing-feeding-br/best-nursing-cover/ |
What are the 10 most popular Nars products at Sephora?
With its high-end black packaging and award-winning products, Nars Cosmetics is one of the most recognizable brands at any beauty store. What started as a line of 12 lipstick shades now includes a full range of beauty products for all skin tones and types.
Since many Nars products have become cult favorites, it might be hard to choose just one. Luckily, you can find almost their entire line at Sephora, which has stores all over the world. If you’re wondering which products to start with, here are the 10 most popular Nars products at Sephora.
How to choose Nars beauty products
Skin tone
Nars Cosmetics is known for being one of the first beauty brands to have an expansive shade range suitable for a wide array of skin tones. For example, most of their foundations have 40 shades, and there are options for cool, warm or neutral undertones. To figure out your undertone, look at the veins on your wrist.
- Cool undertone: If the veins on the inside of your wrist look blue, you’re most likely cool-toned.
- Warm undertone: You probably have a warm undertone if the veins on your wrist appear to be green.
- Neutral undertone: If you see both green and blue veins on the inside of your wrist, you most likely have a neutral undertone.
Skin type
There are four main types of skin — dry, normal, combination and oily.
- Dry: If your skin appears dull and often flakes or feels rough, you likely have dry skin. It may also feel tight or itchy at times.
- Oily: Those with oily skin often feel like their face looks greasy or shiny. People with oily skin are also more prone to acne.
- Combination: If your skin has both dry and oily areas, that’s known as combination skin.
- Normal: Normal skin doesn’t feel dry or oily. It’s not particularly prone to acne or flaky patches.
What to consider when buying Nars products at Sephora
Size
When buying Nars beauty products, one feature to consider is the size. Remember that the packaging may be much larger than the product within.
Ingredients
Many Nars products include quality skin care ingredients like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, which benefit the skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to avoid products with added chemical fragrance.
Coverage
If you plan to create a full glam look, you probably want to consider a foundation with full coverage or blush with high pigment. On the other hand, a sheer lipstick or light coverage tinted moisturizer is better for those no-makeup look days.
Most popular Nars products at Sephora
With 40 shades, this foundation has a match for just about every skin tone. It offers medium coverage that provides a natural no-makeup look but can also be built up for a full coverage look. The formulation includes a few skin care ingredients, including vitamin C and turmeric.
Sold by Sephora
This best-selling concealer brightens and corrects for a radiant finish that lasts up to 16 hours. The medium coverage can be built up for full coverage or worn alone for a natural look. From dry to oily, all skin types can appreciate this perfecting concealer.
Sold by Sephora
After a swipe of this award-winning blush, it’s not hard to see why it’s beloved around the world. There are a variety of shades in shimmer, matte or satin finishes. Since it’s formulated with superfine micronized powder pigments, you’re sure to get a seamless finish.
Sold by Sephora
If you have dry skin or dislike powder blush, this liquid blush that comes in a matte, shimmer or sheer finish is a great alternative. Tamanu oil provides extra moisture and allows it to glide on the skin. Additionally, the formulation is free of parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and sulfates.
Sold by Sephora
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Cream concealer is ideal for blurring imperfections on the face, and this option provides a full coverage in a matte finish. You’re also getting the benefits of skin care ingredients, including peptides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants with vitamins A, C and E.
Sold by Sephora
Nars Air Matte Liquid Lipstick
This liquid lipstick is formulated with a color-diffusion complex that instantly diffuses color for a soft and comfortable finish. The matte color is buildable and blendable with the custom-designed applicator. It comes in nine shades.
Sold by Sephora
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Those who prefer lightweight, sheer coverage with moisturizing benefits will enjoy this tinted moisturizer. It comes in over 15 shades and has vitamin C in it to even out your skin tone and brighten your complexion. Plus, it features broad spectrum SPF 30.
Sold by Sephora
Whether you want to sculpt your face or add a healthy glow, this bronzer powder is a top choice. It comes in four different shades with a radiant finish, and it’s free of mineral oil, phthalates, parabens and gluten.
Sold by Sephora
Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil
If you don’t enjoy using liquid lipstick but want to add color to your lips, you’ll love this velvet matte pencil. It delivers the bold color of a lipstick with the convenience of a pencil. It’s enriched with vitamin E and emollients for a nondrying, long-lasting and creamy texture.
Sold by Sephora
Nars The Multiple Cream Blush, Lip and Eye Stick
This multipurpose stick is perfect for on-the-go, quick makeup looks or those who prefer a natural makeup look. It comes in five colors with a shimmer or radiant finish, and it can be used on the eyes, lips or cheeks. The cream-to-powder formula features vitamin C and acai oil.
Sold by Sephora
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Bre Richey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/face-makeup-br/10-most-popular-nars-products-at-sephora/ | 2022-04-12T11:18:21 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/face-makeup-br/10-most-popular-nars-products-at-sephora/ |
Which red matte lipstick is best?
If there’s one statement-making lip product you should have in your makeup collection, it’s red matte lipstick. And make no mistake: There’s a shade for everyone.
With so many shades to choose from — and especially if you’re new to wearing red matte lipstick — you should be ready to try several colors. Mac Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick In Ruby Woo, one of the bestselling lipsticks of all time, is highly pigmented and lasts all day.
What to know before you buy a red matte lipstick
What matte lipstick is
Matte lipstick has a shine-free finish because it has a higher concentration of wax than oil. With that said, it’s far from lackluster — matte is a bold formula choice because its color is highly saturated.
Not only do most matte lipsticks require fewer swipes to achieve opaque color, but they also offer longer wear times than cream or satin lipsticks. This is partly due to their ultra-dry formulas, which causes pigment to stick to lips instead of migrating or transferring.
Shades of red
From Dior to Revlon, just about every makeup brand has at least one red matte lipstick shade in its collection. Certain brands, such as MAC Cosmetics, even have dedicated “reds” collections featuring a few red matte shades.
As you explore the wide world of red matte lipsticks, you might be surprised at the variety. To narrow your choices, it’s helpful to categorize red shades based on undertone. Some shades are cooler with blue undertones, whereas others are warmer with orange undertones. And somewhere in between are pinkish reds, with traces of berry, fuchsia or magenta.
What to look for in a quality red matte lipstick
Formula
In the past, most red matte lipsticks were available as classic bullet formulas. Although they’re still popular, red matte shades are now mainstays in liquid and mousse lipstick collections, too. Formula preference is subjective, and it usually boils down to overall wear experience.
- Bullet: These formulas typically have the longest wear times because they’re more drying than others. You may end up with chapped lips or feathering, difficult to conceal unless you wipe off the lipstick completely and reapply.
- Liquid: Liquid lipsticks are more nourishing than bullet formulas, making them less likely to leave lips chapped. Because their wear times aren’t as long, you’ll need to reapply them every several hours.
- Mousse: These luxurious formulas fall somewhere between liquid and bullet lipsticks in terms of dryness. Although mousse is supposed to be a lightweight formula, certain varieties feel thick or tacky.
Wear time
Wear time refers to how long a lipstick lasts before reapplication is necessary. Most matte lipsticks stay put for up to eight hours, and some formulas last as long as 16 hours or longer. Because reds are more saturated than most, they usually last longer than other shades.
Hydrating ingredients
Several red matte lipsticks are infused with hydrating ingredients that keep lips soft and smooth. Some of the most popular ingredients include hyaluronic acid, shea butter and lanolin. Many prestige and luxury red matte lipsticks contain floral and herbal extracts, ranging from red peony to avocado. While these ingredients soothe lips and minimize chapping, they occasionally decrease wear time.
How much you can expect to spend on red matte lipstick
Drugstore red matte lipsticks cost $4-$14, while you’ll pay $18-$28 for prestige formulas. Red matte lipsticks made by luxury makeup brands are the most expensive, ranging between $30-$65.
Red matte lipstick FAQ
Do I need to use a lip liner with red matte lipstick?
A. Many people apply lip liner with red matte lipstick to help it stay put longer. Lip liner also creates a “border” around lips that minimizes smears and transfers. Certain lip liners intensify lipstick color, as well.
How does red matte lipstick look on camera?
A. Red matte lipstick doesn’t reflect light, which eliminates excess shine on camera. Because their color is saturated, it emphasizes your lips when you speak, and depending on the shade, can make your teeth appear whiter.
What’s the best red matte lipstick to buy?
Top red matte lipstick
Mac Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick In Ruby Woo
What you need to know: Ruby Woo, a universally flattering shade, is one of the world’s best-selling lipsticks.
What you’ll love: The shade has blue undertones that flatter all skin tones. It’s a fade-resistant formula that doesn’t come off when you eat or drink, and it rarely requires reapplication during the day. The formula is made without harsh chemicals.
What you should consider: It’s a drying formula that may leave your lips chapped later in the day.
Where to buy: Sold by Ulta Beauty and Macy’s
Top red matte lipstick for the money
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Mousse In 815 Red Hot
What you need to know: Revlon’s budget-friendly formula doesn’t compromise on wear time, considering it stays put for at least 8 hours.
What you’ll love: Although it’s a matte formula, it’s creamier and less drying than other options. It doesn’t take more than a couple of swipes to achieve a vibrant red. The formula is less likely to feather and transfer than other liquid matte options.
What you should consider: Color may fade or transfer after several hours, and reapplication is necessary.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Dior Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick In 951 Cabaret
What you need to know: This luxurious red matte lipstick is one of the collection’s most popular shades.
What you’ll love: Cabaret is a rich, brick-red shade that can be worn day or night. It’s infused with red peony extract to nourish and soften lips. The bullet lipstick’s unique shape offers easy application around the bow of the lip and corners of the mouth.
What you should consider: A few people said color wears off much sooner than expected.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/lip-makeup-br/best-red-matte-lipstick/ | 2022-04-12T11:18:27 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/lip-makeup-br/best-red-matte-lipstick/ |
Which Tom Ford lipstick is best?
Tom Ford has earned a stellar reputation as a luxury fashion brand, but its beauty products have become just as popular as its ready-to-wear, made-to-measure, shoe and accessory offerings. In particular, Tom Ford lipsticks are a favorite among beauty influencers for their comfortable feel, long wear times and striking packaging.
Tom Ford lipsticks are available in multiple formulas, so there’s an option to suit most preferences. The brand also offers several finishes and a wide color range, providing options for nearly any look. If you’re looking for a luxurious lipstick with a luminous finish and rich color, Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick is the brand’s best-selling option.
What to know before you buy a Tom Ford lipstick
Formula
Tom Ford lipsticks are available in two main formulas: traditional bullet and liquid.
Tom Ford bullet lipsticks are a classic lipstick formula in an easy-to-use twist-up tube. They feature a solid piece of cream lipstick molded into a bullet with a slanted tip that perfectly fits your lips’ shape.
These Tom Ford lipsticks are available in various colors and finishes and are easy for even makeup beginners to apply. They’re also much easier to remove than liquid formulas, but they usually don’t wear as long.
Tom Ford liquid lipsticks have a thin consistency that dries on the lips after applying them, so they last all day. They come in a tube and have a doe-foot applicator in the cap to apply them.
Most Tom Ford liquid lipsticks offer a matte finish, so they’re fairly drying on the lips. However, they can last for hours without needing a touch-up, even when eating and drinking.
Finish
Tom Ford lipsticks come in a wide array of finishes, so you can find the perfect option for your look.
The most common Tom Ford lipstick finish options include:
- Matte: Matte lipsticks have a completely flat finish, so there’s no shine at all. They are usually intensely pigmented and offer longer wear times than other lipsticks. Matte lipsticks don’t contain many moisturizing ingredients, making them pretty drying and sometimes uncomfortable. Tom Ford lipsticks are available in several matte finishes, so some are formulated to be more comfortable to wear.
- Cream: Cream lipsticks have a creamy texture and a slight sheen because they contain moisturizing ingredients. They’re extremely comfortable to wear and offer fairly full coverage. They don’t wear as long as matte lipsticks, so they require touching up throughout the day.
- Satin: Satin lipsticks also have a creamy feel on the lips, but they usually aren’t as moisturizing as cream lipsticks. They have slightly more sheen on the lips as well.
- Glossy: Glossy lipsticks have a high-shine finish and contain plenty of moisturizing ingredients that make them very comfortable to wear. They are pretty sheer and don’t last long on the lips.
What to look for in a quality Tom Ford lipstick
Ingredients
Tom Ford lipsticks stand out for their high-performing formulas, which contain ingredients that improve their texture and feel. Each formula has different ingredients, but some common ingredients to look for in Tom Ford lipsticks include:
- Soja seed extract: This ingredient helps nourish the lips and gives the lipstick a creamy texture.
- Murumuru butter: This ingredient also helps nourish and hydrate the lips and provides a smooth, creamy texture.
- Daikon radish oil: This ingredient is a natural emollient oil that hydrates the lips and offers a smooth texture.
- Vitamins E and C: These antioxidants help protect the lips from free radical damage. They also help heal and soften dry, chapped lips.
- Mineral powder: This natural ingredient helps provide rich pigmentation and a comfortable matte finish.
In addition to containing high-quality ingredients, Tom Ford lipsticks also stand out for the potentially problematic ingredients they don’t contain. The lipsticks are paraben- and gluten-free.
Shade range
Depending on the Tom Ford lipstick formula you’re considering, you can choose from as many as 28 shades. All Tom Ford lipsticks come in classic shades, such as bold red, flattering nudes and wearable pinks. You can also find plenty of bright shades, including fun coral and fuchsia options, as well as deeper shades like burgundy or berry.
Packaging
Tom Ford lipsticks feature luxurious packaging that has a weighty feel in hand. Most lipsticks come in dark tubes with gold trim, though some special edition formulas feature white and gold packaging. A few even have fully gold packaging.
How much you can expect to spend on a Tom Ford lipstick
Tom Ford lipsticks cost $55-$58. Most of the brand’s standard matte, satin and cream lipsticks cost $55-$56, but you’ll pay $57-$58 for Tom Ford liquid lipsticks.
Tom Ford lipstick FAQ
Are Tom Ford lipsticks drying?
A. Some Tom Ford lipsticks are fairly drying, but that’s because they offer a long-wearing matte finish that doesn’t contain as many hydrating ingredients. The brand also offers plenty of moisturizing lipsticks that are incredibly comfortable to wear. Unfortunately, you have to choose between wear time and comfort when buying lipstick because hydrating formulas don’t last as long on the lips.
Should I use a lip liner with Tom Ford lipstick?
A. It depends on the type of look you like and whether you have issues with lipstick bleeding around your lip line. Creamier, more hydrating lipsticks have a tendency to bleed more, so you may want to pair those Tom Ford formulas with a liner. Lighter nude shades can sometimes make your lips look less defined, so you may need to add a liner to help shape your lips.
What’s the best Tom Ford lipstick to buy?
Top Tom Ford lipstick
What you need to know: Featuring the iconic Tom Ford packaging, this lipstick delivers a creamy, comfortable formula and vibrant color that looks as good as it feels.
What you’ll love: It has hydrating ingredients like chamomilla flower oil and soja seed extract for a comfortable feel on the lips. It offers fade-resistant color that lasts for hours. The formula has a flattering, comfortable satin finish. It’s paraben- and mineral oil-free.
What you should consider: It can transfer somewhat easily.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora
Top Tom Ford lipstick for the money
Tom Ford Lip Color Matte Lipstick
What you need to know: With its matte finish and rich color, this traditional lipstick can make a bold statement for any occasion.
What you’ll love: The matte finish provides full coverage and a long wear time. It feels more comfortable on the lips than other matte lipsticks. It contains vitamins E and C to nourish and protect.
What you should consider: It doesn’t last as long as other matte formulas.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This liquid lipstick offers an intense color that lasts all day without looking cakey or dry.
What you’ll love: It’s available in both soft-matte and high-shine finishes. It contains daikon radish oil for smoother application and a more comfortable feel on the lips. The formula doesn’t contain parabens, mineral oil or gluten.
What you should consider: Some buyers complain that the applicator is too long for the tube, so it can break off easily.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/lip-makeup-br/best-tom-ford-lipstick/ | 2022-04-12T11:18:34 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/lip-makeup-br/best-tom-ford-lipstick/ |
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is visiting corn-rich Iowa on Tuesday to announce he'll suspend a federal rule preventing the sale of higher ethanol blend gasoline this summer as his administration tries to tamp down prices at the pump that have spiked during Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Most gasoline sold in the U.S. is blended with 10% ethanol. The Environmental Protection Agency will issue an emergency waiver to allow widespread sale of 15% ethanol blend that is usually prohibited between June 1 and Sept. 15 because of concerns that it adds to smog in high temperatures.
Senior Biden administration officials said the move will save drivers an average of 10 cents per gallon at 2,300 gas stations. Industry groups say most of those stations are in the Midwest and the South, including Texas.
Biden is to announce the move at a biofuel company in Menlo, west of Des Moines. Iowa is the country's largest producer of corn, key to producing ethanol.
The waiver is another effort to help ease global energy markets that have been rocked since Russia invaded Ukraine. Last month, the president announced the U.S. will release 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve over the next six months. His administration said that has helped to slightly reduce gas prices lately, after they climbed to an average of about $4.23 a gallon by the end of March, compared with $2.87 at the same time a year ago, according to AAA.
Members of Congress from both parties, as well as industry groups, had urged Biden to grant the E15 waiver.
“Homegrown Iowa biofuels provide a quick and clean solution for lowering prices at the pump and bolstering production would help us become energy independent once again,″ said Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley. He was among nine Republican and seven Democratic senators from Midwestern states who sent Biden a letter last month urging him to allow year-round E15 sales.
The trip will be Biden's first as president to Iowa, where his 2020 presidential campaign limped to a fourth-place finish in the state's technologically glitchy caucus.
After bouncing back to win the Democratic nomination, Biden returned for a rally at the Iowa state fairgrounds four days before Election Day 2020, only to see Donald Trump win the state by 8 percentage points.
Biden heads back to the state at a moment when he's facing yet more political peril. He's saddled with sagging approval ratings and inflation at a 40-year high while his party faces the prospect of big midterm election losses that could cost it control of Congress.
The president also planned to promote his economic plans to help rural families struggling with higher costs, while highlighting the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law enacted last fall. The law includes money to improve internet access, as well as for modernizing wastewater systems, reducing flooding threats and improving roads and bridges, drinking water and electric grids in sparsely populated areas.
“Part of it is showing up in communities of all sizes, regardless of the results of the last election,” said Jesse Harris, who was a senior adviser to Biden’s 2020 campaign in Iowa and directed get out the vote and early voting efforts for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008.
Harris said most presidents who visit Iowa typically go to the state’s largest cities. Hitting an area like Menlo, part of Guthrie County, which backed Trump over Biden by 35 percentage points in 2020, “does speak to the importance the administration places on infrastructure broadly but also infrastructure in rural and smaller communities.”
The Biden administration plans to spend the coming weeks pushing billions of dollars in funding for rural areas. Cabinet members and other senior officials will travel the country to help communities get access to money available as part of the infrastructure package.
“The president is not making this trip through a political prism," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. "He's making this trip because Iowa is a rural state in the country that would benefit greatly from the president's policies.”
Still, administration officials have long suggested that Biden travel more to promote an economy that is rebounding from the setbacks of the coronavirus pandemic. The number of Americans collecting unemployment has fallen to the lowest levels since 1970, for example.
But much of the positive jobs news nationally has been overshadowed by surging gas, food and housing prices that have pushed consumer inflation to 7.9% over the past year ending in February. That's the sharpest spike since 1982. Inflation figures for March, due out Tuesday, are likely to bring more bad news for the Biden administration.
“Maybe a trip back to Iowa will be just what Joe Biden needs to understand what his reckless spending, big government policies are doing to our country,” Iowa Republican Party Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said in a statement.
After Iowa, Biden will visit Greensboro, North Carolina, on Thursday.
Psaki blamed Russia's war in Ukraine for helping to drive up gas prices and said the administration expects the consumer price index for March to be “extremely elevated” in large part because of it.
The EPA has lifted seasonal restrictions on E15 in the past, including after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The Trump administration allowed for selling E15 in the summer months two years later but had the rule struck down by a federal appeals court.
___
Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/nation-world/biden-ethanol-rule/507-a41d296a-cd8d-47ba-9f4f-6c3f3c94d425 | 2022-04-12T11:18:41 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/nation-world/biden-ethanol-rule/507-a41d296a-cd8d-47ba-9f4f-6c3f3c94d425 |
What are the best Dr. Barbara Sturm products at Sephora?
Science-backed skin care products are always a wiser investment than formulas based on trends and marketing hype. Dr. Barbara Sturm products are certainly expensive, but as the name implies, the brand’s founder is a doctor, with her own medical clinic and an impressive roster of celebrity clients, including Cher and Kate Moss.
Dr. Barbara Sturm products are formulated to hydrate the skin and combat inflammation to deliver a healthy, glowing complexion. They include formulas that work for all skin types and tones, so you can find products that work for your particular skin issues.
If you’re looking to splurge on a product or two from this luxury skin care line, here are the most popular Dr. Barbara Sturm products you can find at Sephora to take your skin care routine up a notch.
Most popular cleansers and toners
This gentle cleanser is suitable for all skin types, removing dirt, makeup and other impurities to prepare the skin for your favorite serum. It features purslane, an ingredient that prevents free radical damage and encourages skin regeneration. The included aloe and panthenol help calm and soothe the skin.
Sold by Sephora
Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser
This two-in-one cleanser helps remove dirt, makeup and excess oil and gently exfoliates dead skin cells for a truly deep clean. It also contains antioxidants to help protect and firm the skin. The formula works especially well for oily, combination and acne-prone skin.
Sold by Sephora
Dr. Barbara Sturm Balancing Toner
This gentle, alcohol-free toner helps remove any remaining residue after cleansing and balances the skin’s pH. It also helps minimize the look of pores and soothes stressed or irritated skin. It’s vegan and cruelty-free.
Sold by Sephora
Most popular serums
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Serum
This potent serum helps clear and strengthen acne-prone skin. It contains albatrellus ovinus extract to reduce redness and irritation. It also has hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sold by Sephora
Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Hyaluronic Serum
This hyaluronic acid serum is formulated specifically for darker skin tones. It contains highly concentrated forms of both long- and short-chain hyaluronic acid to provide all-day hydration. It also features lumicol, an algae extract that evens out the skin tone and leaves you with a healthy glow.
Sold by Sephora
This soothing, repairing night serum helps strengthen your skin while you sleep. It has hyaluronic acid for hydration, and it also contains poria cocos and beta-glucan to fortify the skin barrier. The plankton extract helps soften fine lines and wrinkles, while the senna alata extract aids in the skin’s natural repair process. The serum works for all skin types.
Sold by Sephora
Most popular moisturizers
Dr. Barbara Sturm Dark Skin Tones Face Cream
This lightweight moisturizer is formulated for the needs of darker skin tones and works well for normal, combination and oily skin. It contains magnolia and whitewood bark to help minimize the look of pores and control oil production. It also helps boost the skin’s radiance and soothe irritation.
Sold by Sephora
Dr. Barbara Sturm Brightening Face Cream
This cream moisturizer provides intense hydration while helping to brighten the skin. The formula slows melanin production to prevent dark spots for a more even complexion. It also contains ginseng extract to provide protection from environmental stressors.
Sold by Sephora
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich
This rich cream moisturizer offers all the hydration that dry or mature skin needs. It contains antioxidants that help protect and smooth the skin, as well as avocadin, a plant-based butter, for hydration. It’s non-irritating, so it can work for sensitive skin.
Sold by Sephora
Dr. Barbara Sturm Brightening Face Lotion
This lightweight moisturizing lotion absorbs quickly into the skin, making it a great option for normal, combination and oily skin. It helps even out and brighten the skin to give you a healthy glowing complexion. It also features vitamin E to provide effective antioxidant protection.
Sold by Sephora
Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Eye Cream
If you’re tired of fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, this eye cream helps reduce their appearance. The formula features biomimetic lipids to strengthen the skin barrier function and Persian silk tree extract to brighten under the eyes and cut down on puffiness. The cream is gluten-free.
Sold by Sephora
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Body Cream
Make sure your body is just as moisturized as your face with this lightweight body cream. It doesn’t just hydrate — it can help tighten the skin, so it looks firmer. It also aids the skin in looking more elastic and supple.
Sold by Sephora
Most popular treatment products
This soothing, hydrating mask provides an instant boost of moisture right when you need it. It contains aloe vera and chamomile to calm and hydrate the skin. The formula works extremely well for stressed skin when traveling.
Sold by Sephora
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Mask
With kaolin clay and zinc to absorb excess oil, this face mask can help keep combination, oily and acne-prone skin clear. It has a calming effect on the skin to reduce redness and inflammation and provides some hydration to prevent the skin from drying out.
Sold by Sephora
Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Spot Treatment
This spot treatment can help clear up whiteheads, blackheads and other blemishes. It features a combination of tea tree oil and zinc oxide to provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and soak up excess oil. The formula is tinted, so it helps conceal redness.
Sold by Sephora
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/luxury-skincare-br/15-most-popular-dr-barbara-sturm-products-on-sephora/ | 2022-04-12T11:18:41 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/luxury-skincare-br/15-most-popular-dr-barbara-sturm-products-on-sephora/ |
Which fitted sheet is best?
If you’re looking for convenience when it comes to making the bed, a fitted sheet is a must. Instead of folding the corners of a flat sheet under the mattress, a fitted sheet features elastic along the edges, so it clings to your bed and prevents your sheet from slipping around in the night.
The best fitted sheet is the California Design Den Fitted Sheet. It’s made of soft 400-thread-count cotton, comes in many sizes and colors and has a 30-day money-back return policy.
What to know before you buy a fitted sheet
Size and depth
Unlike flat sheets and pillowcases, fitted sheets need to match your mattress as closely as possible. If it’s too small to wrap underneath the mattress you’ll wake up in a fitted sheet cocoon every morning. If it’s too large it’ll bunch up and create uncomfortable clumps of material.
Fitted sheets follow the same sizing nomenclature as other bedding products, i.e. queen, king, etc., but they also need to match the depth of the mattress which has no set terminology or size. Most mattresses have a depth of 7-9 inches, but you’ll find fitted sheets marketed as being “deep-pocket” or something similar for mattresses as deep as 15-16 inches. Some mattresses can be as deep as 22 inches and require a specialty fitted sheet.
Weave
Fitted sheets usually use one of two weave systems:
- Sateen weaves are tight, leading to a smooth feeling and satin-like shine. They are also less breathable and warmer due to the tight weave.
- Percale weaves are slightly looser, leading to more breathability and a lighter feeling. They usually have a nonreflective matte finish.
What to look for in a quality fitted sheet
Material
Most fitted sheets are either cotton or polyester.
- Cotton is your best option. It’s naturally soft, breathable, light, moisture-wicking and easy to care for. It comes in dozens of subtypes such as Egyptian and Supima, each with its own unique quirks.
- Polyester is your best hypoallergenic or budget choice. It’s at its softest when the fibers are small enough to be classified as microfiber, but all constructions lack breathability which leads to warmer, sweatier nights.
Thread count
Most fitted sheets have thread counts of 200-1,000. Don’t purchase a fitted sheet with a sub-300 thread count — it isn’t comfortable, no matter how much money you may save. The softest sheets hover around the 500-thread-count mark. Higher counts than 500-600 result in crisper, tougher sheets — this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just different.
Security
Fitted sheets need to remain tightly pressed against the mattress to prevent being pulled up and off during a toss-and-turn-filled sleep. Most use elastic to constrict around the edges as it’s simple to manufacture and easy to manipulate. Other systems such as clips are similarly effective, just a little more laborious to put on. Avoid sheets without any security system.
How much you can expect to spend on a fitted sheet
Most fitted sheets cost $10-$50 with sub-$20 being the affordable scale and $30-plus being the costly scale. There are pricier exceptions for top-tier materials and brand names that can cost hundreds of dollars.
Fitted sheet FAQ
How should I wash a fitted sheet?
A. Most fitted sheets are machine-washable and -dryable, but be aware that not every machine-washable sheet is also machine-dryable. The sheets that are machine-washable usually require different water temperatures and cycles to prevent damage. You can find your sheet’s specific care instructions on the tag or the manufacturer’s website. Sheets that aren’t machine-washable usually require hand washing or dry cleaning.
Why should I buy a fitted sheet separately from a set?
A. In most situations, it’s usually best to buy your sheets in a set. This saves you money in the long run and ensures your sheets match. However, if money is tight and you only need a new fitted sheet, then it’s cheaper in the short run to buy it individually. You may be the type to prefer not using a flat sheet, in which case buying a bed sheet set is a waste of money. Finally, you may want to purposely mismatch your fitted and flat sheets to create a two-tone bed design.
What’s the best fitted sheet to buy?
Top fitted sheet
California Design Den Fitted Sheet
What you need to know: This is ultra-comfortable with plenty of colors to choose from.
What you’ll love: The 400-thread-count cotton is soft, breathable and cool no matter the climate. It’s also available in all standard sizes and has deep pockets to fit around deep mattresses. It comes in 20 colors, including shimmery jewel tones and soft pastels, and it’s machine-washable.
What you should consider: It’s a little on the pricey side. Some consumers had issues with pilling despite being clearly marketed to not pill.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top fitted sheet for the money
What you need to know: This affordable synthetic sheet provides a warmer sleep.
What you’ll love: The polyester microfiber is soft and smooth with just enough breathability to remain warm without getting sweaty. It uses deep pockets to fit around mattresses up to 15 inches thick and uses elastic to keep the sheet taut. It’s machine-washable and -dryable.
What you should consider: Some consumers found it to be too thin for comfort, others had issues with the elastic wearing out faster than it should.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This is available in a huge range of sizes for beds inside and outside the normal ranges.
What you’ll love: It’s available in all standard sizes and a few variants, including California king, plus every size has an extra-deep variant for thick mattresses. It even comes in a crib size. There are 31 colors to choose from and it’s machine-washable and -dryable.
What you should consider: Some consumers received sheets that weren’t as deep as advertised, others had issues with rips and tearing within as quickly as one week.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/bed-bath-br/bedding-br/best-fitted-sheet/ | 2022-04-12T11:18:48 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/bed-bath-br/bedding-br/best-fitted-sheet/ |
Which social media marketing online courses are best?
Digital marketing is an essential part of building up an online business or brand. One major part of this field is social media marketing. With it, you can establish an online presence to reach more customers or readers and start to expand.
If you’re getting started and want to master this skill, check out the online social media marketing course, Social Media Marketing — Content Marketing Masterclass 2022.
What to know before you buy a social media marketing online course
Topic
Social media marketing is a broad term that encompasses multiple topics. However, one of the main purposes of it is to gain traffic online and promote a business’s services or goods while attracting return customers. Along with this, many businesses use it to promote their mission or build an audience to help them achieve various goals.
Many modern companies have some sort of social media outlet. Behind the scenes, there are multiple tools, such as Google Analytics, that help you monitor traffic and see where you could improve or are doing well.
Social media marketing online courses typically teach you about these different tools and the many social media platforms. They also cover concepts such as business planning and show you how to attract and retain your desired audience. Depending on the course, it could also focus on content marketing, traditional and modern principles and conversion strategies, SEOs and digital advertising.
Choose a course that covers the main areas that will benefit you and your business. For example, if you’re planning on running Facebook campaigns for a new product, you’ll need a class that teaches you about that. But if you want to build domain authority and relevance on Google, make sure the course includes content marketing, digital analytics and so forth.
Platform and audience
You can establish a social media presence on many platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram, though each platform operates slightly differently. For instance, Instagram prioritizes graphics and short videos, while YouTube is primarily for longer video content. Most social media marketing online courses offer a deep understanding of at least some of these platforms, but some focus more on one or two over the others.
These classes don’t just teach about the platforms. They also give you strategies to take the data and use it in ways to engage with your audience. Some courses also cover things such as content planning and organization, as well as other aspects of online marketing using social media.
Difficulty level
As one aspect of digital marketing, social media marketing can be challenging since it’s multilayered. However, online courses offered through Udemy, Coursera and similar portals usually list the level of the class, ranging from beginner to advanced, making it easier to figure out where to start.
Some online courses require a basic understanding of certain topics from a previous course, while others are more comprehensive or can be taken alone. If you’re taking one that’s a little too difficult, you can always find an easier course or related readings to help you out.
Before purchasing a course or subscription, read the requirements to make sure it’s the right level.
What to look for in a quality social media marketing online course
Syllabus
Most online course websites, including Udemy and Coursera, have a section that breaks down the overarching topic into modules or main points. Within each module will be subsections or shorter lessons that build your knowledge and skills. Besides this, you can also find supplemental materials such as videos, quizzes, assignments or readings.
With social media marketing courses, you might find a module that covers the main social media platforms. Within that module, there could also be lessons that dive into each platform, what makes them different, how to use them for your business and so forth.
Course length
The length of any online course can be divided into modules, lessons, readings, quizzes and videos. Many social media marketing courses also indicate how long it will take to complete each module or subsection.
Since this subject is so broad, courses can range from a few hours long to more than 15 hours, and this doesn’t usually include homework time.
The great thing about online courses is that you can usually take them at your own pace. Some assignments have due dates to help you stay on track, but you can always tailor your schedule.
Certificates
Some online social media marketing courses offer certificates. A certificate is a great way to show off what you’ve learned in a professional setting, on your website or as part of your portfolio. Coursera memberships usually come with certificates. You don’t need a certificate to learn the materials, but it can help you build credibility as an expert.
How much you can expect to spend on a social media marketing online course
Most courses on Coursera are free or come with a seven-day trial. However, the free courses don’t feature a certificate. To get a certificate, you’ll need to spend $59 a month. Udemy offers complete courses with lifetime access. Prices vary from $12 to upwards of $200.
Social media marketing online course FAQ
What other online courses should I take?
A. If you want to expand your knowledge and business, consider taking classes on content marketing, SEO writing, online campaigns and advertisements, copywriting, affiliate marketing and data analytics. These topics all fall under digital marketing and can help you continue to build your business or online presence.
What are the best skills for social media marketing?
A. Some of the most valuable skills include verbal and spoken communication, a willingness to learn and adapt, critical thinking, organization and project management. Many online courses teach these skills, but you can also gain them through practice.
What’s the best social media marketing online course to buy?
Top social media marketing online course
Social Media Marketing — Content Marketing Masterclass 2022
What you need to know: This all-encompassing course is great for anyone who wants an intense but beginner-friendly experience that covers the fundamentals of social media marketing.
What you’ll love: With over 18 hours of content and 255 lectures divided into 42 sections, this course is robust. It teaches you everything from the value of content strategy to creating blog posts that rank in organic search results.
What you should consider: Certain parts are repetitive, though this can help build your skills.
Where to buy: Sold by Udemy
Top social media marketing online course for the money
Introduction to Social Media Marketing
What you need to know: This introductory course focuses on aspects such as understanding your audience and choosing the right platform for your needs.
What you’ll love: Over the span of five weeks, this 15-hour course teaches you the basics of social media. It also helps you set goals for future success. It includes videos, readings and quizzes to build comprehension and ensure you understand your target audience and what they need by the end.
What you should consider: It’s too easy for those who are already familiar with social media platforms and marketing.
Where to buy: Sold by Coursera
Worth checking out
Social Media Marketing Mastery
What you need to know: This course instructs you on the different areas of social media and digital marketing across various platforms, including Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
What you’ll love: After finishing the course, you should have a much better understanding of how to build your following, understand analytics and become more relevant online. The course also focuses on digital marketing as a whole.
What you should consider: It’s not comprehensive. There are also a lot of readings.
Where to buy: Sold by Udemy
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/education-br/best-social-media-marketing-online-course/ | 2022-04-12T11:18:56 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/education-br/best-social-media-marketing-online-course/ |
Which portable computer monitor is best?
Portable computer monitors offer an excellent way for users to connect their laptops to a display, no matter where they are. However, ensuring you get one that works with your laptop’s hardware is vital. Portable computer monitors have different details worth looking out for, and you may need to prioritize things like size, connectivity and the display, depending on your usage.
If you’re in need of a reliable portable computer monitor, the ViewSonic 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor features a vivid display and connects via USB-C ports.
What to know before you buy a portable computer monitor
Use
How you plan to use your portable computer monitor will determine which model is best for you. While most portable monitors work well with a laptop, you can also find monitors that connect to other devices. In addition, if you plan on performing standard tasks that aren’t visually intensive, you can likely get away with a more basic monitor. However, if you want to play games or edit a lot of images or videos, you should get one with a higher refresh rate and full HD resolution.
Size
Portable monitors vary in size, but those made for connecting with laptops tend to fall between 12-17 inches. But depending on your monitor use, you may need a larger or smaller size. While smaller monitors tend to be even more portable, larger monitors afford more space for those who need to edit visual media, gaming, or other activities that work better on a larger display.
Portable monitors vs. regular monitors
Portable monitors often cost as much as regular low- and mid-range monitors, which surprises many people. Portable monitors must be super energy-efficient because they’re powered by USB. They’re also constrained by their smaller size, making it hard to fit as much hardware as in a regular-sized monitor.
What to look for in a quality portable computer monitor
Screen
Like regular monitors, portable monitors vary in overall color, size, resolution, refresh rate and additional features, like in-plane switching (IPS.) If you plan to use it for gaming, it’s crucial to find a portable monitor with a Full HD resolution of 1920 by 1080p and a refresh rate of at least 60 hertz. In addition, IPS can give colors a more authentic representation than displays without this feature.
Connectivity
One of the most critical factors of any monitor is how you connect it to your computer or device. Most portable screens now include USB-C ports that connect to other devices, while other monitors may have include different USB types, Mini HDMI or Mini Displayport.
Power
Portable computer monitors can get power in various ways. While premium monitors may include a built-in rechargeable battery, most options get power from the computer or from an AC adapter and wall outlet. If you need a particular type of power source for your monitor, it’s worth double-checking the listing before making a purchase.
How much you can expect to spend on a portable computer monitor
Cheap portable monitors without full HD screens can cost as little as $100. Most mid-tier and high-end portable monitors with full HD resolution range from $160-$300.
Portable computer monitor FAQ
Are portable computer monitors good for gaming?
A. While regular monitors pack a stronger punch due to their hardware and size, portable monitors are often a good solution for gaming on the go. Still, it’s essential to look for portable monitors with high refresh rates and a full HD resolution of at least 1920 by 1080p.
Can you use a portable computer monitor with a tablet?
A. Most portable monitors are designed for laptops, but you can also use them with tablets with the right hardware. Make sure you have the same connectivity options for your tablet and monitor; USB-C is the most common. Some Android tablets also have a Mini HDMI port, making them even easier to use as second monitors. Still, not every tablet supports this function, so it’s crucial to check the description.
What’s the best portable computer monitor to buy?
Top portable computer monitor
ViewSonic 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor With Full HD 1080p Display
What you need to know: This powerful portable monitor includes multiple connectivity options, a colorful low-latency display, a headphone port and built-in stereo speakers.
What you’ll love: The structure of this monitor includes a built-in stand and cover. The screen offers a 60-Hz refresh rate and 1920 by 1080p resolution. It includes two USB-C ports, so you can power it from a laptop or the AC adapter. It also has a Mini-HDMI port.
What you should consider: Some had a hard time dialing in this monitor’s color contrast.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top portable computer monitor for the money
Asus ZenScreen 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor With USB 3.0 And Mounts For Tripod
What you need to know: If you want a portable monitor that connects easily to a laptop, this features a USB 3.0 cable and is slim enough to pack for transit.
What you’ll love: The screen has a vivid display, a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a resolution of 1366 by 768p. It uses a USB-A to USB 3.0 cable for power and comes with a convenient stand, a protective sleeve and universal tripod mounts.
What you should consider: The USB 3.0 port is a lot less universal and practical than USB-A, USB-C or mini-HDMI ports.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Lepow 15.6-Inch Portable Monitor With Full HD 1080p Display and USB 3.0
What you need to know: This economy-level monitor boasts an impressive display with a high-dynamic range and a 15.6-inch screen. It offers a good balance between size and portability.
What you’ll love: This thin monitor weighs less than most and is just 0.3 inches wide. It has a standard refresh rate of 60 Hz and a resolution of 1920 by 1080p, with both USB-C and mini-HDMI ports.
What you should consider: This doesn’t include any audio options.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Peter McGuthrie writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/computer-monitors-br/best-portable-computer-monitor/ | 2022-04-12T11:19:03 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/computer-monitors-br/best-portable-computer-monitor/ |
Amazon Echo dot with clock review
The world seems to move a little faster each day. There’s more to manage and less time to do it. A personal assistant that tends to our every need, from reminding us of essential tasks to creating the ideal environment, is becoming more crucial. Not only does relieving that burden give us more time for friends and family, but it also reduces stress.
Amazon has a solution. The company’s popular smart speaker can do all that and more. According to Amazon, the purpose of the Echo 4th gen is to “make your life easier at home.” It “has a sleek, compact design that fits perfectly into small spaces” and “Alexa can help kids learn and grow,” all while protecting your family’s privacy.
This sounded like a perfect way to help manage life and reduce stress, so we tested the Amazon Echo (4th gen), and here’s what we found.
Testing the Echo Dot
To test this Amazon Echo device, we had a member of our review team set up the Alexa speaker according to the instructions. They used it for a week, learning how well the device fits into their life. Our tester primarily used the Echo Dot as an alarm and a music player, but they also took time to delve deeper and explore the many features this product had to offer.
What is the Echo Dot?
On the surface, the 4th generation Echo Dot is a small globe with an illuminated clock on the front. It is a sleek, modern-looking device with four input buttons on the top that let you control various features with just a tap. The device listens to and interacts with any individual within earshot who desires assistance.
Streaming music throughout the day and being in complete control of song selection and volume were the primary reasons for our interest in this device. However, after just a brief period of experimenting, we found the Echo had many more capabilities than other smart speakers we have tested. It has an impressive response, unique privacy features and a robust sound, especially when you consider its small size.
Echo Dot price and where to buy
The basic Echo Dot with Clock (4th Gen) is available for $59.99. If you prefer to purchase a special edition with a “The Mandalorian” Grogu-inspired stand, that will cost $84.94. You can buy the Echo Dot (4th Gen) at Amazon, Home Depot, Kohl’s and Staples.
How to use the Echo Dot
The Echo Dot arrives in a small blue box with the power cord and instructions at the bottom. It was very easy to set up. After plugging in the device, Alexa instructs you to download the app. The app walks you through the entire setup process, which takes less than five minutes to complete. However, if you do not already have an Amazon account, it will take a little longer.
To control the device, all you need to do is speak. Alexa understood all of our commands on the first try. And the audio quality of the unit, whether listening to music, communicating with Alexa or taking a call, was impressive. There is clarity and depth that makes using the product highly enjoyable. Though, we should note that the sound quality diminishes slightly as the volume increases.
As far as the alarm clock capabilities go, they were very impressive. We had never set an alarm using our voice before, so it was a new experience. The unit has a wide variety of alarm sounds that are much less stressful to wake up to than the typical blaring noises. Plus, you can add custom sounds or set up a morning routine, so Alexa reads the morning news or gives you a weather report when you wake.
Echo Dot benefits
Setting up the Echo Dot is easy and intuitive, even if you’re a little intimidated by tech. We love that it is so multifunctional and sized to fit nearly anywhere. We never experienced a performance glitch during our trial period, and the sound quality was excellent. If you have a smart home, this little device can serve as your smart hub. In general, the Echo Dot simplifies your life.
Echo Dot drawbacks
The biggest drawback we found when using this smart speaker is that you must plug it in for it to work. If it had a battery, it would be perfect. However, by no means is this a dealbreaker. Other users have commented that the device occasionally loses connection or freezes. Still, since we experienced none of those problems, we think most of those issues involved inadequate Wi-Fi (where the device is placed) or slow service.
Should you get the Echo Dot?
The Amazon Echo Dot with clock (4th gen) is one of those rare products that can benefit nearly anyone. It is affordable enough to fit in most budgets and flexible enough to be of value in various situations. You could use it in your bedroom, office, living room and more. Doctors and other professionals can even put this smart speaker in their waiting room to help create a more engaging experience for their patients and clients.
Consider these other products
If you prefer a high-end model from a company known for its quality audio, this Bose smart speaker is a solid option. It can fill a room with wall-to-wall stereo and it works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Sold by Amazon
If you are a fan of Apple, Sonos is a good option. You can use AirPlay2 and Siri to have an effortless streaming experience. The high-quality smart speaker can stream from Amazon Music, Audible, Pandora, Spotify and TIDAL, and also features built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Sold by Sonos
If you’d like a smart hub with even more capabilities, consider the Echo Show 8. This device lets you make video calls, stream movies and keep track of your schedule so you never miss an event, appointment or meeting again.
Sold by Amazon, Kohl’s, Home Depot and Staples
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/home-portable-audio-br/amazon-echo-review-can-this-compact-smart-speaker-make-your-life-easier-at-home/ | 2022-04-12T11:19:10 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/home-portable-audio-br/amazon-echo-review-can-this-compact-smart-speaker-make-your-life-easier-at-home/ |
Which Chromebook for kids is best?
Having a laptop is necessary for many children in school, and Chromebook comes in several affordable options. Google created Chromebooks to provide a basic laptop computer without the expensive bells and whistles you might find in a gaming computer. Choosing a Chromebook for kids requires a few considerations, such as added durability for accidents, expected usage and what kinds of additional features they may need.
The HP Chromebook 2-In-1 Laptop has a bright, vivid touchscreen that kids love, and it easily flips to create a traditional laptop configuration.
What to know before you buy a Chromebook for kids
Use
If you have a specific use in mind for your child’s Chromebook, such as schoolwork or playing games, some laptops may fit their needs better than others. For example, if they need to store lots of video files, they may prefer computers with more storage. If they want to play games, they may need other hardware like the processor, random access memory (RAM) and a touchscreen for compatibility with Google Play Store games.
Chromebook basics
You can find a range of Chromebooks, and while they’re all different, there are some qualities Chromebooks share. For starters, Chromebooks are considered netbooks, which means they feature a basic configuration geared towards web-based tasks. They aren’t meant for playing extensive games because the hardware isn’t powerful enough for AAA game titles.
Two-in-one vs. traditional laptops
Many children prefer a two-in-one laptop, which means the computer includes a touchscreen. This feature lets you use the computer as a tablet or as a traditional laptop. Many kids love two-in-one laptops for their versatility and access to touch-based games from the Google Play Store. In addition, two-in-one laptop touchscreens can be used as a powerful tactile educational tool when paired with programs that help kids learn through touch-related activities.
What to look for in a quality Chromebook for kids
Durability
Whenever you buy something for a child, durability is key. Spending a few hundred dollars can be a little scary, especially if you can’t guarantee the device will stay intact after a few weeks. Try looking for a laptop with a thick, metal housing or extra-sturdy casing. Also, look for Chromebooks that have keyboards with water-resistant qualities, so they won’t become damaged if your child accidentally spills something on them.
Size
Chromebook usually advertises their models based on screen size. Chromebooks come in configurations as small as 10 inches or as large as 17 inches, but most fall between the 13-15-inch range. If your child transports their laptop to and from school, it may be worth considering a Chromebook that’s small enough to fit into their bag. However, larger Chromebooks may be ideal for at-home learning thanks to their huge, vivid displays.
Battery life
A Chromebook’s battery life varies depending on which one you get and how much your child uses it. You can buy Chromebooks with a battery that lasts as long as 15 hours, but this may vary if your child uses the laptop a great deal. It’s also essential to note that battery life varies depending on the software you’re using. Performance-heavy tasks such as video editing or gaming will drain the battery faster than word processing, as one example.
How much you can expect to spend on a Chromebook for kids
Affordable Chromebooks for kids can cost as little as $60, though most mid-tier options will cost $200-$400, depending on how much storage they have. They may cost a bit more if they have a touchscreen. You can expect to spend $500 or more on a high-end Chromebook.
Chromebook for kids FAQ
Are there Chromebooks for kids that are good for gaming?
A. While Chromebooks aren’t known for their games, buyers can still play games online and download games from the Google Play Store. Some kids particularly like having a touchscreen for mobile-style games that require more than just a keyboard and mouse interface.
Do Chromebooks have parental controls?
A. There are a few different methods for parental controls on a Chromebook, but the most commonly used one is Google’s Family Link program. Family Link lets parents set up what programs and features their kids can use when on their Chromebook or web browser.
What’s the best Chromebook for kids to buy?
Top Chromebook for kids
HP Chromebook X360 14-Inch 2-In-1 Laptop With Touchscreen
What you need to know: This Chromebook is a great option for those who want a two-in-one configuration. You can use it as a touchscreen or in a traditional laptop format.
What you’ll love: This laptop has up to 12 hours of battery life and takes just an hour and a half to charge. It also has a 14-inch screen and offers 4GB of RAM, making it suitable for simple schoolwork tasks or web browsing. The purchase comes with a one-year warranty.
What you should consider: It doesn’t have as many USB-A ports as some buyers hoped.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Chromebook for kids for the money
Asus Chromebook C423 14-Inch Laptop
What you need to know: This budget-friendly laptop features all the basic hardware most kids need. It also has a vivid 14-inch screen with an anti-glare coating.
What you’ll love: This laptop has 4GB of RAM, which likely isn’t enough for playing games or running several applications at once.
What you should consider: This only has 32GB of storage. It’s also not as durable as some higher-end Chromebooks, and it doesn’t have a touchscreen.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Samsung 13.3-Inch Galaxy Chromebook 2 With Full HD Screen
What you need to know: This powerful Chromebook features a 13-inch HD screen. It’s great for basic tasks such as schoolwork or games from the Google Play Store.
What you’ll love: This laptop has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of file storage. The display offers 1920 by 1080p resolution and measures 13.3 inches. The laptop’s housing comes in either bright red or mercury gray.
What you should consider: At this price point, This option may be best suited for older kids. It also doesn’t include a touchscreen.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Peter McGuthrie writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/laptop-computers-br/best-chromebook-for-kids/ | 2022-04-12T11:19:17 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/laptop-computers-br/best-chromebook-for-kids/ |
How to manage seasonal allergies
Spring is in full bloom, and plenty of pollen is swirling around the air triggering seasonal allergies. If you’re looking for ways to manage your symptoms, including congestion, a few products can help you breathe more easily.
Stuffy noses can leave you coughing, sniffling and sneezing. To get relief, you’ll need to open up your nasal passages. Besides popular over-the-counter allergy medicine, many people invest in everyday products and devices that can help them breathe better. And depending on your symptoms, it may be worthwhile to invest in a few of these during peak allergy season.
What to know about managing seasonal allergies
What are seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, occur when you breathe in allergens, including pollen, dander, mold and dust. When the body responds to these allergens, it may cause coughing, sneezing, congestion or other symptoms. Spring weather, in particular, is often connected to an uptick in allergy symptoms, especially on warmer days when pollen is more likely to circulate.
Seasonal allergy treatments
Many people manage seasonal allergies with a broad range of nonprescription and noninvasive treatments, including products that minimize congestion or improve indoor air quality.
- Nonprescription medicine: Over-the-counter allergy medicine may minimize allergy symptoms, including antihistamines and decongestants. Some OTC medication is taken daily, whereas others are taken as needed.
- Devices: Certain devices may improve air quality for easier breathing, such as humidifiers, air purifiers and fans. Many of these devices are portable, and you can easily move them from room to room.
- Aromatherapy: Many people turn to aromatherapy products, such as essential oils or body balms, to open nasal passages. These products typically have potent peppermint, menthol and eucalyptus scents.
- Bedding: Hypoallergenic or breathable bedding helps some people breathe better while they sleep. Hypoallergenic bedding is made without chemically treated fibers, while breathable bedding promotes airflow around the body.
- Nasal products: Nasal congestion is often treated with OTC nasal relief products, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids and saline sprays. Most of these sprays are travel-sized, so you can keep them in your pocket or bag to use them as needed.
When to see your doctor about seasonal allergies
It’s recommended to speak with your doctor about seasonal allergy symptoms to determine the best course of treatment. Although many people manage symptoms independently, certain cases may require prescriptions or specialized treatment plans.
How much do seasonal allergy treatments cost?
Nonprescription medication is the most affordable seasonal allergy treatment at $3-$10, whereas nasal relief products cost $10-$35. Aromatherapy products run between $5-$18. The most expensive options include devices and bedding for better breathing, and you can expect to spend $25-$250.
Top seasonal allergy products that help you breathe easier
Levoit Smart Bedroom Humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture to the air for easier breathing. This smart Levoit model, which works with Alexa and Google Assistant, has an extra-large tank and runs for up to 60 hours between refills. It’s a popular choice for main bedrooms and other large rooms.
Sold by Amazon
If you need to clear your nasal passages quickly, reach for this Vicks inhaler. It delivers a quick, potent burst of menthol and camphor. And because it’s pocket-friendly, it’s a top allergy treatment option among travelers and commuters.
Sold by Amazon
BodyRestore Eucalyptus Shower Steamers
These eucalyptus shower steamers release soothing vapors in hot showers. Besides slowly opening nasal passages, they help you enter a state of deep relaxation. Each tablet dissolves without leaving residue around the shower.
Sold by Amazon
Breathe Right Original Nose Strips
For those with nighttime congestion, these Breathe Right strips gently lift nostrils to allow better airflow. The soft, flexible strips are made with nonirritating adhesive, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
Sold by Amazon
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Magic Balm
The Dr. Bronner’s Magic Balm is a topical treatment you can rub on your chest, pulse points and clothing for long-lasting relief. The quality formula is made with USDA Organic products, including beeswax, jojoba, avocado and hemp oil.
Sold by Amazon
GermGuardian 3-In-1 True HEPA Air Purifier
This GermGuardian air purifier filters up to 99.97% of allergens, including pollen and dust, up to 0.3 microns. It also has an activated charcoal filter that neutralizes odors, and because it runs quietly, it can be placed in nurseries and bedrooms.
Sold by Amazon
If you have a stuffy nose, Sinus Plumber Nasal Spray is a natural, non-GMO formula made with horseradish, cayenne pepper and wintergreen. It’s also said to be effective at relieving allergy-related headaches and migraines.
This six-piece sheet set is hypoallergenic and has OEKO-TEX certification, which means they’re free of harmful toxic substances. The cool-to-touch sheets have an ultra-soft weave suitable for sensitive skin, and they’re backed by a 180-night guarantee.
Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/health-wellness-br/seasonal-allergy-products-to-help-you-breathe-easier/ | 2022-04-12T11:19:24 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/health-wellness-br/seasonal-allergy-products-to-help-you-breathe-easier/ |
Which cordless vacuum is best?
If the prospect of unfurling your vacuum cleaner’s power cord, switching between outlets as you move around the house, then coiling the cord back up again makes you not want to clean, a cordless vacuum is the right choice for you.
Streamlining the vacuuming process, they’re perfect for anyone who’s reluctant about chores. The Samsung Jet 90 Cordless Vacuum is a great choice with plenty of suction power.
What to know before you buy a cordless vacuum
Battery life
Battery life is a major concern for most people buying a cordless vacuum for the first time. Cheap, basic vacuums can have maximum run times of as little as 15-20 minutes, while high-end versions can last up to 60 minutes on a single charge.
Consider how big your home is and how long it takes you to thoroughly vacuum the whole thing. Ideally, the battery should last long enough to clean all your floors, otherwise, it can be frustrating.
It’s worth noting that the maximum battery life is usually calculated in standard mode. If you use boost or high-power modes or motorized attachments, the battery will deplete more quickly.
Filter
HEPA filters are the gold standard, trapping more than 99.9% of minute particles within a given size range, including common allergens, such as pollen and pet dander. If anyone in your house has environmental allergies, it pays to buy a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Cordless vacuums on the more affordable end of the price spectrum are unlikely to have HEPA filters, but their filtration system should still do a good job of trapping dust and finer particles.
Always check how to clean and when to replace filters, if necessary, to keep your vacuum cleaner running smoothly.
Handheld option
Most cordless vacuums let you remove the top part of the vacuum from the stick and cleaning head to use it in handheld mode. This is great for vacuuming stairs, couches and other soft furnishings, sucking crumbs off counters and cleaning right into the corners of stairs. It saves you from buying a separate hand vac and makes spot cleaning a breeze.
What to look for in a quality cordless vacuum
Removable battery
When you can remove the battery from the body of the vacuum, it lets you switch out the main battery with a spare. This is great when you have a large home that you can’t clean from top to bottom on a single charge.
Power boost
The power boost mode temporarily increases suction power to target areas that need deeper cleaning.
Anti-tangle brushroll
If you have long hair or long-coated pets, you’ll know the pain of detangling hair from a brushroll. Some vacuums have anti-tangle brushrolls that hair doesn’t wrap around, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.
How much you can expect to spend on a cordless vacuum
You can find basic cordless vacuums starting at around $100-$200, while top-end versions can cost as much as $700-$800. While price isn’t everything, you generally get what you pay for, so you can’t expect a $200 vacuum to perform as well as a $600 one.
Cordless vacuum FAQ
Are cordless vacuums as powerful as corded models?
A. The simple answer to this is no, usually not. If you compare a cordless vacuum cleaner with a corded version of a similar quality or price point, the corded model will generally have better suction power. However, most people vacuum more regularly when they have cordless vacuums because the process is more painless, which makes up for the slightly lower suction power. What’s more, top manufacturers, such as Shark and Dyson, are starting to bridge the gap in suction power between their high-end cordless and corded models.
How long should I expect my cordless vacuum to last?
A. This is hard to answer as it depends on a wide range of factors, including sheer luck. On average, you can expect a cordless vacuum to last at least five years before the battery or another important part needs replacing. It’s possible to have broken vacuums repaired and it’s extremely straightforward to replace the battery if your vacuum has a removable battery anyway — just switch it out with a spare.
What’s the best cordless vacuum to buy?
Top cordless vacuum
Samsung Jet 90 Cordless Vacuum
What you need to know: Powerful and versatile, it works just as well on carpets as it does on hard floors.
What you’ll love: The 60-minute battery life is enough to vacuum almost any home, but the battery is removable in case you need to charge a spare and switch partway through. The turbo action brush combined with excellent suction cleans all kinds of flooring well.
What you should consider: The battery lasts significantly less than 60 minutes on high-power mode.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top cordless vacuum for the money
Eureka RapidClean Pro Cordless Vacuum
What you need to know: This decent midrange cordless vacuum provides up to 40 minutes of fade-free cleaning.
What you’ll love: It’s extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver, even laying flat so it can reach further under furniture. The rest nook makes it easier to lean it against furniture when you need to take a break from vacuuming.
What you should consider: The suction could be better and can get clogged easily.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Shark IZ363HT Anti-Allergen Pet Power Cordless Vacuum
What you need to know: With excellent suction power and a tangle-free brushroll, this is an ideal vacuum for homes with pets.
What you’ll love: The HEPA filter with complete seal captures and traps dust, dander and other allergens. It has a battery life of around 50 minutes on standard power setting, and its boost mode gives you extra suction power to tackle tough areas.
What you should consider: Tall users may find it a little short for comfortable vacuuming.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl’s
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/home-br/vacuums-br/best-cordless-vacuum/ | 2022-04-12T11:19:30 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/home-br/vacuums-br/best-cordless-vacuum/ |
Which Gaggia espresso machine is best?
If you’re an espresso aficionado who wants to brew their own barista-quality drinks at home, a Gaggia espresso machine is worth the investment.
These Italian-made automatic machines can brew a variety of drinks at the push of a button. They are known for their strong technology, commercial quality and top-tier customer service.
The Gaggia Anima Prestige is the best of Gaggia’s offerings for the most popular drink settings, ease of use and competitive pricing.
What to know before you buy a Gaggia espresso machine
The key factors to look for when shopping for a Gaggia espresso machine are the type of machine, the various drink settings, ease of use and maintenance requirements.
Semi-automatic vs. automatic espresso machines
Espresso machines from Gaggia are either semi-automatic or fully automatic. Automatic machines will grind your coffee beans for you and handle the brewing process internally. If you use a semi-automatic machine, you’ll want to use a high-quality burr grinder and tamper to get the best espresso possible.
Drink settings
Each machine offers a variety of drink settings and options. Most importantly, they all let you pull a high-quality single or double shot of espresso. Beyond espresso, some models offer up to six other drink varieties. Many Gaggia machines also have programmable buttons so you can schedule and save your favorite drink settings to brew at a predetermined time.
Ease of use
Gaggia prides itself on delivering commercial quality espresso to the consumer with easy-to-use technology. The buttons and interfaces on all their machines are straightforward and always clearly labeled. Whether you’re using an LED screen or simple switch buttons, it won’t take long to learn how to brew a delicious espresso with these home espresso machines. Additional features are typically easily accessible, such as the water reservoir, bean hopper and milk frother.
Maintenance
To keep your machine running smoothly, Gaggia recommends you descale and clean it about every two months if you use it regularly. The automatic models will include a light to alert you when it’s time to clean, and may even have an automatic cleaning mode. If not, you need to purchase a specific descaling solution from Gaggia.
Replacing the water filters regularly will also help prevent mineral buildup over time, extending the time you can brew between cleaning cycles.
What to look for in a quality Gaggia espresso machine
All Gaggia espresso machines offer a commercial quality experience, though some make it both accessible and high quality. These are the main features that set the best Gaggia machines apart from the rest of their models.
Milk frother
If you’re someone who enjoys a latte over a shot of espresso, having a milk frother will come in handy. Some semi-automatic models come with a steam wand, while other fully automatic models have a milk vessel and frother attached. The automatic versions will come with a higher price tag, but it may be worth it if you plan to brew espresso drinks with milk regularly.
Grind type
Coffee connoisseurs know that the grounds have a big influence on how the coffee turns out. Semi-automatic machines generally won’t have a built-in grinder, so you’ll need to grind your own beans before you’re ready to brew.
Coffee enthusiasts likely know that a high-quality burr grinder offers the fastest, quietest and most consistent grind.
Automatic models will include a grinder, and also allow you to add grounds manually. If the grinder is built-in, check if you can adjust the grind settings based on the type of coffee you’re brewing.
Accessories
Additional features help to make the entire experience easier from start to finish. Machines with an adjustable drip tray allow you to pour into different cup sizes while protecting your countertop from drips. An attached milk carafe makes it easier to prep and steam your milk. Easy-to-remove water reservoirs and water filters help speed up the refill and cleaning process.
How much you can expect to spend on a Gaggia espresso machine
A Gaggia espresso machine costs between $450-$2,000 depending on how many additional features and functions it has.
Gaggia espresso machine FAQ
Can I make a regular cup of coffee with a Gaggia espresso machine?
A. Gaggia espresso machines specialize in brewing espresso and crafting espresso-based drinks. That said, they do offer some completely automatic models that include the option to brew regular coffee. If you want your espresso machine to pull double duty, you’ll want to look for one that allows you to customize your grinder settings and select a larger cup size.
What’s the best Gaggia espresso machine to buy?
Top Gaggia espresso machine
What you need to know: This high-end espresso machine from Gaggia brews exquisite espresso for those who care more about quality espresso drinks than extra features.
What you’ll love: Programmable drink options make your espresso routine even easier to enjoy. This model offers temperature control so you can set your ideal coffee temperature before you sip. Its one-touch button options are easy to use for any level of espresso lover. The water reservoir is easy to access and remove, which makes refills and maintenance simple.
What you should consider: There are fewer brewing options than Gaggia’s more expensive models.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Gaggia espresso machine for the money
What you need to know: This model is an all-in-one machine that brews classic Italian espresso shots and cappuccinos for a competitive price.
What you’ll love: Gaggia’s rapid steam technology heats the water in 10 seconds, speeding up the brew time. The automatic machine is easy to use with a front-loading water reservoir, a hopper and a bypass dozer to make brewing easy with either whole beans or grounds. The buttons on the front panel are user-friendly and programmable.
What you should consider: It has fewer brewing options and a bulkier body than other slimmer, more expensive models.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This is Gaggia’s original espresso machine, built for caffeine enthusiasts who want commercial quality espresso without the need for extra bells and whistles.
What you’ll love: The simple switch control panel is easy to understand and operate without needing to read a pile of instructions first. With a three-way solenoid valve, a portafilter and a steam wand, you can brew like a barista at home. The body is slim and comes in six color options.
What you should consider: There aren’t as many brewing options, and there is no touch-screen display like Gaggia’s other options.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Katy Palmer writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/coffee-accessories-br/best-gaggia-espresso-machine/ | 2022-04-12T11:19:37 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/coffee-accessories-br/best-gaggia-espresso-machine/ |
Meal prep lunch ideas
When you’re rushing out the door in the morning, it’s hard to find the time to prepare a nutritious lunch. But a balanced, healthy meal is crucial for restoring much-needed work-life balance. If you’re finding you can’t spare the time to put something together each day, meal prep is a great way to ensure you’re hitting all the food groups come lunch hour.
This method has you planning a week ahead, so you’ll need a few items for preparation, storage and transportation.
How to meal prep
What what meal prep is
Meal prep is a method of food preparation where you make multiple days’ worth of food at once. It’s designed to take some of the time burden off of busy people, and it also works great to give you more control over your diet. The primary tool for any meal prepper is the food-storage container, which helps with portioning and portability.
When to meal prep
The most common meal prep method involves cooking large batches of food. Most preppers like to do this on Sundays. After cooking, you dish your meals into storage containers that you then take out of your refrigerator or freezer each day during the week. When and how you meal prep will depend on your dietary restrictions, nutrition goals and schedule, but set aside three to four hours for preparation, cooking and dishing up.
How to meal prep
There are many ways to get organized so lunch time is breezy and never boring.
- Batch cooking: The most common form of meal prep, batch cooking involves cooking everything at once and portioning it out. This typically takes a few hours and is best saved for when you can carve out the time. Batch cooking is a good solution to meals that require lengthy cooking times, such as meats, stews, curries and sauces. Rectangular plastic takeout containers are a meal prepper’s best friend when it comes to this method. But you can also use plastic or glass storage containers.
- Ingredient prep: For those who work at home or who have adequate kitchen amenities at work, ingredient prep is a great way to ensure fresh ingredients in every meal. This method cuts down on one of the most daunting aspects of making lunch every day by getting all of your fixings in order ahead of schedule. You can then put a sandwich or salad together, heat your meal quickly in the morning, or bring your ingredients to work. In addition to storage containers, condiment containers and plastic, resealable bags are big helpers.
Best products to help you meal prep for work
Best meal prep tools
Instant Pot Duo 7-In-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
The slow cooker is every meal prepper’s secret weapon. The ultimate tool for batch-cooking, it can even cut time from meal prep — just throw everything in and let it stew. And what makes the Instant Pot Duo so up for the task is the sheer number of functions it can perform. From cooking rice to steaming vegetables, you’ll be able to hit all the food groups using one device.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
GreaterGoods Digital Food Kitchen Scale
Whether you’re counting calories or just trying to even out your portions, a food scale is a critical kitchen tool for meal prep. It can help you stay on track with your diet or meal plan and take the guesswork out of lunchtime at the office.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Tiluck Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons Set
This comprehensive set of measuring cups for dry goods not only helps with basic recipe prep but also portion control. Made from food-grade stainless steel, the cups have embossed and etched measurements so they’ll never rub off.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups Set
Oven-, microwave- and freezer-safe, these liquid measuring cups are a game changer in the kitchen. Great for pouring broths, stirring sauces and mixing marinades, you’ll never have to worry about rinsing tiny dry-good cups mid-recipe with these dedicated tools of the trade.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Best food storage for meal prep
Bayco 8-Pack Glass Meal Prep Containers
Divided into three compartments, these bento-box style containers are perfect for apportioning meals. They’re made of glass, so you can store your meals in the fridge for the week and reheat them at work. The airtight lids prevent spillage during transport, and with eight containers, you’re set for the week (even if you forget to wash a couple).
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Arctic Zone Canvas Expandable Horizontal Lunch Box
With a mature design and adjustable shoulder strap, this lunchbox is great for office workers on the go. It’s large enough for most food prep boxes and expands so you can add snacks, a drink, or an ice pack to keep your food fresh.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Pack
Never worry about yucky spoiled lunches and food poisoning with these cooler packs. Designed with a low melting point, these can keep your food cool for up to 8 hours.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Condiment Cups Containers with Lids
These miniature plastic storage containers are great for dressings, sauces and condiments. They’re available in a few sizes for those who want a convenient way to break up dry foods into snack-size groups.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Best meal prep seasoning
Make Your Day Condiment Packets
Condiment packets are a lifesaver, preventing both soggy sandwiches and dry lunches. This set of five has all of the essentials to cover a variety of meals so you don’t have to worry about lugging around half your fridge for flavor. You get 50 packs each of ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise and barbecue sauce for a total of 250 pieces.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
On-The-Go Assorted Hot Sauce Condiment Packets With Mini Hot Sauce Packets Keychain
When it comes to condiments, you can’t forget the hot sauce, and this huge assortment has a spicy packet for just about any kind of meal. This is a great flavor enhancer for the meal prepper who likes to cook all around the world. And it even includes a mini squeeze bottle for those whole like to make their own hot sauces at home.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/grocery-br/what-you-need-to-meal-prep-for-work/ | 2022-04-12T11:19:44 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/grocery-br/what-you-need-to-meal-prep-for-work/ |
Which stud finder is best?
Some believe that old-school methodology works best. However, knocking on walls to listen for a stud is outdated and unreliable. If you’re trying to hang something on your wall, you’ll need a stud finder. These convenient, handheld devices help you reliably locate studs in the walls and avoid electrical mishaps when drilling. Despite their simple function, different stud finders have varying key features that set them apart depending on your needs.
For an all-around, reliable tool with the capabilities most users require, check out the Zircon SuperScan M4 Stud Finder.
What to know before you buy a stud finder
What is a stud finder?
A stud finder is a handheld device that uses electricity or magnets to detect the framing studs behind your wall. Commonly used for homes constructed with drywall, stud finders are an essential tool for drilling and hanging items safely.
How to use a stud finder
Stud finders are easy to operate. All you need to do is press down on a button and hold it to activate the sensor. Then, place the finder on your wall to find where the studs are located. Don’t worry if it takes a little time to find a stud. Just relocate the finder on the wall and move the finder back and forth, waiting to hear a beep which indicates a stud within dead wall space. Mark this location with a pencil so you know where to drill.
Why you should use a stud finder
Drywall can only hold about 1 pound of weight. So if you’re mounting shelves, brackets or hanging wall art, your best bet is to locate a stud. A screw in a stud can hold around 80-100 pounds. If you can’t locate a stud, you can try using an anchor, even though these are generally weaker and may cause more damage to your walls to install.
What to look for in a quality stud finder
Type of stud finder
- Edge: These are the most common stud finders. Simply calibrate them on the empty part of your wall and move them to locate the edge of the stud. You will likely need to do this from both sides of the stud to locate each edge and determine the center point yourself. These stud finders are a little more error-prone than other styles, and they can potentially be off by about an inch.
- Center: These use a dual set of sensors to identify the center of a stud. These have a similar calibration as edge finders, but you only have to use them from one direction.
- Instant: Also known as multi-sensor stud finders, instant finders have a complex array of sensors that take multiple readings of your wall. They can locate centers, edges and empty wall space. Their unique design doesn’t require calibration or moving the finder back and forth.
Scan modes
Some stud finders can locate electrical wires in the walls as well. If you want to make sure you don’t accidentally drill into a live wire or damage an unseen electrical setup, get a stud finder with wire detection.
Depth
Standard stud finders can detect anomalies at about 2-inches deep, making drilling difficult if you have thick drywall. Deep scan modes let you extend the detection range to 4-6 inches, so you can identify pipes and other structural elements hidden in your wall.
How much you can expect to spend on a stud finder
You can find a budget stud finder for $10-$25. If you want something with greater functionality, you’ll likely spend about $80 or more for a premium stud finder. Professional-grade stud finders can cost well over $500.
Stud finder FAQ
How far apart are studs typically?
A. Studs spacing differs between the exterior and interior walls of your home. For interior walls, the usual distance between frame elements is about 16 inches. Exterior wall studs tend to be 24 inches apart.
What if what I’m hanging doesn’t line up with the studs in my wall?
A. Your best bet is to try and adjust and hang on the stud. If this isn’t possible, you’ll need to use an anchor rated for the appropriate weight of the object you want to hang.
What’s the best stud finder to buy?
Top stud finder
Zircon SuperScan M4 Stud Finder
What you need to know: The M4 offers construction-site features at an affordable price.
What you’ll love: Made by the original manufacturer, Zircon M4 is a reliable, updated tool for the modern household. This stud finder reliably locates wood using five separate detection modes. It allows you to find stud centers and edges, wires, plastic and metals.
What you should consider: You have to move this model slowly for it to operate well.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Top stud finder for the money
Zircon StudSensor HD55 Stud Finder
What you need to know: If you only need a reliable, straightforward stud finder, this is a great option.
What you’ll love: The HD55 is an edge-detecting stud finder that can scan for wood or metal studs and wires. This is more than enough functionality for basic DIY tasks around the house. It’s lightweight and fits in your pocket, and the grooved notch at the top helps you make precise wall marks.
What you should consider: With a 3/4-inch stud-finding depth, you may risk hitting the occasional pipe.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Worth checking out
Franklin Sensors ProSensor M210 Center and Edge Professional Stud Finder
What you need to know: The Franklin M210 stud finder deviates from standard design to provide a professional-grade option that won’t break the bank.
What you’ll love: This model comes with plenty of features and doesn’t require calibration. The built-in level ensures you don’t have to juggle multiple tools at once, and the pencil caddy is a nice touch. Its 13 sensors detect edges and centers simultaneously and display measurements using an LED array. The live-wire meter will also help you avoid electrical components.
What you should consider: The only thing missing from this beloved model is a center notch for pencil marks.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/measuring-detection-tools-br/best-stud-finder/ | 2022-04-12T11:19:51 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/measuring-detection-tools-br/best-stud-finder/ |
Which miter saw is best?
Miter saws are a workshop staple and an essential tool for any craftsperson. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned maker with decades of experience, miter saws are great for making a variety of cuts in your wood. Additionally, unlike most other power saws, you can transport them quite easily.
Miter saws are more accurate than ever before, and many come with precision alignment systems. However, with so many brands and models to choose from, finding the right miter saw for your needs can be difficult. One solid choice is the DeWalt Sliding Compound Miter Saw. It is a high-quality, durable miter saw that can do it all.
What to know before you buy a miter saw
Blade size
Miter saws come in many blade sizes, but bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Larger blades tend to wobble slightly more than smaller blades, making them less precise in their cuts. If you need a larger blade to handle thick lumber or sheet material, saw blades larger than 12 inches deliver optimal results. They’re especially effective when you use them with a sturdy stand.
Saws with 10-inch blades or less maximize portability over capability and are ideal for anyone who does a lot of trim work. Miter saws with blades that are exactly 10 inches offer a combination of capacity and portability.
Saw type
Before you buy a miter saw, consider how you plan on using it. This way, you’ll get a saw that works for your needs without paying for features that you don’t want. There are three distinct types of miter saws.
- Standard miter saws, also known as chop saws, rotate from side to side, allowing the user to cut angles from the top of the material. However, they do not tilt from right to left at an angle. Standard miter saws are the most affordable design.
- Compound miter saws turn left to right and also tilt at an angle. Compound miter saws allow you to make bevel cuts, straight cuts and miter cuts. Compound miter saws cost more than a basic miter saw.
- Sliding compound miter saws are the most complex of the three saws. In addition to tilting and turning in both directions, they also include a sliding mechanism that increases the total cut capacity without increasing the size of the blade. Sliding table saws give you maximum control over your cuts, and they are the most expensive design option.
What to look for in a quality miter saw
Blade material
The blade is the core of any miter saw, and high-quality models include blades made from durable materials. Look for blades made from carbide or blades with carbide-tipped teeth, as these features make more efficient cuts.
Alignment system
The best miter saws tend to include a precision alignment system that increases the accuracy of your cuts. DeWalt uses LED lights to cast a shadow of the cutline, while companies like Bosch often equip their miter saws with a laser that shows the cut line directly onto the material. Some saws also include integrated fences and stop blocks that enhance accuracy and your ability to make repeated cuts.
How much you can expect to spend on a miter saw
Miter saws can be expensive, but you can still get something practical on a budget. Expect to spend between $240-$300 on a high-quality, affordable miter saw. Expect to spend more than $400 on top-of-the-line models.
Miter saw FAQ
Do I need a miter saw stand?
A. You can use your miter saw on any stable, flat surface. Contractors will often use stands because they’re convenient and portable, but you can set up your saw on a sturdy table. Remember to ensure it’s stable and won’t move as you’re cutting, and check that the blade is set to 0 degrees after you move the saw to avoid any mistakes.
Can I cut warped or twisted wood with a miter saw?
A. Ultimately, it’s not a good idea to cut warped or twisted wood with a miter saw. In fact, it’s best to stay away from cutting warped or twisted wood altogether. If the warp is slight and barely noticeable, a clamp will likely be able to hold it flat for the duration of the cut. However, if the warp is severe, it may cause the blade to pinch, sending the material flying.
What’s the best miter saw to buy?
Top miter saw
DeWalt Sliding Compound Miter Saw
What you need to know: This rugged miter saw is designed to withstand tough conditions and comes with plenty of premium features that are perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike.
What you’ll love: Powered by a robust 15 amp motor, this miter saw cuts through various materials, including knotty hardwoods. Plus, it’s incredibly accurate thanks to the unique XPS alignment system, which uses LED lights to cast a cutline shadow onto the material. This miter saw has a double bevel, safely cutting various materials for all kinds of projects.
What you should consider: This miter saw is on the more expensive side, and the large 12-inch blade has a bit more wobble than 10-inch and 8-inch blades.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top miter saw for the money
Craftsman V20 Sliding Miter Saw
What you need to know: If you’re in the market for an affordable, reliable compound sliding miter saw that’s easy to transport, look no further than the Craftsman V20.
What you’ll love: This miter saw is ideal for anyone short on space or needs to be able to transport their saw between job sites. In addition to being cordless, the V20 is only 21 pounds and comes with carrying handles, making it easy to move it around. Although the blade isn’t big, the motor runs at 3,800 RPM and can handle standard hobbyist projects.
What you should consider: Because this saw is cordless and has a rather small blade, it may not have the power to tackle larger contractor-style projects.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Bosch CM8S Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
What you need to know: The Bosch CM8S miter saw is the sweet spot between a heavy-duty professional saw and a hobbyist option.
What you’ll love: This saw is well-designed and intuitive to use. It’s packed with convenient features, such as the integrated expanding base extensions and the thumb-activated miter detents. Although the blade is less than 9 inches, the sliding feature gives this saw the same cutting capacity as a standard 10-inch stationary miter saw.
What you should consider: The Bosch CM8S is expensive and lacks an LED or laser alignment system.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
William Briskin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/saws-br/best-miter-saw/ | 2022-04-12T11:19:58 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/saws-br/best-miter-saw/ |
Best cat carriers
It’s likely that neither you nor your cat is a big fan of pet carriers — most cats hate the sight of them, while most cat caregivers hate trying to wrangle their cat inside. The best pet carrier for cats, however, has features to make the process at least slightly less of an ordeal.
Armed with the right cat carrier, it’s easier to transport your feline friend, whether you’re taking them on vacation with you or to the veterinarian’s office for their inoculations.
When do you need a cat carrier?
More often than not, you’ll find yourself using a cat carrier for quick trips to the vet. Of course, you’ll also need a cat carrier for longer journeys, such as road trips with your pet, air travel and rail travel. Some people even hike with their cats, but not all cats enjoy it.
Pet carrier features
Consider these features and you’ll find it easier to find the best carrier.
- Soft-sided vs. hard-sided: Soft-sided carriers are lighter and easier to carry, while hard-sided carriers are more durable and easier to wipe clean.
- Ventilation: All pet carriers must be well-ventilated so enough fresh air gets inside. Carriers should have large areas of ventilation (either mesh, in soft carriers, or ventilation holes in hard carriers) on at least two sides for short journeys, and on at least three sides for long journeys.
- Top-loading: Many people find it easier to get their cats in through the top of a carrier, rather than through a door in the front, so it’s nice to have a top-loading option.
- Airline approved: If you’re traveling by air, choose a carrier that’s airline approved for either cabin or hold use, depending on where your cat will be traveling.
- Foldability: Foldable cat carriers take up less space when not in use and are easier to store.
Best soft-sided pet carriers for cats
Top soft-sided pet carrier
Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline-Approved Pet Carrier
What you need to know: Perfect for both long and short trips, it has a spring wire frame that can be compressed for storage or to fit under airline seats.
What you’ll love: It’s comfortable, with a soft fleece lining, and well-ventilated. It has top- and front-loading options to get your cat inside as easily as possible.
What you should consider: It’s a little tricky to clean thoroughly and remove odors from.
Where to buy: Sold by Chewy and Amazon
Top soft-sided pet carrier for the money
Frisco Basic Dog and Cat Carrier
What you need to know: This carrier is well-ventilated and has a comfy fleece lining.
What you’ll love: It features both a handle and shoulder strap for easy carrying. There’s a small mesh window for easy access and the front opens up completely to get your cat inside.
What you should consider: You can’t load your cat through the top of it.
Where to buy: Sold by Chewy
Best hard-sided pet carriers for cats
Top hard-sided pet carrier
What you need to know: This carrier is great for times you need something sturdier than a soft-sided model.
What you’ll love: Tie-down straps help secure it in the car or for air travel. The carry handle makes it easy to lift. It has ventilation on four sides.
What you should consider: The larger sizes are better suited to dogs than cats.
Where to buy: Sold by Chewy and Amazon
Top hard-sided pet carrier for the money
What you need to know: Since it’s foldable, it’s perfect for people who want a hard carrier but don’t have much storage space.
What you’ll love: Thanks to the extra-large size, it’s perfect for big cats or two small to average-sized cats who’d prefer to travel together. It’s easy to set up and pack down.
What you should consider: It can be slightly tricky to get cats inside.
Where to buy: Sold by Chewy and Amazon
Best backpack cat carriers
Top backpack cat carrier
What you need to know: It’s a great option for taking your cat to the vet on foot or for traveling with.
What you’ll love: This backpack is extremely sturdy and well-made. It has a waterproof bottom in case your cat has an accident and a comfortable cushion inside that’s removable and washable.
What you should consider: Although it’s airline approved, it could do with more ventilation for long journeys.
Where to buy: Sold by Chewy and Amazon
Top backpack cat carrier for the money
What you need to know: This roomy pet-carrier backpack comes at an affordable price.
What you’ll love: It has front and top loading options, so you can get your cat inside however it’s easiest. There’s plenty of mesh ventilation for reliable airflow.
What you should consider: Some tall wearers find the straps too short for comfortable use.
Where to buy: Sold by Chewy and Amazon
Best rolling cat carriers
Top rolling cat carrier
Snoozer Roll-Around Pet Carrier
What you need to know: If you struggle to lift a cat carrier, this rolling version is ideal.
What you’ll love: In addition to rolling it around on wheels, you can also use it as a backpack, car seat or pet bed. The telescoping handle is comfortable for people of varying heights.
What you should consider: It could do with a handle on the top.
Where to buy: Sold by Chewy and Amazon
Top rolling cat carrier for the money
Pet Gear I-GO2 Sport Rolling Carrier
What you need to know: This affordable rolling carrier doubles as a backpack.
What you’ll love: It’s well-ventilated and comfortable for cats. The two zippered external pockets let you store pet essentials.
What you should consider: It feels slightly flimsy.
Where to buy: Sold by Chewy
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/pets-br/crates-carriers-containers-br/which-pet-carrier-is-best-for-cats/ | 2022-04-12T11:20:05 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/pets-br/crates-carriers-containers-br/which-pet-carrier-is-best-for-cats/ |