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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
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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.wane.com/reviews/15-most-popular-origins-skin-care-products-on-sephora/ | 2022-04-12T22:46:56 | 0 | https://www.wane.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
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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.wane.com/reviews/9-most-popular-sheet-masks-at-sephora/ | 2022-04-12T22:47:04 | 1 | https://www.wane.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
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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.wane.com/reviews/best-bodyboard/ | 2022-04-12T22:47:11 | 1 | https://www.wane.com/reviews/best-bodyboard/ |
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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
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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.wane.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/bottoms-br/best-high-waisted-leggings/ | 2022-04-12T22:47:18 | 1 | https://www.wane.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/bottoms-br/best-high-waisted-leggings/ |
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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
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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.wane.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/face-makeup-br/10-most-popular-nars-products-at-sephora/ | 2022-04-12T22:47:25 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/face-makeup-br/10-most-popular-nars-products-at-sephora/ |
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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
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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.wane.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/lip-makeup-br/best-red-matte-lipstick/ | 2022-04-12T22:47:32 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/lip-makeup-br/best-red-matte-lipstick/ |
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
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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.wane.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/luxury-skincare-br/15-most-popular-dr-barbara-sturm-products-on-sephora/ | 2022-04-12T22:47:39 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/luxury-skincare-br/15-most-popular-dr-barbara-sturm-products-on-sephora/ |
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
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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.wane.com/reviews/br/health-wellness-br/seasonal-allergy-products-to-help-you-breathe-easier/ | 2022-04-12T22:47:46 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/reviews/br/health-wellness-br/seasonal-allergy-products-to-help-you-breathe-easier/ |
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
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Which balloon pump is best?
If you love to throw parties for your friends and family and love balloons, you need a balloon pump. Balloon pumps make quick work of a job that would be time-consuming and tedious if you tried to blow them all up with just your own lung power.
The best balloon pump is the ID Idaodan Portable Dual Nozzle Electric Balloon Pump. It’s affordably priced, and the airflow is regulated to be safe for a child to use.
What to know before you buy a balloon pump
Electric vs. manual balloon pump
It may seem like electric balloon pumps are the only way to go, but manual pumps have their benefits too.
- Electric pumps are best for inflating large amounts of balloons quickly and regularly. Some have enough nozzles to let multiple people fill balloons at once, increasing your balloon-filling potential. Most are designed to pull air from around them but some are specialized to work with helium tanks.
- Manual pumps are best for inflating a few balloons at once, or if you don’t plan on inflating balloons very often. Their output rate is small and they require more effort, but they cost a fraction of an electric pump’s price and can be used anywhere.
Noise generation
Electric balloon pumps can generate a tremendous amount of noise. In professional settings, extended exposure to high noise-generating pumps can damage your hearing. In personal situations, the noise can disturb your family or give away the game if you’re trying to make it a surprise.
What to look for in a quality balloon pump
Ease of use
Electric and manual pumps each have their own ease-of-use aspects.
- Electric pumps’ ease-of-use is all about portability and intuitive design. The easiest to use are lightweight and have handles for carrying, since the best place to inflate your balloons is where the party will occur. They have nozzles spaced far enough apart not to interfere with one another and offer quick access to the power button.
- Manual pumps’ ease-of-use is about limiting the effort required. Easy hand pumps force air into the balloon in both pull directions rather than having one direction prime air and the other force it in. Easy foot pumps have long enough tubes to enable use without hunching.
Controllers
For electric balloon pumps, controllers determine how air is pumped into your balloon. Most are triggered by pressing a button, which takes a hand away from the balloon and can make things more difficult. The best use either a foot pedal or a pressure-sensitive nozzle that starts and stops the airflow as needed, without taking hands away from balloons.
How much you can expect to spend on a balloon pump
Manual pumps rarely cost more than $10. Electric pumps usually cost $20-40, though a few professional-grade pumps cost $50 or more.
Balloon pump FAQ
Can I use a balloon pump to inflate other objects?
A. Technically a balloon pump could inflate other objects, but two factors typically prevent this. First, balloon pumps just aren’t that strong. They’re designed to inflate a tiny object, not your mattress. Secondly, balloon-pump valves aren’t meant for objects that aren’t balloons. You might be able to jury-rig something, but it’d be much easier just to get a matching pump.
Can I use other pumps to inflate balloons?
A. Once again there’s the issue of mismatching valves. Also, a non-balloon pump is likely to be too powerful and cause your balloons to immediately burst.
How quickly can a balloon pump inflate balloons?
A. That depends on if it’s manual or electric, and how powerful an electric pump is. Manual pumps have the greatest variance in inflation rates. How the pump operates, and how easy it is to remove and tie off a filled balloon, can make inflating a single balloon take as long as a minute. Meanwhile, even the weakest electric pumps can fill a balloon in seconds.
When you factor in most electric pumps having multiple nozzles, if each nozzle has someone working at it, electric pumps can fill hundreds of balloons in an hour. The only slowdown is how quickly one can tie off a filled balloon.
What’s the best balloon pump to buy?
Top balloon pump
ID Idaodan Portable Dual Nozzle Electric Balloon Pump
What you need to know: This is perfect for non-professional balloon lovers.
What you’ll love: It has automatic and manual modes so you can blow up just a few or a whole bushel of balloons with speed. It has two nozzle sizes to inflate a wider range of balloons. Users were impressed by the low noise generation.
What you should consider: It doesn’t have the power or long-term durability for professional party throwers. A few consumers received U.K.-based plugs rather than U.S.-based ones.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top balloon pump for the money
Control Balloon Products Tota Handheld Two-Way Dual Action Balloon Pump
What you need to know: This is perfect for smaller events.
What you’ll love: It lets you push air into the balloon while pumping in both directions, saving time and energy. It’s roughly a foot long and 2.25 inches thick, making it easy to use for both older kids and adults.
What you should consider: It takes up to an hour to inflate roughly 40 balloons, making it best for small events. The nozzle isn’t compatible with all balloon types.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
LiKee Electric Balloon Pump Kit
What you need to know: The pig-like design makes this a fun family pump.
What you’ll love: The pink pig design is perfect for tricking your kids into helping you blow up balloons for their own birthday parties. Inflation is triggered by pushing down on the nozzle and stopped by releasing pressure, so there’s never wasted air or excess noise.
What you should consider: This pump can’t be hooked up to helium or hydrogen. Some consumers noted it can become hot quickly, though not hot enough to burn.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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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.wane.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/best-balloon-pump/ | 2022-04-12T22:47:59 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/best-balloon-pump/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. — A man died in a shooting Monday morning in North Portland's Eliot neighborhood, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) said.
Officers responded at 10:09 a.m. to a report of a shooting near North Cook Street and North Gantenbein Avenue where they found a man with a gunshot wound.
The victim was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injury. Detectives with PPB's homicide unit are investigating.
Police have not released any suspect information, and no arrests have been made.
There have been more than two-dozen homicides and over 100 injury shootings in Portland since the start of this year. This is at least the fourth deadly shooting the city has seen in the past week.
On Thursday night, April 7, a 33-year-old woman was shot and killed near West Burnside and Northwest 6th Avenue, down the street from the Roseland Theater.
The following day, a 33-year-old man was shot and killed on Northwest Naito Parkway underneath the Burnside Bridge just before noon. An 18-year-old suspect was taken into custody for that shooting.
Then on Sunday, April 10, police reported that a woman was shot and killed near Southwest Clay Street and Southwest 12th Avenue. A second woman was shot and taken to a hospital where she was expected to survive.
At this rate, the city is on track to outpace last year's record number of homicides and shootings.
Anyone has information about this most recent shooting is asked to contact Detective Mike Jones at Michael.Jones@portlandoregon.gov or Detective Jeff Sharp at Jeff.Sharp@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-9773 in reference to case number 22-96746. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/crime/man-shot-killed-north-portland-april-12/283-f546366d-acd4-4787-85fc-c09aea01398a | 2022-04-12T22:51:35 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/crime/man-shot-killed-north-portland-april-12/283-f546366d-acd4-4787-85fc-c09aea01398a |
NEW YORK — 2021 was the deadliest year in U.S. history, and new data and research are offering more insights into how it got that bad.
The main reason for the increase in deaths? COVID-19, said Robert Anderson, who oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's work on death statistics.
The agency this month quietly updated its provisional death tally. It showed there were 3.465 million deaths last year, or about 80,000 more than 2020's record-setting total.
Early last year, some experts were optimistic that 2021 would not be as bad as the first year of the pandemic — partly because effective COVID-19 vaccines had finally become available.
“We were wrong, unfortunately," said Noreen Goldman, a Princeton University researcher.
COVID-19 deaths rose in 2021 — to more than 415,000, up from 351,000 the year before — as new coronavirus variants emerged and an unexpectedly large numbers of Americans refused to get vaccinated or were hesitant to wear masks, experts said.
The coronavirus is not solely to blame. Preliminary CDC data also shows the crude death rate for cancer rose slightly, and rates continued to increase for diabetes, chronic liver disease and stroke.
Drug overdose deaths also continued to rise. The CDC does not yet have a tally for 2021 overdose deaths, because it can take weeks of lab work and investigation to identify them. But provisional data through October suggests the nation is on track to see at least 105,000 overdose deaths in 2021 — up from 93,000 the year before.
New research released Tuesday showed a particularly large jump in overdose deaths among 14- to 18-year-olds.
Adolescent overdose death counts were fairly constant for most of the last decade, at around 500 a year, according to the paper published by the Journal of the American Medical Association. They almost doubled in 2020, to 954, and the researchers estimated that the total hit nearly 1,150 last year.
Joseph Friedman, a UCLA researcher who was the paper’s lead author, called the spike “unprecedented.”
Those teen overdose deaths were only around 1% of the U.S. total. But adolescents experienced a greater relative increase than the overall population, even though surveys suggest drug use among teens is down.
Experts attributed the spike to fentanyl, a highly lethal drug that has been cut into heroin for several years. More recently it’s also been pressed into counterfeit pills resembling prescription drugs that teens sometimes abuse.
National death trends affect life expectancy — an estimate of the average number of years a baby born in a given year might expect to live.
With rare exceptions, U.S. life expectancy has reliably inched up year after year. But the CDC’s life expectancy estimate for 2020 was about 77 years — more than a year and a half lower than what it was in 2019.
The CDC has not yet reported its calculation for 2021. But Goldman and some other researchers have been making their own estimates, presented in papers that have not yet been published in peer-reviewed journals.
Those researchers think U.S. life expectancy dropped another five or six months in 2021 — putting it back to where it was 20 years ago.
A loss of more than two years of life expectancy over the last two years "is mammoth," Goldman said.
One study looked at death data in the U.S. and 19 other high-income countries. The U.S. fared the worst.
“What happened in the U.S. is less about the variants than the levels of resistance to vaccination and the public’s rejection of practices, such as masking and mandates, to reduce viral transmission,” one of the study's authors, Dr. Steven Woolf of Virginia Commonwealth University, said in a statement.
Some experts are skeptical that life expectancy will quickly bounce back. They worry about long-term complications of COVID-19 that may hasten the deaths of people with chronic health problems.
Preliminary — and incomplete — CDC data suggest there were at least 805,000 U.S. deaths in about the first three months of this year. That's well below the same period last year, but higher than the comparable period in 2020.
“We may end up with a ‘new normal’ that's a little higher than it was before,” Anderson said. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/nation-world/2021-ranked-as-deadliest-year-in-us-history/507-404b1915-bfff-4ce6-8bc9-01af6adfbb83 | 2022-04-12T22:51:41 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/nation-world/2021-ranked-as-deadliest-year-in-us-history/507-404b1915-bfff-4ce6-8bc9-01af6adfbb83 |
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Tuesday his administration will suspend a federal rule that bars higher levels of ethanol in gasoline during the summer. The move, which Biden announced during a visit to Iowa, is intended to tamp down prices at the pump that have spiked during Russia’s war with Ukraine. Iowa is a key producer of the corn-based fuel additive.
A look at how that the decision to authorize year-round use of so-called E15 will impact gas supplies, prices and the environment.
What action is Biden taking?
Most gasoline sold in the U.S. is blended with 10% ethanol. At Biden's direction, 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 that sell E15, as the high-blend ethanol is known. Those stations are mostly in the Midwest and the South, including Texas, according to industry groups.
Why is Biden doing this?
Lawmakers from both parties and ethanol advocates have urged Biden and the EPA to allow year-round sales of E15, calling it a cheaper and readily available domestic alternative to traditional gasoline. The U.S. has banned imports of Russian crude oil since the country's late February invasion of Ukraine, disrupting global markets and raising prices.
“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 Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, a longtime ethanol proponent. Grassley and 15 other senators sent Biden a letter last month urging him to allow year-round E15 sales.
Ethanol groups called Biden's action a major win for American drivers and U.S. energy security. "It means cleaner options at the pump and a stronger rural economy,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, a biofuel trade group.
How will this affect the environment?
Biden administration official say the short-term move will have little effect on the environment and that EPA will work with states to "ensure there are no significant air quality impacts through the summer driving season.''
Environmentalists questioned that, saying ethanol production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion and raises prices for corn and other crops.
“The ethanol lobby will be happy and kids with asthma will be sicker,'' said Dan Becker of the Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental group. “However well-meaning (Biden's action) might be, kids and the elderly shouldn’t pay the price with their health for slight gas savings.''
A recent report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences revealed that the federal ethanol mandate inflated corn prices by 30% from 2008 to 2016, made corn-based ethanol more carbon intensive than gasoline and increased annual fertilizer use by up to 8%, polluting waterways.
Has the EPA done this before?
The EPA has lifted seasonal restrictions on E15 in the past, including after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The Trump administration allowed for year-round E15 sales starting in 2019, but a federal appeals court struck down the policy change in July 2021, saying the EPA overstepped its authority.
The decision dealt a significant blow to the ethanol industry and corn farmers who had anticipated increased ethanol demand through year-round sales of the higher blend.
How is this different from Trump's action?
Senior Biden administration officials said they expected the EPA waiver to survive a likely court challenge, saying that unlike the open-ended Trump rule, the action is limited to this summer and is prompted by a supply disruption caused by the war in Europe.
Greater use of E15 should "help alleviate some of the pain that we’ve seen since Russia launched this war against Ukraine,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan told a Senate committee last week.
But critics said the only emergency is Biden's dropping poll numbers.
Emergency fuel waivers are reserved for acute supply disruptions, such as those resulting from a hurricane, said Chet Thompson, president & CEO of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, which represents petroleum refiners.
“An additional three months of E15 sales won’t do anything to address high crude oil prices, and 98% of retail (gas) stations can’t even sell the fuel,'' Thompson said. “This is politics, not a real solution for drivers.”
Will E15 hurt my car's engine?
E15, often sold at the pump as Unleaded 88, for its octane rating, can safely be used in all cars, trucks and SUVs from 2001 on. Those model years represent more than 90% of vehicles on U.S. roads. The ethanol industry says the fuel is one of the most tested in history and has no effect on vehicle drivability. More than 20 billion miles have been driven in cars and trucks using Unleaded 88, a number continues to grow.
What is the price of E15 gas?
E15, or Unleaded 88, typically sells for 10 cents a gallon less than E10, the standard formulation for U.S. cars. The price difference between Unleaded 88 and conventional gasoline without ethanol is around 40 cents.
Will I get better mileage from E15 gas?
There is no noticeable difference between the mileage achieved when using E15 and mileage when operating on E10.
Can I use E15 in my lawnmower and other small engines?
E15 has not been approved by EPA for use in non-automotive engines such as boats, motorcycles, lawn mowers and other small engines. E10, the standard ethanol formulation, is approved for small engines. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/nation-world/biden-ethanol-gasoline-explainer/507-e823ab64-4e21-4ed3-80b0-5cd84e1cd253 | 2022-04-12T22:51:47 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/nation-world/biden-ethanol-gasoline-explainer/507-e823ab64-4e21-4ed3-80b0-5cd84e1cd253 |
BUCHA, Kyiv Oblast — The coffin was made from pieces of a closet. In a darkened basement under a building shaking from the bombardment of war, there were few other options.
Six-year-old Vlad watched as his mother was carried out of the shelter last month and to the yard of a nearby home. The burial was hurried and devastating.
Now Russian forces have withdrawn from Bucha after a monthlong occupation, and Vlad’s father, Ivan Drahun, dropped to his knees at the foot of the grave.
He reached out and touched the dirt near his wife Maryna’s feet. “Hi, how are you?” he said during the visit last week. “I miss you so much. You left so soon. You didn’t even say goodbye.”
The boy also visits the grave, placing on it a juice box and two cans of baked beans. Amid the stress of war, his mother barely ate. The family still doesn’t know what illness caused her death. They, much like their town, barely know how to move on.
Bucha witnessed some of the ghastliest scenes of Russia’s invasion, and almost no children have been seen in its silent streets since then. The many bright playgrounds in the once popular community with good schools on a far edge of the capital, Kyiv, are empty.
The Russians used a children’s camp in Bucha as an execution ground, and bloodstains and bullet holes mark a basement. On a ledge near the camp entrance, Russian soldiers placed a toy tank. It appeared to be connected to fishing wire — a possible booby trap in the most vulnerable of places.
Steps away from Vlad’s home, some of the Russians used a kindergarten as a base, leaving it intact while other nearby buildings suffered. Casings of used artillery shells were left along a fence in the yard. In a nearby playground, white and red tape marked off unexploded ordnance. The booms of de-mining operations were so strong they set off car alarms.
At the apartment block where Vlad, his older brother Vova and sister Sophia live, someone had spray-painted “CHILDREN” in child-high letters on an outside wall. Under it, a wooden box once used for ammunition held a teddy bear and other toys.
It is here that Bucha’s fragile renewal can be seen.
A small group of neighborhood children gathered, finding distraction from the war. Bundled up in winter coats, they kicked a football, wandered around with bags of snacks handed out by visiting volunteers, called out from a glass-less window above.
Their parents, taking in the feeble warmth of spring after weeks in freezing basements, reflected on how they tried to protect the children. “We covered his ears,” said Polina Shymanska of her 7-year-old great-grandson Nikita. “We hugged him, kissed him.” She tried to play chess and the boy let her win.
Upstairs, in a neighbor's apartment where Vlad’s father for now has merged his family with that of the neighbor to help manage their collection of children, Vlad curled up on a bed with another boy and played cards. The radiator gave off no heat. There was still no gas, no electricity, no running water.
Not everyone in Vlad’s family can stand to return to their own apartment nearby. The memories of Maryna are everywhere, from the perfume bottles on the table by the front door to the quiet kitchen.
In the living room, time has stopped. Limp balloons dangled from the overhead light. A string of colorful flags still hung on the wall, along with a family photo. It showed Ivan and Maryna holding Vlad on the day he was born. They celebrated his birthday on Feb. 19.
Five days later, the war began. And the family’s life shrank to a dank concrete half-room in the basement, lined with blankets and scattered with sweets and toys. It was very, very cold, Ivan remembers. He and Maryna did what they could to muffle the sounds of shelling for Vlad and keep him calm. But they were afraid, too.
Two weeks ago, Ivan took Vlad to the makeshift toilet in the shelter and visited neighbors. Then he came to Maryna to tell her that he was going outside. “I touched her shoulder, and she was cold,” he said. “I realized she was gone.”
At first, he said, Vlad appeared not to understand what had happened. The boy said his mother had moved away. But at the burial, the boy watched Ivan kneel and cry, and now he knows what death is.
Death is inseparable from Bucha. Local authorities told The Associated Press that at least 16 children were among the hundreds of people killed. Those who survived face a long recovery.
“They’ve realized that now it’s calm and quiet,” Ivan said. “But at the same time, older children understand that it’s not the end. The war is not finished. And it’s hard to explain for the smaller ones that war is still going on.”
The children are adapting, he said. They have seen a lot. Some even saw dogs killed.
Now the war has slipped into the games they play.
In a sandbox outside the kindergarten, Vlad and a friend "bombed" each other with fistfuls of sand.
“I’m Ukraine,” one said. “No, I’m Ukraine,” said the other. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/children-bucha-survivors/507-106891bc-a5e7-42f7-b0aa-7a52ab49f0e4 | 2022-04-12T22:51:53 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/children-bucha-survivors/507-106891bc-a5e7-42f7-b0aa-7a52ab49f0e4 |
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Richmond Circuit Court has sentenced Barron T. Spurlock, the man who was charged with the murder and sexual assault of a toddler in a motel in October 2019.
Spurlock, who was 25 at the time he committed these crimes, was originally charged with first degree murder and two counts of object sexual penetration.
The first degree murder charge has since been amended to murder as a non-capital felony, to which Spurlock plead guilty.
One charge of object sexual penetration was likewise amended to aggravated sexual battery of a victim under 13 years old, to which he also plead guilty.
Prosecutors asked that the second charge of object sexual penetration be dropped.
The murder charge comes with a sentence of 30 years, 10 of which have been suspended. The sexual battery charge brings another 20 years of prison time, 15 years of which were also suspended.
Spurlock will serve a total of 25 years for the sexual assault of a 17-month-old toddler, who was taken to an area hospital and pronounced dead two days later. | https://www.wric.com/news/crime/man-who-murdered-sexually-assaulted-toddler-sentenced/ | 2022-04-12T22:53:14 | 0 | https://www.wric.com/news/crime/man-who-murdered-sexually-assaulted-toddler-sentenced/ |
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Chesterfield County Police Department is still working to locate 6-month-old Kynsley Grimshaw more than a week after she was last seen with her father.
On Friday, April 8, the Chesterfield County Police Department (CCPD) first issued a notice that they were searching for the baby and Andrew Grimshaw, 32, after obtaining warrants for the latter’s arrest. Grimshaw has been charged with misdemeanor assault on a family member, felony strangulation and misdemeanor brandishing a firearm, stemming from a March 31 incident.
In the early morning hours of March 31, police said the suspect physically assaulted someone and displayed a firearm in a threatening manner. Shortly after, on April 1, Grimshaw reportedly left the area with his infant child. Although authorities did not specify where the incident happened, a release stated that Grimshaw resided at the 5300 block of Hunt Master Drive.
On Sunday, police said that Grimshaw turned himself in. However, Kynsley was not with him. Grimshaw was granted bond, meaning that both his whereabouts and the child’s are unknown.
“It’s an unfortunate situation,” 8News legal analyst Russ Stone said. “You’re in a situation where this individual is accused of crimes, but he has not been convicted yet, and he is presumed to be innocent of those crimes, and he is a parent to the child. Obviously, there is a mother, as well, who is also a parent to the child.”
Court records show that Grimshaw does not have prior charges in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Stone said that was likely taken into account when the judge on this case granted him bail.
“The decision on bond depends on three issues that a judge is supposed to decide. First, is the person a flight risk? Are they going to show up in court?” he said. “The second two factors are, is the person a threat to themselves or a threat to other people?”
Court documents obtained by 8News show that, in being granted bail, it was noted that Andrew is not “likely to obstruct or attempt to obstruct justice or threaten, injure or intimidate or attempt to threaten, injure or intimidate a prospective witness, juror, victim, or family or household member,” despite one of the charges against him being assault on a family member.
The documents surrounding his $2,500 bail also detailed that he “may not leave the Commonwealth of Virginia” until his case and any relevant appeals are finished.
“When […] any defendant appears in court on charges, if the court has concerns that a child might be in danger, then it can be placed as a condition of bond that the person not be around children,” Stone said. “It doesn’t sound like, in this situation, there was any concern about that.”
“If there was domestic violence between two adults and there just happens to be a child involved, that doesn’t necessarily mean the child is in danger.”
According to police, Kynsley is believed to be with her father and not in any danger. But because Grimshaw was released on bond until his next court appearance, authorities do not know their location.
“They’re just checking to see where a person is. They wouldn’t necessarily have a right to stop a vehicle or stop a car or anything of that nature because there’s no probable cause that a crime has occurred, other than the one he’s charged with,” Stone said. “I don’t think people should assume that this person is guilty of anything at the moment, just because a charge has been placed.”
Grimshaw is due in court in Chesterfield County on Thursday. Stone said that authorities would have a right at that time to inquire about the location of the child. If Grimshaw does not show up in court, he could face additional charges.
Anyone with information about Kynsley is asked to contact CCPD at 804-748-1251, or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660. | https://www.wric.com/news/crime/search-continues-for-6-month-old-chesterfield-baby/ | 2022-04-12T22:53:20 | 1 | https://www.wric.com/news/crime/search-continues-for-6-month-old-chesterfield-baby/ |
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Attorney General Jason Miyares joined 15 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing the contentious admission process at Thomas Jefferson High School.
“Right now, there are innocent Virginians unfairly treated and punished not for anything they’ve done, but because of who they are,” Miyares said. “Thomas Jefferson High School’s new admissions process is state sanctioned bigotry – it’s wrong, and it’s the exact opposite of equality. As Attorney General, I’ll never stop fighting for the equal treatment and protection of all Virginians.”
Thomas Jefferson High School has consistently been ranked the number one public high school in the country. However, the school began to come under criticism over its lack of diversity; for decades, Black and Hispanic students were woefully underrepresented in the student body.
The school board decided to scrap its standardized test that had been at the heart of the school’s admissions process and instead adopted a process that set aside slots at each of the county’s middle schools. The new process also included “experience factors” like socioeconomic background.
The parents’ group “Coalition for TJ” filed a lawsuit arguing that Asian Americans, who constituted more than 70% of the student body, were unfairly targeted in the new policy.
In February, U.S. District Judge Claude Hilton ruled that the school’s new admission policy illegally discriminated against Asian Americans.
In March, the 4th Circuit appeals court granted a request from Fairfax County Public Schools to continue using its new admissions policy at Thomas Jefferson High School. In a 2-1 ruling, the appeals court said the school board had met the legal requirements for a suspension of Hilton’s order while its appeal is pending.
The 4th Circuit panel agreed with the school’s argument that because the selection process for the incoming class was already underway, implementing Hilton’s ruling would have thrown the process into chaos.
Judge Toby Heytens wrote that he had “grave doubts” about Hilton’s conclusions “regarding both disparate impact and discriminatory purpose” of the new admissions policy.
“In my view, appellant Fairfax County School Board is likely to succeed in its appeal,” Heytens wrote.
Miyares and the 15 other attorneys general who signed the amicus brief disagree.
The school’s current freshman class, which was admitted under the new policy, saw a significantly different racial makeup. Black students increased from 1% to 7%; Hispanic representation increased from 3% to 11%. Asian American representation decreased from 73% to 54%.
The school system has insisted that its new policies are race-neutral, and the panel evaluating applicants is not even aware of applicants’ race as it conducts its reviews.
The Associate Press contributed to this report. | https://www.wric.com/news/education/miyares-opposes-discriminatory-admission-policy-at-thomas-jefferson-high-school/ | 2022-04-12T22:53:26 | 0 | https://www.wric.com/news/education/miyares-opposes-discriminatory-admission-policy-at-thomas-jefferson-high-school/ |
HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A 2.4 magnitude earthquake shook the earth in Hanover County Tuesday afternoon.
The earthquake happened at 3:35 p.m., and took place just north of Richmond, in the town of Ashland in Hanover County. According to the seismic event data, the quake spanned 17 kilometers and traveled 9.3 kilometers deep.
According to the Richter Scale –the scientific method for measuring the intensity of earthquakes– an earthquake with a magnitude of 2.4 is relatively low, but vibrations may have been felt by those in the impact area.
Operations at the North Anna power plant were not impacted by the quake, according to Dominion Energy representatives.
The topographic image shows the location of the center of the earthquake with the number “2.4” in the upper left corner. Hanover’s Patrick Henry High School is designated by a white locator circle.
The Hanover County Sheriff’s office said that no damage has been reported as a result of the event.
Click here to check out the latest 8News weather forecast.
This is a breaking news story, stay with 8News for updates. | https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/hanover-county/virginia-earthquake-shakes-it-up-in-hanover-county/ | 2022-04-12T22:53:32 | 0 | https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/hanover-county/virginia-earthquake-shakes-it-up-in-hanover-county/ |
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Did you make an appointment? The Department of Motor Vehicles announced customers who made appointments can now check-in online upon arrival.
Customers will now be able to skip the line at the information desk, and instead let the DMV know that they have arrived by scanning a QR code. Users will scan the code with their phone, submit a few pieces of information and will then be able to take a seat and wait for their number to be called in the lobby.
Those with appointments will still be able to check-in at the information desk if they wish.
“Given the popularity of appointment opportunities, we are pleased to make the process even more efficient for customers who can plan ahead,” said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford. “Your transaction will go even more quickly if you complete your forms beforehand. Please visit our website to find out which application you need to fill out ahead of time and bring to your appointment.”
Appointments and walk-in service are offered daily Monday through Friday, with Saturdays remaining open for walk-in customers. Click here to find a DMV location near you.
Appointments can be made by visiting the DMV online. | https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/skip-the-line-at-the-dmv-with-new-mobile-check-in/ | 2022-04-12T22:53:38 | 0 | https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/skip-the-line-at-the-dmv-with-new-mobile-check-in/ |
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A gunman in a gas mask and a construction vest set off a smoke canister on a rush-hour subway train in Brooklyn and shot at least 10 people Tuesday, authorities said.
Five people were in critical condition but are expected to survive. At least 19 in all were treated at hospitals for gunshot wounds, smoke inhalation and other conditions.
The shooter’s identity, and motive, are still unknown. Police did recover a handgun and the shooter’s backpack from the scene. Authorities believe a bullet that had jammed inside of the gun stopped the rampage.
Police were scouring the city for the shooter and found a rental U-Haul van possibly connected to the violence. Authorities also found a credit card at the scene, and are investigating possible leads. The credit card was confirmed to have been used to rent the U-Haul.
Police presence in the city continued to be all out, as the New York Police Department and FBI executed a manhunt for the suspect into the nighttime hours. | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/nyc-subway-shooting-special-report/ | 2022-04-12T22:53:44 | 0 | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/nyc-subway-shooting-special-report/ |
Child with autism dies 2 months after adoption
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) - Aaron Carter was 6 years old when he left his foster family to go live with his newly adoptive parents. Two months later, he died.
KWCH investigative reporter Alex Flippin spent the last year asking questions about the death, about who failed the child and what needs to be done so it doesn’t happen again to someone else.
When Aaron came to stay with foster parents Jamie and Tina Miller just before his third birthday in April 2017, any communication at all was unthinkable. He only started to learn to communicate when he was 5 years old.
“When we got him, they said he was ‘normal,’ but there was absolutely something terribly wrong,” Tina Miller said. “He would go along the wall and run his hand down it and just follow and just circled the entire day, nonstop. And he didn’t talk.
“He didn’t look at you, and if he did, he looked right past you like you didn’t exist.”
He was a boy with autism who had made his way into the foster care system after a rough start to life. The Millers tried their hardest to give Aaron what he needed, even when he had no way to tell them.
“He didn’t have any form of communication,” Jamie Miller said. “If he got upset, he would yell and scream or throw a tantrum, but that’s the only way he could voice any of his feelings or opinion or anything was by throwing a tantrum. He was definitely a challenge.
“The most, I would say he was the most difficult child I was ever around, but he taught me the most of being a parent of any child I’ve been around.”
As foster parents, the couple estimate they have welcomed somewhere between 30 and 50 children into their home. They currently have 10 kids, and three of them are adopted.
Jamie Miller said when they first brought Aaron home, they had decided not to adopt him.
“After he’d been here for three years, we started rethinking that,” he said.
“I said, ‘I can’t let him go,’” Tina added. “(Jamie) was like ‘I’m glad you said that. I feel same way.’”
The Millers worked to find Aaron the therapy experts say was paramount to his development. Three years in, gone was the little boy who looked right through you.
They developed important routines and took precautions for his safety. Aaron began wearing a helmet to protect him during tantrums. It wasn’t the “normal” they may have been used to, but it was a new normal that they say was working.
He learned to communicate, both verbally and by using a special iPad. He helped with chores, at least as much help as any child his age could.
The dream of making Aaron a permanent part of the family, though, was wiped away by the reality of what it would take to do that.
“(Aaron) was assigned a case manager, so I was able to call her. And I asked her, I said ‘Well what if he was to be adopted, what services will carry over’?” Tina Miller said.
The Millers said they learned that if they adopted Aaron, they could not afford to provide what he needed. Shortly after, a Wichita couple said they could.
Jamie Miller said they were believers, lifting Aaron up in prayer every day and hoping when he went to his new family it would be what he needed.
The couple were young and recently married. They had three dogs and other pets but no children.
The Millers met them, shared dinner and then Aaron had some overnight stays to their home. Jamie and Tina Miller said they saw red flags.
“It was apparent immediately that they weren’t interested in the consistency and doing the things that we knew, we had proved over those years, that he needed,” Jamie explained.
The Millers say the couple felt Aaron didn’t need the helmet he wore to protect him during outbursts. The routine Aaron had come to rely on, they say, wasn’t followed during his visits to the couple’s home.
A pre-adoption family assessment by the Kansas Department of Children and Families, obtained by KWCH, stated one of the prospective parents struggled with methamphetamine and amphetamine addiction.
That parent also had a history of being “quick to anger.” The other parent struggled when people were disrespectful, the assessment stated.
The adoption process continued, and overnight visits with the Wichita couple continued as well.
The Millers said he left them Dec. 18, 2020, on what was supposed to be a four-day weekend with the couple before coming back to them for Christmas.
“But he never he never came back home,” Jamie Miller said.
The Millers say Aaron got sick, and he stayed in Wichita over concern it may have been COVID-19.
By Feb. 16, 2021, he was gone. An adoption specialist delivered the unthinkable news to his foster parents.
“She said that Aaron passed away. He is deceased. That’s pretty much all I heard, and I was just screaming at her on the phone,” Tina said. “I was just like, ‘I knew it. I knew this would happen. You all killed him. You put him there. You knew he didn’t belong there.’ And like, ‘He never should have left.’”
The person on the other end of the phone then asked if the Millers would like to bury Aaron at the state’s expense. They had no idea what they would learn by saying yes.
“His face looked horribly deformed,” Tina explained. “He just had bruises all over his face.”
“Every visible part that we could see was bruised,” Jamie added.
The Department of Children and Families summary of Aaron’s death is seven sentences in length. The autopsy reads that Aaron “had a tantrum” while taking a bath and hit his head on the tub.
It also details 68 other injuries covering his entire body. No cause of death is listed.
There is an open investigation by Wichita police, and DCF will not discuss the case. The foster agency, St. Francis Ministries, did not respond to requests for comment, nor did the couple who planned to adopt Aaron.
Aaron’s foster parents said they are angry at the state, who they say set a young couple up for failure.
“The people that made the decision to move Aaron should have known, should have had the training, should have had the experience to know this isn’t going to go good,” Jamie said. “There were so many blatant things, blatantly obvious things that said, ‘No, no, no, no, no.’ And everybody said, ‘Yes, yes, yes.’
“I feel like he died to keep other people safe, because there are so many kids out there that could end up just like him if things don’t change.”
The people he leaves behind are left to wonder what happened and what needs to change so that it doesn’t happen again. What can the state do to set up parents, prospective parents and kids like Aaron to live and thrive?
“I firmly believe that Aaron won, because he’s in heaven now, and he can talk, he can communicate, he can ride a horse. He liked horses. He can do anything he wants to, so he won. That’s the way I see it see it,” Jamie Miller said.
In the second upcoming part of this story, KWCH sat down with an expert in the field of autism research to hear about current challenges in the state dealing with autism within the foster care system and what needs to change.
Copyright 2022 KWCH via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/child-with-autism-dies-2-months-after-adoption/ | 2022-04-12T22:56:23 | 1 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/child-with-autism-dies-2-months-after-adoption/ |
Juvenile prisoner escapes guard on the way to Tennessee hospital, recaptured in Georgia
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - A sheriff’s office in Georgia on Tuesday morning recaptured a juvenile prisoner who escaped custody while on the way to a Tennessee children’s hospital Monday evening.
On Saturday, police in Nashville, Tennessee, said the teen led officers on a chase after he reportedly stole a Ford Raptor truck.
Police deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle, leading the juvenile to jump from the moving truck before crossing the spikes. The truck crashed and the teen sustained injuries, WSMV reported. Police said he was put in a neck brace before he was arrested and taken to a juvenile detention center in Nashville.
On Monday night, authorities said the juvenile was complaining of seizures. He was then transported by ambulance to a Nashville children’s hospital, accompanied by a guard.
While he was being taken out of the ambulance, authorities said the 16-year-old freed himself from his restraints and ran off toward a nearby intersection where an armed accomplice was waiting in a black Chevy Avalanche, which was reported as stolen. He then jumped into the getaway truck and sped off.
Sometime later, police found the Avalanche truck on fire.
After abandoning the truck, police said the teen and his accomplice carjacked a gold Chevy Malibu outside of an apartment complex. This vehicle was also found crashed and unoccupied by police sometime later.
Around 5 a.m. early Tuesday morning, the Nashville Police Department said the juvenile was arrested along with 22-year-old Tunisia Carey by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia. The two were traveling in Carey’s Nissan Altima when they were apprehended after a traffic stop in Cartersville, Georgia.
Carey and the juvenile remain in custody in Georgia and will be transferred back to Nashville this week, according to WSMV.
Detectives are working to identify each person who contributed to the teen’s escape.
Nashville authorities said they intend to charge the juvenile as an adult.
Copyright 2022 WSMV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/juvenile-prisoner-escapes-guard-way-tennessee-hospital-recaptured-georgia/ | 2022-04-12T22:56:29 | 0 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/juvenile-prisoner-escapes-guard-way-tennessee-hospital-recaptured-georgia/ |
Mainly dry this evening, rain and storms return late tonight & Wednesday
SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) - It’s been a beautiful Tuesday around Mid-Michigan with plenty of sunshine and temperatures having a chance to warm back up into the 60s.
Despite the chance for rain returning later tonight and clouds rolling in, we should be dry through the evening hours, with plenty of time remaining to enjoy the nice weather.
This Evening & Overnight
Rain is not expected until closer to or after midnight, so any evening plans tonight should be worry free. Temperatures will remain on the mild side as well in the 50s and 60s, allowing for a great night to take a walk or just have the windows open and let some fresh air into the house.
Overnight lows won’t fall too far with clouds moving in and a continued southeast wind flow (5 to 15 miles per hour). Most areas will stay in the 50s, with our coolest locations well into the 40s. Once they bottom out around midnight, some areas will have a chance to start rising toward the commutes and bus stops.
Showers and thunderstorms that pass through overnight are expected to stay below severe limits, although lower freezing levels could lead to the development of small hail if a storm really gets going. Downpours would also be possible.
Wednesday
Rain is possible through the entire day Wednesday with multiple rounds of showers and storms through the evening, however it’s important to note there are expected to be breaks in the action.
Behind that warm front, temperatures will have a chance to warm up into the middle 60s to low 70s despite the mostly cloudy skies expected through the day. Winds will be breezy out of the south southwest around 10 to 20 miles per hour, gusting near 25 to 30 miles per hour.
Once the morning round clears the area with the warm front, we should see a break until another round starts picking up around lunchtime. This round is expected to largely stay sub-severe as it passes through, but gusty winds and downpours will be possible in any thunderstorm. This second round will likely last until about dinnertime (5-7 PM) and then another break will follow.
Finally, a third round will come in ahead of the cold front itself, and this would be the round we’re watching for the best chance of stronger storms, with the main time of concern between 8 PM and 4 AM. If severe storms develop, strong winds and hail would be the main threats, along with downpours.
The Storm Prediction Center has the entire TV5 viewing area under a Marginal Risk, which suggests a lower or isolated risk for severe storms, or that most storms that develop won’t be severe.
We do have some things to consider with this risk of severe weather. Typically, a late-evening and overnight arrival is not ideal for severe storms as we’re losing the heating of the day and our best ingredients. We also have multiple waves of rain expected through the day tomorrow, which will eat away at the available energy for strong storms.
This isn’t to suggest severe storms can’t happen, but right now our threat appears low, and we’ll need a couple of puzzle pieces to come together. As always, we’ll be watching closely how things evolve through the day.
Rainfall amounts between 0.30″ to 1″ are expected, heaviest as you go northwest. Areas that see repeated downpours could exceed 1″, and poor drainage areas could feature standing water once again.
Copyright 2022 WNEM. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/mainly-dry-this-evening-rain-storms-return-late-tonight-wednesday/ | 2022-04-12T22:56:36 | 1 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/mainly-dry-this-evening-rain-storms-return-late-tonight-wednesday/ |
Pay it forward: Daughter paying off mother’s house after winning $1M lottery prize
PENSACOLA, Fla. (Gray News) - A Florida woman says she plans to “pay it forward” with her recent lottery winnings.
Tenesia Hollins, 41, of Pensacola, Florida, became the Florida Lottery’s latest millionaire as officials said she claimed a $1 million prize from the new 500X THE CASH Scratch-Off game on April 6.
Hollins said she purchased her winning ticket from a Winn-Dixie supermarket. According to lottery officials, the retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning scratch-off ticket.
Lottery officials said that the 41-year-old chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $820,000.
When asked what she plans to do with her winnings, Hollins told lottery representatives that the first thing she wants to do is pay off her mother’s house.
“She’s done so much for me growing up; this is the least I can do for her,” Hollins said.
Lottery officials said the 500X THE CASH scratch-off game features the largest prize of a $25 million jackpot for scratch-offs in the state, and the game has the best odds to become an instant millionaire.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/pay-it-forward-daughter-paying-off-mothers-house-after-winning-1m-lottery-prize/ | 2022-04-12T22:56:42 | 0 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/12/pay-it-forward-daughter-paying-off-mothers-house-after-winning-1m-lottery-prize/ |
HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Two men have been identified and arrested in connection to a number of unlocked car thefts.
During the overnight hours on April 6, Hanover County Sheriff’s Office dispatched deputies after a report of multiple larcenies from unlocked vehicles in Pebble Creek and Battlefield Green subdivisions.
Residents provided deputies with images from a security camera of two possible suspects walking around vehicles in the neighborhood.
After a thorough investigation, and with the assistance of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the two suspects were positively identified and arrested.
After the execution of a search warrant of one of the offender’s vehicles, additional items were recovered that indicated the possibility of additional victims.
Brandon Duff, 24, of King and Queen County and Christopher Skelton, 18, of Richmond County, have both been arrested and charged with five felony counts of grand larceny and five misdemeanor counts of petit larceny.
The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office issued a public reminder to lock vehicles and remove valuables.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at 804-365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000. All Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous. | https://www.wric.com/news/crime/pair-arrested-for-multiple-thefts-in-hanover-county/ | 2022-04-12T22:57:55 | 1 | https://www.wric.com/news/crime/pair-arrested-for-multiple-thefts-in-hanover-county/ |
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — When the bipartisan-passed No Surprises law took effect at the beginning of the year, the goal was to protect consumers from surprise medical bills. But now that it’s in effect, 6 lawsuits have been filed by medical associations.
The No Surprises law is meant to protect Americans from unanticipated, out-of-network bills that can total thousands of dollars.
The law, said Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, “protects Americans from being broadsided, surprised, by unexpected medical bills. We’re going to be vigorous in enforcement of that law.”
But the Biden adminitration is now facing six lawsuits from medical associations that disagree with the proposed rules for implementing the law.
Various medical associations bringing the suits declined on-camera interviews but said they’re not challenging the portions that affect consumers’ out-of-pocket expenses.
They argue Congress wrote the law to allow for an independent dispute resolutions process to decide how much insurance companies should pay and that the Health and Human Services rules don’t allow for that.
Patricia Kelmar with the US Public Interest Research Groups said the rules crafted by the Biden administration serve as important guardrails.
“You can imagine what happens when you take a away a very lucrative billing practice from providers. They’re very upset,” Kelmar said. “When out-of-network providers can charge whatever they want with no regard to a market value, then all consumers, all insured consumers are paying those added costs.”
She said in the end consumers will pay higher premiums to pick up that cost. | https://www.wric.com/washington-dc/med-associations-sue-over-no-surprises-billing-law/ | 2022-04-12T22:58:01 | 1 | https://www.wric.com/washington-dc/med-associations-sue-over-no-surprises-billing-law/ |
JACKSONVILLE — The Gamecocks' last practice under coach Rich Rodriguez looked different from the previous ones as the head coach spent the entire time preparing his team for the rest of the offseason.
"We always like the last practice to be a teach the players how to run a player-led practice in the summer, so it is short, just an hour," Rodriguez said. "And that is when you really need the leadership. As I've always said, you don't need leadership when the coaches are out there. You need leadership when the coaches aren't."
The top priority of the day for the coaches was to identify players at every position that could be trusted by the coaches and respected enough by their peers to run drills during June and July.
One of those guys will almost certainly be sophomore defensive end Jaylen Swain. Rodriguez has praised both his performance and his leadership all spring long.
"He loves to play football, he plays every play at full speed," Rodriguez said. "He is very coachable, he loves the game, and he's made plays in every practice we've had because of his ability, but even more so because of his attitude. He's a great reflection of how we want to play."
Swain tied for 13th on the team in tackles last season with 21 total, although he was fourth in sacks with two. The former Oxford standout, who recorded one sack on quarterback Zion Webb during Saturday's scrimmage, credited most of his improvements on the field to his success in the weight room this offseason.
"I feel like I got way more explosive running to the ball, being able to get off the line and shooting my hips at offensive lineman," Swain said. "And in coverage, I feel like I got better a lot."
When asked what positions his team might be weak at, Rodriguez said the Gamecocks were thin at pass-rushing and linebackers. The Jacksonville State coach also said he'd like to bring in more linemen for both sides of the ball, add some speed on the perimeter of the offense and bring in additional competition at quarterback.
Good thing the coach expects to bring in 40 or 50 players this offseason.
"Our guys, current guys, they are going to have an edge on anybody coming in because they have had 15 practices and they know what the schemes are and all that," Rodriguez said. "So they need to use that to their advantage, but it is going to be a fun camp because there is going to be a lot more competition than there was this spring."
Of course, everyone on the roster now might not have a spot with the team when the music stops.
"We're going to have some tough conversations with our guys the next couple weeks with our guys," Rodriguez said. "Tell them where they stand, what they need to work on and then what we can improve as well. … The first spring is always the hardest because you're getting to know the practice routine, the scheme, new terminology. I think our guys responded well."
Stepping up
Swain said he had to be a vocal leader throughout his entire high school career, but that's not a role he's grown comfortable with yet as a 19-year-old surrounded by older guys in Jacksonville.
"I really do need to learn how to be a vocal leader," Swain said. "I know how to lead by example, but I got to learn how to be vocal with it and tell guys what to do and what they did wrong because I know. I just don't feel like stepping out of my boundaries or want to step outside my boundaries."
While he feels immensely comfortable leading by example, the defensive end said he knows the offseason will include several tough conversations amongst the players.
"We got to love each other, and what he (Rodriguez) mean by love, you got to tell each other when you're wrong and right because when the fall come," Swain said. "You get better when people is not in the stand. So we got to tell each other what we're doing wrong and right just so we will know when get on the field so with communication-wise we can get better." | https://www.annistonstar.com/sports/jsu-football-rich-rod-turns-offseason-over-to-players-as-gamecocks-wrap-up-spring/article_609e4338-baaa-11ec-9ee2-6313b8560433.html | 2022-04-12T22:58:16 | 1 | https://www.annistonstar.com/sports/jsu-football-rich-rod-turns-offseason-over-to-players-as-gamecocks-wrap-up-spring/article_609e4338-baaa-11ec-9ee2-6313b8560433.html |
Honda has announced its plans to invest $40 million in electric vehicles over the next 10 years as it rolls out 30 electric vehicle models globally by 2030.
In a press event in Japan, on Monday, the automaker announced its renewed focus on electric vehicles which will see the company have a 2 million unit production volume of EVs by 2030. The news comes after Honda’s previous commitments to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2040 and become carbon neutral by 2050.
To help with this, the company has announced plans to build a dedicated electric vehicle production line in North America. John Long, with Honda’s Alabama Auto Plant, said the company is not yet ready to say where.
“Honda is planning for a dedicated EV production line in North America, however we are not ready to share any details at this moment,” he said. “Please be patient as we finalize the product plan and production location, and we will share information as soon as it is available.”
The automaker has announced that along with electrification, it will also begin focusing on hydrogen-based fuel solutions and swappable batteries.
As it moves towards electrification, Honda detailed plans for battery procurement around the world. In North America the company will acquire Ultium batteries from General Motors as part of a previously announced partnership. The company said it is also separately exploring the possibility of creating a joint venture company for battery production.
As part of its EV build out, Honda has announced it will introduce two mid-to-large-size EV models currently being developed jointly with GM in 2024. This includes the all-new Honda Prologue SUV and an Acura EV SUV model.
Later in the decade, Honda plans to further accelerate its plans. In 2026, Honda will begin adopting Honda e: Architecture, an EV platform that combines the hardware platform and software platform. The automaker is also planning, through its alliance with GM, to introduce affordable EVs in 2027, with a cost and range that will be as competitive as gasoline-powered vehicles, starting from North America.
As part of all of its efforts, Honda said it also wants to work towards offering not just individual products but an interconnected platform that bridges hardware products with software offerings throughout its line of products. To help fund this goal, Honda has pledged to use $63.7 billion in research and development funds over the next ten years. | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_daily_home/honda-to-build-new-north-american-production-line-following-shift-to-electric-vehicles/article_fafbeef2-baa6-11ec-bf15-67ea5fe06311.html | 2022-04-12T22:58:22 | 1 | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_daily_home/honda-to-build-new-north-american-production-line-following-shift-to-electric-vehicles/article_fafbeef2-baa6-11ec-bf15-67ea5fe06311.html |
The Talladega County Commission approved an amendment to a recently approved capital improvement plan for water lines during their regular meeting Monday evening. The change involved replacing an additional water main on Joe Gamble Road.
In November, the commission voted to split the overall water project into two, using different engineers and different funding sources in order to get the projects underway as soon as possible. County Administrator Pay Lyle said Monday that most of the water main replacement projects would utilize state 2 cent tax funds, while the replacing larger transmission lines, booster pumps and water tower projects will be covered with federal funds.
The Joe Gamble Road project will cost an estimated $340,000, to be paid out of state funds. Lyle said she had to shuffle a couple of the projects around but said everything was still covered, and there were still funds available for expanded broadband access in the south end of the county.
Also Monday, the commission:
— Appointed Emergency Management Agency Director Andy McWilliams the county’s safety director.
— Heard a presentation from Talladega City Manager Seddrick Hill regarding several economic development projects the city is currently moving forward with, including several that involve county partnerships.
— Announced that all county offices will be closed for Good Friday.
— Announced that there will be a community clean-up day at Country Club Estates on Saturday, April 23. | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_daily_home/talladega-county-comission-solidifies-plans-concerning-road-project/article_42cec05a-ba99-11ec-a63c-bb0a3d799caf.html | 2022-04-12T22:58:29 | 0 | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_daily_home/talladega-county-comission-solidifies-plans-concerning-road-project/article_42cec05a-ba99-11ec-a63c-bb0a3d799caf.html |
MARGARET — The Margaret Lions Club announced that The Dew Drop In, a pub in Margaret, is its 2022 Business of the Year for its community support and fundraising efforts.
According to Lion Pedro Pino, owners Sam Hollis and Serena Duncan not only fill their time running a business, but have also quietly, behind the scenes, supported individuals and families during their times of need for many years. Every Fall, for example, the two business owners host a fundraiser to buy toys for local kids, just in time for Christmas day.
Hollis and Duncan have also made it a mission to feed their community. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, a complete holiday meal is served, free of charge, to all with show up, with no questions asked.
Most recently, Sam and Serena held a fundraiser to send a diabetic child to Summer Camp at Camp Seale Harris, raising well over $800 so that the child and family could attend the camp free of charge. | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_st_clair_times/margaret-lions-club-recognizes-its-2022-business-of-the-year/article_031a6ef8-ba96-11ec-869c-c7e6252b2616.html | 2022-04-12T22:58:35 | 1 | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_st_clair_times/margaret-lions-club-recognizes-its-2022-business-of-the-year/article_031a6ef8-ba96-11ec-869c-c7e6252b2616.html |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A 15-year-old boy was injured in a shooting in Annapolis Tuesday afternoon, according to police.
Police said the teen was shot around 4 p.m. in the area of Frederick Douglas Street and Medgar Evers Street.
The 15-year-old was airlifted to an area hospital. Police said he is stable.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-260-3439. You can also call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/15-year-old-injured-in-shooting-in-annapolis | 2022-04-12T23:00:44 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/15-year-old-injured-in-shooting-in-annapolis |
BALTIMORE — The questions once asked are coming back to mind for drivers across the state.
“Gotta make that decision: where you gonna go? When are you going to go? How much you’re going to fill up where you gonna go to fill up,” said one driver
As lawmakers wrapped up the regular session of the General Assembly, they voted to leave relief at the pump behind.
Delegate Brenda Thiam proposed legislation that would extend the pause on the state gas tax another 45 days ultimately saving drivers 36 per gallon for regular gas at the pump.
However, it was shot down.
"The argument was really that we just cant afford it that enough had been done for Marylanders to help us at the gas pump. Its too costly it would be and additional 45 days would be another multi-million dollar money that we would have to take away from the budget,” Thiam told WMAR2 News.
Another driver said he is not a fan of that opposing argument.
“They can go pound sand. They shouldn't be in there. They don't care about us they don't care about you and I. If they cared about us you think they would've reinstated that? Yea they would've said look. They're squeezing us for every dime we've got,” he said.
While others, like Caleb Pallaria, who travels to and from Maryland aren't really moved at all comparing Maryland's lower gas prices to other states.
“In New Jersey, you're way over $4. It's crazy. You're looking for anything below $4.15," Pallaria said.
For those living on fixed incomes, mainly retirement, they say every little bit of help they can get counts for something.
“We have to watch what we spend and don't want to spend too much on gas. and gas prices have gone up so much in the past year due to the cost of inflation so anything the government can do to keep it down is fine with me,” Alan Jonas said.
Thiam said that despite the absence of a second move for relief in the General Assembly, she still has hope it's not completely out of the question.
"I'm not giving up. I'm going to wait until the 11th hour and maybe Governor Hogan will do something at the last minute before the 16th. We'll see. I'm hopeful,” the delegate said.
If nothing is done on the state level the gas holiday tax will expire Saturday. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/drivers-weigh-in-as-gas-tax-holiday-bound-to-expire-this-weekend | 2022-04-12T23:00:50 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/drivers-weigh-in-as-gas-tax-holiday-bound-to-expire-this-weekend |
BALTIMORE — Two months ago, WMAR told the story about a group of people fighting to save homes and prevent displacement along Sarah Ann Street in West Baltimore.
On Tuesday, that community got one step closer to getting their wishes granted.
During a local CHAP hearing, leaders said that when it comes to preserving the homes along Sarah Ann and Carroll streets in the Poppelton community, they’re re-evaluating the wishes of the residents and hopefully making a decision next month.
Families, like Sonia Eaddy’s, who’s been in the fight for years, said this restores hope in their efforts to save their community.
“ You took homes, you took businesses, churches that which made our neighborhood a community,” Eaddy said.
RELATED: Bridging The Gap: Sarah Ann Street
Eaddy is part of a community of people who feel the history of their neighborhood is being wiped away.
“ It’s important to be here today to preserve was left of Poppleton and protect our Black legacy, our Black history to that neighborhood to the city,” Eaddy said.
Eaddy has lived in the Poppleton community, along Carrollton Avenue, for most of her life. She said since the city started buying up properties in the area, especially along Sarah Ann Street, she saw her neighbors forced out and her community turned to blight.
“So they’ve displaced over 200 families in our community since 2004 and so we’re just the last family remaining. We were served a summons of condemnation in February 2020,” Eaddy said.
Once Eaddy and her family were asked to leave, that’s when the fight to preserve her community began.
“ So we’re fighting to have our properties taken off of the acquisitions list and included in this CHAP historical district,” Eaddy said.
Along Sarah Ann Street and Carrollton Avenue in Poppeloton, it's more than just row homes, it serves as a rich history of Black homeownership for centuries. It’s why a community of people are fighting the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation to save the remaining buildings.
“To have lived through the disinvestments in our communities, in our neighborhoods for years, decades, to be displaced when the good, the new is coming, it’s a travesty,” Eaddy said.
Tuesday during a hearing CHAP leaders agreed to re-evaluate the option to preserve the current homes along Sarah Ann Street and add the Carrollton Avenue homes as part of the historic preservation, that decision was tabled until next month leaving those fighting hopeful about the potential outcome.
“ We need to think about the people and the people’s lives, so if they’re going to make things right then do it now. Our houses should matter, our neighborhood should matter, the black communities should matter,” Eaddy said. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/poppleton-community-fights-to-preserve-the-history-of-their-neighborhoods | 2022-04-12T23:00:56 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/poppleton-community-fights-to-preserve-the-history-of-their-neighborhoods |
BEL AIR, Md. — For the past four years, the Southhampton Middle School in Bel Air has turned basketball into more than just a game.
Students at the school raise money for the Harford Family House, a charity that supports homeless families with school aged children.
It provides them with a home for a year and gets them back on their feet.
The event consists of a student versus staff basketball game and a 3-point shoot out.
The principal of Southhampton is thrilled his students can make a direct impact.
"Knowing that every single dollar is going down the street to Harford Family House, right down the street, is huge," said principal Chaz Hagan.
He also had a message for other schools in the area.
"I challenge you to come out and raise money for the Harford Family House and see if you can beat our $38,600 dollars," said Hagan. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/students-at-a-local-bel-air-school-raise-money-to-support-homeless-families | 2022-04-12T23:01:02 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/students-at-a-local-bel-air-school-raise-money-to-support-homeless-families |
A Hawaii couple have dropped their petition for a temporary restraining order against actor Ezra Miller, known for playing "The Flash" in "Justice League" films.
According to court documents, a judge dismissed the case on Monday after the couple requested the dismissal. The couple's lawyer is declining to comment on why they no longer want to pursue the petition that accused Miller of bursting into their bedroom and threatening them in the Big Island town of Hilo.
It's also the town where Miller was arrested for allegedly harassing patrons at a karaoke bar. Miller's attorney in Hilo declined to comment on Tuesday.
Hawaii Police Department Assistant Chief Kenneth Quiocho said Tuesday that Miller was “uncooperative and refused to leave the area and continued to obstruct the sidewalk.” | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/couple-in-hawaii-drop-restraining-order-against-actor-ezra-miller | 2022-04-12T23:01:08 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/couple-in-hawaii-drop-restraining-order-against-actor-ezra-miller |
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration issued a joint statement warning people about fake Adderall.
The two agencies say two websites, Kubapharm.com and Premiumlightssupplier.com, sell amphetamine drug products marketed as Adderall without a prescription.
Adderall is an FDA-approved prescription drug used to treat ADHD, but the agencies say it has a high potential for abuse and addiction.
“The illegal sale of prescription drug stimulants online puts Americans at risk and contributes to potential abuse, misuse, and overdose," said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. "These particular types of online pharmacies also undermine our efforts to help consumers safely purchase legitimate prescription medicines over the internet."
The agencies say these illegal products pose a risk to consumers, and purchasing from an unsafe online pharmacy could mean the drugs could be counterfeit, contaminated, expired, or otherwise harmful.
Consumers that have meds from either website should dispose of them and not purchase anything else. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/fda-and-dea-warn-about-online-pharmacies-illegally-selling-adderall | 2022-04-12T23:01:14 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/fda-and-dea-warn-about-online-pharmacies-illegally-selling-adderall |
The 4-foot bronze Fearless Girl statue in New York City will stay in its current spot for almost another year.
The statue has been in front of the Charging Bull at the New York Stock Exchange since 2017.
On Monday, members of the Public Design Commission granted an 11-month extension and will look for a permanent place for the statue.
The artist who created the statue, Kristen Visbal, began selling replicas of it around the world and is currently in litigation with State Street Global Advisors, the company that commissioned it.
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."
The statue has become a popular tourist destination.
Newsy is the nation’s only free 24/7 national news network. You can find Newsy using your TV’s digital antenna or stream for free. See all the ways you can watch Newsy here: https://bit.ly/Newsy1. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/fearless-girl-statue-to-stay-put-at-nyse-for-now | 2022-04-12T23:01:20 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/fearless-girl-statue-to-stay-put-at-nyse-for-now |
Prices for food commodities like grains and vegetable oils reached their highest levels ever last month largely because of Russia's war in Ukraine and the "massive supply disruptions" it is causing, threatening millions of people in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere with hunger and malnourishment, the United Nations said Friday.
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said its Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in international prices for a basket of commodities, averaged 159.3 points last month, up 12.6% from February. As it is, the February index was at the highest level since its inception in 1990.
FAO said the war in Ukraine was largely responsible for the 17.1% rise in the price of grains, including wheat and others like oats, barley and corn. Together, Russia and Ukraine account for around 30% and 20% of global wheat and corn exports, respectively.
While predictable given February's steep rise, "this is really remarkable," said Josef Schmidhuber, deputy director of FAO's markets and trade division. "Clearly, these very high prices for food require urgent action."
The biggest price increases were for vegetable oils: that price index rose 23.2%, driven by higher quotations for sunflower seed oil that is used for cooking. Ukraine is the world's leading exporter of sunflower oil, and Russia is No. 2.
"There is, of course, a massive supply disruption, and that massive supply disruption from the Black Sea region has fueled prices for vegetable oil," Schmidhuber told reporters in Geneva.
He said he couldn't calculate how much the war was to blame for the record food prices, noting that poor weather conditions in the United States and China also were blamed for crop concerns. But he said "logistical factors" were playing a big role.
"Essentially, there are no exports through the Black Sea, and exports through the Baltics is practically also coming to an end," he said.
Soaring food prices and disruption to supplies coming from Russia and Ukraine have threatened food shortages in countries in the Middle East, Africa and parts of Asia where many people already were not getting enough to eat.
Those nations rely on affordable supplies of wheat and other grains from the Black Sea region to feed millions of people who subsist on subsidized bread and bargain noodles, and they now face the possibility of further political instability.
Other large grain producers like the United States, Canada, France, Australia and Argentina are being closely watched to see if they can quickly ramp up production to fill in the gaps, but farmers face issues like climbing fuel and fertilizer costs exacerbated by the war, drought and supply chain disruptions.
In the Sahel region of Central and West Africa, the disruptions from the war have added to an already precarious food situation caused by COVID-19, conflicts, poor weather and other structural problems, said Sib Ollo, senior researcher for the World Food Program for West and Central Africa in Dakar, Senegal.
"There is a sharp deterioration of the food and nutrition security in the region," he told reporters, saying 6 million children are malnourished and nearly 16 million people in urban areas are at risk of food insecurity.
Farmers, he said, were particularly worried that they would not be able to access fertilizers produced in the Black Sea region. Russia is a leading global exporter.
"The cost of fertilizers has increased by almost 30% in many places of this region due to the supply disruption that we see provoked by a crisis in Ukraine," he said.
The World Food Program has appealed for $777 million to meet the needs of 22 million people in the Sahel region and Nigeria over six months, he said.
To address the needs of food-importing countries, the FAO was developing a proposal for a mechanism to alleviate the import costs for the poorest countries, Schmidhuber said. The proposal calls for eligible countries to commit to added investments in their own agricultural productivity to obtain import credits to help soften the blow.
Newsy is the nation’s only free 24/7 national news network. You can find Newsy using your TV’s digital antenna or stream for free. See all the ways you can watch Newsy here: https://bit.ly/Newsy1. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/global-food-prices-soar-to-record-levels-on-ukraine-war-disruptions | 2022-04-12T23:01:26 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/global-food-prices-soar-to-record-levels-on-ukraine-war-disruptions |
(MENLO, Iowa) — President Joe Biden for the first time referred to Russia’s invasion in Ukraine as a “genocide” on Tuesday.
Speaking in Iowa at an event about steps his administration is taking to staunch rising fuel costs because of the war, Biden termed the conflict, which has seen Russia carry out atrocities against Ukrainian civilians, as a “genocide.”
“Your family budget, your ability to fill up your tank, none of it should hinge on whether a dictator declares war and commits genocide a half a world away,” Biden said.
Biden has previously stated that he did not believe Russia’s actions amounted to genocide, as Ukrainian government officials have argued, but rather were “war crimes.” | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/president-biden-calls-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-genocide-for-the-first-time | 2022-04-12T23:01:32 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/president-biden-calls-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-genocide-for-the-first-time |
(WASHINGTON) — Members of the U.S. Congress said the Biden administration and its allies will not stand by if chemical weapons were used in the Russian war with Ukraine.
Lawmakers monitoring developments during a trip to Poland said on Tuesday that the U.S. is investigating reports that a poisonous substance had been dropped in Mariupol. But they cautioned that determining the nature of the attack in the beleaguered port city could take time.
“We’re taking those reports seriously and I know the United States government and others are trying to determine if that did indeed occur,” said Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo.
Crow said the administration “has been very clear that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated.”
The Democratic lawmakers, all members of the House Intelligence Committee, are bracing for a potentially long war in Ukraine. They said at a press briefing that Congress is looking at the next steps in sending additional military and other aid to Ukraine.
In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also addressed the reports coming from Mariupol.
“We’re not in a position to confirm anything, I don’t think Ukrainians are either,” Blinken told reporters. “But let me say that we had credible information that Russian forces may use a variety of riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents, that would cause stronger symptoms to weaken, incapacitate ... Ukrainian fighters and civilians, as part of the aggressive campaign” in Mariupol.
“We share that information with ... Ukraine and other partners,” Blinken said. “And we’re in direct conversation with partners to try to determine what actually is happening.” | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/us-investigates-reports-poisonous-substances-were-dropped-in-mariupol-in-ukraines-south | 2022-04-12T23:01:38 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/us-investigates-reports-poisonous-substances-were-dropped-in-mariupol-in-ukraines-south |
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota House has impeached state Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg over a 2020 car crash in which he killed a pedestrian but initially said he might have struck a deer or another large animal.
Ravnsborg is the first official to be impeached in South Dakota history.
He will at least temporarily be removed from office pending the historic Senate trial, where it takes a two-thirds majority to convict on impeachment charges.
The Senate must wait at least 20 days to hold its trial, but has not yet set a date.
Ravnsborg pleaded no contest last year to a pair of traffic misdemeanors in the crash, including making an illegal lane change.
The body of the pedestrian Ravnsborg hit was found the day after the crash.
The pedestrian was later identified as 55-year-old Joseph Boever, the Associated Press reported. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/south-dakota-attorney-general-impeached-over-fatal-crash | 2022-04-12T23:01:44 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/south-dakota-attorney-general-impeached-over-fatal-crash |
KOB Web Staff
Created: April 12, 2022 02:23 PM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Health reported 9 additional COVID-19-related deaths and 129 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday.
There are currently 55 individuals hospitalized in New Mexico with COVID-19.
The NMDOH has modified its daily reporting of COVID-19 data. Their data dashboard no longer includes a daily breakdown of new cases and deaths in each county.
Hospitalizations
Deaths
Cases
Tests
For more information, click here.
Copyright 2022 - KOB-TV LLC, A Hubbard Broadcasting Company | https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/new-mexico-covid-19-update-9-new-deaths-55-hospitalizations-129-cases/6444556/?cat=500 | 2022-04-12T23:01:56 | 0 | https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/new-mexico-covid-19-update-9-new-deaths-55-hospitalizations-129-cases/6444556/?cat=500 |
Photo: AP
|Photo: AP
|
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
Updated: April 12, 2022 03:11 PM
Created: April 11, 2022 11:05 AM
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.
(Copyright 2022 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) | https://www.kob.com/national-news/discovery-of-radioactive-liquid-pauses-work-at-us-nuke-dump/6443492/?cat=500 | 2022-04-12T23:02:02 | 0 | https://www.kob.com/national-news/discovery-of-radioactive-liquid-pauses-work-at-us-nuke-dump/6443492/?cat=500 |
KOB Web Staff
Updated: April 12, 2022 05:01 PM
Created: April 12, 2022 03:38 PM
RUIDOSO, N.M. — A fire has started on McBride Drive in Ruidoso and has already burned 1,000 acres.
Village of Ruidoso officials say the fire jumped to Gavilan Canyon Road and is currently headed north toward Eagle Creek and Homestead Acres. Residents who live in those areas are asked to evacuate and go to the Ruidoso Convention Center.
According to officials with the Lincoln National Forest, everyone north of Ruidoso High School needs to get in their cars and leave.
The cause of the fire has not been determined at this time. Multiple structures have been lost.
High winds have caused power outages and many downed trees and power lines Tuesday. Internet and power is out in Ruidoso.
According to Ruidoso Municipal Schools, all students have been evacuated to the Ruidoso Convention Center for parent pick-up.
This is a developing story. Stay with KOB Eyewitness News 4 and KOB.com for updates.
#WildfireWatch: @EddieGarciaKOB is monitoring this #fire - not to be confused with the #NogalCanyonFire in #LincolnCounty. #Evacuations happening in #Ruidoso. @KOB4 https://t.co/QND2Rz5Ye4
— Tessa Mentus (@TessaMentus) April 12, 2022
Copyright 2022 - KOB-TV LLC, A Hubbard Broadcasting Company | https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/fire-breaks-out-in-ruidoso/6444612/?cat=500 | 2022-04-12T23:02:09 | 0 | https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/fire-breaks-out-in-ruidoso/6444612/?cat=500 |
Christina Rodriguez
Updated: April 12, 2022 03:02 PM
Created: April 12, 2022 02:56 PM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — County and Forest Service firefighters are responding to a 20-acre fire in Nogal Canyon.
Officials said all of Nogal Canyon is under an immediate evacuation notice. Evacuees can go to the Carrizozo Schools or Capitan Fairgrounds. The Capitan Fairgrounds is also accepting livestock.
For evacuees that do not have livestock, they are urged to to the Carrizozo Schools.
Officials said the fire is on both sides of the canyon and is being fanned by 45 mph winds. The cause of the fire is still unknown at this time.
This fire was first detected Tuesday afternoon. It is 0% contained.
This is a developing story. Stay with KOB Eyewitness News 4 and KOB.com for updates.
WILDFIRE WATCH:
Copyright 2022 - KOB-TV LLC, A Hubbard Broadcasting Company | https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/fire-prompts-evacuations-in-nogal-canyon/6444578/?cat=500 | 2022-04-12T23:02:15 | 1 | https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/fire-prompts-evacuations-in-nogal-canyon/6444578/?cat=500 |
Alex Ross
Created: April 12, 2022 01:11 PM
ALAMOGORDO N.M — The National Forest Service has raised Lincoln National Forest's fire danger rating from moderate to high.
The change in fire risk was announced in a press release Tuesday, as high winds, low humidity and several burning fires impact New Mexico.
“When the fire danger is high, fires can start easily and small fuels such as grasses and pine needles will ignite readily,” said Dave Bales, a Lincoln National Forest Fire staff member.
Bales stated that, while new fire restrictions are not currently being put in place, they will likely go into effect as conditions grow hotter.
Visitors are being asked to make sure campfires are out and “cool to the touch” before leaving.
People are also encouraged to be aware of other things that could ignite wildfires, which include:
People are urged to check the Lincoln National Forest webpage for fire restrictions before visiting.
Copyright 2022 - KOB-TV LLC, A Hubbard Broadcasting Company | https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/lincoln-national-forest-fire-danger-rating-elevated-to-high-/6444479/?cat=500 | 2022-04-12T23:02:21 | 0 | https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/lincoln-national-forest-fire-danger-rating-elevated-to-high-/6444479/?cat=500 |
Photo: AP Photo/Morgan Lee, File
|Photo: AP Photo/Morgan Lee, File
|
Morgan Lee
Created: April 12, 2022 02:20 PM
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico election regulators are resisting efforts by a conservative-backed foundation to post statewide voter registration information on a public website where it can be searched by names or addresses to view whether people voted in past elections and sometimes their party affiliations. The website does not list details of how people voted regarding candidates or initiatives.
The Voter Reference Foundation, led by Republican former Senate candidate Doug Truax of Illinois, announced in December that it would add registered New Mexico voters to its website database VoteRef.com that has expanded since the 2020 election and now includes voter rolls from at least 20 states.
That move has prompted calls for a state investigation into possible misuse of election records and a pre-emptive lawsuit by Voter Reference Foundation to ensure its plans to publish the details about New Mexico voters.
The foundation has said its goal is to usher in a “new era of American election transparency.”
But New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said in an interview Monday that the foundation's efforts violate state law in New Mexico that restricts the use of voter registration data to political campaigning or noncommercial government purposes.
“This is an overtly political purpose and not necessarily towards a particular campaign and in the government interest," Toulouse Oliver said. "Their purpose is to intimidate voters and make folks become concerned about the security of their information, to potentially cause voters to de-register and not participate in our process.”
Toulose Oliver in December referred the group's effort for possible prosecution to the state attorney general. Her office traced voter registration data used by Voter Reference Foundation to a person who paid about $5,400 for access on the condition that the information would be used only for governmental, election, research and campaign purposes.
In its March lawsuit, Voter Reference Foundation argued that New Mexico's restrictions on voter registration data violate free-speech guarantees of the U.S. Constitution.
The foundation said its “election purposes are to increase voter participation and provide transparency regarding New Mexico elections, both of which strengthen election integrity.”
The foundation's website highlights discrepancies in various states between the number of people listed as having voted on registration rolls and the number of ballots cast according to certified election results.
Election officials have described the methodology as flawed, noting that discrepancies likely surface for legitimate reasons when an election result is compared to state voting registration rolls that are continually updated as people change their addresses, enter and leave the state or die.
A preliminary hearing on the case was scheduled for Tuesday in federal court in Albuquerque.
Open Secrets, a nonpartisan group that tracks political spending, has linked the Voter Reference Foundation to political groups supported by Republican political financing megadonor Richard Uihlein.
Toulouse and Attorney General Hector Balderas have warned residents of Otero County in southern New Mexico to be wary of intrusive questions and potential intimidation by door-to-door canvassers linked to a review of the 2020 election that was authorized by the Republican-led county commission through a private company.
Toulouse Oliver said that authorities are probing whether the contractor improperly obtained bulk voter records through a third party that she did not identify.
(Copyright 2022 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) | https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/new-mexico-challenges-effort-to-post-election-rolls-online/6444555/?cat=500 | 2022-04-12T23:02:27 | 1 | https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/new-mexico-challenges-effort-to-post-election-rolls-online/6444555/?cat=500 |
(NewsNation) — Investigators in Utah have tracked down a man accused of faking his own death to avoid a rape charge. The man in question, who was reportedly found in Scotland, is maintaining his innocence and insisting police have the wrong guy.
The man identified by authorities as Nicholas Alahverdian, who claims he is a different man, was arrested in December for a 2008 sexual assault allegation in Orem, Utah. According to prosecutors, he invited a woman to whom he owed money to his home, saying he would pay her back but instead brutally raped her.
The registered sex offender is under investigation in four states for sexual assault and kidnapping. He also faces charges for fraudulently obtaining credit cards in his foster father’s name, amassing $200,000 in debt.
Many people in Rhode Island, including reporters, local politicians and members of his own family, believed Alahverdian died in February 2020 from cancer. Someone claiming to be his wife confirmed the reported death and had an obituary published for him. His life was even eulogized at the Rhode Island State House, where he was praised for his work on behalf of children. But it turns out, authorities say, he was alive.
“I’m shocked. Honestly, I feel like that I was used a little bit. I went along with it, you know, meaning I was unaware that this was a setup,” uncle Michael Alahverdian said.
Law enforcement officers say they tracked Nicholas Alahverdian down in December. They say he was in a Scottish hospital on a ventilator being treated for COVID-19. Scottish investigators and staff at the Glasgow hospital reportedly worked with the Utah County Attorney’s Office to identify Alahverdian based on tattoos and DNA evidence.
While it may seem like the case was nearly closed, they soon learned it was just the beginning.
The man identified as Alahverdian claims his name is actually Arthur Knight and that the entire ordeal is a big misunderstanding. The man saying he is Knight insists he has never even been to the United States and a woman claiming to be his wife backs up his story.
Still, the man claiming to be Knight has not been able to produce a birth certificate to authorities. He also refused to roll up his sleeves when a BBC reporter asked to check his arm for tattoos.
Knight appeared Monday on NewsNation’s “Dan Abrams Live” via Zoom, but his breathing device made him hard to understand. He did show parts of his arms during the interview. And as for DNA evidence, his attorney Craig Johnson says prosecutors don’t have it.
“There is no DNA. That’s inaccurate. (The prosecutor) is inaccurate and we’re looking forward to proving that beyond a reasonable doubt,” Johnson said.
Johnson said he just returned from spending time with Knight. According to Nexstar’s WPRI, Johnson is not representing Knight in the U.K. proceedings.
“I just got back from spending four days in Scotland with him and his wife. I was able to see his arms as proof that he does not have the tattoos supposedly, that Mr. Alahverdian had,” Johnson said. “In addition, during those entire time with him, some 12- to 16-hour days, I never saw him off of his oxygen mask, it all seemed genuine to me. There were times that I had to help him out of his wheelchair into a sitting chair for dinner and things like that into his car. And so from my perspective, he is not Mr. Alahverdian. He’s never been to the United States and they have the wrong man.”
Johnson previously worked for the Utah County Attorney, and a Salt Lake Tribune article from March 2020 reveals that he and two other prosecutors resigned amid an investigation into whether they received inappropriate gifts from a defense attorney.
Even with Johnson’s arguments, prosecutors are not backing down. They say in the past, Alahverdian was able to avoid law enforcement by giving multiple aliases. Officials believe there may be more victims of Alahverdian in multiple states. | https://www.wane.com/dont-miss/man-accused-of-faking-own-death-found-maintains-innocence/ | 2022-04-12T23:03:04 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/dont-miss/man-accused-of-faking-own-death-found-maintains-innocence/ |
A wild javelina was rescued after getting trapped in car while stealing some treats. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office shared photos and joked, “Can you blame him, who doesn’t love a midnight Cheeto snack?”
Wild javelina gets stuck in car after munching on some Cheetos
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You have been added to Daily News Newsletter | https://www.wane.com/dont-miss/wild-javelina-gets-stuck-in-car-after-munching-on-some-cheetos/ | 2022-04-12T23:03:10 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/dont-miss/wild-javelina-gets-stuck-in-car-after-munching-on-some-cheetos/ |
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – South Side High School basketball standout Ashton Johnson is taking his talents to St. Francis as the senior signed to play for the Cougars on Tuesday afternoon.
Johnson averaged 16.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists a game as a senior, leading the Archers to a record of 14-11. A six-foot-two guard, he tallied 1,010 points in his prep career. | https://www.wane.com/high-school-sports/south-sides-johnson-signs-with-st-francis/ | 2022-04-12T23:03:16 | 1 | https://www.wane.com/high-school-sports/south-sides-johnson-signs-with-st-francis/ |
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A special prosecutor says a white Purdue University police officer seen on cellphone video using his elbow to pin a Black student’s neck to the ground won’t face charges.
Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings says the officer used reasonable force when the student resisted arrest and repeatedly refused to comply with the officer’s commands.
- ‘You’re choking me!’: Purdue police conduct review after viral arrest video
- ‘He should be commended’: Special prosecutor says no charges against Purdue officer in viral arrest video
Cummings said in a report Monday that the student, 24-year-old Adonis Tuggle, also won’t be charged in the Feb. 4 incident, although “probable cause exists.”
Purdue said in a statement Tuesday that Officer Jon Selke has apologized to Tuggle and school officials have agreed on steps to prevent a repeat incident on campus. | https://www.wane.com/news/indiana/no-charges-for-purdue-cop-black-student-in-campus-incident/ | 2022-04-12T23:03:18 | 1 | https://www.wane.com/news/indiana/no-charges-for-purdue-cop-black-student-in-campus-incident/ |
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – More than 2,000 U.S.-bound trucks are stranded in Juarez as truckers frustrated with “slow” inspections on the American side blocked access to the commercial lanes of the Ysleta port of entry for a second consecutive day.
Late Tuesday morning, the head of Juarez’s largest trucking association said a second border crossing, the Santa Teresa port of entry in New Mexico, was also being blocked from the Mexican side in protest.
The truckers began their protest Monday afternoon after waiting up to nine hours in line to cross into the United States. The delays were first reported on Friday and coincided with the start of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Enhanced Border Inspections.
The inspections are part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s initiatives to stem human trafficking and other illegal activity and to ensure trucks coming over from Mexico are safe.
But the truckers on Tuesday said they won’t move until inspection times on the U.S. side go back to normal. “Some get paid by the trip, so if they don’t deliver (merchandise), they don’t get paid,” said Randy Cardiel, a trucker from Chihuahua, Mexico.
The drivers aren’t the only ones affected by lengthier inspection times or the shutdown.
U.S.-run factories in Mexico are also losing money, said Thor Salayandia, president of the Juarez Chamber of Industry and Manufacturing.
“This is primarily a political issue that is detrimental to the border area. Mexico and the United States are being affected by the Texas inspections,” Salayandia said. “Two-thousand trailers are stuck at the border. If a single truck carries $50,000 in merchandise, then we’re talking about $100 million (in commerce) being held up at the border.”
Juarez has about 300 factories that manufacture components and products for Fortune 500 businesses in the United States, including automakers and tech companies. Those factories operate on a “just in time” schedule, which means delays at the border overwhelm storage capacity and deprive companies in the United States of parts necessary to make and deliver products to American consumers.
“We hope the government of Texas realizes that the most affected by this are U.S. factories that have a presence in Mexico, and the border economy,” Salayandia said. “We talk about free trade treaties and the flow of merchandise. This does not go in line with free trade.”
In a Monday visit to El Paso, Abbott spoke about the need to keep Texas communities safe in the face of record migration and the announced termination of the Title 42 order, which has allowed border agents to quickly expel 1.7 million newly arrived migrants.
He did not address the impact of the enhanced border inspections by DPS.
Juarez business leaders since late Friday are urging truckers to try alternate crossings to avoid delays. Trucks could be seen coming non-stop from the Santa Teresa, New Mexico port of entry on Tuesday morning. New Mexico is not applying enhanced inspections at the border.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, called Texas’ enhanced inspections a “political stunt.”
“Once again, we’re seeing the Governor enact directives that demonstrate a fundamental lack of understanding of the complex issues we face on our border. Political stunts, like ‘enhanced inspections’ and Operation Lone Star, have no place in El Paso, in Texas, or in public policy,” Escobar tweeted.
- 1 dead, 2 pulled from rubble following partial building collapse on West Side
- Med associations sue over ‘No Surprises’ billing law
- Bridge blockade strands 2,000+ U.S.-bound trucks in Mexico
- No charges for Purdue cop, Black student in campus incident
- Pennsylvania offering grants, loans to new farmers
- Man accused of faking own death found, maintains innocence | https://www.wane.com/news/national-world/bridge-blockade-strands-2000-u-s-bound-trucks-in-mexico/ | 2022-04-12T23:03:18 | 1 | https://www.wane.com/news/national-world/bridge-blockade-strands-2000-u-s-bound-trucks-in-mexico/ |
DETROIT (AP) — Toyota, the top-selling automaker in the U.S., is rolling out its first fully electric vehicle in eight years.
The company on Tuesday unveiled the battery-powered bZ4X small SUV, which starts at $42,000 and can go up to 252 miles (406 kilometers) per charge.
The bZ4X, which will be sold globally, adds to the 38 electric vehicle models now on sale in the U.S., with more than 120 expected by 2025.
While it doesn’t have ground-breaking range or performance for an electric vehicle, the bZ4X is an important entry because it’s from a trusted brand that will convince some buyers to make the switch from internal combustion engines, said Stephanie Brinley, principal analyst for S&P Global Mobility.
“You’ve got buyers who are interested in checking this out but may not be willing to try a new brand, or leave (Toyota) to go to Chevrolet or Ford,” Brinley said. “As we transition to a market that is more dominated by electric vehicles, the answer is really convincing normally ICE (internal combustion engine) owners to try something new.”
The bZ4X looks similar to and is slightly longer, lower and wider than Toyota’s RAV4, the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. that isn’t a pickup truck. It is Toyota’s first EV since 2014, when it last sold an electric version of the RAV4.
Like most electric vehicles, it’s fast when compared with internal combustion engine vehicles. The all-wheel-drive version can go from zero to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) in as little as 6.5 seconds, Toyota says.
Sales will start in states that have zero-emissions vehicle requirements, then spread to the rest of the U.S., Toyota said. The bZ4X will be on display at the New York International Auto Show, where press days start this week. The show opens to the public from April 15-24.
Toyota says it plans to offer 15 electric vehicles by 2025, with seven with the bZ brand, which stands for “Beyond Zero.”
When the bZ4X arrives in U.S. showrooms in May, owners likely will have to hurry to get the $7,500 federal tax credit that would make it more affordable. The automaker expects that sometime before the end of June it will reach a 200,000-vehicle cap on the credits.
After it hits the cap, the credits will be phased out over the next year, reaching zero as Tesla and General Motors already have.
Toyota reached the cap largely by selling plug-in gas-electric hybrid vehicles such as the RAV4 Prime, which can go 42 miles on electricity before switching to a hybrid system that uses an internal combustion engine.
Automakers sold nearly 4.6 million electric vehicles worldwide last year. LMC Automotive, an industry consulting firm, expects that to rise to nearly 7 million this year and to more than 15 million by 2025. Still, that will be only about 15% of global vehicle sales. | https://www.wane.com/news/national-world/toyota-unveils-first-electric-vehicle-since-rav4-ev-in-2014/ | 2022-04-12T23:03:24 | 1 | https://www.wane.com/news/national-world/toyota-unveils-first-electric-vehicle-since-rav4-ev-in-2014/ |
(NewsNation) — The future of farming could be here with a state-level loan program to assist first-time farmers.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced access to a new round of loans, grants and other incentives to help this next generation of farmers
“It’s a convergence of things. So maybe we started out with an economic impact study, several years ago that confirmed for us the importance of agriculture in the state,” Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said on “Morning in America.” “18% of our gross state product in the state is agriculture. And then you couple that with what we saw in COVID, and then you add to it the prices that we talked about this morning and Ukraine, it’s a convergence of things, but the right direction for us.”
The Pennsylvania Farm Bill was introduced by Wolf in 2019. Since the pandemic and crisis in Ukraine, Wolf has designated more money for the program. Redding said they want to prioritize farming just as much as Main Street.
“We don’t make a distinction between the type of business that qualifies. So we want to make sure that agriculture is a business, it’s a business without walls,” Redding said. “But we want it full access, just like we’ve been treating manufacturing or the business on Main Street. So agriculture has full access. And then secondly, is to make sure that we couple that with the other components of our Pennsylvania Farm Bill, which are vitality grants, and education, conservation. So it’s the package of things that really leverages that next generation from a loan program.”
Watch the full interview with Redding in the player above.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. | https://www.wane.com/news/pennsylvania-offering-grants-loans-to-new-farmers/ | 2022-04-12T23:03:30 | 1 | https://www.wane.com/news/pennsylvania-offering-grants-loans-to-new-farmers/ |
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — When the bipartisan-passed No Surprises law took effect at the beginning of the year, the goal was to protect consumers from surprise medical bills. But now that it’s in effect, 6 lawsuits have been filed by medical associations.
The No Surprises law is meant to protect Americans from unanticipated, out-of-network bills that can total thousands of dollars.
The law, said Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, “protects Americans from being broadsided, surprised, by unexpected medical bills. We’re going to be vigorous in enforcement of that law.”
But the Biden adminitration is now facing six lawsuits from medical associations that disagree with the proposed rules for implementing the law.
Various medical associations bringing the suits declined on-camera interviews but said they’re not challenging the portions that affect consumers’ out-of-pocket expenses.
They argue Congress wrote the law to allow for an independent dispute resolutions process to decide how much insurance companies should pay and that the Health and Human Services rules don’t allow for that.
Patricia Kelmar with the US Public Interest Research Groups said the rules crafted by the Biden administration serve as important guardrails.
“You can imagine what happens when you take a away a very lucrative billing practice from providers. They’re very upset,” Kelmar said. “When out-of-network providers can charge whatever they want with no regard to a market value, then all consumers, all insured consumers are paying those added costs.”
She said in the end consumers will pay higher premiums to pick up that cost. | https://www.wane.com/news/washington-dc/med-associations-sue-over-no-surprises-billing-law/ | 2022-04-12T23:03:36 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/news/washington-dc/med-associations-sue-over-no-surprises-billing-law/ |
It didn’t take long for Brent Venables to decide Billy Bowman’s role on his defense.
Bowman’s going to play safety, and it’s the kind of firm decision Bowman likely would’ve benefited from last season.
He immediately received playing time as a true freshman, starting five of the Sooners’ first six games at nickleback. Bowman was then moved to cornerback as issues began to hurt the Sooners’ secondary. He made back-to-back starts at cornerback against TCU and Kansas but struggled to adapt to his new position, as his playing time diminished during the second half of the season.
There was frustration at times during the season as he was asked to play different positions, Bowman said.
“It started off great,” Bowman said. “I came in as a freshman and got to know the guys really quickly. Obviously, I started as a freshman. My playing time went down as [the season] went along. But I kept a great mindset. I played my role and did what I had to do.
“Switching positions so much was kind of tough on me because I would lose opportunities when I was playing to move to something else… Coach [Alex] Grinch had me playing almost every position in the defensive (backfield). It was kind of tough for me learning all that stuff."
As spring practices began last month, the message from his new head coach was clear: focus on playing safety.
“I get why he played three positions last year as a true freshman,” Venables said. “Incredibly talented, great instincts. Tremendous skill set, great toughness, very intelligent [and] can do a lot of things. We’re just trying to get him to be really good at one thing.
“Sometimes when you do too much too soon, everything’s neutralized. All of your ability, your instincts, your intelligence. Most of the time, it’s that way for a freshman. You’ve got to be that dude, a generational type of person, at any position, to pick up everything right away. I think for injury and things of that nature, he had to be forced into different spots.
Though it’s still a new position, being able to focus solely on playing safety has benefited Bowman. It’s also a position that feels more natural to him.
“I feel like it’s really built my confidence being able to stick at one position,” Bowman said. “As of now, I feel like it’s just learning that position and becoming great at that one position before moving onto something else.”
The sophomore’s willingness to play safety has stood out to safeties coach Brandon Hall, who is confident Bowman can be a leader on the defense this season.
"He’s a young guy. He cares. He’s out there right now doing stuff on his own,” Hall said. “He asks a lot of questions. It’s a new position for him. But Coach Venables was really adamant about not moving him, letting him really settle into that position. We think that he can be one of our better players on defense.
“I definitely think he’s going to get it. It’s just putting in the time, not only on the field but off the field. I love his attitude. He’s very competitive. At the same time, he’s very good about taking notes and trying to put yesterday behind and obviously trying to get better the next time he goes out.”
While Bowman’s settling in at safety, he’s also projected to play a role on special teams as a returner. He’s also still hopeful that he’ll have a chance to play offense at some point during his collegiate career.
In addition to playing defense, the Texas native stood out as a receiver at Ryan High School, catching 86 passes for 1,207 yards and 15 touchdowns during his senior season. He also added 26 rushes for 158 yards and four touchdowns.
Despite his offensive aspirations, he’s looking to play his role for the Sooners.
“I feel like, at some point in my career, I do want to play both sides of the ball,” Bowman said. “Right now, I’m focused on defense. I can put my hands on the ball on defense too. I can make that happen and show what I can do.”
Either way, Venables has high expectations for Bowman this season.
“Billy’s hungry,” Venables said. “He’s got great [maturity], great focus. He’s really hard on himself [and] very demanding, on top of being really skilled. [I] expect huge things from him.” | https://www.normantranscript.com/sports/its-really-built-my-confidence-bowman-finding-new-role-after-disjointed-freshman-season/article_5068aa7e-baa2-11ec-99bd-0b1ec8228993.html | 2022-04-12T23:07:16 | 1 | https://www.normantranscript.com/sports/its-really-built-my-confidence-bowman-finding-new-role-after-disjointed-freshman-season/article_5068aa7e-baa2-11ec-99bd-0b1ec8228993.html |
It seems like Arizona has specialty plates for just about everything, from the Arizona Cardinals to the Girl Scouts to Route 66.
Soon, the latest option will be an Alice Cooper license plate.
Last week, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2615, which authorized a special "youth music and art" license plate. The bill was sponsored by Arizona State Representative Joseph Chaplik (R-23). The license plate will bear the image of Cooper, who has lived in Arizona for decades and founded the
Solid Rock Teen Centers in 1996. Solid Rock's Phoenix and Mesa locations offer support, a welcoming environment, and free arts and music instruction for young people ages 12 to 20.
"Alice Cooper has spent decades generously giving of himself to benefit Arizona charities and communities," Chaplik said in a press release on April 7. "His Solid Rock Teen Centers are making a real difference in the lives of Arizona's youth by providing a safe and supportive environment where they can find inspiration, friendship, and overcome shared challenges through the arts and music."
The specialty plate will cost $25 per year for the driver, $8 of which is an administrative fee. The remaining $17 per plate per year will go to Solid Rock.
An availability date for the Alice Cooper Youth Music and Art license plate has not been announced. Keep an eye on the
Arizona Department of Transportation website for updates. | https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/the-image-of-shock-rocker-alice-cooper-is-coming-to-a-specialty-arizona-license-plate-13415525 | 2022-04-12T23:10:38 | 0 | https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/the-image-of-shock-rocker-alice-cooper-is-coming-to-a-specialty-arizona-license-plate-13415525 |
It's hard to believe that we're almost halfway into April and Easter is just a few days away, but don't panic yet. We've put together a list of local restaurants and shops happy to take care of all the details for you, from family meals you can heat up at home to elegant Easter brunch and themed baked goods and pastries. You truly can't go wrong with any of these choices.
Avanti Restaurant of Distinction
2728 East Thomas Road
602-956-0900
Avanti's Easter brunch is well known, and for good reason. There are tons of dishes to choose from at the different stations set up around the restaurant — there's an antipasti salad station, a pasta station, a chef's carving table, a main buffet, and a dessert station. Brunch goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $49.95 for adults and $15 for kids 10 and under (not including tax and gratuity).
Culinary Dropout
Multiple Locations
Culinary Dropout's standard menu will be available for dine-in on Easter Sunday plus a special entree and drink — a $16 Croque Madame with grilled tavern ham, aged Gruyère cheese, Mornay sauce, and a sunny-side-up egg. The $12 Peep Show is a cocktail made with guava, pineapple, sparkling wine, and an Easter Peep. Online reservations are recommended to save your spot.
Doughbird
4385 East Indian School Road
602-345-9161
Doughbird has two Easter specials available for dine-in or to go. There's a rotisserie petite prime rib for $27 with a choice of side and sauce, or the chicken pot roast for $20. The latter comes with heirloom carrots, green onions, roasted mushrooms, sweet corn, and potato purée. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made by calling 602-345-9161.
EAT by Stacey Weber
4740 East Shea Boulevard, Suite 109
602-328-9344
If you need help with your Easter preparations, EAT by Stacey Weber has you covered. The chef has put together a menu that serves four, with various gluten-free and dairy-free options as needed. Dishes include truffle deviled eggs; orange, herb, and honey-roasted chicken with citrus beurre blanc sauce; flourless chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and pistachios; and more. Pre-order by 8 a.m. on April 14, then pick up your meal between 3 and 6 p.m. on April 16.
Fleming's
Multiple Locations
Fleming's will take care of you this Easter with a special three-course meal starting at $90. You'll get a Fleming's or Caesar salad; filet mignon with crab-stuffed shrimp scampi or lobster tail scampi; and dessert of chocolate gooey butter cake, Key lime pie, or New York cheesecake. There will also be a special blueberry lemon vodka cocktail and Cabernet Sauvignon on offer. The meal is available on Saturday and Sunday.
Great Harvest Bread Co.
1730 East Warner Road, Tempe
480-777-1141
If you're looking for cute bread centerpieces for the table or pastries for Easter baskets or brunch, Great Harvest Bread Co. has what you need. Order your goodies by April 13 to make sure they're baked and ready in time. Offerings include honey bunnies, lemon ohs, hot cross buns, and more.
Keeler's Neighborhood Steakhouse
7212 East Ho Hum Road, Carefree
602-374-4784
Celebrate Easter with a special brunch at Keeler's Neighborhood Steakhouse from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (the last seating). Dishes include carved prime rib and lamb; shrimp cocktail and oysters on the half shell; made-to-order omelets; mac and cheese; and more. Keeler's pastry chef will be making carrot cake, cheesecake, and chocolate cake. Brunch is $59 per person plus tax and gratuity and $29 for children under 10. Bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas can be added on for $15. Make a reservation online or by calling 602-374-4784. La Madeleine
Multiple Locations
La Madeleine has two different meal packages perfect for feeding the whole family on Easter. There's the $29.99 breakfast/brunch deal that serves four and includes homemade quiche, fresh fruit salad, and baked goods like chocolate and almond croissants. The $39.99 picnic lunch package also feeds four and comes with chicken salad, tomato basil pesto pasta salad, butter croissants, fresh fruit salad, and four chocolate-chunk cookies.
Lon's at the Hermosa Inn
5532 North Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley
602-955-7878
The entire family can enjoy Easter brunch at Lon's at the Hermosa Inn on Saturday and Sunday. It's $90 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $25 for children. Complimentary monkey bread and rosé will be served to the table, and you'll pick your choice of starter, main dish, and dessert. (We've got our eye on the braised lamb shank and carrot cake.) Make a reservation online or by calling
Match Market & Bar
1100 North Central Avenue
602-875-8080
Match Market & Bar is offering three special dishes for Easter in addition to the regular menu. There's a vegan pinstripe agnolotti with peas, fennel cream, snow peas, and roasted fennel; pistachio-crusted lamb rack with mint yogurt, pea shoots, lemon zest, and roasted baby carrots; and pork shank with potato purée, roasted baby carrots, apple glaze, and bacon vinaigrette. The exclusive-to-Easter cocktail is a limoncello mojito. The specials are available from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Olive & Ivy
7135 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale
480-751-2200
Celebrate Easter by eating at Olive & Ivy. You have your choice of three special items plus the standard menu. There's a $20 maple glazed short rib with onions, peppers, potatoes, and sunny-side-up eggs; a $16 stuffed French toast with Marcona almonds, mascarpone, and a berry compote; and sea scallops with wild mushroom, pumpkin seed granola, black truffle polenta, and a bacon gastrique for $31. Make a reservation online or by calling 480-751-2200. Organ Stop Pizza
1149 East Southern Avenue, Mesa
480-813-5700
This Easter, enjoy a family-friendly lunch and concert by Brett Valliant on the Mighty Wurlitzer at Organ Stop Pizza, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The all-you-can-eat pizza buffet and salad meal comes with unlimited soft drinks, with alcoholic beverages and ice available for an additional charge. Tickets for the event are available online or can be purchased in the restaurant's gift shop.
Pita Jungle
Multiple Locations
Make it an easy Easter with Pita Jungle's special $89 family meal for four (or $20 for each additional person). Choose an entree, three family-style sides, a salad, and a dessert. Main entree and side selections include za'atar-dusted honey-glazed wood-fired Norwegian salmon; sriracha honey-glazed chicken; caramelized cauliflower with tahini; garlic-herb smashed potatoes; garlic new potatoes; lentils and rice with caramelized onions and wood-fired broccoli; hummus with pita or blue corn chips; and mac and cheese. Salads are the Greek or Mediterranean chopped, and the dessert is a mascarpone kataifi pastry.
Rusconi's American Kitchen
10637 North Tatum Boulevard
480-483-0009
Rusconi's American Kitchen is celebrating Easter Sunday with a special three-course brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Choose from starters like the chilled watermelon and tomato gazpacho or baby romaine with house Scottish salmon. Main course options range from a cast-iron short rib hash with sunny-side-up eggs to a pan-roasted California halibut with spring pea risotto. Lastly, choose from three desserts to round out your meal. Brunch is $69 per person plus tax and gratuity; reserve your spot by calling 480-483-0009.
Roy's
Multiple Locations
Roy's is offering a Hawaiian-style Easter brunch and dinner. Brunch is $49 per person, and you get a choice of appetizer and entree, such as the Wagyu beef loco moco and the blackened salmon. Dinner is à la carte — choose a first course like the lobster potstickers, followed by an entree (the featured dish is Georges Bank jumbo sea scallops with citrus pea risotto and hibiscus balsamic reduction), and dessert.
Sweet Dee's Bakeshop
7350 East Stetson Drive, Suite C101, Scottsdale
480-994-6733
Sweet Dee's Bakeshop is known for its cute holiday treats. Pre-order a set of macarons, a chocolate box, bunny-face cookies, filled Easter eggs, and more. The shop is closed on Sunday, so orders must be picked up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The Arrogant Butcher
2 East Jefferson Street
602-324-8502
Get your Easter meal in person or to go at The Arrogant Butcher. Order off the standard menu or select one of the two specials — an $18 crab cake Benedict with poached eggs, green chile Hollandaise, mizuna, and vine-ripened tomato, or the slow-roasted petite prime rib for $27. That's a 10-ounce petite cut with au jus, horseradish cream, and your choice of side. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made online or by calling 602-324-8502.
The Greene House
15024 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-889-9494
There are two Easter specials available for dine-in at The Greene House. The first is a $15 stuffed French toast with Marcona almonds, berry compote, and mascarpone. The spring vegetable scramble is the same price and is made with Harvarti cheese, grilled asparagus, sweet peppers, arugula, and zucchini. To book, call 480-889-9494 or visit the website.
The Henry
4455 East Camelback Road
602-429-8020
Check out The Henry for Easter brunch. The dine-in-only specials are a giant cinnamon roll for $12 and Maryland crab cakes, served with a roasted corn salad and tarragon remoulade, for $33. Reservations are encouraged and can be made online or by calling 602-429-8020.
The Montauk
4360 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-994-1888
Enjoy Easter at The Montauk from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sit in the cozy lounge while listening to live music and sampling brunch favorites like the McMontauk sandwich, with spicy turkey sausage, sunny-side-up eggs, cheddar, and mayo on an English muffin with crispy potatoes. The short rib huevos rancheros and avocado toast are customer favorites, too.
Uptown Plaza
14 East Camelback Road
Uptown Plaza is holding its first-ever Easter Egg Hunt at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 16. Search for 200 pre-filled Easter eggs and a limited number of golden eggs stuffed with prizes from businesses in the courtyard. Those participating are Camelback Sports; Hi, Skin; Huss Brewing Co.; Shake Shack; and Sweatshop on Camelback. Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen
6114 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-214-4622
Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort has four special dishes available for guests during Sunday brunch. There's a lobster crab Benedict; bucatini carbonara; a kids' special of green eggs and ham; and a spiced cheesecake mousse for dessert. The full menu will also be available for ordering. Make a reservation online through OpenTable or by calling 480-214-4622. | https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/restaurants/2022-greater-phoenix-easter-dining-guide-13285736 | 2022-04-12T23:10:44 | 0 | https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/restaurants/2022-greater-phoenix-easter-dining-guide-13285736 |
Pay it forward: Daughter paying off mother’s house after winning $1M lottery prize
PENSACOLA, Fla. (Gray News) - A Florida woman says she plans to “pay it forward” with her recent lottery winnings.
Tenesia Hollins, 41, of Pensacola, Florida, became the Florida Lottery’s latest millionaire as officials said she claimed a $1 million prize from the new 500X THE CASH Scratch-Off game on April 6.
Hollins said she purchased her winning ticket from a Winn-Dixie supermarket. According to lottery officials, the retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning scratch-off ticket.
Lottery officials said that the 41-year-old chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $820,000.
When asked what she plans to do with her winnings, Hollins told lottery representatives that the first thing she wants to do is pay off her mother’s house.
“She’s done so much for me growing up; this is the least I can do for her,” Hollins said.
Lottery officials said the 500X THE CASH scratch-off game features the largest prize of a $25 million jackpot for scratch-offs in the state, and the game has the best odds to become an instant millionaire.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/12/pay-it-forward-daughter-paying-off-mothers-house-after-winning-1m-lottery-prize/ | 2022-04-12T23:11:51 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/12/pay-it-forward-daughter-paying-off-mothers-house-after-winning-1m-lottery-prize/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — As refugees continue to pour into Poland, seeking safety, there is a Hoosier in their midst who volunteered to travel thousands of miles to do what he could to help.
Brian Rund, an Indianapolis native, is helping feed roughly 10,000 people per day, through an organization that goes where it's needed the most.
He traveled 47,000 miles to Kraków, Poland to help feed Ukrainian refugees.
"It's real, I think if there is one word that sums it up, you see it in person is real," Rund said.
He is there demonstrating Hoosier hospitality, adding he wants to put his money where his mouth is.
"I could've just written a check and called it good, and that's great," Rund said. "That is absolutely great, but I love to cook, I like to feed people, I love to travel, love to learn about new places and I have plenty of vacation time. I said, 'you know what, I am just going to do this'."
Rund said Poland has taken in roughly 2.5 million refugees, and he has his work cut out for him.
"There are four slices of cheese, 10 slices of salami, a couple of tablespoons of this sandwich sauce that is mayonnaise, mustard and oregano," Rund said. "Then it's on this big nice beautiful bun made by a local bakery."
The sandwiches are big, with hopes the refugees can stay full for a longer time.
Rund said the situation isn't getting better but says there's a lot of evidence of good. A community coming together to support the Ukrainians.
To donate to the cause, visit https://www.cookingforukraine.com. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/hoosier-hospitality-in-poland | 2022-04-12T23:16:14 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/hoosier-hospitality-in-poland |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A Northern California woman is admitting that she faked her own kidnapping more than five years ago.
The search for 39-year-old Sherri Papini of Redding set off a three-week search until she resurfaced on Thanksgiving Day in 2016.
But federal prosecutors alleged in early March that she actually was staying with a former boyfriend nearly 600 miles away in Southern California.
They said she injured herself to back up her false statements.
Papini was arrested in March on charges of making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer and engaging in mail fraud.
Her attorney, William Portanova, confirmed that she signed a plea agreement Tuesday.
On Nov. 2, 2016, Papini was reported missing and after she resurfaced 22 days later, she initially told authorities that she was abducted and held at gunpoint by two Hispanic women, the Associated Press reported.
But investigators said she fabricated her story and in August 2020, they presented her with evidence that showed she had not been abducted. Even then she didn't retract her original kidnapping story.
A spokesperson for federal prosecutors couldn't confirm the plea deal until something is on the public record. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/california-woman-admits-she-faked-2016-kidnapping | 2022-04-12T23:16:20 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/california-woman-admits-she-faked-2016-kidnapping |
A Hawaii couple have dropped their petition for a temporary restraining order against actor Ezra Miller, known for playing "The Flash" in "Justice League" films.
According to court documents, a judge dismissed the case on Monday after the couple requested the dismissal. The couple's lawyer is declining to comment on why they no longer want to pursue the petition that accused Miller of bursting into their bedroom and threatening them in the Big Island town of Hilo.
It's also the town where Miller was arrested for allegedly harassing patrons at a karaoke bar. Miller's attorney in Hilo declined to comment on Tuesday.
Hawaii Police Department Assistant Chief Kenneth Quiocho said Tuesday that Miller was “uncooperative and refused to leave the area and continued to obstruct the sidewalk.” | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/couple-in-hawaii-drop-restraining-order-against-actor-ezra-miller | 2022-04-12T23:16:27 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/couple-in-hawaii-drop-restraining-order-against-actor-ezra-miller |
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration issued a joint statement warning people about fake Adderall.
The two agencies say two websites, Kubapharm.com and Premiumlightssupplier.com, sell amphetamine drug products marketed as Adderall without a prescription.
Adderall is an FDA-approved prescription drug used to treat ADHD, but the agencies say it has a high potential for abuse and addiction.
“The illegal sale of prescription drug stimulants online puts Americans at risk and contributes to potential abuse, misuse, and overdose," said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. "These particular types of online pharmacies also undermine our efforts to help consumers safely purchase legitimate prescription medicines over the internet."
The agencies say these illegal products pose a risk to consumers, and purchasing from an unsafe online pharmacy could mean the drugs could be counterfeit, contaminated, expired, or otherwise harmful.
Consumers that have meds from either website should dispose of them and not purchase anything else. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/fda-and-dea-warn-about-online-pharmacies-illegally-selling-adderall | 2022-04-12T23:16:33 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/fda-and-dea-warn-about-online-pharmacies-illegally-selling-adderall |
The 4-foot bronze Fearless Girl statue in New York City will stay in its current spot for almost another year.
The statue has been in front of the Charging Bull at the New York Stock Exchange since 2017.
On Monday, members of the Public Design Commission granted an 11-month extension and will look for a permanent place for the statue.
The artist who created the statue, Kristen Visbal, began selling replicas of it around the world and is currently in litigation with State Street Global Advisors, the company that commissioned it.
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."
The statue has become a popular tourist destination.
Newsy is the nation’s only free 24/7 national news network. You can find Newsy using your TV’s digital antenna or stream for free. See all the ways you can watch Newsy here: https://bit.ly/Newsy1. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/fearless-girl-statue-to-stay-put-at-nyse-for-now | 2022-04-12T23:16:39 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/fearless-girl-statue-to-stay-put-at-nyse-for-now |
Prices for food commodities like grains and vegetable oils reached their highest levels ever last month largely because of Russia's war in Ukraine and the "massive supply disruptions" it is causing, threatening millions of people in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere with hunger and malnourishment, the United Nations said Friday.
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said its Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in international prices for a basket of commodities, averaged 159.3 points last month, up 12.6% from February. As it is, the February index was at the highest level since its inception in 1990.
FAO said the war in Ukraine was largely responsible for the 17.1% rise in the price of grains, including wheat and others like oats, barley and corn. Together, Russia and Ukraine account for around 30% and 20% of global wheat and corn exports, respectively.
While predictable given February's steep rise, "this is really remarkable," said Josef Schmidhuber, deputy director of FAO's markets and trade division. "Clearly, these very high prices for food require urgent action."
The biggest price increases were for vegetable oils: that price index rose 23.2%, driven by higher quotations for sunflower seed oil that is used for cooking. Ukraine is the world's leading exporter of sunflower oil, and Russia is No. 2.
"There is, of course, a massive supply disruption, and that massive supply disruption from the Black Sea region has fueled prices for vegetable oil," Schmidhuber told reporters in Geneva.
He said he couldn't calculate how much the war was to blame for the record food prices, noting that poor weather conditions in the United States and China also were blamed for crop concerns. But he said "logistical factors" were playing a big role.
"Essentially, there are no exports through the Black Sea, and exports through the Baltics is practically also coming to an end," he said.
Soaring food prices and disruption to supplies coming from Russia and Ukraine have threatened food shortages in countries in the Middle East, Africa and parts of Asia where many people already were not getting enough to eat.
Those nations rely on affordable supplies of wheat and other grains from the Black Sea region to feed millions of people who subsist on subsidized bread and bargain noodles, and they now face the possibility of further political instability.
Other large grain producers like the United States, Canada, France, Australia and Argentina are being closely watched to see if they can quickly ramp up production to fill in the gaps, but farmers face issues like climbing fuel and fertilizer costs exacerbated by the war, drought and supply chain disruptions.
In the Sahel region of Central and West Africa, the disruptions from the war have added to an already precarious food situation caused by COVID-19, conflicts, poor weather and other structural problems, said Sib Ollo, senior researcher for the World Food Program for West and Central Africa in Dakar, Senegal.
"There is a sharp deterioration of the food and nutrition security in the region," he told reporters, saying 6 million children are malnourished and nearly 16 million people in urban areas are at risk of food insecurity.
Farmers, he said, were particularly worried that they would not be able to access fertilizers produced in the Black Sea region. Russia is a leading global exporter.
"The cost of fertilizers has increased by almost 30% in many places of this region due to the supply disruption that we see provoked by a crisis in Ukraine," he said.
The World Food Program has appealed for $777 million to meet the needs of 22 million people in the Sahel region and Nigeria over six months, he said.
To address the needs of food-importing countries, the FAO was developing a proposal for a mechanism to alleviate the import costs for the poorest countries, Schmidhuber said. The proposal calls for eligible countries to commit to added investments in their own agricultural productivity to obtain import credits to help soften the blow.
Newsy is the nation’s only free 24/7 national news network. You can find Newsy using your TV’s digital antenna or stream for free. See all the ways you can watch Newsy here: https://bit.ly/Newsy1. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/global-food-prices-soar-to-record-levels-on-ukraine-war-disruptions | 2022-04-12T23:16:45 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/global-food-prices-soar-to-record-levels-on-ukraine-war-disruptions |
(MENLO, Iowa) — President Joe Biden for the first time referred to Russia’s invasion in Ukraine as a “genocide” on Tuesday.
Speaking in Iowa at an event about steps his administration is taking to staunch rising fuel costs because of the war, Biden termed the conflict, which has seen Russia carry out atrocities against Ukrainian civilians, as a “genocide.”
“Your family budget, your ability to fill up your tank, none of it should hinge on whether a dictator declares war and commits genocide a half a world away,” Biden said.
Biden has previously stated that he did not believe Russia’s actions amounted to genocide, as Ukrainian government officials have argued, but rather were “war crimes.” | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/president-biden-calls-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-genocide-for-the-first-time | 2022-04-12T23:16:51 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/president-biden-calls-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-genocide-for-the-first-time |
(WASHINGTON) — Members of the U.S. Congress said the Biden administration and its allies will not stand by if chemical weapons were used in the Russian war with Ukraine.
Lawmakers monitoring developments during a trip to Poland said on Tuesday that the U.S. is investigating reports that a poisonous substance had been dropped in Mariupol. But they cautioned that determining the nature of the attack in the beleaguered port city could take time.
“We’re taking those reports seriously and I know the United States government and others are trying to determine if that did indeed occur,” said Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo.
Crow said the administration “has been very clear that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated.”
The Democratic lawmakers, all members of the House Intelligence Committee, are bracing for a potentially long war in Ukraine. They said at a press briefing that Congress is looking at the next steps in sending additional military and other aid to Ukraine.
In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also addressed the reports coming from Mariupol.
“We’re not in a position to confirm anything, I don’t think Ukrainians are either,” Blinken told reporters. “But let me say that we had credible information that Russian forces may use a variety of riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents, that would cause stronger symptoms to weaken, incapacitate ... Ukrainian fighters and civilians, as part of the aggressive campaign” in Mariupol.
“We share that information with ... Ukraine and other partners,” Blinken said. “And we’re in direct conversation with partners to try to determine what actually is happening.” | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/us-investigates-reports-poisonous-substances-were-dropped-in-mariupol-in-ukraines-south | 2022-04-12T23:16:57 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/us-investigates-reports-poisonous-substances-were-dropped-in-mariupol-in-ukraines-south |
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota House has impeached state Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg over a 2020 car crash in which he killed a pedestrian but initially said he might have struck a deer or another large animal.
Ravnsborg is the first official to be impeached in South Dakota history.
He will at least temporarily be removed from office pending the historic Senate trial, where it takes a two-thirds majority to convict on impeachment charges.
The Senate must wait at least 20 days to hold its trial, but has not yet set a date.
Ravnsborg pleaded no contest last year to a pair of traffic misdemeanors in the crash, including making an illegal lane change.
The body of the pedestrian Ravnsborg hit was found the day after the crash.
The pedestrian was later identified as 55-year-old Joseph Boever, the Associated Press reported. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/south-dakota-attorney-general-impeached-over-fatal-crash | 2022-04-12T23:17:03 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/south-dakota-attorney-general-impeached-over-fatal-crash |
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A new report from the Department of Labor showed the consumer price index increased by 8.5% over the past year, the sharpest annual increase in more than 40 years.
While rising costs are largely felt across the board, certain sectors and industries are more impacted by rising costs. Gasoline prices increased by 18.3% between February and March, and are up 48% on the year; a number of factors go into the dramatic rise in pricing, from more people traveling and driving as COVID metrics have improved to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Other notable rises during the past month include airfare, which was up 10.7% and hotels and motels, up 3.7%. Groceries prices ticked up by 1.5% over the month, and 10% on the year; all three are affected by higher energy costs.
"Rising airfares where airlines are raising fares because of energy. Rising transportation costs for truckers and how that feeds through into other goods prices. Rising taxi fares or car fares - rideshare companies are putting on an extra energy fee," said Gerald Cohen, Chief Economist at the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, a nonpartisan think tank affiliated with UNC's Kenan-Flager School of Business. "Petroleum is a big input in plastics. Natural gas is an input in fertilizer. So those will likely take longer to see the impact, but those things are still feeding through."
The higher costs come as unemployment rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels, and most restrictions and capacity limitations have been loosened. For Brewgaloo organizer Jennifer Martin, the hope is that latter will lead to bigger crowds for Brewgaloo in downtown Raleigh next weekend.
"We've actually expanded Friday night's event. So instead of just one block, we're doing two blocks to make it even bigger," said Martin, who also serves as the Executive Director of Shop Local Raleigh.
After drawing 50,000 in 2019, the festival was cancelled in 2020, and scaled back in 2021, when 25,000 people attended. Martin anticipates 35-40,000 people will show up this year, and while ticket prices will remain the same, they are facing increased costs.
"Everything has gone up this year. And we say everything, we mean everything. Our cups increased 70 cents per cup. So when you're placing an order for 15, 20, 25,000 cups, that's a significant increase that we're seeing. We've already locked in cup pricing for our fall festival just due to the high increase of prices going up," Martin said.
To try and offset the rising costs, Martin said they are working to secure more sponsors or alternate revenue streams while acknowledging the cost to get in will likely increase in the future.
"We're seeing increase in product costs, in insurance - our insurance went up another $2,000. Ticketing, the paper printing cost went up. Everything that you can think involved in the festival, we've seen an increase," said Martin, who remained optimistic that the increased costs would be worthwhile to draw people back.
As it has in recent years, ticket prices are higher day of, so Martin encouraged people to purchase beforehand.
More than 110 North Carolina brewers will travel to Fayetteville Street for the festival, which will also include food trucks and local businesses setting up tents. Lori Herndon, the owner of Trash Talk Food Truck, will be attending.
"We're going to be ready for it, and just ready to see everybody and get to a feeling of normalcy. We look forward to participating. That's one of our biggest events that we do every year. We make sure we're fully staffed, and fully (stocked) with food," said owner Lori Herndon.
Herndon said food trucks, which are more reliant on energy costs than brick-and-mortar restaurants, have faced unique challenges.
"Making sure that once we get to an event that we not only break even but can make a profit after paying for the gas, the propane, the gas for the generator, paying our staff, food costs," said Herndon while discussing locations they choose to set up.
She also owns Mustang Charlie's Diner (Presented by Peak City Hots) in Apex and said both have been impacted by rising food costs.
"Unfortunately there's a lot of supply constraints from week to week. Every week is something different. Chicken may be an increase in price (one week), beef may be another increase in price. Recently it's been eggs, oil, it's a lot of products that unfortunately we need to continue our business, so we've had to do what we can. My prices at the restaurant and food truck have increased by about seven percent, but customers understand," Herndon said.
Cohen explained wages have not kept up with rising inflation in most sectors.
"This is one of the challenges for policymakers who both want wages to keep up with inflation, but the problem is you can get this wage-price cycle, so higher wages mean that companies are going to pass those on to consumers, and this is one of the dangers that you saw in inflationary periods in the '70s and early '80s," Cohen explained.
He added the ability to work remotely does not exist for many lower-wage professions, meaning sharp increases in fuel prices can play an outsized role on families already struggling.
"It's much harder for them, to get in a car and have to commute, it's a much larger share of their spending and so it makes these challenges even more difficult," Cohen said.
Cohen, who served in the US Department of Treasury during President Obama's administration, disagreed with some analysts' suggestion to cut the federal gas tax, believing there are more targeted measures that can aid those most in need.
"Expanding programs that are going to help lower-income households like the earned income tax credit, like a child tax credit, are going to be beneficial," said Cohen.
He did point to one recent trend that could be a positive sign moving forward.
"Energy prices have fallen over the past few weeks, so that will actually put some downward pressure on the inflation numbers next month," Cohen noted. | https://abc11.com/inflation-consumer-prices-costs-of-goods-economy/11741794/ | 2022-04-12T23:18:43 | 1 | https://abc11.com/inflation-consumer-prices-costs-of-goods-economy/11741794/ |
As the latest “Stars on Ice” tour comes to Orlando, Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen is excited to share the ice with his fellow skaters.
“We’re all so excited to have the opportunity to perform again,” he enthuses.
“Excited” is a word Chen uses a lot — and why not?
He came back from the 2022 Olympics in Beijing with a gold medal in men’s singles figure skating and a silver as part of the roster of Americans skating in the team competition. That completed an Olympics set for Chen — he already had a bronze from the 2018 team competition.
“All the skaters have done so much work for the Olympic season,” says Chen, 22, who grew up in Salt Lake City. “Now we have the opportunity to come together as a team and do all these things together. We become part of a larger family.”
For some of the U.S. skating “family,” it’s a farewell tour.
Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue, who won the bronze medal in ice dancing in Beijing, have announced plans to retire. For them, the “Stars on Ice” tour is a transition to “the beginning of the next chapter,” Donohue says.
“We’ve been skating 11 years together,” Hubbell says. “We always knew we had this Olympic goal to reach the podium.”
The two have a sense of humor about the end of their partnership — which Hubbell, 31, calls “retirement from natural causes.”
“It will be a big adjustment,” says Donohue, 31, before adding mischievously, “Maddie will miss me enormously.”
The “Stars on Ice” lineup also includes pairs skaters Madison Chock and Evan Bates, ice dancers Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier, Vincent Zhou and Karen Chen — no relation to Nathan — all of whom shared in the 2022 team silver medal. They are joined by Jason Brown, Alysa Liu, Mariah Bell and Mirai Nagasu, all who have won U.S. championships or medaled in international competitions.
The tour stops at Orlando’s Amway Center April 16, just its second stop on a six-week trip across the country. The skaters prepare the show near Sarasota — and it’s a good thing they are used to pressure.
“We only have three days to rehearse,” Chen says. “They are long days of rehearsal.”
The group numbers are quite a change for a skater used to flying solo.
“There’s definitely a little bit of a learning curve,” he says. “But it’s so much fun.”
Hubbell says her skating specialty provides a boost when rehearsing.
“I don’t want to say it,” she cracks, “but the ice dancers learn the numbers fastest.”
The skaters also perform their Olympic programs — Hubbell and Donohue have a snappy number set to the “Rhythm Nation” stylings of Janet Jackson.
“We’ve always loved taking ‘80s and ‘90s hits,” says Donohue, adding the pair collaborated with a dancer who performed with Jackson. “We think it will be really fun in a show atmosphere.”
The two also will pay homage to their career with an adaptation of their first free-skate program, set to Joe Cocker’s “I Put a Spell on You.”
Chen, who soared to Olympic gold with an Elton John medley including “Rocket Man,” will reprise that program as part of a longer salute to the British singer. It’s a highflying display of why Chen is known as the “quad king” — a reference to his ability to perform multiple quadruple-rotation jumps in a single program. The routine was inspired by the 2019 biopic about John, and “I knew it was going to be great for me,” Chen says.
A three-time world champion in figure skating, Chen will head back Yale University in the fall, where he studies statistics and data science.
“I’m really excited to go back to school,” he says, and experience academia without the Olympics looming over him — though he will still find time to skate.
Hubbell and Donohue, who took the silver medal at the World Figure Skating Championships last month, are looking forward to wrapping up this phase of their careers on their own terms.
“Over the last several years, Zach and I reframed what it means to be successful to us,” Hubbell says. “We’re really pleased with how we lived out our last season, and what’s been really nice is sharing the celebration with family and friends.”
All three skaters describe “Stars on Ice” as a celebration.
“It’s that camaraderie, we’re all working together,” Donohue says. “There’s not that competitive edge, so it becomes about fun.”
Founded in 1986 by skater Scott Hamilton, the “Stars on Ice” tour has performed more than 1,500 shows; this tour marks its return after a two-year absence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chen feels a different kind of pressure in performing for an audience instead of judges, but says the skaters are excited — there’s that word again — to display their skills to enthusiastic crowds.
“We have to create something enjoyable and entertaining to watch,” he says. “We’ll bring all our energy.”
‘Stars on Ice’
- When: 7:30 p.m. April 16
- Where: Amway Center, 400 W. Church St. in Orlando
- Cost: $30 and up
- Info: Starsonice.com
Find me on Twitter @matt_on_arts, facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Want more theater and arts news and reviews? Go to orlandosentinel.com/arts. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/arts-and-theater/os-et-stars-on-ice-orlando-nathan-chen-20220412-3mf7vcfv55guzgvkr7iukpbwxe-story.html | 2022-04-12T23:25:56 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/arts-and-theater/os-et-stars-on-ice-orlando-nathan-chen-20220412-3mf7vcfv55guzgvkr7iukpbwxe-story.html |
Three cities along the I-4 corridor — including Orlando — are willing to take in refugees from Ukraine seeking asylum in the United States, according to a letter sent to by three mayors to President Joe Biden on Monday.
The letter, signed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, states that each city has organizations experienced in providing services to refugees and would help if need be.
“We are prepared to work with federal and local partners to ensure that refugees of this terrible crisis have the support and assistance that they need to join our communities if they so wish,” the letter states. “Our region is home to several organizations with extensive experience in providing services to individuals and families in this position.”
Castor tweeted a copy of the letter Tuesday evening, which was retweeted by Dyer.
The Biden administration is planning a program to expedite accepting refugees from Ukraine — a process that can take years. The President committed last month to accept up to 100,000 Ukrainians through a number of ways, including as refugees, CNN reported Tuesday.
More than 4.6 million people have left Ukraine since Russia’s invasion of the country began, according to the United Nations, with more than half arriving in neighboring Poland.
The letter says the cities have “been inspired by the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people in the face of an unprovoked war against their home.”
“For generations, Florida cities have welcomed refugees with open arms. We have opened our hearts and doors to those fleeing dangerous conflicts or escaping the aftermath of natural disasters,” it reads. “In this spirit, our cities would like to welcome and assist refugees seeking asylum in the United States.”
rygillespie@orlandosentinel.com | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange-county/os-ne-orlando-ukraine-refugees-20220412-w7hvsgpo45e7zgwfa5oaivilwy-story.html | 2022-04-12T23:26:02 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange-county/os-ne-orlando-ukraine-refugees-20220412-w7hvsgpo45e7zgwfa5oaivilwy-story.html |
Fourteen candidates from across the country — including a former Deltona city manager — have applied to become Seminole County’s next manager.
But county Attorney Bryant Applegate, who is leading the search, told commissioners on Tuesday that his office anticipates receiving additional resumes for Seminole County’s top job.
“Of course, we are expecting more to apply as that process is continuing,” Applegate said to commissioners.
Seminole launched a hunt for a new county manager soon after Nicole Guillet resigned on Dec. 3 to become executive vice president for commercial development, real estate and legal affairs at the Orlando Sanford International Airport. She had served as county manager since 2014.
Guillet earned an annual salary of $221,372 preparing and administering the county’s $875 million annual budget. Seminole’s manager also oversees more than 1,300 employees.
Deputy County Manager Joe Abel stepped into the role of interim county manager after Guillet departed. But on April 4, Abel sent a letter to commissioners stating he plans to resign June 4.
“I have enjoyed my time with Seminole County and had originally planned to be here for a few more years,” Abel said in his letter. “Time and a clearer vision of the relationship between the commission and the leadership and employees of this organization has adjusted that plan.”
Commissioners on Tuesday appointed Applegate to serve as interim county manager to replace Abel until a new manager is hired. Applegate said he expects to serve as interim county manager for up to 12 weeks.
“I think our department heads are fantastic people that are going to keep the ship in the right direction,” he said to commissioners.
Abel has worked for Seminole County for 15 years, most recently as director of the county’s leisure services department, before stepping into the role of deputy county manager three years ago.
The applicants who have submitted their resumes for the county manager’s job include Jane Shang, the former Deltona city manager, who resigned in January 2020 after clashing with the incoming mayor and other commissioners, according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal. She served as Deltona’s city manager for more than four years and previously was deputy city manager for El Paso, Texas.
According to the News-Journal, Shang accepted a pretrial intervention agreement with the State Attorney’s Office in 2019 after being accused of submitting false voter identification information. Shang did not return a call in time to comment.
Other candidates include Matt Benoit, former town manager for Jupiter; Chalen Daigle, executive director for Council of Governments in suburban Chicago; Jason Davis, a division director for Palm Beach County; Dale “Doc” Dougherty, city manager for Garden City, Michigan.; Steve Howard, county administrator for Camden County, Georgia.; Arthur “A.J.” Krieger, town manager for Firestone, Colorado.; Patrick Marsh, a consultant and former city administrator for Fitchburg, Wisconsin.; Horace McHugh, ARPA program manager for Cooper City; Ricardo Mendez-Saldivia, a former assistant city administrator for West Palm Beach; Michael Nagy, a former business development manager for Kennesaw, Georgia.; Sara Nieves, a waiver support coordinator for Progressive Journey Agency; John Pate, chief administrative officer and director of public safety for Opa-locka; and Leonard Sossamon, interim city manager for Woodbury, New Jersey.
Applegate and Bob Slavin of Slavin Management Consultants, the head-hunting firm Seminole hired, said interviews could last three days with candidates meeting with staff and commissioners. But Applegate did not set a date as to when interviews would begin.
In other county action: Commissioners approved spending up to $8 million in adding another courtroom to the $41-million expansion and renovation plans of the five-story Criminal Justice Center. That would bring the total number of courtrooms to 21 when the renovations are completed in 2026 at the justice center at the Five Points Complex.
Seminole has long planned to move all the civil court operations from downtown Sanford to the county’s Five Points Complex, where the criminal justice courthouse sits. Last January, construction started on the new Justice E.C. Perry Courthouse annex next to the Criminal Justice Center.
When the addition is completed in mid-2023, work will then begin on the renovation of the justice center.
But Chief Circuit Judge Jessica Recksiedler and others raised concerns last February that the county needed to add three more courtrooms to the renovation plans to meet the county’s future growth.
County officials said more courtrooms could be added if needed in the future. Recksiedler thanked commissioners after they approved the single additional courtroom.
mcomas@orlandosentinel.com | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/seminole-county/os-ne-seminole-county-manager-search-20220412-lyouxcrxbfh7zmj5hbpchydfma-story.html | 2022-04-12T23:26:08 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/seminole-county/os-ne-seminole-county-manager-search-20220412-lyouxcrxbfh7zmj5hbpchydfma-story.html |
GAINESVILLE — Florida gymnast Trinity Thomas demands perfection of herself every routine, a high bar the 21-year-old clears with surprising ease.
Having posted a nation-leading 10 perfect 10s during 13 meets this season, the 5-foot-3 whirling dervish trains with the awareness hundredths of a point are the fine line between championships and heartbreak.
“This team knows the difference the between first and second or first and fourth is .025,” head coach Jenny Rowland said. “That’s not even a step or shuffle. Every little detail matters. They work on that precision daily.”
No one more diligently than Thomas, who hopes her remarkable, record-setting senior year ends this week in Fort Worth, Texas, with a long-awaited NCAA title for herself and the Gators.
“For me, nothing’s ever good enough, even if it’s the smallest thing or smallest detail,” she said. “I think that’s what make me a great athlete. I focus on every little thing and want to get better.”
Thomas’ laser focus elevated her to new heights in 2022 after she experienced a career low point the previous year.
Two sprained ankles ruined the 2021 postseason for the 2020 SEC Gymnast of the Year, but Thomas and the Gators responded with a historic performance April 2 at the NCAA Auburn Regional.
Florida posted a school-record 198.775 while Thomas won the all-around competition with a school-record 39.90 — the fifth-best score in NCAA history — to edge Gators freshman Leanne Wong by .25. Along the way, Thomas posted her third 10 on the vault this season and also won the floor exercise.
Rowland called her team’s final tally “mind blowing to me,” yet not surprising given her athletes’ attitudes.
“[The] regional was so calm and peaceful and fun,” Rowland said.
Thomas, Rowland and the Gators hope to keep the good times rolling and continue their dominance.
A Florida gymnast has won the all-around competition in 12 of 13 meets, six by Thomas and three by Wong.
“Last year was definitely a bummer,” Thomas said. “I wanted to come back this year and show myself I was capable of more. I’m honestly proud of myself and can’t wait to finish it out.”
Florida is well positioned for its fourth NCAA title and first since 2015.
Thomas said finishing the job will hinge on the Gators’ self-belief. In the wake of a record-setting showing at Auburn, Thomas, Rowland and Co. felt Florida could have done even more.
“Everyone on this team is capable of putting up incredible routines,” Thomas said. “But even in those routines there’s little things we can do better. That comes from trusting yourself and trusting your training.”
Eight teams are headed to Fort Worth. Top-ranked Oklahoma, No. 8 Minnesota, No. 4 Utah and No. 5 Alabama will compete in one semifinal beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday.
At 6 p.m., No. 2 Florida, No. 7 Auburn, No. 3 Michigan and No. 11 Missouri will square off, with the top two teams from each semifinal advancing to the finals at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Both semifinals will be broadcast live on ESPN2, with the final scheduled to be broadcast live on ABC.
“It’s anyone’s trophy,” fifth-year senior Alyssa Baumann said. “It’s just whether you have a good day and you’re consistent. It’s definitely going to be a fight to the finish.”
Baumann, a native of Dallas, and the Gators had national title designs in 2021, but aim to learn from their disappointing fourth-place finish.
“We’re trying to be more focused this year on taking the next little step, whether that’s the next event or next practice and not thinking about the competition,” Baumann, 23, said. “Trying to stay present really has been a goal.”
If the Gators remain present and on point, a national title and a perfect ending could await them.
“I’ve never been a national champion myself,” Rowland said. “Just taking it moment by moment. It’s something extremely special I know this team doesn’t take lightly.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Edgar Thompson at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com oraafollow him on Twitter at @osgators. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/florida-gators/os-sp-gators-gymnastics-national-title-0413-20220412-yxzptkcu2jdzfgovcw4tgimr7y-story.html | 2022-04-12T23:26:14 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/florida-gators/os-sp-gators-gymnastics-national-title-0413-20220412-yxzptkcu2jdzfgovcw4tgimr7y-story.html |
Ben Witherspoon, who coached Dr. Phillips to its long-awaited first boys basketball state championship in his second year on the job and then to a return trip to the Class 7A FHSAA final this season, announced his resignation via social media on Tuesday.
He wants to coach at the college or pro level.
“Time to grow” he said in a Twitter post that added, “Looking forward to finding a college program where I can help attract talent, win championships, and develop players”
Witherspoon, 38, had a 73-17 record in three seasons at DP.
When asked by the Sentinel if he had a job offer in hand, Witherspoon said that is not the case.
“I don’t. I just know that in the future I want to be head coach at higher levels. All the feedback I’ve been getting is that you need to be working in that space now. It’s the right time to go.
“I can’t do things halfway. I can’t prepare for a season with Dr. Phillips with one foot in, one foot out. Kids don’t deserve that. The program doesn’t deserve that. I figured it was best for me, and the school, and the players that are there to have time to figure out what’s next as well.”
Dr. Phillips is due to return four players from the state championship team, including standout sophomore Jordan Tillery. Gone will be DP’s trifecta of high-major signees: Kansas signee Ernest Udeh Jr. (6-10), Florida recruit Denzel Aberdeen (6-4) and Riley Kugel (6-5), who signed early with Mississippi State but reopened his recruitment when the Bulldogs fired head coach Ben Howland in mid-March.
Kugel has not announced a decision on his college destination and scheduled to make a visit to Florida this weekend, Witherspoon said.
Asked if he could land at the same school Kugel chooses, Witherspoon said that could conceivably happen but is not part of the plan.
“There’s a chance of that. But that’s not something we’ve talked about. My decision and his are not related.”
Witherspoon coached the storied Panthers program to its first district championship in six seasons in his 2019-20 DP debut and then to the Class 7A state championship with a 27-3 record in year two.
The Panthers were nationally ranked and went 26-6 this season against a schedule that was rated as Florida’s toughest among FHSAA state series teams but were upset in their return trip to the state final, falling 45-44 against Miami Columbus in March.
Witherspoon, who has a wife and three-year old daughter, was an assistant coach at national powerhouse Montverde Academy for one year and an Ocoee assistant for one season before landing the Cypress Creek head coaching job. He coached the Bears for two seasons (2016-18) before returning to Montverde to assist in the 2018-19 season.
He also worked with Southeast Elite adidas travel teams and has long worked as an individual skills trainer with a number of players, including Udeh, a 6-foot-10 post player who developed into a McDonald’s All-American under Witherspoon’s watch.
Udeh and Aberdeen were promising sophomores when Witherspoon arrived. Kugel transferred in from Central Florida Christian Academy as a junior.
Witherspoon was a standout high school player at Daytona Beach Seabreeze. He played as a college freshman at Lipscomb University of Nashville, Tennessee, before returning home to play three seasons for Embry-Riddle University.
He worked in the music industry after college before getting back into basketball.
This report was first published at Orlandosentinel.com. Varsity Content Editor Buddy Collings can be reached by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/boys-basketball/os-sp-hs-dp-basketball-coach-resigns-0413-20220412-dzrze3qj7vgl5bhpyjdpu52dzm-story.html | 2022-04-12T23:26:21 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/boys-basketball/os-sp-hs-dp-basketball-coach-resigns-0413-20220412-dzrze3qj7vgl5bhpyjdpu52dzm-story.html |
CORAL GABLES — The early reviews on Miami Hurricanes freshman linebacker Wesley Bissainthe are coming in, and they’re universally positive.
“He does not truly look like a freshman right now,” said defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.
“Wesley is a phenomenal kid, man,” fellow linebacker Corey Flagg said.
“He fits in,” added defensive lineman Jake Lichtenstein. “He does not look lost at all. He fits in. It looks like he’s been here for at least a year.”
Bissainthe has been on Miami’s campus for less than three months, but the freshman has already made a big impression on those around him.
“The reason he does not look like a freshman is when he was born he has genes and DNA that make him really fast, explosive, has change of direction, has natural instincts,” Steele said. “Those are gifts, so that helps.
“That makes a coach look like we’re really smart when we get a guy like that to play really well, when really he was recruited that way.”
Bissainthe arrived at Miami a highly touted recruit. He was rated a four-star prospect and the No. 18 linebacker in the 2022 class, and he earned extra hype after a dominant career at nearby Miami Central High. He finished high school early and enrolled at UM in time for spring practice.
“Anytime you’re supposed to be going to the prom and you’re out here doing this — this is a little different than the prom,” Steele said.
Adjusting to college has not been all easy for Bissainthe. He said he’s getting used to having little free time between school and college-level practices. He has spent time in the weight room; Bissainthe said he arrived in Coral Gables at 192 pounds and is currently 205 pounds. He said his goal was to reach 210-215 pounds.
“You’re never free,” Bissainthe said. “You’ve got little free time. You’re at meetings, class, homework. I just have to adjust to it, settle down and get used to it.”
There is a familiar face around the program that’s making the adjustment easier. Bissainthe’s coach in high school, Roland Smith, is an off-field staffer for Miami. The team has not announced his official title yet.
“Coming from high school I wasn’t expecting nothing like this,” Bissainthe said. “So to see my head coach from high school come where I go to college, it’s amazing. Just great seeing him every day, reminding me where I came from and just going to work every day.”
Bissainthe’s position coach, Charlie Strong, joined in the praise of the freshman earlier in the spring, saying he’s a willing learner.
“It’s all new to him right now. College is new to him,” Strong said. “But he’s ... a guy that is going to have a bright future.”
If Bissainthe continues to impress in spring and into fall practices, he could see the field early. The freshman standout is not lacking in confidence.
“Honestly, I feel like my confidence level is high,” Bissainthe said. “I feel like I can do it. I still believe I can do it. And I’m going to do it.” | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/miami-hurricanes/fl-sp-um-tuesday-20220412-hlytbcxfcnhidog77whq67pgiu-story.html | 2022-04-12T23:26:27 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/miami-hurricanes/fl-sp-um-tuesday-20220412-hlytbcxfcnhidog77whq67pgiu-story.html |
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A local woman with multiple sclerosis has made it her life’s work to make sure others dealing with MS never feel alone.
She’s a full-time Instagram influencer using her platform, ‘My Balanced Style.’
Christina Roach shares her love of fashion and passion for multiple sclerosis advocacy with more than 12,000 followers on Instagram every single day,
However, getting here has been a journey. She never thought it would be more than a side hustle.
“My Balanced Style came about, and the balanced part is really about a balanced approach to life, and to fashion, and to taking this diagnosis and figuring out what really works for each individual,” Roach said.
She was diagnosed in 2016.
That’s when she started a Facebook group to share her passions, which eventually evolved to Instagram, partnerships with brands and local businesses, and quitting her teaching job of 18 years.
“Once I found out I could do this full-time, honestly, I feel like parts of my MS have gotten better,” she said. “I have neuropathy in my left leg, and being on my legs all day, that was playing a role, and it was taking a big toll on my body. And since I left honestly my leg doesn’t bother me as much anymore.”
She makes videos every single day talking about fashion and showing different clothes and also talking about her experiences with MS.
“I share a great deal and I share the fashion part of it, I’ve got people feeling good about themselves on the outside and I help them work on the inside as well.”
She said the Buffalo area has one of the highest rates of MS in the country but we also have some of the best support.
Being diagnosed isn’t a death sentence and she said she just wants to use her platform to help people through the journey.
“People aren’t going to totally understand how youre feeling at any given point so its really important to explain and to be your own best advocate,” she said. “I don’t want anyone to feel alone in this because we’re not alone in this.”
She also participates in Walk MS every year, raising more than $40,000 with her team since 2016.
This year’s walk is happening April 30 at Canalside.
Kayla Green is a reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here. | https://www.wivb.com/community/local-woman-becomes-full-time-instagram-ms-advocate-and-fashion-influencer/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:17 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/community/local-woman-becomes-full-time-instagram-ms-advocate-and-fashion-influencer/ |
HUDSON, Fla. (WFLA) – Mike Keech says he was humiliated when a server asked him to leave a restaurant because his dog, a service dog, was not allowed.
Keech, who is blind, says he showed the server at Overtime Sport Bar & Grill a certification card that explains ADA law, but he was still asked to go.
“The bartender came from around the bar and said, ‘I’m sorry, I can’t serve you,’ before we even tried to order,” Keech recalled. “And I said, ‘That’s not right.’ This dog is protected by the American’s with Disabilities Act.”
Keech, who was there with his stepson and dog, Nicco, turned to Better Call Behnken for answers.
“I don’t have to take this,” Keech said. “I just wanted a hamburger with mushrooms, and a couple of Budweisers, that’s it.”
Cindy Smith, the owner of the sports bar and grill, said she wasn’t there that day, but her server called her. She takes responsibility for making the decision to ask the group to leave, but says she didn’t realize Keech was blind.
Smith says she’s cracking down on support animals, not service animals.
“In the past week someone came in saying they had a service dog and it almost bit a customer,” Smith said. “We have dogs trying to sit in their laps, sitting on stools, trying to eat off their plates, and it’s a little difficult in recognizing what’s legitimate and not legitimate.”
Smith apologized and said Keech and Nicco are welcome back and that she’ll give Keech a burger and beer on the house. In the meantime, she said she’s training staff to tell the difference between a service dog and support dog.
Keech said he accepts the apology but doesn’t buy that anyone would mistake his dog for a support animal.
“I’m walking with my white cane which is standard for the blind, and I’ve got the dog, which has the harness with, ‘Please do not pet me, I’m working,'” Keech said. “I’m wearing sunglasses and a hat in the building. What do you think?”
Want more 8 On Your Side investigations? Sign up to receive our weekly 8 On Your Side email newsletter. | https://www.wfla.com/8-on-your-side/better-call-behnken/blind-man-and-service-dog-kicked-out-of-hudson-restaurant/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:17 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/8-on-your-side/better-call-behnken/blind-man-and-service-dog-kicked-out-of-hudson-restaurant/ |
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — If you love beer, wine and whiskey, and you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, a new annual event is happening on Saturday at 500 Pearl.
DJ Jickster from 97 Rock and Kelsey Redmann from 500 Pearl joined News 4 at 4 Tuesday to discuss “Kegs, Barrels and Crafts.” To learn more about the event, click here.
The full interview can be seen above. | https://www.wivb.com/community/things-to-do-buffalo/dj-jickster-and-kelsey-redmann-join-news-4-to-discuss-kbc-event-at-500-pearl/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:23 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/community/things-to-do-buffalo/dj-jickster-and-kelsey-redmann-join-news-4-to-discuss-kbc-event-at-500-pearl/ |
TAMPA (WFLA) – Hillsborough County school officials said they still are not certain how much they will lose in state funding for passing a mask mandate during the pandemic.
State Representative Randy Fine represents southern Brevard County and also serves as the chairman of the K-12 Appropriations Committee.
Fine sought to financially penalize 12 school districts across Florida passed a mask mandate.
Among those 12 school districts is Hillsborough County. School Board Chair Nadia Combs said the state law that Fine helped pass will hurt teachers, but not students of programs.
Combs said the state will withhold funding from the “A-plus recognition program” that rewards teachers in staff in schools that maintain or improve their school rating.
“So that would mean that a teacher who worked very hard, who kept schools open, that could do whatever they could through the pandemic and helped those students increase their grade, they would not be eligible for those funds,” said Combs.
School Superintendent Addison Davis said the loss could be significant.
“It’s around $9 million. That money is linked to school recognition money,” Davis said.
Combs said the school district should find out by the end of the year exactly what the financial impact will be. | https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/mask-mandate-could-cost-hillsborough-county-school-district/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:23 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/mask-mandate-could-cost-hillsborough-county-school-district/ |
(WIVB) — The Erie County Health Department is coming out with a new program to help COVID-19 patients. The county started its “Test to Treat” program this week.
“We really encourage people who test positive for COVID-19 at one of our testing sites to strongly consider this to prevent severe disease and to keep people out of the hospital,” Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein said.
If people test positive at one of Erie County’s testing sites, they’re then offered the chance for a prescription of the anti-viral medication Paxlovid. It treats mild to moderate COVID symptoms in people 12 and up.
“The test to treat program is very important to protect our most vulnerable,” said infectious disease expert Dr. Thomas Russo. “Those groups include the unvaccinated, those that are eligible for their first booster shot, but have yet to receive it. Particularly if you’re 50 and older, pregnant, and have significant underlying disease and if you’re immunocompromised.”
Dr. Burstein said much like other places across the state, and the country, Erie County’s COVID-19 case numbers are increasing. According to Dr. Burstein, on Monday, around 350 people tested positive for COVID.
“That’s a significant increase to even where we were a week ago,” she said. “We know that in Erie County, in New York State and the rest of the United States, many of those infections are due to a new variant, BA.2.”
Dr. Russo said it’s because the sub-variant is more transmissible.
“Over the last several weeks, BA.2 has been slowly responsible for an increasing proportion of cases, and this is due to the fact that it’s 30 — and probably as much as 50 — percent more infectious,” Dr. Russo said.
Current ECDOH COVID-19 testing locations are set up at the ECDOH Health Clinics at 608 William St. in Buffalo, the Cheektowaga Senior Center, and the Erie County Emergency and Training Operations Center. Each location offers free testing: a PCR test, with results in about 1-3 business days, or a rapid test, with results in about 15 minutes. Appointments are suggested, but walk-ins are welcome; call (716) 858-2929 for more information.
- 608 William St., Buffalo: weekdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. [This site will not be open on Friday, April 15 (Good Friday)]
- Cheektowaga Senior Center, 3349 Broadway: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Erie County Emergency and Training Operations Center, 3359 Broadway: Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. [This site will not be open on Friday, April 15 (Good Friday) and Saturday, April 16)]
Sarah Minkewicz is a reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2019. See more of her work here. | https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/erie-county/erie-county-to-offer-covid-drug-paxlovid-prescription-after-positive-test/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:29 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/erie-county/erie-county-to-offer-covid-drug-paxlovid-prescription-after-positive-test/ |
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (WFLA) — It’s day two in the case of the State of Florida versus Walgreens. Jurors first heard from Dr. David Courtwright, a retired University of North Florida professor and medical history expert.
Attorneys for Walgreens questioned him about the drug company’s activities during the opioid epidemic, naming specifically Perdue Pharma.
Dr. Courtwright explained that the company had a team of 2,500 doctors to speak on how effective their products were.
“Some were part-timers who would give a talk or two,” Courtwright testified. “And others were considerably more than one or two talks.”
Courtwright also testified about the lavish trips the drug companies would provide for doctors and their loved ones.
Christine Lucas then took the stand. She was a manager at the Walgreens distribution center in Jupiter, Florida. She was over the opioid distribution and talked about the steady rise in how many drugs they were shipping out on a regular basis.
It wasn’t unusual, she testified, for employees to call the individual pharmacies to make sure the orders were correct.
“They would call the store that night before everything was generated and see if they could speak to a pharmacist to verify whether they did actually want 500 bottles instead of 50 bottles,” Lucas testified. “And if they couldn’t get a hold of somebody, they just let it go. “
She also testified about how the DEA raided the distribution center and broke down in tears when she spoke with her general manager in a closed-door meeting. She paused when he told her, “here is what we are going to say,” fearing that meant the company was going to deliver a false narrative about what was really going on.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said her office wants Walgreens to be held to account “for its role in helping create and fuel the deadly opioid crisis devastating Florida families and draining taxpayer-funded resources.”
Moody was in court Monday as the trial got underway with opening statements from attorney Jim Webster, who said Walgreens sold billions of opioids in Florida that never should have been sold.
Moody’s office said Walgreens is the lone holdout in a campaign that has recovered more than $3 billion from manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies involved in the opioid crisis. Last week, another giant pharmacy chain, CVS, settled with the state for $484 million.
Walgreens fought back against Webster’s allegations in its own opening statement, arguing it was the state of Florida that did nothing and shifted the blame to drug manufacturers.
“They caused this epidemic by misrepresenting the risks and benefits to pharmacies,” Derringer said.
Attorneys said the trial could last anywhere from three to eight weeks. | https://www.wfla.com/news/pasco-county/testimony-continues-in-day-2-in-the-case-of-florida-vs-walgreens/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:29 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/pasco-county/testimony-continues-in-day-2-in-the-case-of-florida-vs-walgreens/ |
LOWVILLE, N.Y. (WWTI) — Two individuals were arrested on drug charges as a result of a three-month-long investigation in Lewis County.
According to the Lewis County Drug Task Force, they conducted a three-month-long methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl investigation regarding a residence in Lowville. As a result of their investigation, a search warrant was signed by Honorable Daniel King and the Lewis County Court which allowed them to search 5405 Bostwick Street located in the village of Lowville on April 11.
The search revealed that approximately 60 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 400 bags of heroin, digital scales, drug packaging, and about $700 cash were located at the residence. A preliminary test of the heroin indicated that it also contained fentanyl.
As a result, the Lowville Police Department arrested 36-year-old Antionette M. Cassoni from Lowville for the Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree regarding the methamphetamine and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree regarding the heroin. According to the LCDTF, more charges may be considered as the investigation continues.
Additionally, 30-year-old Ricky L. Jamison Jr. from Syracuse was arrested for two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree for methamphetamine and heroin. Both individuals were arraigned in Centralized Arraignment CAP Court and were held at the Lewis County Jail without bail due to both having previous felony convictions.
The press release also noted that Cassoni is currently on parole and parole filed a parole warrant as a result of the investigation. Jamison has a pending drug-related arrest in Jefferson County and is out on bond from that investigation.
The New York State Police Violent Ganag Narcotics Enforcement Team, Lewis County Drug Task Force, NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office including K9 patrol, Lowville Police Department, Metro Jefferson Drug Task Force, and DEA Drug Task Force contributed to the investigation. | https://www.wivb.com/news/new-york/60-grams-of-meth-400-bags-of-heroin-discovered-at-lowville-residence/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:35 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/new-york/60-grams-of-meth-400-bags-of-heroin-discovered-at-lowville-residence/ |
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — One week from the start of the legislative special session on redistricting, lawmakers aren’t drawing any congressional redistricting maps.
In an unprecedented move, Republican leaders of the Florida House and Senate said this week they are waiting on Gov. Ron DeSantis to draw the maps instead.
“At this time, Legislative reapportionment staff is not drafting or producing a map for introduction during the special session,” the memo said. “We are awaiting a communication from the governor’s office with a map that he will support.”
DeSantis promised to veto the congressional map that was eventually approved by the legislature while they were debating it. Last month, he did exactly that.
Tuesday morning at a press conference in Miami, DeSantis said he will only accept a map that does away with the current configuration of Florida’s 5th congressional district, a wide district stretching across the top of the state linking minority communities in Tallahassee and Jacksonville.
“We are not going to have a 200-mile gerrymander that divvies up people based on the color of their skin,” DeSantis said. “That is wrong. That is not the way we have governed in the state of Florida.”
DeSantis argues that a district drawn primarily for racial reasons violates the U.S. Constitution. However, there are state constitutional considerations as well — districts must comport with the Fair Districts amendment to Florida’s constitution.
Many Democrats are outraged that the legislature is ceding this authority to the governor.
“It’s frankly outrageous,” said Fla. Sen. Annette Taddeo, who is also a Democratic candidate for governor. “Our constitution very clearly states who gets to draw the maps, which is the legislature. The governor only has the right to veto it. So it is not only unprecedented, it’s dangerous, it is wrong and it goes against everything the voters so clearly told us.”
Redistricting experts say it may not matter for this year’s elections.
“Most likely there’s not enough time for litigation to play out before the 2022 election,” said Michael McDonald of the University of Florida. “When we look at all these scenarios, most likely the legislature will approve the governor’s map, that will go into effect, and whatever court challenges take place, they’re going to be delayed until after 2022. | https://www.wfla.com/news/politics/florida-legislature-lets-desantis-draw-congressional-maps/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:35 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/politics/florida-legislature-lets-desantis-draw-congressional-maps/ |
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — When the bipartisan-passed No Surprises law took effect at the beginning of the year, the goal was to protect consumers from surprise medical bills. But now that it’s in effect, 6 lawsuits have been filed by medical associations.
The No Surprises law is meant to protect Americans from unanticipated, out-of-network bills that can total thousands of dollars.
The law, said Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, “protects Americans from being broadsided, surprised, by unexpected medical bills. We’re going to be vigorous in enforcement of that law.”
But the Biden adminitration is now facing six lawsuits from medical associations that disagree with the proposed rules for implementing the law.
Various medical associations bringing the suits declined on-camera interviews but said they’re not challenging the portions that affect consumers’ out-of-pocket expenses.
They argue Congress wrote the law to allow for an independent dispute resolutions process to decide how much insurance companies should pay and that the Health and Human Services rules don’t allow for that.
Patricia Kelmar with the US Public Interest Research Groups said the rules crafted by the Biden administration serve as important guardrails.
“You can imagine what happens when you take a away a very lucrative billing practice from providers. They’re very upset,” Kelmar said. “When out-of-network providers can charge whatever they want with no regard to a market value, then all consumers, all insured consumers are paying those added costs.”
She said in the end consumers will pay higher premiums to pick up that cost. | https://www.wivb.com/news/washington-dc/med-associations-sue-over-no-surprises-billing-law/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:41 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/washington-dc/med-associations-sue-over-no-surprises-billing-law/ |
SARASOTA COUNTY (WFLA) – Over the last several weeks, there’s been public outcry over a new company to the Sarasota County area that was on track to receive up to $825,000 in tax incentives for creating new jobs in the community.
The company on Longboat Key is Rumble. The video platform made the announcement of its new U.S headquarters five month ago.
Some local residents have criticized Rumble for its decision to host content from Russia’s state-run outlet “RT.” The outlet has been banned by other platforms such as Roku amid the war in Ukraine.
“I am so outraged at the thought that there would be Russian state propaganda, emanating out of our beautiful island of Longboat Key,” said resident Anisa Mycak. “Escaping from propaganda and depression and so forth was what my family left Ukraine about in World War II and here I am 70 years later having to fight it again right on Longboat Key of all places. It is like extremely distressing.”
Residents have protested and started petitions against the county’s monetary support in the video platform. Several showed up to speak before commissioners Tuesday afternoon since the item was listed on the agenda after 1 p.m. However, many showed up only to find the chambers empty and the meeting adjourned around noon.
“They threw us for a ringer and they began the discussion in the morning,” said county resident Adrien Lucas. “I managed to make it toward the end of the presentation from the Economic Development Corporation. In one way though, the public has won. Our tax dollars won’t be rewarded to Rumble.”
In a unanimous vote Tuesday, county leaders decided to eliminate the Economic Development Incentive Fund altogether. The program was created 10 years ago, during a time the county was trying to bring new jobs to the area. Commissioners acknowledged, times have changed.
“Now we have people knocking on our door who want to be here and, at this point, the whole incentive fund thing seems to me, from what I have been able to gather from every conversation I have had looking into it, is it is almost a distraction keeping you from being more effective and doing what you really need to be doing as an EDC. I would support ending the EDIF program at this point,” said Commissioner Ron Cutsinger.
“My concern has always been with economic incentives, we are picking winners and losers as the government. I don’t really like that at all,” Commissioner Christian Ziegler added. “The question with these incentives is, do we try to recruit new businesses or do we try to cultivate our existing businesses in town. That is always a battle and that has publicly been the battle as well.”
It’s unclear where the funds will go now. That is to be determined at a later date.
“It was the public outcry that made a difference. This was not something they could defend to taxpayers and in the end, they had to listen,” said Cathy Antunes.
Rumble did not respond to our request for comment following the county’s vote Tuesday. | https://www.wfla.com/news/sarasota-county/no-taxpayer-dollars-will-go-to-rumble-after-sarasota-county-leaders-vote-to-end-incentive-program/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:41 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/sarasota-county/no-taxpayer-dollars-will-go-to-rumble-after-sarasota-county-leaders-vote-to-end-incentive-program/ |
Part of our News 4 Sports 30-in-30 series taking a look at 30 prospects in this year’s NFL Draft.
If you’re looking for a tight end prospect with big stats then Jeremy Ruckert isn’t your guy but that doesn’t mean he’s not capable. Ohio State has two of the top wide receivers in the draft so Ruckert didn’t get a lot of targets.
“Everyone sees your numbers, what you’ve done on the field they raise those questions but at the end of the day what you see on tape how do you play in your mindset my God-given ability I don’t think they’re questioning that,” Ruckert said at the NFL Combine.
Ruckert played wide receiver in high school and switched positions when he landed in Columbus.
“That was the biggest decision for me going to Ohio State. I wanted to be that complete guy, I wanted to adapt to that toughness in their culture,” Ruckert explained.
“I think looking back to when I got on campus to where I am now I’m going to do whatever it takes to win, whatever it takes for the team to do whatever the job is a tight end I’m going to do it. I’m not gonna just try to check the box I’m gonna try to get after people and do the job the right way whatever the team needed me to do whatever job you need is a tight end I’m gonna be able to do it.”
Ruckert’s college stats and path to the NFL aren’t that different from current Bills tight end Dawson Knox and that’s worked out nicely. Jeremy says he’s familiar with the Bills.
“Some of my friends back home are Bills fans, I’m from Long Island a little bit south of that pretty good trip away but it’s the only team in New York. A lot of other people back home have a sense of pride and that watching Josh Allen his special he plays quarterback like a tight end and it’s pretty cool to watch that,” Ruckert said.
Ruckert is projected to be a second round draft pick. | https://www.wivb.com/sports/30-in-30-ohio-state-te-jeremy-ruckert/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:47 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/sports/30-in-30-ohio-state-te-jeremy-ruckert/ |
Part of our News 4 Sports 30-in-30 series taking a look at 30 prospects in this year’s NFL Draft.
Trent McDuffie was a three-year starter in the Washington Huskies secondary.
He is one of the most versatile cornerbacks in the draft with the ability to excel in man-to-man and zone schemes. McDuffie isn’t concerned about when or where he’s taken in the draft.
“Whatever team gets me and they utilize me in many different ways I’m not worried about first, second or third. I just wanna be on a team and I want to be able to showcase that to all the coaches and just gain the trust between my teammates because at the end of the day the biggest part about being out there is for the other ten guys on the field to trust that I can do my job,” McDuffie said at the NFL Combine.
McDuffie is a little undersized but he plays with an edge, fearlessness, and toughness that NFL scouts praise.
“I play as if I’m a linebacker, a defender I can tackle, I want to tackle, I love to tackle, I love to get in the mix, I love to be in the box. I was telling coaches all the time put me at safety let me just go run the alley, let me go take all these lineman and I’m a competitor,” McDuffie said.
“I love to compete and at the end of the day I wanna win. That’s why I play football to win games and that’s what I’m trying to do when I go to the NFL and help these organizations go to the Super Bowl.”
McDuffie is expected to hear his name called late in the first round or early in the second round. | https://www.wivb.com/sports/30-in-30-washington-cb-trent-mcduffie/ | 2022-04-12T23:29:53 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/sports/30-in-30-washington-cb-trent-mcduffie/ |
Maplewood police investigating shots fired Monday night detained four juveniles. Their mothers are angry, saying their children — including 10, 12 and 16-year-olds — should not have been handcuffed or put in squad cars.
After police determined the young people weren’t involved in the shots fired, they released them, according to Maplewood Police Lt. Joe Steiner. He said police detained the juveniles for approximately 40 minutes, less than half of which they were handcuffed and seated in squad cars while officers conducted their preliminary investigation.
Police received a report at 9:32 p.m. Monday about four juveniles seen outside a business in the 1700 block of Cope Avenue and then gunshots being heard, Steiner said. Officers responded to the area at 9:35 p.m. and located four juveniles about 200 yards from the location of the shots fired, according to police. Two ran and then returned to speak with officers.
“These are little kids,” said Tanya Gile, whose 12-year-old son was detained. “They’re already traumatized” because Gile’s 14-year-old son, Marcoz Paramo, died in September and Monday’s encounter made matters worse for them, Gile said.
Paramo and another teen were passengers in a stolen vehicle when their 15-year-old friend crashed in Maplewood. The driver had fled from law enforcement and the Ramsey County sheriff’s office said a deputy pursuing them lost sight of them before they crashed in a yard.
Toshira Garraway said her 16-year-old son also was detained Monday night. He was Marcoz’s best friend and his father died when he was 3, leading to Garraway starting Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represented the family of George Floyd in reaching a $27 million settlement with Minneapolis over Floyd’s death under former officer Derek Chauvin’s knee in 2020, posted on social media about the Maplewood case on Tuesday. He shared a Facebook Live video of Garraway’s response when she arrived at the scene and wrote that the “innocent kids sat in the back of a police car” when they were trying to walk home.
A friend of Toshira Garroway posted a live video on Facebook as she responded to her 16-year-old son and his friends being detained in Maplewood on April 11, 2022. Listener note: Video contains expletives.
There is body camera footage of what happened Monday night, according to Steiner. He said Maplewood officers “acted very professionally during this incident and exactly how we would expect them to act.”
“Violence and gun violence in our communities throughout the metro is an issue and law enforcement is working diligently to address it,” he said.
Maplewood police released surveillance footage from a business, with a timestamp of Monday at 9:26 p.m., in which three gunshots could be heard and four people could be seen walking away. Steiner said police were responding to that report on Monday night.
About 20 minutes after police detained four juveniles, “through the investigation and developing new information, they believed that these juveniles were most likely involved in the shots-fired incident and that’s why, with that new information, they were handcuffed and seated in the back of the squad cars,” Steiner said.
Police were concerned that someone had a gun, it was “a fluid situation” and dark outside, Steiner said. Handcuffing is “standard procedure and that’s for the safety of the juveniles, the officers and the public,” he added.
When officers were able to review video surveillance, they determined the four juveniles who were detained were not the people in the video, Steiner said. They released the juveniles, who Steiner said were never under arrest during the incident.
The police chief met with one of the mothers on Tuesday, Steiner said.
“Our hopes are that we can be transparent with the family, the parents, the guardians in this incident and work together to resolve any issues that are still stemming from this incident,” Steiner said. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/after-maplewood-officers-detain-and-handcuff-4-juveniles-ages-10-12-16-their-mothers-speak-out/ | 2022-04-12T23:37:42 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/after-maplewood-officers-detain-and-handcuff-4-juveniles-ages-10-12-16-their-mothers-speak-out/ |
Nets head coach Steve Nash says there’s no updated timetable for the injured Ben Simmons to make his season debut, even though reports to the contrary surfaced in recent days.
The Athletic’s NBA newsbreaker, Shams Charania, reported on Sirius XM’s “The Pat McAfee Show” that Simmons, who has been hampered by a herniated disk in his lower back, could make his debut as soon as Game 3 in the Nets’ first-round playoff matchup, potentially against the Boston Celtics if they win Tuesday night’s Play-In Tournament game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Nash pleaded ignorance to the reports and said nothing has changed with regard to Simmons.
“I don’t know where these reports come from,” Nash said ahead of tipoff on Tuesday. “We have no update on the timetable so I don’t think that came from us.”
Nash, however, also said the Nets would not trade James Harden (both in the days leading up to the deal and on the morning of the day the team announced the deal had been completed). Charania, on the other hand, reported the Harden deal materializing several days before it happened.
“If the Nets win tonight [against the Cavaliers], they play Boston this weekend,” Charania said. “I think Games 1 and 2 in Boston is too quick, but I definitely think after that is when the window for Ben Simmons to return starts opening up, and even if he’s able to give them 15 minutes, 20 minutes, Pat, that’s a game-changer because that’s a guy you can automatically put on the other team’s best player, he can move the ball, he can rebound, a lot can happen. So that is a potential game-changer if Ben Simmons returns.
“I’m told he’s very, very confident he’ll be back.”
On one hand, it’s difficult to envision Simmons, who was bound to the rehab table and labeled “the mystery guy” by teammate Andre Drummond only two weeks ago, as fully healthy for a first-round series that starts this weekend. Simmons, according to Nash, is now shooting and “starting to move a little bit on the court” in individual workouts. Nash said Simmons has had far more significant rehab progress in the last week than the first three weeks after he received an epidural to alleviate pain in his lower back.
“So definitely positive signs that it’s improving and moving and all those things,” Nash said. “But, like I said, he hasn’t been running full speed or playing against anybody, so still a lot more markers to meet.”
On the other hand, the Nets have historically been coy with their injury diagnoses. They played a game of cat and mouse with Joe Harris’ ankle injury, a severe sprain that required two surgeries and ultimately ended his season. And Nash didn’t mention that Simmons underwent an MRI that revealed the herniated disk until weeks after he got the scan.
The Nets could be underpromising Simmons’ return only to over-deliver on a healthier version of the star who has been absent all season. That would be difficult to sell, however, because Simmons still looks limited in warmups, and even though he’s been more visible in recent practices and pregame workouts, he still has not run at full speed since the back problems flared up in March.
“In a sense, every time he moves a little more that is in a sense conditioning,” Nash said. “But I wouldn’t say he’s doing wind sprints or things like that.”
There’s also the risk associated with a decision to rush Simmons onto the floor. Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. is battling back issues amid a breakout stretch of his early career. Simmons can’t afford another significant back injury. His troubles started with a nerve impingement in February 2020 and have resurfaced this season.
The Nets’ performance team also requires three high-intensity workouts in practice without a setback before clearing a player as eligible to play in a game. Simmons is still doing individual work and has to advance to one-on-one, two-on-two and eventually five-on-five. Nash said on April 4 it would be unlikely the team forgoes the high-intensity workout requirement “because of the deficit he’s coming out of. If he had played 65 games, this year and we’re going into the playoffs, and he had a few weeks injury, maybe, but I think in this situation, you know, we’ve got to put his health and safety first and make sure that we’re certain he’s ready to play and contribute.”
There’s no denying, however, that adding Simmons to an already star-studded Nets team makes this team even more of a championship favorite than they already are. He is a two-time NBA All-Star, a perennial candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, he ranks Top 20 in steals, rebounds assists and field goal percentage almost every season and is one of the most athletic players at his position when fully healthy.
Despite their standing as a Play-In Tournament team, the Nets remain the team with the third-highest odds to win it all this season behind the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks as of Tuesday morning, according to Odds Shark.
Those odds project to increase if Simmons is on the floor with his teammates.
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/ben-simmons-still-has-a-lot-more-markers-to-meet-before-making-debut-says-steve-nash/ | 2022-04-12T23:37:45 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/ben-simmons-still-has-a-lot-more-markers-to-meet-before-making-debut-says-steve-nash/ |
A Minnesota court will supervise the dissolution of a nonprofit meals program that’s under federal investigation for allegedly defrauding the government of millions of dollars, Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office announced Tuesday.
A Dakota County District Court judge granted Ellison’s petition to have the court oversee the finances and operations of Feeding Our Future, which along with some of its contractors allegedly stole millions of dollars in federal funds.
The St. Anthony offices of Feeding Our Future were raided by the FBI in January amid accusations that the group and some of its contractors had defrauded at least $197 million meant for purchasing and providing free meals for needy children from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2021 alone. The search warrant alleged that the group had used the money to buy luxury vehicles, real estate, jewelry and other purchases in the U.S. and around the world.
Ellison said having the court supervise the process would prevent any further fraud as the federal and state investigations continue.
“I filed the petition as part of my job to supervise charities and their leaders to ensure they are complying with civil charities laws and upholding Minnesotans’ trust. I am gratified the Court granted the petition,” Ellison said in a statement.
The court supervision is separate from any charges Ellison’s office may bring. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/court-to-oversee-dissolution-of-nonprofit-meals-program-under-fbi-investigation/ | 2022-04-12T23:37:48 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/court-to-oversee-dissolution-of-nonprofit-meals-program-under-fbi-investigation/ |
Gerrit Cole needs to settle in. The Yankees ace did not get off to the start to the season he and the team wanted. Wednesday night, Cole needs to find that routine and rhythm early against a tough Blue Jays lineup that very well could be the team the Yankees are battling down the stretch for a playoff spot.
Cole couldn’t find that comfort zone on Opening Day, so Wednesday night is a chance to start over.
“When you’re missing that bad there are mechanical breakdowns, but I’d say overall my mechanics are in a good spot. I just had a lot of adrenaline and just kind of spun my tires there for a minute,” Cole said Tuesday before the Yankees tried to rebound against the Blue Jays after two straight losses. “So maybe to find the rhythm and the tempo to just kind of stay with myself a little better.”
Cole did not record a decision on Opening Day, allowing three earned runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out three in four innings. His day was more remembered for him being caught on camera complaining about the pregame ceremonies going longer than expected.
But the Yankees need a better Cole if they are going to be in the conversation for the postseason. It may be early in the season, but it’s not too early to set the tone within the American League East. Last season, the Yankees dug themselves a hole against the Red Sox early.
Cole doesn’t want to repeat that feeling and have to dig themselves out of a hole this season.
“Even though we play them 19 times you know, we only play them 19 times, so they count the same in April as they do in September, but [feeling like you have] to crawl back and have to feel like we’re constantly walking uphill towards the end of the year,” Cole said. “You put yourself in a better position when you play better against these teams early. With the understanding that both are gonna get better as the season goes on.”
Last season was one where Cole lost some traction as well.
He came out early in 2021 as the best pitcher in the league and then became the poster boy for pitchers using illegal sticky stuff on the balls in June when MLB decided to enforce their own rules more stringently. He adjusted and regained control of his season, only to catch COVID after the All-Star break. He got back on track and then whether it was a tight hamstring or the workload (181.1 innings pitched after just 91 in 2020), Cole went into that Wild Card game with a 6.35 ERA over his last four starts.
The Yankees are obviously looking for a bit of a bounce back from Cole this season and Opening Day wasn’t the best way to turn the page on his struggles. But Wednesday night could be another chance, especially against a Blue Jays lineup that is so dangerous.
“They have a lot of talent and they have some good leaders too. That’s a combination to win a lot of games,” Cole said of the Blue Jays. “So, we’ll have our hands full, but we’re confident you know, and what we can bring to the table and, and if we execute, I think we’ll be in a good spot.”
Cole picked up some ideas from watching Jameson Taillon, who was solid against the Blue Jays for five innings Monday night.
“I thought he was really good. I thought he took it really one hitter at a time and a couple of times they put him in a spot with a base hit early or a hit with two outs and he just kept his pace and just kept making one good pitch of another,” Cole said. “He gave us a good shot to win and put together a good start. So I think really, all our best games have that same characteristic. One pitch at a time regardless of if something good or bad happens. You just kind of stay in the middle.”
Now, Cole just needs to go out and find that rhythm.
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/gerrit-cole-and-the-yankees-need-to-set-the-tone-early-vs-al-east-rival-blue-jays/ | 2022-04-12T23:37:49 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/gerrit-cole-and-the-yankees-need-to-set-the-tone-early-vs-al-east-rival-blue-jays/ |
The Minnesota state veterinarian is resigning to take the same post in her home state of South Dakota.
Beth Thompson, who also is Minnesota’s Board of Animal Health executive director, announced she is resigning from her position effective May 8, according to a Tuesday news release.
Assistant director Linda Glaser will serve as interim Minnesota state veterinarian beginning May 9, according to the release.
Thompson is departing as Minnesota and other states are battling an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in commercial poultry flocks. In Minnesota, nearly 1.4 million birds in 28 flocks have been infected.
“When the state veterinarian position opened up in my home state earlier this year, I decided to apply and see where things went,” Thompson said. “I was offered the position earlier this month and accepted this opportunity to be closer to family and friends. Although I’m departing amidst the HPAI outbreak, our response is strong, and I leave this agency in very capable hands.”
Thompson notified the Board of Animal Health members Tuesday during the board’s quarterly meeting.
The board will announce an application period for the position in the coming weeks. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/minnesotas-state-veterinarian-resigns-to-take-same-post-in-native-south-dakota/ | 2022-04-12T23:37:50 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/minnesotas-state-veterinarian-resigns-to-take-same-post-in-native-south-dakota/ |
For the first time in over two years, face masks soon will be optional in St. Paul Public Schools.
The school board voted 6-1 on Tuesday to repeal its mask mandate starting Monday and as long as the risk of in-school coronavirus spread is low.
Superintendent Joe Gothard last month recommended the board drop the mask mandate, which applies to students, staff and visitors, in light of a major drop in coronavirus cases and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, the board last month voted 3-2, with two members absent, to keep the mandate in place.
With board members Zuki Ellis and Jeanelle Foster returning on Tuesday, the resolution passed easily. They joined Jim Vue and Jessica Kopp in approving Gothard’s plan to make masks optional for now; Halla Henderson and Chauntyll Allen also voted in favor of the plan, changing their votes from last month.
The CDC now recommends indoor mask wearing only when a county’s new case rate and COVID-19 hospitalizations are high. Today, risk levels are low in 85 Minnesota counties and medium in two.
Since the CDC guidelines changed in February, many local governments in Minnesota and across the country have taken the masks off.
The St. Paul board’s decision Tuesday leaves just 20 of the nation’s 500 largest school districts — including Minneapolis — still requiring masks, according to the website Burbio.
Mary Langworthy, the district’s health and wellness director, said the district will continue to promote coronavirus vaccination and testing, while also encouraging mask wearing but not requiring it.
Board member Uriah Ward on Tuesday sought to amend the resolution to require that staff wear masks while delivering instruction to homebound students. He also tried to change the trigger to reimpose the mandate to a CDC county risk level of medium, instead of high.
Both motions failed on 4-3 votes, with Henderson and Allen joining Ward.
Kopp said she’s confident staff will wear a mask if the student’s family requests it.
Vue, speaking to the broader resolution, said the board has relied on health experts throughout the pandemic.
“We’ve arrived at this point because of those guidelines,” he said. “I strongly recommend that we follow those guidelines.”
The final vote was cheered by a crowd of around 40 people, many of whom attended the meeting with their faces uncovered. Several interrupted throughout the board’s discussion with false claims about COVID-19 or references to their constitutional rights. One stepped forward to declare he was making a citizen’s arrest before retreating to the back of the room when he was ignored. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/st-paul-school-district-to-stop-requiring-face-masks-next-week/ | 2022-04-12T23:38:02 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/st-paul-school-district-to-stop-requiring-face-masks-next-week/ |
Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry said Tuesday that he plans to run for re-election this fall.
Starry, 51, of Stillwater, was appointed sheriff in May 2017 when then-Sheriff Bill Hutton retired. He was elected sheriff in November 2018.
Starry started working for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in 1993. He has been a patrol deputy, a crime-prevention officer, a field training officer, a DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer, an Explorer adviser, a narcotics officer, a youth unit investigator and a K-9 officer. After being promoted to sergeant and commander, he was tapped to be chief deputy in October 2010.
Starry serves as chairman of the executive board for North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program for Minnesota and Wisconsin and as president for the executive board of the United Way of Washington County East. He also is a member of the Minnesota Violent Crime Coordinating Council and a board member of The Frontline Foundation and the Lakes Center for Youth and Families.
Starry has a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and has attended the FBI National Academy and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association program. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/washington-county-sheriff-dan-starry-says-he-plans-to-run-for-re-election/ | 2022-04-12T23:38:08 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/washington-county-sheriff-dan-starry-says-he-plans-to-run-for-re-election/ |
The awful two-strike sound the Yankees play over the sound system, which sounds like a dying whale, has been an issue for the Bombers’ pitchers using the PitchCom system. The sound, which is the Imperial Alarm from Star Wars, is played when a Yankees pitcher gets two strikes on a hitter and is teeth-rattling loud. The pitchers have found it interferes with them hearing the robotic voice that plays from a speaker inserted in their hat.
“The speakers are really loud and it’s kind of jarring,” Gerrit Cole said before Tuesday’s game against the Blue Jays. “It’s an interesting sound.”
Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake said that the noise could get so loud that the pitchers could not hear the pitch that the catcher was calling, but they are working around it. Cole said he would use the system for his second start of the season on Wednesday night.
MONTY GOOD TO GET UP AND GO
Lefty Jordan Montgomery, who got hit by a comebacker in Sunday night’s game, could barely walk on Monday, but Tuesday he was feeling much better. He threw on flat ground to test the left leg and said he would throw his bullpen on Wednesday.
But there was a real scare there.
“I think there was a little concern with him last night just because of the swelling he had in there. He had his knee drained and went for an MRI and a CT scan overnight and today that came back good. So he was significantly better today,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “When I walked in, actually, he was on the table and so much of the swelling was out of there. He’s moving around. He’s throwing today with the idea he’ll throw his bullpen tomorrow.”
GALLO ANSWERS THE QUESTIONS
Before Monday night’s game, Joey Gallo was answering questions about his struggles at the plate. Three hours later, the left fielder was the only Yankee to get a hit off of Toronto starter Alek Manoah and the only Bomber with two hits in the 3-0 loss to the Blue Jays.
“I’m seeing a lot of good at-bats, he’s winning a lot of pitches, he’s on a lot of pitches,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after the game. “[He’s] in a position to do what we know he can do.”
Gallo had a double, single and walk Monday night. He has walked in all four of the Yankees games this season.
It’s a small sample size, but at least it gives Gallo a chance to quiet the talk for at least a day about his terrible start to his Yankees career last season.
Gallo hit .160 with 13 homers and a .707 OPS in 58 games with 88 strikeouts in 188 at-bats last season after being acquired from the Rangers.
“My swing was a little off,” said Gallo, adding that he’s had “a chance to regroup and reset” this spring. “I can kind of get my swing back to where it was early in the year last year.”
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/yankees-notebook-pitchers-cant-hear-pitchcom-signals-over-stadiums-two-strike-alert/ | 2022-04-12T23:38:14 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/yankees-notebook-pitchers-cant-hear-pitchcom-signals-over-stadiums-two-strike-alert/ |
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Three Florida men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for “conspiring to rig bids” and to “defraud the United States,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The case was unsealed Tuesday, according to DOJ.
“Bid-rigging and fraud schemes targeting the military will not be tolerated – they are an affront to competition and the American taxpayer,” Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter said. “Consistent with a whole-of-government approach, the Antitrust Division will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners and Procurement Collusion Strike Force to protect taxpayer funds from collusion and fraud.”
The three men were identified as Lawrence O’Brien, Bruce LaRoche and Thomas Dailey. The DOJ said they worked together to rig bids for “customized promotional products” to the U.S. Army. While all three appeared in court April 12, only two were charged with conspiring to defraud the United States.
The DOJ said the three men had “exchanged their company’s bid templates and submitted bids to military customers” for each other, with a “pre-arranged winner” to get the sales from the bids. Based on the charges, the DOJ said LaRoche created and used shell companies to submit sham bids to the U.S. Military, in a “conspiracy to defraud the United States.”
Due to the listing of different sales associates, the bids were made to appear competitive, even though “all of the bids were drafted by the co-conspirators and the companies were owned or controlled by LaRoche.” O’Brien is also accused of participating in the conspiracy with his own shell companies, according to the DOJ.
As a result of the bid rigging effort, all three men have been charged with violating the Sherman Antitrust Act, for which the maximum penalty is 10 years in federal prison and a $1 million criminal fine.
“This indictment is another example of our commitment to protecting the contracting process from those who attempt to rig the system in their favor,” Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Curran of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Major Procurement Fraud Field Office said.
The DOJ said LaRoche and O’Brien also each face separate charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States. For those charges, both men face a maximum of five years in prison and $250,000 criminal fine, if found guilty. | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/3-florida-men-indicted-for-bid-rigging-defrauding-us-military-justice-dept/ | 2022-04-12T23:47:01 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/3-florida-men-indicted-for-bid-rigging-defrauding-us-military-justice-dept/ |
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — Jacksonville officials said on Monday that over 100 pets died in a house fire Friday.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department said the fire happened shortly before 1 p.m. Friday and was quickly put under control.
However, Animal Care and Protective Services reported that 91 cats, five dogs, and a bird died inside the home.
A report by NBC affiliate WTLV said that ACPS got two animal cruelty complaints from the home, but officers found the cats in good health every time they visited.
Veterinarians who spoke to ACPS also said that the issue wasn’t mistreatment, it was that the couple living at the home were hoarding animals.
“They get all the animals required vet care … they will find sick animals and bring them in for treatment. That’s not the issue,” a veterinarian said in a complaint report. “Collecting them is the issue, not inadequate care.”
The city of Jacksonville said there is no ordinance that restricts the number of pets someone may have if they are sprayed or neutered.
Aside from the animals, no person was injured in the fire. The Red Cross is helping the owners of the home.
The state fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire. | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/over-100-pets-killed-in-florida-house-fire/ | 2022-04-12T23:47:07 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/over-100-pets-killed-in-florida-house-fire/ |