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WATCH: Puppy rescued from rubble in Ukraine
Published: Apr. 14, 2022 at 11:27 AM CDT|Updated: 35 minutes ago
(CNN) - The amazing rescue of a puppy from the rubble in eastern Ukraine was caught on camera.
The rescue took place in the village of Mykhailvka on Wednesday.
Video shows rescuers digging through a pile of rubble until they reach the puppy buried underneath. The dog was miraculously pulled out alive and reunited with its 77-year-old owner.
According to the National Police of Ukraine, the blast nearly killed the man.
Both the owner and the dog were given medical care. The police said, “All is well with them.”
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/14/watch-puppy-rescued-rubble-ukraine/ | 2022-04-14T17:03:15 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/14/watch-puppy-rescued-rubble-ukraine/ |
DNC officials approve plan to change states for first presidential primaries
(CNN) - Democratic Party officials approved a plan Wednesday that could shake up the presidential primary calendar.
The big unknown is which states will get to hold their primaries first in 2024.
The Democratic National Committee’s new plan does away with the current, traditional set of early states: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.
The updated process would prioritize more diverse battleground states that hold primaries, not caucuses.
States would apply for early primaries, and party officials would pick up to five to go before Super Tuesday.
Those four traditional early states can apply to keep their places.
However, Iowa’s spot would be especially threatened, in part because the largely white state is no longer a battleground.
Also, it is required by state law to hold caucuses.
State parties must submit applications by June 3.
The rules committee will decide in July, and final approval is in August or September.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/dnc-officials-approve-plan-change-states-first-presidential-primaries/ | 2022-04-14T17:03:36 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/dnc-officials-approve-plan-change-states-first-presidential-primaries/ |
E-cigs using synthetic nicotine come under FDA oversight
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators will soon begin cracking down on vaping companies using a now-closed loophole, including a line of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes that have become teenagers’ top choice.
Under a law taking effect Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration can regulate e-cigarettes and similar products that use synthetic nicotine.
The action targets Puff Bar and several other vaping companies that recently switched their formulas to laboratory-made nicotine to skirt FDA oversight.
The change “allows FDA to protect the public health from the harms of tobacco products, regardless of the source of nicotine,” the agency said in a statement Wednesday. Companies must register with the FDA and submit their products for review within 30 days.
Puff Bar did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
The FDA’s action does not automatically ban Puff Bar and similar products. Instead it brings them under the same regulatory scheme as older e-cigarettes that derived their nicotine from tobacco.
“The synthetic nicotine products do not necessarily just disappear on their own,” Robin Koval, chief executive of the Truth Initiative, an advocacy group that runs anti-tobacco ads. “The FDA will have to decide how they want to enforce the law and hopefully they will.”
The FDA has been reviewing applications for an array of vaping devices, formulas and flavors — rejecting more than 1 million, usually because of their potential appeal to youngsters. Anti-tobacco advocates hope the agency will quickly do the same for any applications submitted by Puff Bar and other manufacturers.
Nicotine, the chemical the makes smoking and vaping addictive, occurs naturally in tobacco plants.
The 2009 law that first gave the FDA oversight of cigarettes and related products only referred to tobacco-based nicotine. That left an opening for artificial nicotine, which is being used in e-cigarette liquids, nicotine pouches and other products.
Last month, Congress passed language clarifying that the FDA can regulate any form of nicotine, regardless of the source.
After appearing in 2019, Puff Bar has grown to become the most popular e-cigarette among teenagers, by far, sold in flavors like blueberry, strawberry banana and mango. Under FDA pressure, the company said it was halting sales in 2020, pulling its disposable vaping devices out of convenience stores, gas stations and vape shops.
Last February, the company announced a “fresh launch” of its colorful devices using synthetic nicotine. In marketing language, the company said its products “do not contain tobacco or anything derived from tobacco.” That put Puff Bar in a legal gray area, because federal, state and local restrictions nearly always apply to tobacco-based products, not nicotine itself.
Stanford researchers last year found synthetic nicotine products for sale via online platforms that prohibit tobacco sales, such as Amazon, eBay and Target. Under the new law, synthetic nicotine will be subject to the same federal age limit and sales restrictions as other tobacco products.
Using synthetic nicotine is not a new idea. Tobacco companies experimented with chemically derived nicotine as early as the 1960s, but deemed it too expensive for mass production. Manufacturing advances in recent years finally made it a viable alternative to tobacco-derived nicotine.
A large government survey last year showed Puff Bar had leapfrogged over better-known brands to become the top choice among high schoolers who vape. Juul — which is widely blamed for initially sparking the teen vaping trend — was the fourth most popular brand.
In 2020, the FDA restricted flavors in cartridge-based e-cigarettes like Juul to just menthol and tobacco, which are generally preferred by adults. But the flavor ban didn’t apply to disposable e-cigarettes like Puff Bar and other types of vaping devices.
Anti-tobacco groups worry that the FDA is always one or two steps behind whichever products are making inroads among kids.
“The lesson we can all take away from this is that when the FDA’s actions are incomplete and happen after the fact — which has often been the case with e-cigarettes — you will always be playing whack-a-mole and catch-up,” said Koval.
___
Follow Matthew Perrone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter
___
The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/e-cigs-using-synthetic-nicotine-come-under-fda-oversight/ | 2022-04-14T17:03:45 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/e-cigs-using-synthetic-nicotine-come-under-fda-oversight/ |
Florida's governor signs 15-week abortion ban into law
Florida's governor on Thursday signed into law newly passed legislation which bans abortions in the Sunshine State after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
"We are here today to protect life," Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a news conference in Kissimmee. "We are here today to defend those who can't defend themselves."
WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE:
Back in February, the Florida Legislature passed the controversial HB 5, officially called the "Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality" bill.
Currently, women in Florida cannot legally receive an abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The new legislation shortens that time period by nine weeks.
DeSantis on Thursday said the new law "protects the rights of unborn children."
"This is a time where these babies have beating hearts. They can move. They can taste. They can see. They can feel pain. They can suck their thumbs. And they have brainwaves," DeSantis said. "This will represent the most significant protections for life that have been enacted in this state in a generation."
The only exceptions to the 15-week abortion ban are if the abortion is necessary to save a mother's life, prevent serious injury to the mother, or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality.
"It's a statement of our values that every life is important," DeSantis said.
Democrats in the Florida Legislature had fought to add rape, incest, and human trafficking to the list of exemptions, but their efforts failed.
U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Florida, released a statement Thursday, calling this a "dark day for Florida":
"The personal decision about whether and when to bring a child into this world should be made by the pregnant individual, not their governor, local representative, or Member of Congress. I am deeply concerned about the consequences this extreme abortion ban will have on pregnant people across our state, especially low-income individuals and underserved communities. Abortion care shouldn't be determined by your income level or zip code. We must continue to fight for reproductive justice in Florida and nationwide."
Florida Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book released a statement Thursday, saying DeSantis has robbed women of their reproductive rights:
"Florida Republicans claim we are the 'Free State of Florida' – yet there is no freedom when women are denied access to critical healthcare and the ability to make decisions about their own bodies and their own lives. This abortion ban has total disregard for victims of rape, incest, and human trafficking who may need more time to physically and psychologically heal, arrive at a decision, and receive care. Sentencing victims of rape, incest, and trafficking to carry an unwanted pregnancy resulting from their assault is cruel and unusual punishment which does nothing except bludgeon the rights and well-being of women. This is not a 'moderate' or fair bill if a woman or girl must live with the consequence of someone else's actions, revictimized by the decisions of Florida's right-wing GOP. Without access to safe and legal procedures, a woman's life and her liberty are severely endangered. This is nothing more than an authoritarian move by Florida Republicans. Florida will never be free while lawmakers turn a blind eye to women's rights, victims' rights, and to the decent and basic needs of our citizens."
State Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton, said she's "disappointed and saddened" by the passage of the legislation, saying the "state should not be invading the privacy of this very difficult decision a woman may need to make for herself and her family."
The new law will go into effect on July 1, but the fight will likely not be over as many opponents are already weighing legal challenges.
Scripps Only Content 2022 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/floridas-governor-signs-15-week-abortion-ban-into-law/ | 2022-04-14T17:03:52 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/floridas-governor-signs-15-week-abortion-ban-into-law/ |
Mobile home residents fear eviction amid violation notices
Residents of a mobile home community in southern Palm Beach County are fearing eviction due to a series of notices they’ve received from property management.
If you walk around Sand & Sea Village near Boynton Beach, you will find a frustrated community.
"What they’re doing is absolutely unethical," Richard Lindley said.
Lindley called Contact 5 last week.
He said residents of the community have been getting notices threatening eviction for breaking rules that they feel are petty.
He showed WPTV a video of a man who works for management taking pictures of his property.
"I'll cut my grass on a Sunday and on Friday. I get a letter saying my grass needs to be cut, and then I'll cut it the following Sunday, and then they send somebody out two days after that to cut my grass," Lindley said.
The warnings go far beyond the grass.
"I go down to the office, and I'm like, 'What’s this notice about?'" John McMahon told WPTV.
McMahon was cited for a long list of things last month, including having bicycles, outdoor furniture and a gas can sitting outside his home.
According to the notice, residents have seven days to correct the issue at hand or they could be evicted from the property.
Lindley said while most of the residents own their homes, they lease the land from Sand and Sea.
"I just had a baby. I don't need to be kicked out of a home that I own," Eric Smith said.
Smith recently received a notice too.
"I rent this ground. Where am I supposed to go if you kick me out because I don't paint my house or something?" Smith asked. "It doesn't make sense."
All of the residents who spoke with WPTV have the same fear. It comes at a time when affordable housing in South Florida is hard to find.
"They want to kick you out of here, so they can get the trailer and resell it themselves and make money out of it," said Jesus Rangel, a resident of Sand & Sea Village.
"I paid $30,000 for this four years ago, and one just like this one sold for $72,000 in two days," Lindley said.
According to the Sand & Sea website, some of the homes are currently selling for more than $100,000.
When WPTV went to the front office to try and speak with the property manager, our crew met a woman who ran outside in tears.
She didn't want to speak on camera but said she was in the process of buying a home at Sand & Sea. However, management allegedly sold it to someone else for double the price.
When WPTV tracked down the property manager, he told our crew he had no comment.
The district manager, Sharon Guiliano, later sent WPTV the following the statement:
"Pursuant to the negligence of various individual residents and the conditions they created at their homesites, Sand & Sea Village received a March 2nd, 2022 violation from the State of Florida Department of Health, copy attached. Following receipt of the violation, Management was forced to take action against the specific individual residents to protect the overall health and safety of the Community.
We are pleased to report that since the residents remedied their individual violations, Sand & Sea Village and the individual residents are now in compliance pursuant to the April 4, 2022 State of Florida Department of Health reinspection, copy attached. Since the situation has been resolved, no further action will be taken against the negligent residents who created these violations."
"It's a working-class neighborhood. I'm lucky I can afford the $2,500 to $3,000 to get an attorney. But a lot of these people, if they come at them and tell them here's your seven days, they don’t have a choice," Lindley said.
Scripps Only Content 2022 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/mobile-home-residents-fear-eviction-amid-violation-notices/ | 2022-04-14T17:04:00 | 1 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/mobile-home-residents-fear-eviction-amid-violation-notices/ |
PBSO, school district police 'working closely' after 17-year-old was shot in Greenacres
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said Thursday it's working closely with school district police to catch the gunman who shot a 17-year-old boy outside a Greenacres medical facility.
The sheriff's office said the shooting happened shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of Dedicated Senior Medical Center, located at 4998 10th Avenue North, right across the street from John I. Leonard High School.
The 17-year-old boy was shot in the abdomen and taken to a local hospital, where he's in "stable but critical" condition Thursday, according to a sheriff's office spokeswoman.
WPTV asked both the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and School District of Palm Beach County if the victim is a student at John I. Leonard High School or if any students were involved in the incident.
"This is a question for school police, however, it is believed this occurred right after school, from the nearby school," a PBSO spokeswoman said in an email to WPTV, adding that the agency is "working closely with PBC School Police."
The school district said it's "unable to confirm the details of the incident."
The sheriff's office released a surveillance photo Wednesday, showing a person in a light-colored hooded sweatshirt pointing a gun at the victim, who was standing just feet away.
The sheriff's office said there were "multiple witnesses present during the shooting" and is asking anyone with information to call Det. Joe Piatchek at 561-308-9568, or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 1-800-458-TIPS.
Law enforcement is offering a $3,000 reward in the case.
The name of the 17-year-old victim has not been released.
Scripps Only Content 2022 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/pbso-school-district-police-working-closely-after-17-year-old-was-shot-greenacres/ | 2022-04-14T17:04:06 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/pbso-school-district-police-working-closely-after-17-year-old-was-shot-greenacres/ |
Republican National Committee votes to withdraw from presidential debates group, reports say
(Gray News) - The Republican National Committee voted Thursday to withdraw from the Commission on Presidential Debates.
This is according to media reports that cited a statement from Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who called the debates group biased.
“Today the RNC voted to withdraw from the biased CPD, and we are going to find newer, better debate platforms to ensure that future nominees are not forced to go through the biased CPD in order to make their case to the American people,” the news release said.
“To be clear, we are not walking away from debates. We are walking away from the CPD.”
The Commission on Presidential Debates was slammed by the RNC for debate timing and what the RNC said was an appearance of partisanship.
Among the issues, the news release criticized “waiting until 26 states had begun early voting before hosting the first presidential debate in 2020″ and “making unilateral changes to previously agreed upon debate formats and conditions, in some cases without even notifying the candidates.”
They also said a moderator at a debate had once worked for Joe Biden.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/republican-national-committee-votes-withdraw-presidential-debates-group-reports-say/ | 2022-04-14T17:04:12 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/republican-national-committee-votes-withdraw-presidential-debates-group-reports-say/ |
Teacher would rather be redeployed to Iraq than go back to the classroom
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) – As a sergeant in the U.S. Army, Justin Bullock has endured demanding training, strict military discipline and even enemy fire, but nothing could prepare him for the stress and violence he faced as a teacher at Liberty Hill Academy.
“I have a lot of trauma now,” Bullock told WCSC.
He was deployed to Iraq in 2009 and was preparing to begin training to become a drill sergeant to instruct new soldiers. He says his future is now in jeopardy after suffering multiple injuries at Liberty Hill.
“I doubt that I will probably step my foot back inside a school in general for a very long time. I am terrified ... I don’t want to get beaten anymore,” Bullock said. “I don’t want to get sexually harassed any more. I don’t want to fear for my life.”
Last month, Bullock attempted to break up a fight between two students and was punched in the head multiple times.
He continued working but the next day went to the hospital where they took a brain scan and determined that he had a neck strain and was recovering from a concussion.
“By that Saturday, I was having major anxiety just like rethinking everything because I was also beaten in the back of my head in February 2021 by a student,” Bullock said. “I was also sexually harassed by a student who was also putting his hands on me. It took the school two and a half months to get him out of my classroom.”
Bullock was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
His husband, Caleb Ferrell, says he doesn’t want Bullock to go back to work.
“Honestly, I get terrified sometimes. He wakes up at night and has a hard time sleeping. It’s honestly heartbreaking,” Ferrell said. “Sometimes I am afraid that he’s not going to come home after work.”
Liberty Hill Academy is an alternative school for special needs students and those with behavioral issues.
Teachers and staff are given extra training, and Bullock has even taught at alternative schools in other districts, but he says they are wholly unprepared to deal with some of these students.
“I definitely felt like the upper administration needs to reevaluate the situation,” Bullock said. “This has become a really dangerous situation, and we really need to make some changes before a real, true tragedy occurs.”
Bullock is one of multiple staff members at Liberty Hill who have been assaulted by students.
On March 31, two staff members were injured breaking up a fight.
In December, former employee Vera Gordon filed a lawsuit alleging constant abuse from 2016 until the time she left in 2020.
Gordon’s lawsuit describes female employees “being punched in their face by students, headbutted, drugged [sic] by their hair, having trash cans slammed over their head, knocked unconscious, subjected to frequent racial and sexual slurs.”
She said these factors generally led to a state of heightened anxiety and fear while at work.
In March alone, the North Charleston Police Department was called to the school 14 times. On Friday, the Charleston County School District confirmed another fight among students was broken up by a number of teachers.
Given the choice between the classroom and deployment, Bullock said he’d take deployment.
“Iraq a million times over,” Bullock said. “Because at least I know that my chain of command has my back.”
Next week, Bullock is meeting with his commanding officer to see if he is still mentally fit for military service.
Copyright 2022 WCSC via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/teacher-would-rather-be-redeployed-iraq-than-go-back-classroom/ | 2022-04-14T17:04:18 | 1 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/teacher-would-rather-be-redeployed-iraq-than-go-back-classroom/ |
WATCH: Dolphin attacks trainer during performance at Miami Seaquarium
Published: Apr. 14, 2022 at 11:09 AM EDT|Updated: 1 hours ago
(CNN) - A dolphin show took an unexpected turn at the Miami Seaquarium this weekend.
The incident was caught on camera Saturday during a show in front of families and young children.
One of the dolphins, named Sundance, attacked a trainer.
Photographer Shannon Carpenter was there with his family and captured the video.
A spokesperson for the Miami Seaquarium said that the trainer and the dolphin collided by accident. The dolphin apparently responded by striking the trainer.
The trainer was taken to the hospital but did not sustain any serious injuries.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/watch-dolphin-attacks-trainer-during-performance-miami-seaquarium/ | 2022-04-14T17:04:25 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/watch-dolphin-attacks-trainer-during-performance-miami-seaquarium/ |
WATCH: Puppy rescued from rubble in Ukraine
Published: Apr. 14, 2022 at 12:27 PM EDT|Updated: 37 minutes ago
(CNN) - The amazing rescue of a puppy from the rubble in eastern Ukraine was caught on camera.
The rescue took place in the village of Mykhailvka on Wednesday.
Video shows rescuers digging through a pile of rubble until they reach the puppy buried underneath. The dog was miraculously pulled out alive and reunited with its 77-year-old owner.
According to the National Police of Ukraine, the blast nearly killed the man.
Both the owner and the dog were given medical care. The police said, “All is well with them.”
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/watch-puppy-rescued-rubble-ukraine/ | 2022-04-14T17:04:35 | 1 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/watch-puppy-rescued-rubble-ukraine/ |
Gray Television, Inc. Advertising Non-Discrimination Certification
Published: Feb. 14, 2020 at 10:34 AM EST|Updated: 59 minutes ago
Stations licensed to Gray Television do not discriminate in the sale of advertising time, and will accept no advertising which is placed with intent to discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity.
The parties to an agreement for the sale of advertising time on a station licensed to Gray Television affirm that nothing in that agreement will discriminate in any way on the basis of race or ethnicity. | https://www.wnem.com/2020/02/14/gray-television-inc-advertising-non-discrimination-certification/ | 2022-04-14T17:07:47 | 0 | https://www.wnem.com/2020/02/14/gray-television-inc-advertising-non-discrimination-certification/ |
DNC officials approve plan to change states for first presidential primaries
(CNN) - Democratic Party officials approved a plan Wednesday that could shake up the presidential primary calendar.
The big unknown is which states will get to hold their primaries first in 2024.
The Democratic National Committee’s new plan does away with the current, traditional set of early states: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.
The updated process would prioritize more diverse battleground states that hold primaries, not caucuses.
States would apply for early primaries, and party officials would pick up to five to go before Super Tuesday.
Those four traditional early states can apply to keep their places.
However, Iowa’s spot would be especially threatened, in part because the largely white state is no longer a battleground.
Also, it is required by state law to hold caucuses.
State parties must submit applications by June 3.
The rules committee will decide in July, and final approval is in August or September.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/dnc-officials-approve-plan-change-states-first-presidential-primaries/ | 2022-04-14T17:07:57 | 1 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/dnc-officials-approve-plan-change-states-first-presidential-primaries/ |
E-cigs using synthetic nicotine come under FDA oversight
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators will soon begin cracking down on vaping companies using a now-closed loophole, including a line of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes that have become teenagers’ top choice.
Under a law taking effect Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration can regulate e-cigarettes and similar products that use synthetic nicotine.
The action targets Puff Bar and several other vaping companies that recently switched their formulas to laboratory-made nicotine to skirt FDA oversight.
The change “allows FDA to protect the public health from the harms of tobacco products, regardless of the source of nicotine,” the agency said in a statement Wednesday. Companies must register with the FDA and submit their products for review within 30 days.
Puff Bar did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
The FDA’s action does not automatically ban Puff Bar and similar products. Instead it brings them under the same regulatory scheme as older e-cigarettes that derived their nicotine from tobacco.
“The synthetic nicotine products do not necessarily just disappear on their own,” Robin Koval, chief executive of the Truth Initiative, an advocacy group that runs anti-tobacco ads. “The FDA will have to decide how they want to enforce the law and hopefully they will.”
The FDA has been reviewing applications for an array of vaping devices, formulas and flavors — rejecting more than 1 million, usually because of their potential appeal to youngsters. Anti-tobacco advocates hope the agency will quickly do the same for any applications submitted by Puff Bar and other manufacturers.
Nicotine, the chemical the makes smoking and vaping addictive, occurs naturally in tobacco plants.
The 2009 law that first gave the FDA oversight of cigarettes and related products only referred to tobacco-based nicotine. That left an opening for artificial nicotine, which is being used in e-cigarette liquids, nicotine pouches and other products.
Last month, Congress passed language clarifying that the FDA can regulate any form of nicotine, regardless of the source.
After appearing in 2019, Puff Bar has grown to become the most popular e-cigarette among teenagers, by far, sold in flavors like blueberry, strawberry banana and mango. Under FDA pressure, the company said it was halting sales in 2020, pulling its disposable vaping devices out of convenience stores, gas stations and vape shops.
Last February, the company announced a “fresh launch” of its colorful devices using synthetic nicotine. In marketing language, the company said its products “do not contain tobacco or anything derived from tobacco.” That put Puff Bar in a legal gray area, because federal, state and local restrictions nearly always apply to tobacco-based products, not nicotine itself.
Stanford researchers last year found synthetic nicotine products for sale via online platforms that prohibit tobacco sales, such as Amazon, eBay and Target. Under the new law, synthetic nicotine will be subject to the same federal age limit and sales restrictions as other tobacco products.
Using synthetic nicotine is not a new idea. Tobacco companies experimented with chemically derived nicotine as early as the 1960s, but deemed it too expensive for mass production. Manufacturing advances in recent years finally made it a viable alternative to tobacco-derived nicotine.
A large government survey last year showed Puff Bar had leapfrogged over better-known brands to become the top choice among high schoolers who vape. Juul — which is widely blamed for initially sparking the teen vaping trend — was the fourth most popular brand.
In 2020, the FDA restricted flavors in cartridge-based e-cigarettes like Juul to just menthol and tobacco, which are generally preferred by adults. But the flavor ban didn’t apply to disposable e-cigarettes like Puff Bar and other types of vaping devices.
Anti-tobacco groups worry that the FDA is always one or two steps behind whichever products are making inroads among kids.
“The lesson we can all take away from this is that when the FDA’s actions are incomplete and happen after the fact — which has often been the case with e-cigarettes — you will always be playing whack-a-mole and catch-up,” said Koval.
___
Follow Matthew Perrone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter
___
The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/e-cigs-using-synthetic-nicotine-come-under-fda-oversight/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:03 | 0 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/e-cigs-using-synthetic-nicotine-come-under-fda-oversight/ |
Flint extends deadline to replace lead pipes by September 2022
FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) - The city of Flint has extended the deadline to finish identifying and replacing the remaining lead water pipes by September 2022, in an agreement approved by the city council.
About 1,900 homes still need pipe replacement work under the agreement, and thousands of homes are waiting on lawn restoration.
“While it is frustrating that it has taken so long to get the lead and galvanized steel service lines out of the ground in Flint, it is important that we make sure everything is done properly, safely, and that no home is left behind. Removing lead service lines is a crucial step in replacing Flint’s damaged infrastructure and getting us one step closer to a recovery,” said Melissa Mays, one of the plaintiffs in the federal drinking water case and Operations Manager of Flint Rising.
Flint’s lead service line removal program was established by a 2017 court order in a landmark citizen suit to address the contamination of the city’s drinking water. The deadline extension agreement must be approved by the federal court.
Flint has excavated 26,886 pipes to determine if they are lead, and 10,088 pipes have been replaced. Out of the estimated 1,900 homes that still need pipe replacement work under the agreement, about 1,400 have not yet received the required outreach from the city, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Copyright 2022 WNEM. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/flint-extends-deadline-replace-lead-pipes-by-september-2022/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:11 | 1 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/flint-extends-deadline-replace-lead-pipes-by-september-2022/ |
Republican National Committee votes to withdraw from presidential debates group, reports say
(Gray News) - The Republican National Committee voted Thursday to withdraw from the Commission on Presidential Debates.
This is according to media reports that cited a statement from Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who called the debates group biased.
“Today the RNC voted to withdraw from the biased CPD, and we are going to find newer, better debate platforms to ensure that future nominees are not forced to go through the biased CPD in order to make their case to the American people,” the news release said.
“To be clear, we are not walking away from debates. We are walking away from the CPD.”
The Commission on Presidential Debates was slammed by the RNC for debate timing and what the RNC said was an appearance of partisanship.
Among the issues, the news release criticized “waiting until 26 states had begun early voting before hosting the first presidential debate in 2020″ and “making unilateral changes to previously agreed upon debate formats and conditions, in some cases without even notifying the candidates.”
They also said a moderator at a debate had once worked for Joe Biden.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/republican-national-committee-votes-withdraw-presidential-debates-group-reports-say/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:17 | 1 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/republican-national-committee-votes-withdraw-presidential-debates-group-reports-say/ |
By KATHLEEN RONAYNE
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California wants electric vehicle sales to triple in the next four years to 35% of all new car purchases, an aggressive target set as part of the goal to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by the middle of next decade.
The California Air Resources Board’s proposal would slowly raise the sale of new cars that are electric, hydrogen-powered or plug-in hybrids to 100% by 2035. About 11% of all new passenger car sales nationally happen in California, giving the state significant influence over the auto market. Californians would still be allowed to drive gas-powered cars and sell used ones, meaning planet-warming emissions will still spew from the state’s roadways.
The hoped-for boost in electric vehicle sales will also require a major increase in charging stations. California has set a goal of 250,000 charging stations by 2025, and right now there are fewer than 80,000 stations in public spaces or in parking lots at office buildings, apartment buildings and other shared spaces. The California Energy Commission last year approved spending $314 million over three years for passenger car charging stations and Newsom added more in his proposed state budget.
The release kicks off a months-long state review process and the plan requires approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The state is unlikely to face resistance from a Democratic White House. The Biden administration recently restored California’s power to set its own vehicle emissions standards under the Clean Air Act and the president has committed $5 billion to build more charging stations around the country.
A group representing the auto industry said meeting the requirements will be “extremely challenging.”
Passenger vehicles contribute about a quarter of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions — more than any other single source, according to the air board. The program is one part of California’s efforts to drastically reduce carbon emissions. Between 2026 and 2040, state experts estimate the program would lower emissions by nearly 384 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. That’s a little less than all emissions across California’s economy in a single year.
Elsewhere, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a law last month setting a goal of requiring all new vehicles in the state to be electric by 2030, but regulators have until the end of 2023 to say how the state will get there.
California’s rules would require 35% of new car sales for model year 2026 to be zero-emission vehicles, including battery or hydrogen powered, or plug-in electric hybrids. That’s a sharp increase from 2021, when about 12% of all cars sold in the state were zero-emission, according to the air board. About 1 million of the 26 million cars currently on California roads are zero-emission.
That requirement ramps up to 100% of all new sales by 2035. Up to 20% of sales by 2035 could be plug-in hybrids that run on a combination of battery and gas power, though the regulations boost how far such cars must be able to travel on battery power alone.
Automakers including Ford and Toyota deferred to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation for a statement on the proposal. The group says the industry is “committed to electrification and a net-zero carbon transportation future” but raised questions about the drastic ramp up in the required zero-emission vehicle sales.
“Automakers will certainly work to meet whatever standards are eventually adopted, but these draft requirements will be extremely challenging even in California and may not be achievable in all the states that currently follow California’s program,” the group said.
Nine states follow California’s current zero-emission vehicle rules, which set rules through model year 2025, and five states plan to join in future years. If the federal government approves California’s new plan, the other states would have to decide whether to follow suit. New York also aims to phase out gas powered vehicles by 2035.
The regulations also require electric vehicles to get at least 150 miles (241 kilometers) per charge, up from 50 miles (80 kilometers), though most manufacturers exceed that. They establish an eight-year or 100,000-mile (161,000-kilometer) battery warranty.
All 17 carmakers that sell in California would be required to hit the 35% sales mark. But there is wiggle room. California’s existing electric vehicle standards let companies save credits if they sell a higher percentage of electric cars than required, and those credits can be used later to meet sales goals.
Companies can also make deals with each other to count each other’s sales as their own. Electric-vehicle maker Tesla has made such deals with many automakers in the past, state officials said.
Some environmental groups said the state should set an even more aggressive timeline, arguing heavily polluted communities can’t wait, and make it easier for low-income people to purchase electric vehicles.
“There’s no excuse for California to take the slow road to an all-electric future when we’re being gouged at the gas pump and facing epic drought and wildfires,” said Scott Hochberg a transportation attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law Institute.
___
Associated Press journalist Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed.
___
This story was first published on April 13, 2022. It was updated on April 14, 2022 to correct the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent expected to be eliminated by the rules. That number is 384 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from 2026 to 2040, not the amount that will be saved annually. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/california-plan-aims-to-triple-sale-of-electric-cars-by-2026/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:18 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/california-plan-aims-to-triple-sale-of-electric-cars-by-2026/ |
Fifteen years ago, Alex Cohen knew something was wrong. Always smiling and upbeat, she was used to being on her feet all day, hardly ever slowing down or pacing herself. Now, her foot constantly hurt, she experienced memory loss and fatigue, and other neurological issues. At times, Cohen couldn’t get out of bed or remember where she lived. Simple tasks such as driving by herself became terrifying.
Alex’s husband, hedge-fund billionaire Steve Cohen, a confident money manager and usually unflappable, grew more worried about his wife as her condition became more stressful. Doctor after doctor, expert after expert, was unable to pinpoint a root cause. Multiple times, she was misdiagnosed. Motherhood made no room for her limitations. No matter how much Cohen, then 43, was ailing, she still had young kids, including a five-year-old daughter, to take care of while tending to her own health problems. Her kids still needed to go to school early in the morning, and when they came home, somebody needed to be there to help with their homework.
After two years, and a lot of dollars spent, Cohen was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2009. Cohen tried lots of different supplements and antibiotics, but it wasn’t until she flew to Germany five years ago, for hyperthermia treatment that was not yet approved in the United States, that Cohen’s brain began functioning normally again. She underwent two weeks of intensive treatment at Klinik St. Georg, and recovered after three months, finally Lyme-free.
“That really stopped me in my tracks and I said, number one, my life is so important,” Cohen said in an interview with the Daily News. “My health is so important. So I had to give up being the busy woman that I was.”
Receiving the diagnosis and reclaiming her life were solid first steps, but they weren’t enough for Cohen, who has two decades of philanthropy work behind her at the Steve and Alex Foundation, which was founded the day after 9/11.
“I believe that I got Lyme because I was going to be the one to change things,” Cohen said.
To date, she has given $73.7 million toward Lyme disease research, treatment and development efforts, including $16 million to Columbia University for the Cohen Center for Health and Recovery from Tickborne Diseases. In New York, the Cohen Center was the first of its kind.
Today, a year and a half after the Cohens purchased the Mets, Alex remains something of an unknown to most Mets fans. She is not involved with baseball operations, but has carried a lifetime of professional experience, and a not-small amount of personal experience, into a role as president of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, where she is focused on expanding the organization’s efforts to aid underserved groups throughout Queens.
It’s a role perfectly suited to Cohen’s life and upbringing, which was made up of equal parts Tom Seaver and Tom Aquinas.
A movement of the soul toward charity and Flushing
Cohen was born in Harlem and grew up in Washington Heights, or as she calls it, Bronx West. Her mother, Rosa, was very religious, attending mass every day, and her father, Ralph, worked in the post office. “So we were a typical Latino family,” Cohen said. “The mom stayed home and the dad went to work.” Alex attended the same Catholic school where her mother worked, the nearby St. Elizabeth’s.
When Cohen wasn’t at school, helping her community or spending summers in Puerto Rico, she was watching Mets games every night with her dad, 90-year-old Ralph Garcia, now better known as Mets Grandpa. There was one TV in her Washington Heights childhood home, and everyone in the family knew not to touch the remote.
“It was always the Mets that were playing, that’s all we watched,” Cohen said. “My father would have a bad day if the Mets lost. The whole day was ruined – for everybody – because he was annoyed. He’d gnaw off the edge of his mustache all the time. So he always had half a mustache because the Mets were always giving him a hard time.”
While the Mets fandom may have come from Ralph, it was Alex’s mother, Rosa, who instilled in her the ethic of charity. When Rosa wasn’t at church or handling the brunt of her domestic responsibilities, she would spend her time rummaging through a thrift shop. Cohen would go to a rummage sale store after school, to work. For about two hours after school, Cohen would set up at a table, and do her homework there, but she would also help dress and wash the dolls in the store, all of which would be re-sold for the church.
Cohen’s love for humanitarianism began, at least in part, in that rummage sale store. But the act of giving and generosity in general was always present in her Washington Heights community. Cohen grew up in a neighborhood that was very close. If someone had a new baby and they didn’t have any money, Cohen’s family would organize the baby shower and make sure the neighbors pooled together to buy something.
“Even if it cost a dollar,” Cohen said. “We would show them that we were a part of the family. Growing up, whatever money we made, I helped my parents or if someone in the building needed it, I helped them. We grew up in such a connected community, which you don’t see as much anymore. If you don’t really know your neighbors, you wouldn’t know if someone needs help. We didn’t have that kind of life. We grew up helping anybody who needed it.”
Around 20 years ago, Cohen started giving away tickets and upgrading seats for fans sitting in the upper level at Shea Stadium. Now, as Mets owner, Cohen still keeps up this tradition by strolling through Citi Field’s cheap seats, occasionally shooting the breeze with Mets faithful and listening to their stories about how they became fans, before upgrading them to the best seats in the house – field level and right behind home plate. It brings her joy to give to people, but mostly, Cohen said: “It’s just who I am and I couldn’t change it if I tried.”
“She’s so normal and she’s not affected by the wealth,” said Jeanne Melino, now on the Mets’ board of directors and one of Cohen’s best friends of 20 years. “Very down to earth.”
Mets lifer and meeting Steve
Another thing Cohen can’t change? She can only ever be seen wearing jeans and a t-shirt. She has over 300 t-shirts in her closet, so many of them Mets-related, and she tries to wear every shirt that people, including fans, will buy and send to her. “I tell people that are having a dinner party, ‘If I can’t wear jeans, I’m not coming,’” she said.
Cohen said their ownership of the Mets is unique in part because they have an open-door policy and because they emphasize the importance of family. Before Max Scherzer signed with the Mets last December, Scherzer’s wife, Erica, said she had to talk to Alex first. Cohen said Scherzer wouldn’t sign with the Mets until they made sure that Steve and Alex had a winning vision for the organization.
“Buying the Mets has been weird,” Cohen said. “There’s a lot more pressure. People say, are you going to do this? And I’m like, I don’t have anything to do with this – like guys on the field. My dad is going to be 91 in August. I’m like, they gotta win a World Series for this man before he leaves this earth!”
This year, Steve and Alex Cohen will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary after meeting for the first time in 1990 through a dating service. They each received binders full of pictures and information about each other. Alex was 25 when she first met Steve, and though she had hesitations about being with him at first, eventually his charm and humor won her over. They met on a Friday, she called him again on a Sunday, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
“I met Steve, and I said, ‘If you marry me, you marry my family,’” Cohen recalled. “And my parents moved in with us. They lived with us until I was 47, and then someone gave me a t-shirt that said, “I Still Live With My Parents” and I was like, ‘Uhhh, you guys gotta go.’ So we built them a house right next door. So they’re always close to us.”
“Giving back is my way of life”
While Cohen’s philanthropic mentality was instilled in her by her mom from a young age, her efforts to give back kicked into gear after the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers. One day after 9/11, the Cohen’s pledged $5 million to help families of the victims of the attacks.
“She lets what’s going on in the world and what’s going on in her life really direct her giving and what the foundation does,” said Melino. “It’s personal. She’s just a good person. It’s so genuine. She’s not looking for attention.”
Now, 20 years later, the Steve and Alex Foundation has given a total of $989 million to causes that have a personal connection, including improving children’s healthcare and education, fighting hunger, helping underserved populations and communities, protecting the environment, improving access to the mental health for veterans, and furthering medical research, particularly in the areas of COVID-19 and Lyme disease.
Cohen said: “People ask Steve, ‘Does Alex spend a lot of money?’ And he says, ‘No, she gives it all away.’”
But Cohen doesn’t just sit at an office and write checks all day. She also takes her show on the road, as with her Giving Tour in 2016, which saw her take family and friends on a bus trip across the middle of America in search of nonprofit organizations to support.
“She’d be like, ‘How many people are working today, including your busboys and your dishwasher?’ And everyone would get $100,” Melino said of the Giving Tour. “We were just passing through. It really meant a lot to her to see what was happening in the middle of the country.”
And when the COVID-19 pandemic began to crest in March 2020, she took to calling hospitals and simply asking them, “What do you need?” New York City hospitals needed iPads so family members could communicate with their in-patient loved ones. So Cohen bought and donated hundreds of iPads.
Now Cohen’s main role for the Mets is growing the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, which raised just over $3.8 million in its first year and funded around $1.9 million in grants and contributions to about 58 organizations that support underserved communities in Queens. Some notable grant recipients include the Chinese-American Planning Council, New York Hall of Science, Flushing YMCA, Queens Public Library, and Korean Community Services.
Cohen loves taking an active role in her foundation – with offices based out of Stanford, Connecticut, Hudson Yards, and Citi Field – even when it means being on her feet, sometimes for 12 hours a day, liaising with community partners, dotting Citi Field, chatting up Mets diehards, and in those precious in-between moments, carving out quality time with the New York native’s friends and loved ones.
But she’s still learning how to govern a self-described Type-A personality with some remaining health Lyme-related health constraints, like cognitive disabilities. Unless there’s an event, Cohen intentionally ends her day at 4 o’clock. Embedded into everything that comes with being Tia Alex and Uncle Steve, Cohen has learned to decompress with meditations, taking breaks with walks, eating better and worrying less.
Managing her health is far more important than managing everything else, even the Mets. But still, she is convinced even the limitations she began to experience 15 years ago allow her to leave an enduring legacy. Cohen is fully aware she was able to mostly recover from Lyme disease largely because of her wealth. But she doesn’t want people who don’t have that privilege to suffer in silence. Her legacy, she hopes, will resound even louder than the streets of Flushing on an October night if her hometown team can recapture their glory.
“We’re the largest private funder of Lyme disease research in the world right now,” Cohen said. “We have changed things. For me, that’s important. There are people who get cancer, they heal, and they just move on with their life. But they’ve been given that for a reason. For me, Lyme disease became a goal of not only finding a diagnostic, but of finding a cure and a treatment. And I’ll always have that goal.”
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/how-alex-cohens-humble-upbringing-and-life-altering-illness-drive-her-to-help-others/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:24 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/how-alex-cohens-humble-upbringing-and-life-altering-illness-drive-her-to-help-others/ |
Teacher would rather be redeployed to Iraq than go back to the classroom
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) – As a sergeant in the U.S. Army, Justin Bullock has endured demanding training, strict military discipline and even enemy fire, but nothing could prepare him for the stress and violence he faced as a teacher at Liberty Hill Academy.
“I have a lot of trauma now,” Bullock told WCSC.
He was deployed to Iraq in 2009 and was preparing to begin training to become a drill sergeant to instruct new soldiers. He says his future is now in jeopardy after suffering multiple injuries at Liberty Hill.
“I doubt that I will probably step my foot back inside a school in general for a very long time. I am terrified ... I don’t want to get beaten anymore,” Bullock said. “I don’t want to get sexually harassed any more. I don’t want to fear for my life.”
Last month, Bullock attempted to break up a fight between two students and was punched in the head multiple times.
He continued working but the next day went to the hospital where they took a brain scan and determined that he had a neck strain and was recovering from a concussion.
“By that Saturday, I was having major anxiety just like rethinking everything because I was also beaten in the back of my head in February 2021 by a student,” Bullock said. “I was also sexually harassed by a student who was also putting his hands on me. It took the school two and a half months to get him out of my classroom.”
Bullock was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
His husband, Caleb Ferrell, says he doesn’t want Bullock to go back to work.
“Honestly, I get terrified sometimes. He wakes up at night and has a hard time sleeping. It’s honestly heartbreaking,” Ferrell said. “Sometimes I am afraid that he’s not going to come home after work.”
Liberty Hill Academy is an alternative school for special needs students and those with behavioral issues.
Teachers and staff are given extra training, and Bullock has even taught at alternative schools in other districts, but he says they are wholly unprepared to deal with some of these students.
“I definitely felt like the upper administration needs to reevaluate the situation,” Bullock said. “This has become a really dangerous situation, and we really need to make some changes before a real, true tragedy occurs.”
Bullock is one of multiple staff members at Liberty Hill who have been assaulted by students.
On March 31, two staff members were injured breaking up a fight.
In December, former employee Vera Gordon filed a lawsuit alleging constant abuse from 2016 until the time she left in 2020.
Gordon’s lawsuit describes female employees “being punched in their face by students, headbutted, drugged [sic] by their hair, having trash cans slammed over their head, knocked unconscious, subjected to frequent racial and sexual slurs.”
She said these factors generally led to a state of heightened anxiety and fear while at work.
In March alone, the North Charleston Police Department was called to the school 14 times. On Friday, the Charleston County School District confirmed another fight among students was broken up by a number of teachers.
Given the choice between the classroom and deployment, Bullock said he’d take deployment.
“Iraq a million times over,” Bullock said. “Because at least I know that my chain of command has my back.”
Next week, Bullock is meeting with his commanding officer to see if he is still mentally fit for military service.
Copyright 2022 WCSC via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/teacher-would-rather-be-redeployed-iraq-than-go-back-classroom/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:24 | 0 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/teacher-would-rather-be-redeployed-iraq-than-go-back-classroom/ |
Even as the Orioles came back before falling behind again late to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday, the focus will be on that fourth inning, when left-hander John Means was last on the mound before an unceremonious departure that will drive worry throughout Baltimore.
Means cruised through the fourth inning, needing just 12 pitches to retire the side in order. But midway through the home half of that inning, right-hander Joey Krehbiel popped up in the bullpen, despite Means sitting at 51 pitches.
And when the fifth inning opened, there Krehbiel was, replacing Means on the mound after Baltimore’s most reliable starter allowed two runs in his second start of the season. Means withdrew after he felt left forearm tightness, the team announced, a troublesome update for a team with little consistency and few places to turn for solid starting pitching.
Without Means, the Orioles’ bullpen once again held their own and the offense showed a spurt of life. But after the Orioles tied the game at 2 with a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Brewers answered with two in the ninth, leaving Baltimore with a 4-2 win and a series victory.
The score was secondary for the Orioles, however, with Means exiting early overshadowing the team’s fifth loss in six games this season. At least externally, Means wasn’t overly concerned with the early departure. He said he experienced similar tightness during Friday’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, stemming from a curveball before spreading to the rest of his arsenal.
In the third inning Wednesday, another curveball tripped the forearm tightness again, something he said he’s never dealt with before in his career.
“I felt it throughout the week, but it progressively got better throughout the week and then felt great the first two innings,” Means said. “And then felt it on one pitch and kind of kept feeling it and battling through it. But it wasn’t tingly fingers or anything like that. It was just the forearm.”
Means will undergo further testing Thursday, when the Orioles have an off day before the New York Yankees arrive for a three-game series at Camden Yards. The 28-year-old ace said he’ll receive an MRI “at some point in the next day or so, just to make sure” there isn’t a larger issue at play. He hopes to get back to throwing in the next few days, casting doubt over an immediate return to the mound.
“I’m not going to rush to anything until we know what results come back, know what the results are tomorrow,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “Staying positive with it and optimistic and hopefully it’s just a little bit of tightness he felt in the forearm and we’ll see.”
Means was expected to push beyond what he produced in his first start, when he needed 84 pitches to get through four frames. Hyde has been wary of pushing his starting pitchers too long, considering the shortened spring training build-up time.
There wasn’t an obvious indication of an injury or lack of stamina and Means retired his final seven batters. According to MLB Statcast, Means’ average fastball was 92.8 mph against the Rays last week and dropped to 91.6 Wednesday.
Means worked quickly through the first inning of action but ran into trouble in the second with a one-out walk to second baseman Keston Hiura, leaving a fastball well out of the zone on a full count. With two outs, Means left a slider hanging over the plate, and first baseman Rowdy Tellez blasted it to the deepest part of center field to drive in the first run of the game.
And then third baseman Mike Brosseau extended his career tally against Means to 6-for-12 with seven RBIs when his single drove home Tellez, who also had an RBI double in the ninth. But Means settled in from there, needing nine pitches to retire the side in the third and 12 in the fourth, even as the tightness began.
Any absence for Means would leave Baltimore’s rotation in disarray. When Means missed nearly two months last season with a left shoulder strain, the remaining members of the rotation posted a 7.63 ERA.
“It’s frustrating, for sure,” Means said. “Wanted to get rolling and wanted to start the season strong. It’s a long season and we’ll get this out of the way, get going. Still confident I’m able to go.”
Strikeouts pile up
Catcher Anthony Bemboom singled in the third inning and took second on a wild pitch, setting up a chance to break through against right-hander Corbin Burnes. But center fielder Cedric Mullins flew out and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle struck out, continuing a dreadful streak to begin the season.
Mountcastle’s swing and miss became the Orioles’ 26th of 28 strikeouts with runners in scoring position this season. Strikeouts 27 and 28 came from Mullins and Ramón Urías, who came to the plate in the eighth with a chance to give the Orioles a lead.
The team is hitting 5-for-55 in those situations this season, with more than half of those at-bats ending in a strikeout.
“We’re getting a little anxious,” Urías said.
But the strikeouts go beyond situations with runners in scoring position. Entering Wednesday, no MLB team had struck out more than Baltimore, a club boasting a 28.4% chase rate on balls out of the zone, according to MLB Statcast, the 10th worst rate in baseball.
And by the time Wednesday came to a close, the Orioles had struck out 68 times in six games. The previous record for most strikeouts by a team over the first six games of the season came last year, when Baltimore struck out 77 times.
Base coaches absent
First base coach Anthony Sanders and third base coach Tony Mansolino missed the game due to illness, Hyde said pregame. Wednesday marked the second straight game Sanders had missed. In their place were José Hernández at first and Fredi Gonzalez at third.
Hyde, citing the club’s policy, declined to elaborate further on the illnesses.
A comeback and a departure
As the Orioles dealt with the concern surrounding Means’ injury, two prospects at Triple-A Norfolk faced diverging courses.
Outfielder Yusniel Diaz landed on the injured list Wednesday with a hamstring strain suffered the night before, the latest in a series of injuries that have prevented Diaz from finding his way to the big leagues. Earlier this month, Diaz said through a team interpreter that he’s “trying to manage health,” but he tweaked his hamstring as he ran down the line to first base.
Diaz has had multiple lower-body injuries since arriving as part of the Manny Machado trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018.
For outfielder Kyle Stowers, though, Wednesday marked a return to game action eight days after bruising his hand on a hit by pitch during the Triple-A season opener. Stowers is the Orioles’ No. 7 prospect, according to Baseball America.
In his return to the Triple-A lineup, Stowers finished 1-for-3 with a double, RBI and two walks.
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/john-means-exits-early-with-left-forearm-tightness-in-orioles-4-2-loss-to-brewers-ace-to-get-further-testing-thursday/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:30 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/john-means-exits-early-with-left-forearm-tightness-in-orioles-4-2-loss-to-brewers-ace-to-get-further-testing-thursday/ |
WATCH: Dolphin attacks trainer during performance at Miami Seaquarium
Published: Apr. 14, 2022 at 11:09 AM EDT|Updated: 1 hours ago
(CNN) - A dolphin show took an unexpected turn at the Miami Seaquarium this weekend.
The incident was caught on camera Saturday during a show in front of families and young children.
One of the dolphins, named Sundance, attacked a trainer.
Photographer Shannon Carpenter was there with his family and captured the video.
A spokesperson for the Miami Seaquarium said that the trainer and the dolphin collided by accident. The dolphin apparently responded by striking the trainer.
The trainer was taken to the hospital but did not sustain any serious injuries.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/watch-dolphin-attacks-trainer-during-performance-miami-seaquarium/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:30 | 1 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/watch-dolphin-attacks-trainer-during-performance-miami-seaquarium/ |
Welcome to the Ravens’ free-agency tracker, which will be updated throughout the offseason as the roster takes shape.
With the NFL’s new league year beginning March 16 at 4 p.m., teams can officially announce signings and trades. Here’s a rundown of who the Ravens have signed thus far and who’s still on the open market:
Free-agent additions
Defensive end Calais Campbell: The Ravens announced that they have re-signed veteran defensive end Calais Campbell to a two-year deal. Campbell’s deal is worth $12.5 million but he can earn as much as $16.5 million with incentives, according to multiple reports.
Inside linebacker Josh Bynes: Bynes has agreed to terms to return to the Ravens, the team announced. The 32-year-old started 12 games last season, recording 76 tackles, two sacks and four pass breakups in his third stint with the team after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2011. The veteran adds some stability behind 2020 first-round pick Patrick Queen and 2020 third-round pick Malik Harrison, who is cross training at outside linebacker. Veteran linebackers L.J. Fort and Otaro Alaka remain unsigned.
Defensive tackle Michael Pierce: The former Ravens starter is returning to Baltimore on a three-year deal, the team announced. The deal is worth $16.5 million, according to NFL Network. The Minnesota Vikings released Pierce earlier this week after he made just eight starts in two seasons. Pierce, 29, signed a three-year, $27 million deal with the Vikings but opted out of the 2020 season because of COVID-19 concerns and then missed nine games in 2021 with tricep and elbow injuries.
Safety Marcus Williams: The former New Orleans Saints star finalized a five-year, $70 million deal, giving a talented Ravens secondary one of the top playmakers on the open market. Williams’ contract is worth $14 million annually, the seventh most among NFL safeties, and includes $37 million guaranteed, according to ESPN.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Williams, 25, has been one of the NFL’s best safeties since arriving in New Orleans in 2017. Over five seasons with the Saints, he had 15 interceptions and 38 passes defended.
Offensive tackle Morgan Moses: The Ravens signed Moses to a three-year, $15 million deal, stabilizing a position of need along their offensive line. In the 6-foot-6, 318-pound Moses, the Ravens have acquired an imposing veteran who almost landed on their free-agency radar last year.
Moses, 31, has been one of the NFL’s most durable linemen since Washington drafted him out of Virginia in the third round in 2014.
Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith: The Minnesota Vikings and Smith agreed to terms on a three-year, $42 million contract Tuesday, less than a week after a deal to rejoin the Ravens fell through.
Smith, who spent the past three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, has incentives to earn up to $47 million over the life of the deal. The Ravens’ initial deal with Smith, which fell apart Thursday, was reportedly worth $35 million over four years, with a maximum value of $50 million.
The 29-year-old Smith was a Pro Bowl pick in 2019 and 2020 with a combined 26 sacks in 32 games, but he had a major back injury last season and appeared in only one game for the NFC North champions.
With defensive end Danielle Hunter returning after a torn pectoral muscle limited him to seven games in 2021, the Vikings have a pair of proven pass-rushers to lean on in the attempt to prop up a defense that has lagged badly over the last two years. Assistant head coach Mike Pettine was Smith’s defensive coordinator with the Packers in 2019 and 2020.
Free-agent losses
Safety DeShon Elliott: Elliott has signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, the team announced, with his contract reportedly worth up to $3.7 million.
A former sixth-round pick, Elliott spent four injury-marred seasons in Baltimore but showed his potential as a hard-hitting safety. He started all 16 games in 2020, finishing with four passes defended, two forced fumbles and 2 ½ sacks, and started six games in 2021 before suffering a season-ending torn biceps and pectoral muscle in November. He grabbed his first career interception last season and graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 41 safety, regardless of snap count.
Injuries limited Elliott’s impact with the Ravens. He missed his rookie season with a fractured forearm and played just six games in 2019 before a knee injury ended his year. In Detroit, Elliott will reunite with former Ravens inside linebacker Chris Board, who also signed a one-year deal with the Lions.
In Baltimore, the Ravens will turn to Chuck Clark, Brandon Stephens and top free-agent signing Marcus Williams to lead their safety position.
Cornerback Tavon Young: Young signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears. A 2016 fourth-round pick, Young was released by the Ravens in a cost-cutting move March 9. After an injury-plagued six years in Baltimore, Young entered the offseason as a potential salary cap casualty. He would’ve had a $9.3 million cap hit next season, and his release saves $6 million in cap space.
In February 2019, less than two years after Young tore the ACL in his left knee and missed the 2017 season, the Ravens signed him to a three-year, $25.8 million extension that briefly made him the NFL’s highest-paid slot cornerback. That August, the Oxon Hill native had an impressive training camp derailed by a season-ending neck injury. A year later, Young suffered another torn left ACL in a Week 2 game against the Houston Texans.
Young, 27, appeared in all 17 games last season, starting seven, but he played just over half of the Ravens’ defensive snaps. He was mostly solid in coverage, allowing a passer rating of 85.1, and had two sacks. Still, injuries kept him from recapturing the form that he flashed early in his career. A beloved teammate, he leaves Baltimore having played in 50 career games and missed 47.
Cornerback Chris Westry: Westry has signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, the team announced.
The 6-foot-4 Westry impressed in his first Ravens training camp last year and made the team’s season-opening 53-man roster. But injuries limited the third-year corner to six games (two starts) last year, and the Ravens did not offer him a restricted-free-agent tender this offseason.
Westry’s departure leaves the Ravens with just six cornerbacks on their 90-man roster: Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, Iman Marshall, Robert Jackson, Kevon Seymour and Kevin Toliver. Only Humphrey and Peters, both recovering from season-ending injuries, have started more than two games over the past two years.
Defensive tackle Justin Ellis: Ellis has signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants, the team announced Wednesday.
The 6-foot-2, 350-pound Ellis, known as “Jelly,” played in 34 games and started eight over his two-plus years in Baltimore. He had 18 tackles and one quarterback hit in 17 games last season, playing 35% of the Ravens’ defensive snaps and helping them maintain one of the NFL’s staunchest run defenses.
In New York, the 31-year-old Ellis will reunite with former Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale, who now has the same position on the Giants’ staff. Ellis’ signing comes two days after another former Ravens defensive lineman, Jihad Ward, also joined the Giants.
Ellis’ departure is the first of potentially three along the Ravens’ defensive line this offseason. Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams are also free agents.
Inside linebacker Chris Board: The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with Board on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network. Board, 26, had 94 tackles, 2 ½ sacks and two forced fumbles in 63 games with the Ravens playing mostly on special teams.
Quarterback Josh Johnson: Johnson has signed with the Denver Broncos, he announced on Twitter. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Johnson, 35, signed off the New York Jets’ practice squad in December as starter Lamar Jackson recovered from an ankle injury, made a surprise start in Week 16 after backup Tyler Huntley tested positive for the coronavirus. In Johnson’s first start since 2018, he went 28-for-40 for 304 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Denver is the 14th NFL franchise that Johnson has played for in his NFL career. He finished 2021 with 638 passing yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions and 67.1% accuracy.
Center Bradley Bozeman: Bozeman, a consistent starter along the Ravens’ offensive line who developed into one of the NFL’s better centers last season, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Panthers, Carolina announced. Terms of the deal were not announced.
Cornerback Anthony Averett: Averett has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to his agency, Athletes First. The Athletic reported that it’s a one-year deal worth $4.5 million.
A 2018 fourth-round pick, Averett entered free agency coming off the best season of his career. He allowed a passer rating of just 77.5 in coverage, according to Pro Football Reference, and had three interceptions and 11 pass defenses after combining for zero and 11, respectively, over his first three seasons.
Averett missed the Ravens’ final three games with a fractured rib, but he still finished the season as one of the NFL’s most targeted cornerbacks. According to Sports Info Solutions, quarterbacks went after him 90 times last year, fifth most in the league.
Averett was limited to 30 games over his first three years in Baltimore, struggling at times as a reserve cornerback and making a limited impact on special teams. But he impressed in training camp last year, when former defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale said Averett had All-Pro talent. Amid an injruy-plagued season, the 5-foot-11 Averett emerged as the team’s most reliable cornerback.
He’s the second cornerback to leave Baltimore this season, after the Ravens released nickelback Tavon Young last week.
Tight end Eric Tomlinson: After 23 games in Baltimore, the 29-year-old Tomlinson reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos. Originally signed to the Ravens’ practice squad in 2020, the 6-6, 263-pound Tomlinson played 26% of the offensive snaps while receiving Pro Football Focus’ second-highest run-blocking grade among 70 qualifying tight ends.
Still unsigned
Running back: Latavius Murray, Devonta Freeman
Wide receiver: Sammy Watkins
Tight end/fullback: Patrick Ricard
Offensive line: OT David Sharpe
Defensive line: Calais Campbell, Brandon Williams
Outside linebacker: Justin Houston, Pernell McPhee
Inside linebacker: L.J. Fort, Otaro Alaka
Cornerback: Jimmy Smith, Khalil Dorsey
Safety: DeShon Elliott
Other notable moves
- Quarterback Joe Flacco, the former Super Bowl Most Valuable Player who played 11 seasons with the Ravens, is returning to the New York Jets on a one-year deal worth $3.5 million, according to ESPN. Flacco, a New Jersey native who will back up 2020 No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson, has started five games for the Jets over the past two seasons.
- Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, a former Maryland star who spent half a season with the Ravens in 2020 after being acquired from the Minnesota Vikings, was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. Ngakoue, 26, had 10 sacks with the Raiders last season after signing a two-year, $26 million deal.
- Tight end Hayden Hurst, the Ravens’ No. 25 overall pick in the 2018 draft, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to his agency EnterSports Management. The deal is worth $3.5 million with another $1 million that can be reached with incentives, according to Pro Football Network. Hurst caught 82 passes for 792 yards and nine touchdowns in two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons after being acquired for a second-round pick.
- Long snapper Morgan Cox, who spent 11 years with the Ravens as part of the special teams’ so-called “Wolfpack” alongside kicker Justin Tucker and punter Sam Koch, agreed to a one-year extension with the Tennessee Titans.
- Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who was traded from the Ravens to the Kansas City Chiefs last offseason for a package of draft picks, was designated with the franchise tag, which is worth $16.6 million. Brown, 25, is expected to receive a long-term contract extension from Kansas City before the July 15 deadline.
- Tight end Maxx Williams, a second-round pick by the Ravens in 2015, re-signed to a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL Network.
- Wide receiver Breshad Perriman, a first-round pick by the Ravens in 2015, is returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year deal, according to ESPN.
- Cornerback Darious Williams, who played three games with the Ravens in 2018 after signing as an undrafted free agent and won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams this past season, is signing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars that includes $18 million fully guaranteed, according to NFL Network.
- Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, a sixth-round pick by the Ravens in 2011 who spent for seasons as Flacco’s backup, is expected to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with a max value of $17 million with the New York Giants, according to NFL Network.
- The Miami Dolphins signed former San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert to a one-year deal worth $3.25 million, according to ESPN. Mostert played seven games with the Ravens during his rookie season in 2015, mostly on special teams, after going undrafted out of Purdue.
Key dates
March 27-30: Annual league meeting, The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida.
April 4: Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2021 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
April 18: Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
April 22: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.
April 28-30: NFL draft, Las Vegas.
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/ravens-free-agency-tracker-s-deshon-elliott-signs-1-year-deal-with-lions-dl-calais-campbell-returns/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:36 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/ravens-free-agency-tracker-s-deshon-elliott-signs-1-year-deal-with-lions-dl-calais-campbell-returns/ |
WATCH: Puppy rescued from rubble in Ukraine
Published: Apr. 14, 2022 at 12:27 PM EDT|Updated: 41 minutes ago
(CNN) - The amazing rescue of a puppy from the rubble in eastern Ukraine was caught on camera.
The rescue took place in the village of Mykhailvka on Wednesday.
Video shows rescuers digging through a pile of rubble until they reach the puppy buried underneath. The dog was miraculously pulled out alive and reunited with its 77-year-old owner.
According to the National Police of Ukraine, the blast nearly killed the man.
Both the owner and the dog were given medical care. The police said, “All is well with them.”
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/watch-puppy-rescued-rubble-ukraine/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:39 | 0 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/watch-puppy-rescued-rubble-ukraine/ |
The Unselds’ School in West Baltimore has received an upgrade thanks to a project that honors late legendary basketball player Wes Unseld.
Officials from the Washington Wizards and Heart of America held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to unveil renovations at the school. It was part of a legacy campaign to celebrate the NBA’s 75th anniversary.
The renovations were welcomed because the building has declined through the years, said Unseld’s son, Wes Unseld Jr., head coach of the Wizards and the first graduate of the school.
“To help beautify the space, it’s impactful,” he said. “For the kids, it helps bring new life and energy to the building.”
Wes Unseld, who died June 2, 2020, opened the school with his wife, Connie, in 1978. Located at 250 S. Hilton St. in the Saint Josephs neighborhood, the school is one of the few fully accredited, non-church-affiliated, Black-owned schools in Maryland.
Renovations include a refreshed basketball court, a learning garden and outdoor bench tables. The parent lounge area and school signage were also updated, and an area was added to honor Wes Unseld’s legacy.
A large poster of a young Wes in his Baltimore Bullets jersey hangs on the wall. Two cabinets containing memorabilia, including one of his shoes and numerous framed photos, help students learn and remember who he was.
Connie Unseld said the legacy room “really makes me happy” because “the children who come after will not know about him, unless we have something permanent.”
Wes Unseld had been sick for about two years before he died, Connie Unseld said. She then shifted her concentration to the school, which has been reduced to 20 students because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It was such a welcomed relief for me to hear them say, ‘We’d like to come in and refresh the building,’” she said.
The NBA Foundation, at the recommendation of the Wizards, granted $25,000 to Heart of America for the renovations, a spokesperson at Monumental Sports & Entertainment said. Monumental and the Wizards assisted with additional resources, she said.
Team owner Ted Leonsis said the franchise wanted to honor Unseld, the Hall of Famer who served as the organization’s vice president, head coach and general manager after his playing career ended in 1981.
“It’s not about the Unseld name, it is about the kids,” Leonsis told the crowd Wednesday. “It is about implanting the legacy of what this family has believed in. We talk about equity in education and equity in opportunity and that is what this school is all about.”
For much of the day, volunteers put the finishing touches inside and outside the school. Students in attendance took part in a basketball clinic led by the Wizards and ate pizza.
Daughter Kim Unseld, principal and teacher of the Unselds’ School, said this project brought some life back to the school and reminds the community that the school exists.
“It’s nice to be able to open up to the community and say, ‘Hey, here we are. We’re still here. We’re still going tough. We’re still doing the right thing,” she said. “The only drawback is I wish Daddy was here to see it.”
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/unselds-school-in-south-baltimore-unveils-renovations-it-is-about-the-kids/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:42 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/unselds-school-in-south-baltimore-unveils-renovations-it-is-about-the-kids/ |
The Yankees’ first homestand of 2022 has been a test.
The Red Sox dominated them last year, finally kicking them to the curb in the American League Wild Card game last October. The young and talented Blue Jays were nipping at their heels until the last day of the regular season after having played in three different “home,” ballparks because of Canada’s COVID travel policies.
So far, the Yankees have held serve, going into the final game of a four-game series with the Blue Jays having won the series against the Red Sox 2-1 and down 1-2 to the Blue Jays, but with a chance to come out even.
Starting the season against two of the teams they will be battling in the division for a playoff spot was like “two stags,” facing off in the woods, according to Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and diving in “the deep end,” to Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
“Anytime you’re going within the division and with certainly a team that you know you’re going to be fighting for potentially a playoff spot in the division, yeah, they take on double meaning,” Boone said. “I would say they’re extra important. Even in April. Yeah. You always have the perspective of the whole season, but I would say anytime we’re with a division rival we treat that as doubly important.”
The early test has revealed a lot about the Bombers.
The bullpen is picking up where it left off last season and will be a weapon for the Yankees in these battles. Most of the starting rotation is building up into a positive with Luis Severino, Jameson Taillon and Nestor Cortes looking very good in their first starts of the season. Jordan Montgomery pitched pretty well with a sore and stiff knee after being hit by a comebacker, but the lefty is on track to make his next start and not miss time because of the injury.
The one exception is Cole. He’s been fine, but hasn’t looked like the dominant ace that the Yankees need to make a long playoff run yet. He’s given up home runs in both his first two starts, which brings back memories not just of his meltdown in the Wild Card game, but of his struggles down the stretch last season. Cole has given up a home run in six of his last seven games dating back to 2021.
There have been a lot of high-leverage situations for that bullpen, because the offense, ranked 20th in the majors heading into Thursday night’s game, has proven to be inconsistent again so far this year. The Yankees’ struggles in 2021 — they finished seventh in the American League in OPS (.729), 10th in runs scored (711) and were fourth in strikeouts (1482) — forced a shakeup. They let long-time hitting coach Marcus Thames go and promoted their minor league hitting coordinator. Heading into their seventh game of the season, the Yankees were just fifth in OPS (.736) and fourth in slugging (.415) and on-base percentage (.321) in the American League,
The defense is not as crisp as it should be, despite a new routine of on-field defensive work before games this season. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, brought in to play shortstop after the experiment to play Gleyber Torres there failed, has already had some miscues and an error. Torres, now at second base, made a costly defensive miscue on Wednesday night that wasn’t marked down as an error, but kept the seventh inning alive and allowed the Blue Jays to rally for the win.
So far, the Yankees get an incomplete on their first test of the season, but there will be a challenge all year in the division. The next test won’t be the monumental challenge of trying to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the ballpark or scoring on the nasty Alek Manoah.
The Yankees head to Baltimore after Thursday night’s game. While the Orioles seem to be in an eternal rebuild, games against the birds can also define a season. The Rays went 18-1 against the AL East basement dwellers last year en route to winning the division and cruising into the playoffs. (They are already 3-0 against the Orioles this season). The Yankees went just 11-8 against the Orioles last season and had to sweat it down the stretch.
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/what-weve-learned-about-the-yankees-through-tough-opening-homestand-vs-red-sox-blue-jays/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:48 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/what-weve-learned-about-the-yankees-through-tough-opening-homestand-vs-red-sox-blue-jays/ |
Mets fans, it’s time.
The team you’ve long been dreaming of, the type that you’ve scribbled on the back of napkins ever since Steve Cohen took over, is finally coming to Queens.
On Friday at Citi Field, the Mets will field their most impressive team since the Reyes-Wright-Beltran days, and with their 5-2 start to the season, the club has so far cashed in on the preseason expectations that have doomed so many Mets teams of the past.
The team’s first home game of the year — set for Friday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. against the Arizona Diamondbacks — should be a celebration. This is what happens when dreams meet reality, when a franchise invests in its fans the same way those fans have invested in them for decades. Especially when paired up with the Diamondbacks, a team that’d be in danger of relegation if this were English soccer, the Mets will paint a picture of what a team that’s shamelessly going for glory is supposed to look and feel like.
It is fitting, perhaps, that the 2022 Mets’ first home game will kick off with a 3,200 pound physical representation of greatness. The new Tom Seaver statue outside Citi Field will see the light of day for the first time around 10:30 a.m., with Seaver’s widow, Nancy, and two daughters, Sarah and Anne, there to see it up close.
Friday is also Jackie Robinson Day across Major League Baseball, giving Mets fans another opportunity to honor legendary greatness while getting their first in-person look at a team they hope will carry the same quality. The first 25,000 fans through the gates on Friday will receive a free Jackie Robinson T-Shirt. All of that is before even getting a chance to watch the team play baseball, which has been a treat thus far and stands a great chance of continuing through the entire weekend as the Mets host a team that lost 110 games last year.
The Mets are sending Chris Bassitt, who logged eight strikeouts in six innings his first game, to the hill for their home opener. He’ll be opposed by Zach Davies, a solid, but unremarkable pitcher now in his eighth MLB season. A longtime NL Central resident from his days as a Brewer and Cub, the 29-year-old Davies is very familiar with two of the Mets’ new bringers of joy.
Starling Marte is 10-for-28 against Davies with two doubles and three walks, good for an attractive .357/.419/.429 slash line. Eduardo Escobar hasn’t fared quite as well, going just 3-for-14, but he does have a home run off Davies and his teenage-like visage. No other Met has more than six plate appearances against Davies, but the scouting report should be clear as day: sit back and wait on the ball. In 148 innings last year over 32 starts, Davies only threw 11 pitches that hit 90 miles per hour. Deception is the name of his game, and with a curveball and changeup that sit in the mid-to-upper-70s, patience will be key for a Mets team that was the worst in the National League against curveballs in 2021.
While the Diamondbacks have some talent simmering in the minors and at the bottom of their MLB roster, the biggest names on offense remain Ketel Marte and David Peralta. Both players have been with the Diamondbacks for over five years. Peralta’s first season in the desert, 2014, was so long ago that Kirk Gibson was still Arizona’s manager. Neither player has enjoyed any real success against the Mets (Marte has 17 hits in 80 tries, Peralta checks in with a .203 average in 88 plate appearances), and the protection around them right now is thin at best.
Should Bassitt and the rest of the Mets’ pitchers get past Marte and Peralta, middle of the order hitters Christian Walker and Pavin Smith are likely the toughest outs remaining. Daulton Varsho, Carson Kelly and Seth Beer are the types of players that the D-Backs hope can pull the franchise out of this pit, but they are still figuring out MLB pitching.
Arizona is not a team the Mets should struggle with. This is, remember, a team that molted on the road last year. Torey Lovullo’s unit went 20-61 away from home, was outscored by 141 runs in those contests, and at one point famously lost an MLB-record 24 straight road games. Very few teams in the National League present the Mets a better chance for a sweep to begin their home schedule.
In their first six games — which came against the Padres and Astros and resulted in just two wins — the Snakes hit .140 with a 63 wRC+, both the lowest in the league at this incredibly early juncture. Arizona also heads to Citi Field with a .114 average when runners are in scoring position, as they went 4-for-35 in that situation against San Diego and Houston. With sublime shortstop Nick Ahmed on the injured list with shoulder discomfort, even the Diamondbacks’ defense is compromised for the time being.
Starting pitcher Zac Gallen could give them fits on Saturday, but this should still be a fairly easy test for the Mets, who will follow this weekend series with a matching three-game set in Phoenix next week. The pieces are in place for the exact kind of start that the Mets would have drawn up before the season. The Amazin’s have smelled like a very strong team in most of their wins so far — their plus-15 run differential is the best in the NL as of Thursday morning — and those good feelings should combine with the Seaver statue’s arrival to create one of the more joyous April experiences Citi Field has felt in years.
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/what-you-need-to-know-before-the-mets-2022-home-opener/ | 2022-04-14T17:08:54 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/what-you-need-to-know-before-the-mets-2022-home-opener/ |
April 14, 1947, in The Star: With the national walkout of telephone workers reaching the end of its first week, and scarcely any union members crossing the picket line, folks are relearning the art of personal communication, according to an article of local observations. “It may be Spring, but try to call your date. Your larder may be empty, and reaching your grocer may be might important to you, but hardly comes under that elusive classification of ‘emergency call.’” (Emergency calls were still allowed as management manned the switchboards.) People are getting creative in their communication methods, as a result of the loss of telephone service. A soldier at the fort employed the service of a taxi driver to go to his date’s house and tell her what time they’d be meeting up. Also, delinquent book borrowers, not receiving the usual overdue reminder call by telephone from Carnegie Library, are being reached by slower post card. Of course, city letters and local telegrams are rapidly rising in volume.
April 14, 1997, in The Star: After little more than a week in operation, a new Anniston police unit has already put a dent in the crime rate. The Street Crimes Unit, which started at the end of March, has made nine felony arrests, among other accomplishments. Chief Wayne Chandler explained the new unit, consisting of six officers, has the flexibility do to surveillance work, respond to violent crimes, patrol the housing projects and serve high-risk warrants. It can work flexible hours, too, times when more crimes are likely to be committed. | https://www.annistonstar.com/features/look-back-to-effects-of-the-telephone-strike-1947/article_cc13b882-bb7c-11ec-873d-c3aa9089036d.html | 2022-04-14T17:12:53 | 0 | https://www.annistonstar.com/features/look-back-to-effects-of-the-telephone-strike-1947/article_cc13b882-bb7c-11ec-873d-c3aa9089036d.html |
TRUSSVILLE — In a special called meeting that lasted all of five minutes, the Trussville City Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to hire Jeremy Monceaux as Hewitt-Trussville’s new head basketball coach.
Monceaux replaces Jeff Baker, who resigned on February 14. Two months to the day later, Huskies’ Athletic Director Lance Walker introduced Monceaux, who emerged early as the frontrunner for the job.
“We were really excited about the interest level, and I think that just speaks to the quality of the school system here,” Walker said after the BOE made Monceaux’s hire official. “A good example of that is the tax renewal this week. That shows the kind of positive energy and momentum our school system has. When reviewing (Monceaux’s) information, from the beginning I was really impressed with everything that he’s done at several different levels.”
Monceaux has coached at the collegiate and high school levels, played at Liberty University, and as a high school star at Parkway Christian, he set several records for boys’ basketball in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), including single-season points (1,333), career points (4,555), single-season field goals made (458) and single-season free throws made (427).
But the job ahead isn’t just about him, he said on Thursday morning. Instead, it’s about building relationships and rebuilding a program that was once regarded as a rock-solid high school basketball school.
“The first order of business, we’ve got to build relationships,” Monceaux said. “I don’t know any of the players, and I haven’t met any of the other coaches and teachers on campus. So before you start the hard work, you have to go and develop those relationships with the players and the people who are going to work alongside you to build the program back up to where everyone would like it to be … we have a plan for that. The hard work will come, and we know that. I’ve done it a few times before, so we feel good about that. But the first order of business is that we’ll go and let the kids know that we love them and care about them, and to let the people in the community know that they’re going to have a team that will represent them well and make them proud.”
As much as Monceaux is relishing the challenge of rebuilding the Huskies’ program, it was still difficult to say goodbye to his players in Springville.
“This is my 14th year of coaching, and I’ve played my whole life. Telling those kids that I was leaving was probably the toughest day of my career, because Springville is a special place,” Monceaux said. “It has special leadership and the kids there are special young people. It definitely wasn’t an easy day by any stretch, but this (meaning Trussville) is home. I feel like I’m coming home. My wife’s here, my kids are in the school system. It’s an unbelievable situation in terms of resources and leadership and the growing community.” | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_st_clair_times/springville-s-jeremy-monceaux-set-to-coach-at-hewitt-trussville/article_cb561440-bc0c-11ec-8f5e-efcd677005f5.html | 2022-04-14T17:13:00 | 1 | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_st_clair_times/springville-s-jeremy-monceaux-set-to-coach-at-hewitt-trussville/article_cb561440-bc0c-11ec-8f5e-efcd677005f5.html |
NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. pleaded guilty Wednesday to forcibly kissing a worker at a New York nightclub in 2018 in a deal that is likely to keep him out of jail.
Gooding also publicly apologized for the first time to two other women who accused him of similar behavior in separate encounters, calling himself a “celebrity figure” who meant no harm.
His admissions were part of a plea deal that came nearly three years after the Oscar-winning “Jerry Maguire” star was arrested in the case that saw several delays as his lawyers sought to get charges reduced or dismissed.
“I apologize for making anybody ever feel inappropriately touched,” he said. “I am a celebrity figure. I come into contact with people. I never want them to feel slighted or uncomfortable in any way.”
Gooding, 54, accused of violating three different women at various Manhattan night spots in 2018 and 2019, pleaded guilty to just one of the allegations. He told the judge he “kissed the waitress on her lips” without consent at the LAVO New York club.
The deal lets Gooding avoid any possibility of jail time if he continues “alcohol and behavior modification” counseling for six months. After that, he can withdraw the misdemeanor plea and instead plead guilty to a lesser violation of harassment.
Gooding was arrested in June 2019 after a 29-year-old woman told police he fondled her without her consent at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge near Times Square.
The accuser in that encounter, Kelsey Harbert, was allowed to speak in court on Wednesday, recounting how, out of nowhere, Gooding grabbed her breast “as if I was a piece of meat for dinner that night.”
Harbert, now 31, told the court she thought Gooding was getting off easy, while his accusers continue to suffer.
“I feel very sad and feel very lost for what I can do,” she said.
A few months after his arrest, Gooding was charged in two additional cases as more women came forward to accuse him of abuse. The new charges alleged he pinched a server’s buttocks after making a sexually suggestive remark to her at TAO Downtown and forcibly touched the woman at LAVO, both in 2018.
Gooding had previously pleaded not guilty to six misdemeanor counts and denied all allegations of wrongdoing. His lawyers have argued that overzealous prosecutors, caught up in the fervor of the #MeToo movement, are trying to turn “commonplace gestures” or misunderstandings into crimes.
Judge Curtis Farber earlier had ruled if the Gooding case went to trial, prosecutors could have called two additional women to testify about their allegations that Gooding also violated them. Prosecutors say the judge had since reversed that decision — a ruling that factored into their decision to not go to trial.
“We credit and believe all the survivors in this case,” said prosecutor Coleen Balbert. But under the circumstances, Wednesday’s outcome “is a fair and equitable disposition,” she added.
Along with the criminal case, Gooding is accused in a lawsuit of raping a woman in New York City in 2013. After a judge issued a default judgment in July because Gooding hadn’t responded to the lawsuit, the actor retained a lawyer and is fighting the allegations.
Gloria Allred, an attorney representing three of Gooding’s accusers, said in a statement that they would press ahead with civil litigation to hold him accountable.
“Justice was significantly delayed in this case for many reasons, and I do not feel that justice was achieved today with the entry of this plea, although I do understand why under the circumstances that the prosecution offered a plea,” she said. | https://www.wivb.com/entertainment-news/actor-cuba-gooding-jr-pleads-guilty-to-forcible-touching/ | 2022-04-14T17:15:31 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/entertainment-news/actor-cuba-gooding-jr-pleads-guilty-to-forcible-touching/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Taylor’s “Filthy Animals” has won the Story Prize, a $20,000 honor for collections of short fiction.
“Taylor is incredibly attuned to the slightest shift in the emotional weather in his characters and writes with absolute precision and compassion about their desires, vulnerabilities, failings, joys, and longings,” prize judges wrote in a statement Wednesday. “His careful attention makes these very ordinary people extraordinary. His sentences are finely tuned, his language subtle and gorgeous.”
The finalists, Lily King for “Five Tuesdays in Winter” and J. Robert Lennon for “Think of Me,” will each receive $5,000.
The Story Prize was established in 2004. Previous winners include Lauren Groff, Anthony Doerr and Edwidge Danticat. | https://www.wivb.com/entertainment-news/brandon-taylors-filthy-animals-wins-20000-story-prize/ | 2022-04-14T17:15:37 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/entertainment-news/brandon-taylors-filthy-animals-wins-20000-story-prize/ |
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A pack of sled dogs belonging to an Iditarod veteran and reality TV star killed a family pet in Alaska, officials said.
Authorities in Wasilla are investigating the March 30 incident involving dogs owned by musher Jessie Holmes, who finished third in year’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and stars in “Life Below Zero: Alaska” on the National Geographic channel.
Holmes, who lives in rural Alaska, was staying with his dog team at a Wasilla hotel that backs up to the adjacent homeowner’s yard. He let the dogs loose to relieve themselves when they attacked a pet dog named Lucky, who was attached to a lead in the yard.
When Lucky’s owner, Liza McCafferty, came outside to retrieve the 8-year-old Havanese, she saw a black dog dart from under her deck. It was part of a pack that suddenly appeared in her yard, she told the Anchorage Daily News.
She said the pack looked like it might attack her too, so she retreated. Then Holmes came down the hill to retrieve his sled dogs before returning to the home.
“He came in and was very, very apologetic,” McCafferty said. “He was on the verge of crying.”
Lucky was taken to a veterinary clinic but was dead.
“It was just a really terrible accident due to my negligence,” Holmes said.
Holmes said he has stayed at the hotel more than a dozen times and never had a problem letting his dogs loose to relieve themselves. He suspects two new dogs he had ventured off toward McCafferty’s yard, and the rest of the pack followed.
“There’s no way to not be distraught about this,” Holmes said. He said he’s fully accountable for this and wants to make things right.
Holmes said a Wasilla municipal official told him he would receive 10 loose dog citations and possibly another for animal cruelty, which could affect his mushing career.
Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford said in a statement that he incident was under investigation. | https://www.wivb.com/entertainment-news/dogs-owned-by-iditarod-vet-reality-tv-star-kill-family-pet/ | 2022-04-14T17:15:44 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/entertainment-news/dogs-owned-by-iditarod-vet-reality-tv-star-kill-family-pet/ |
A longtime friend and next-door neighbor of Johnny Depp testified Wednesday that Depp’s ex-wife, Amber Heard, had told him the movie star threw a phone at her and hit her inside the couple’s Los Angeles penthouse.
But Isaac Baruch said he never noticed any evidence of abuse on Heard’s face, both when he first saw her in the hallway or the next day in the sunlit lobby of their art deco-style building.
“She’s got her face out like this to show me, and I’m looking, and I inspect her face,” Baruch said of the encounter in May 2016. “And I don’t see anything. … I don’t see a cut, a bruise, swelling, redness.”
Baruch is the second witness called in the trial over Depp’s allegations that Heard falsely portrayed him as a domestic abuser. Depp says that an opinion piece Heard wrote for The Washington Post in 2018 indirectly defamed him.
Heard refers to herself in the article as a “public figure representing domestic abuse.” It doesn’t name Depp. But his attorneys argue that it clearly referenced a restraining order that Heard sought in May 2016, right after Depp told her he wanted a divorce.
Depp denies abusing Heard.
Baruch, a painter, has been friends with Depp since 1980. He also worked at the Viper Room when the “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor partly owned the famed Los Angeles club. Baruch said Depp has financially supported him, providing him with places to live and giving him about $100,000 over the years.
Baruch testified that he noticed no makeup on Heard’s face when she said Depp hit her. But during cross-examination, Baruch conceded he didn’t know if Heard — who worked with cosmetics giant L’Oreal — had applied any concealer, foundation, powder or tint.
At one point, Baruch got emotional, stating that Heard needs to “take responsibility and move on.”
He said he never saw violence from Depp.
“His family has been completely wrecked by all of this stuff, and it’s not fair,” Baruch said. “It’s not right, what she did. … It’s insane.”
Baruch also testified that he saw security video showing Heard’s sister Whitney throwing a fake punch at Heard’s face while the two waited for an elevator in the building where he and Depp and Heard lived.
“And then they start laughing,” Baruch said.
Depp’s attorneys argue that the sisters were practicing for a real punch to to feign abuse from Depp.
But Heard’s lawyers have said the evidence will show that Depp physically and sexually assaulted Heard on multiple occasions. And they’ve argued that Depp’s denials lack credibility because he frequently drank and used drugs to the point of blacking out and failing to remember anything he did.
The first witness called for the trial was Depp’s older sister, Christi Dembrowski, who faced a barrage of questions from Heard’s lawyers about Depp’s alcohol and drug use.
When she took the stand Tuesday, Dembrowski said she and her brother endured a difficult childhood in which Depp learned to hide from an abusive mother. Dembrowski, who also worked as Depp’s personal manager, said she saw the same pattern in Depp’s relationship with Heard, adding that she would book an extra hotel room for Depp if Heard started a fight.
But Dembrowski struggled on cross-examination when asked why she sent texts to Depp in February 2014 that said, “Stop drinking. Stop coke. Stop pills.”
Heard’s lawyers asked similar questions Wednesday, zeroing in on a text exchange between Heard and Dembrowski in February 2014.
“Ms. Heard says, ‘JD is on a bender,’ and your response is, ‘Where are the kids?’ — correct?” J. Benjamin Rottenborn asked.
Dembrowski said that was correct. She also confirmed a 2014 email exchange she had with a doctor who treated Depp’s addiction to pain medication.
“You believe that your brother needed help with drugs and alcohol?” Rottenborn asked.
Dembrowski responded that she was concerned about Depp’s use of one medication but didn’t believe that he had a problem with drugs or alcohol overall, or that he romanticized drug culture.
Both Depp and Heard are expected to testify at the trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court, scheduled for six weeks, along with actors Paul Bettany and James Franco and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Heard’s lawyers had sought to have the case tried in California, where the actors reside. But a judge ruled that Depp was within his rights to bring the case in Virginia because The Washington Post’s computer servers for its online edition are located in the county. Depp’s lawyers have said they brought the case in Virginia in part because the laws here are more favorable to their case. | https://www.wivb.com/entertainment-news/heard-lawyers-zero-in-on-depps-drug-and-alcohol-use/ | 2022-04-14T17:15:51 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/entertainment-news/heard-lawyers-zero-in-on-depps-drug-and-alcohol-use/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — In anticipation of a new Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine, President Joe Biden on Wednesday approved an $800 million package of military assistance, including additional helicopters and the first provision of American artillery.
The Ukrainians also will receive armored personnel carriers, armored Humvees, naval drone vessels used in coastal defense, and gear and equipment used to protect soldiers in chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological attacks.
“This new package of assistance will contain many of the highly effective weapons systems we have already provided and new capabilities tailored to the wider assault we expect Russia to launch in eastern Ukraine,” Biden said in a statement.
“The steady supply of weapons the United States and its allies and partners have provided to Ukraine has been critical in sustaining its fight against the Russian invasion,” Biden added. “It has helped ensure that (Russia President Vladimir) Putin failed in his initial war aims to conquer and control Ukraine. We cannot rest now.”
Biden announced the aid after a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It is the latest in a series of U.S. security assistance packages valued at a combined $2.6 billion that has been committed to Ukraine since Russia invaded on Feb. 24. The weaponry and support material has played an important role in Ukraine’s successful defense thus far.
Biden is under pressure from members of both parties in Congress to expand and accelerate U.S. aid.
Robert Gates, a former CIA director and defense secretary, said Wednesday he believes the administration needs to push hard for weapon donations by NATO members in Eastern Europe, whose arsenals include Soviet-era tanks and other weaponry and equipment that could help Ukraine immediately.
“The United States ought to be acting, 24/7 — how do we mobilize the equipment and how do we get it into Ukraine and into the hands of the Ukrainians,” Gates said in an online forum sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
“It’s critically important and critically urgent, and we ought to be sort of ransacking the arsenals of those states, and I think they would be cooperative, particularly” if they are given assurances that the Pentagon will provide American replacements for the donated weapons.
The Pentagon said the $800 million package announced by Biden includes weapons and equipment that will require some training for a Ukrainian military not fully accustomed to American military technology. U.S. and allied forces had been present inside Ukraine to provide training for eight years before pulling out in advance of the Russia’s latest invasion.
The new arms package includes 18 of the U.S. Army’s 155mm howitzers and 40,000 artillery rounds, two air surveillance radars, 300 Switchblade “kamikaze” armed drones, and 500 Javelin missiles designed to knock out tanks and other armor. Also included are 10 counter-artillery radars used to track incoming artillery and other projectiles to determine their point of origin for counter attacks.
Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said delivery of the material will be expedited, but he offered no specific timetable.
“This list came directly out of multiple conversations with Ukrainians in the last few days as we began to see the Russians now start to reprioritize the Donbas fight,” he said, referring to Russia’s shift from a failed offensive in Ukraine’s north aimed at Kyiv, the capital, to a force buildup in the country’s eastern Donbas region, where Russian-backed separatists have been fighting since 2014.
Ukrainian military personnel will need training on the radars as well as the howitzers and the Switchblade drones, Kirby said. He said the training may be done by U.S. soldiers in Europe and the arrangements are being worked out.
“These are not highly complex systems,” Kirby said, and so extensive training will not likely be required.
Among the other items in the package are 11 Soviet-era Mi-17 helicopters that the United States had planned to provide to Afghanistan before Biden last year decided to fully withdraw from the country. They are transport helicopters that also can function in an attack role. The Pentagon previously had sent five Mi-17s to Ukraine, Kirby said. | https://www.wivb.com/news/biden-approves-800m-in-artillery-helicopters-for-ukraine/ | 2022-04-14T17:15:57 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/biden-approves-800m-in-artillery-helicopters-for-ukraine/ |
Amazon is taking a step to offset its rising costs, announcing Wednesday it will add a 5% “fuel and inflation surcharge” to fees it charges third-party sellers who use the e-commerce giant’s fulfillment services.
The Seattle-based company said on its website that the added fees, which take effect April 28, are “subject to change” and will apply to both apparel and non-apparel items.
The latest fee hike follows one announced in November and went into effect in January. Amazon didn’t immediately respond to a request for further details on the recent move. But in a notice sent to sellers Wednesday, the company said its costs had gone up since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic due to increases in hourly wages, the hiring of workers and construction of more warehouses.
It said it had absorbed costs whenever possible, and only increased fees to address permanent costs and to be competitive with other providers. Amazon competitors FedEx and UPS both have fuel surcharges.
“In 2022, we expected a return to normalcy as COVID-19 restrictions around the world eased, but fuel and inflation have presented further challenges,” the company said in the notice.
Federal data released Tuesday showed inflation jumped 8.5% in March, its fastest pace in more than 40 years.Gasoline prices have rocketed 48% in the past 12 months.
Though the company is blaming inflation and rising fuel costs for the surcharge, Stacy Mitchell, co-director for the anti-monopoly group Institute for Local Self-Reliance, criticized Wednesday’s announcement, saying Amazon was taking advantage of the moment.
“Amazon keeps increasing its fees on the sellers that have to depend on its platform,” Mitchell said, adding the new fees are a way “to take more money out of the pockets of independent businesses and put it into Amazon’s coffers.”
Amazon’s third-party marketplace, where independent merchants list millions of their products, is a huge part of its business. It has about 2 million sellers, and more than half the goods sold on Amazon.com come from these sellers.
Last year, sellers paid Amazon about $103 billion in fees, which made up about 22% of the company’s revenue. The online retailer said the new fees will apply to products ordered before April 28 but shipped and delivered after that date. Amazon is also expected to release its earnings report from the first three months of this year on April 28.
Amazon has long faced accusations of undercutting merchants that sell on its platform by making “knock-offs,” or very similar products, and boosting their presence on the site.
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Associated Press journalist Manuel Valdes in Seattle contributed to this report. | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/amazon-adds-5-fuel-and-inflation-surcharge-to-seller-fees/ | 2022-04-14T17:16:04 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/amazon-adds-5-fuel-and-inflation-surcharge-to-seller-fees/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — A major effort to overhaul care for people in the United States with mental health and drug problems is gaining traction as Congress and the Biden administration work on overlapping plans to address concerns across dividing lines of politics, geography and race.
Top goals include responding to the mental health crisis among youth, increasing the supply of professional counselors and clinicians, narrowing a persistent gap between care for physical and mental health problems, and preserving access to telehealth services that proved their usefulness in the pandemic.
COVID-19 has laid bare the need.
The U.S. was already in a mental health crisis, with suicide rates climbing and chronic problems accessing treatment. The opioid epidemic had a firm grip on cities and small towns. But the coronavirus made everything worse.
An analysis of government data found that about 4 in 10 adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in the first year of the pandemic, compared with about 1 in 10 before that. More than 100,000 people died of drug overdoses from May 2020 to April 2021,a record for lethality, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Trying to translate need into action, the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee are working to produce bipartisan legislation this summer.
Leaders of the Finance Committee have enlisted pairs of senators — one Democrat, one Republican — to develop policy ideas in five broad areas. The committee has jurisdiction over major government health insurance programs while the other committee oversees private insurance and public health.
“I think everybody understands the challenge of threading the needle in a 50-50 Senate,” said the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. But, he added, “the most important takeaway for me is that the urgency is different … more people are falling between the cracks.”
President Joe Biden seems to be on the same page.
He released a comprehensive mental health and drug treatment plan as part of his State of the Union message. “Artificial distinctions between physical health and mental health are really not sustainable or relevant in the 21st century,” White House domestic policy adviser Susan Rice said in a recent speech to the Brookings Institution think thank.
House committees are also at work.
“There is a very nonpartisan aspect to this — I wouldn’t even say it’s bipartisan,” said policy expert Hannah Wesolowski of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “The need for a rapid scale-up of mental health services is one of the few issues where the parties can come together.”
It’s happening as the government plans to roll out 988 — the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — in July.
While lawmakers acknowledge the need for government action, details remain contentious. Democrats want bold strokes. Republicans are wary of new federal mandates and looking to restrain costs.
“This committee has a strong track record of generating consensus-based bills,” Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho, the top Republican on Senate Finance Committee, said earlier this year. “I truly believe we can replicate that success here.”
A key player is noncommittal.
The office of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky had no comment on efforts in that committee. If McConnell were to oppose legislation, that would greatly complicate the prospects.
Nothing seems to have rattled policymakers more than a sharp increase in mental health problems among youth. Isolation and loss in the pandemic compounded the usual trials of passage into adulthood. Emergency room visits for suspected suicide attempts increased, especially for adolescent girls, according to CDC.
As illicit drugs are routinely laced with potent fentanyl, new research shows a striking jump in overdose deaths among 14- to 18-year-olds.
The Finance Committee is considering increased spending on in-school mental health services, broader use of telehealth for youth and more financial support to train youth mental health workers. Young people in rural areas and minority communities have more difficulty getting services. Biden’s plan calls for more money for school-based services, along with new social media safeguards for kids — also an issue of interest on Capitol Hill.
An overarching focus both for the White House and lawmakers is the widely recognized shortage of mental health professionals. Plans would invest billions in building up the workforce by supporting training and education, but that could take years. There’s discussion about immediately increasing the supply of counselors by allowing a wider range of professionals, including family and marriage therapists, to bill government health programs.
There’s also support for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, a relatively new care model that offers services 24/7 to people dealing with drug and mental health crises. Centers rely on peer counselors, often in recovery from their own addictions.
A glaring inconsistency lawmakers want to address is the coverage gap between mental health and physical conditions. Parity is required by U.S. laws, but the reality can be far different. Some insurers honor parity on paper only, maintaining“ghost networks” of mental health providers who are not taking new patients — a dead end. Even Medicare falls short on parity. The program has a 190-day limit on inpatient psychiatric care.
Many Democrats would like to spell out mental health coverage requirements for private health insurance. But Republicans do not support new mandates. A compromise could involve civil fines on insurers that ignore legal obligations to cover mental health care.
One area where there does not seem to be much disagreement is telehealth, which was expanded in the pandemic. Video counseling and even voice-only sessions are becoming standard tools for mental health and drug treatment counseling. Making that coverage permanent would involve a cost. But lawmakers, particularly in rural areas, like the flexibility.
While there is clear momentum, that does not guarantee results in Congress. “I don’t know how it’s going to end up,” said Reyna Taylor, policy and advocacy chief for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “What I am happy to see is all the communication that is going on between the committees of jurisdiction.” | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/bipartisan-push-on-mental-health-crisis-that-covid-worsened/ | 2022-04-14T17:16:11 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/bipartisan-push-on-mental-health-crisis-that-covid-worsened/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California wants electric vehicle sales to triple in the next four years to 35% of all new car purchases, an aggressive target set as part of the goal to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by the middle of next decade.
The California Air Resources Board’s proposal would slowly raise the sale of new cars that are electric, hydrogen-powered or plug-in hybrids to 100% by 2035. About 11% of all new passenger car sales nationally happen in California, giving the state significant influence over the auto market. Californians would still be allowed to drive gas-powered cars and sell used ones, meaning planet-warming emissions will still spew from the state’s roadways.
The hoped-for boost in electric vehicle sales will also require a major increase in charging stations. California has set a goal of 250,000 charging stations by 2025, and right now there are fewer than 80,000 stations in public spaces or in parking lots at office buildings, apartment buildings and other shared spaces. The California Energy Commission last year approved spending $314 million over three years for passenger car charging stations and Newsom added more in his proposed state budget.
The release kicks off a months-long state review process and the plan requires approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The state is unlikely to face resistance from a Democratic White House. The Biden administration recently restored California’s power to set its own vehicle emissions standards under the Clean Air Act and the president has committed $5 billion to build more charging stations around the country.
A group representing the auto industry said meeting the requirements will be “extremely challenging.”
Passenger vehicles contribute about a quarter of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions — more than any other single source, according to the air board. The program is one part of California’s efforts to drastically reduce carbon emissions. Between 2026 and 2040, state experts estimate the program would lower emissions by nearly 384 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. That’s a little less than all emissions across California’s economy in a single year.
Elsewhere, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a law last month setting a goal of requiring all new vehicles in the state to be electric by 2030, but regulators have until the end of 2023 to say how the state will get there.
California’s rules would require 35% of new car sales for model year 2026 to be zero-emission vehicles, including battery or hydrogen powered, or plug-in electric hybrids. That’s a sharp increase from 2021, when about 12% of all cars sold in the state were zero-emission, according to the air board. About 1 million of the 26 million cars currently on California roads are zero-emission.
That requirement ramps up to 100% of all new sales by 2035. Up to 20% of sales by 2035 could be plug-in hybrids that run on a combination of battery and gas power, though the regulations boost how far such cars must be able to travel on battery power alone.
Automakers including Ford and Toyota deferred to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation for a statement on the proposal. The group says the industry is “committed to electrification and a net-zero carbon transportation future” but raised questions about the drastic ramp up in the required zero-emission vehicle sales.
“Automakers will certainly work to meet whatever standards are eventually adopted, but these draft requirements will be extremely challenging even in California and may not be achievable in all the states that currently follow California’s program,” the group said.
Nine states follow California’s current zero-emission vehicle rules, which set rules through model year 2025, and five states plan to join in future years. If the federal government approves California’s new plan, the other states would have to decide whether to follow suit. New York also aims to phase out gas powered vehicles by 2035.
The regulations also require electric vehicles to get at least 150 miles (241 kilometers) per charge, up from 50 miles (80 kilometers), though most manufacturers exceed that. They establish an eight-year or 100,000-mile (161,000-kilometer) battery warranty.
All 17 carmakers that sell in California would be required to hit the 35% sales mark. But there is wiggle room. California’s existing electric vehicle standards let companies save credits if they sell a higher percentage of electric cars than required, and those credits can be used later to meet sales goals.
Companies can also make deals with each other to count each other’s sales as their own. Electric-vehicle maker Tesla has made such deals with many automakers in the past, state officials said.
Some environmental groups said the state should set an even more aggressive timeline, arguing heavily polluted communities can’t wait, and make it easier for low-income people to purchase electric vehicles.
“There’s no excuse for California to take the slow road to an all-electric future when we’re being gouged at the gas pump and facing epic drought and wildfires,” said Scott Hochberg a transportation attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law Institute.
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Associated Press journalist Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed.
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This story was first published on April 13, 2022. It was updated on April 14, 2022 to correct the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent expected to be eliminated by the rules. That number is 384 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from 2026 to 2040, not the amount that will be saved annually. | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/california-plan-aims-to-triple-sale-of-electric-cars-by-2026/ | 2022-04-14T17:16:17 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/california-plan-aims-to-triple-sale-of-electric-cars-by-2026/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A top civil rights lawyer for California was fired while working on a discrimination case against video game giant Activision Blizzard and her colleague quit in protest Wednesday, a whistleblower attorney said.
Janette Wipper was fired on March 29 in “the midst of her success” in pursuing the case as chief counsel for the state Department of Fair Employment and Housing, said her lawyer, Alexis Ronickher.
Melanie Proctor, an assistant chief counsel also involved in the Activision case, resigned Wednesday on what was Proctor’s official last day, the attorney said.
Ronickher didn’t specify why Wipper was terminated. However, she said Wipper is considering filing a claim under California’s whistleblower protection law.
The lawyer noted that Gov. Gavin Newsom had reappointed Wipper to her position just four months before she was being terminated.
Bloomberg was first to report the shakeup Wednesday, citing an email from Proctor to department staff accusing Newsom and his office of interfering with the Activision lawsuit.
“For there to be justice, those with political influence must be forced to play by the same set of laws and rules,” Ronickher said in a statement.
“Claims of interference by our office are categorically false,” Newsom spokesperson Erin Mellon said in a statement Wednesday.
The administration supports the fair employment department’s efforts “to fight all forms of discrimination and protect Californians,” Mellon said.
The agency sued the Santa Monica-based video game company in July, alleging a “frat boy” culture that had become a “breeding ground for harassment and discrimination against women.”
It was one of several legal problems affecting the maker of Call of Duty and Candy Crush, dragging down its stock price last year and paving the way for Xbox-maker Microsoft to make a takeover bid.
The $68.7 billion all-cash deal was announced in January. If approved by U.S. and overseas regulators, it could be one of the biggest tech acquisitions in history.
In announcing the agreement, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella noted the allegations about Activision and said it will be “critical” for the company to drive forward on longtime CEO Bobby Kotick’s commitments to improve its workplace culture.
Neither Microsoft nor Activision responded to a request for comment Wednesday.
Activision has come under fire from the government and even some shareholders over allegations that management ignored sexual harassment and discrimination against female employees.
A shareholder suit filed last year alleges that the company’s negligent response resulted in a loss of share value.
The company also agreed last year to pay $18 million to settle a complaint by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. After a nearly three-year investigation, the agency concluded that Activision failed to take effective action after employees complained about sexual harassment, discriminated against pregnant employees and retaliated against employees who spoke out, including by firing them.
A federal judge approved the settlement on March 29, the same day that Wipper was notified of her firing. The judge rejected a request by Wipper’s agency to delay the settlement as it pursued its own case. | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/california-state-lawyer-suing-activision-blizzard-is-fired/ | 2022-04-14T17:16:24 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/california-state-lawyer-suing-activision-blizzard-is-fired/ |
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Should Netflix and other streaming services have to pay local governments the same fees levied on cable operators?
That was the question before the Ohio Supreme Court during a Wednesday hearing, as the court debates whether streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu are covered by a state law that would require them to pay to play.
The argument is similar to one in several other states, where cities are trying to force streaming service companies to pay cable operator fees.
At issue in Ohio is the state’s 2007 Video Service Authorization law, which directed the state Commerce Department to determine what entities must obtain permission to physically install cables and wires in a public right-of-way. Companies deemed video service providers must pay a fee to local governments under that law.
Officials with Maple Heights in suburban Cleveland contend that streaming services are subject to the fee because their content is delivered via the internet over cables and wires.
In Tennessee, the state Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments next month brought by Knoxville against Netflix and Hulu. A similar case brought by the city of Creve Coeur is pending in Missouri. In 2020, four Indiana cities sued Netflix, Disney, Hulu, DirectTV and Dish Network to require them to pay the same franchise fees to local governments that cable companies must pay.
In related lawsuits brought in Arkansas, California, Nevada and Texas, Netflix and Hulu won their arguments last year that they can’t be treated the same as video providers.
Streaming companies argue their distribution method is different from traditional video providers. They also say in the Ohio case, it’s up to the Commerce Department to label them a video service provider, a process they say can’t be done through a lawsuit.
The state is siding with the streaming companies, contending that Ohio’s law only covers companies building infrastructure to carry cables.
“This is about those who dig, they must pay,” Mathura Sridharan, the Ohio deputy solicitor general, told justices on the state Supreme Court during oral arguments Wednesday. “If they don’t dig, then they don’t pay.”
A court decision isn’t expected for months.
Attorneys for Maple Heights argue that nothing in the 2007 law requires a video service provider to own or physically access wireline facilities in public rights-of-way to be subject to video service provider fees.
Without that equipment, streaming services “could not deliver their video programming to their subscribers,” Justin Hawal, an attorney representing Maple Heights, said in a December court filing.
The “modest 5% video service fee” is not burdensome but instead represents a small return on billions of dollars in benefits that the streaming services receive nationwide from network infrastructure, Hawal said.
Justices seemed skeptical of Maple Heights’ arguments, in particular questioning whether the argument was even one for the court to decide.
“Shouldn’t you be up at the Statehouse a block and a half away instead of at a courthouse trying to get the law changed?” Justice Pat Fisher asked Hawal Wednesday.
Hawal said Maple Heights is trying to apply existing law to a new technology.
Attorneys for Netflix say the company doesn’t have physical wires and cables and doesn’t need them under its internet streaming business model.
Unlike broadcast TV stations, “users can watch content anywhere, anytime, and in any amount, so long as they have an internet connection,” Amanda Martinsek, an attorney representing Netflix, said in a November filing.
Netflix argues a growing number of courts nationally have reached the conclusion that companies like Netflix and Hulu don’t owe provider fees because they’re not video service providers. | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/cities-ask-netflix-hulu-stream-services-to-pay-cable-fees/ | 2022-04-14T17:16:31 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/cities-ask-netflix-hulu-stream-services-to-pay-cable-fees/ |
DENVER (AP) — Frontier Airlines has settled a discrimination lawsuit brought by a group of flight attendants who claimed the carrier discriminated against them during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Denver-based Frontier agreed to keep or change several policies to address the needs of pregnant and lactating personnel in settling the litigation, the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, which represented the employees, announced Wednesday.
In their 2019 federal lawsuit, the four employees alleged that Frontier forced them to take unpaid leave for pregnancy-related absences and did not make it possible for them to pump breast milk while working.
Frontier at the time insisted that it offered “a number of accommodations for pregnant and lactating pilots and flight attendants within the bounds of protecting public safety, which is always our top priority.”
Under the settlement, Frontier agreed to clarify that pregnancy-related absences are not subject to disciplinary action, The Denver Gazette reported.
Flight attendants unable to fly because of pregnancy or lactation will be provided the same accommodations as those with other medical conditions, including medical leave or temporary ground duty.
The airline also will keep in place a recent change allowing flight attendants to use wearable breast pumps during flight, provide lactation facilities at its base locations and provide information on lactation facilities at other airports.
“Future flight attendants won’t have to worry about how they are going to fit in pumping between flights or wonder where they will be able to pump safely,” plaintiff Melissa Hodgkins said in a statement released by the ACLU. “I gave up breastfeeding to provide for my family, and no one should have to make that choice again.”
“We’re proud to be at the forefront of accommodating the needs of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in the airline industry,” said Jacalyn Peter, Frontier’s vice president of labor relations.
Two lawsuits originally were filed in 2019 by a New York law firm, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Colorado and the Women’s Rights Project of the ACLU Foundation.
Attorneys filed two lawsuits because Frontier’s policies for flight attendants and pilots were different, according to the ACLU. The litigation involving the four female pilots continues in federal court in Denver. | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/flight-attendants-settle-frontier-discrimination-suit/ | 2022-04-14T17:16:38 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/flight-attendants-settle-frontier-discrimination-suit/ |
LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s detention of fugitive Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, the former leader of a pro-Russian opposition party and a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been met with enthusiasm in Kyiv and irritation in Moscow.
Analysts saying Medvedchuk will become a valuable pawn in the Russia-Ukraine talks to end the devastating warthat the Kremlin has unleashed on its ex-Soviet neighbor.
Medvedchuk was detained on Tuesday in a special operation carried out by Ukraine’s state security service, or the SBU. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed that Russia could win Medvedchuk’s freedom by trading Ukrainians now held captive by the Russians.
The 67-year-old oligarch escaped from house arrest several days before the hostilities broke out Feb. 24 in Ukraine. He is facing between 15 years and a life in prison on charges of treason and aiding and abetting a terrorist organization for mediating coal purchases for the separatist, Russia-backed Donetsk republic in eastern Ukraine.
Medvedchuk has close ties with Putin, who is believed to be the godfather of his youngest daughter. His detention has sparked a heated exchange between officials in Moscow and Kyiv.
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council and the country’s former president, posted threats to Ukrainian authorities on the messaging app Telegram, referring to them as “freaks” and warning them to “carefully look around and firmly lock the doors at night.”
Zelenskyy’s advisor Mykhailo Podolyak, in response, called Medvedev a “nobody,” and said his words were “nasty and, as usual, stupid.”
“The friendly relations between Putin and Medvedchuk turn him into a valuable trophy for Kyiv, and in the Kremlin they spark fury and a dangerous desire for revenge,” Volodymyr Fesenko, an analyst at the Penta Center, told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “The fate of Medvedchuk will undoubtedly become a subject of bargaining and one of the points of undercover agreements between Kyiv and Moscow.”
Zelenskyy has released a photo of Medvedchuk sitting in handcuffs and wearing a camouflage uniform with a Ukrainian flag patch, in which he looks tired but visibly unharmed.
Medvedchuk’s wife Oksana Marchenko has appealed to Zelenskyy, calling for her husband to be released and given guarantees that “his life would not be in danger.”
“My husband is being persecuted for political reasons against the laws of Ukraine,” Marchenko said.
Medvedchuk is the head of the political council of Ukraine’s pro-Russian Opposition Platform — For Life party, the largest opposition group in the Ukrainian parliament. He is one of its 44 lawmakers in the 450-seat Rada. The activity of his party has been was suspended for the duration of the war at Zelenskyy’s initiative.
“The war automatically turned Medvedchuk into (Russia’s) accomplice, since he personally advised Putin on Ukrainian affairs and directly or indirectly influenced many of the Kremlin’s decisions,” Fesenko said. “Zelenskyy no longer needs to be careful, and by arresting Medvedchuk, he wants to show that he is not afraid of the Kremlin and is ready to bargain, having different cards on the negotiating table.”
Ivan Bakanov, the head of Ukraine’s national security agency, said Wednesday that the Russian security service, the FSB, had planned to evacuate Medvedchuk, disguised as a Ukrainian serviceman, to Moscow through the disputed territory of Transnistria in Moldova, where Russia has troops stationed.
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Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/ukraines-detention-of-oligarch-close-to-putin-angers-moscow/ | 2022-04-14T17:16:45 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/ukraines-detention-of-oligarch-close-to-putin-angers-moscow/ |
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Russia’s war on Ukraine threatens to devastate the economies of many developing countries that are now facing even higher food and energy costs and increasingly difficult financial conditions, a U.N. task force warned Wednesday.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres released the report saying that the war is “supercharging” a crisis in food, energy and finance in poorer countries that were already struggling to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and a lack of access to adequate funding for economic recovery.
“We are now facing a perfect storm that threatens to devastate the economies of many developing countries,” Guterres said at a news conference. “As many as 1.7 billion people — one-third of whom are already living in poverty — are now highly exposed to disruptions in food, energy and finance systems that are triggering increases in poverty and hunger.”
Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the U.N. agency promoting trade and development who coordinated the task force, said those people live in 107 countries that have “severe exposure” to at least one dimension of the crisis — rising food prices, increasing energy prices and tightening financial conditions.
In these countries, the report says, people struggle to afford healthy diets, imports are essential to meet food and energy needs, and “debt burdens and tightening resources limit government’s ability to cope with the vagaries of global financial conditions.”
The report says 69 of the countries, with a population of 1.2 billion people, face a “perfect storm” and are severely or significantly exposed to all three crises. They include 25 countries in Africa, 25 in Asia and the Pacific, and 19 in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, prices were already on the rise, “but the war has made a bad situation worse,” Guterres said.
Thirty-six countries rely on Russia and Ukraine for more than half their wheat imports, including some of the world’s poorest countries, he said, and wheat and corn prices have risen 30% just since the start of the year.
Russia is also the world’s top natural gas exporter and second-largest oil exporter, and Russia and neighboring Belarus export about 20% of the world’s fertilizers. Guterres said oil prices have increased more than 60% over the past year, natural gas prices have jumped 50% in recent months, and fertilizer prices have doubled.
The task force said the world is “on the brink of a global debt crisis.” Grynspan, who heads the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, pointed to Sri Lanka’s default on a debt payment Tuesday and said other countries are asking for help.
Guterres said the world can act to tackle the “three-dimensional crisis” and “cushion the blow.”
The task force calls on countries to ensure a steady flow of food and fertilizer through open markets, lift export restrictions, and direct surpluses and reserves to those in need. Guterres said this would help keep a lid on food prices and calm volatility in food markets.
On energy, the task force urges governments to refrain from hoarding, immediately release strategic petroleum stockpiles and additional reserves, and reduce the use of wheat for biofuels. Guterres urged countries to use the crisis as an opportunity to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
On finance, the task force issued “an urgent call for prompt and swift action from the international community” to help developing countries avoid another decade of lost economic development, “a generalized debt crisis, and social and political instability.”
The task force says international financial institutions should provide emergency concessional financing to countries experiencing social and economic distress.
It calls on the International Monetary Fund to increase limits for rapid financial assistance, suspend interest rate surcharges for two years, and explore the possibility of providing more liquidity “through special drawing rights or special measures targeted at the vulnerable and most affected countries.”
Guterres said the upcoming spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank on April 18-24 are “a crucial moment” for decisions on many of these issues. He said it is crucial that their members understand the need to use money that is available to alleviate the suffering of people around the world.
The U.N. chief said political will is key, and announced that he has asked six leaders — the presidents of Senegal and Indonesia and the prime ministers of Germany, Barbados, Denmark and Bangladesh — to mobilize political leaders to ensure that developing countries in crisis get the help they need. | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/un-says-ukraine-war-threatens-to-devastate-many-poor-nations/ | 2022-04-14T17:16:52 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/business/un-says-ukraine-war-threatens-to-devastate-many-poor-nations/ |
An Ohio man charged with storming the U.S. Capitol and stealing a coat rack testified Wednesday that he joined thousands of protesters in ransacking the building last year on what he thought were orders from the president, Donald Trump.
Dustin Byron Thompson, 38, of Columbus, Ohio, said he took to websites and the internet after being laid off from his exterminator job in March 2020 and in his pandemic doldrums fell under Trump’s sway as he bought into conspiracy theories and “went down the rabbit hole on the internet.”
On trial in U.S. District Court in Washington, Thompson testified that the claim that the election was stolen seemed credible to him because it was coming from the president. His defense team is the first to argue that Trump and those connected to him were responsible for the actions of the mob that day.
“It seems like everyone was attacking him (Trump). He needed someone to stand up for him, and I was trying to do that,” Thompson said.
Under questioning by the prosecution, Thompson acknowledged that he ignored signs he shouldn’t be at the Capitol — broken glass, alarms, chemical irritants in the air — and said he stole the coat rack to keep others from using it as a weapon. He also said he witnessed fierce fighting between police and rioters outside the building, and later ran away from officers. He said he realized weeks later that what he had done was wrong and now feels shame for his actions.
Thompson’s jury trial is the third among hundreds of Capitol riot prosecutions. The first two ended with jurors convicting both defendants on all counts. Thompson’s defense team is the first to argue that Trump and those connected to him were responsible for the actions of the mob that day.
“If the president is giving you almost an order to do something, I felt obligated to do that,” Thompson testified.
Thompson’s lawyer sought subpoenas to call Trump and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani as witnesses, but U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton rejected that request. Jurors on Wednesday began listening to recordings of speeches that Trump and Giuliani delivered at a rally before the riot. They were expected to finish listening to recordings Thursday morning and begin deliberations later in the day.
Thompson’s wife, Sarah Thompson, testified that she voted for Democrat Joe Biden, as well as Democratic presidential nominees Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. She said her husband’s views were more moderate then but shifted during the Trump years as he started encountering conspiracy theories. She said she did not share his views but helped arrange his travel to Washington for the “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House because he had a right to protest and she enjoyed having a quiet house.
Much of the prosecution’s case was built around testimony from several Capitol Police officers placing Thompson at the scene, wearing a bulletproof vest that he said he found, and carrying a coat rack he took from the Senate Parliamentarian’s Office.
More than 770 people have been charged with federal crimes arising from the Jan. 6, 2021, riot. Over 250 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors. Thompson is the fifth person to be tried on riot-related charges.
On Monday, a jury convicted a former Virginia police officer, Thomas Robertson, of storming the Capitol with another off-duty officer to obstruct Congress from certifying Biden’s 2020 electoral victory. Last month, a jury convicted a Texas man, Guy Reffitt, of storming the Capitol with a holstered handgun.
A judge hearing testimony without a jury decided cases against two other Capitol riot defendants at separate bench trials. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden acquitted one of them of all charges and partially acquitted the other.
Thompson is charged with six counts: obstructing Congress’ joint session to certify the Electoral College vote, theft of government property, entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.
A co-defendant, Robert Lyon, 27, pleaded guilty in March to theft of government property and disorderly conduct. Both counts are misdemeanors punishable by a maximum of one year imprisonment. Walton is scheduled to sentence Lyon on June 3. | https://www.wivb.com/news/capitol-riot-defendant-i-was-following-trumps-instructions/ | 2022-04-14T17:16:58 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/capitol-riot-defendant-i-was-following-trumps-instructions/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The criminal prosecution of a Hillary Clinton campaign lawyer charged with lying to the FBI during the Trump-Russia investigation can move forward, a judge ruled Wednesday in denying a defense bid to dismiss the case.
The ruling means Michael Sussmann, charged last year by special counsel John Durham, remains set for trial on May 16 in Washington’s federal court.
Sussmann ischarged with lying to the FBI during a September 2016meeting in which he relayed concerns from cybersecurity researchers about a potential secret back channel of communications between servers of the Trump Organization and Russia-based Alfa Bank. The FBI investigated the matter but ultimately found no such suspicious links.
Prosecutors allege that Sussmann misled the FBI’s then-general counsel by saying that he was not attending the meeting on behalf of a particular client when he was actually presenting the information on behalf of the Clinton campaign and a technology executive with whom he had worked.
In order to prosecute someone for a false statement, the Justice Department must prove that the statement was not only fictitious but also “material” — that is, capable of influencing a government agency’s decision-making or functions.
In this case, Durham’s team says that had the FBI known Sussmann was representing the interests of the Clinton campaign at the meeting, it would have done more to examine his motives and the reliability of his information as it considered whether to open an investigation based on the tip he provided.
Sussmann’s lawyers have argued that his ties to the Clinton campaign were already well-known to the FBI, and have rejected the idea that the full disclosure of that relationship could have meaningfully influenced the FBI’s decision to investigate or act on his tip.
U.S. District Judge Christopher “Casey” Cooper said in a six-page ruling Wednesday that the dispute was ultimately up to a jury to decide.
“The battle lines thus are drawn, but the Court cannot resolve this standoff prior to trial,” Cooper wrote.
Durham, a former U.S. attorney in Connecticut, was appointed in 2019 by then-Attorney General William Barr to look for government misconduct during the investigation into Russian election interference in 2016 and possible ties to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
Sussmann is one of three people charged so far. The other two are Kevin Clinesmith, a former FBI lawyer who pleaded guiltyto altering an emailand received probation, and Igor Danchenko, a Russian analyst and source of information for Christopher Steele, the former British intelligence operative who assembled a dossier of anti-Trump research. Danchenko was charged in Novemberwith lying to the FBI during a 2017 interview.
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Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP | https://www.wivb.com/news/case-against-clinton-lawyer-in-counsels-probe-can-proceed/ | 2022-04-14T17:17:05 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/case-against-clinton-lawyer-in-counsels-probe-can-proceed/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Joe Biden declares Russia’s Ukraine war“genocide,” it isn’t just another strong word.
Calling a campaign that’s aimed at wiping out a targeted group “genocide” not only increases pressure on a country to act, it can oblige it to. That’s partly because of a genocide treaty approved by the U.N. General Assembly after World War II, signed by the United States and more than 150 other nations.
The convention was the work of, among others, a Polish Jew whose family was murdered by Nazi Germany and its accomplices. The advocates pushed for something that would make the world not just condemn but actually prevent and ensure prosecution for future genocides.
In comments Tuesday,Biden accused Russian President Vladimir Putinof trying to “wipe out the idea of even being a Ukrainian.” Other world leaders have not gone as far. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said Russia’s behavior in Ukraine “doesn’t look far short of genocide,” but the U.K. has not officially used the term, saying only a court can make such a designation.
A look at what’s involved in that decision, and what it means when a world leader declares a genocide:
WHAT DOES ‘GENOCIDE’ MEAN?
It’s a surprisingly modern word for an ancient crime. A Jewish lawyer from Poland, Raphael Lemkin, coined it at the height of World War II and the Holocaust. Lemkin wanted a word to describe what Nazi Germany was then doing to Europe’s Jews, and what Turkey had done to Armenians in the 1910s: killing members of a targeted group of people, and ruthlessly working to eradicate their cultures.
Lemkin paired “geno,” a Greek word meaning race, and “cide,” a Latin word meaning kill. Lemkin dedicated his life to having genocide recognized and criminalized.
In 1948, after Adolf Hitler and his accomplices systematically murdered 6 million Jews in Europe, the U.N. General Assembly approved the Convention on the Prevention of the Crime of Genocide.
WHAT’S THE LEGAL DEFINITION?
Under the genocide convention, the crime is trying to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, in part or in whole.
That includes mass killings, but also actions including forced sterilization, abuse that inflicts serious harm or mental suffering, or wrenching children of a targeted group away to be raised by others.
IS RUSSIA COMMITTING GENOCIDE IN UKRAINE?
The case may hang in part on Putin’s own words.
Russian forces are widely accused of carrying out wholesale abuses of Ukraine’s civilians, including mass killings.
Those would be war crimes. But do they amount to genocide?
It’s all about intent, argues Bohdan Vitvitsky, a former U.S. federal prosecutor and former special adviser to Ukraine’s prosecutor general.
“Any attempt to determine whether the crimes committed by Russian troops in Ukraine are driven by genocidal intent must necessarily focus on the statements of Russian President Vladimir Putin,” Vitvisky wrote for the Atlantic Council think tank this week.
Putin long has denied any standing for Ukraine to exist as a separate nation, or Ukrainians as a separate people. He cites history, when Ukraine was part of the Russian empire, and later of the Soviet Union.
In a long essay last year, “On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians,” Putin made clear the depth of his determination on the matter. He called the modern border dividing Russia and Ukraine “our great common misfortune and tragedy.”
Putin and Russian state media falsely call Ukrainian leaders “Nazis” and “drug addicts.” Putin has called his military campaign in Ukraine one of de-Nazification.
Gissou Nia, a human-rights lawyer who worked on war crime trials at the Hague, points to two alleged acts by Russia in Ukraine as also possibly showing intent of genocide: Reports of deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia, and an account, from Ukraine’s government, of Russian soldiers telling 25 detained women and girls in Bucha that the Russians aimed to rape them to the point that they never bear any Ukrainian children.
WHY DOES IT MATTER IF WORLD LEADERS USE “GENOCIDE” TO DESCRIBE RUSSIA’S ACTIONS?
Embedded in the genocide convention is an obligation that the U.S. and other signers of the treaty have treated warily —if they acknowledge a genocide is occurring, they’re committed to ensuring investigation and prosecution, at the least.
People and countries committing genocide “shall be punished,” the treaty declares, seeking to crush any wiggle room.
U.S. leaders for decades dodged using the word “genocide” to avoid increasing the pressure on them to act as mass killings targeted classes of people or ethnic groups in Cambodia, Bosnia, Iraq, Rwanda and elsewhere.
Regretting his failure to do more to stop the killing of 800,000 ethnic Tutsis by Hutus in Rwanda in 1994, Bill Clinton in June 1999 became the first U.S. president to recognize an act of genocide as it was playing out, saying Serb forces carrying out a deadly campaign against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo were attempting genocide.
NATO intervened, lobbing 78 days of airstrikes that forced Serbian fighters’ withdrawal from Kosovo. An international tribunal charged Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic with war crimes, although Milosevic died before his trial concluded.
Starting in 2005, world also leaders embraced – in principle – responsibility for collective action to stop genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Atrocities and targeted campaigns against groups continue around the world, however, and the so-called responsibility to protect is seldom invoked.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE U.S. DOES DECLARE RUSSIAN ACTIONS TO BE GENOCIDE?
U.S. leaders long have feared that acknowledging genocide would require them to intervene, even to send in troops, with all the risks, costs and political backlash that would entail. It’s been a main reason leaders limit themselves to angry statements and humanitarian aid.
Biden is adamant the U.S. will not use its own military to confront Russian forces on behalf of Ukraine. Doing so would risk World War III, he says.
He and allies in Europe and elsewhere already are intervening by sanctioning Russia and by sending weapons and other support to Ukraine for its defense.
Biden and other Western leaders also have called for war crimes trials. The International Criminal Court already has started an investigation. But longstanding U.S. opposition to the International Criminal Court, over worries that U.S. troops could face prosecution there one day, complicates such prosecutions. So can Russia’s veto power on the U.N. Security Council. And practically speaking, bringing Putin before a court is a long shot.
In the past, Americans’ opposition to entanglement in foreign wars also has helped discourage U.S. leaders from doing more to stop possible acts of genocide.
But Russia’s invasion of a neighboring country and brutality against Ukraine’s people have angered Americans in a way that genocidal campaigns in Cambodia, Kurdish areas of Iraq and elsewhere did not.
A recent poll by the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 40% of people in America believe the U.S. should have a “major role” in ending Russia’s invasion. Just 13% think the U.S. shouldn’t be involved at all. | https://www.wivb.com/news/explainer-why-does-it-matter-if-us-calls-ukraine-genocide/ | 2022-04-14T17:17:12 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/explainer-why-does-it-matter-if-us-calls-ukraine-genocide/ |
PARIS (AP) — French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen warned Wednesday against sending any more weapons to Ukraine, and called for a rapprochement between NATO and Russia once Moscow’s war in Ukraine winds down.
Le Pen, an outspoken nationalist who has long ties to Russia, also confirmed that if she unseats President Emmanuel Macron in France’s April 24 presidential runoff, she will pull France out of NATO’s military command and dial back French support for the whole European Union.
Macron, a pro-EU centrist, is facing a harder-than-expected fight to stay in power, in part because the economic impact of the war is hitting poor households the hardest. France’s European partners are worried that a possible Le Pen presidency could undermine Western unityas the U.S. and Europe seek to support Ukraine and end Russia’s ruinous war on its neighbor.
Asked about military aid to Ukraine, Le Pen said she would continue defense and intelligence support.
“(But) I’m more reserved about direct arms deliveries. Why? Because … the line is thin between aid and becoming a co-belligerent,” the far-right leader said, citing concerns about an “escalation of this conflict that could bring a whole number of countries into a military commitment.”
Earlier Wednesday, French government spokesman Gabriel Attal said France had sent 100 million euros ($109 million) worth of weapons to Ukraine in recent weeks as part of a flow of Western arms.
Earlier in his term, Macron had tried to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin to improve Russia’s relations with the West, and Macron met with Putin weeks before the Russian invasion in an unsuccessful effort to prevent it. Since then, however, France has supported EU sanctions against Moscow and has offered sustained support to Ukraine.
Le Pen also said France should strike a more independent path from the U.S.-led NATO military alliance.
And despite the atrocities that Russian troops have committed in Ukraine, Le Pen said that NATO should seek a “strategic rapprochement” with Russia once the war is over. Such a relationship would be “in the interest of France and Europe and I think even of the United States,” she said, to stop Russia from forging a stronger alliance with world power China.
She did not directly address the horrors unfolding in Ukraine.
Le Pen was speaking at a press conference Wednesday to lay out her foreign policy plans, which include halting aid to African countries unless they take back “undesirable” migrants seeking entry to France. She also wants to slash support for international efforts to improve women’s reproductive health in poor countries, increase minority rights or solve environmental problems.
At the end of the event, protesters held up a poster showing a 2017 meeting between Le Pen and Putin. One activist was pulled out of the room. Anti-racism protesters also held a small demonstration outside.
“The election of Madame Le Pen would mean electing an admirer of Putin’s regime, an autocratic regime and an admirer of Putin’s imperialistic logic,” said Dominique Sopo, head of the group SOS Racism. “It would mean that France would become a vassal to Putin’s Russia.”
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Follow all AP stories related to France’s 2022 presidential election at https://apnews.com/hub/ french-election-2022.
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Follow all AP stories on Russia’s war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. | https://www.wivb.com/news/frances-le-pen-warns-against-sending-weapons-to-ukraine/ | 2022-04-14T17:17:20 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/frances-le-pen-warns-against-sending-weapons-to-ukraine/ |
LONDON (AP) — It’s a weekend warrior’s nightmare. You’re playing hoops in the driveway and go up for a lay-up. You land and hear a pop: you’ve torn your Achilles tendon. Do you have surgery or hope it heals with just a cast and rehab? New research says both options led to similar outcomes about a year later.
The Achilles tendon, which connects the muscles in the back of the calf to the heel bone, is the most commonly torn tendon in the body. Most tears are due to trauma or accident while playing sports; men are much more prone to the injury than women.
In the biggest-ever study investigating which treatment is best, scientists in Norway tracked 526 patients — mostly men with an average age of 39 — who ripped their Achilles tendon. They either had minimally invasive surgery, a standard surgery or non-surgical treatment, a brace to immobilize the affected foot and physical therapy. All patients got rehab therapy and were told to avoid risky activities for six months.
There were only slight differences in how everyone had recovered about a year later. There were more people who re-injured their Achilles tendon among those who didn’t have surgery — 6.2% versus 0.6% of those who had an operation. And there were more nerve injuries reported in those who had surgery. About 5% of those who had the minimally invasive surgery reported nerve injuries afterward, compared to 2.8% of those who had the standard surgery and 0.6% of those who skipped surgery. The study was published online Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.
“For the average person, who is not a high-performance athlete, there is no need to have surgery,” said Dr. Matthew Costa, a professor of orthopedic trauma surgery at the University of Oxford and not part of the study. Costas said the only benefit to an operation might be to avoid the chance of a repeat injury, but said the chances of that were similar to the risk of a standard complication from surgery, like a wound infection.
He also said surgery could be helpful in other cases, including for people who don’t realize they’ve torn the tendon until long after the injury. In those cases, the tendon may not have been able to heal properly.
Dr. William Levine, chair of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, said patients should talk through their options with their doctor to explore if surgery is appropriate.
“If you tear a tendon, there is a natural healing process in the body that occurs,” Levine explained. “But it may heal in a position that’s not ideal, and surgeons are able to fix it more precisely.”
Dr. Stale Myhrvold, the study’s lead author, said that for people to successfully skip surgery, patients need to have their affected foot in a brace early — within the first three days.
“Most acute Achilles tendon ruptures in adults can be treated non-operatively,” he said in an email. “Most of my patients choose non-operative treatments after receiving this information.”
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This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of the last name of an expert quoted in the story. It is Dr. Matthew Costa, not Costas.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://www.wivb.com/news/heal-thyself-most-who-tear-achilles-tendon-can-skip-surgery/ | 2022-04-14T17:17:27 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/heal-thyself-most-who-tear-achilles-tendon-can-skip-surgery/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly three dozen House Democrats are pushing the administration to get tougher with Saudi Arabia, calling it a bad strategic partner after it has refused to help ease the world’s oil supply crunch during Russia’s Ukraine invasion.
Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Virginia Democrat and senior member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat and chairman of the Committee on Rules, led lawmakers in a letter asking Secretary of State Antony Blinken for a “recalibration” of the U.S.-Saudi relationship.
The Saudi Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
President Joe Biden started out his presidency freezing out the kingdom’s crown prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, over Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen and abuses including the killing of American-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Tight oil supply and rising oil prices that are driving inflation have led the Biden administration to try to improve its relationship with Saudi rulers since then, however.
Blinken and other U.S. diplomats and military leaders have called on Saudi officials, dialed back public criticism of Saudi imprisonment of dissidents, and emphasized U.S. defensive support for the kingdom against cross-border missile attacks on Saudi oil sites and other targets by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
There are no signs the U.S. overtures have assuaged affronted Saudi rulers, and the kingdom has refused to make the drastic increases in oil pumping that the U.S. hopes for.
The House Democrats’ letter noted the kingdom’s ongoing harsh treatment of rights advocates and the 2018 killing of Khashoggi, which the U.S. intelligence community concluded Prince Mohammed ordered.
And currently, the Democrats wrote, Saudi Arabia is doing nothing to help the West as it tries to freeze out Russia for its war in Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil and gas producer, and the conflict has worsened an already tight global oil supply.
“Instead of accepting appeals from our government to produce more oil, an initial step that would immediately lower prices for Americans across the country,” Saudi rulers are reportedly talking with China about pricing part of its oil sales in the Chinese yuan, a move that could weaken the U.S. dollar, the Democrats wrote.
“Governments that have formed genuine, ironclad alliances with the United States, forged in shared values of democratic norms and respect for human rights, have answered the call to action in the wake of unprovoked invasion. Unfortunately, our long-standing relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has not produced a similar response,” Democrats wrote.
“Saudi Arabia’s inability to stand up for international law exemplifies the short- and long-term risks associated with maintaining uncritical U.S. support for the Saudi regime,” the letter added. It asked Blinken to rebalance U.S. dealings with Saudi Arabia accordingly.
The Saudi Embassy in Washington separately said Wednesday it would provide up to $10 million in support for Ukrainian refugees.
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Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. | https://www.wivb.com/news/house-democrats-ask-biden-to-get-tougher-with-saudi-arabia/ | 2022-04-14T17:17:33 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/house-democrats-ask-biden-to-get-tougher-with-saudi-arabia/ |
ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Donald Trump’s political action committee has given $500,000 to a group that is running attack ads in Georgia against Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.
The spending appears aimed at boosting former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, whom Trump has endorsed in the GOP gubernatorial primary, but the ad never mentions Perdue by name.
It’s the first major outlay from Trump’s Save America PAC, underlining Trump’s continuing obsession with beating Kemp. Trump views Kemp as disloyal for refusing to help overturn his defeat in the state’s 2020 presidential election.
The ad criticizes Kemp for not doing enough to combat voter fraud, citing discredited claims that a Georgia law enforcement agency examined and dismissed.
The Save America PAC entered the year with $120 million in cash. But until now, the former president has been reluctant to spend that money beyond small contributions to candidates and money spent on rallies he is now holding almost every week.
Federal campaign records show the donation went to a group called Get Georgia Right PAC in March, as first reported by Politico.
The ad began airing earlier this month, according to Kantar Media. The Associated Press also obtained a copy of a text message the group sent urging people to watch the ad.
The spending comes at a time that Perdue is trailing in the polls and is being outspent by Kemp. Perdue, who’s worth $50 million, has suggested he could kick in some of his own money.
“We’re going to make sure this thing is well funded,” Perdue told reporters in March. “We’re going to get our message out.”
Kemp remains dismissive of Trump, with spokesperson Cody Hall attacking Perdue about remarks the challenger made Tuesday criticizing Kemp’s stewardship of the state police.
“David Perdue is going to need a lot more than $500,000 to distract from his unhinged rant attacking the Georgia State Patrol,” Hall said.
A Perdue loss in Georgia in the state’s May 24 primary could be particularly embarrassing for Trump, who recruited Perdue to challenge Kemp and pressed another Republican — Vernon Jones — to exit the governor’s race and run for Congress instead. Trump has also endorsed an extensive slate of other Republicans in Georgia running for statewide and congressional offices.
Trump called Kemp a “turncoat,” a “coward” and “a complete and total disaster” at a rally in Commerce, Georgia, last month. But the former president was noncommittal in an April 6 interview with conservative radio host John Fredericks about whether he would do an additional rally for Perdue. He told Fredericks that it’s “not easy to beat a sitting governor, just remember that,” adding that “it’s a close race and we’ll see what happens.”
Perdue has parroted Trump’s lies in his own attacks against Kemp, declaring at the Commerce rally that “our elections in 2020 were absolutely stolen.”
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Associated Press writer Jill Colvin contributed to this report from New York. | https://www.wivb.com/news/trump-pac-gives-500000-to-attack-georgias-brian-kemp/ | 2022-04-14T17:17:40 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/trump-pac-gives-500000-to-attack-georgias-brian-kemp/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — The shooting this week of 10 people by a man who deployed smoke grenades and fired at least 33 shots in a commuter-packed Brooklyn subway car was hardly the first time New Yorkers have grappled with an act of violence.
Over the past 40 years, New York has endured multiple subway and train shootings, bombing attempts, a vehicular attack on pedestrians and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack.
The suspect in the latest assault was taken into custody Wednesday, about 30 hours after the shooting. The attack left five victims in critical condition and put residents of the nation’s most populous city on edge
A look at some of the attacks in the city over the past four decades:
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1984 SUBWAY SHOOTING
Thirty-eight years ago, a man shot four Black teenson the 2 train in Manhattan at a time of widespread crime in the city, sparking a nationwide debate on racism, gun control, and safety.
Bernhard Goetz said he shot the teens because they were attempting to rob him. The teens had sharpened screwdrivers and asked Goetz for $5. Goetz was charged with attempting to murder the four teens with an unlicensed firearm.
In 1987, Goetz was cleared of the attempted murder charge and spent less than a year in jail for a weapons conviction.
Darrell Cabey, one of the young men shot on the subway, was left paralyzed and suffered brain damage after the shooting. Several years later, he was awarded $43 million in a lawsuit against Goetz. The other three victims recovered from their wounds.
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LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD SHOOTING
In 1993, a man opened fire on the Long Island Rail Road, killing six people and injuring 19 others.
Passengers charged at shooter Colin Ferguson and held him down as the train pulled into a station.
Ferguson refused an insanity plea and represented himself at his 1995 trial. Under cross-examination, witnesses answered Ferguson’s questions by implicating him, telling Ferguson, “I saw you shoot me.”
Ferguson was convicted on six murder charges and 19 attempted murder charges. He was acquitted of 25 counts of civil rights violations on charges that accused Ferguson, who was Black, of targeting the victims based on their race. The people killed and injured were of multiple races.
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CHELSEA BOMBING
In 2016, a pressure cooker device connected to a cellphone exploded in a Manhattan neighborhood, injuring 30 people. The Chelsea bombing triggered a two-day manhunt that came to a head in a shootout in New Jersey. Theconvicted bomber,Ahmad Khan Rahimi, is now serving a life sentence.
Former Mayor Bill de Blasio said the attack was “an intentional act” and initially called it terrorist-related. During Rahimi’s trial, prosecutors said he attempted to radicalize prisoners after his arrest with terrorist propaganda from speeches and lectures by al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden and Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S.-born cleric who inspired attacks on America and was killed in a U.S. airstrike in September 2011.
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TIMES SQUARE SUBWAY BOMBING
In 2017, a man used Christmas lights, matches and a nine-volt battery toignite a pipe bomb under a Times Square subway station. But the bomb, which was strapped to the bomber’s chest, failed to launch. It injured three people and severely burned the bomber.
Akayed Ullah was sentenced to life in prison. Ullah said he was not motivated by religious extremism, but by anger sparked by former President Donald Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric. Authorities said Ullah was radicalized online by Islamic State group extremists.
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BIKE PATH KILLINGS
In 2017, a New Jersey man allegedly drove a truck on Halloween down a bicycle path along the Hudson River in Manhattan, killing eight people and injuring numerous others.
The truck driver, Sayfullo Saipov, was shot and wounded by police after he reportedly smashed into a school bus and then ran down the highway with a paintball gun while shouting “Allahu akbar.”
He was charged with terrorism and the murder of eight civilians.
Saipov is currently in jail awaiting trial, which has been delayed since 2019.
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FAKE BOMBS IN FULTON STREET STATION
In 2019, a West Virginia man allegedly traveled to the cityto plant two pressure-cooker type devices in lower Manhattan’s Fulton Street subway station, triggering an evacuation in one of the city’s busiest stations and affecting thousands of commuters.
New York City police opened another investigation after a third device was found in the nearby Chelsea neighborhood.
Larry Kenton Griffin was arrested and charged with placing a false bomb. | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/a-look-at-acts-of-public-violence-in-nyc-over-past-40-years/ | 2022-04-14T17:17:47 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/a-look-at-acts-of-public-violence-in-nyc-over-past-40-years/ |
GREENWOOD, Miss. (AP) — A former Franciscan friar was convicted Wednesday of sexually abusing a grade school student during the 1990s at a Mississippi Catholic school.
A Leflore County jury deliberated less than an hour before finding Paul West, 62, guilty of one count of sexual battery and one count of gratification of lust, the Greenwood Commonwealth reported.
West was accused of sexually abusing La Jarvis Love, now 39. Circuit Judge Ashley Hines sentenced West to 30 years on the first count and 15 years on the second count, to be served consecutively.
Love began crying when the verdict was read.
“I want to thank the state. I want to thank everybody that represented us,” Love said. “I just want to thank God, the provider, the creator. He restored my faith today. I really appreciate him, and I believe again.”
Gaunt and relying on a walker, West made no comment when escorted by deputies from the Leflore County Civic Center, where the two-day trial was held.
As first reported by The Associated Press in 2019, La Jarvis Love and his cousin, Joshua Love, now 38, had accused West of numerous instances of sexual abuse while they were students at St. Francis of Assisi School in Greenwood.
Both Loves testified Tuesday of repeated abuse by West beginning when they were in the fourth grade. They testified the abuse occurred both at the school and on trips to New York and to Wisconsin, where the Franciscan Friars of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary are based. West was a member of the religious order.
West was also charged with two counts of abusing Joshua Love. It was not immediately clear why the jury did not act on those charges.
A third man, Joshua Love’s younger brother, Raphael Love, also alleged that West sexually abused him. He reported the abuse to church authorities in 1998, after which West returned to Wisconsin and left the order.
Mark Belenchia, volunteer state coordinator for Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said church officials should have taken more decisive action after learning of Rafael Love’s allegations.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Belenchia said. “This should have happened 20 years ago.”
West has been held in Mississippi’s Leflore County Jail since September 2020, when he was extradited from his home state of Wisconsin to face two counts of sexual battery and two counts of gratification of lust. He pleaded not guilty.
La Jarvis Love now lives in Senatobia, Mississippi, with his wife and four children. He identified West in the courtroom as his abuser and said this was the first time he had seen him in person in more than 20 years.
La Jarvis Love testified that he was in third grade when he first encountered West, who was his physical education teacher. West later became principal of the school, Love said, and received permission from Love’s grandmother to use corporal punishment, such as paddling.
La Jarvis Love said the sexual abuse began when he was in fourth grade, with touching, groping, and what he called “extra friendly” physical activity. The abuse lasted until eighth grade, he said. He also said West began calling him to his office, showing him pornography on West’s computer, and fondling him. La Jarvis Love testified that the abuse included oral sex and anal penetration.
La Jarvis Love said his grandmother allowed him to work various jobs at the school, which he said gave West more opportunities to abuse him. He said the only person he told about the abuse was his grandmother, who confronted West but was told nothing out of the ordinary was happening.
He said the abuse has left him with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
When asked by West’s attorney, Wallie Stuckey, why he didn’t tell anyone, La Jarvis Love said he feared West.
“When you’re being groomed, you think everything is OK,” La Jarvis Love said.
Joshua Love, who lives in Greenwood, testified that West set himself up as a mentor and began abusing him when he was in fourth grade. He also said that his grandmother granted West permission to paddle him and said this began in 1996.
Joshua Love said the first instance of abuse he could remember happened in the school cafeteria, where West was going to paddle him for misbehaving. He said West excused the cafeteria workers before taking him to a back room to fondle him.
Joshua Love said the abuse included oral sex, anal penetration and showing him pornography. He also said West attempted to have him and La Jarvis Love perform sex acts on each other during a trip to New York.
Both cousins testified they never spoke to each other about the abuse at the time.
Joshua Love alleged that West threatened to kill him if he told anyone about the abuse. He said he did not know La Jarvis Love had been abused until he told church officials about five years ago.
After Joshua’s testimony, the prosecution rested its case. The defense declined to call witnesses, and West declined to testify. | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/former-franciscan-friar-convicted-of-1990s-child-sex-abuse/ | 2022-04-14T17:17:54 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/former-franciscan-friar-convicted-of-1990s-child-sex-abuse/ |
VICTORVILLE, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California shoe store owner opened fire at two shoplifters, police said, but mistakenly shot a 9-year-old girl about to get her picture with a mall Easter bunny. The store owner fled the state and was arrested in Nevada, authorities said Wednesday.
Marqel Cockrell, 20, was chasing the shoplifters out of the store Tuesday evening at the Mall of Victor Valley in the small city of Victorville when he “fired multiple shots at the shoplifters,” Victorville police said in a statement.
“Cockrell’s shots missed the shoplifters and instead hit the 9-year-old female victim,” the statement said.
The girl, identified by family members as Ava Chruniak, had been getting ready for pictures with the Easter bunny in the mall when the shots were fired, said her grandmother, Robin Moraga-Saldarelli. The girl was left with three gunshot wounds, including two in her arm, Moraga-Saldarelli said.
One bullet fractured a bone.
“And it’s the kind of fracture they can’t surgically fix. She’s going to have to wear a special brace for it, and it’s going to take a lot longer to heal,” she told Fox 11 TV in Los Angeles.
“It’ll be awhile before the bone heals and then we will see the extent of the nerve damage, but she’s a trooper. She really is a tough little kid,” Moraga-Saldarelli told KNBC-TV.
Deputies responding to the reports of gunfire found Ava wounded at about 6:30 p.m., the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said.
She was airlifted to a hospital in stable condition, officials said. The mall’s stores were locked down and customers sheltered inside as deputies searched for the shooter.
Cockrell, a co-owner of the shoe store Sole Addicts, was arrested in his car at about 9 p.m. in Clark County by the Nevada Highway Patrol, Victorville police said.
He was being held Wednesday for lack of $1 million bail at the Clark County Detention Center “on an extraditable warrant, for attempted murder,” Victorville police said. An extradition hearing was scheduled for Thursday and jail and court records did not indicate whether Cockrell had an attorney representing him who could comment on his behalf.
“I’m glad they caught him and he will definitely pay for this. I really hope they throw the book at him,” Moraga-Saldarelli told KNBC-TV.
The mall was closed Tuesday after the shooting and reopened on Wednesday. | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/police-girl-shot-as-california-shop-owner-fires-at-thieves/ | 2022-04-14T17:18:01 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/police-girl-shot-as-california-shop-owner-fires-at-thieves/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — Frank James posted dozens of videos ranting about race, violence and his struggles with mental illness. One stands out for its relative calm: A silent shot of a packed New York City subway car in which he raises his finger to point out passengers, one by one.
Even as police arrested James on Wednesday in the Brooklyn subway shooting that wounded 10 people, they were still searching for a motive from a flood of details about the 62-year-old Black man’s life.
An erratic work history. Arrests for a string of mostly low-level crimes. A storage locker with more ammo. And hours of rambling, bigoted, profanity-laced videos on his YouTube channel that point to a deep, simmering anger.
“This nation was born in violence, it’s kept alive by violence or the threat thereof, and it’s going to die a violent death,” says James in a video where he takes on the moniker “Prophet of Doom.”
After a 30-hour manhunt, James was arrested without incident after a tipster — thought by police to be James himself — said he could be found near a McDonald’s on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Mayor Eric Adams triumphantly proclaimed “We got him!” Police said their top priority was getting the suspect, now charged with a federal terrorism offense, off the streets as they investigate their biggest unanswered question: Why?
A prime trove of evidence, they said, is his YouTube videos. He seems to have opinions about nearly everything — racism in America, New York City’s new mayor, the state of mental health services, 9/11, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Black women.
A federal criminal complaint cited one in which James ranted about too many homeless people on the subway and put the blame on New York City’s mayor.
“What are you doing, brother?” he said in the video posted March 27. “Every car I went to was loaded with homeless people. It was so bad, I couldn’t even stand.”
James then railed about the treatment of Black people in an April 6 video cited in the complaint, saying, “And so the message to me is: I should have gotten a gun, and just started shooting.”
In a video posted a day before the attack, James criticizes crime against Black people and says things would only change if certain people were “stomped, kicked and tortured” out of their “comfort zone.”
Surveillance cameras spotted James entering the subway system turnstiles Tuesday morning, dressed as a maintenance or construction worker in a yellow hard hat and orange working jacket with reflective tape.
Police say fellow riders heard him say only “oops” as he set off one smoke grenade in a crowded subway car as it rolled into a station. He then set off a second smoke grenade and started firing, police said. In the smoke and chaos that ensued, police say James made his getaway by slipping into a R-train going the opposite direction and exited after the first stop.
Left behind at the scene was the gun, extended magazines, a hatchet, detonated and undetonated smoke grenades, a black garbage can, a rolling cart, gasoline and the key to a U-Haul van, police said.
That key led investigators to James, and clues to a life of setbacks and anger as he bounced among factory and maintenance jobs, got fired at least twice, moved among Milwaukee, Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York.
Investigators said James had 12 prior arrests in New York and New Jersey from 1990 to 2007, including for possession of burglary tools, criminal sex act, trespassing, larceny and disorderly conduct.
James had no felony convictions and was not prohibited from purchasing or owning a firearm. Police said the gun used in the attack was legally purchased at an Ohio pawn shop in 2011. A search of James’ Philadelphia storage unit and apartment turned up at least two types of ammunition, including the kind used with an AR-15 assault-style rifle, a taser and a blue smoke cannister.
Police said James was born and raised in New York City. In his videos, he said he finished a machine shop course in 1983 then worked as a gear machinist at Curtiss-Wright, an aerospace manufacturer in New Jersey, until 1991 when he was he was hit by a one-two punch of bad news: He was fired from his job and, soon after, his father whom he had lived with in New Jersey died.
Records show James filed a complaint against the aerospace company in federal court soon after he lost his job alleging racial discrimination, but it was dismissed a year later by a judge. He says in one video, without offering specifics, that he “couldn’t get any justice for what I went through.”
A spokesperson for Curtiss-Wright didn’t immediately respond to a call seeking comment.
James describes going in and out of several mental health facilities, including two in the Bronx borough of New York City in the 1970s.
“Mr. Mayor, let me say to you I’m a victim of your mental health program in New York City,” James says in a video earlier this year, adding he is “full of hate, full anger and bitterness.”
James says he later was a patient at Bridgeway House, a mental health facility in New Jersey, although that could not be immediately confirmed. Messages left with the facility were not returned.
“My goal at Bridgeway in 1997 was to get off Social Security and go back to f—— work,” he says in a video, adding that he enrolled in a college and took a course in computer-aided design and manufacturing.
James says he eventually got a job at telecommunications giant Lucent Technologies in Parsippany, New Jersey, but says he ended up getting fired and returned to Bridgeway House, this time not as a patient but as an employee on the maintenance staff. A message seeking comment was sent to Lucent Technologies.
“I just want to work. I want to be a person that’s productive,” he said.
Touches of that earnest, struggling man showed up after James’ parked car was hit in Milwaukee. Eugene Yarbrough, pastor of Mt. Zion Wings of Glory Church of God in Christ next door to James’ apartment, said James was impressed that the pastor owned up to hitting the car. Neither James nor anyone else was there to see the accident. And James called him up to say so.
“I just couldn’t believe it would be him,” Yarbrough said. “But who knows what people will do?”
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AP reporters Michael Balsamo in Washington, Deepti Hajela in New York, Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia, Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin and Carrie Antlfinger in Milwaukee contributed to this report.
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On Twitter follow Bernard Condon at twitter.com/bernardfcondon, Michael Sisak at twitter.com/mikesisak and Michael Kunzelman at twitter.com/Kunzelman75 and send confidential news tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/. | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/prophet-of-doom-subway-suspect-left-ranting-video-clues/ | 2022-04-14T17:18:08 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/prophet-of-doom-subway-suspect-left-ranting-video-clues/ |
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A Black man face-down on the ground was fatally shot in the back of the head by a Michigan police officer, the violent climax of a traffic stop, brief foot chase and struggle over a stun gun, according to videos of the April 4 incident released Wednesday.
Patrick Lyoya, 26, was killed outside a house in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The white officer repeatedly ordered Lyoya to “let go” of his Taser, at one point demanding: “Drop the Taser!”
Citing a need for transparency, the city’s new police chief, Eric Winstrom, released four videos, including critical footage of the shooting recorded by a passenger in Lyoya’s car on that rainy morning.
“I view it as a tragedy. … It was a progression of sadness for me,” said Winstrom, a former high-ranking Chicago police commander who became Grand Rapids chief in March. The city of about 200,000 people is about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Detroit.
Video shows Lyoya running from the officer who stopped him for driving with a license plate that didn’t belong to the vehicle. They struggled in front of several homes while Lyoya’s passenger got out and watched.
Winstrom said the fight over the Taser lasted about 90 seconds. In the final moments, the officer was on top of Lyoya, kneeling on his back at times to subdue him.
“From my view of the video, Taser was deployed twice. Taser did not make contact,” Winstrom told reporters. “And Mr. Lyoya was shot in the head. However, that’s the only information that I have.”
State police are investigating the shooting. Kent County’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Stephen Cohle, said he completed the autopsy but toxicology tests haven’t been finished.
The traffic stop was tense from the start. Video shows Lyoya, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, getting out of the car before the officer approached. He ordered Lyoya to get back in the vehicle but the man declined.
The officer asked him if he spoke English and demanded his driver’s license. The foot chase began soon after, video shows.
Winstrom didn’t identify the officer, a seven-year veteran who is on paid leave during the investigation.
“Me being from Chicago for the last 20 years, I’ve handled many police shootings myself, so I do have a lot of experience in this,” the chief said. “I was hoping to never have to utilize that experience here.”
Video was collected from Lyoya’s passenger, the officer’s body-worn camera, the officer’s patrol car and a doorbell camera. Prosecutor Chris Becker, who will decide whether any charges are warranted, objected to the release but said Winstrom could act on his own.
Becker said the public shouldn’t expect a quick decision.
“While the videos released today are an important piece of evidence, they are not all of the evidence,” he said.
City Manager Mark Washington warned that the videos would lead to “expressions of shock, of anger and of pain.” Some downtown businesses boarded up their storefronts, and concrete barricades surrounded police headquarters.
Lyoya had two young daughters and five siblings, said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who spoke to his family.
“He arrived in the United States as a refugee with his family fleeing violence. He had his whole life ahead of him,” Whitmer, a Democrat, said.
Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, speaking on behalf Lyoya’s family, on Wednesday called for the officer in the shooting to be fired and prosecuted.
“The video clearly shows that this was an unnecessary, excessive, and fatal use of force against an unarmed Black man who was confused by the encounter and terrified for his life,” Crump said in a release.
Crump and Lyoya’s family are expected to hold a news conference Thursday afternoon.
More than 100 people marched to Grand Rapids City Hallbefore a City Commission meeting Tuesday night, chanting “Black lives matter” and “No justice, no peace.”
On Wednesday, several hundred protesters gathered outside the Grand Rapids Police Department following the release of the videos with some cursing and shouting from behind barricades. The group demanded that officials make public the name of the officer in the shooting.
Some businesses cut their hours short Wednesday, closing early. Some boarded up windows. But the demonstration remained non-violent with protesters demanding justice for Lyoya and other Black lives lost in shootings involving police.
Winstrom last week said he met Lyoya’s father, Peter Lyoya, and that they both cried.
“I get it as a father. … It’s just heart-wrenching,” the chief told WOOD-TV.
As in many U.S. cities, Grand Rapids police have been occasionally criticized over the use of force, particularly against Black people, who make up 18% of the population.
In November, the Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments in a lawsuit over the practice of photographing and fingerprinting people who were never charged with a crime. Grand Rapids said the policy changed in 2015.
A downtown street has been designated Breonna Taylor Way, named for the Black woman and Grand Rapids native who was killed by police in Louisville, Kentucky, during a botched drug raid in 2020.
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White reported from Detroit. AP reporters Corey Williams in West Bloomfield, Michigan; David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan; and John Flesher in Traverse City, Michigan, contributed to this story. | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/video-michigan-cop-on-black-mans-back-fatally-shot-him/ | 2022-04-14T17:18:16 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/video-michigan-cop-on-black-mans-back-fatally-shot-him/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — There’s no such thing as a purely personal opinion from the Oval Office on policies that matter. Armchair quarterbacking when you’re the president is fraught when you’re the one with the ball.
Armies can move on your words; markets can convulse; diplomacy can unravel.
That has not stopped President Joe Biden from viscerally weighing in onthe Ukraine war— labeling Russia’s Vladimir Putin a war criminal, appearing to advocate an overthrow in Moscow, branding Russian war actions as genocide — then saying it’s all his personal, not presidential, opinion.
It’s sowing confusion in dangerous times.
America is no mere bystander in this conflict. The U.S. is Ukraine’s chief supplier of arms from the West, a key source of military intelligence for Kyiv and a driving force behind global sanctions against Russia. It has generations of experience in how to talk to and about its historic nuclear rival.
But on consequential superpower subjects, Biden these days is “speaking from his heart,” his aides have said repeatedly. Not unlike his predecessor, he is reacting at times to what he sees on TV. He’s not always to be taken literally, it is argued.
A declaration of genocide is history’s harshest judgment against a country, one that can bind the signers of a United Nations treaty to intervene. Concern about that obligation dissuaded the U.S. from recognizing the Rwandan Hutus’ killing of 800,000 ethnic Tutsis in 1994 as genocide. It took more than a century for a U.S. president, Biden last year, to recognize the Armenian genocide.
But in remarks in Iowa on Tuesday, Biden equated Russia’s mass killings of Ukrainian civilians to genocide and stuck with that position on his way back to Washington: “Yes, I called it genocide,” he affirmed. Lawyers will decide if Russia’s conduct met the international standard, the president added, but “it sure seems that way to me.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Biden’s remarks. “True words of a true leader,” he tweeted. “Calling things by their names is essential to stand up to evil.”
But as the war unfolds in Europe, French President Emmanuel Macron warned, “I’m not sure if the escalation of words serves our cause.”
“I am prudent with terms today,” Macron said. “Genocide has a meaning. … It’s madness what’s happening today. It’s unbelievable brutality and a return to war in Europe. But at the same time I look at the facts, and I want to continue to try the utmost to be able to stop the war and restore peace.”
At the White House last month, Biden said of Putin, “I think he is a war criminal,” in response to a shouted question as he walked out of an unrelated bill-signing reception. He said the same again when visiting U.S. troops in Poland.
The White House hastened to say that did not necessarily signal U.S. policy.
“He was speaking from his heart and speaking from what he’s seen on television, which is barbaric actions by a brutal dictator, through his invasion of a foreign country,” said press secretary Jen Psaki.
Psaki on Wednesday dismissed the notion that anyone was confused by the idea of Biden’s personal comments not reflecting federal policy. She said Biden ran for office promising “he would shoot from the shoulder, is his phrase that he often uses, and tell it to them straight. And his comments yesterday, not once but twice, and on war crimes are an exact reflection of that.”
As well, after meeting Ukrainian children torn from their families in the war, Biden sent his staff scrambling to explain his apparent endorsement of Moscow regime change when he said of Putin: “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power.”
Again, not U.S. policy.
“I was expressing the moral outrage that I felt toward this man,” Biden said days later. “I wasn’t articulating a policy change.”
It was Donald Trump who jettisoned the idea of a scripted presidency every way he could, with his multitude of tweets leading the way. Some reflected policy. Some just mirrored what was in his head at the moment.
“We made a dramatic transition during the Trump presidency” in coming to realize that a president may not be speaking for the government or the country at times, but only for himself, said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. She credits the Biden White House with being quick to set the record straight when that happens.
In Jamieson’s academic world of political rhetoric, some public figures like Barack Obama are considered self-monitors — they hear what they are saying as they say it and catch themselves in progress when they go adrift. Biden, she says, lacks this filter.
“Obama was a high self monitor,” she said. “Biden is not. The distance between thought and expression for Biden is not very wide.”
Along with longtime foreign-policy credentials and a deep knowledge of how government works, Biden has a history of loose lips and letting his emoting get the better of him.
That caused occasional friction when he was Obama’s vice president, as when Biden endorsed same-sex marriage rights in a 2012 TV interview before his boss was quite ready to do so. Biden “probably got out a little bit over his skis, but out of generosity of spirit,” Obama said at the time, adding that he would have “preferred to have done this in my own way, on my own terms.”
White House aides say Biden’s pronouncements reflect that he’s never been one to hold his tongue through his five decades in Washington, even when it gets him into trouble.
They see Biden’s declarations, separate from his government’s policies, as reactions not just to the horrifying scenes in Ukraine, but also to political pressure at home to say and do more in response to Russia’s invasion.
To David Axelrod, former adviser to the ever-cautious Obama, Biden’s remark that Putin “cannot remain in power” illustrated the Washington adage that “everyone’s strength is their weakness.”
Biden’s strength is his empathy and authenticity, Axelrod said on his recent podcast, and that can also be a weakness when a president says the wrong thing in a time of crisis.
The risk from off-the-cuff remarks is hardly new with Biden. In 2016, Axelrod foresaw a similar concern from Trump’s capacity for highly contentious comments.
“You can’t, when you’re president of the United States, just shoot first and think about it later in terms of what you say,” he said then, “because people can actually start shooting based on what you say.” | https://www.wivb.com/news/when-biden-speaking-from-his-heart-doesnt-speak-for-us/ | 2022-04-14T17:18:22 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/when-biden-speaking-from-his-heart-doesnt-speak-for-us/ |
Firefighters scouted the drought-stricken mountainsides around a New Mexico village on Wednesday as they looked for opportunities to slow a wind-driven wildfire that a day earlier had burned at least 150 homes and other structures while displacing thousands of residents and forcing the evacuation of two schools.
Homes were among the structures that had burned, but officials did not have a count of how many were destroyed in the blaze that torched at least 6.4 square miles (16.6 square kilometers) of forest, brush and grass on the east side of the community of Ruidoso, said Laura Rabon, spokesperson for the Lincoln National Forest.
Rabon announced emergency evacuations of a more densely populated area during a briefing Wednesday afternoon as the fire jumped a road where crews were trying to hold the line. She told people to get in their cars and go.
So far, no deaths or injuries were reported from the fire, which has been fanned by strong winds.
The winds prevented forced a suspension of the aerial attack on the flames and kept authorities from getting a better estimate of how large the fire has grown. But some planes returned to the air as winds subsided late in the day, and seven airtankers and two helicopters have now been assigned to the fire, Forest Service officials said Wednesday evening.
While the cause of the blaze was under investigation, fire officials and forecasters warned Wednesday that persistent dry and windy conditions had prompted red flag warnings for a wide swath that included almost all of New Mexico, half of Texas and parts of Colorado and the Midwest.
Five new large fires were reported Tuesday, and nearly 1,600 wildland firefighters and support personnel were assigned to large fires in the southwestern, southern and Rocky Mountain areas, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Hotter and drier weather weather coupled with decades of fire suppression have contributed to an increase in the number of acres burned by wildfires, fire scientists say. And the problem is exacerbated by a more than 20-year Western megadrought that studies link to human-caused climate change. The fire season has become year-round given changing conditions that include earlier snowmelt and rain coming later in the fall.
In Ruidoso, officials declared a state of emergency and said school classes were canceled Wednesday as the village — about 140 miles (225 kilometers) northeast of El Paso, Texas — coped with power outages due to down power lines.
The residences that burned were mostly a mix of trailers and single-family homes, and close to 4,000 people were displaced by evacuations that were ordered Tuesday. That number was expected to grow with the latest call for residents to leave.
Village spokeswoman Kerry Gladden said authorities spent part of Wednesday surveying as much damage as possible before the winds kicked up again. Air tankers also were able to drop a few loads of slurry, and more air support was expected Thursday.
“Right now, everybody is just rallying around those who had to be evacuated,” Gladden said. “We’re just trying to reach out to make sure everyone has places to stay.”
Donations were pouring in from other communities in southern New Mexico. State officials said emergency grants have been approved that will provide resources to firefighters and for other emergency efforts.
Ruidoso in 2012 was hit by one of the most destructive wildfires in New Mexico history, when a lightning-sparked blaze destroyed more than 240 homes and burned nearly 70 square miles (181 square kilometers).
Rabon said Wednesday that no precipitation was in the forecast and humidity levels remained in the single digits, which would make stopping the flames more difficult.
“Those extremely dry conditions are not in our favor,” she said.
Another wildfire in the Lincoln National Forest northwest of Ruidoso burned at least 400 acres (1.6 square kilometers) after it was sparked Tuesday by power lines downed by high winds. Crews confirmed Wednesday that 10 structures there were lost.
Elsewhere in New Mexico, wildfires were burning along the Rio Grande south of Albuquerque, in mountains northwest of the community of Las Vegas and in grasslands along the Pecos River near the town of Roswell.
In Colorado, crews were battling wind-whipped grass fires that had destroyed two homes and forced temporary evacuations.
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Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Davenport from Phoenix. | https://www.wivb.com/news/wind-whips-destructive-wildfires-in-new-mexico-colorado/ | 2022-04-14T17:18:29 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/wind-whips-destructive-wildfires-in-new-mexico-colorado/ |
CIUDAD DE GOSEN, Peru (AP) — Every day for more than two years, Cindy Cueto has woken up in the house she shares with her three children atop a desert hill in Peru’s capital, and wondered: “What are we going to eat?”
The 39-year-old bands together with her neighbors in impoverished Ciudad de Gosen each day to cook up a “common pot” of food, a survival strategy that surfaced in Lima’s sprawling shantytowns with the coronavirus pandemic. It has since expanded to ameliorate the impacts of the rising prices of food, fuel and fertilizer due to global inflation, the war in Ukraine and a government ineffective in keeping its promise to help the most vulnerable.
The common pot, comparable to a small-scale soup kitchen, provides them one meal a day. Cueto and her neighbors try to track down the cheapest food in the markets, buying cow bones, chicken offal, rice and potatoes. They keep their eyes open for any charity from more fortunate Peruvians.
“We don’t buy meat. It’s very expensive, we only have enough for bones to make soup,” Cueto, whose husband works as a security guard, said as she counted her coins. “The money goes like this,” she said, snapping her fingers.
On Monday — like 15 other days since January — the common pot was empty because they failed to raise any money. A day later, after collecting the equivalent of $16, they bought two kilos (4 1/2 pounds) of chicken bones, five kilos of potatoes and the same amount of rice to feed 70 people, especially children and the elderly.
The inflation sweeping the world has hit Peru’s 33 million inhabitants hard, especially the 10 million poor people who live on $3 a day. Monthly inflation in March reached 1.48%, the highest in a quarter of a century. Soaring prices for food and fuel, combined with the inefficiency of President Pedro Castillo’s government, have unleashed violent protests that have caused five deaths and led to calls for Castillo and Peru’s legislators to resign.
According to government data from February, there are at least 3,400 common pots in Peru, 70% of them in Lima. Most are in shantytowns like Ciudad de Gosen, where there is no running water, electricity is scarce and residents have built their own houses and roads in the dusty earth of the desert hills surrounding Lima. Neglected by the government, they now have had to organize their own food supply.
Ciudad de Gosen residents say the price of cooking gas has tripled since the start of the pandemic. Cueto and her neighbors feed the fire under their common pot with wood scraps they are given twice a month as charity from a carpenter’s shop.
Trinidad Espinoza, a local cooking gas vendor, said even she uses firewood.
“I can’t even afford a canister myself,” she said.
The response by Peru’s government to rising hunger and spreading unrest has been ineffective, this despite coming to office on promises to prioritize the poor.
Castillo, a rural teacher before winning election, has changed his Cabinet four times during just nine months in office and been criticized for appointing inexperienced allies and neophytes to key ministries. Peru’s unicameral congress has twice tried to remove him from office.
Surveys by Peru’s major polling companies show about three quarters of Peruvians disapproving of his performance as president, and 79% disapproving of congress.
“They don’t care about people, they fight all the time for their interests,” said Enedina Avilés, 66, who lives alone a few steps from the common pot.
To control the social unrest, protests and road blockades that have hit the Andean country in recent weeks, the government has prohibited protests on major highways for 30 days. It has also lifted a fuel tax, but people complain that prices remain high.
On April 5, authorities briefly ordered Lima’s 10 million residents to stay in their homes and shut down public transport in a lockdown reminiscent of the coronavirus pandemic. A Lima lawmaker angered many when he justified the 22-hour lockdown by calling those living in the impoverished hills surrounding Lima “looters.”
Cueto’s husband, Walter Ríos, works far away from Ciudad de Gosen in a wealthy Lima neighborhood. Without public transportation on April 5, he had to make the 36-kilometer (22-mile) round trip to and from work on foot.
When her husband arrived home that night, she had prepared a bucket of salty water to soak his swollen feet.
“They decide anything without thinking of the consequences,” she said. | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/facing-hunger-perus-poor-band-together-with-common-pots/ | 2022-04-14T17:18:36 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/facing-hunger-perus-poor-band-together-with-common-pots/ |
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Flooding in South Africa’s Durban area has taken at least 259 lives and is a “catastrophe of enormous proportions,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said Wednesday.
“This disaster is part of climate change. It is telling us that climate change is serious, it is here,” said Ramaphosa, visiting flooded areas of Durban and the surrounding eThekwini metropolitan area.
“We no longer can postpone what we need to do, and the measures we need to take to deal with climate change,” he said.
The death toll is expected to continue rising as search and rescue operations continue in KwaZulu-Natal province, officials said. The province is about to be declared a disaster area by the national government, said Ramaphosa.
“KwaZulu-Natal is going to be declared a provincial area of disaster, so that we are able to do things quickly. The bridges have collapsed, the roads have collapsed, people have died and people are injured,” said Ramaphosa.
He said one family had lost 10 members in the devastating floods.
Residents have had to flee their homes as they were swept away, buildings collapsed and road infrastructure severely damaged. Durban port was flooded and shipping containers were swept away into a jumbled heap.
Authorities were also seeking to restore electricity to large parts of the province after heavy flooding at various power stations.
Rescue efforts by the South African National Defense Force were delayed as the military’s air wing was also affected by the floods, Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya said. The military was able to deploy personnel and helicopters around the province on Wednesday, he said.
The South Africa Weather Services has warned of continued winds and rains and the risk of continued flooding in Kwazulu-Natal and other provinces over the upcoming Easter weekend. South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Free State and North West provinces could be affected, it said. | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/flooding-continues-in-south-africas-durban-area-259-dead/ | 2022-04-14T17:18:43 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/flooding-continues-in-south-africas-durban-area-259-dead/ |
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli forces on Wednesday shot and killed three Palestinians, including a teenage boy, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, as Israeli troops continued a days-long operation in the occupied West Bank in response to a spate of deadly attacks.
The three deaths, all in separate incidents, were the latest in a wave of Israeli-Palestinian violence that has erupted as Muslims mark the holy month of Ramadan.
In two cases, the Israeli military said its troops fired at suspects who threw firebombs at soldiers during West Bank operations.
But Palestinian officials said one of the two, lawyer Mohammed Assaf, 34, just happened to inadvertently drive into a battle zone in the northern West Bank town of Beita.
The other was a 14-year-old, killed by Israeli army fire in Husan, a village near Bethlehem, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.
The teen’s death is likely to draw international criticism of Israeli military tactics. Earlier this week, the fatal shooting of an unarmed Palestinian woman drew accusations from European officials that the military was using excessive force.
Murad Shtaiwe, a Fatah party spokesman, said Assaf, the lawyer, was driving relatives to school. They passed through an area where clashes were taking place and Assaf was fatally shot, Shtaiwe said.
“What happened today is a new crime,” he said.
Also, the Israeli police said that in a joint security operation with the army and Shin Bet intelligence agency, troops arrested four suspects in the town of Silwad, near Ramallah. The Palestinian Health Ministry said 20-year-old Omar Muhammad Alyan was killed after he was shot in the chest during the Israeli arrest raid.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 18 others were injured as a result of the Israeli military’s activities. The military said one soldier was lightly wounded in the clashes and that it arrested 15 people in its raids Wednesday.
Israel has sent troops to comb through Palestinians cities and villages in recent days, looking for suspects or accomplices tied to recent Palestinian attacks on Israelis. Last week, a Palestinian gunman opened fire on a packed Tel Aviv bar, killing three and fleeing the scene, sparking an hours-long manhunt that culminated in his killing by police.
That assault, as well as three other attacks elsewhere in Israel in recent weeks, have killed 14 people, the deadliest outburst of bloodshed against Israelis in years.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s office accused Israel of destabilizing the West Bank, saying the situation “has become dangerous and sensitive and is rapidly deteriorating.”
On Wednesday, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said the Arab state strongly condemned Israel’s West Bank operations and what he called excessive force against Palestinians. Hafez urged in a statement for “containing such growing and accelerating developments,” which could lead to further escalation and mutual violence.
The tensions have escalated as Muslims mark Ramadan, which this year converges with major Jewish and Christian holidays. In the coming week as Passover and Easter commence, tens of thousands from the three faiths are expected to stream into Jerusalem’s Old City, the emotional heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a frequent flashpoint for violence.
Unrest in Jerusalem during last year’s Ramadan escalated into an 11-day war between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.
In the Gaza Strip, Palestinian militant groups called on Palestinian residents of the West Bank and Israel to camp out at Jerusalem’s flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque this weekend.
After a meeting with Hamas’s Gaza leader Yehiyeh Sinwar, the factions called for mass protests to break the Israeli restrictions recently imposed on the city of Jenin and said militants in Gaza were on alert “and ready to take the necessary decisions to protect our land, people, and holy sites.”
Israel’s government has sought to lower the flames by moving ahead on its plan to ease restrictions on Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip during the holy month. But, with two of the attackers in the recent violence from Jenin and the surrounding area, Israel has tightened restrictions on movement in and out of the city.
Jenin is considered a stronghold of Palestinian militants. Israeli forces often come under fire when operating in the area. Even the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the occupied West Bank and coordinates with Israel on security matters, appears to have little control.
Israel had made numerous arrests in recent days, and in some cases, Palestinians have protested against the raids. Several Palestinians have been killed in the raids or in response to attacks or attempted attacks.
Late Saturday, Palestinian protesters set fire to a West Bank shrine revered by Jews and smashed part of the the tomb inside. On Wednesday, Israel carried out repairs to the site, known to Jews as Joseph’s Tomb, and a day earlier the military said it arrested a suspect linked to the arson. The military said clashes also broke out nearby as the repairs were underway.
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Associated Press writers Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report. | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/israeli-forces-kill-3-palestinians-in-raids-in-west-bank/ | 2022-04-14T17:18:50 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/israeli-forces-kill-3-palestinians-in-raids-in-west-bank/ |
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Migrants in South Africa are living in fear of attacks and even death, Amnesty International said Wednesday, days after a Zimbabwean man was burned to death amid renewed violence against foreigners in some poor neighborhoods of Johannesburg.
Zimbabweans, who make up the largest number of migrants in Africa’s most advanced economy, are mostly targeted, according to the human rights group.
Amnesty International accused South African authorities of “inaction” and “a lack of political will” to stem the wave of anti-migrant violence witnessed in recent weeks.
The violence is driven by vigilante groups who blame foreigners from poorer African countries for South Africa’s rampant unemployment, said the report.
South Africa’s unemployment rate has reached 35%, according to figures released this month by StatsSA. The jobless rate for youths is more than 60%, according to the statistics.
A gang in Johannesburg’s poor Diepsloot township stoned and then burned to death Elvis Nyathi, a Zimbabwean, last week when he failed to produce identity documents showing that he was in the country legally, causing outrage in both South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Nyathi was one of seven people — two foreigners and five South Africans — who lost their lives “after attacks and counter-attacks by non-state actors” in the past week, said Amnesty International’s report, describing the deaths as “easily preventable.”
Migrants interviewed in the township by Amnesty said they are living in “constant fear” and “feel unsafe” due to constant harassment from both the police and anti-migrant gangs that move around demanding identity documents from migrants, said the group.
“These attacks represent just the latest wave in a rising tide of violence against migrants in South Africa,” said Amnesty, adding that the assaults are not isolated as they “mirror the heavily-orchestrated, anti-migrant attacks” witnessed in other poor townships in Johannesburg in recent months.
A group calling itself Operation Dudula has held anti-foreigner demonstrations in several South African cities in recent weeks.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa this week criticized the violence.
“We have seen people being attacked, hurt and even killed because of how they looked or because they have a particular accent,” he said in his weekly letter to the nation, appealing for restraint.
In Zimbabwe, authorities say they are engaging the South African government “at all levels,” while the country’s Parliamentarians called for an end to the attacks.
Once one of Africa’s most prosperous economies, Zimbabwe has battled a debilitating economic downturn over the past two decades that critics attribute to economic mismanagement, corruption and poor governance. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government blames Western-imposed sanctions.
South Africa has said it will no longer renew special permits that allow Zimbabwean migrants to live and work in that country and gave about 250,000 holders of those permits until December this year to apply for regular permits.
It is estimated that as many as 3 million Zimbabweans live in South Africa without proper legal documentation.
Zimbabweans say it is difficult to return home because unemployment is even higher than in South Africa at more than 80%, according to some economists.
“The attacks are deplorable, but they can easily be solved if Zimbabwe fixes its economy,” opposition leader Nelson Chamisa told The Associated Press Wednesday.
“Zimbabweans are forced to run away from their country and live wretched lives elsewhere because they have no future in their own country,” Chamisa said.
Despite the threat of violence in South Africa, many Zimbabweans are still willing to risk sneaking across the border without documentation to try their luck in South Africa to escape the biting conditions at home.
“There is nothing for me here,” said Jonathan Sibanda 21, an unemployed resident of the capital, Harare. “I am willing to take that chance rather than die a slow death here in Zimbabwe.” | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/migrants-to-south-africa-face-threats-says-amnesty-report/ | 2022-04-14T17:18:57 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/migrants-to-south-africa-face-threats-says-amnesty-report/ |
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Armed gangs attacking remote communities in Nigeria’s troubled northwest are now working with extremist rebels who have waged a decade-long insurgency in the country’s northeast, a top government official said Wednesday.
The gunmen and the Islamist rebels are in “an unholy handshake,” Nigeria’s Minister of Information Lai Mohammed told reporters, for the first time confirming a collaboration that security analysts have warned of.
The result of the alliance is the recent deadly train attack near Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, said the minister. Explosives were used to blow up the rail track in that attack in which eight passengers were killed and more than 100 were abducted and remain missing.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with 206 million people, has been battling violence in its troubled north and an alliance between the two groups could worsen the crisis, analysts told The Associated Press.
The security crisis is dominated by two groups: bandits many of whom are formerly herdsmen now carrying arms and Islamic extremist rebels of the Boko Haram group and its breakaway faction the Islamic State in West Africa Province.
The partnership between the groups “might drive further attacks on innocent civilians and state infrastructure,” said Oluwole Ojewale of the Africa-focused Institute of Security Studies, as the extremists move their insurgency beyond the northeast where they had been largely restricted for many years.
With the military already fighting factions of the extremists, Nigeria’s security situation is already “dangerous enough,” said Confidence MacHarry with the Lagos-based SBM Intelligence security firm.
“Adding Boko Haram to the terror problem in the northwest would greatly stretch the security forces to more than its capacity,” said MacHarry.
Nigeria’s security crisis continued Wednesday with the abduction of four female students by an armed gang that attacked their school in northwest Zamfara state and the killing of 23 persons in northcentral Benue state, local authorities said.
“It is becoming increasingly glaring every day that my people are now an endangered species and so we can no longer wait for help from anywhere,” Benue governor Samuel Ortom said, repeating his appeal for residents to be allowed to bear arms to “defend themselves.”
The persistent violence, including the killing of more than 100 villagers in the northcentral Plateau state during the weekend, has raised further doubts about the Nigerian government’s ability to restore peace in volatile areas despite having declared the armed gangs as terrorist organizations.
The major problem, though, is “the political will and the will to act,” said security analyst MacHarry. “Boosting the capacity of security services to respond to security crisis is one thing, but actually responding to the crisis is another,” he said.
Responding to such criticisms, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence Bashir Magashi said the government is still in control.
“We are really on top of the situation,” Magashi said. “We are planning hard and we will get it out as soon as possible.” | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/nigeria-says-armed-gangs-in-north-are-working-with-militants/ | 2022-04-14T17:19:05 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/nigeria-says-armed-gangs-in-north-are-working-with-militants/ |
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — In Ukraine, allegations mount of sexual violence against women by Russian soldiers. In northern Ethiopia, a woman taken to an Eritrean Defense Forces camp was raped by 27 soldiers and contracted AIDS. In Central African Republic the bodies of a woman and two girls were found days after their kidnapping and rape by armed fighters. And in Iraq, 2,800 Yazidi woman and children have been captives of the Islamic State extremist group for eight years, many subjected to sexual violence.
These are some of the examples raised at a U.N. Security Council meeting Wednesday on accountability for such acts in conflicts by Pramila Patten, the U.N. special representative on sexual violence in conflict, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, a member of Iraq’s Yazidi religious minority forced into sexual slavery in 2014 who escaped her Islamic State captors.
Patten’s opening words were aimed squarely at the U.N.’s most powerful body, which has approved five resolutions that focus on preventing and addressing conflict-related sexual violence. What do those resolutions mean right now, she asked, for a woman in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Myanmar or Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region?
At this time of “great global turbulence marked by multiple crises,” she said, the world has seen “increased militarization, including an epidemic of coups, which have turned back the clock on women’s rights.” And every new war has seen human tragedies “including new waves of war’s oldest, most silences, and least-condemned crime” — sexual violence and rape in those countries and others whose victims “cry out for justice and redress.”
Patten said the gap between commitments by the Security Council, and compliance and reality is evident: The latest U.N. report covering conflicts in 18 countries documents 3,293 U.N.-verified cases of sexual violence committed in 2021, a significant increase of 800 cases compared to 2020. Again, she said, the highest number — 1,016 — were recorded in Congo.
Patten also cited examples in other conflict areas: two women from the Rohingya minority in Myanmar’s Chin state gang-raped by government soldiers resulting in unwanted pregnancies; a woman allegedly raped at gunpoint by Puntland police officer in Somalia where she said “abduction, rape and forced marriage are rampant;” documented cases in Colombia of sexual violence against women ex-combatants and their families; and the torture and killing of a female police officer who was eight months pregnant in Afghanistan’s Ghor province.
The U.N. special representative said the few cases of courts convicting perpetrators “are still the exception that prove the rule of justice denied.” Justice must be delivered in communities as well as courtrooms, and victims must receive reparations to rebuild their shattered lives, she said, stressing that “justice, peace and security are inextricably linked.”
Murad said at moments of global instability — like today’s world shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, a climate crisis and war — issues like conflict-related sexual violence “tend to be pushed aside as though they are somehow secondary to the real issues.” But she said “the truth is these are precisely the moment when protecting, supporting and investing in women and girls should be urgent priorities.”
History shows that when conflict erupts brutality comes to the fore, and “we are seeing this in Ukraine as we speak, with reports of sexual violence that should alarm us.” Later, she told reporters, “my heart is with the people of Ukraine, especially the women and girls out there that are facing this brutality.”
“Sexual violence is not a side effect of conflict,” Murad said. “It is a tactic of war as old as time.”
Last year, a German court convicted an Islamic State member of genocide in a Yazidi girl’s death in a historic verdict, she said. But despite reams of evidence documenting atrocities IS committed against women and girls, she said the extremist perpetrators have faced few, if any, consequences.
Murad said survivors need “more than moral outrage” and urged the Security Council to vote to refer the Islamic State extremist group to the International Criminal Court to be tried for genocide and sexual violence. against Yazidis. In the meantime, she urged other countries to follow Germany’s example and use the principle of universal jurisdiction to try alleged perpetrators for war crimes.
“If you want to establish deterrence, if you want to assure Yazidi women and survivors everywhere that you stand with us, do not delay justice anymore,” she said.
Britain’s Minister of State Lord Tariq Ahmad, who chaired the meeting, joined her in launching “The Murad Code” which aims to tell investigators, journalists and others in the international community how to support survivors of sexual violence by reducing the burden on them and ensuring that their experiences are recorded safely and strengthen the pursuit of justice.
“The pathway to justice must have obstacles removed,” he said. “So ultimately, it’s all about survivors, that they know what their options are. … They have to be the center of our response.” | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/nobel-laureate-demands-justice-for-sexual-violence-victims/ | 2022-04-14T17:19:12 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/nobel-laureate-demands-justice-for-sexual-violence-victims/ |
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — The rival leaders of ethnically divided Cyprus on Wednesday kicked off an initiative to give women an equal say in any renewed push to reunify the eastern Mediterranean island nation.
Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and the leader of the breakaway Turkish Cypriots, Ersin Tatar, inaugurated the plan at a United Nations compound off the defunct Nicosia airport, which is inside a buffer zone that runs for 180 kilometers (120 miles) across the island.
The meeting didn’t appear to go well. Anastasiades said after the event that he was “sincerely saddened” by Tatar’s “steady intransigence” after repeating his demand for recognition of the breakaway north as a sovereign state on par with the internationally recognized Cyprus government before peace talks can resume.
The hard-right Tatar upended a decades-long, U.N.-endorsed understanding between the two sides that any deal would be on the basis of a federation by insisting on a two-state peace deal. Greek Cypriots say they would never accept any arrangement that would formalize the island’s forced partition.
Anastasiades also said Tatar sidestepped his appeal to curb the steady stream of migrants who arrive in the north and cross the porous buffer zone to apply for asylum and European Union protection in the south.
Efforts to reunify Cyprus and potentially unlock the speedy exploitation of natural gas deposits off the island’s southern coastline to European markets have remained stalled since 2017, when the most recent top-level unity negotiations collapsed amid mutual recriminations as to who was to blame.
Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Turkey and Turkish Cypriots accuse the Greek Cypriots of being unwilling to share power in an envisioned federation. On the other hand, Greek Cypriots fear a bid by Turkey to place the entire island under its control through Ankara’s demands for a permanent troop presence, military intervention rights and a Turkish Cypriot veto at all decision-making levels.
The initiative is hoped to be embraced as a small, but notable step forward in helping revive peace talks. It was set in motion following a U.N. Security Council resolution last year calling for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the peace process.
According to a U.N. statement, a committee made up of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots has been given the job of bolstering gender equality will reach out to women’s organizations, youth groups and others for their views on including gender perspectives in a renewed peace drive. | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/split-cyprus-seeks-equal-say-for-women-in-future-peace-talks/ | 2022-04-14T17:19:19 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/split-cyprus-seeks-equal-say-for-women-in-future-peace-talks/ |
Why Dolby Atmos-enabled sound bars are still a good choice
While sound bars are better than integrated TV speakers, they haven’t always lived up to their reputation. With Dolby Atmos becoming increasingly common, it’s worth revisiting sound bars to see how much better they are than they used to be. A lot of them are on sale right now, so now’s a great time to get one.
We sat down with resident tech expert Jaime Vazquez to get his thoughts on how and why a Dolby Atmos sound bar is a good investment right now with the current discounts.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is a proprietary audio protocol designed for use with home theater systems, such as 7.1-channel surround sound. The protocol separates an audio track into separate streams similar to traditional surround sound. It also adds height channels and data that tells each stream which direction it’s supposed to come from.
Typically, you need satellite speakers mounted above viewers’ heads to take advantage of Dolby Atmos. As Vazquez noted, “The speaker knows where all the other speakers are. You have a much more customized experience because you’re getting things relative to your listening space, as opposed to hoping that the soundtrack matches your room.”
Instead of overhead speakers, Atmos-enabled sound bars leverage multiple drivers pointed in different directions to simulate spatial audio. Vazquez continued, “The big deal with sound bars now is that they got a lot better at bouncing sound around a room. They now are really good at faking surround sound.”
Why Dolby Atmos is worth it
For a few years, Dolby Atmos seemed like more of a marketing stunt than a useful home theater technology. This was largely because media, such as movies and TV shows, must be specifically mastered to support the protocol.
According to Vazquez, “It used to be that Atmos was a feature that was primarily found on Blu-ray discs and the Apple TV. But, the deal is now that if you have the gear, you can log into your Netflix, HBO Max or Paramount+ and give you the surround-sound experience.”
Previously, Dolby Atmos was more for early adopter tech enthusiasts. Now, it’s more worthwhile to be able to play back Dolby Atmos content because of the streaming services that support it. There’s not a single, specific reason why Dolby Atmos sound bars are priced so well right now. Overall, manufacturers are taking advantage of the standard’s increased adoption and offering a wider range of Dolby Atmos sound bars, and they are putting older and more basic models on sale.
How Dolby Atmos sound bars work
Affordable sound bars usually have just two or three full-range speakers, while a quality Dolby Atmos-enabled model will have more. “Typically, a Dolby Atmos sound bar has speakers firing in all directions to mimic the surround-sound effect. Whereas if you’re looking at a 2.1- or a 3.1-channel model, that’s just stereo, not surround,” Vazquez said.
Additionally, acoustic refinements and increased driver efficiency have led to better sound quality, especially in the low end. To sum it up, Vazquez said, “sound bars have hit the sweet spot of reliably being able to produce quality surround effects at an affordable price.”
How to pick a Dolby Atmos sound bar
Vazquez recommends a sound bar that comes with additional satellite speakers. At the top of the line, sound bar setups like the Samsung HW-Q950A boast several drivers in the front in addition to full-range satellites and a powerful subwoofer. The Vizio M512a-H6 costs considerably less, is outfitted with 11 speakers in total and approaches full-on surround sound systems in performance.
However, Vazquez advises caution when looking for an especially affordable solution. “There’s a big gap between budget-friendly and high-quality sound bars,” he said, “and some budget models give the whole category a bad name.” There are exceptions. The TCL Alto 8i delivers decent simulated spatial audio at a low price.
Sound bar features to consider
- Number of inputs: “If you’re a gamer or have multiple devices to plug in, you’ll need more than one input into the sound bar,” Vazquez noted.
- Audio/video connections: Many sound bars let you route the audio and video connection directly through the unit itself, but not all of them do. For some, you’ll need to use the audio return channel function to drive the sound bar. Make sure that your TV supports ARC or eARC before buying a sound bar that doesn’t allow for direct audio input.
- HDR pass-through: If your sound bar does accept direct connections, make sure it supports HDR10 or, ideally, Dolby Vision pass-through to take advantage of modern dynamic contrast.
- Wireless subwoofer: You can’t get a cinematic experience without a dedicated sub.
- Built-in apps: Premium sound bars often include features that tailor the output to the shape of the room, while others have built-in streaming platforms. The former is a great way to improve the audio experience, but most users won’t need the latter.
Best Dolby Atmos sound bars
It’s a high-end sound bar that sounds better than many full-featured surround-sound systems. Sold by Amazon
With two satellites, a subwoofer and consistently accurate sound, this midrange Vizio model is the perfect blend of price and performance. Sold by Amazon
There aren’t any other sound bars in its price range that perform as well. Sold by Amazon
It is more affordable than most and offers particularly impressive bass, although it doesn’t have much in the way of sound enhancement or room correction features. Sold by Amazon
Seven internal drivers help this moderately priced option deliver powerful simulated surround sound without the inconvenience of installing satellite speakers. Sold by Amazon
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Chris Thomas 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.wivb.com/reviews/as-dolby-atmos-sound-bars-are-placed-on-deep-discount-is-it-worth-getting-one-now/ | 2022-04-14T17:19:26 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/as-dolby-atmos-sound-bars-are-placed-on-deep-discount-is-it-worth-getting-one-now/ |
Which electric tiller is best?
Tilling the soil of your new garden doesn’t have to be as labor-intensive as it used to be, nor does it take an emissions-spewing, gas-powered tiller to get the job done. Electric tillers are just as capable and quieter to boot. Some are even cordless so you can till a garden anywhere you’d like.
The best electric tiller is the Greenworks Cordless Tiller. The lithium-ion battery operates at full power even when nearly empty, and it can till widths of up to 10 inches.
What to know before you buy an electric tiller
Pros and cons of an electric tiller
Electric tillers have a set of pros and cons compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
Pros: Electric tillers are easier to use and much more cost-effective than gas-powered models. They also require less maintenance and operate with less noise.
Cons: The most powerful electric tiller is still outclassed by an above-average gas-powered tiller. Large and tough grounds are possible to till with an electric model but are handled easier and faster by a gas-powered model.
Corded vs. cordless
Some electric tillers run on a battery, while others need to be plugged in.
- Battery-powered models can be used anywhere and you don’t have to worry about cords. However, their batteries only provide enough power to equal an above-average corded model. They’re also more expensive.
- Corded models need access to a power source, and you need to make sure your cord is kept out of the tiller’s way. Any extension cord you use should be thick enough not to melt or restrict power to your tiller. Using extra-long extension cords or chaining cords together is dangerous and power-restricting, so you should consider a battery- or gas-powered model instead if you find yourself far from your power source.
What to look for in a quality electric tiller
Power
Electric tiller manufacturers relate power using one or a combination of methods, all of which have their own ranges.
- Amps: Look for anything 6 amps and above minimum but preferably 10 and above.
- Watts: Look for anything with at least 500 amps.
- Volts: 20 volts is enough for a budget tiller, but anything 36 volts and above is better. If they give amp hours, look for anything with 4 Ah and above.
- Horsepower: Look for anything with at least half a horsepower.
Tines
Tines have shape, number and speed to consider.
- Shape: Most manufacturers use either an L-shaped tine or tines with a slight variation.
- Number: Electric tillers have two to six tines, with more being better.
Speed
Most electric tillers have only one speed, but others have variable speeds to better handle specific soils.
How much you can expect to spend on an electric tiller
Electric tillers typically cost $100-$300, with most costing no more than $200. For anything over $200, you’ll get more power and likely won’t have to deal with a cord.
Electric tiller FAQ
What’s the difference between an electric tiller and an electric cultivator?
A. They’re similar enough that many manufacturers use the terms interchangeably or claim that one tool can do both jobs. In reality, an electric tiller is more powerful than an electric cultivator. Both can chew up and maintain most ground types and hardnesses, but an electric tiller can have enough power to process new ground, which is usually too hard for a cultivator to process.
Are electric tillers powerful enough to till new, hard sod?
A. Depending on the model, yes. Many electric tillers struggle to till new, hard soil, but the best and strongest should be able to manage it, albeit slowly. Comparatively, gas-powered models are more powerful across the board and you rarely need to worry about if they can handle new ground — they’re able to till new ground faster than even the strongest electric tiller.
What’s the difference between front- and rear-line tillers?
A. All electric tillers use front-line tillers, meaning the tines are placed in front of the wheels and pull the tiller forward. Some gas-powered tillers use rear-line tillers, which are placed behind the motor and dragged forward by its power.
What’s the best electric tiller to buy?
Top electric tiller
Greenworks 40-Volt Cordless Tiller
What you need to know: With a tilling depth of up to 5 inches, this powerful model can till almost anything.
What you’ll love: The 40-volt lithium-ion battery provides enough power (and doesn’t wane as it empties) to till anything except the hardest ground. It features a width of 8.25-10 inches with up to 2,000 strikes per minute.
What you should consider: It’s on the pricey side. The battery only lasts for roughly 40 minutes, and a few consumers had issues with the battery not charging as it ages.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top electric tiller for the money
Black and Decker 20-Volt MAX Cordless Tiller
What you need to know: This quality model from a trusted brand is perfect for small jobs.
What you’ll love: It runs on a MAX lithium-ion battery that can till up to 325 square feet of ground on a full charge, and its counter-oscillating tines prevent roots from tangling in the head. It’s Energy Star-certified and has a two-year limited warranty.
What you should consider: The small head is not efficient for anything larger than a small flowerbed or garden. The batteries can take up to eight hours to charge.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Worth checking out
Sun Joe Electric 13.5-Amp Garden Tiller
What you need to know: This corded model is powerful with an extra-wide head.
What you’ll love: It has a tilling depth of up to 8 inches and a tilling width of up to 16 inches with six durable steel angled tines for chewing through almost anything. The handles fold up for space-saving storage and the wheels can be adjusted into three positions.
What you should consider: A few users felt the handles were uncomfortable to use for long periods, and a handful received tillers with missing parts.
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.wivb.com/reviews/best-electric-tiller/ | 2022-04-14T17:19:33 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/best-electric-tiller/ |
Which dog food is better: Blue Buffalo or Purina Pro Plan?
Your dog’s diet makes a huge impact on their health and well-being, so choosing the right dog food is important. If you’re stuck between Blue Buffalo dog food and Purina Pro Plan dog food, you might be wondering which is the best option.
As with most things in life, there isn’t a simple answer, so you’ll have to delve deeper and examine the pros and cons. Also, remember that all dogs are different, so the best food for one dog isn’t always the best for another.
Blue Buffalo dog food
Blue Buffalo dog food is touted as a healthy and holistic brand. It contains high-quality ingredients without unnecessary additives. Complete and balanced, it contains all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy. It’s made in the USA, though from globally sourced ingredients.
You can buy both wet and dry dog food from Blue Buffalo, as well as dog treats. Bags of dry food cost roughly $15-$75, depending on the size and variety, while wet food costs roughly $2-$3 a can.
Blue Buffalo dog food pros
- Blue Buffalo dog food lists meat as the first ingredient, plus it often includes healthy whole grains and vegetables.
- It doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or preservatives and stays away from poultry by-product meal, corn, soy and other filler ingredients.
- You can choose from a range of varieties, including senior dog foods, small breed dog foods and limited ingredient dog foods for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
- Most dogs find Blue Buffalo foods palatable and you can select from a wide range of formulas or flavors to appeal to picky eaters.
Blue Buffalo dog food cons
- The company sells a range of grain -free dog food, but studies suggest a link between grain-free diets and canine heart disease, so you should avoid them unless your dog has a legitimate grain allergy, which is extremely rare.
- Blue Buffalo has had five dog food recalls, but only three posed a serious risk.
- It doesn’t offer quite as many specialist options as Purina Pro Plan, such as high-performance and sensitive skin formulas.
Best Blue Buffalo dog food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dog Food
An excellent choice for active dogs, this food is high in protein to give them the energy they need to keep going. Pick one of the versions with healthy whole grains as grain-free formulas may be detrimental to heart health.
Sold by Amazon
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
The perfect kibble for an average dog, you can choose from several formulas to best suit your dog. Options include small bite for dogs who like smaller pieces of kibble and healthy weight for dogs who need to lose eight or who gain weight easily.
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Wet Dog Food
This tasty wet food can be fed alone or mixed with kibble. Meat is the first ingredient and it also contains a blend of nutrient-rich veggies.
Purina Pro Plan dog food
Purina Pro Plan dog food is just one kind of dog food from Purina. It’s Purina’s high-end offering, containing better quality ingredients than its other foods. For the most part, it contains quality ingredients, though it does contain some fillers and by-products in some of its lines.
Buyers can choose from a range of formulas, some that suit most dogs and others tailored to need specific needs. It’s at a similar price point to Blue Buffalo, with bags of dry food priced from $15-$70 and cans of wet food around $1.50-$3 each.
Purina Pro Plan dog food pros
- All Purina Pro Plan dry foods and most wet foods contain heart-healthy whole grains.
- This food is made at a facility in the USA, though with ingredients sourced from around the globe.
- There’s only been one recall of Purina Pro Plan food, which suggests the company’s quality control is good.
- You can choose from a wide range of formulas to suit your dog, including small breed, large breed and performance.
Purina Pro Plan dog food cons
- Some formulas contain questionable ingredients, such as poultry by-product meal.
- You’re more likely to find fillers, such as corn gluten meal, in Purina Pro Plan foods compared to Blue Buffalo.
- Purina is owned by Nestle, a company known for unethical practices and which some buyers prefer to avoid.
Best Purina Pro Plan dog food
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Dry Dog Food
A solid all-rounder of a dry food that suits most adult dogs. It has a chicken and rice flavor and comes in a range of bag sizes.
Sold by Amazon, Chewy and PetSmart
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dry Dog Food
This carefully formulated food is made using easily digestible ingredients and excludes common allergens, making it perfect for dogs with sensitive skin or stomachs. It contains a prebiotic formula to help digestion.
Sold by Amazon, Chewy and PetSmart
Purina Pro Plan Sport Wet Dog Food
Due to its high protein content, this wet food is suitable for very active dogs and working dogs. It also supports hydration, which is important for dogs who are always on the go.
Should you get Blue Buffalo dog food or Purina Pro Plan dog food?
There’s no clear winner between Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan. Blue Buffalo has more consistently high-quality ingredients, but Purina Pro Plan only contains a small handful of questionable ingredients and not in all its formulas.
Purina has a slightly wider range of options tailored to the specific needs of dogs, but then again, most dogs are fine with a standard adult dog food — plus Blue Buffalo some tailored formulas, such as senior, small breed and large breed foods.
Ultimately, go with whichever option you think will best suit your dog and don’t be afraid to change your mind if your canine companion isn’t thriving on their new food after a reasonable transition period.
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/blue-buffalo-dog-food-vs-purina-pro-plan-dog-food/ | 2022-04-14T17:19:40 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/blue-buffalo-dog-food-vs-purina-pro-plan-dog-food/ |
Which women’s hooded bathrobe is best?
Stepping out of the shower or bath on even a warm day is a chilly experience. No matter how little time it takes to dry off with your towel and put your clothes on, you still get a little cold. With a hooded bathrobe, you can skip both steps and go directly into a warm, soft shell that can also dry your hair.
The best one is the Arus Women’s Hooded Bathrobe. It’s made of cotton from the Aegean region of Turkey for a premium feel.
What to know before you buy a women’s hooded bathrobe
Size and length
Hooded bathrobes typically use the same nomenclature as other clothing — small, medium, large, etc. — but most manufacturers use their own sizing charts. This means one “small” robe may be larger than a different “small” robe, so compare your prospective robe’s chart to your measurements.
You also need to consider the length. Most robes are cut to end just above the knee, at mid-calf or around the ankle. However, length and size don’t always match up, so the arms and width may be sized right for your upper body but your height makes a robe fall outside its intended place. You may need to shop around for a while until you find the right size and length.
Fastening
Most women’s hooded bathrobes are secured with exterior waist ties. Some robes use other methods, such as buttons, zippers or interior waist ties. A few use a combination of methods.
What to look for in a quality women’s hooded bathrobe
Material
Women’s hooded bathrobes are typically made of terry cloth or various types of cotton or synthetics.
- Terry cloth is the same material towels are made from. Bathrobes made this way have all the softness and absorbency of your favorite towels and can be comfortably warm. However, it does lose softness over time.
- Cotton bathrobes are made from a variety of cotton types using a variety of weaves. Some are thin and lightweight, while others are thick and heavy, and they’re available at every price point.
- Synthetic bathrobes are typically made of microfiber polyester. It’s soft, reasonably absorbent and affordable.
Hood
A quality hood on a bathrobe is large enough to fully drape over the head while having the length to not pull down tightly on the head. It should also have enough give so you can ruffle it comfortably across your head to dry your hair.
Pockets
A bathrobe should be comfortable enough for you to want to wear it all over your home. As you move around, you’ll likely want to keep your phone and other items on you. Choose a robe with at least one pocket for this purpose so you can have your hands free for moving a glass of wine and a tray of snacks to the couch.
How much you can expect to spend on a women’s hooded bathrobe
They typically cost $20-$100. Low-cost options cost no more than $20 while most cost $30-$50. The best cost $50-$100, though some luxury designer brands can cost several hundred dollars.
Women’s hooded bathrobe FAQ
How do I wash a women’s hooded bathrobe?
A. That mostly depends on the material. Most are machine-washable, though the tags have specific care instructions. Those that are machine washable can’t always be put in the dryer, so double-check before you accidentally damage your new robe. If you’re truly concerned about damaging it, you can usually have it dry-cleaned.
Can I customize a women’s hooded bathrobe?
A. Yes, though few offer customization and personalization during the order process. Instead, you’ll need to take it to a tailor or even personalize it yourself. Any material can be taken in or let out, but some materials are easier than others to personalize, such as fleece. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a complex material personalized, you just might have to pay extra for it.
What’s the best women’s hooded bathrobe to buy?
Top women’s hooded bathrobe
What you need to know: It feels as premium as its cost. It’s made of Turkish terry cotton for premium softness, breathability and durability.
What you’ll love: The hood is large enough to drape comfortably and not pull on your head, and it has two deep pockets on either side. It’s available in three sizes and eight colors.
What you should consider: It’s among the priciest bathrobes. Some consumers found it a little thin.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Macy’s
Top women’s hooded bathrobe for the money
U2Skiin Short Women’s Hooded Bathrobe
What you need to know: Made of polyester fleece for a soft, lightweight feel, it’s short for hot summer days.
What you’ll love: Its hood is loose enough not to tug, and it has a small pocket on either side of the front. It comes in three sizes and 21 designs. It uses an outer and inner tying system.
What you should consider: The short length doesn’t provide enough coverage for chilly nights. A few reviewers had issues finding a size that fit appropriately.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
iCreat Women’s Long Hooded Bathrobe
What you need to know: This soft, quality robe is extra-long for freezing winter nights.
What you’ll love: It uses an outer-belt tie system. It has two small pockets on the front and the hood is just large enough not to be too tight. It comes in three sizes and four colors and is made of polyester fleece for warmth and softness.
What you should consider: It’s too long and thick for any climate other than a cold one. It isn’t long enough to be floor length for taller consumers.
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.wivb.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/bathrobes-pajamas-br/best-womens-hooded-bathrobe/ | 2022-04-14T17:19:47 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/bathrobes-pajamas-br/best-womens-hooded-bathrobe/ |
Egg prices have risen to more than $2.80 per dozen, on average, which is over double their price in March. This doesn’t bode well for Easter celebrations if you normally use painted eggs for decoration or egg hunts.
Instead, consider plastic eggs, which are reusable, save a lot of time and effort and are a vegan-friendly alternative to real eggs.
Why are egg prices rising?
Several factors have combined to lead to the sharply rising cost of eggs. A serious bird flu outbreak has led to the death of many hens. On top of that, the war in Ukraine has resulted in a significant rise in the price of grain used as feed for laying birds — a cost that farmers must pass on to avoid taking a loss. To a smaller degree, pandemic-related supply chain issues are still causing some price increases across the board.
What types of plastic eggs are available?
You’ll find a variety of plastic eggs available. The three main types are fillable, one-piece and realistic.
- Fillable plastic eggs: Most plastic eggs come in two parts that fit together, so you can fill them with small toys or candy. However, some come in one piece, which is the obvious choice if you don’t want to fill them.
- One-piece plastic eggs: These eggs come in one piece, so you can’t fill them. They’re a good choice for decoration or if you want to stick to the same egg hunt rules as you had with real eggs.
- Realistic plastic eggs: Realistic eggs are made to look like chicken eggs and come in white and brown varieties. These are great if you want to decorate them yourself or if you usually don’t paint or dye eggs at Easter.
Are there alternatives to plastic eggs?
If you’re not sold on plastic eggs, you can also buy wooden eggs as a more eco-friendly choice. These either come painted or plain so you can paint or decorate them yourself. This is a great choice if part of your Easter tradition is decorating eggs.
You can also find squishy faux eggs made from a squeezable foam material much like stress balls. These are great for any kids in a throwing phase who can’t be trusted not to launch hard plastic or wooden eggs at other kids or adults.
Best reusable Easter eggs
Prextex Bulk Plastic Easter Eggs
These solid-colored fillable Easter eggs come in a bulk pack of 100, which is ideal for Easter events or anyone planning a large family egg hunt. They’re hinged so the top and bottom parts won’t get separated when kids rip them open to see what’s inside.
Sold by Amazon
Joyin Plastic Printed Bright Easter Eggs
Featuring a printed exterior that resembles hand-painted designs, this is a great choice for anyone who prefers painting eggs rather than dying them. They are fillable, and you get 48 in a pack.
Sold by Amazon
Double Couple White Plastic Eggs
At first glance, these look like white chicken eggs, so they’re a great choice for anyone who would buy real eggs if it weren’t for the price hike. They are paintable and can be used year after year.
Sold by Amazon
Importer AM Pysanky Hand-Painted Polish Wooden Easter Eggs
These beautiful hand-painted wooden eggs are part of a Polish Easter tradition, but you don’t have to be Polish to appreciate their incredible design. They’re on the pricey side, but they’ll last for decades, and you’ll be proud to display them every Easter.
Sold by Amazon
Ufunga Slow Rising Squishy Easter Eggs
Made to look like painted eggs, these delightfully squishy Easter eggs are great alternatives to plastic or wooden eggs. You can choose from packs of 12 or 24.
Sold by Amazon
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/holiday-br/with-egg-prices-on-the-rise-plastic-eggs-seem-like-the-obvious-choice-for-easter-festivities/ | 2022-04-14T17:19:54 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/holiday-br/with-egg-prices-on-the-rise-plastic-eggs-seem-like-the-obvious-choice-for-easter-festivities/ |
Which electric nail file for thick toenails is best?
Electric nail files, also known as electric nail drills, are the machines most frequently used in salons on both fingernails and toenails. For thick toenails, whether they’re naturally thick or coated in thick polish, you’ll need an electric file with enough power behind it. You should also look for one that includes plenty of bits.
The best electric nail file for thick toenails is the Makartt Electric Nail File. It has more than enough power to handle anything thick and comes with a variety of bits.
What to know before you buy an electric nail file for thick toenails
Power
An electric nail file’s power is measured in revolutions per minute. Most electric files have maximum RPMs between 10,000-30,000, though a few can go faster. Most natural nails can be comfortably filed with 15,000 rpm, but thick natural nails might be better served with 20,000 rpm. If you’re planning to file nails thick from acrylic polish, you’ll need 25,000-30,000 RPMs.
Bits
In order to focus the power of your electric nail file, you’ll need drill bits. Most electric files include a handful to get you started, but you can always buy any bit you may need separately — just be aware that not all bits fit all files. For simple filing, all you need is a bit that holds disposable sanding bands. For trimming and shaping, you’ll need natural-nail and carbide bits for natural and acrylic-coated nails, respectively. Under-nail and pedicure bits are also good choices.
Noise
Drills make noise, but that doesn’t mean an electric nail file has to make too much. Cheap drills have no noise-dampening and can be quite loud. This may not bother you if you’re trimming your own nails. However, if you need to trim clients’ nails, it’s best for their experience if you choose a noise-dampened drill.
What to look for in a quality electric nail file for thick toenails
Hands-free control
If you’re setting out to file your friend’s or client’s toenails, a hands-free control system will make it much easier and faster to finish the task. These typically take the form of foot pedals that can turn the bit off and on and change the direction the drill spins. Most still require hands-on action to alter the speed.
Vibration dampening
When setting out to file thick toenails, you don’t just file one. You file all 10. Cheap electric nail file motors cause the drill to noticeably vibrate, which can make long trimming sessions deeply uncomfortable. Look for a file with a vibration-dampened motor to avoid this issue.
How much you can expect to spend on an electric nail file for thick toenails
Electric nail files for thick toenails need a little more power behind them, so you’ll likely need to spend at least $20-$30. Better options with more bits usually cost $50-$100, while the best options cost $100-$200.
Electric nail file for thick toenails FAQ
Are electric nail files for thick toenails safe?
A. Yes, though the power electric nail files for thick toenails need to have can easily cause damage if you use the file improperly. The first step is to carefully read all use and safety instructions. Then, start cleaning your toenails or fingernails using the lowest possible speed until you feel comfortable using it. Keep increasing the speed little by little in order to get the hang of each speed setting.
How do I maintain an electric nail file for thick toenails?
A. You need to maintain the drill and the bits using separate processes. The drill shouldn’t come in contact with any water. To clean the drill, you’ll need to brush it off or blast it with a can of compressed air. The bits will need to be disinfected, not just cleaned. Start by scrubbing them while in warm soapy water, then let them soak in a metal-safe disinfecting solution for at least 20 minutes. Once done, dry them thoroughly before storing.
What’s the best electric nail file for thick toenails to buy?
Top electric nail file for thick toenails
What you need to know: This is powerful and reasonably priced.
What you’ll love: It has speeds that can reach up to 30,000 rpm, which is powerful enough to file away even tough acrylic nails. Additionally, it has forward and reverse spin modes. It has a hands-free foot switch and includes several drill bits and 30 sanding bands.
What you should consider: A few consumers had issues with overheating — in rare cases, it became hot enough to melt. Others had issues with the motor giving out in a few months.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top electric nail file for thick toenails for the money
What you need to know: This has just enough power for occasional toenail maintenance.
What you’ll love: It comes packed with accessories, including six drill bits, 30 sanding belts and a pair of nail clippers. The drill has speeds that can reach up to 20,000 rpm and can rotate forward or backward. It comes in silver and green.
What you should consider: A few consumers didn’t receive all the pieces it’s supposed to include. The 20,000 rpm maximum speed setting can’t handle acrylic-covered toenails.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Imene Portable Professional Nail Drill
What you need to know: This drill is perfect for professional use but may be too strong for at-home pedicures.
What you’ll love: It has a brushless vibration- and noise-dampened motor with variable speeds that can spin in either direction and can reach up to 35,000 rpm. It’s surprisingly small and rechargeable, making it easy to take on the go. It includes six drill bits and six sanding bands.
What you should consider: It’s expensive — too expensive for only occasional use. A few consumers had difficulty understanding the instructions. Few third-party drill bits are compatible.
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.wivb.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/foot-care-br/best-electric-nail-file-for-thick-toenails/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:01 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/foot-care-br/best-electric-nail-file-for-thick-toenails/ |
Brian Austin Green has been missing from social media, and now we know why.
The "Beverly Hills, 90210" alum shared on Instagram video that he'd been recovering from ulcerative colitis for six and a half weeks and said the experience "wasn't very fun."
With girlfriend Sharna Burgess six to seven months pregnant, Brian acknowledged that the flare-up was "horrible timing" and thanked Burgess for being there to help care for him and the kids.
"I am super thankful to have someone like her in my life," he said. "But I'm back now Im' feeling good. It was a terrible experience I'm glad it's over."
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that creates inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms include diarrhea, bleeding and abdominal pain. It's unknown what causes the illness.
Now that he's back on his feet, Green assured fans he'll be posting to social media again and return to usual family activities, including getting ready for his baby with the Dancing With the Stars pro. The two announced Burgess' pregnancy in February with a maternity photo shoot in Hawaii, showing off the baby bump on the beach.
The baby will be Green's fifth child. He also shares sons Journey, 5, Bodhi, 7, and Noah, 9, with estranged wife Megan Fox, and Kassius, 19, with ex and "90210" co-star Vanessa Marcil.
The family's new addition is already taking after his father. "So every time I try and film this belly moving, this boy moving, right, he stops," Burgess said in Instagram Stories on April 5. "He's completely camera shy. Absolutely does not take after his mother. Definitely takes after his dad."
Camera shyness and sickness aside, Burgess shared her love for her growing family in a February Instagram post, writing, "@brianaustingreen I love our family, I love that it's growing and I love you. How did we get so lucky." | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/brian-austin-green-says-hes-been-bedridden-due-to-bowel-disease/3646555/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:06 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/brian-austin-green-says-hes-been-bedridden-due-to-bowel-disease/3646555/ |
Which Valentino perfume is best?
Valentino has been one of the preferred fashion and fragrance brands of the rich and famous for more than a few decades. Their perfume is known for exuding elegance and opulence. Introduced for the first time in 1978, Valentino’s perfume line has grown to include numerous enticing concoctions that encompass a variety of fragrance profiles, from sweet and spicy to fruity and sour.
A good place to start is by checking out Valentino Donna Born In Roma Eau de Parfum, a pretty floral fragrance with notes of jasmine, blackcurrant and bourbon vanilla.
What to know before you buy a bottle of Valentino perfume
Perfume concentration
Valentino makes three concentrations of perfume: eau de toilette, eau de parfum and parfum.
- Eau de toilette: This is the weakest of the three but it still carries quite a bit of scent. With 10%-15% pure perfume oils, a high-quality eau de toilette can be intense and last all day.
- Eau de parfum: This is a stronger, longer-lasting fragrance, containing 15%-20% pure perfume oils.
- Parfum: This is the strongest concentration, with between 20%-40% perfume oils. Parfum is also the most expensive because perfume oil is the priciest ingredient in any fragrance.
What to look for in a quality Valentino perfume
Uniqueness
Valentino womenswear, which includes their perfumes, is designed around the philosophy that a “woman must cause heads to turn when she enters a room.” A clear indicator that a perfume adheres to this principle is the extent to which it smells completely one of a kind. The best Valentino perfume will excite your nose and leave a memorable impression on all those around you. This uniqueness is exactly why Valentino fragrances are prized by so many perfume connoisseurs.
Bottle design
Valentino’s partner, both in business and life, Giancarlo Giammetti, was a professional Italian architect at the time of their meeting. Because of this, Valentino perfume bottles have an especially provocative architectural feel and design. Be on the lookout for eye-catching bottles that feature Valentino’s signature three-dimensional spike or subtly tinted glass. These details allow each perfume bottle to serve as a display piece all on its own — even after the perfume is gone.
How much you can expect to spend on Valentino perfume
Expect to spend between $50-$90 for small- and medium-sized bottles of Valentino perfume and between $120-$150 for larger bottles.
Valentino perfume FAQ
Where should I apply my new Valentino perfume?
A. Where you choose to apply your perfume is really a matter of preference. However, there are certain areas you can spray that will naturally increase or decrease the intensity and longevity of your perfume. If you want your scent to smell more intense and last longer, spray it onto areas that are naturally warm and experience friction, such as the inner elbows, neck and the backs of your knees.
Can Valentino perfume expire?
A. Yes, once a bottle of perfume has been opened, it can last an average of two years, sometimes longer if you keep it in a cool area out of direct sunlight. You can tell that the perfume has gone bad if it no longer smells as it should or appears discolored.
What’s the best Valentino perfume to buy?
Top Valentino perfume
Valentino Donna Born In Roma Eau De Parfum
What you need to know: Encapsulated in a stunning studded bottle, this pink perfume has rich floral notes and an invitingly feminine scent profile.
What you’ll love: This scent is sophisticated, boasting top notes of bergamot and jasmine that enliven the senses, middle notes of Bulgarian rose and blackcurrant and base notes of warm vanilla and beechwood. This versatile perfume is bold and sensual and was inspired by the edgy yet elegant style of the nightlife scene in Rome.
What you should consider: Although this is an Eau de parfum, the sweetness of the initial scent doesn’t last as long as some wearers would have liked.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora, Kohl’s and Ulta Beauty
Top Valentino perfume for the money
Valentino Voce Viva Eau De Parfum
What you need to know: If you’re in the market for a subtle yet long-lasting perfume with a unique scent profile and premium ingredients, look no further than Voce Viva.
What you’ll love: The initial scent profile contains robust top notes of bergamot, mandarin and orange blossom, which lend this perfume a distinct sense of citrus-powered awareness. These top notes eventually give way to heart notes gardenia and crystal moss accord, which is a rare ingredient that gives this perfume a sweet subtlety. Finally, the heart notes fade and the base notes of vanilla and tonka bean settle in.
What you should consider: Some wearers feel that the unique combination of ingredients give it a polarizing scent profile.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Amazon and Ulta Beauty
Worth checking out
Valentino Donna Yellow Dream Eau De Parfum
What you need to know: One of Valentino’s most popular scents, Donna Yellow Dream has a luxurious scent profile that includes complementary contrasts, such as vibrant florals and sweet musk.
What you’ll love: Introduced in 2021, this is one of Valentino’s newest additions to its perfume line, and as such, it’s properly modern. With top notes of Italian lemon, middle notes of luscious rose petal and base notes of white musk, this perfume is both light and breezy as well as mysterious and sensual.
What you should consider: Some wearers report that this perfume isn’t strong enough given the fact that it’s an Eau de parfum.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora, Kohl’s and Ulta Beauty
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William Briskin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/fragrance-br/the-best-valentino-perfume/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:08 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/fragrance-br/the-best-valentino-perfume/ |
John Travolta is sending a message to his late son Jett.
On April 13, the actor, 68, paid tribute to his and Kelly Preston's firstborn, who passed away in 2009. "My dearest Jetty, I miss you more than words can say," he wrote on Instagram alongside a black and white throwback photo of the father-son duo. "I think about you everyday. Happy Birthday. Love, your Dad."
Travolta wasn't the only one to honor Jett. His daughter Ella did, too. "Happy Birthday Jetty," the 22-year-old added in the comments section, "we love you so much."
Jett died in 2009 after he suffered a seizure on a family vacation to Grand Bahama Island. He was 16 years old.
"We had a very full life, my son and I, 16 years," Travolta said in a 2015 interview with Entertainment Tonight. "And we did travel the world and he saw every place by the time he, you know, he was that age. But you know, you plan on a life that's a lot longer for your child and you always intend to go first. So, that's the difference is that, regardless of the full life we did live together, you know, you wanted a full life for him."
Travolta, who is a member of the Church of Scientology, credited his faith with helping him cope after Jett's death. "After my loss, I had two full years of full-time help from my church and they never left my side," he told the outlet at the time. "And I got through a time that I didn't think I was going to make it. I really didn't. Several times. But they pulled me through."
In 2010, the Grease alum and Preston, who died in 2020 following her battle with breast cancer, welcomed their son Benjamin, now 11. And while no one could ever replace Jett, Travolta said in a 2016 interview with Good Morning America that Benjamin "has been a beautiful kind of glue for us to rebond after tremendous loss."
Over the years, Travolta and Preston would pay tribute to Jett on social media. On World Autism Awareness Day in 2019, for instance, the actress shared a photo of Jett, who was autistic, along with a message.
"To my sweet love, Jett... you are in our hearts forever," she wrote at the time. "I send love to all of the beautiful autistic children and the wonderful people who love them. May we all shine and grant love and respect to children with special needs."
And in 2021 episode of Kevin Hart's Hart to Heart series, Travolta shared the conversation he had with Benjamin about life and death.
"Once he said, 'You know, because mom passed away, I'm afraid you're going to,'" he said. "And I said, 'Well, it's a very different thing.' And I went through the differences about my longevity and her limited life. I said, 'But you know, Ben, you always love the truth, and I'm going to tell you the truth about life: Nobody knows when they're going to go or when they're going to stay.' I said, 'Your brother left at 16. Too young. Your mother left at 57, that was too young. But who's to say?' I said, 'I could die tomorrow, you could, anybody can.' I said, 'So, let's look at life that it's part of life. You see, you don't know exactly, you just do your best at trying to live the longest you can.'"
(Peacock and E! are both part of the NBCUniversal family). | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/john-travolta-honors-late-son-jett-on-what-would-have-been-his-30th-birthday/3646537/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:12 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/john-travolta-honors-late-son-jett-on-what-would-have-been-his-30th-birthday/3646537/ |
Which peach shower curtain is best?
Interior designers are in love with pastels right now — and for good reason. These softened tones open decorators up to the full color spectrum with just about every pastel hue being easy on the eyes. Chief among these is peach, the color of sunsets and fresh pitted fruit.
If you’re looking to add warmth and light to your bathroom, a peach shower curtain is the perfect mood booster. Which you choose comes down to the size of your bathtub and your bathroom’s decor, but you can’t go wrong with the delightful print of the Lifeel Peach Shower Curtain.
What to know before you buy a peach shower curtain
Psychology of peach
Peach is a warm mixture of red and yellow. Its properties put people at ease, projecting calm and contentment. This makes it an excellent color for your bathing routine, imbuing your shower or tub with positive and rejuvenating energy.
Colors that go with peach
As a pastel, peach plays well with other colors. The trick is matching the tone to its opposite and tertiary colors. Peach goes great with soft greens such as turquoise and teal and muted yellows such as ocher. It also pairs well with warm grays and light purples such as mauve. If you don’t want pastel overload, try using peach as an accent by pitting it against rich red backdrops.
Styling a peach shower curtain
Because it’s a bright and happy color, peach thrives when surrounded by open, minimal and natural interiors. Warm, raw woods match the energy of this color, as do rose-tinted metals.
If your decor is inspired by vintage aesthetics, you might find yourself struggling to match the color to luscious and saturated hues. In these scenarios, peach can integrate with the darker browns of antique furniture by using mid-tones to work the eye up to the brighter color. As for the severe black of modern interiors, gold, copper and brass are all great ways to guide your space in a warm direction so peach feels at home.
Solid color vs. patterned
Shower curtains are underappreciated canvases that offer excellent color-blocking potential, but that doesn’t mean you have to go peach all the way. A patterned curtain presents decorators with additional versatility. By opting for a peach motif, you can introduce a neutral backdrop that balances the color out and opens your bathroom’s palette up to further color exploration.
What to look for in a quality peach shower curtain
Material
Shower curtains come in three different materials that determine their look, feel and durability:
- Cotton: Soft, hefty and luxurious, cotton is a premium option that comes at a significant cost compared to other materials. It lasts the longest and can be machine-washed; just be prepared to use a liner to protect it from mold and mildew.
- Vinyl: The budget option, vinyl is completely waterproof but has a plasticky sheen and smell. These curtains are also available in non-toxic, eco-friendly PEVA and EVA.
- Polyester: These synthetic fibers offer a waterproof yet textured curtain material halfway between cotton and vinyl. They’re typically more affordable than cotton, and their durability makes them an attractive substitute, though they don’t last quite as long.
Size
- Standard: At 72 by 72 inches, the standard shower curtain is sized to cover one long edge of your typical bathtub.
- Extra-wide: For everything from claw-foots to basins, extra-wide shower curtains offer the additional coverage necessary to prevent water damage. Sized from 108-180 inches wide, these are designed to wrap around any tub with more than one exposed side.
- Extra-long: High ceilings and tall shower curtain rods leave standard curtains coming up short. Extra-long curtains add 1-2 more feet in length to block spillage and ensure your shower doesn’t look like it’s squeezing into a hand-me-down curtain.
- Narrow: Small bathrooms come with small showers, and excess curtain fabric can bunch up, consuming precious space. Narrow curtains are half the width of standard curtains to cover stalls and other diminutive showers.
Installation
Sewn into the top of your shower curtain are small, plastic- or metal-reinforced holes called grommets. If they’re big enough, you can slide the curtain rod directly through these grommets to install your shower curtain. While this method is the easiest, grommets make it harder to pull your curtain back and forth.
If you want to pull your curtain back with ease without any bunching or if your grommets are too small, you need to use hooks. These require a little more finesse to install but also present a fun decorative opportunity.
How much you can expect to spend on a peach shower curtain
Vinyl shower curtains typically cost $5-$20. Polyester can range from $15-$50, and high-quality cotton can be as much as $60-$120.
Peach shower curtain FAQ
Do I need to use a curtain liner?
A. Shower curtain liners act as a barrier that blocks soap scum, mold and mildew from penetrating your curtain. Cotton shower curtains aren’t waterproof and need these for protection. Neither vinyl nor polyester require a liner, but it can help boost their longevity and makes cleanup a lot easier.
How do I clean my shower curtain?
A. All three materials can be put through the wash; you should do this once a month. Vinyl can also be wiped down with household cleaner and paper towels. Just stay away from bleach, as this can damage the dyes and inks.
What’s the best peach shower curtain to buy?
Top peach shower curtain
What you need to know: This one may be a little on the nose, but the all-over peach motif has a beautiful, summery vibe.
What you’ll love: With a vintage-graphic quality, this curtain is ripe with color. It’s made from polyester and weighted at the bottom so you don’t have to worry about it fluttering about in a draft. It comes with 12 hooks to make installation easy.
What you should consider: You can only get this in a standard size.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top peach shower curtain for the money
Elaine Karen Vinyl Shower Curtain Liner with Metal Grommets
What you need to know: This vibrant peach liner makes for a great shower curtain on a budget.
What you’ll love: Because it’s made from vinyl, you don’t have to worry about waterproofing with this durable curtain. It’s dyed with a light peach color that can brighten up gloomy bathrooms. The magnets sewn into the bottom help prevent spills and billowing.
What you should consider: This curtain doesn’t come with hooks.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
August Grove Andes Solid Single Shower Curtain
What you need to know: This curtain adds a touch of texture to your bathroom decor with its ruffled design.
What you’ll love: The boho-chic frills of this peach curtain feel like the stuff of royalty. Made from polyester, it retains the fabric qualities of cotton without the risk of water damage. The grommets are subtle, reinforced by a hem rather than plastic or metal.
What you should consider: This is only available in standard sizing.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
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Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/bed-bath-br/shower-accessories-br/best-peach-shower-curtain/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:14 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/bed-bath-br/shower-accessories-br/best-peach-shower-curtain/ |
Chalk up another honor for Mary J. Blige.
The legendary singer will receive the Icon Award at next month’s Billboard Music Awards, TODAY exclusively revealed Thursday. The award “recognizes outstanding artists who have achieved excellence on the Billboard Charts and have made an indelible mark on music itself,” according to the show.
Blige, who has won 10 BBMAs in her career, said she was touched to be acknowledged for her work.
“My career has been such an incredible and unexpected journey that has included many turns into avenues I never could have imagined like acting, producing, launching businesses and now even my own music festival,” the nine-time Grammy Award winner said in a statement.
“Through it all, I always one way or another gravitated back to my first love, music. To be recognized in this way at this moment, with the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards, is an incredible honor and one that I am truly humbled by.”
The “No More Drama” singer, who performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in February, follows last year’s recipient, Pink. The Icon Award was first handed out in 2011 and has also been given to Neil Diamond, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Cher, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey and Garth Brooks.
Blige has been a staple on the Billboard charts since releasing her debut album, "What's the 411?," in 1993. She has produced six No. 1 hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, including the smash “Be Without You,” which remained in the top spot for 15 weeks.
The Billboard Music Awards will broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 15, at 8 p.m. on NBC. It will also be available to stream on Peacock.
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY: | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/mary-j-blige-revealed-as-icon-award-recipient-ahead-of-2022-billboard-music-awards/3646513/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:19 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/mary-j-blige-revealed-as-icon-award-recipient-ahead-of-2022-billboard-music-awards/3646513/ |
Which USB-C hub adapter is best?
As laptops get smaller, thinner and more powerful, they tend to lose some of their functionalities. Where built-in USB 3.0 connections were once a common sight, it’s now unusual to see them on the side of a laptop.
If your USB-C laptop only has one or two connections, this is where a USB-C hub adapter can prove useful. Through a device such as the Hiearcool USB-C Dongle for MacBook Pro, you can connect multiple devices to your computer.
What to know before you buy a USB-C hub adapter
It could drain your laptop’s battery faster
Connecting several devices or accessories to your laptop through a hub comes at a price. While some adapters require an independent power source, others don’t — they use power from your laptop. This can cause your device to run flat much faster than usual if it’s not plugged into a charger.
Robust construction materials
A USB-C is incredibly important if you rely on one connection for all your portability needs. If it gets damaged, you could lose the ability to access vital devices or accessories. Keep in mind the construction materials of the hub, and try to get one that’s made from hardened plastic or aluminum.
Compatibility with your device
While USB-C is now a common connection type, not all devices are the same. Ensure that the hub you’re interested in is compatible with your device. For example, Apple’s Thunderbolt is a type of USB-C but is only compatible with certain gadgets. Similarly, Nintendo’s Switch console also uses USB-C, but the type used isn’t compatible with certain hubs or cables. The way to determine compatibility is to check with the manufacturer of the device.
What to look for in a quality USB-C hub adapter
USB-C Power Delivery
A key aspect to look for when deciding on an adapter is Power Delivery technology. This lets you use your laptop to charge other devices that are connected to the hub. The amount of power delivered to the connected device can vary, but the most common is around 100 watts.
Lengthy cable (or no cable at all)
You don’t want to struggle to get devices connected to your laptop, which is why a lengthy USB-C cable can be handy. The length also lets you move the adapter around to minimize any electromagnetic interference. On the other hand, there are adapters that have no cables at all. These sit flush with your laptop and are a great option if you have limited space.
Multiple connections
The purpose of an adapter is so you can connect multiple devices of different connections to your laptop. For that reason, it’s imperative that the adapter has as many as possible, which should include USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI connection and an SD card slot.
How much you can expect to spend on a USB-C hub adapter
The average cost of a USB-C adapter or hub depends on the number of ports and connections it has. An entry-level hub with a few slots can cost $15-$20, while a feature-packed adapter can go for $25-$35.
USB-C hub adapter FAQ
Can you connect a mouse and keyboard to an adapter?
A. Yes, you can, but you should keep in mind that due to their limited design, users often complain that the mouse is less responsive when an additional monitor is also connected.
What’s the difference between USB-C and Lightning?
A. The Lightning connection is the proprietary connection method for many Apple products and isn’t interchangeable with other devices. However, Apple’s Thunderbolt is a type of USB-C connection that can be used with other USB-C products or adapters.
What’s the best USB-C hub adapter to buy?
Top USB-C hub adapter
Hiearcool USB-C Dongle For MacBook Pro
What you need to know: This adapter has all the ports and connections that you could ever need. It features two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port for an external display and an SD card slot.
What you’ll love: You can recharge your laptop through the Power Delivery function, and it’s capable of displaying 4K content at 30 frames per second. The outer case is made from aluminum alloy, weighs only 2.4 ounces and is available in six colors.
What you should consider: The adapter isn’t compatible with Samsung’s DeX software, which lets you cast your device’s screen to a bigger monitor such as a TV. Unlike other hubs, this one is compatible with Nintendo Switch.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top USB-C hub adapter for the money
AorZ USB-C 7-in-1 Dongle Adapter
What you need to know: Not only does this hub have seven different connections, it can also power your laptop through USB-C Power Delivery technology.
What you’ll love: This hub features an HDMI connection, which lets you display content on an external monitor at 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second, or 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. It has three USB 3.0 ports, which is handy if you want to connect a keyboard or mouse. There’s also an SD card slot for transferring content such as photos from a camera.
What you should consider: This hub isn’t compatible with the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch or 21.9-inch before 2018.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: If you need to add a variety of useful connection ports to your laptop, this hub is a perfect choice.
What you’ll love: Its best feature is that it can handle an HDMI connection to an external monitor at a 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. In addition, this hub sports one connection for each of the most popular ports, so you’ll always have a way of connecting external devices. It has an SD card slot, USB-C input, USB-C data port and two USB 3.0 slots. It features USB-C Power Delivery so you can simultaneously charge your laptop.
What you should consider: This USB-C hub is only compatible with Apple’s MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and the Pixelbook. It isn’t compatible with the Nintendo Switch, even though it uses USB-C.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/best-usb-c-hub-adapter/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:21 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/best-usb-c-hub-adapter/ |
During an appearance on “The Howard Stern Show,” comedian Molly Shannon recounted the time she met "Diff’rent Strokes" star Gary Coleman at the beginning of her career.
Shannon visited the show to discuss her new memoir "Hello, Molly!" and Stern asked her about the section of her book where she describes meeting the actor and the sexual harassment by Coleman that followed.
At the time, Shannon was signed on by the same agent Coleman had and was offered the chance to meet him. The comedian said she was initially excited to meet a star of his magnitude, but once the agent left the room, the mood shifted. Shannon said Coleman first began tickling her, but it quickly became more aggressive.
"I was trying to be polite and stuff, I’m a polite Catholic girl — and a virgin," Shannon said. "So I’m not even thinking about, I’m naive about anything about that."
Shannon then recounted the multiple times Coleman tried to kiss her.
"He was relentless," Shannon said. "Then, he was like trying to kiss me and get on top and I was like, 'No, Gary. Stop.' So, I push him off. Then, I would get off the bed. Then, he would bounce on the bed. Jump, jump, jump. And wrap himself around me. Then, I would fling him off. And then he got on top of me. I guess because of his size I didn't feel physically threatened. But ... it was going on and on. Repeating. I would throw him off, he would get back on."
She eventually was able to get away from Coleman and lock herself in the bathroom, but he still persisted by putting his hands under the door and saying "I can see you," she said. Shannon eventually sprinted out of the room, then telling the agent "you gotta watch that client of yours."
"I wish I could have stood up for myself more," she added.
Coleman died in 2010 at the age of 42. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/molly-shannon-says-she-was-sexually-harassed-by-gary-coleman/3646527/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:25 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/molly-shannon-says-she-was-sexually-harassed-by-gary-coleman/3646527/ |
Best headphones for camping
Getting back to nature can be an amazing way to de-stress. Spending time in the forests of a national park or hiking the Midwestern plains can make you forget about your worries as you take in the sights.
While some prefer to wake up with the call of the mountain chickadee, others center themselves through music. It might seem counterproductive to listen to created sounds rather than nature’s own, but the two go surprisingly well together — if you have the right headphones for camping, that is.
Best wireless headphones
If you’re looking for a great pair of headphones that fit over your ears, this model from Sony is a perfect option. They use some of the best noise-canceling technology available, and through the Edge-AI system, they regulate and change the equalizer according to the music. They’re perfect for camping or hiking as they have a 30-hour battery life, and you can receive calls through the connected Bluetooth function.
Sold by Amazon
SoundCore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid
To remove the sounds of people talking around you or when you just want to be alone, SoundCore Life Q30 headphones use Anker’s hybrid noise-canceling system that includes dual microphones to block up to 95% of ambient sounds. With large 40-millimeter audio drivers, this pair has a battery life of 40 hours and comes with a 3.5-millimeter cable, even though they’re capable of wireless connectivity.
Sold by Amazon
For Apple loyalists who enjoy camping, there are no better headphones to pack in your bag than the AirPods Max. Available in five colors, they feature active noise cancellation, respond to Siri through voice and provide up to 20 hours of listening time. As they’re wireless, they connect to your device through Bluetooth. No matter what you’re listening to, the Adaptive EQ changes the equalizer depending on the musical style and quality.
Sold by Amazon
Best headphones for running
Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
If you want to stay in shape while on a camping trip, then you’re probably going to want to get in a run. To listen to music while doing so, you need a great pair of earbuds, and Powerbeats are a good option. They provide you with nine hours of battery life and are completely wireless. The ear hooks are adjustable to ensure a snug fit and they’re reinforced to protect against sweat and water. While they use Apple’s H1 internal chip, they’re compatible with iOS and Android devices.
Sold by Amazon
Available in several colors, these JBudsPRO earbuds stay put no matter how fast you’re running. The Cush Fins at the top of the earbuds fit comfortably into the ear, while three different size silicone tips provide added grip. For sound production, the audio drivers are 11 millimeters and use high-performance titanium for better quality. JBudsPRO have an in-line microphone so you can take and make hands-free calls while camping.
Sold by Amazon
The best choice for Apple fans who want a subtle listening experience, AirPods Pro come with active noise cancellation while still having transparency mode for when you need to hear what’s going on around you. Adaptive EQ automatically tunes the music, while spatial audio with dynamic head tracking makes it sound like the music is all around you. The tips are available in three different sizes and they’re sweat- and water-resistant.
Sold by Amazon
Best affordable headphones
When you go camping, you don’t always want to take the best or most expensive headphones with you. There are plenty of affordable headphones that are perfect for throwing in a backpack and hitting the trail, such as Riff Wireless. They connect to your mobile device through Bluetooth (a wired version is available too), give you 12 hours of battery life and provide two hours of listening from a 10-minute charge. They’re available in four colors and come with a built-in microphone, volume and track control and charge through a USB cable.
Sold by Amazon
Retailing for under $10, these headphones are perfect for camping if you aren’t too concerned about them getting dirty, wet or possibly damaged. The audio drivers measure 33 millimeters and sit inside swiveling ear cups that are covered with soft foam. These headphones aren’t wireless but connect to your mobile device with a 3.5-millimeter jack. If you have an iPhone, don’t forget to pack your Lightning 3.5-millimeter adapter.
Sold by Amazon
For a grab-and-go pair of earbuds, Pro from Philips get the job done. Whether you’re camping or on a hike, the 8.6-millimeter audio drivers produce clear music with no distortion. They feature passive noise cancellation to block out any ambient sounds and connect to your mobile device through a 3.5-millimeter connection. With the in-line microphone and volume controls, you can make and receive phone calls.
Sold by Amazon
With a tangle-free flat cable and foldable ear cups, the Tune 500 are a great pair of headphones to take on a camping trip. Their compact design makes them easy to throw into a backpack or keep around your neck. The 32-millimeter audio drivers incorporate JBL’s Pure Bass technology for crystal-clear sounds, and the padded headband reduces discomfort if you wear them for a long time. They feature an in-line microphone and volume controls that can also be used to activate Google Assistant or Siri.
Sold by Amazon
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/headphones-br/which-headphones-are-best-for-camping/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:29 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/headphones-br/which-headphones-are-best-for-camping/ |
New York LiveDaily lifestyle show giving viewers the best in all things New York -- 11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday and 7:15 p.m. Fridays | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/the-scene/new-york-live/embrace-your-curls/3646493/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:31 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/the-scene/new-york-live/embrace-your-curls/3646493/ |
Which Ethernet switch is best?
If you’re running several devices with wired Ethernet connections, it’s useful to have a switch. Having an Ethernet switch lets users maintain and modify a home internet network using multiple devices that use a LAN or Ethernet cable to connect to the internet. They can also offer performance benefits such as faster speeds and better overall traffic management.
The TrendNet Ethernet Switch offers five Ethernet ports, operation lights and 10 Gbps on file transfers.
What to know before you buy an Ethernet switch
Needs
Ethernet switches are used to connect to devices using a wired local area network, also called LAN and Ethernet cables. If you want a basic switch for optimizing traffic flow across devices, just about any switch will do, so long as it has the number of ports you want. But specific Ethernet switches may work better than others, depending on your data needs. Some come with upgrade features, including added security, faster speeds or additional power.
Unmanaged vs. managed
The most common type of Ethernet switch is an unmanaged switch. These offer basic traffic flow maintenance and don’t require users to set up parameters. While basic Ethernet switches work for most households, you can also buy upgraded or managed switches for adding a virtual LAN network or Quality of Service controls for managing data bottlenecks. These may be more useful for those using a switch in commercial or professional settings.
Power over Ethernet
Certain devices, such as security cameras, require power and can use the Ethernet cable to get it, rather than a separate power cable or a battery. This is where Power over Ethernet systems come into play. Another upgrade feature found on high-end switches, PoE lets you power devices and connect to the internet through the Ethernet cable. Other devices that often work with PoE switches include printers and media streaming devices.
What to look for in a quality Ethernet switch
Speed
The increased speed across devices offered by an Ethernet switch is the primary selling point for most users. Ethernet switches can support cumulative data speeds across devices of either 10, 100 or 1,000 Mbps, which equals 1 Gbps. Today’s vast majority of switches offer what they call “Gigabit” speeds, or speeds up to 1 Gbps. These can still work with lower-speed devices, and they offer faster speeds from one device to the next than if you just use a router.
Ports
The number of ports on an Ethernet switch determines how many wired connections you can use it to make. While most include around five Ethernet ports, you can also find some with just a few ports, or those with nine or more. Make sure any switch you choose has enough ports to support all the devices you want to use simultaneously.
Lights
While they don’t affect functionality on an Ethernet switch, many buyers prefer those with lights that indicate when certain LAN ports are operational, connected or working at full speed. Those without lights can be significantly more confusing to set up, making it harder to know when devices are active — which can be a total pain when troubleshooting issues.
How much you can expect to spend on an Ethernet switch
A cheap Ethernet switch costs as little as $10. However, most midrange switches run $15-$40, while high-end Ethernet switches for use in professional settings cost $50-$500.
Ethernet switch FAQ
Are Ethernet switches secure?
A. On their own, they aren’t particularly secure. However, there are steps you can take to lock your network down from outsiders. These include creating access passwords and implementing a Secure Shell or other encrypting protocols.
Can Ethernet switches be daisy-chained?
A. Yes, so long as you have fewer than three switches daisy-chained, though it isn’t usually recommended. Some do this to create multiple networks alongside each other, using the same switches. However, it’s almost always best to run Ethernet cables separately, using separate switch chains.
What’s the best Ethernet switch to buy?
Top Ethernet switch
TrendNet Five-Port Unmanaged Gigabit Desktop Ethernet Switch
What you need to know: This powerful five-port Ethernet switch comes at a fair price and offers up to 10 Gbps of data traffic across devices.
What you’ll love: This switch features GreenNet power consumption-reducing hardware and a standby mode for when devices aren’t in use. It also includes lights for when activity is detected, and it has a fan-less design for minimal noise.
What you should consider: Some buyers didn’t find this switch durable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Ethernet switch for the money
Tenda Five-Port Unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet Switch
What you need to know: This is a simple, affordable switch with activity lights and all the basics you need to distribute data speeds across multiple devices.
What you’ll love: This unmanaged switch works great for household use, offering up to 1,000 Mbps of data transfer speeds. You can also buy this brand in eight- and nine-port varieties.
What you should consider: This switch stopped working after a short period of use for a few buyers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
TP-Link TL-SG105 Five-Port Unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet Switch
What you need to know: This five-port gigabit switch is powerful and mountable, offering upgrade functionality at a reasonable price.
What you’ll love: This switch lets users choose between VLAN and Quality of Service functions. It also has shielded ports, automatic traffic optimization and a fan-less design for low noise levels while active.
What you should consider: Some buyers had trouble keeping the power cable in.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Peter McGuthrie writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/internet-streaming-br/best-ethernet-switch/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:35 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/internet-streaming-br/best-ethernet-switch/ |
State lawmakers are planning changes in the aftermath of Brian Benjamin's resignation that would make it possible to remove politicians from the ballot when they are charged with crimes, people familiar with the case said Thursday.
The Democratic lieutenant governor resigned earlier this week after surrendering to authorities in connection with a campaign finance fraud-related investigation.
The ballot issue comes as Gov. Kathy Hochul grapples with limited options to remove her indicted running mate from the June 28 Democratic primary ballot.
Even though Benjamin resigned his position on Tuesday after bribery charges against him were announced, current law does not allow him to leave the ballot unless he dies, runs for another office or moves outside New York state.
Westchester Assemblywoman Amy Paulin told colleagues Wednesday in a memo that she would be introducing a bill to enable a candidate charged with a crime before an election to voluntarily withdraw the name and allow a new candidate to be selected.
"This wasn’t the first time nor will it be the last that we have a situation like this," Paulin, who is co-sponsoring a bill to change the law, said in the memo.
Asked if she felt the change could come quickly enough to impact the ballot for the upcoming election, Paulin said it would be good if it did.
News
"It would be amazing if we could manage to get it done in time because it’s both unfair to the candidate who no longer wants to be a candidate and to the voters," the longtime Democrat said.
The governor has said she wasn't aware of the subpoena involving Benjamin when she named him her lieutenant.
This week she accepted his resignation "effective immediately," saying, "while the legal process plays out, it is clear to both of us that he cannot continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor. New Yorkers deserve absolute confidence in their government, and I will continue working every day to deliver for them."
Benjamin was charged with bribery, fraud, conspiracy and falsification of records in an alleged scheme to obtain campaign contributions from a real estate developer in exchange for Benjamin’s agreement to use his influence as a state senator to get a $50,000 grant of state funds for a nonprofit organization the developer controlled.
He pleaded not guilty at a federal court hearing in Manhattan the day of his arrest.
Benjamin's attorneys, James D. Gatta and William Harrington, later issued a statement calling his actions "laudable -- not criminal" and announcing his resignation plans.
"There has never been a federal case like this in America. Brian supported a $50,000 grant to Friends of Public School Harlem. Every dollar was to buy supplies for public school students in Harlem. There was nothing inappropriate about this grant," the lawyers said, adding Benjamin planned to focus his energy on his court defense.
"He looks forward to when this case is finished so he can rededicate himself to public service," his lawyers said.
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NEW YORK POLITICAL SCANDALS
Benjamin's arrest is just the latest scandal in New York's political realm.
Former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, one of the most powerful politicians in the state for decades before being ousted and sent to prison on corruption charges, fall from grace was also due to misconduct.
Silver, who passed away behind bars in earlier this year, at one time was one of the three most powerful state officials in New York. He was the Assembly’s leader for more than two decades before his abrupt ouster in 2015 after the corruption allegations emerged.
He was ultimately convicted in a scheme that involved a type of illegal back-scratching that has long plagued Albany. He supported legislation that benefited real estate developers he knew. In return, they referred tax business to a law firm that employed Silver, which then paid him fees.
Additionally, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also faced a political scandal that lead him to resign amid sexual harassment allegations.
While Cuomo stepped down last year, it appears he is contemplating a political comeback and dangling the possibility he may run for his former job just six months after he resigned amid sexual harassment allegations.
Cuomo gave a campaign-style speech in March to a friendly audience of about 100 people in the Bronx, where he framed his fall from power as “cancel culture” run amok.
Asked after his speech if he would run for office, Cuomo told reporters he is “open to all options.” He also commented on a recent poll that showed him competitive in a hypothetical New York primary, saying that he found the results "gratifying, but I've never lived by the polls."
Below is a list of other high-ranking New York officials who have resigned or faced jail time in the wake of scandal:
- Oct. 17, 1913 - In the history of the state, only one governor has ever been impeached. William Sulzer, the 39th governor of New York, had been in the seat for less than a year before he was impeached after being accused of failing to report thousands of dollars in campaign contributions and commingling campaign funds with personal funds. He was convicted by a special court and removed from office on Oct. 17, 1913.
- Dec. 22, 2006 – NYS Comptroller Alan Hevesi resigns and pleads guilty to a felony charge of defrauding the government; later charges result in a prison sentence.
- March 12, 2008 - Governor Eliot Spitzer announces his resignation, effective March 17, after being caught in a prostitution sting in Washington, DC. (His successor, David Paterson, had several scandals of his own, including accusations of perjury, witness tampering and even rumors of sex and drug escapades that were never proven, but they did not lead to his resignation.)
- July 18, 2008 - NYS Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno resigns his Senate seat, after stepping down as Senate leader on June 24, amid federal corruption charges; later convicted on two felony counts. The US Supreme Court overturned his conviction; a later retrial resulted in acquittal.
- June 20, 2011 - Former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner -- a once-rising star in the Democratic Party who served nearly 12 years in Congress -- had a dramatic and sordid fall from grace after he sent a lewd picture of himself over Twitter in 2011 and resigned after the behavior came to light.
- Jan. 30, 2015 - NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver resigns as Speaker, effective February 2, following his arrest on federal corruption charges. Later that year, he is convicted on seven counts. Although that conviction was overturned, he was convicted again in a later trial. He is currently in federal prison.
- May 11, 2015 – Dean Skelos steps down from his position as Majority Leader of the NYS Senate, a week after his arrest on federal corruption charges along with his son. Later that year, he was convicted, automatically losing his seat. An appeals court overturned his conviction, but he was found guilty again on retrial. Last year he was released from prison to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest after testing positive for COVID.
- May 7, 2018 – NYS Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigns hours after the New Yorker published an article detailing allegations of physical abuse. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/nys-mulls-ballot-law-change-after-lt-gov-indictment-puts-hochul-in-running-mate-jam/3646580/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:37 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/investigations/nys-mulls-ballot-law-change-after-lt-gov-indictment-puts-hochul-in-running-mate-jam/3646580/ |
Which Canon printer is best?
Even if you don’t use your printer on a daily basis, it’s important to have one at home. Many feel they don’t need a printer since documents are available online, and you can sign and return them quickly through the internet. Even though printers have become somewhat less popular over the years, you’ll undoubtedly want to have one.
Canon is a trusted brand that offers a wide range of printers that are excellent for basic printing needs as well as scanning photos or making copies. If you want a functional printer that will save you money on ink, take a look at the Canon Maxify GX6020 All-in-One Wireless Supertank Printer.
What to know before you buy a Canon printer
The purpose of the printer
People typically use Canon printers to print documents onto paper, scan documents or photos, send emails and more. Decide what you think you’ll use your printer for the most to help you decide which model works best for your needs. If you only print black-and-white documents, there is no need to buy an expensive device that produces photo-quality images.
Inkjet vs. laser printer
Canon printers are generally available in inkjet or laser design, which refers to the different methods of printing out images or text. For example, inkjet printers use several tiny nozzles to deposit ink drops on the page. They tend to be cheaper, but the nozzles are prone to clogging, and the ink is expensive. On the other hand, laser printers use heat to melt the ink powder onto a page. While they are more costly, they last a long time, which helps even out the costs over time.
Types of Canon printers
Canon has different printers that cater to various needs. Here are some of the options you’ll come across.
Pixma printers are perfect for everyday use at home or in a small office. The inkjet design offers terrific print quality and speed. The Pixma line includes both all-in-one printers that can print, copy and scan as well as photo printers that can create first-rate prints of your favorite memories.
Selphy printers are small enough to fit in a backpack and feature an attractive design. They allow you to print quality photos from your smartphone or tablet even on the go.
Maxify printers are known for their power and efficiency. These multifunction, wireless inkjet printers provide quality prints at a reasonable price per page. They’re ideal for use at home or in small offices.
ImageClass color printers are ideal when your work demands high-quality prints in rich, bold hues (note that some models only print in black and white). These laser printers feature a touch screen that lets you customize the settings to suit your needs, and they’re fast.
Printing resolution
Canon printers produce images or text at a set resolution, measured in dots per inch (dpi). The more dots there are in a square inch, the better the quality will be. It’s best to find a dpi that goes hand in hand with what you plan on using the printer for. For example, black-and-white documents are perfect at a dpi of 400-600. But for high-quality images, you ideally want a dpi of 1,000-1,200.
What to look for in a quality Canon printer
Printing cost per page
Printer ink is notoriously expensive, so you need to factor in how much it costs you to print a page. This will vary depending on the printer, but black-and-white pages should only cost a couple of cents. Color prints are more costly, but even then, they shouldn’t cost more than 15 cents per page. Take time to figure out the cost-per-page for your printer, so you don’t spend a fortune on ink.
Wireless connectivity
While you can connect a Canon printer to a computer or laptop with a USB cable, the best option is to use a wireless connection. A good-quality printer can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing anybody to access it. In addition, some printers connect through Bluetooth technology, which is a great option when printing from a mobile device.
Printing speed
The days of standing by the printer waiting for your pages to pop out are long gone. But with that said, some printers are faster than others. Look for a Canon printer that can produce high-quality prints in a few seconds. For example, a good-quality Canon printer can produce around 45 black-and-white pages per minute.
How much you can expect to spend on a Canon printer
The average cost of a Canon printer depends on the model and what printing technology it uses. Entry-level printers cost $250-$350, while high-quality devices that produce excellent photos are around $500-$700.
Canon printer FAQ
Why is printer ink so expensive?
A. Printer ink is expensive because the printers themselves are cheap to make. Manufacturers still need to profit, and they know that you can’t operate a printer without ink. So they tend to increase the cost of the ink to make a profit.
Can a Canon printer do double-sided printing?
A. Yes, several models can create double-sided prints. Some Canon printers even do this automatically, so you don’t have to turn over the page yourself.
What’s the best Canon printer to buy?
Top Canon printer
Canon Maxify GX6020 All-in-One Wireless Supertank Printer
What you need to know: Not only does this printer deliver high-quality photos, but it can also produce double-sided prints automatically.
What you’ll love: This printer features a 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen, making it easy to select the functions and get it set up. It can print 24 black and white pages per minute and displays the ink levels on the front panel, so you always know how much ink is left. It connects to devices through Wi-Fi or USB and can print glossy photos and labels.
What you should consider: It is best suited for a small office, as the initial cost can be a bit pricey for a home user.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Canon printer for the money
Canon ImageClass D1620 Multifunction Printer
What you need to know: This all-in-one laser printer is perfect for a small or at-home office.
What you’ll love: One of the fastest Canon printers, it produces 45 black-and-white pages per minute. It can print, scan and copy, and has a paper tray that can hold up to 2,300 pages.
What you should consider: It’s a monochrome printer, so it won’t print in color.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Canon Wireless Pixma TR4520 Inkjet All-in-one Printer
What you need to know: The Pixma is a powerful printer in a small package, making it the best choice for everyday home use.
What you’ll love: This inkjet printer has a resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, making it perfect for printing photos or high-quality images for school projects. It has wireless connectivity and comes with an extra set of ink cartridges.
What you should consider: There is no mechanism to stop the paper from falling on the floor once printing is complete.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/printers-office-electronics-br/best-canon-printer/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:42 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/printers-office-electronics-br/best-canon-printer/ |
Americans are deeply divided over how much children in K-12 schools should be taught about racism and sexuality, according to a new poll released as Republicans across the country aim to make parental involvement in education a central campaign theme this election year.
Overall, Americans lean slightly toward expanding — not cutting back — discussions of racism and sexuality, but roughly 4 in 10 say the current approach is about right, including similar percentages across party lines. Still, the poll from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows stark differences between Republicans and Democrats who want to see schools make adjustments.
About 4 in 10 Republicans say teachers in local public schools discuss issues related to sexuality too much, while only about 1 in 10 say too little. Among Democrats, those numbers are reversed.
The findings reflect a sharply politicized national debate that has consumed local school boards and, increasingly, state capitols. Republicans see the fight over school curriculum as a winning culture war issue that will motivate their voters in the midterm elections.
In the meantime, a flurry of new state laws has been introduced, meant to curtail teaching about racism and sexuality and to establish a “parents’ bill of rights” that would champion curriculum transparency and allow parents to file complaints against teachers.
The push for legislation grew out of an elevated focus on K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, when angry parents crowded school board meetings to voice opposition to school closures, mask mandates and other restrictive measures intended to prevent the spread of illness.
U.S. & World
“All that that’s happening these days kind of goes against the longer history of school boards being relatively low salience government institutions and, in a lot of cases, they are nonpartisan offices,” said Adam Zelizer, a professor at the University of Chicago Harris School researching school board legislation.
What distinguishes this moment, Zelizer said, is the “grassroots anger” in response to school policies and the national, coordinated effort to recruit partisan candidates for school boards and local offices.
What started as parents' concern about virtual learning and mask wearing has morphed into something larger, said Republican pollster Robert Blizzard, describing parents as thinking: “OK, now that we have the schools open, what are these kids learning in school?"
The poll shows 50% of Americans say parents have too little influence on curriculum, while 20% say they have too much and 27% say it’s about right. About half also say teachers have too little influence.
Kendra Schultz said she and her husband have decided their 1-year-old daughter will be homeschooled, at least initially, because of what friends have told them about their experiences with schools in Columbia, Missouri.
Most recently, she said, one 4-year-old’s pre-K class talked about gender pronouns. Schultz offered that and mask requirements as examples of how the public school system “doesn’t align with what we believe or how we would like to see our children educated.”
“I’m just like, you’re a little kid, you should be learning your ABCs and your numbers and things like that,” said Schultz, a 30-year-old conservative. “That's just not something that me and my husband would be interested in having teachers share with our children.”
In Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in March signed into law a bill barring instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Opponents, including the White House, have dubbed it the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
The poll shows Americans are slightly more likely to say the focus on sex and sexuality in local schools is too little rather than too much, 31% to 23%, but 40% say it’s about right. The poll didn’t ask about specific grade levels.
Blizzard, who has been working with a group called N2 America to help GOP candidates in suburbs, said the schools issue resonates with the Republican base and can motivate voters.
In the Virginia governor's race last year, Republican Glenn Youngkin won after campaigning on boosting parental involvement in schools and banning critical race theory, an academic framework about systemic racism that has become a catch-all phrase for teaching about race in U.S. history. His Democratic opponent, Terry McAuliffe, had said in a debate that parents shouldn’t tell schools what to teach.
The poll also shows Americans have mixed views about schools' focus on racism in the U.S.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said parents and teachers alike are frustrated after pandemic disruptions and should partner to help kids recover. The efforts to predetermine curriculum and restrict teaching are getting in the way, she said.
“The people who are proposing them, they’ve been pretty clear ... they just want to sow doubt and distrust because they want to end public education as we know it," Weingarten said.
Parents of school-age children aren’t more likely than other adults to say parents have too little influence in schools. But there is a wide partisan gap, with 65% of Republicans saying that, compared with 38% of Democrats.
Michael Henry, a father of three in Dacula, Georgia, says he’s wrestled over what the right level of involvement is. It didn’t sit right with him, for example, that his 6-year-old was taught about Christopher Columbus in an entirely positive light. He says he’s reflected on “some of the lies” and “glorifications of history” in his own public school education and thinks race needs to be talked about more.
But ultimately, school curriculum is “outside my area of expertise," said Henry, 31, an actuary who is also the acting president of the Gwinnett County Young Democrats.
“I have to do a lot of studying and work to be able to make informed decisions, and I don’t feel like parents generally have that kind of skill set” for curriculum, he said. “I think professionals should mostly be determining what the curriculum should be.”
Henry worries that new restrictions are “adding extra hassle for teachers, who already have a lot on their plate, to solve a problem that doesn’t exist.”
___
AP Education Writer Collin Binkley in Boston contributed to this report.
The AP-NORC poll of 1,082 adults was conducted March 17-21 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4 percentage points. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/americans-are-divided-over-discussions-of-race-sex-in-schools-poll-shows/3646616/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:43 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/americans-are-divided-over-discussions-of-race-sex-in-schools-poll-shows/3646616/ |
Should Netflix and other streaming services have to pay local governments the same fees levied on cable operators?
That was the question before the Ohio Supreme Court during a Wednesday hearing, as the court debates whether streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu are covered by a state law that would require them to pay to play.
It’s a fight that is playing out in several other states as more consumers are unsubscribing from traditional cable services, local governments are going to court looking for a way to replace the lost revenue.
Cities and states charge cable providers "right of way" taxes for accessing municipal infrastructure to run their cable lines. The companies pass those costs on to customers' bills in the form of fees and taxes. As more consumers ditch their cable, fewer residents are paying these local taxes and now cities are seeking to impose the cable company tax on streaming services in order to make up revenue lost to cord-cutting.
At issue in Ohio is the state’s 2007 Video Service Authorization law, which directed the state Commerce Department to determine what entities must obtain permission to physically install cables and wires in a public right-of-way. Companies deemed video service providers must pay a fee to local governments under that law.
Officials with Maple Heights in suburban Cleveland contend that streaming services are subject to the fee because their content is delivered via the internet over cables and wires.
However, the premise of that argument has failed to win in past court cases. Streaming companies argue their distribution method is different from traditional video providers, and they don't utilize public utilities any more than other internet-based services.
U.S. & World
In related lawsuits brought in Arkansas, California, Nevada and Texas, Netflix and Hulu won their arguments last year that they can't be treated the same as video providers.
They also say in the Ohio case, it's up to the Commerce Department to label them a video service provider, a process they say can't be done through a lawsuit.
The state is siding with the streaming companies, contending that Ohio's law only covers companies building infrastructure to carry cables.
“This is about those who dig, they must pay,” Mathura Sridharan, the Ohio deputy solicitor general, told justices on the state Supreme Court during oral arguments Wednesday. “If they don’t dig, then they don’t pay.”
Attorneys for Maple Heights argue that nothing in the 2007 law requires a video service provider to own or physically access wireline facilities in public rights-of-way to be subject to video service provider fees.
Without that equipment, streaming services “could not deliver their video programming to their subscribers,” Justin Hawal, an attorney representing Maple Heights, said in a December court filing.
The “modest 5% video service fee” is not burdensome but instead represents a small return on billions of dollars in benefits that the streaming services receive nationwide from network infrastructure, Hawal said.
Justices seemed skeptical of Maple Heights' arguments, in particular questioning whether the argument was even one for the court to decide.
“Shouldn’t you be up at the Statehouse a block and a half away instead of at a courthouse trying to get the law changed?” Justice Pat Fisher asked Hawal Wednesday.
Hawal said Maple Heights is trying to apply existing law to a new technology.
Attorneys for Netflix say the company doesn't have physical wires and cables and doesn't need them under its internet streaming business model.
Unlike broadcast TV stations, “users can watch content anywhere, anytime, and in any amount, so long as they have an internet connection,” Amanda Martinsek, an attorney representing Netflix, said in a November filing.
Netflix argues a growing number of courts nationally have reached the conclusion that companies like Netflix and Hulu don't owe provider fees because they're not video service providers.
A court decision isn't expected for months.
In Tennessee, the state Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments next month brought by Knoxville against Netflix and Hulu. A similar case brought by the city of Creve Coeur is pending in Missouri. In 2020, four Indiana cities sued Netflix, Disney, Hulu, DirectTV and Dish Network to require them to pay the same franchise fees to local governments that cable companies must pay.
Meanwhile, at least 33 states have started taxing streaming subscriptions through general sales taxes instead of attempting to shoehorn them into existing video service laws, according to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center.
Some cities have also found ways to tax streaming companies through existing laws. Chicago, for example, levies a 9% tax on streaming services under its "amusement tax," which also applies to concerts and sporting event tickets. The city expanded the definition of law in 2015 to include "amusements that are delivered electronically." | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/as-cord-cutting-drains-local-tax-revenues-cities-ask-streaming-services-to-pay-cable-fees/3646608/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:49 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/as-cord-cutting-drains-local-tax-revenues-cities-ask-streaming-services-to-pay-cable-fees/3646608/ |
Which TV mount is best?
Swapping a bulky entertainment center for a slim TV wall mount frees up floor space and lightens the look of any room. It also gives your TV tilt and swivel functionality for multiple viewing angles.
Choosing the right wall mount comes down to compatibility, materials and size. If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile TV wall mount, the Mounting Dream MD2268-LK TV Mount is easy to use and supports most TV sizes.
What to know before you buy a TV mount
Along with the wall material, the wall mount and TV screen size impact which TV mount will work best for your space.
Types of wall mounts
There are three main types of TV mounts: the tilt and swivel mount, the tilt-only mount and the fixed mount.
- The tilt and swivel mount is the most versatile, offering a customizable viewing experience. You can tilt these mounts up or down and swivel left and right. These mounts are typically more expensive with such a flexible range of motion.
- The tiltable TV mount is ideal if you only need to adjust the screen a few degrees downward to avoid glare.
- A fixed mount remains in one position after it’s attached to the wall. These mounts are cheaper and easier to install, and they’re ideal if you don’t need to adjust the TV.
Wall material
For a safe and secure mount, attach the mounting bracket to wooden studs. Plain drywall will not hold the TV’s weight for long, and it’s not a safe surface to use for your brackets. Use a stud finder to find studs and locate drywall screws. Keep in mind that the location of your studs will dictate the general location of your TV, even if it means your TV is slightly off-center.
If you want to attach your mounting bracket to brick, stone or concrete, use concrete anchors. If you’re not sure how to mount your TV safely, you may want to hire a professional to help.
Screen size
Your TV’s screen size will determine what kind of mounts you can use. While it’s best to use the manufacturer’s measurements, you can estimate by measuring diagonally across your TV with a measuring tape.
What to look for in a quality TV mount
High-quality TV mounts use strong materials and allow you to easily access the cables either from the back or the side.
Materials
TV mounts are often either plastic, aluminum, steel or a combination of materials. Plastic mounts are cheaper and lighter, but they aren’t as sturdy. An all-steel mount will be heavier, but it will offer the strongest support.
Some mounts use aluminum or combined materials to create a sturdy, midweight option. If the mount is mostly plastic, it’s best to pair it with a lightweight TV.
Compatibility
Make sure your TV mount is compatible with your TV’s make, model and size. Look for a TV mount approved by the Video Electronics Standards Association, and find out what sizes your mount supports on their website. Then, cross-check the VESA size with the size of your TV to confirm they will work together. Only use a VESA-compliant mount that matches the size of your TV.
Cable hookups
When you use a TV mount, you have a few options for cable management. Instead of letting cables dangle from your TV mount, use a cable organizer to hide them against the wall or floor. You can even find paintable covers, so you can paint them to match your walls.
How much you can expect to spend on a TV mount
Pricing for TV wall mounts varies and can cost between $20-$500. The pricing depends on the size, brand and materials. Adjustable mounts are at the higher end of the price range.
TV mount FAQ
Why do I need a VESA-compliant TV mount?
A. Every TV mount comes with a VESA size. The rating refers to the screw hole pattern on the mounting bracket and TV. This rating determines if you can safely use the mount with your TV. It also ensures the screw holes on the mount and your TV will align properly.
How do I know if the mount will support my TV’s weight?
A. The most important part of choosing a TV mount is making sure it’s compatible with your TV. The mount manufacturer should list what TVs it is compatible with, as will your TV’s manual. Cross-reference these lists to ensure both pieces are compatible, and mount the bracket as instructed for the safest, sturdiest TV display.
What’s the best TV mount to buy?
Top TV mount
Mounting Dream MD2268-LK TV Mount
What you need to know: This mount works with several TV brands and sizes. It also has a high weight capacity.
What you’ll love: You can install this mount on 16- to 24-inch stud measurements, and it holds TVs up to 132 pounds. The 1.5-inch profile is slim and sleek, and it has the ability to tilt forward to reduce glare.
What you should consider: You should use your own level instead of the one provided in the mounting kit. Additionally, it’s best to plug in your cords before mounting the brackets.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top TV mount for the money
VideoSecu ML531BE2 TV Wall Mount Kit
What you need to know: This versatile mount tilts and swivels for easy viewing.
What you’ll love: The mount holds a decent range of TV models and offers 20 inches of swivel extension for an excellent range of motion. The mounting kit includes a level, a 6-foot long HDMI cable and a magnetic stud finder.
What you should consider: The weight limit is 88 pounds, and you have to install it on a stud or another solid surface, such as brick concrete or stone.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
AENTGIU Studless TV Wall Mount
What you need to know: This TV wall mount doesn’t require any studs or power tools to install.
What you’ll love: The mount is compatible with most TVs between 16 and 55 inches. It is made of heavy-duty steel and can support up to 110 pounds if installed in wood or concrete.
What you should consider: You may need to use larger nails than what’s included in the mounting kit to add stability.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Katy Palmer writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Hundreds of small earthquakes have been reported near a volcano in southeast Alaska believed to have been dormant for at least 800 years.
The cause of the quakes under Mount Edgecumbe, a volcano near Sitka that resembles Mount Fuji in Japan, are not known. However, they may not be an indication of volcanic activity, said Dave Schneider, a research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey at the Alaska Volcano Observatory in Anchorage.
Mount Edgecumbe is a 3,200-foot (976-meter) stratovolcano located on Kruzof Island, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of Sitka. The volcano is part of a larger underwater volcanic field of lava domes and craters.
The quakes are somewhat unusual since temblors in the area are usually tectonic, not volcanic, he said.
“These aren’t necessarily related to volcanic activity, they could be a tectonic in nature or a combination of tectonics and the volcano,” he said. “We really can’t tell the difference at this point.”
Right now, there is no need for a huge amount of concern, Schneider said.
“Volcanoes do have swarms of earthquakes that do not lead to eruption,” he said.
U.S. & World
The earthquakes, most of which were too small to be observed on multiple seismic stations, continued Wednesday although the frequency has declined.
“I don’t think anybody was even aware that those happened,” said Zach Mayville who answered the phone at House of Liquor in Sitka.
He said there’s been no damage from the quakes.
“We didn’t feel anything,” Mayville said. “We’ve heard nothing from anybody, so we are all good.”
The volcano observatory did a retrospective analysis of earthquake data near Mount Edgecumbe, which showed a small number of earthquakes started occurring in 2020.
There’s been about 40 quakes that were located in the area in the last two years, about one or two a month, far less than what’s been recorded this week.
“You would expect many, many earthquakes to be observed prior to any eruptive activity if it were to occur,” Schneider said. “Earthquake activity is our best indicator of what’s going on there, and that’s something that we’ll be watching closely.”
Alaska has about 90 volcanoes that have been active in the last 10,000 years, he said. Most are remote and not usually near a population center like Sitka, which has about 8,500 residents.
There’s no written record of Mount Edgecumbe erupting, but he said there is Tlingit oral history about small eruptions about 800 years ago.
The last Mount Edgecumbe eruption preserved in the geologic record was about 4,500 years ago.
There’s also evidence of a large eruption 13,000 to 14,500 years ago where up to 3 feet (1 meter) of ash was deposited on what is now Sitka, while 98 feet (30 meters) fell on Kruzof Island. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/hundreds-of-small-earthquakes-recorded-near-alaska-volcano-dormant-800-years/3646610/ | 2022-04-14T17:20:55 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/hundreds-of-small-earthquakes-recorded-near-alaska-volcano-dormant-800-years/3646610/ |
Which pergola is best?
A pergola is similar to a gazebo, except that the roof has open slats rather than being fully covered. Good pergolas still provide plenty of shade, but they offer a design some consider more attractive. It’s important to purchase pergolas with durable materials that can outlast the wind, sun and rain, as they’re too expensive to keep replacing.
The best pergola is the Vita Avalon Vinyl Pergola. Its slats are adjustable so you’re always sitting in shade, and the vinyl is highly weather-resistant.
What to know before you buy a pergola
Roof designs
Pergolas have one of three roof designs: traditional, gabled and pitched.
- Traditional roofs are flat, with slats that are usually in a lattice pattern.
- Gabled roofs are triangular, like most modern American housing.
- Pitched roofs are flat, but one end is higher than the other. They are usually installed flush with your home rather than further out into your yard.
Coverings
Some pergolas, either in addition to or instead of slats, use coverings hung underneath the roof to protect you from sun and rain. Many are adjustable. Cloth is the most common material, with plastic, PVC and steel also available.
Size
Most pergolas are sized between 7 by 7 and 12 by 12 feet, with heights from 7-10 feet.
Shape
Pergolas are typically square or rectangular, though some can be found in circular or octagonal shapes. Other shapes are possible, but you’ll likely need to have it custom-made rather than find it available to order.
What to look for in a quality pergola
Material
In order of general quality, pergolas are typically made of metal, vinyl or wood.
- Metal pergolas are typically made of aluminum or steel. Freestanding aluminum is the most affordable, but also can be dented or bent, and is the most likely to be blown away by heavy wind. Metal pergolas are available in the widest range of colors and provide a more modern aesthetic. However, If the metal isn’t treated properly, you need to worry about rusting.
- Vinyl pergolas are the most durable, requiring little to no maintenance compared to metal and wood. They are naturally resistant to most weather, including water, wind and ultraviolet rays. They aren’t the most expensive, either. However, they have two major negatives. First, they are rarely any color but a shade of white — it’s possible to paint them with acrylic paint, but you’ll need to keep reapplying as it fades away. Second, their plasticky looks are rarely thought aesthetically pleasing.
- Wood pergolas are the most common. They’re expensive, but wood is easy to stain or paint to match your home, and there are many varieties of wood to choose from. Generally, they can be divided between softwoods and hardwoods, with softwoods less expensive, a bit less durable and a little lighter than hardwoods.
Warranty
The best pergolas tend to have the best warranties, as manufacturers will stand by their best products. Twenty-year warranties are the best, but 10-year ones are acceptable. Some pergolas have different warranties for certain parts.
How much you can expect to spend on a pergola
Depending on their size and material, pergolas can cost less than $500 or more than $4,000. Metal pergolas are typically the most affordable, followed by vinyl and then wood.
Pergola FAQ
Do I need a permit to install a pergola?
A. It’s possible, depending on your state and local laws as well as the size of the pergola. Your municipal building department should be able to answer this question.
Are pergolas accepted by homeowners associations?
A. That depends on your homeowners’ association. Always check with yours, if you have one, before making any large changes to your home.
Should wood pergolas be stained before or after assembly?
A. Neither method is better than the other. Staining it before means you have easier access to all the materials, but you’ll need to stain in two rounds to make sure every piece is properly covered. Staining it afterward means you only need to stain the surfaces you can see, but you need to go up and down a ladder.
What’s the best pergola to buy?
Top pergola
What you need to know: This quality option is gorgeous, durable and has adjustable shading.
What you’ll love: The vinyl construction is resistant to water, wind, UV rays and other causes of rot, and it includes a 20-year warranty for the pergola and a 5-year warranty for the louvers. It measures 10 by 10 by 8.67 feet.
What you should consider: A few consumers felt the louvers were difficult to adjust. Others had issues with missing parts or no-show installers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Wayfair
Top pergola for the money
Coolaroo Aurora Patio Shade Pergola
What you need to know: It’s money-saving without sacrificing function or style.
What you’ll love: It can be built and left freestanding — there’s no need to anchor it to the ground — and it has a weather-resistant and light-filtering retractable canopy that comes in three colors. It measures 9.84 by 9.84 by 7.17 feet.
What you should consider: If you want to mount or anchor it, you need to purchase a separate kit. The installation instructions can be difficult to understand and a few people received damaged parts.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Wayfair
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This is perfect for those who need large coverage.
What you’ll love: The vinyl construction is fully weather-resistant — it can even be safely cleaned by spraying it with your hose. It can be safely installed to most materials, including wooden and concrete patios. It measures 12 by 12 by 8.84 feet.
What you should consider: It doesn’t include a mounting or anchoring kit. Most reviewers needed a second set of hands to assemble it, though the instructions are easy to follow.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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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.
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Which fonio flour is best?
Fonio is the gluten-free super grain native to Africa that you didn’t know you needed. These cultivated grains are related to millet and are a staple of North African cuisine. They come in either white or black varieties. Fonio is prized for its deeply nutritious value and often served at celebratory events. When the whole grain is milled, the resulting flour is an excellent flour substitute for baked goods and savory dishes alike.
On its own, this “seed of the universe” has a mild nutty taste and adds a punch of nutrition to your food. Yolele Fonio Flour has a fine texture and is a great place to start exploring this versatile baking ingredient.
What to know before you buy fonio flour
Intended use
If you want to find a gluten-free flour substitute that is high in protein but works in a variety of applications, fonio is a great choice. For baked goods, make sure that the flour is light and easy to blend. This will help keep textures correct as you substitute it for traditional flours. For thickening, and for cooking that requires less finesse, a coarser blend works well.
Correct substitutions
Fonio flour is heavier than some other traditional gluten-free flour substitutes, such as rice flour or tapioca starch. It works best in place of heavier flours such as wheat or buckwheat.
Keep in mind that the final product of recipes that only use fonio flour may have a denser texture than you are used to.
Nutritional benefits
Fonio flour has a low glycemic index and works in paleo, vegan and keto diet plans. It is high in fiber and protein; this may aid in weight loss as it keeps you feeling full for a longer period of time.
What to look for in quality fonio flour
Non-GMO
The flour you buy should be made from non-GMO grains. This ensures that organic growing and harvesting practices are followed.
Finely milled
The last thing you want is a gritty texture in your exquisite baked goods. Look for flour that is finely milled to reduce grit in the final product.
No fillers
Look for an ingredient list with just one ingredient. Your flour should not include any fillers, binders or other unnecessary ingredients.
How to use fonio flour
- Origin: Seek out products sourced in Africa. Even if the grain is milled in the U.S., this is how you know the flour is authentic and of high quality.
- Measurement: Measure flour with the fluff-scoop-level technique. Use a spoon to fluff it, then scoop it into your measuring cup and use a knife to level.
- Grind it: Consider purchasing whole fonio grains and using a mortar and pestle (or heavy-duty food processor) to make your own fresh flour. This also lets you control its texture — very fine for lighter applications such as pastry, and coarse for muffins or quick bread.
- Cook it: If you want to experiment with the fonio grain itself, cook as you would rice, using a 2-to-1 ratio of water to fonio.
How much you can expect to spend on fonio flour
The harvesting process is labor-intensive, and fonio flour can be expensive. Expect to spend $10-$20 per pound.
Fonio flour FAQ
What is the difference between white and black fonio?
A. White fonio is also known as “hungry rice” across Europe. It is the most common variety found outside of Africa and is often used to efficiently feed populations at risk of starvation.
Black fonio is grown in Benin, Nigeria and Togo, and is less commonly exported to other regions. It has a nutritional profile similar to that of white fonio.
How do you use fonio flour?
A. For people who are avoiding gluten or who simply want to add more nutrition to their diet, fonio flour is a great option. The grain can be used in the same way as you would use quinoa or rice, but the flour is great for thickening soups and sauces. It’s perfect in:
- Breads
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Muffins
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Smoothies
Substitute fonio for a heavier flour such as wheat or buckwheat when baking, or use a 1-to-1 ratio of fat to fonio flour to create a thickening roux or slurry for soups, stews and sauces.
What’s the best fonio flour to buy?
Top fonio flour
What you need to know: The mild flavor is perfect for those just starting to explore this ancient grain.
What you’ll love: It is fine-milled and has a mild, slightly sweet taste. It’s made from non-GMO fonio harvested in Africa. It has no fillers and is packed with protein, fiber and healthy amino acids. It’s vegan.
What you should consider: For gluten-free baking, adding too much fonio flour can result in very dry baked goods. Be sure to increase hydration accordingly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top fonio flour for the money
Shipetaukin Multipurpose Fonio Flour
What you need to know: This protein-packed flour is mild and light — good for baking, especially.
What you’ll love: It’s non-GMO and free of all fillers or additional ingredients. Each quarter cup has 2 grams of protein. It is sourced in West Africa but packed in the U.S.
What you should consider: Although it is the cheapest option per pound, it’s a hefty price tag to try a new product.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: Adventurous cooks will appreciate the opportunity to try three new flours at once.
What you’ll love: This bundle includes fonio flour, plus cassava and tapioca. Each is made only from their respective grains, and all are kosher, vegan and gluten-free.
What you should consider: If you just want to try fonio, pass this by. But at the price it’s a great way to expand your cooking repertoire.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Which convection microwave is best?
Most microwaves can’t effectively cook much more than a mug cake. Instead, they reheat leftovers or quickly melt foods, such as butter for your current recipe. A convection microwave changes this. It can be used to bake and broil foods just like a full-sized oven. Some of the more feature-rich models can even air-fry foods.
The best convection microwave is the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven. It can perform any task you need it to and it has a spacious interior and 1,000 watts of power.
What to know before you buy a convection microwave
Size and capacity
Convection microwaves have two dimensions to consider: exterior size and interior capacity. More often than not, one of these being larger doesn’t mean the other will be large too.
- Size: The size you can or should purchase is only limited by your counter space. When measuring your countertop to find your limitations, remember to add a few inches to the back and sides for proper ventilation space. Keep enough space in front for the swinging door.
- Capacity: Capacity restricts how much food you can cook at once. Most convection microwaves have higher capacities than standard microwaves, and those measurements are given in cubic feet. The smallest is rarely less than 1 cubic foot, and the biggest usually top out at 1.5 cubic feet — though there are always rare exceptions.
Wattage
A convection microwave’s power is given in watts, just like standard microwaves. Lower wattages will cook food slower and less evenly, so you should prioritize a microwave with at least 1,000 watts. Most convection microwaves have wattages between 700 and 1,500. Better microwaves will let you adjust how much wattage you can use for cooking smaller or more sensitive food.
What to look for in a quality convection microwave
Presets
Presets are the easiest way to cook the most commonly microwaved foods. They make it so you don’t have to Google how much power and time a given food needs, and you won’t have to manually punch in that power and time. The most common presets are popcorn and pizza, but many convection microwaves also have presets for baked potatoes and roast chicken or vegetables.
Cooking modes
The best convection microwaves include more cooking modes than just microwave, convection and microwave/convection. The most common additional modes are air frying and broiling, but some are also able to grill. It’s important to note that you’ll need appropriate accessories for air frying and grilling — a wire basket and grilling rack, respectively — but most microwaves with these cooking modes include them.
Humidity sensor
Humidity sensors take some of the guesswork out of cooking by adding or subtracting to the total cooking time based on the moisture in the food and the oven, preventing accidental overcooking.
How much you can expect to spend on a convection microwave
Convection microwaves are more expensive than standard microwaves, typically starting around $100-$150 with basic models topping out around $250. The best countertop models can reach $500, while built-in models can cost more than $1,500.
Convection microwave FAQ
Can I use metal in a convection microwave?
A. Possibly. It depends on if the microwave has a convection-only setting. This setting only uses heating elements, just like a standard oven, so aluminum takeout containers and metal baking trays are safe to use. Some convection microwaves use microwave and convection heating simultaneously with no way to turn off the microwave portion. These are just as incompatible with metal as a standard microwave. A quick way to tell if a convection microwave is safe for metal is if it includes metal accessories, such as a wire air fryer rack. If so, you’re good to go.
Do recipes intended for a standard oven need to be adapted for use in a convection microwave?
A. Typically yes, though not by much. Despite having less power than a standard oven, convection microwaves have drastically less space to heat. This makes their heating more focused on the food rather than the air around it. As such, many recipes need to drop their heat and timing requirements. Heat usually drops no more than 25 to 50 degrees, but timing doesn’t have an easy generalization, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on your recipe.
What’s the best convection microwave to buy?
Top convection microwave
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
What you need to know: This model can do it all.
What you’ll love: The four functions are standard and convection microwaving, air frying and broiling. It has a 1.2-cubic-foot capacity and an easy-to-clean interior. It includes the accessories you need to cook, such as a wire rack, an air fryer basket and an enamel drip tray.
What you should consider: If the start button is accidentally pressed, it will begin sensor cooking mode, even if there’s nothing inside for it to cook.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top convection microwave for the money
Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven with Convection
What you need to know: This model is basic but excellent and affordable.
What you’ll love: It has a variety of special features, such as a power-saving ECO mode, smart cooking sensors, child safety locks and sound off/on for late-night snacks. It has a large 1.5-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000 watts of power.
What you should consider: A few consumers had issues with the upper heating element not functioning as it should. It takes up a large amount of counter space.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Cuisinart 1.2-Cubic-Foot Convection Microwave Oven
What you need to know: This model is perfect for convection grilling, thanks to an included grill rack.
What you’ll love: It’s packed with preset cooking modes, including popcorn, roast chicken, baked potato, cake and pizza. It can also keep foods warm at low settings and has a memory mode to save time on repetitive tasks. It is BPA-free and includes a recipe book.
What you should consider: Extended use of the convection setting causes the exterior to become hot. A few consumers had issues with their microwave breaking down within a few months.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/microwaves-br/best-convection-microwave/ | 2022-04-14T17:21:10 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/microwaves-br/best-convection-microwave/ |
Comparing lump charcoal and briquettes
One of the most heated debates in all of grilling is whether to use lump charcoal or briquettes. There are die-hard proponents on both sides, which makes sense since each has its benefits and drawbacks. Lump charcoal is carbonized wood without any impurities, which is why purists love it. Briquettes are often made with additives that let them burn longer and more consistently, making them easier for the average home griller.
Lump charcoal
Lump charcoal is wood that has been burned down to its purest form. It goes through a carbonization process called charring where it is burned in a low-oxygen environment to get rid of moisture, sap and other impurities. What’s left is pure carbon, ideal for grilling and barbecuing foods without imparting any unwanted flavors.
Lump charcoal pros
There are many things to like about lump charcoal.
- Quick lighting: It lights easily, without the need for lighter fluid, and burns hot and fast. This makes it perfect for meats you want to cook at very high heats or get a heavy sear on.
- No chemical flavor: The lack of impurities means that it will impart a nice smoky flavor to your foods without giving it any kind of chemical taste. This also results in it burning cleanly and leaving behind minimal ash in your charcoal grill.
- Responds fast: Lump charcoal fires respond quickly to added oxygen, so you can easily control the temperature if your grill has adjustable air vents. (Be careful not to give it too much oxygen, as it can quickly get so hot it burns your food.)
Lump charcoal cons
If you have never cooked with lump charcoal before, it can take some getting used to. It burns much quicker than briquettes, so you’ll need to periodically add more charcoal if cooking food for a long period. It also tends to be more expensive, so it may not be the right choice for those on a tight budget.
Best lump charcoal
Fogo Super Premium Oak Restaurant-Quality Lump Charcoal
This is designed to bridge the gap between the cooking times of lump charcoal and briquettes. It consists of pieces 4 inches or longer, so it burns longer than many other charcoals, yet still lights easily and can reach high temperatures for heavy searing.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl’s
Best lump charcoal for the money
Jealous Devil All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
It’s made from dense South American hardwoods so it can burn hotter and longer than many other lump charcoals. This makes it a good choice for both high-temperature searing and low, slow barbecuing. It burns with little popping and sparks and leaves behind only a small amount of ash.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Briquettes
If you go to your neighborhood store and buy the first bag of charcoal you see, more than likely briquettes are what you will get. These small, squarish blocks are what come to mind when most people picture charcoal.
Briquettes are often made from a combination of sawdust and other wood byproducts, compressed together with additives to help them maintain their shape, light easier and burn longer and more consistently. The move to purer forms of fuel has carried over into the briquette world, though, and now you also can find some made from carbonized wood and little else.
Briquette pros
One of the main advantages briquettes offer over lump charcoal is consistency. A company’s briquettes always come in the same shape and size, so you know exactly how long they will burn. This also makes them easy to stack when making your fire.
Briquettes tend to burn longer than lump charcoal, which makes them ideal for large cuts of meat that require low, slow cooking. They also are more affordable.
Briquette cons
There are some downsides to briquettes you should consider before reaching for a bag.
They can be difficult to light without a charcoal chimney or lighter fluid. Because of that, many manufacturers sell some briquettes pre-infused with a chemical that helps them light quicker and easier. It is important to wait until these briquettes are entirely gray before you start cooking your food, or they can impart a noticeably chemical taste.
Their additives mean they don’t burn as cleanly, either. Most leave behind a large pile of ash, so expect more cleanup than when using lump charcoal.
Best briquettes
Kingsford Professional Competition Briquettes
Grill masters know to turn to Kingsford’s competition briquettes when they need fuel that will burn at a consistent temperature for a long time. They are ready to grill on after about 10 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long before you can start cooking, and they are made using one of Kingsford’s lowest-ash formulas.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Best briquettes for the money
Royal Oak Natural Organic Premium Hardwood Charcoal Briquettes
This is popular because it is both sustainably sourced and organic, so you can feel good about using it for a couple of reasons. That it’s affordably priced and gives food a nice smoky flavor are just bonuses.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl’s
Should you buy lump charcoal or briquettes
The answer depends entirely on what you feel is most important. If you want the purest smoky flavor from your food and nothing else, and you don’t mind the learning curve that comes along with achieving a consistent fire with lump charcoal, it is probably the right option.
On the other hand, if you want something affordable, consistent, and easy to use, and you don’t mind not being able to create as heavy a sear on your foods, briquettes are the way to go.
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Brett Dvoretz 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.wivb.com/reviews/br/patio-br/grilling-outdoor-cooking-br/lump-charcoal-vs-briquettes-which-is-better/ | 2022-04-14T17:21:18 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/patio-br/grilling-outdoor-cooking-br/lump-charcoal-vs-briquettes-which-is-better/ |
Which puppy diaper is best?
Everyone loves a new puppy, but bringing one into your home and potty training it can be difficult and time-consuming. While it learns where and when to go to the bathroom, one method of keeping your house clean is to employ puppy diapers. Technically, there aren’t diapers meant specifically for puppies. That said, any standard dog diaper will work, as long as it’s the right size and fits your puppy’s sex.
The best puppy diapers are Paw Inspired Ultra Protection Disposable Female Dog Diapers. They’re soft and effective but may not work for male puppies.
What to know before you buy a puppy diaper
Your puppy’s gender
Puppy diapers are designed differently for females and males.
- Female diapers look just like human diapers, only they have a hole for the tail. These diapers work just fine for puppies of either sex, as male puppies’ penises have yet to grow large enough to need to switch to male diapers.
- Male diapers take the form of wraps that leave your puppy’s posterior open but cover their penis. Puppies are a little more likely to wiggle out of male diapers, plus the open back is counterintuitive to using a puppy diaper while you house train them.
Reusable vs. disposable
Most puppy diapers are disposable, and for good reason. Puppies grow fast, just like children, so purchasing a reusable diaper — which can’t be donated once used — may be better for the environment, but you’ll only be able to use it for a short time. However, some dog breeds don’t grow much bigger than their puppy stages. In these cases, it’s wise to go with a reusable diaper. Besides the environmental benefits, it saves money and you’ll still have a usable diaper if you need to travel long distances or they become incontinent years down the line.
What to look for in a quality puppy diaper
Elastic
The best puppy diapers have elastic in the hems. This lets the diaper seal around the edges to prevent even the smallest leak and also gives your puppy full range of motion without painful pinching or chafing. Elastic around the tail hole is particularly important for keeping any solids from slipping out.
Adjustability
Most puppy diapers use Velcro straps to close around your puppy. This lets you fit your diaper precisely to your puppy, and you can let more space out as it grows. Some disposable female puppy diapers use alternate methods for securing, including snap closures and the same sticky tabs as disposable baby diapers. These aren’t quite as freely adjustable, though they’re still secure enough to prevent leaks.
How much you can expect to spend on a puppy diaper
Puppy diaper packs usually cost $10-$30, though there are exceptions on either end. The quality of diapers and how many you get greatly vary within this price range, but most are still found within it.
Puppy diaper FAQ
How often should I change my puppy’s diaper?
A. As soon as you notice it’s soiled. Some disposable puppy diapers can be removed when you take the puppy outside for potty training and reattached if they haven’t been soiled. Reusable diapers have the same functionality.
My puppy’s diaper fits but still leaks. How do I fix it?
A. First, double-check that it still fits. Dogs, puppy or no, have a tendency to wiggle loose from diapers you were sure fit perfectly. Oftentimes, a diaper seems to fit perfectly but is in fact just loose enough around the edges to allow for some leakage. If it does indeed fit, you may be using diapers with poor absorbency — there’s nothing to do in this situation but try a new brand of puppy diaper.
What should I do with leftover disposable diapers my puppy has outgrown?
A. Donate them. Search for your nearest animal shelter and drop them off. Keep in mind that almost any pet-related leftovers you have, including food, toys and bowls, can also be taken to your local animal shelter. You can write the value off as a donation on your taxes. If you aren’t sure if they’ll accept something, just give them a call beforehand to check and potentially save yourself a trip.
What’s the best puppy diaper to buy?
Top puppy diaper
Paw Inspired Ultra Protection Disposable Female Dog Diapers
What you need to know: These are designed for females but can work for male puppies, too.
What you’ll love: These diapers have multiple urine-handling features, including converting it into gel immediately on contact and using leakproof edges that absorb urine before it can leak out. The fasteners are fur-resistant and can be repositioned for a custom fit and the interior uses soft quilting for comfort.
What you should consider: A few consumers had issues with waste getting loose through the tail hole. Hyperactive puppies may shimmy out of them over time.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Chewy
Top puppy diaper for the money
Out! Pet Care Disposable Male Dog Wraps
What you need to know: These are great male-focused diaper wraps.
What you’ll love: These wraps are secured using Velcro, which makes their fit adjustable and means the wrap can be removed and reused if it hasn’t yet been soiled. They have a wetness indicator, so there’s no need to spot-check for soiling.
What you should consider: There’s no protection from poo, only urine. More hyperactive puppies may be able to wiggle out of them.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Chewy
Worth checking out
Simple Solution Washable Female Dog Diapers
What you need to know: These reusable diapers make a good environmentally conscious choice.
What you’ll love: These can be machine-washed and become softer and more absorbent the more you wash them. They’re also compatible with most disposable liners if you still desire some disposable aspect. They use a large Velcro strap across the back for fine-tuning the fit as your puppy grows.
What you should consider: Depending on the breed, your puppy may outgrow these before you get sufficient use out of them. They don’t handle poo well.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Chewy
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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.wivb.com/reviews/br/pets-br/dog-health-br/best-puppy-diaper/ | 2022-04-14T17:21:24 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/pets-br/dog-health-br/best-puppy-diaper/ |
Best dog selfie sticks
It’s natural that you want to take selfies with your pup to have a record of the good times you have together, but dogs won’t always play ball — or would rather be playing with balls than posing for a selfie.
If you’re sick of filling your camera roll with endless photos of you with your dog looking the other way or appearing uninterested, you need help. With the right advice, you’ll soon learn how to take the perfect selfie with your dog.
Don’t force your dog to take a selfie with you
You might want to record a nice moment for posterity or get more likes on Instagram, but your dog doesn’t care about any of that. That doesn’t mean you should never take a selfie with your pooch, but don’t force it — stop if they seem stressed out. After all, you want to capture a pleasant memory, not a time when your dog was getting annoyed with you for sticking a phone in their face.
You’ll usually get better results after a play session with their favorite ball or at other times when they’re relaxed, happy and curious, rather than when they’re napping or engaged in something else.
Go to your dog rather than bringing them to you
If your dog gets stressed, impatient or fidgety when you ask them to pose for a selfie, try entering their space instead of bringing them into yours. For instance, if your dog’s standing out in the yard, soaking up some rays, kneel down next to them and get a quick snap of the two of you together. Your dog probably won’t even notice what you’re doing, or you might capture a sweet unstaged moment as your dog greets you.
Use natural lighting for pet selfies
All dogs are beautiful, but the right lighting will make them look just as good in a photo as they do in three dimensions. Natural lighting will capture your dog’s coloring and the texture of their coat better than artificial light, so switch off those overhead lights and position yourself near a window, or head outside.
Turn off the flash
Natural lighting is ideal, but even bright artificial lights are far better than using a flash. Photos generally look better without flashes, which tend to wash out their subjects and cause red eyes. More importantly, a flash can startle dogs and hurt their eyes, so you should always avoid it in pet photography. Make sure you have the flash turned off before you take a photo with your dog.
Consider burst mode when taking selfies with your dog
Dogs are notoriously fidgety when taking photos, so you might press the shutter button at the perfect moment, only for your dog to move right away, leaving your image a blurred mess. You’ll usually get better results by using your phone’s burst mode, which takes multiple photos in quick succession. This way, you should get a good photo even if your dog moves mid-snap.
Avoid distractions for your dog
Let’s face it, dogs are easily distracted. It’s not fair to expect your canine companion to pose patiently for a photo with all kinds of distractions around them. If there are other dogs to greet at the dog park, squirrels to chase or delivery drivers to bark at, let your pup do their thing and choose a different time to take a selfie with them.
Resort to bribery to get the perfect selfie with your dog
There’s no shame in bribing your dog to take a selfie with you. A liberal dose of treats sweetens the deal for most dogs. Small training treats, such as Zuke’s Mini Naturals, are ideal because you can ply your pup with lots of them without adding too many extra calories to their diet.
Use treats to encourage your dog to sit and wait, take a selfie or two, then give them another treat as a reward for sitting still. If you have someone else with you, ask them to hold a treat just beyond the camera to keep your dog’s attention while you snap a selfie.
If your dog isn’t food motivated, you can reward them with a play session instead. For example, if they know they’ll get to play with their favorite tug toy after a selfie session, it will build positive associations so your dog will eventually look forward to selfie time.
Use a dog selfie stick
Think about using a dog selfie stick to capture the perfect picture of your pup. These devices aren’t really selfie sticks, as such — you could more accurately describe them as selfie tools.
You clip them on top of your phone and they can hold treats or toys, or have built-in toys. This captures your dog’s attention while you get a selfie — the perfect solution if your dog is usually staring off to one side or looking at the floor in selfies, rather than looking even remotely in the direction of the camera.
Best dog selfie sticks
Get your dog’s attention with a squeaking tennis ball for a happy, engaged face in every shot.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Chewy
Fred Howligans Woofie Pet Selfie Tool
One end of this tool attaches to the top of your phone while the other holds a treat of your choice — the perfect way to get the attention of a food-motivated dog.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Consisting of a flexible arm with a clip on the end to hold a favorite treat or toy, it easily helps you get a decent selfie with your pup.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/pets-br/toys-br/how-to-take-the-perfect-selfie-with-your-pup/ | 2022-04-14T17:21:31 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/pets-br/toys-br/how-to-take-the-perfect-selfie-with-your-pup/ |
The NCAA women’s gymnastics championships are set for Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursay, April 14. The championships will be live streamed on fuboTV, which offers a free trial.
The arrival of four women from the 2020 U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team has thrust the NCAA gymnastics championships into the spotlight. Olympic champion and Auburn star Sunisa Lee as well as gold medalist Jade Carey and silver medalists Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum are all college freshmen who have qualified for NCAA finals. None of them are locks, however, to capture an NCAA title.
Auburn coach Jeff Graba said that’s because the level of competition at the NCAA level has risen significantly.’
When is the NCAA gymnastics championships?
The NCAA women’s gymnastics championships are set for Thursday, April 14, at noon (1 p.m. ET). The first semifinal includes Alabama, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Utah. The second semifinal, which includes Auburn, Florida, Michigan and Missouri, is set to start at 5 p.m. (6 p.m. ET).
Will they be live streamed?
The game will be live streamed on fuboTV, which offers a free trial. The most basic of plans is the “fubo standard” package, which comprises 100-plus channels for $64.99 per month. Like all cord-cutting alternatives, there are plenty of options, especially for sports.
Will the meet be televised?
The NCAA women’s gymnastics championships will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. | https://www.al.com/alabama/2022/04/ncaa-womens-gymnastics-championships-live-stream-414-how-to-watch-alabama-auburn-online-tv-time.html | 2022-04-14T17:21:34 | 0 | https://www.al.com/alabama/2022/04/ncaa-womens-gymnastics-championships-live-stream-414-how-to-watch-alabama-auburn-online-tv-time.html |
Which are best: trail running shoes or hiking boots?
There are plenty of ways to stay active and improve your cardiovascular health. Some people prefer to hit the trails for either a leisurely walk in the woods, while others like to pick up the pace and run along the trail. Both of these activities can improve your health, and they get you out into nature, which has its own benefits.
But if you’re looking to be more active on hiking trails, you need to find what type of shoe is right for your particular adventure. Trail running shoes have a tread level appropriate enough to grip more than just a paved road. Hiking boots, however, offer a thicker, more durable support and are often waterproof.
Trail running shoes
Trail running shoes are low-top shoes used for running longer distances with sudden elevation level changes. They grip well on uneven and winding running trails in the wilderness. These shoes allow you to focus on the cardio aspect of trail running. Several shoe companies make models that fit both men and women comfortably.
Trail running shoes pros
Trail running shoes have excellent traction and are very comfortable. They keep your feet firmly gripped to the trail, no matter the terrain. These shoes also offer some arch support and fit just below the ankle to provide full range of motion. You can run confidently on sidewalks, streets or gravel trails in this style of shoe.
Trail running shoes cons
These shoes are meant for running on well-maintained hiking trails, so if you intend to go off-road, you will want something different. And while they are weather-resistant, very few are waterproof. Furthermore, if you run somewhere with tall grass or other high foliage, grass and leaves can get into your shoes easily due to the low-top style.
Best trail running shoes
These trail running shoes are perfect for women who need an all-terrain grip. They have rubber soles and are weather-resistant.
Sold by Amazon
This model is ideal for those who like running on all kinds of terrain. You can move comfortably across streets or trails in these lightweight, cushioned shoes.
Sold by Amazon
Saucony Versafoam Excursion Tr13
These have a triangular-lugged outsole to provide traction that you need on various terrains. They have a cushioned sole that allows you to run comfortably for short and long distances.
Sold by Amazon
Hiking boots
Hiking boots are designed to be sturdy, durable and maintain plenty of traction on the hiking trail. They have additional support in the heel and ankle to keep you steady. There are several hiking boots models for men and women that allow you to move throughout various environments with ease. Hiking boots tend to have a bit more support and coverage, specifically due to the mid- to high-tops that cover your ankle bone and keep debris out of the boot. These features protect your feet and help prevent injury both on and off the trail.
Hiking boots pros
The benefit of using hiking boots is that they provide a lot of protection for your feet. With these boots, you can walk through puddles, snow, mud and even venture a bit off-trail. They come up high enough on the foot and ankle to keep out grass, dirt and small rocks. Hiking boots are also typically waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about wet socks and potential blisters if it starts to rain on your hike.
Hiking boots cons
This style of boot is very heavy-duty. And they may weigh too much if you are just going on a level park trail or walking on paved roads. Furthermore, since they are not running shoes, they do not allow you the same kind of full-range mobility that low-top shoes provide.
Best hiking boots
Keen Women’s Voyageur Mid Hiking Boot
These shoes feature a sturdy design and use mesh and leather to keep your feet dry. They work well in all kinds of terrain, including mud, rocks and uneven surfaces.
Sold by Amazon
These hiking boots have synthetic soles and can be used both on and off the trails. Many users reported these had excellent arch support, too.
Sold by Amazon
Keen Men’s Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
These are comfortable to wear for long-distance hikes, and some users have said that they helped with foot pain. They are durable and useful for all terrains.
Sold by Amazon
Columbia Men’s Redmond Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
These hiking shoes use Omni-grip technology, which holds great traction on any surface. You can wear them in rocky, rough conditions or on a clear-cut path.
Sold by Amazon
Should you get trail running shoes or hiking boots?
It depends on how active you plan to be. If you want to run for long distances on designated trails, you will get the most use out of trail running shoes. However, if you want to start hiking in the woods or in the mud, you will need hiking boots. They are both useful for their own particular adventure.
If you are trying to decide between hiking or trail running, consider your current fitness and wellness level as well as your goals. Both hiking and trail running are great for your health, but trail running requires a bit more agility and coordination. If you want to get into nature and hike, moving at a slower pace through the woods might be a better match. Either way, both shoe styles can provide you with the right amount of grip and support that you’ll need on the trail.
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Erica Redding 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.wivb.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/footwear-br/trail-running-shoes-vs-hiking-boots/ | 2022-04-14T17:21:38 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/footwear-br/trail-running-shoes-vs-hiking-boots/ |
Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin will have several decisions to make in the next few weeks, entering a pivotal second season as the leader of the Tigers football program. Picking a starting quarterback is a primary goal for Harsin and offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau. There will also be choices for newly promoted defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding.
We’ll get into the defense on Friday, but the focus is on highlighting some players who performed well during spring practice for this story. Graduation, transfer portal, and injuries have created opportunities for a new group of Tigers to play in the Southeastern Conference.
Let’s look at five Tigers on offense who made progress during spring football.
Robby Ashford
Hoover alum and Oregon transfer Ashford won the A-Day MVP. He threw for 132 yards on 12-of-16, passing mostly against the Tigers’ first-team defense while running the second-team offense. Ashford showed off his speed and strong arm in front of fans at Jordan-Hare.
TJ Finley is likely the starter if the season starts today. Texas A&M transfer Zach Calzada will factor in once he heals from a shoulder injury to his non-throwing arm. However, Ashford affirmed why he was a highly-touted recruit and why he could win the starting QB role with his performance during the spring.
“He did amazing,” Finley said about Ashford. “Him using his legs will be a key factor for us this year. We might be able to—you know what I’m saying? We might be able to get him in there and do some quarterback draws and things like that, so I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table in the fall.”
Sean Jackson
The Hewitt-Trussville alum went from walk-on to scholarship athlete this spring. Jackson is 5′9 210 pounds, with a mix of speed and power that makes him a dangerous back. He took advantage of Shaun Shivers transferring to Indiana and Jarquez Hunter having an injury to get more reps in spring. Auburn will have five scholarship running backs once Damari Alston arrives for fall camp. Jackson’s ability to play punt and kickoff coverage could get him extra time on the field even though there’s lots of depth in the running back room.
“Sean Jackson since day one, since he showed up here, all he has done his work. I mean, he’s a very consistent player, natural running between the tackles,” running back coach Carnell Williams said. Great attitude. And I am excited for him and his family. And, as I said, the man’s well deserved, so excited for him now. I told him, ‘Let’s not relax, let’s continue to put in the hard work,’ but I am excited for him.”
Brandon Frazier
Getting targets won’t be easy for Frazier with John Samuel Shenker, Landen King, Tyler Fromm, and Luke Deal on the roster. However, Frazier runs solid routes and makes catches. Auburn could get creative in finding ways to get Frazier on the field in games.
“The mental part of the game for him is just, like, crazy,” fellow tight end Luke Deal said about Frazier. He went from a guy who’s unsure and uneasy on some things in the offense to a very confident guy who’s now working on his craft, like I said, working on hands, feet—just little details, fundamentals that you need to really take the next step in this conference.”
Kam Stutts
Auburn needs a dominant offensive line if Harsin’s plan of winning games with a run-first offense will work. Stutts has an opportunity to provide depth at the guard positions on the o-line.
“Probably the best thing Kam’s done is he’s prepared. He’s taking the meeting to the walkthrough to individual to team to scrimmage. From fundamentals to the schematics of the play, he’s done a great job with that,” offensive line coach Will Friend said. I think he’s an example of taking what we teach, working at it in all the little segments that we have planned out, and then executing it when you get in a scrimmage setting, which is the closest thing you can get to a game. And that’s what he’s done.”
Ze’Vian Capers
Picking one wide receiver is probably a bit unfair. Tar’Varish Dawson, Malcolm Johnson, Shedrick Jackson, freshman Jay Fair, and Ja’Varrius Johnson are all talented with room to evolve. However, Capers had two great snags in the A-Day game. His 27-yard catch from Ashford was a high-light moment.
“Ze Capers has come a long way from last year. He’s more mature,” Finley said. Like, I brought him under my wing — making sure he’s up for workouts, making sure he’s doing this, making sure he’s doing that. For about five or six weeks now, he’s been doing it on his own. To see that 180 turnaround from him is greatly appreciated for the whole team. And I just can’t wait to see what he’ll bring to fall camp.”
Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group. | https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2022/04/5-auburn-football-players-on-offense-who-elevated-during-spring-practice.html | 2022-04-14T17:21:40 | 0 | https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2022/04/5-auburn-football-players-on-offense-who-elevated-during-spring-practice.html |
DNC officials approve plan to change states for first presidential primaries
(CNN) - Democratic Party officials approved a plan Wednesday that could shake up the presidential primary calendar.
The big unknown is which states will get to hold their primaries first in 2024.
The Democratic National Committee’s new plan does away with the current, traditional set of early states: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.
The updated process would prioritize more diverse battleground states that hold primaries, not caucuses.
States would apply for early primaries, and party officials would pick up to five to go before Super Tuesday.
Those four traditional early states can apply to keep their places.
However, Iowa’s spot would be especially threatened, in part because the largely white state is no longer a battleground.
Also, it is required by state law to hold caucuses.
State parties must submit applications by June 3.
The rules committee will decide in July, and final approval is in August or September.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/dnc-officials-approve-plan-change-states-first-presidential-primaries/ | 2022-04-14T17:21:40 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/dnc-officials-approve-plan-change-states-first-presidential-primaries/ |
Which meat slicer is best?
A good chef’s knife can accomplish many tasks, but it can’t make paper-thin cured meats or dozens of slices of cheese with consistent thickness. You’ll need an electric meat slicer to make the perfect charcuterie board at home. The right one can help you slice cold cuts, artisan bread and raw meat for jerky in small and large batches.
The best meat slicer for most people is the Berkel Red Line 300. It comes from a highly respected manufacturer and is modeled after commercial-style machines, with the precision, speed and duty cycle that every cook needs.
What to know before you buy a meat slicer
You need to keep it clean
It’s important to respect all your kitchen equipment and keep it clean, but that’s never more true than it is for a meat slicer. Even the most refined designs can allow for food buildup in various places, and leftover meat, cheese and other food can hurt an appliance’s finish, damage seals and contribute to bacterial contamination. It’s far easier to maintain a clean slicer regularly than it is to deep clean a thoroughly messy one every few weeks. This is especially important if you’ll only use the slicer occasionally, as food particles are particularly bad things to store in your cupboard.
It will take up space
Even the smallest meat slicers aren’t really that small. Unless you have a truly massive home kitchen, you’ll need somewhere to put your new meat slicer that’s out of the way, as very few make attractive kitchen decorations. Along with that, don’t forget that meat slicers also tend to be heavy. After all, the most effective ones boast durable steel bodies and rugged gears and motors.
It may require an investment
A good meat slicer can do a lot. If you frequently make large batches of beef jerky, slice artisanal bread with thick crusts or prepare homemade hot pot or pho, you might find yourself using a meat slicer often. If that’s the case, take a good look at a full-size model like the ones found in restaurant kitchens. They are faster and more precise and can prep more food at once than budget-friendly options, known as having a long duty cycle. A longer duty cycle means an appliance will ultimately receive less wear and tear.
What to look for in a quality meat slicer
Blade diameter
Typical consumer-grade meat slicers have 7- or 8-inch blades. That should do fine for small jobs, but more demanding cooks will notice that the blade moves too slowly and gets dull too quickly for satisfactory results. Models with 10-inch blades are usually the best ones that don’t break the bank. If you’re ambitious and have room for it, a 12-inch meat slicer should perform even better if you get it from a reasonably dependable manufacturer.
Durable and precise construction
Ideally, your new meat slicer will have a rugged stainless steel body and be easy to clean and sanitize. Another build quality aspect is how consistent the materials and components are. Subpar tolerances and poorly machined parts lead to cracks, crevices and other areas where it’s easy for food to get stuck. When you finally receive your new meat slicer, check it thoroughly to make sure it’s assembled properly and doesn’t have any glaring errors or broken fasteners.
Motor wattage
Budget-friendly meat slicers are rated for around 100 watts and commercial models roughly 500 watts or more. Mid-range slicers that offer excellent bang for your buck tend to have 250- or 300-watt motors.
How much you can expect to spend on a meat slicer
The most affordable meat slicers worth buying cost just over $100. You can spend several thousand dollars on a premium commercial meat slicer, but the absolute best for home use top out at just under $2,000, and most consumers should look to spend around $400.
Meat slicer FAQ
What safety equipment do you need for a meat slicer?
A. Aside from extreme caution and attention to detail, a chainmail glove is the only thing that will protect you from the high-speed rotating blade found on a meat slicer. Consider ordering one size bigger than you need, and keep in mind that wearing a nitrile glove outside of your chainmail glove will significantly increase your dexterity.
Are Hobart slicers any good?
A. Hobart slicers are some of the best and most popular in kitchens worldwide, which is why they’re so well-known. However, they’re incredibly bulky, don’t look great in homes and usually cost an extreme amount, so only the most passionate home cooks should consider one.
What’s the best meat slicer to buy?
Top meat slicer
Berkel Red Line 300 Electric Food Slicer
What you need to know: It’s a commercial-style meat slicer reworked to fit perfectly in a large home kitchen.
What you’ll love: For starters, Berkel actually claims to have made the first meat slicer ever. The Red Line 300 is modeled after institutional meat slicers but has a less industrial aesthetic and a less bulky design. Its 12-inch blade is big enough and rotates fast enough to handle the finest cured meats and the unit’s overall construction is particularly solid.
What you should consider: A high-quality meat slicer like this one requires an investment that few home cooks are willing to make.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot and Amazon
Top meat slicer for the money
Chef’sChoice 615A Electric Food Slicer
What you need to know: This is the most affordable meat slicer that’s actually able to get most jobs done.
What you’ll love: If you only occasionally need sliced meat, cheese or bread, this one’s an excellent choice. It isn’t as large, doesn’t rotate as fast and can’t handle the same size jobs as a commercial-grade meat slicer, but it’s perfectly suited to home kitchens where you need to do your own sandwich prep every now and then. As long as you keep it clean and take care not to force anything while using it, it should last for a long time.
What you should consider: Some people have trouble with hard meats or highly precise cuts. For a more consistent and thinly cut end product, many owners recommend picking up the compatible non-serrated blade.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot and Amazon
Worth checking out
Vevor Commercial Electric Food Slicer
What you need to know: This 10-inch meat slicer is modeled after a commercial unit but priced right for the discerning consumer.
What you’ll love: The Vevor lies in the middle between plastic-bodied consumer and industrial slicers. It has the size and power needed for most meats, cheeses and bread but costs a fraction of what you pay for one from a more well-known brand. We’ve highlighted the 10-inch version because it’s the most convenient size for many home kitchens, but there’s a 12-inch model available for those who need more performance and a larger cutting area.
What you should consider: The quality control and product consistency aren’t exactly perfect, but it’s better than most other off-brand competition.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
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Chris Thomas 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.wivb.com/reviews/br/tools-br/best-meat-slicer/ | 2022-04-14T17:21:44 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/tools-br/best-meat-slicer/ |
Ferrero is voluntarily recalling two brands of chocolate sold in the U.S. due to potential salmonella contamination, according to a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The two brands of chocolate include Kinder Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment and Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats basket.
Ferrero, which is headquartered in Parsippany, is recalling the products out of an abundance of caution. Some customers in Europe came down with salmonella poisoning due to products manufactured at the same Belgian factory.
Around 100 cases of salmonella poisoning were reported, according to USA Today.
Here is info on each brand being recalled:
Kinder Happy Moments Chocolate Assortment
This is packaged in a 14.1-ounce square box with a lid and has a sell-by date of July 18, 2022.
This product was most likely sold in BJ’s Wholesale Club stores nationwide, as well as Costco stores in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Nevada and
The lot numbers for the recalled product, which can be found on the item’s back panel, are: 48RUP334, 48RUP335, 48RUP 336 and 48RUP337.
Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats Basket
This is packaged in a 5.3-ounce cardboard basket with a sell-by date of July 30, 2022.
This product was most likely sold at 14 Big Y Supermarket locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The lot number for this recalled product is 03L 018AR – 306 and is located on the back panel.
What to do if you’ve bought the chocolate
If you have purchased one of these chocolate products, the FDA recommends contacting Ferrero customer service at 1-800-688-3552 or on their website to request a product refund.
The FDA also advises people not to eat these affected products and suggests discarding them immediately. | https://www.al.com/business/2022/04/ferrero-recalling-kinder-chocolates-just-before-easter-fda-says.html | 2022-04-14T17:21:46 | 0 | https://www.al.com/business/2022/04/ferrero-recalling-kinder-chocolates-just-before-easter-fda-says.html |
Republican National Committee votes to withdraw from presidential debates group, reports say
(Gray News) - The Republican National Committee voted unanimously Thursday to withdraw from the Commission on Presidential Debates.
This is according to media reports that cited a statement from Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, who called the debates group biased.
“Today the RNC voted to withdraw from the biased CPD, and we are going to find newer, better debate platforms to ensure that future nominees are not forced to go through the biased CPD in order to make their case to the American people,” the news release said.
“To be clear, we are not walking away from debates. We are walking away from the CPD.”
The Commission on Presidential Debates was slammed by the RNC for debate timing and what the RNC said was an appearance of partisanship.
Among the issues, the news release criticized “waiting until 26 states had begun early voting before hosting the first presidential debate in 2020″ and “making unilateral changes to previously agreed upon debate formats and conditions, in some cases without even notifying the candidates.”
They also said a moderator at a debate had once worked for Joe Biden.
One of the 2020 debates, the second one, was canceled after the Commission on Presidential Debates made the debate virtual during the coronavirus pandemic.
It was later revealed that former President Donald Trump tested positive for coronavirus on Sept. 26, three days before the first debate, according to an aide’s book. Trump was hospitalized with COVID-19 on Oct. 2, but was released from the hospital on Oct. 5.
The Commission on Presidential Debates was founded in 1987 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan group. Its primary mission is to “sponsor and produce the quadrennial general election debates and to undertake research and educational activities relating to the debates.”
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/republican-national-committee-votes-withdraw-presidential-debates-group-reports-say/ | 2022-04-14T17:21:49 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/republican-national-committee-votes-withdraw-presidential-debates-group-reports-say/ |
Which Funko Pop bobblehead is best?
Funko Pop has thousands of figurines to collect and display, not to mention a handful of different types of figurines. The most playful type is a Funko Pop bobblehead. The little ones are perfect for adding to your desk for a little lighthearted fun, while the big ones can be an entertaining centerpiece.
The best Funko Pop bobblehead is Funko Pop Marvel: Dancing Groot Bobblehead. Put on some music and give this bobblehead a tap to relive the famous “Guardians of the Galaxy” post-credits scene.
What to know before you buy a Funko Pop bobblehead
Funko Pop bobblehead types
Funko Pop bobbleheads come in a few forms and sizes.
- Standard bobbleheads are similar to Funko’s vinyl figurines, being that they’re roughly 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide, save for their necks being attached to the spring that lets them bobble.
- Oversized bobbleheads are just that — oversized. Most are somewhere from 6-10 inches tall and have varying widths.
- Deluxe bobbleheads are large, extravagant pieces. They take a character and pair it with something connected to them that they often sit on or stand beside.
- Ride bobbleheads are halfway between a standard and a deluxe Pop. They’re typically the same size as standards but are depicted riding something rather than having the bobble be paired to a body.
Source material
If the source material you’re passionate about is even slightly known to pop culture, it’s likely that Funko has made a bobblehead of it. Major pop culture properties from Disney like Marvel and “Star Wars” are common, as are figurines from many popular TV shows, including “Game of Thrones” and “The Office.”
What to look for in a quality Funko Pop bobblehead
Boxed vs. unboxed
Funko Pop bobbleheads are packaged in boxes bearing the character’s name, the source that they come from, authenticating information and the mold they come from. Whether you remove them or keep them in the box has a huge bearing on several factors.
- Boxed bobbleheads are more valuable to collectors and resellers. The box preserves the condition of the bobblehead and proves it’s an authentic Funko Pop. Always purchase an authenticated boxed bobblehead if you want to ensure it’s a quality purchase.
- Unboxed bobbleheads are less valuable, but they’re more enjoyable to enthusiasts who just like the character. The head can be bobbled, it’s easier to display, kids can play with them, etc. If an unboxed bobblehead is purchased from a secondary market, it may be noticeably inauthentic and low-quality.
Chase variants
Some Funko Pop bobbleheads have rare chase variants that are more valuable than the base bobblehead. These variations are often minimal, but you can’t specifically order them. They only have a small chance of inclusion when purchasing the original model online.
How much you can expect to spend on a Funko Pop bobblehead
Basic Funko Pop bobbleheads cost just over $11. Most cost $15-$30, with some of the larger or harder-to-find bobbleheads costing more. Secondary market bobbleheads can cost hundreds.
Funko Pop bobblehead FAQ
How should I clean a Funko Pop bobblehead?
A. This depends on whether or not it’s still in the box. Boxed Funko Pop bobbleheads only require a brief dusting at least once a month to stay clean. Unboxed bobbleheads also require dusting, but it must be as gentle a dusting as possible. Being too rough can damage the springs responsible for the bobble, making the head lie skewed to the side rather than remaining upright.
What’s the best method for tracking my Funko Pop bobblehead collection?
A. There are dozens of methods for tracking your Funko Pop collection, bobbleheads and all, from digital trackers online to manually updating a spreadsheet. The official Funko app is one of the better online trackers, but if you’re serious about collecting, it’s worth experimenting until you find an organizational system that works best for you.
What do the numbers on the top right of the box mean?
A. The number relates to the order in which a given Funko Pop in a specific line was produced. For example, in the Marvel line of Funko Pops, there have been hundreds of rounds of productions, with any number of Pops produced in each round. So, an upper right number of 11 means that Pop was part of the eleventh round of Pops produced in the Marvel line.
What’s the best Funko Pop bobblehead to buy?
Top Funko Pop bobblehead
Funko Pop Marvel: Dancing Groot Bobblehead
What you need to know: This is a cute bobblehead for Marvel fans and plant lovers.
What you’ll love: Marvel fans will love being able to bob along with this bobblehead for a fun and stress-relieving break from work and other hassles. The top of Dancing Groot has just enough space to be converted into a miniature planter.
What you should consider: A few consumers were unhappy with the stability of the base, reporting it to be too top-heavy to always safely bobble.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Funko Pop bobblehead for the money
Funko Pop Marvel: Deadpool as Bob Ross
What you need to know: This is a clever pop culture intersection as a bobblehead.
What you’ll love: The figurine is stable and balanced, making it easy to tap the bobblehead without knocking it over. The Deadpool and Bob Ross combination is perfect for Marvel fans, especially for Marvel historians looking to remember one of the original “Deadpool” film’s best ad spots.
What you should consider: A few consumers received damaged boxes, which is devaluating for collectors.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Funko Pop Deluxe Mandalorian: The Mandalorian & The Child on Bantha
What you need to know: This is an excellent centerpiece for “Star Wars” fans.
What you’ll love: This is among the more detailed Funko bobbleheads available — the fur of the bantha, the armor details of the Mandalorian and the cute Grogu attached to the back. The Tatooine sand base is stable enough to tap the bobblehead without risking it tipping over.
What you should consider: It takes up a large amount of space, both in-box and out. There are some rare reports of missing jetpacks on the Mandalorian.
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.wivb.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/theme-toys-br/best-funko-pop-bobblehead/ | 2022-04-14T17:21:51 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/theme-toys-br/best-funko-pop-bobblehead/ |
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Alabama will wait two more years before schools hold back third-graders who aren’t reading on grade level.
A 2019 Literacy Act, which added support services and funding to help more children read, also had a holdback provision: If, after three years of additional instruction and support, third-graders couldn’t read well enough to advance into fourth grade, they should be retained, lawmakers decided.
On Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey decided to delay that retention piece until the 2023-2024 school year. Without a delay, about 23% of Alabama third graders would be at risk for retention, state officials said this winter.
“We are making crystal clear that unlike what we are seeing in some other states around the country, Alabama is focusing on core instruction, and that means ensuring our students are proficient in both reading and math,” Ivey said in a press release Thursday, after signing SB200, a compromise bill advanced by lawmakers.
Read more Ed Lab: Alabama schools making some gains in reading instruction after pandemic.
Read more Ed Lab: What did the Alabama legislature do for schools, students in 2022?
“The Numeracy Act, which I signed into law recently and the Alabama Literacy Act are both ways to help our students. Our efforts to implement the Literacy Act are already underway, and by signing House Bill 220, we are solidifying that. And by signing Senate Bill 200, I am putting ink on the fact that there is absolutely no more delay to this process. We are fully implementing all elements of the Alabama Literacy Act, plain and simple.”
The holdback requirement makes up a small but controversial portion of the Alabama Literacy Act. It requires students not reading on grade level to be given additional support services, including summer reading camps and expert instruction.
Experts and statisticians supported a delay to the retention requirement of the law this fall, noting that the pandemic and changes to assessments could make it tough to accurately identify which students might need to repeat a grade at the end of the 2021-22 school year.
The Senate bill, sponsored by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, joined House Bill 220, sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, which Ivey also signed Thursday. HB220 tweaks parts of the Alabama Literacy Act, including automatically exempting students with Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs, who don’t take the statewide reading test from the retention requirement.
House Bill 435, sponsored by Rep. Rich Wingo, R-Tuscaloosa, was also approved Thursday. The new law nearly doubles the amount of funding available for math and science teachers to repay loans. | https://www.al.com/educationlab/2022/04/alabama-gov-kay-ivey-approves-delay-to-third-grade-reading-law.html | 2022-04-14T17:21:52 | 0 | https://www.al.com/educationlab/2022/04/alabama-gov-kay-ivey-approves-delay-to-third-grade-reading-law.html |
Teacher would rather be redeployed to Iraq than go back to the classroom
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) – As a sergeant in the U.S. Army, Justin Bullock has endured demanding training, strict military discipline and even enemy fire, but nothing could prepare him for the stress and violence he faced as a teacher at Liberty Hill Academy.
“I have a lot of trauma now,” Bullock told WCSC.
He was deployed to Iraq in 2009 and was preparing to begin training to become a drill sergeant to instruct new soldiers. He says his future is now in jeopardy after suffering multiple injuries at Liberty Hill.
“I doubt that I will probably step my foot back inside a school in general for a very long time. I am terrified ... I don’t want to get beaten anymore,” Bullock said. “I don’t want to get sexually harassed any more. I don’t want to fear for my life.”
Last month, Bullock attempted to break up a fight between two students and was punched in the head multiple times.
He continued working but the next day went to the hospital where they took a brain scan and determined that he had a neck strain and was recovering from a concussion.
“By that Saturday, I was having major anxiety just like rethinking everything because I was also beaten in the back of my head in February 2021 by a student,” Bullock said. “I was also sexually harassed by a student who was also putting his hands on me. It took the school two and a half months to get him out of my classroom.”
Bullock was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
His husband, Caleb Ferrell, says he doesn’t want Bullock to go back to work.
“Honestly, I get terrified sometimes. He wakes up at night and has a hard time sleeping. It’s honestly heartbreaking,” Ferrell said. “Sometimes I am afraid that he’s not going to come home after work.”
Liberty Hill Academy is an alternative school for special needs students and those with behavioral issues.
Teachers and staff are given extra training, and Bullock has even taught at alternative schools in other districts, but he says they are wholly unprepared to deal with some of these students.
“I definitely felt like the upper administration needs to reevaluate the situation,” Bullock said. “This has become a really dangerous situation, and we really need to make some changes before a real, true tragedy occurs.”
Bullock is one of multiple staff members at Liberty Hill who have been assaulted by students.
On March 31, two staff members were injured breaking up a fight.
In December, former employee Vera Gordon filed a lawsuit alleging constant abuse from 2016 until the time she left in 2020.
Gordon’s lawsuit describes female employees “being punched in their face by students, headbutted, drugged [sic] by their hair, having trash cans slammed over their head, knocked unconscious, subjected to frequent racial and sexual slurs.”
She said these factors generally led to a state of heightened anxiety and fear while at work.
In March alone, the North Charleston Police Department was called to the school 14 times. On Friday, the Charleston County School District confirmed another fight among students was broken up by a number of teachers.
Given the choice between the classroom and deployment, Bullock said he’d take deployment.
“Iraq a million times over,” Bullock said. “Because at least I know that my chain of command has my back.”
Next week, Bullock is meeting with his commanding officer to see if he is still mentally fit for military service.
Copyright 2022 WCSC via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/teacher-would-rather-be-redeployed-iraq-than-go-back-classroom/ | 2022-04-14T17:21:55 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/teacher-would-rather-be-redeployed-iraq-than-go-back-classroom/ |
An Alabama man has been charged with devising a scheme to defraud Jefferson County’s retirement plan of more than $100,000 over a five-year period.
Gary Dean Gibbs, 52, is federally charged with one count of wire fraud, according to a joint announcement Thursday by Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr.
The charge and an agreement for Gibbs to plead guilty were filed Thursday in federal court.
According to the charging documents, Gibbs’ father was a former employee of Jefferson County receiving benefits from The General Retirement System for Employees of Jefferson County, also known as GRS.
GRS is a retirement plan that provides benefits to retired and disabled employees of Jefferson County.
Beginning in September 2017 and continuing until February 2022, Gibbs concealed his father’s death from GRS and collected money from GRS to which he was not entitled, authorities said.
Gibbs used his father’s personal information and forged his father’s signature on documents submitted to GRS to further his scheme. Additionally, documents state, Gibbs assumed his father’s identity during telephone calls with a GRS employee.
The plea agreement states that Gibbs collected approximately $132,646.12 to which he was not entitled.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not yet been announced. | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/alabama-man-pretended-to-be-his-dead-father-to-defraud-retirement-system-of-132646-feds-say.html | 2022-04-14T17:21:58 | 0 | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/alabama-man-pretended-to-be-his-dead-father-to-defraud-retirement-system-of-132646-feds-say.html |