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Which battery-powered weed eater is best?
Weed eaters make quick work out of choking invasive plants that threaten the landscaping around your house. They are also great for keeping sidewalks and driveways neat and tidy. Quiet operation and ease of use make a battery-powered weed eater a good choice. There are no cords to fumble with and no complicated gas and oil mixtures.
The Black and Decker Max 2-In-1 Cordless String Trimmer/Edger With Powercommand Kit is the best battery-powered weed eater no matter the trimming or edging task.
What to know before you buy a battery-powered weed eater
Type of feed
For most weed eaters, a specially shaped string spins around underneath a protective housing at the end of a long shaft with the speed and power controls close to your hand. As you trim, the string will eventually get shorter and need to be lengthened for best results. The string can be fed through the head of the weed eater in three different ways.
- Bump feed: The user bumps the head of the weed eater on the ground to feed out more string.
- Fixed line: There is no way to change the length of the line. It is of a fixed length and needs to be swapped out as needed.
- Auto feed: The easiest of the three — it spools out automatically as you need it.
Ergonomics
Especially for those who suffer from hand, arm, shoulder or back pain, the ergonomics of a weed eater matter. You’ll want something that’s comfortable in your hands and does not require you to bend over to use.
A straight shaft may be more powerful and sturdy, but a curved shaft is easier on the body. It puts the cutting area of the weed eater where you need it, with no strange contortions or reaching.
Purpose
A weed eater is only as good as its ability to power through fibrous grasses and thick weeds, but its purpose can change depending on the homeowner. Some want a small, efficient machine that can keep stray grass and weeds out of sidewalk cracks, while others need more clearing power and versatility.
There’s no sense in buying a more powerful, expensive machine when all you really want to do is keep the edges of a small yard tidy.
What to look for in a quality battery-powered weed eater
Easy start
An easy on-off switch means no complicated starting procedures. Just pick up the weed eater, push the button and go.
Long-lasting battery
A battery that runs out in the middle of putting the finishing touches on your yard is literally not going to get the job done. High-quality battery-powered weed eaters feature a rechargeable, long-lasting battery. Look for lithium ion batteries for fast charging, too.
Different brush heads
Some battery-powered weed eaters come not only with a standard string trimmer head but also a brush head. This lets you easily cut through thick brush, including some stems up to a quarter-inch or more in diameter.
Padded grips
Padded grips are more comfortable when you use your weed eater for long periods. They’re easy to grip, and they absorb vibrations that occur as you trim.
How much you can expect to spend on a battery-powered weed eater
It’s tough to find a good battery-powered weed eater for less than $50. Expect to spend $100-$200 on one that lasts.
Battery-powered weed eater FAQ
Are there safety precautions you need to take when using a weed eater?
A. Yes. Because the motion of the string can send grass and debris flying, it’s important to wear long pants, long sleeves and goggles. Battery-powered weed eaters tend to be quieter than gas-powered ones, but you may want hearing protection, too.
Also consider only using weed eaters for short periods of time, with breaks in between. The machine’s vibrations can cause nerve damage in the hands, arms and shoulders with long-term prolonged use.
How do you change the string on a weed eater?
A. Because each weed eater is different, follow the manufacturer’s directions. This will ensure that it is safely loaded and will operate as it is intended.
What’s the best battery-powered weed eater to buy?
Top battery-powered weed eater
Black and Decker Max 2-In-1 Cordless String Trimmer/Edger With Powercommand Kit
What you need to know: It’s lightweight and perfect for trimming and edging small or medium-sized yards.
What you’ll love: It has an automatic string feeder for easy operation. The 13-inch head covers a lot of ground. Even with a battery on one end, it feels balanced and is easy to operate.
What you should consider: It uses a lot of string — more than other models.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top battery-powered weed eater for the money
Worx 20-Volt PowerShare Cordless String Trimmer and Edger
What you need to know: This is an affordable, entry-level trimmer for homeowners with small jobs.
What you’ll love: It comes with two batteries and converts easily to an edger by simply twisting the head. The shaft telescopes to accommodate people of various heights. Operation is quiet and comfortable, and the push-button spool releases trimming string as you need it.
What you should consider: You will need the two batteries, even for small yards. Each only lasts around 20 minutes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Craftsman V20 String Trimmer/Edger
What you need to know: This is a great mid-price model that trims and edges with ease.
What you’ll love: It has two speeds that let you choose between fast operation and long battery life. The battery lasts up to 50 minutes on a single charge. The shaft is adjustable for taller users. It features an easy push-button feed and comes with a three-year limited warranty.
What you should consider: The automatic-feed button is flimsy.
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.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T19:02:55
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Which Black and Decker drill is best?
Drills make most home improvement jobs significantly more straightforward and are essential for many tasks. Many Black and Decker cordless drills are as powerful as corded drills, without the hassle. Additionally, most Black and Decker models include bits, batteries and other accessories you’ll need. For example, the Black and Decker 20-Volt MAX Matrix Cordless Drill is a versatile, lightweight tool that makes an excellent addition to anyone’s garage.
What to consider before you buy a Black and Decker drill
Is Black and Decker a good brand?
Black and Decker has been around since 1910 and is one of the most trusted names in cost-efficient power tools. The brand produces top-notch tools that often come with two-year warranties. Most Black and Decker tools use the same 20-volt battery, making it easy to switch from one device to another.
Is a 20-volt drill good?
Most buyers agree that a 20-volt drill is perfectly suited to their needs. They are often compact, lightweight and powerful. Many of Black and Decker’s 20-volt batteries last up to one hour on a single charge and up to 18 months before needing to be replaced. Many Black and Decker options come with at least one additional battery.
Drill Sets
If you’re looking to get a lot of bang for your buck, consider a drill set. Many drill sets include numerous bits, extra batteries and carrying cases. In some cases, drill sets include hammers, screwdrivers, pliers and other tools. If you already have a wide selection of tools and bits, drill sets may not suit you. Still, drill sets are an excellent way to get nearly every tool you need for many people.
Cordless vs. corded drills
Corded drills are often more powerful than cordless drills. Over time, cordless drills’ batteries begin to wear down. Many cordless drills are nearly as powerful as corded models. Most people prefer cordless drills for their added mobility.
What to look for in a quality Black and Decker drill
Multi-position clutch
Stripped screws can turn even the most straightforward DIY project into a headache. Drills with multi-position clutches help prevent stripped screws by enabling users to adjust the tool’s torque. The clutch disengages the drill’s motor when the bit’s torque exceeds a certain amount. Low clutch settings are ideal for drywall and other soft materials, whereas high settings are ideal for heavy wood.
Battery
Battery life and battery power are essential considerations when choosing a Black and Decker drill. You’ll want a device with at least one hour of battery life on a single charge. The drill’s battery life is less of a concern if you have multiple batteries. Many cordless drills feature 12-volt or 18-volt batteries. On the other hand, most Black and Decker cordless drills use powerful 20-volt batteries.
Chuck size
The chuck is the part of the drill that holds the bit. Many drills feature 3/8-inch chucks or 1/2-inch chucks. The 1/2-inch chucks are more versatile, but 3/8-inch chucks are adequate for most users.
Accessories
Most models include chargers, bits and batteries. If you already have a substantial drill bit collection and extra batteries, you can save money buying a drill that doesn’t include accessories. Still, added accessories are an excellent value for most buyers.
How much you can expect to spend on a Black and Decker drill
Many Black and Decker drills cost between $40-$60. Drill sets usually cost $80 or more.
Black and Decker drill FAQ
Is Black and Decker the same as DeWalt?
A. The same corporation owns Black and Decker, DeWalt and Craftsman. Still, the drills offered by each brand are different.
What is a keyless chuck?
A. Drills with keyless chucks allow you to replace drill bits without using a key. Most Black and Decker drills feature convenient keyless chucks.
Do all Black and Decker drills have flashlights?
A. Drills with flashlights make it easier to see screws in dimly lit areas. Most Black and Decker drills have built-in flashlights, but not all of them.
Does Black and Decker make corded drills?
A. Black and Decker has a wide selection of corded drills, but most of their popular models are cordless.
What’s the best Black and Decker drill to buy?
Top Black and Decker drill
Black and Decker 20-Volt MAX Matrix Cordless Drill
What you need to know: This model is compatible with numerous Black and Decker attachments.
What you’ll love: This drill is compact and lightweight. The Black and Decker Matrix attachments enable you to use this model as an impact driver, a jigsaw, a detail sander and more. This option’s magnetic bit holder makes it easy to keep up with your drill bits. Most buyers praise this tool for its versatility.
What you should consider: This drill may not last as long as other models, so it might run out of power before you finish your project.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Black and Decker drill for the money
20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8-Inch Drill
What you need to know: This capable drill features an 11-position clutch.
What you’ll love: This model comes with a battery, a charger and a double-sided bit. This drill has a two-year warranty for added peace of mind. This option is lightweight and highly portable. Users praise this drill for its durability and ease of use.
What you should consider: Some buyers received models that quit working after a few months.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Worth checking out
20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill and Project Kit
What you need to know: This drill kit includes numerous essential tools.
What you’ll love: This kit contains over 60 hand tools and accessories. This drill has an 11-position clutch. The included drill comes with a two-year warranty. Most users were impressed with every device in this kit.
What you should consider: Some users feel the included carrying case isn’t durable.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
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Cody Stewart 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.
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https://fox59.com/reviews/br/lawn-garden-br/tools-br-lawn-garden-br/drills-br/best-black-and-decker-drill/
| 2022-04-08T19:03:02
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Best ladder for cleaning your roof
It can be costly to hire someone to clean your roof. If you would rather save some money and don’t mind a bit of work, you can tackle the job yourself without much hassle, as long as you have the right tools. One of the most important is a reliable ladder.
The proper ladder for cleaning your roof depends on a few things, including your roof’s height and whether you have a gutter. Some ladders need to be leaned against the house and can easily damage delicate fixtures. You’ll also need to take your storage space into account. Ladders for cleaning roofs are tall and can be difficult to find a place for when not in use.
What to look for when buying a ladder for cleaning your roof
Types of ladders
There are three main categories of ladders: fixed, self-standing and non-self-supporting. Since most people don’t want a ladder permanently fixed to their house, only the latter two are suitable choices for homeowners.
- Self-standing ladders are sometimes referred to as A-frame ladders due to their shape. They have a wide stance and tend to feel stable underfoot. They often have high weight capacities, and sometimes feature a small tool shelf near the top.
- Non-self-supporting ladders include both extension and telescoping ladders. There is some similarity between them as they can both adjust to varying heights, but telescoping ladders store much more compactly. It is not uncommon for one to retract down to a fifth of its maximum height, while extension ladders only retract to half their maximum height. The benefit of extension ladders is they tend to have a beefier build and feel more stable.
There also are versatile multi-position ladders that can be set up either in a self-standing or a non-self-supporting manner.
Height
Any non-self-supporting ladder should extend at least 1 foot past the roof of your home to ensure it can be safely secured in place. The exception to this are those that feature attachment hooks. These can be equal to the height of your roof.
For self-standing A-frame ladders, the top rung should be close to equal with the height of your roof so you can easily move from one to the other.
Weight capacity
Some ladders are only designed to support up to 200 pounds, while others can support as much as 375. A ladder’s load capacity, or “duty rating,” is usually specified somewhere in the product description.
If you don’t see it, the manufacturer may have listed the type rating instead. The load capacities by type are:
- Type IAA ladders: 375 pounds
- Type IA ladders: 300 pounds
- Type I ladders: 250 pounds
- Type II ladders: 225 pounds
- Type III ladders: 200 pounds
The best ladder for cleaning your roof
Best telescoping ladders
Bowoshen Telescoping Ladder With Hooks
This affordably priced ladder features two detachable hooks for a secure connection to roofs and other structures. It has a 330-pound load capacity to support heavy users, and it comes in three heights, all of which are less than 4 feet tall when fully retracted.
Sold by Amazon
Nunet 18-Foot Telescoping Ladder
A good choice for those worried about portability and stability, it’s equipped with wheels and anti-slip traction blocks. Each rung can be individually locked in place, letting you use it at any height up to its maximum extension, and the aluminum construction stands up to the elements well without corroding.
Sold by Amazon
Best extension ladders
Louisville Ladder Fiberglass Extension Ladder
With options ranging from 16 to 40 feet in height, there is a Louisville extension ladder to suit every homeowner’s needs. They are all non-conductive, equipped with rubber-coated swivel shoes for safety and have a 300-pound capacity.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Werner D6200-2 Extension Ladder
Werner extension ladders also come in several sizes, with the tallest at 32 feet. They extend smoothly and are easy to lock into place at your desired height. Conveniently, the sections are detachable, so you can use the base by itself if needed for portability.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Best A-frame ladders
Louisville Ladder FM1416HD Twin Front Stepladder
Though heavy, this ladder is sturdy and features non-marring slip-resistant feet, so it feels extremely stable underfoot. Unlike most other A-frames, it can be entered from either side, and each rung has plenty of room to place your feet.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
This aluminum ladder has double-riveted high-traction steps for safety and a tool tray at the top to keep small supplies close at hand. Its quality build ensures it will last through years of regular use. However, it commands a high price tag that may put it out of reach for some.
Sold by Amazon
Best multi-position ladders
It converts from an A-frame ladder to an extension ladder depending on your needs. As an A-frame, it can be used by two people simultaneously, with each portion having a 300-pound capacity. It meets or exceeds all standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the American National Standards Institute, so it is suitable for commercial jobs.
Sold by Amazon
LuisLadders 18.5-Foot Folding Ladder
When it comes to versatility, this ladder is king. It can be used in several ways, including as a 9.5-foot-long platform when painting and doing other jobs that require covering a lot of ground. It features a fold-out tool tray when used in the A-frame configuration.
Sold by Amazon
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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.
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| 2022-04-08T19:03:09
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Which pacifier is best: Nuk or Bibs?
Pacifiers soothe babies when they’re crying or otherwise uncomfortable, and many parents consider them to be an essential tool. Pacifiers come in different shapes and are made of various materials, so choosing the right one can be a challenge. If you’re trying to decide between popular brands Nuk and Bibs, there are a number of differences to consider before you can make an informed decision.
Nuk pacifiers
Nuk is a well-known brand that produces quality pacifiers. Most feature well-thought-out designs that allow babies to breathe easily and don’t put added pressure on their jawbones. Many are dishwasher-safe and all are BPA-free.
Nuk pacifier pros
- They typically mimic the shape of an actual nipple to simulate breastfeeding and reduce nipple confusion.
- Many are made of sustainable plastic.
- The shields are often breathable and contour to your baby’s face.
- They have a small handle that makes them easy to carry and allows your baby to remove them from their mouth when they’re done with them.
- Nuk claims their pacifiers are accepted by 95% of babies, according to a 2017 market study with 307 pacifier users.
- The nipple is flatter, allowing more room for a natural sucking motion.
- They’re affordable compared to other pacifiers.
- They often come in packs of three or more.
- Many of them have shields made of a soft silicone material that’s gentle on sensitive skin.
- There are a large variety of colors and sizes.
- They have glow-in-the-dark options, which can make them easier to find in the dark.
- They promote healthy teeth development. Many parents used these pacifiers past the age of 2 and didn’t notice any issues with their child’s teeth.
Nuk pacifier cons
- Many hold water in the nipple after being washed. Getting the water out can be difficult, and if you don’t, they may develop mold.
- The silicone material gets dirty quickly. This is especially problematic when your child begins crawling around.
- Some make a loud squeaking noise that may wake your baby.
- The nipples are smaller than other brands and may fall out of your baby’s mouth.
Best Nuk pacifiers
Nuk Orthodontic Pacifiers, Timeless Collection
These feature a heart-shaped shield that allow your baby to breathe easily. The glow-in-the-dark design makes it easy to find if they fall out of your baby’s mouth at night. The nipples are BPA-free silicone. The natural shape prevents nipple confusion.
Sold by Amazon
Nuk Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers
The silicone shield contours to your baby’s face. Although the silicone material gets dirty easily, it doesn’t leave marks on your baby’s face. These are lightweight, making it easy for your baby to keep in their mouth.
Sold by Amazon and BuyBuyBaby
Nuk Airflow Glow-in-the-Dark Pacifiers
The shield’s shape and additional holes make it easy for your baby to breathe. The nipples are flat, making it easier for your baby to use. The design keeps your baby’s face from getting sweaty when it’s hot outside.
Sold by Amazon and BuyBuyBaby
Bibs pacifiers
Bibs is a Danish pacifier brand that isn’t as well-known as Nuk, though they’re rising in popularity. Many Bibs pacifiers have an entirely different shape than those made by Nuk and some are larger, making it easier for your baby to keep in their mouth. In many cases, they have air holes that make the pacifier easier to use and are made of food-grade silicone. Still, some are made of natural latex that may have a noticeable smell.
Bibs pacifier pros
- They come in numerous sizes and have a variety of nipple shapes.
- There are multiple nipple materials from which to choose.
- Many use hypoallergenic silicone that’s odorless and tasteless.
- Most have rings on the shield that can easily be attached to pacifier clips.
- Most are lightweight but durable.
- They have a stylish design compared to other brands.
- They’re easy for babies to keep in their mouths.
- Many parents found that these were the only pacifiers their babies would accept.
- Some have glow-in-the-dark rings.
- Babies with cleft palettes don’t have a hard time keeping these in their mouths.
Bibs pacifier cons
- These are significantly more expensive than Nuk brand pacifiers.
- Many hold water in the nipple when washed.
- Some of these pacifiers have a latex smell that babies don’t like.
Best Bibs pacifiers
BIBS Pacifiers Try-It Collection
If you can’t decide which pacifier your baby will like best, this pack of two different styles is a great choice. The nipples are made from natural rubber latex. Although some parents were disappointed with the styles they received, many were thrilled with their purchase.
Sold by Amazon
These feature a larger handle than most Bibs pacifiers and two nipple materials from which to choose — natural latex or silicone. They’re easy for babies to keep in their mouths. This set comes with two pacifiers.
Sold by Amazon
BIBS Supreme Silicone Pacifiers
Unlike some of the other Bibs pacifiers, these don’t have a scent. There are eight colors to choose from. They’re light and the vented shield allows your baby to breathe easily.
Sold by BuyBuyBaby
Should you get a Nuk pacifier or a Bibs pacifier?
Both Nuk and Bibs make excellent pacifiers. Nuk pacifiers are an excellent option if you’re looking for something affordable and effective. Additionally, with Nuk pacifiers, you don’t have to worry about your baby refusing the pacifier due to its smell.
Still, Bibs pacifiers are a good choice for children who have trouble keeping smaller pacifiers in their mouths. Many parents switch to Bibs pacifiers when their children are old enough to crawl and walk since they don’t tend to get dirty as easily.
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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| 2022-04-08T19:03:16
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Which Nike trail running shoes are best?
Running in wooded areas or on rocky trails is a great way to stay in shape and get some fresh air. But before you head outside, you’re going to need a reliable pair of running shoes.
Nike is a top brand that makes some of the best trail running shoes. If you’re looking for a solid pair, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes are stylish, durable and comfortable.
What to know before you buy Nike trail running shoes
Surface
If you’re just starting as an outdoor runner, you might not know what kind of shoes to buy. First of all, you should consider what type of surface you’ll be running on most of the time.
Trail running shoes are designed for rugged terrain where there’s a risk of encountering debris and moisture. Naturally, they tend to be more robust and durable than standard running shoes designed for urban environments or roadways.
Size and fit
While running, it’s crucial to be comfortable, especially if you’re long-distance running on rocky trails. If your shoes are too big, they can cause you to trip and possibly lead to injury. On the other hand, shoes that are too tight can cause foot swelling and pain. Focus on finding a pair with a snug fit that also has some room in the toe area.
Protection
Running on rugged terrain is more dangerous than running on a paved road, and you’ll likely encounter water and debris, such as twigs and rocks. If any of these enter your shoes, the outcome could range from discomfort while running to an injury.
To protect your feet, it’s a good idea to get water-resistant trail running shoes made with durable materials. Durable shoes will provide you with stability and protection while running on rocky trails, and they should also last you several months before they need replacing.
What to look for in quality Nike trail running shoes
Weight
Trail running shoes are more durable and heavier than road running shoes, but they still need to be lightweight. The more robust they are, the more protection they provide against debris and moisture. However, robust shoes can also make it more difficult to move, especially on rocky trails.
If speed and time are a concern, you’re going to want the most lightweight shoe possible. If you don’t mind taking your time, it’s not a bad idea to go with something that offers more protection.
Cushioning
A trail running shoe’s durability is the most important aspect, but don’t underestimate the importance of sufficient cushioning in the sole areas. Trail runners need extra cushioning for stability and support on rugged terrain where surfaces are uneven.
Heel-to-toe drop
Heel-to-toe drop refers to the distance from the highest point of the back heel’s cushioned area to its highest point at the front of the shoe. It ranges from 0 to 12 millimeters and is a matter of preference. Shoes with a lower heel-to-toe drop provide a more stable landing platform, while higher ones have more cushioning and offer more comfort.
How much you can expect to spend on Nike trail running shoes
Nike trail running shoes can cost as low as $60-$100. However, if you want more durable shoes with advanced features, you can expect to spend anywhere from $100-$160.
Nike trail running shoes FAQ
Are waterproof shoes necessary?
A. Even if you live somewhere with a relatively dry climate, waterproof shoes are still a good idea for trail running because moisture from mud and other debris can still enter your shoe.
How long do trail running shoes last?
A. It depends on how often you use your shoes and the distance you travel. In any case, you should consider replacing them every six to 18 months.
What are the best Nike trail running shoes to buy?
Top Nike trail running shoes
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes
What you need to know: These shoes provide the ultimate protection for trail runners and are suitable for all types of terrain.
What you’ll love: Your feet will be well-protected and dry behind the Gore-Tex layer and gaiter on the collar that helps prevent moisture and debris from entering. They have a durable foam insole for superior comfort and a band around the ankle for a secure fit.
What you should consider: Some users find them on the heavy side, and they may be too narrow for those with wide feet.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Top Nike trail running shoes for the money
Nike Juniper Trail Running Shoes
What you need to know: These shoes are excellent for beginners and experienced runners alike. Additionally, they are ideal for running for extended periods on rugged terrain.
What you’ll love: They have a round-toe design and durable rubber outsole for extra traction on rocky trails. Elastic wraps around the ankle areas provide a secure fit, and the mesh upper makes for a lightweight and breathable running shoe.
What you should consider: It doesn’t have a contoured fit that adjusts to the shape of the wearer’s foot, so those with supinated or pronated feet might find them uncomfortable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Kohl’s
Worth checking out
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 Trail Running Shoes
What you need to know: If you are looking for a sturdy, comfortable shoe with a funky color scheme, then this pair is for you.
What you’ll love: They have a mesh upper, so they’re lightweight and breathable. They are also durable, as they feature traction lugs and a rock plate at the heel for extra traction and stability on rugged surfaces. Additionally, they are highly responsive and have a cushioned collar for added comfort.
What you should consider: There’s a brief break-in period, so they might feel uncomfortable out of the box.
Where to buy: Sold by Backcountry
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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| 2022-04-08T19:03:23
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Which snorkel set is best?
Whether you live near the ocean or are planning a vacation to the beach, a snorkel set lets you see an underwater world you might otherwise miss. While you can often rent snorkels, your gear will fit better if you buy your own. Consider what you need from your snorkel set and how often you plan on using it before you make your purchase.
The WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180-Degree V2 Full-Face Snorkel Mask uses Flowtech technology to make breathing underwater easier than competitors. This makes it an excellent choice for novices and experienced snorkelers alike.
What to know before you buy a snorkel set
Mask
The mask is an important part of a snorkel set. You’ll find there are three types of snorkel masks available: two-lens, single-lens and full-face mask.
- Two-lens snorkel masks have individual lenses, similar to a pair of glasses. This gives them a low internal volume, so they’re easier to clear if water gets inside them.
- Single-lens snorkel masks have one lens to give you a clear, uninterrupted view of your surroundings.
- Full-face snorkel masks seal around the whole face, including the mouth. The snorkel is integrated into the mask, so you don’t need to hold any parts with your hands. Just breathe normally into the mask.
Snorkel
The snorkel is the tube you breathe through while snorkeling. Open snorkels are the most basic option, while dry and semi-dry snorkels offer a better experience.
- Open snorkels are fully open at the top (the end that sticks out of the water.) This means water can splash inside, especially if you dive below the surface. You can empty them out, but it’s annoying and can cause problems if you accidentally breathe in before clearing out the water.
- Semi-dry snorkels have a valve at the top to keep water from splashing inside. However, it won’t keep water out if you dive below the water’s surface. They’re good for people who plan to float on top of the water.
- Dry snorkels have a valve system that closes off and keeps water out when you dive below the surface. This is the best choice for experienced and adventurous snorkelers.
Fins
Some snorkel sets come with fins. Although fins aren’t essential for diving, they make it easier to propel yourself through the water. You’ll spend less energy swimming with fins, so they’re ideal for those who want to snorkel for long periods without tired.
What to look for in a quality snorkel set
Sizing options
Some snorkel models only come in adult or child size. Others have small, medium and large versions, which can help you get a better fit.
Silicone skirt
The skirt of a snorkel mask is the seal around the edge. A silicone skirt makes your snorkeling more comfortable while creating a decent, watertight seal around your face.
Non-fogging lenses
Some masks have non-fogging lenses. While they’re not 100% effective, they can significantly reduce fogging in your mask.
How much you can expect to spend on a snorkel set
Basic snorkeling sets cost around $20-$30, which work well for occasional snorkeling. Serious snorkelers should expect to pay $100-$200 for a high-quality kit.
Snorkel set FAQ
Can you go fully underwater with a snorkel?
A. Yes, you can dive down underwater while wearing a snorkel. However, you won’t be able to breathe while you’re under the water. You can only breathe through your snorkel when the top end of the tube is above the water’s surface. Quick dives allow you to get a closer look at sea life, but you can only stay down there as long as you hold your breath. And unless you have a dry snorkel, you’ll need to empty the snorkel of any water once you reach the surface.
Can beginners snorkel?
A. Yes! First-timer snorkelers should go with a buddy and stick relatively close to shore or to the vessel they’re snorkeling from. If you aren’t a strong swimmer, buy an inflatable snorkel vest. These keep users buoyant, so all they need to do is kick their legs to move around. Make sure to take time and learn a little about the tides and water conditions where you’ll be snorkeling before you jump in the water.
What’s the best snorkel set to buy?
Top snorkel set
WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180-Degree V2 Full-Face Snorkel Mask
What you need to know: This high-end mask and snorkel is a great choice for serious snorkelers.
What you’ll love: The full-face mask gives you a better view of your surroundings. The one-way valve makes breathing easier while keeping water out of your snorkel. It has an action camera mount to help you record your adventures, too.
What you should consider: The seal around the nose is unreliable and can cause fogging.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top snorkel set for the money
What you need to know: Perfect for all ages, this basic dry snorkel set comes in child and adult sizes.
What you’ll love: The adult sizes have a choice of three colors: black, blue and pink. The kids sizes offer these colors plus yellow, aqua and rose. The mask has anti-fog lenses and a silicone face seal.
What you should consider: It’s fine for occasional use, but anyone who snorkels regularly will need something more durable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Cressi Scuba Diving Snorkeling Kit
What you need to know: This decent, midrange set contains a mask and a dry snorkel. It’s a good upgrade from a basic model.
What you’ll love: The single lens mask gives better visibility than those with two separate lenses. Thanks to the comfortable skirt and mouthpiece, you snorkel for longer. The mask strap is easy to adjust.
What you should consider: Some users found the mask prone to fogging, but this may depend on fit and conditions.
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.
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| 2022-04-08T19:03:30
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What do you need for beach volleyball?
There are many ways to enjoy the beach. If you’d rather something a little more active than working on your tan, volleyball may be just the thing. You can burn off a few extra calories while having fun with friends and relieving stress.
Of course, you can’t show up at the beach empty-handed and expect to get a game going. You’ll need to get yourself a few things first.
What you need to play beach volleyball
There are many nice-to-haves when playing volleyball, but besides willing players there are only two true necessities: a net and a ball.
Best beach volleyball net
Park & Sun Sports Spectrum Portable Outdoor Volleyball Net
This durable set is both easy to set up and highly portable, two important features when selecting a beach volleyball net. It features telescoping aluminum poles so you can adjust its height to fit the players’ needs, and the net is made from a sturdy nylon that can stand up to constant exposure to the elements.
Sold by Amazon
Best beach volleyball
This ball was used in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics, which speaks to its quality. It has reinforced panels and a water-resistant exterior to stand up to plenty of use. The bright colors make it easy to keep track of in the air, too, so you’ll have no excuse to miss that spike.
Sold by Amazon
Best beach volleyball set
Baden Champions Volleyball Badminton Combo Set
If you prefer to buy everything in one purchase, this combo set is for you. In addition to the net and volleyball, it comes with badminton equipment and an air pump. You get all of this for a nice low price that makes it ideal for those on a budget. It’s best for those who only play periodically, though, as some of the components aren’t the highest quality.
Sold by Amazon
What you need to protect yourself
There are few things better than enjoying a day at the beach playing volleyball. You’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun, though, so you’ll need to protect yourself. This means wearing sunscreen and reapplying it regularly. But your skin isn’t the only thing susceptible to damage from ultraviolet rays, so don’t forget a pair of sporty polarized sunglasses — and something to keep your feet safe will help, too.
Best sunscreen
Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport Sunscreen Lotion
Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport is lightweight, dries quickly and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. It is also water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about sweat washing it off, and the 50 SPF rating offers plenty of protection against sunburns.
Sold by Amazon
Best reef-safe sunscreen
SPF Rx Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
If you like to periodically take a dip to cool off between matches, it’s best to opt for a sunscreen such as SPF Rx. It is formulated with zinc oxide and titanium oxide for SPF 50 maximum protection, won’t harm coral reefs, and is suitable for kids and adults alike.
Sold by Amazon
Best sunglasses for beach volleyball
Oakley Men’s Oo9188 Flak 2.0 XL Rectangular Sunglasses
You’ll likely be sweating a lot when playing beach volleyball, and you need a pair of sunglasses that can stay put through intense matches. The Flak 2.0 are made with those needs in mind. They feature comfortable high-traction material on the nose pads, and their ear socks produce a better grip the more you perspire.
Sold by Amazon
Best sand socks for beach volleyball
Sand Socks Vincere Sprite Low-Top
These slip-on neoprene booties are a great way to protect your feet from scorching hot sand when playing volleyball. They are made with a combination of Lycra and neoprene to offer a snug fit that won’t restrict your movement.
Sold by Amazon
What you need to enjoy the day
Heading to the beach to play volleyball shouldn’t be only about the game. There are several things that can help you enjoy the day, including chairs and an umbrella to lounge under so you can get out of the sun for a bit. Make sure to bring along a cooler, too, with plenty of beverages to keep you hydrated.
Best beach chair
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Folding Beach Chair
When it’s time to kick back and lounge between matches, this beach chair is just the ticket. It sits nice and low to the ground, can recline to a completely flat position and features a cup holder to keep a beverage close. Plus, it has backpack straps for hands-free carrying.
Sold by Amazon
Best beach umbrella
Aoxun Beach 7.5-Foot UPF 50+ Beach Umbrella
This affordably priced beach umbrella is large enough to provide two people with full shade. You can angle it as needed to track the sun across the sky and it comes at an affordable price.
Sold by Amazon
Best beach cooler
Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler
The Arctic Zone Hardbody cooler comes in several sizes, so there is one that should be just right for your needs no matter how many people in your group. It has a patented flip-open lid, so you can access your drinks quickly without having to mess around with a zipper, and features an easy-to-clean, stain-resistant interior and exterior.
Sold by Amazon
Best way to lug it all
Mac Sports Heavy Duty All-Terrain Utility Wagon
You’ll likely have your hands full trying to lug all your volleyball stuff to the beach. This collapsible wagon can make your job easier. It has large wheels specifically designed to roll through sand and can support up to 150 pounds of gear.
Sold by Amazon
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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.
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| 2022-04-08T19:03:36
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What you need to start an ant farm
Ant colonies in the wild may seem like an unwanted infestation at times, but in reality they represent a complex insect society worthy of study. Although scientific ant habitats called formicaria can be traced back to the 1920s, it wasn’t until 1956 that a California businessman and ant enthusiast introduced the first consumer-friendly ant farm. Uncle Milton’s Ant Farm was heavily promoted in comic books, and teachers were encouraged to set up their own versions in classrooms.
In ease of use and level of financial investment, ant farms are still one of the best ways to set up a living display in a home or classroom. The largest expenses are the ants, which should be purchased from authorized vendors. Everything else, from the formicarium to the medium and food, can be ordered online or at scientific supply outlets.
Preparing for a new ant farm
Types of ant farms
There are essentially two types of ant farms in the consumer market. The original Uncle Milton’s ant farm was considered “sandwich-style,” meaning the transparent plastic container has two narrow sides. The ants and media are sandwiched between them, which creates tunnels and nesting areas that can be easily observed. A sandwich-style ant farm is ideal for home use and most classroom settings.
A larger form of ant farm would be considered a true formicarium, designed to simulate the natural environment surrounding an ant colony. The ants and media (typically silica or loose soil) are placed in a terrarium with vegetation and water. This is a better fit for dedicated science classrooms because of its size and maintenance.
Site preparation
Decide the ant farm’s location before you buy it. The area should not experience direct sunlight or extreme swings in temperature. The display should be elevated enough for comfortable observation, but not close to a high-traffic area where accidents are possible. Lighting should be strong enough to view the ants but not generate excessive heat. While escapes are rare, the site should also have some sort of containment field to keep escapees in check.
Types of ants
There are hundreds of ant species, but only a handful are recommended for setting up an ant colony. The most common are red harvester ants and carpenter ants. Both species are noted for non-aggressive behavior and natural socializing skills. Their larger size also makes them easier to observe.
While other species of ants can often be found in the wild, it is not a good idea to transplant them directly into an ant farm. Some ants can be aggressive and destructive, while others do not perform well in captivity, especially without their queen. Live ants suitable for ant farms can be shipped through the mail from special supply stores, although a number of states prohibit their transportation across state lines.
Setting up an ant farm
Decide on a medium
Traditional ant farms in the Uncle Milton sandwich style often use a mix of organic ingredients, primarily silica sand, soil, mineral fragment and vermiculite. This is a good choice for smaller ant farms because the ants are familiar with it and will construct stable tunnels and nesting areas. The soil and minerals also provide nutrients for the colony.
Modern ant farms have largely replaced the sand/soil mix with a water-based gel. This gel is transparent enough to observe the ants, especially with LED lighting. The ants can usually form tunnels and nests, although some colonies may not survive as long in the gel. They can derive moisture and nutrients from it, however.
Introduce the ants to the container
Once the medium has been added to the tank or terrarium, it’s time to add the ants. If they have been refrigerated for shipping, they may appear sluggish at first, but should begin the task of setting up a colony within an hour of introduction. If a queen is included, the workers will create a series of nests for her to lay her eggs. A queen-less colony will spend its time digging tunnels and locating sources of food and water.
Queen or no queen?
In an ant society, much like a bee society, workers and drones instinctively serve a dominant queen. They feed her, guard her nests and fertilize her eggs. However, you can install an ant colony without a queen. The colony will not reproduce, but it will perform many of the same duties.
Some ant farm owners opt for a colony with a queen so they can observe the colony’s entire life cycle. Others choose not to include a queen in order to keep the colony at a manageable size, replacing ants as necessary. There is no right answer, but the ant farm’s purpose may point in one direction or the other.
Maintaining an ant farm
Provide food and water
In the wild, ant colonies send workers to gather sources of sugar and protein, such as leaves, berries, fruits and insects. However, in an ant farm this task falls on humans. Ants in captivity do not require large amounts of food or water to survive, but they still need nutrition.
There are commercial ant food blends, but for the most part ant farm owners can supply their own sugar sources such as sliced apples, grapes, nontoxic plant leaves and sugar cubes. Protein sources include mealworms, crickets, cockroaches or pieces of cooked egg.
A water source could be created from a bottle cap or other small container. Ants can also derive some moisture from the gel medium or natural condensation. Be sure to remove any uneaten food to avoid mold growth. Many ants will create their own site for garbage disposal and burial of the dead.
Replace medium and ants as necessary
The fill medium in an ant farm generally has a long shelf life, but it can become contaminated from rotting food. You may need to transfer the ants to another vessel temporarily while you replace it. Consider this carefully if the colony has a queen and active nests.
The ants will probably need to be replaced periodically as workers die or there is no reproduction cycle. Carefully remove as many dead ants as possible, then order live replacements of the same species. Mixing different ant species can be dangerous, because some are notably more aggressive than others. A mixed colony could terminate itself quickly or pose a stinging or biting threat to young observers.
What you need to buy to start an ant farm
Nature Gift Store 2 Tubes Live Ant Farm Ants Plus Ant Book
This ant farm started kit includes two tubes of live ants (a total of 60) and a bonus guide to the world of ants and ant farms.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Dan & Darci Gel Refill for Ant Habitat
This nutrient-rich gel medium is ideal for modern ant farms with LED lighting and a larger capacity than sandwich-style sand-filled ant farms.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
An organic mix of seeds and grains, this supplemental ant food is ideal for harvester ants, a recommended species for ant farms.
Where to buy: Amazon
For ant farms in classroom environments, this visual representation of an ant’s life cycle is an ideal educational companion for students.
Where to buy: Amazon
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Michael Pollick 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.
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| 2022-04-08T19:03:43
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Which air mattress is best for travel?
There are many types of air mattress, since if you’re buying one for the periodic houseguest you won’t have the same needs as if you want one for travel.
When it comes to travel, it’s important to consider size and weight, especially if you’ll be carrying the air mattress for long periods. Durability and comfort also need to be factored in. The last thing you want is an air mattress you have trouble sleeping on, or which pops in the middle of the night.
What to look for when buying an air mattress for travel
Comfort
A good night’s rest is as important when traveling as it is at home. This means comfort should be top priority when choosing an air mattress. Consider the amount of support it offers, the material the sleeping surface is made from, and its height.
Portability
How much portability matters depends on how you’ll be traveling and where you’ll be staying. If hiking long distances to a campsite, you’ll want an air mattress that’s lightweight and compact when deflated, but if driving right up to a campsite, you have more leeway (though you still need to be aware of how much room you have in your tent). If staying at a friend’s house, you can opt for the largest, plushest double-height air mattress, since neither weight nor size will be of much concern.
Inflation method
Many air mattresses have a built-in pump that makes inflating them easy. Some also feature a pressure-monitoring system so they can automatically add a little extra air throughout the night when needed. Bargain-priced models often require an external electric air pump, which they may — or may not — come with.
Both of these require a power source. If you are taking the air mattress camping and don’t want to lug along a generator or batteries, choose a low-volume model you can inflate by mouth or with a manual air pump.
Pillow rest
One of the most common complaints about sleeping on an air mattress is pillows slipping off during the night. Flocked tops help to some degree, but don’t eliminate the problem. To further solve it, some air mattresses have a small raised section near the head that helps keep pillows in place.
Common air mattress questions
How do I clean an air mattress?
A. Start by using a handheld vacuum to get rid of crumbs, dust and other debris that may have collected on its flocked surface. Next, wipe down the smooth plastic material with a cloth dampened with a bit of rubbing alcohol.
Why does my air mattress deflate at night?
A. Many people assume their air mattress is leaking when it deflates a bit during the night. While this might be true, more often it’s due to the air cooling at night, which reduces the amount of pressure inside. Air mattresses are also designed not to be 100% airtight to prevent them from bursting due to an increase of pressure inside if the temperature gets notably warmer.
The best air mattresses for travel
Best overall air mattress for travel
Thicker and more comfortable than most inflatable sleeping pads, yet less large and heavy than the average air mattress, this is a great choice for just about any type of travel. It’s equipped with a manual air pump and has buttons on the side to connect a second mattress for couples who want to sleep together.
Sold by Amazon
Best air mattress for vehicle travel
Designed to work in the back seat of sedans, multipurpose vehicles and SUVs, this air mattress makes sleeping in cars considerably more comfortable. It’s quite versatile, too, and can also be used as a normal air mattress or a lounger with backrests for two people when placed on a flat surface. It comes with two inflatable pillows, a storage bag and an electric air pump.
Sold by Amazon
Best plush air mattress for travel
Intex 64447ED Dura Beam Fiber Tech Air Mattress
This double-height mattress has a headboard to eliminate the issue of pillows sliding off, and to serve as a backrest when watching TV or reading a book. The heavy-duty, puncture-resistant material can stand up to a lot of wear and tear on the road, but the mattress’ overall size and weight makes it best suited to those traveling by car and sleeping in a large space.
Sold by Amazon
Best air mattress for backpacking
If you are going on a trip where every ounce and inch of space in your backpack counts, this tiny, lightweight sleeping pad is the way to go. It weighs less than a pound, packs down small and can be inflated by mouth in just 10 or 15 breaths.
Sold by Amazon
Best full thickness air mattress for camping
Jeaouia Twin Size Air Mattress
At just 4 pounds, this twin-sized air mattress is one of the best options for campers who want something more comfortable than a thin inflatable sleeping pad. It packs down small and comes at a budget-friendly price.
Sold by Amazon
Best camping cot for travel
Sometimes you want the feeling of a real bed even if you are sleeping in the great outdoors. That’s what this raised cot provides. It sits on a folding frame that features a side table and cup holder, and it inflates with the included battery-operated electric pump.
Sold by Amazon
Best kids air mattress for travel
Sleepah Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
Children are notorious for tossing and turning at night, which can lead to them rolling out of a bed. With this toddler bed, that won’t be a concern, because it has guard rails that run down both sides. It even comes with a small matching inflatable pillow and a plush toy.
Sold by Amazon
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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.
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| 2022-04-08T19:03:51
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Swagtron All-Terrain Hoverboard review
Grown-ups like fun toys just as much as kids, and when adults are scoping out high-tech toys that offer hours of fun, hoverboards are one of the most compelling options. However, with dozens of hoverboards available, choosing the right one isn’t an easy task.
Swagtron claims its new hoverboard has all the bells and whistles you’re looking for. The Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL Off-Road Bluetooth Hoverboard is an all-terrain model that promises an easy riding experience that doesn’t compromise on fun, considering it has LED lights that sync to the beat of your music. We wanted to see whether this was the best hoverboard on the market, so we decided to try it out. Here’s how it rolled during testing.
Testing the Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL Off-Road Bluetooth Hoverboard
We tested the Swagtron Warrior XL Hoverboard with someone who enjoys other riding activities, including skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding and roller skating. They tested it for several weeks and took it across various terrain types, including grass, dirt, sand and pavement.
Our tester tried a hoverboard 5 years ago and wondered whether this new Swagtron offered a better riding experience. In particular, our tester wanted to see if the hoverboard was a better option for walking their dog, which has proven somewhat challenging on a skateboard.
What is the Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL Off-Road Bluetooth Hoverboard?
The Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL is a Bluetooth hoverboard equipped with a LiFePo battery with 600 watts of power. It’s considered an off-road or all-terrain model given its 8-inch extra-large infinity wheels, which have deep treads to traverse various ground types. The Swagboard Warrior XL also has 30 music-synced lights, which means riders can enjoy their playlists as well as a matching light show.
Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL Off-Road Bluetooth Hoverboard price and where to buy
The Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL Hoverboard retails for $249.99 at Amazon.
How to use Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL Off-Road Bluetooth Hoverboard
Setting up the Swagtron Warrior XL hoverboard was a straightforward process. We charged it for approximately 4 hours and read through the instruction manual, which detailed basic riding tips with a “How to Ride” diagram. The box also included a Color Me Poster with a QR code to scan and possibly win prizes from Swagtron. (We didn’t.)
As far as riding the hoverboard, there’s a modest learning curve. When you turn it on and step on it, the hoverboard jerks back and forth a couple of times to calibrate to your weight. After that, it’s ready to ride. We practiced riding the Swagtron Warrior XL on flat ground to acclimate ourselves to its handling, and eventually, we graduated to riding over sidewalk cracks and uneven terrain.
Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL Off-Road Bluetooth Hoverboard benefits
The Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL is reasonably user-friendly with easy maneuvering. It offers a smooth ride on pavement and sidewalks, and it’s easy to use while we walk our dog. Overall, it’s enjoyable for casual use and traversing short distances such as to nearby stores or the skate park.
The hoverboard’s music-syncing capability is a high point. It adds another layer of fun to the device, and it’s perfect for hanging out at the skatepark and other outdoor gatherings. The feature eliminated the need to haul additional Bluetooth speakers, which meant we could travel light.
The Swagboard Warrior XL has a durable, waterproof body and handles exceptionally well in the rain. It even rides over puddles without slipping or skipping. We were also impressed that rain didn’t affect the Bluetooth speakers.
Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL Off-Road Bluetooth Hoverboard drawbacks
The Swagboard Warrior XL isn’t adept at going up steep hills or uneven ground. Depending on where you intend to ride the hoverboard, this can be somewhat limiting. Additionally, the hoverboard weighs around 15 pounds, making it rather cumbersome to carry when you can’t ride it.
The hoverboard has a peak speed of 6 miles per hour. We felt it was suitable for casual riding, but we found ourselves wanting a higher speed to get from point A to B more quickly. The hoverboard “dragged” slightly with our weight, and we felt it was better suited for kids rather than older teens and adults.
There are mixed reviews regarding the Swagboard Warrior XL’s battery life, and some people indicate that it fails to hold a full charge after a couple months of use. Separately, we had to do research outside the user guide to successfully pair the hoverboard with our smartphone.
Should you get the Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL Off-Road Bluetooth Hoverboard?
We had a lot of fun riding the Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL Off-Road Bluetooth Hoverboard and playing with the music and lights. Although it can be enjoyed by adults, the hoverboard is better suited for kids who already know how to ride scooters, skateboards and rollerblades, as they’ll have the baseline skills necessary to maneuver the device.
Consider other products
Hover-1 Titan Electric Hoverboard
This Hover-1 model has a built-in Bluetooth speaker, LED lights and a top speed of 8 miles per hour. It’s compatible with a companion app that offers three learning modes and real-time GPS tracking and trip recording. The hoverboard also has a self-balancing system for intuitive riding.
Sold by Amazon
Swagtron Swagboard Twist Hoverboard for Kids
The affordable Swagtron Twist, a bestseller, is a beginner-friendly model that’s easy to learn. It has ultra-bright LED headlights and non-slip foot pads for safer riding. The hoverboard is equipped with the LiFePo battery, which is backed by a 5-year promise.
Sold by Amazon
Jetson Spin All-Terrain Hoverboard
If you’re looking for an entry-level hoverboard to roll you from point A to B, this Jetson model has a maximum range of 7 miles. It has rugged, low-profile tiles that grip all ground types and even traverse rocky dirt paths, making it a popular choice for parks and playgrounds.
Sold by Amazon
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Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T19:03:57
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Are TP-Link or Google mesh Wi-Fi systems best?
A single router sitting in the middle of your house or apartment can easily lead to Wi-Fi dead spots, even in adjacent rooms. If you want a frustration-free Wi-Fi experience, a mesh Wi-Fi system should be on your list. They consist either of a single router and additional extenders or any number of identical access points that can each function as stand-alone routers.
Google, on the other hand, has only released a few home Wi-Fi solutions, which have focused on user-friendly setup and management rather than cutting-edge hardware.
TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi systems
TP-Link has been a major player in-home wireless networking for over a decade and competes with some of the most popular brands worldwide. It’s even one of the few to actually design and manufacture its products in-house, instead of outsourcing production to other engineering firms and simply rebranding the results.
When you buy a TP-Link router, mesh system or smart home device, you can be reasonably certain you’re getting something of high quality. But, since it releases a large number of products on a regular basis, it can take a little extra research to figure out which are most advanced and offer the best price-to-performance ratio.
TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi system pros
- Advanced components: TP-Link regularly updates its router and mesh Wi-Fi system lineups. It always offers something that can take advantage of the most cutting-edge laptops, phones and other connected devices.
- High performance: Partly due to components and partly due to talented design, a number of its mesh Wi-Fi systems are usually found near the front of the pack in real-world speed testing.
- Low latency: For use cases like fast-paced gaming that require near-instant communication, TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi systems are among the best.
- In-depth configuration: If you want to set up guest networks or access advanced features like port routing, TP-Link’s mesh Wi-Fi routers and their configuration portals allow you to do that with relative ease.
- Wide variety: TP-Link offers some of the fastest and most advanced home wireless networking solutions. It also provides cost-effective models that should still satisfy most users despite being less technically impressive.
- Reasonable prices: Particularly in the midrange and on the low end, TP-Link wireless solutions offer very good value.
TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi system cons
- There are a lot of models to choose from: As a consumer, it takes a little extra care when looking for a TP-Link wireless solution to make sure you’re getting the best one. Unfortunately, some of its offerings don’t quite hold up in terms of latency and consistency, so it’s important to avoid those models.
- They are slightly bulky: Some mesh Wi-Fi systems consist of small pucks that are easy to hide around the home. TP-Link modules aren’t exactly huge or ugly, but they’re not quite as compact as some competitors.
- They’re not ideal for novices: If you have little to no technology experience, you might not be able to get the most out of a TP-Link networking device.
Best TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi systems
Based on the next-generation Wi-Fi 6 protocol, the Deco X20 delivers enough bandwidth for gigabit-class internet connections and the low latency needed for online gaming. It’s also surprisingly reasonably priced for a premium system.
Sold by Amazon
If you want consistent whole-home coverage but don’t want to spend a fortune, no other mesh Wi-Fi systems offer this kind of performance for the dollar. Despite being based on the somewhat older Wi-Fi 5 standard, it’s a great choice for most home networks.
Sold by Amazon
If you can’t get a consistent Wi-Fi connection in every room no matter what you try, consider this hybrid option. It uses your home’s existent power lines to ensure a strong signal, even through thick masonry.
Sold by Amazon
This one’s perfect for users who demand peak bandwidth and rock-bottom latency but don’t need several thousand square feet of coverage. As you’d expect from such a high-performing option, it’s relatively expensive.
Sold by Amazon
Google mesh Wi-Fi systems
Google has made inroads to nearly every aspect of home entertainment and wireless communications. One reason its products are so successful is they’re incredibly user-friendly. Even though Google doesn’t update its mesh Wi-Fi lineup very frequently, both current models perform well with modern computers, smartphones and smart home devices.
Google mesh Wi-Fi system pros
- Extremely easy setup: The biggest selling point of Google’s mesh Wi-Fi systems is their ease of configuration. Even if you’ve never set up a wireless network, you shouldn’t have any problem.
- Good performance: Their effective design combined with reliable components mean all but the most demanding users should be satisfied by Google mesh systems’ bandwidth and ping times.
- Compact and unassuming construction: When you first look at a Google mesh Wi-Fi module, you might not even realize what you’re looking at. Their soft lines and small stature allow them to fit in with nearly any home decor.
Google Mesh Wi-Fi system cons
- Lack of cutting-edge releases: Since Google doesn’t update the current models or develop new ones very often, they often lag behind other mesh Wi-Fi systems in terms of the most advanced features.
- No Wi-Fi 6 support: One feature that Google Wi-Fi clearly lacks is support for the Wi-Fi 6 protocol. While that’s not a huge deal at the time being, it does somewhat cut into their long-term effectiveness. It also keeps the latest smartphones and laptops from getting the most out of the highly efficient new protocol.
- Below-average customization: In an effort to simplify the setup and management process for the average consumer, Google has stripped away some of the more intricate features that other manufacturers continue to offer.
Best Google Mesh Wi-Fi systems
This base model is ideal for the consumer who doesn’t want to hassle with any confusing settings and wants to save as much money as possible.
Sold by Amazon
Equipped with more powerful hardware than the standard Google Wi-Fi, the Nest is great for larger homes, faster internet connections and greater numbers of connected devices.
Sold by Amazon
Should you get a TP-Link or Google mesh Wi-Fi system?
Many TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi systems incorporate the newest Wi-Fi 6 technology and boast above-average to excellent results in real-world testing. There’s also a great variety of TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi systems available to suit your specific needs. If you have even the slightest experience setting up a home Wi-Fi network, TP-Link offers the best bang for your buck.
The only reason you should consider getting one of Google’s current mesh Wi-Fi systems is if you’re generally averse to configuring electronics. The Google Nest system remains one of the easiest high-performance mesh Wi-Fi systems to set up. While it’s not the absolute fastest setup on the market, it will still satisfy quite a few users.
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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.
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INDIANAPOLIS – We’re at T-minus three weeks, and counting.
Then, we’ll find out how general manager Chris Ballard plans on addressing the various holes in the Indianapolis Colts’ roster with the seven picks in the April 28-30 NFL Draft he’s clutching. Considering his wheelin’-and-dealin’ history, he’ll undoubtedly come out of the three-day, 262-selection process with more than seven.
Because that’s who he is.
Ballard and his personnel staff have checked off the two critical boxes during the offseason. Trades have produced upgrades at quarterback (Matt Ryan for Carson Wentz) and edge pass rusher (Yannick Ngakoue for the nonexistent presence in 2021).
They’ve also re-upped several of their own: tight end Mo Alie-Cox, offensive tackle Matt Pryor, linebacker Zaire Franklin, defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis, restricted wideout Ashton Dulin.
But Ballard has remained in character and been quiet on the free-agent market. His only two additions thus far are safety Armani Watts and cornerback Brandon Facyson, who have combined for 109 appearances but just 14 starts.
We would argue there are at least six positions where a starting spot will be up for grabs when training camp opens in late July: left tackle, right guard, receiver, tight end, cornerback, safety.
The biggest issue, though, is the lack of proven depth throughout the roster. That was a strength last season, but there’s a ton of work to be done.
The Colts head into the draft with those seven picks, including the 42nd overall. They’ll be without a 1st-rounder for the third time in four seasons, so Ballard and his staff must be on target with their early picks. Second- and 3rd-rounders probably will be asked to step in and contribute from the outset.
Even though Ballard never seeks outside advice, it’s always out there.
Here is how some draft analysts expect the Colts to use the 42nd overall pick:
Todd McShay, ESPN
THE PICK: George Pickens, WR, Georgia.
COMMENT: The Colts don’t have a first-rounder, but Pickens has first-round traits. A torn ACL last March pushed him into the Day 2 conversation, which means this could be a steal for Indy. He is really good at getting off press coverage, and his ability to track the deep ball might be his best skill.
Anthony Treash, ProFootballFocus.com
THE PICK: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
COMMENT: Arguably the most violent offensive lineman at the Group of Five level, Smith led the nation in big-time run-blocks a season ago. His grip strength and power are a sight to see; once his hands get locked into the defender’s pads, it’s game over. The Tulsa product earned a 92.1 PFF grade that ranked fourth among FBS tackles in 2021. He was even better from week 6 on, too, as he graded out at 94.2 over the back half of the season.
Jordan Reid, ESPN
THE PICK: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
COMMENT: Watson has checked every box during the pre-draft process and has risen up boards after his performance at the Senior Bowl and Combine, where he ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at 6-4, 208 pounds. He could be a building block next to Pittman for Indianapolis. The former FCS standout meets many of the thresholds general manager Chris Ballard requires and could help Ryan in year 1.
Vinny Iyer, Sportingsnews.com
THE PICK: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
COMMENT: The Colts need to better protect new starting quarterback Matt Ryan by replacing Eric Fisher. Why not tap into Fisher’s alma mater for help? Indianapolis can grab the high-upside Austrian, who will provide a nice blend of strength and athleticism.
Dylan Rudolph, Drafttek.com
THE PICK: Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
COMMENT: A new quarterback to lead Frank Reich’s offense in what could be a make-or-break season for the team, as it seems almost everything is in place for real contention. But a few pieces are still needed to put them over the edge. After Indianapolis said goodbye to veteran tackle Eric Fisher . . . the offensive line is in need of a young and athletic replacement and Bernhard Raimann, a former tight end-converted tackle, is exactly that. He should add an extra gear to a great run-blocking line to open up more holes for Jonathan Taylor and protect the newly acquired Ryan.
Ian Cummings, ProFootballNetwork.com
THE PICK: Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama
COMMENT: Kenny Moore is still a fantastic slot defender, and Isaiah Rodgers could be due for an increased role with Rock Ya-Sin heading to Las Vegas. But the Colts could still use a longer boundary cornerback. Jalyn Armour-Davis is an underrated option in the day-2 range. He’s 6-0 5/8, 197 pounds with 4.39 speed, which he uses to carry receivers upfield. He also has great press technique at the line.
Logan Urlich, NFLTradeRumors.com
THE PICK: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
COMMENT: The Colts have downplayed their need for a receiver but the depth chart outside of Michael Pittman is rather bare. Dotson would provide a deep threat with some speed, and while he’s not big he has perhaps the best hands in this class.
Luke Easterling, Draft Wire
THE PICK: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati.
Josh Edwards, CBS.com
THE PICK: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan.
Listen to the Colts Blue Zone Podcast for weekly coverage/analysis of the Indianapolis Colts.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.
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| 2022-04-08T19:04:10
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FAA seeks biggest fines yet against 2 unruly passengers
Published: Apr. 8, 2022 at 12:47 PM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The price is going up for disrupting airline flights.
The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that it’s seeking record civil fines against two passengers who assaulted other people on flights last summer.
In one case, a woman tried to open a cabin door, then headbutted and spit at crew members and passengers after she was placed in flexible handcuffs. The FAA is seeking a $81,950 fine.
In the second case, the FAA is proposing a $77,272 fine against a woman who tried to open a cabin door during a flight and bit another passenger repeatedly before she was restrained by crew members.
The FAA isn’t identifying the people.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T19:08:33
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Homeless teen surrenders dog because he can no longer care for her, shelter says
SENATOBIA, Miss. (Gray News) - A homeless teenager surrendered his dog to an animal shelter because he could no longer provide proper care to the animal, according to the shelter.
The Senatobia-Tate County Animal Shelter in Mississippi said a 17-year-old surrendered his dog to the shelter Tuesday.
In a Facebook post, the shelter said that the teen lives under a bridge and walked all the way to the shelter, where he asked the staff to please take his dog because he couldn’t afford to keep her.
The shelter said the dog is about 4 months old and stayed pinned to her owner’s legs while he dropped her off. A photo of the dog lying in the shelter’s lobby went viral.
“This is where she laid after her owner surrendered her today with her plastic bag of dog food and a blanket. She is devastated,” the caption reads.
The shelter received an outpouring of interest on how to help both the dog and the homeless teen. On Friday, the shelter said the teen now has a place to stay and will soon be getting his dog back.
The shelter is hoping to get the dog spayed and get enough flea, tick and heartworm prevention to last at least a year.
If you would like to help the dog and her owner, you can donate through PayPal to the user account fosasenatobia@gmail.com, and mention “Jada” in your comment.
“I hope his selfless actions have made people think about the animals in this community - they deserve a chance, they don’t deserve to be dumped anywhere,” the shelter’s Facebook post reads. “Thanks everyone for your concern for both of them - the response from people everywhere has been touching.”
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T19:08:41
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LPD investigating string of rent check drop box thefts & mail thefts
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The Lincoln Police Department is investigating a string of rent check drop box thefts and mail thefts throughout the city.
According to police, a total of seven reports were made this week regarding rent being stolen from drop boxes at various apartments and mobile home neighborhoods. Police said the thefts are happening all over the city.
LPD said it appears the suspect is putting something through the opening of the drop box to fish out the rent payment.
Police said in most reports property managers called LPD after contacting residents about missing payments and renters explained that they’d paid through the drop box.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call LPD at (402) 441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at (402) 475-3600.
Copyright 2022 KOLN. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T19:08:48
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Officials find 6 human skulls in shipment at Chicago airport
Published: Apr. 8, 2022 at 12:29 PM CDT|Updated: 1 hours ago
CHICAGO (CNN) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents working at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport discovered human skulls in a shipment at the end of March.
In total, agents found six skulls that were shipped from the Netherlands and headed to Iowa. Three separate packages sent from the same person were seized, each containing two skulls.
The shipments were inspected after X-rays showed anomalies.
The skulls were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further evaluation.
Officials are investigating the incident but did not provide further details.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T19:08:54
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S.C. man who livestreamed sexual assaults against toddler receives prison sentence
BLUFFTON, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) - A 33-year-old man has received a decades-long prison sentence for the production of child pornography.
WCSC reports David James Allison of Bluffton, South Carolina, was sentenced to 30 years in prison and a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision on Friday by U.S. District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in January 2020 after a family member of a 22-month-old child accused Allison of sexually assaulting the toddler.
Authorities said Allison admitted to deputies that he assaulted the victim approximately five times between September and December 2019 and livestreamed the assaults over Skype.
Investigators said the Skype communications were tied to an IP address of a 52-year-old man from Littlehampton, West Sussex, United Kingdom. Sussex police said Andrew McPherson-Young admitted to directing Allison and watching the assaults on Skype.
The Department of Justice said McPherson-Young is currently being prosecuted in the United Kingdom.
The South Carolina 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office said Allison was sentenced by both state and federal courts, and he will serve his sentences concurrently in federal prison.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T19:09:01
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Will Smith banned from Oscars for 10 years for slapping Chris Rock
Published: Apr. 8, 2022 at 2:03 PM CDT|Updated: moments ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Will Smith has been banned from the Oscars and other film academy events for 10 years for slapping Chris Rock onstage at the Academy Awards.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T19:09:07
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Woman might need third amputation after surviving vicious dog attack, family says
ABBEVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - A South Carolina woman who remains in the hospital weeks after being seriously injured by several dogs might need additional surgery.
WHNS reports Kyleen Waltman was mauled by three dogs, two of which were pit bulls, outside a home on Ball Road in Honea Path last month.
Her family said the recent grandmother had both of her arms amputated after the attack. Since then, she has been fighting for her life in the ICU.
Earlier this week, Waltman’s family said she has to be sedated often due to her spinal cord injury and breathing and blood pressure issues. Doctors did wake her up on March 29 so she could talk to her daughters and mother.
Waltman’s family said she had a skin graft on her right leg on Thursday, and her left leg might have to be amputated if it doesn’t heal.
The family has asked the community to continue to pray for her recovery.
Waltman recently underwent her 10th surgery since the attack.
A GoFundMe for Waltman’s medical expenses has raised more than $190,000.
Copyright 2022 WHNS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T19:09:13
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Bob Van Valkenburg
(Bob Van Valkenburg)
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Bob Van Valkenburg
Candidate did not respond to survey.
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| 2022-04-08T19:12:54
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Larry Weixelman
Tell us about yourself.
I have lived in Lincoln since 1963, the year my Father accepted a teaching position with LPS. A Lincoln High and UNL graduate, I’ve been instrumental in launching three small businesses in the community.
I worked for fifteen years as a member of the Academic Technologies Group for UNL. Previously, I served for twelve years as a flight medic and a 1st Lt in the Nebraska Army National Guard, as well as a partner and principal in three local business efforts. I was transplanted to Lincoln in 1963 when my Father accepted a position with Lincoln Public Schools and attended Lincoln High and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Business in 2010.
I’ve been honored with a wide variety of awards and distinctions from military and civilian occupations and have been active in many community coalitions, serving on a number of boards including Flatwater Shakespeare Company, The Indian Center Trust, Meadowlane Area Residents Association, The Lancaster County Food Policy Council and the Indian Center Board of directors.
During my tenure with the University, I had been a strategic member of a diverse team charged with the delivery and use of educational technology. That process added tremendous value to the instructional platform for a Big 10 University, allowed rapid transition to remote delivery platforms during the pandemic, and transformed teaching methods and pedagogy for three campuses and over 50 thousand stakeholders.
Aside from my four adult daughters and six grandchildren, an accomplishment that added a deep sense of fullfilment was being part of the effort to eliminate the alcohol sales in White Clay, Nebraska with Frank LeMere and John Maisch. He and Frank inspired me to assist in rebuilding the community and culture that has been intrinsic to the Indian Center, and through some amazing efforts, that revitalization is now well under way.
I truly look forward to investing my talents and energy for the state of Nebraska as an elected representative.
Why are you running for this office?
I have spent most of my adult life in multiple aspects of public service, arriving at an age where I can devote significant time to the office and the constituents I would represent, as well the rest of the state, as we navigate difficult questions about tax policy, funding models for education, workforce development and affordable housing. Creating additional revenue channels that can reduce regressive tax levels would be a priority, assuring equitable rates across income, sales and property taxes.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
1. Continue Senator Lathrop’ work on criminal justice and sentencing reform to alleviate a stressed corrections system
2. Assure asset and earnings retention for Nebraska’s middle-income work force by creating protected savings plans and secure home ownership
3. Nurture rural growth by developing infrastructure that attracts development, entrepreneurial activity and educational opportunity. Food production and security are skilled jobs at every level
4. Supporting early childhood education and affordable higher education that creates actively engaged Nebraska communities.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
Former officer with the Nebraska Army National Guard
Partner or sole proprietor for three entrepreneurial efforts in Lincoln
2010 Graduate, University of Nebraska College of Business
Board member, Indian Center Inc.
Board member, Indian Center Trust
Former Board chair, Flatware Shakespeare Co.
Former Board President, Meadowlane Area Residents Association
Presenter, Rural Futures Initiative
Fifteen years of employment with higher education in multiple roles
Member, Lancaster County Food Policy Council
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
By addressing income and sales reform. Nebraska benefits most by finding ways to increase wages and sales. We have vast resources in our rural communities for entrepreneurs, untapped tourism potential and tremendous local food production capacity. Creating employment that pays higher than average wages attracts talent that contributes to greater productivity and a reduced tax burden for all of Nebraska.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
One of the current practices in urban areas is to create infill spaces that are modeled after European housing norms. By building dense housing in a smaller footprint, taxes associated with housing are held constant or drop because the payments required to provide services (roads, fire and safety, health and traffic controls) are minimized. Lower taxes leads to a small portion of affordability. The other is to create convenient mass transit (see below) that allows for rapid, safe and convenient commutes when needed. Shifting to rural locations supports both affordable housing and builds a broader tax base for school funding.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
I am prepared to propose a trans Nebraska Railroad that would expedite transpiration across the state, increase Nebraska tourism, generate hundreds of full time well paying jobs and increase mobility for the workforce of rural and urban communities.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
I would prefer to work towards sentencing reform so that non-violent offenders aren’t incarcerated for long periods of time when they could be contributing to the community. To place these types of offenders in a prison environment may prove counter productive to rehabilitation, and adds to our current overcrowding. Combined with diversion programs, it would help reduce overall prison population.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
1. Attract companies and support small businesses which allow young professionals to express their skills and expertise in a challenging and fulfilling manner, establishing an incentive plan that offsets the first two years of employment cost for companies that hire Nebraska.
2. Create a student loan buy-back process that allows a scaled matching payment system for filling positions vital to the growth and sustainability of Nebraska’s economy by Nebraska graduates.
3. Provide training opportunities for skilled labor positions that are needed desperately to fill voids in all building and trades occupations.
4. Create new partnerships with all of the UNL and State College campuses to establish a 90 day “neutral zone” for graduates entering that work force that allows all graduates who have not accepted employment offers to collectively participate in a “Solve this for Nebraska” exercise.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
Yes. I believe that they should be fair, uncomplicated and held on a day that all voters who wish to vote have easy access to the polling places. That includes assuring that local precinct stations remain open and staffed, that voter roles are not purged without a concerted effort to contact any registered voter that is in question, and that vote by mail continue to be allowed for any voter who finds it the most beneficial way to cast a ballot.
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Russ Barger
Tell us about yourself.
As a husband, father and attorney who is active in his church and community, my family and I have lived in Northeast Lincoln for well over 20 years. Having grown up on a farm near McCook, Nebraska, I later attended UNL to obtain both my undergraduate degree and law degree. My wife and I married in Lincoln, and we have raised our two boys here. My experience practicing law has primarily been as a government attorney, including as an Assistant Attorney General. Investments in farming, and a drone company devoted to livestock producers, have kept me connected to the state’s biggest industry, agriculture.
Why are you running for this office?
The current trajectory of our local and national progressives is not good for our state or our city. My skills and experience will bring some common sense and conservative values back to Northeast Lincoln. Despite a significant tax burden, the quality of our streets and educational options have not improved.
Northeast Lincoln needs the combination of my rural upbringing, experience in state government, small business ownership, and skill as a practicing attorney. Northeast Lincoln deserves better than it has received.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Controlling Government Spending. We must establish metrics of success, not just budgets. Property taxes fund too much of our governmental programs.
Protection of Constitutional Rights. Our First, Second and Fourteenth Amendment rights need constant protection. The last two years show our constitutional protections may not be as robust as we thought.
Public Safety. Compared to other cities in our region, Lincoln’s police force is underfunded and understaffed. Because Nebraska is now a gambling state, our law enforcement needs the funds to address some problems gambling brings: Sex trafficking, financial distress, drugs and gangs.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
My direct interaction with the Legislature gives me a jump start on representing my constituents. This interaction includes my practicing as a government attorney for more than 20 years, giving opinions to State Agencies and State Senators as an Assistant Attorney General, testifying on various bills, and understanding the dynamics of the various factions seeking legislation. My experience in taking direct action on social issues, my ownership of agricultural and technology businesses, and my long-time residence in Northeast Lincoln, will only help my constituents and our state.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Nebraska is a high tax state, and this burden must be reduced for us to be competitive with other states. More revenue from increased economic activity and controlling government expenses will both help. We must also find market-based incentives to retain our young talent, to promote investment in sustainable market segments, and to encourage self-regulation by economic forces, rather than relying upon government intervention. We must be strategic, not just tactical.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
Market forces can only be guided by government, not stopped or reversed. Inflation, cheap credit, and low unemployment in Nebraska have exacerbated our housing crunch. Allowing high density housing may help in the short term. Long-term, we should consider programs to reduce initial tax burden and give access to beginning loans for young families who pursue home ownership. Home ownership promotes stability, making for safer communities and better educational outcomes.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
Government can’t fix our economic woes, it can only guide. Federal mistakes are hard to correct at a state level. Promoting regional partnerships and linkages will reduce some of these issues. The Silicon Prairie region contains the core components for most of our needs already, including food, fiber, energy, refining, capital, medical and insurance, along with light and heavy industry.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
A combination of methods to reduce incarceration and recidivism must be utilized. This will reduce the number of potential inmates. Nebraska will need modernized and larger correctional facilities in the near future.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
Lincoln already has both investment and a young community in its high tech industry. The advantages of being in the Silicon Prairie corridor must be magnified. Access to sufficient capital, and retention of start-ups which grow, should receive more attention. Recruitment and retention of skilled trades needs more attention and investment. Structural changes in finance and insurance should be examined. Quality of life and low cost of living must be a selling points, especially in the post-Covid, remote-work world in which we now live.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
Confidence in our elections is critical for reducing division and distrust in the electorate. Mandatory voter ID and paper ballots are a good start in building that confidence. Robust vetting of contractors, secure operation of the voting systems, and nonpartisan audits will also build confidence that our votes actually count.
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https://www.1011now.com/page/russ-barger/
| 2022-04-08T19:13:07
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https://xpn.org/tag/wxpn-best-of-2021/
| 2022-04-08T19:13:22
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https://xpn.org/tag/wxpn-best-of-2021/
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The final show in the swinging monthly series by CGOA’s Jazz Collective Big Band will be Sunday, April 10, from 7-8 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Hood River (304 Cascade Ave.) No ticket required, but $10 per person donation is encouraged.
Come listen or dance and enjoy a cocktail from the Elks bar. COVID restrictions apply: proof of vaccination required, with masks optional. See www.gorgeorchestra.org for more information.
The Jazz Collective will perform next on Saturday, June 11 at 7pm in Jackson Park, Hood River. Mark your calendar and come join us for some great music in the park! Thank you to our season event sponsor Columbia Gorge Toyota and Honda. Anyone with questions should email info@gorgeorchestra.org.
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https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/gorge-life/cgoa-s-big-band-jazz-series-ends-april-10/article_88369714-b768-11ec-8354-bfd4452951f4.html
| 2022-04-08T19:17:16
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https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/gorge-life/cgoa-s-big-band-jazz-series-ends-april-10/article_88369714-b768-11ec-8354-bfd4452951f4.html
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UPDATED:
Rescue crews continued their search efforts at Mt. Hood Meadows April 7 for Ryan Mather, who was reported missing on the evening of April 5. The majority of the day’s activity focused on the technical black diamond and double black diamond rated areas in and around Heather Canyon, Jack’s Woods and the Private Reserve, according to a press release from the Hood River Sheriff's Office.
Searchers started the day with good weather and snow conditions. As searching progressed, the snow conditions deteriorated due to warmer temperatures, creating some challenges in navigating terrain for ground teams. Operations concluded around 5 p.m. on April 7, without locating any sign of Mather.
Teams covered hundreds of acres of terrain during the previous three operational periods, checking some areas multiple times, said the press release. Weather overnight and into Friday was expected to create conditions that are too dangerous for search teams, leading to the suspension of current efforts.
Going forward, the Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Patrol will continue search efforts to locate Mather.
A spokesperson for the family expressed their thanks for all the efforts that have been made to find Mather. They said they are grateful for the outpouring of support and well-wishes but asked that their privacy be respected during this very difficult time.
Assisting the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office with search operations on April 7, were the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Hood River Crag Rats, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Portland Mountain Rescue, Corvallis Mountain Rescue, Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Patrol, Mt. Hood Meadows Public Safety, and Oregon Emergency Management.
April 7 report:
MOUNT HOOD — Search and Rescue operations resumed the morning of Thursday, April 7 for missing snowboarder Ryan Mather, 30, of Aloha., according to a HRCSO press release.
Mather was reported overdue by his girlfriend around 9:30 p.m. on April 5. Mather had been snowboarding at Mt. Hood Meadows during the day and had failed to return to his residence.
Mather’s vehicle was located at Mt. Hood Meadows, prompting personnel from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office, Hood River Crag Rats and Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Patrol to initiate an immediate search for Mather.
Rescue crews will continue to search the technical black diamond and double black diamond rated areas in and around Heather Canyon and the Private Reserve today, April 7. Those areas are closed to the public due to the high avalanche risk from the terrain above. Personnel continue to focus on the areas accessed from the Mt. Hood Meadows Shooting Star chair lift, the last location Mather’s ski pass was scanned late Tuesday morning.
Weather overnight on the mountain was warmer, with the higher elevations at Mt. Hood Meadows seeing temperatures around 40 degrees, creating less than ideal snow conditions for ground teams, according to a HRCSO press release. In addition to the snow conditions, searchers are expected to face avalanche risks in much of the search area today.
Assisting the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office with search operations on April 7 are the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Hood River Crag Rats, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Portland Mountain Rescue, Corvallis Mountain Rescue, Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Patrol, Mt. Hood Meadows Public Safety, and Oregon Emergency Management.
Assisting April 6 were Hood River Crag Rats, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, Mt. Hood Meadows, Portland Mountain Rescue, Corvallis Mountain Rescue, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Air National Guard.
Hood River County Sheriff Matt English said additional information will be reported as it becomes available.
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https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/news/updated-search-suspended-for-missing-snowboarder-on-mt-hood/article_aab9b0f0-b69b-11ec-b7a3-dff1330b5d96.html
| 2022-04-08T19:17:22
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https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/news/updated-search-suspended-for-missing-snowboarder-on-mt-hood/article_aab9b0f0-b69b-11ec-b7a3-dff1330b5d96.html
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Current, former KTTC employees remember Pat Lund
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Passionate, dedicated, fun, caring, and happy are just a few of the many words used to describe Pat Lund.
Pat, the KTTC Sports Director of 30 years, passed away after a long battle with an illness. He is not only a legend here at KTTC, but for all of Southeast Minnesota.
Pat’s legacy will live on in the countless people he touched during his career.
Current and former KTTC employees who had the privilege of working alongside Pat over his three decades in broadcasting are sharing their memories. Pat was more than just a colleague, but a true friend and an extraordinary man.
“Pat was passionate about sports, but even more, he was passionate about people. He cared about the athletes and coaches he covered on the news; he cared about the people in his community. I worked with Pat for more than two decades. I admired his work ethic as a colleague and I admired him as a friend, my TV brother. How lucky I feel to have known Pat.”
“Words cannot describe how much this man means to me. Pat Lund was the best friend and mentor I could have ever asked for. He was exceedingly driven, funny, and reliable. The world is a worse place now that he is not in it. I will love you forever, Pat. Thanks for everything.”
“Pat made me laugh like no one else in the office. Always there to listen no matter the hour. For as amazing as he was at coverage of local sports and athletes, he was an even better guy. He covered many of my family members over the years, and we are all grateful to have known him.”
“I had the honor of sitting next to Pat Lund on the weekend anchor desk for several years. To me, he was a local legend, but he was so real. He gave the best life advice and I reflect often on his wise words. He dedicated his life’s work to the athletes of Southeast Minnesota and this region will not be quite the same without him.”
“Pat was a bright spot in our newsroom and it’s very obvious the mark he left on the community at large as well as on all of his co-workers. He never failed to make you laugh or put a smile on your face. He cared greatly about SE MN sports but also about you as a person, making sure young journalists understood what it meant to be in this business as well as giving life advice in general. He will be missed greatly. Rest In Peace, Pat and enjoy Gopher games from the best seat possible.”
“Pat was someone everyone at KTTC looked up to, but his colleagues could also call him a friend. He had some funny quirks people loved and still talk about in the newsroom today. He had a passion for sports and a passion for community. He will be missed by all. Prayers to his family.”
“Pat covered me as an athlete, he allowed me to job shadow him at KTTC in college, and he helped me land my position at KTTC/KXLT nine years ago this month. Pat cared deeply about others, and selflessly gave his time and talents to those around him. I will miss him. Thanks for everything, Pat.”
“Even though Pat was only in my life for a short amount of time, he had such a big impact. He welcomed me with open arms and was like a father figure. Rest in peace big guy. You’re the best and always will be.”
“I worked with Pat for 28 years. Great co-worker and friend. He’d do anything for ya. He always loved to hear how my son was doing in sports. In fact, he called my son “little Krogger” (my last name is Krogstad). He would see my son driving our golf cart in Somerby and say, “Hey lil’ Kroggie.” Back in the day we would always go to Brothers bar and grill or Applebee’s after work. Boy, the memories. Pat sure liked to have a great time. Pat had so many friends that will miss him dearly.”
“As a rookie reporter, Pat Lund was my anchor during my very first Eagles Cancer Telethon. Nerves were off the chart (24 hours of live television?!) but it was okay, because Pat said it was. Our hour kicked off and Pat said to the crowd, “I didn’t know it was bring your daughter to work day,” to which I retorted, “more like granddaughter.” Then came one of his great belly laughs. Pat was a constant in the newsroom, the first to call out your BS and also the first to encourage you. I sit a little straighter at the anchor desk because of Pat, and shoot better video, too. I can only imagine the dozens of reporters he had an impact on over his 30 plus years sharing his love of sports with SE Minn. To know him was to love him. Love, Blondie.”
“We all have memories of Pat Lund. Mine started in 1992 as a very young PR Director for the CBA’s Rochester Renegades and dealing with the media. I worked with Pat every week (and others at KTTC) trying to get the best possible coverage from KTTC. Pat and Sib would always come to the games for coverage and interviews. But what sticks out the most is Pat at press row. He would sit there during a game yelling, “Jorgy go get me some nachos and a pop.” For years after that we shared many basketball stories of the two years the team was in town. Pat Lund was a true professional and a larger-than-life person. He knew everything about high school sports the last 30 years. We definitely lost one of the good guys and he will missed.”
“Pat Lund is a larger than life man that lived life to its fullest every day. He poured his soul into local sports for 30 years and never complained about anything. He loved the work and the people and the athletes and just everything about sports. He taught me the importance of local sports in the market and how viewers want to see their children and schools on TV. He never spoke about favorites and yet you knew he would love which team made it to the State. He will be missed. So sorry to Jaime and the family for this great loss.”
“Every so often Pat would wander down the hallway and plop down in the comfy chair in my office and just talk about what was going on that day. I always took it as a compliment that Pat felt comfortable enough to share his day with me. The last time I saw Pat was in the KTTC parking lot. He was in his truck coming around the corner and I was working from home but had come in to grab somethings from my office. Pat stopped his truck, rolled down the window and said hey, I got some stories to tell you, when you guys are back in the building, we need to grab and beer.”
“Pat was one of the first people to help me feel welcome when I got to Rochester and KTTC. I know I’m not the only one who feels that way.”
Below is Pat’s goodbye to KTTC in 2020 after 30 years.
Below is the celebration for Pat’s 30 years at KTTC.
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/current-former-kttc-employees-remember-pat-lund/
| 2022-04-08T19:18:47
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/current-former-kttc-employees-remember-pat-lund/
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FAA seeks biggest fines yet against 2 unruly passengers
Published: Apr. 8, 2022 at 12:47 PM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — The price is going up for disrupting airline flights.
The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that it’s seeking record civil fines against two passengers who assaulted other people on flights last summer.
In one case, a woman tried to open a cabin door, then headbutted and spit at crew members and passengers after she was placed in flexible handcuffs. The FAA is seeking a $81,950 fine.
In the second case, the FAA is proposing a $77,272 fine against a woman who tried to open a cabin door during a flight and bit another passenger repeatedly before she was restrained by crew members.
The FAA isn’t identifying the people.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/faa-seeks-biggest-fines-yet-against-2-unruly-passengers/
| 2022-04-08T19:18:48
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/faa-seeks-biggest-fines-yet-against-2-unruly-passengers/
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Homeless teen surrenders dog because he can no longer care for her, shelter says
SENATOBIA, Miss. (Gray News) - A homeless teenager surrendered his dog to an animal shelter because he could no longer provide proper care to the animal, according to the shelter.
The Senatobia-Tate County Animal Shelter in Mississippi said a 17-year-old surrendered his dog to the shelter Tuesday.
In a Facebook post, the shelter said that the teen lives under a bridge and walked all the way to the shelter, where he asked the staff to please take his dog because he couldn’t afford to keep her.
The shelter said the dog is about 4 months old and stayed pinned to her owner’s legs while he dropped her off. A photo of the dog lying in the shelter’s lobby went viral.
“This is where she laid after her owner surrendered her today with her plastic bag of dog food and a blanket. She is devastated,” the caption reads.
The shelter received an outpouring of interest on how to help both the dog and the homeless teen. On Friday, the shelter said the teen now has a place to stay and will soon be getting his dog back.
The shelter is hoping to get the dog spayed and get enough flea, tick and heartworm prevention to last at least a year.
If you would like to help the dog and her owner, you can donate through PayPal to the user account fosasenatobia@gmail.com, and mention “Jada” in your comment.
“I hope his selfless actions have made people think about the animals in this community - they deserve a chance, they don’t deserve to be dumped anywhere,” the shelter’s Facebook post reads. “Thanks everyone for your concern for both of them - the response from people everywhere has been touching.”
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/homeless-teen-surrenders-dog-because-he-can-no-longer-care-her-shelter-says/
| 2022-04-08T19:18:50
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/homeless-teen-surrenders-dog-because-he-can-no-longer-care-her-shelter-says/
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S.C. man who livestreamed sexual assaults against toddler receives prison sentence
BLUFFTON, S.C. (WCSC/Gray News) - A 33-year-old man has received a decades-long prison sentence for the production of child pornography.
WCSC reports David James Allison of Bluffton, South Carolina, was sentenced to 30 years in prison and a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision on Friday by U.S. District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in January 2020 after a family member of a 22-month-old child accused Allison of sexually assaulting the toddler.
Authorities said Allison admitted to deputies that he assaulted the victim approximately five times between September and December 2019 and livestreamed the assaults over Skype.
Investigators said the Skype communications were tied to an IP address of a 52-year-old man from Littlehampton, West Sussex, United Kingdom. Sussex police said Andrew McPherson-Young admitted to directing Allison and watching the assaults on Skype.
The Department of Justice said McPherson-Young is currently being prosecuted in the United Kingdom.
The South Carolina 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office said Allison was sentenced by both state and federal courts, and he will serve his sentences concurrently in federal prison.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/sc-man-who-livestreamed-sexual-assaults-against-toddler-receives-prison-sentence/
| 2022-04-08T19:18:57
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/sc-man-who-livestreamed-sexual-assaults-against-toddler-receives-prison-sentence/
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Will Smith gets 10-year Oscars ban over Chris Rock slap
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The motion picture academy on Friday banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars or any other academy event for 10 years following his slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards.
The move comes after a meeting of the academy’s Board of Governors to discuss a response to Smith’s actions.
The academy in a statement called Smith’s actions “unacceptable and harmful.”
Smith pre-emptively resigned from the academy last week during the run-up to the meeting and said he would accept any punishment the academy handed down.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith said in a statement.
The academy also apologized for its handling of the situation and allowing Smith to stay and accept his best actor award.
“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry,” the academy said. “This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented. "
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/will-smith-banned-oscars-10-years-slapping-chris-rock/
| 2022-04-08T19:19:04
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/will-smith-banned-oscars-10-years-slapping-chris-rock/
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Woman might need third amputation after surviving vicious dog attack, family says
ABBEVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - A South Carolina woman who remains in the hospital weeks after being seriously injured by several dogs might need additional surgery.
WHNS reports Kyleen Waltman was mauled by three dogs, two of which were pit bulls, outside a home on Ball Road in Honea Path last month.
Her family said the recent grandmother had both of her arms amputated after the attack. Since then, she has been fighting for her life in the ICU.
Earlier this week, Waltman’s family said she has to be sedated often due to her spinal cord injury and breathing and blood pressure issues. Doctors did wake her up on March 29 so she could talk to her daughters and mother.
Waltman’s family said she had a skin graft on her right leg on Thursday, and her left leg might have to be amputated if it doesn’t heal.
The family has asked the community to continue to pray for her recovery.
Waltman recently underwent her 10th surgery since the attack.
A GoFundMe for Waltman’s medical expenses has raised more than $190,000.
Copyright 2022 WHNS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/woman-might-need-third-amputation-after-surviving-vicious-dog-attack-family-says/
| 2022-04-08T19:19:07
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/08/woman-might-need-third-amputation-after-surviving-vicious-dog-attack-family-says/
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LOS ANGELES — The motion picture academy on Friday banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars or any other academy event for 10 years following his slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards.
The move comes after a meeting of the academy's Board of Governors to discuss a response to Smith's actions.
The academy in a statement called Smith's actions “unacceptable and harmful.”
Smith pre-emptively resigned from the academy last week during the run-up to the meeting and said he would accept any punishment the academy handed down.
An email sent to representatives for Smith seeking comment was not immediately returned.
Smith in a statement released last Friday he would "accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate. I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable."
“I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work,” his statement said. “I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film."
“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason,” Smith concluded in the statement.
Had he been expelled, Smith would have joined a small group of men removed from the academy: Harvey Weinstein, Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby and the actor Carmine Caridi, who was kicked out for sharing awards screeners.
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/entertainment/events/oscars/will-smith-banned-from-oscars-for-10-years-slapping-chris-rock-academy-awards/507-9f654076-c9f2-448e-b4cf-5981a60cee80
| 2022-04-08T19:29:30
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/entertainment/events/oscars/will-smith-banned-from-oscars-for-10-years-slapping-chris-rock-academy-awards/507-9f654076-c9f2-448e-b4cf-5981a60cee80
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Last month, when gas prices skyrocketed, lawmakers passed emergency legislation to give Maryland drivers a break at the gas pump, but now that break is coming to an end.
Mark your calendars, because April 16 is when the tax break is ending.
Some people may wonder why it's ending? Well, lawmakers expressed that millions of dollars were already lost because of the tax decrease and if the break were to continue it would impact other things Maryland needs to succeed.
"We want to give the public relief. However, it is costing our transportation fund that takes care of highway projects and bridge projects $100 million a month," Delegate Steve Johnson of District 34A said.
Harry Meade, who owns a trucking business in Baltimore thinks they should still find a way to extend it.
"Make the proper decisions. Stop looking elsewhere and look at the people that are living in Maryland that have to survive in Maryland," Meade said.
"I think they need to reconsider the decisions they're making, and reconsider the effect on families, you know, the ordinary citizens," Evelyn Cavanaugh said.
According to AAA Mid Atlantic, today's average gas price for Maryland is $3.75 a gallon, compared to a month ago when the gas tax holiday wasn't a thing, Marylanders we're paying about 44 cents more.
"For families with children, I think it’ll be almost impossible to meet expenses," Cavanaugh said.
AAA Mid Atlantic recommends these tools to help drivers' safe money on gas:
- AAA Shell Gas Discount: Gives AAA members nationwide a discount on gasoline at Shell stations when they join the Fuel Rewards® program.
- Fuel Price Finder: Locates the lowest fuel price in your area.
- AAA Gas Cost Calculator: Helps budget travel expenses.
- TripTik Mobile: Plots fuel prices along your travel route.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/marylanders-say-ending-the-gas-tax-holiday-will-put-many-people-in-financial-stress
| 2022-04-08T19:29:30
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/marylanders-say-ending-the-gas-tax-holiday-will-put-many-people-in-financial-stress
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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The Momentary is a contemporary art space satellite to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in downtown Bentonville. They have transformed a decommissioned 63,000 square-foot cheese factory into a multidisciplinary space for visual and performing arts, culinary experiences, festivals, and artists-in-residence.
They offer much more than art galleries. There is a Tower Bar with one of the most elevated views in Bentonville, a great Onyx Coffee bar, an RØDE Bar, and food trucks in their courtyard, which is excellent for spring and summer weather. They also offer a variety of music programming outdoors in their vast outdoor space. The great thing about the Momentary is that it's right off the Razorback Greenway, so you can get there by car or bike, or you can even walk there from downtown Bentonville.
The Momentary welcomes all with free admission!
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com.
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/entertainment/places/adventure-arkansas/the-momentary-art-museum-bentonville-adventure-arkansas/527-7acfd852-d5e5-415b-a308-4a344e8867b1
| 2022-04-08T19:29:36
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/entertainment/places/adventure-arkansas/the-momentary-art-museum-bentonville-adventure-arkansas/527-7acfd852-d5e5-415b-a308-4a344e8867b1
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COLUMBIA, Md. — Howard County police are warning the public about a man who approached two 14-year-old girls and offered them money for sex.
The girls were able to take a picture before calling the police, said police in a media release.
The incident happened at about 9 a.m. today near the Swansfield Pool in Columbia, off of Cedar Lane across from Swansfield Elementary School.
Police are urging parents and young people to be aware and report if they have been approached in a similar manner. Anyone who recognizes this suspect should contact police at 410-313-STOP or HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/police-warn-about-man-who-solicited-teen-girls-in-columbia
| 2022-04-08T19:29:36
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/police-warn-about-man-who-solicited-teen-girls-in-columbia
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SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. — Police are currently looking for a suspect accused of robbing an Arvest Bank on Highway 412 in Siloam Springs.
According to Cpt. Derek Spicer with the Siloam Springs Police department, the suspect fled on foot Friday, April 8, morning.
No injuries have been reported and police say no weapon was used during the alleged robbery.
As of 1:50 p.m., the entrances into the bank are blocked off to traffic.
Stay with 5NEWS for updates on this developing story.
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/crime/suspect-flees-after-bank-robbery-siloam-springs/527-4937860b-392a-4caf-a248-873bfc336b52
| 2022-04-08T19:29:42
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/crime/suspect-flees-after-bank-robbery-siloam-springs/527-4937860b-392a-4caf-a248-873bfc336b52
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WESTERNPORT, Md. — From the top of a hill, with his dogs by his side, David Grove always has a good perspective on things.
Unfortunately, that perspective is not quite as positive as it once was.
"There's not much industry left," Grove said. "All the industry is as moved out."
David retired from a paper mill in the Appalachian town of Westernport before it closed three years ago.
The closure put hundreds of people out of a work. Since it was the largest employer for miles, its exit left his neighbors hurting. Now, inflation is making the existing hardships tougher.
"The things shutting down in this whole area makes inflation, you know, what, 10-times worse," Grove said.
Grove's wife still works, which makes him one of the lucky ones.
"We're surviving, but these other people, probably not so much," he said.
Those living in America’s rural corners and those with low incomes are being disproportionately hit by inflation.
Bank of America Research compared how rural and urban households spend their money. It found rural homes spend more money on energy, cars and food compared to urban households. Rural households also put less in savings.
Rural residents also need to drive farther to get to stores and doctor's offices, which adds to the costs families face.
According to Gallup, households making less than $40,000 per year, 71% are experiencing hardships, and 42% consider their hardships severe.
"It's just hard that to get back to where, where we was, and I don't know whether it's going back to where we was and it's just a shame," Grove said.
The last three years for john Shingly, owner of Port West Restaurant, have been a one-two-three punch— with the mill closure, the pandemic and now inflation.
"$1.79 for a head of lettuce right now, you know, it's crazy," said Shingler.
Even though they lost 30% of their customers when the mill closed, the food prices have given him no choice but to raise his own prices.
"It's hard for these small rural communities like this to understand why we have to raise prices because it's not like in a big city where they're used to paying those prices," he said.
His customers, though, remain loyal.
"They've kind of rescued us through this," Shingler said. "They've supported us tremendously."
Communities like Westernport are used to picking each other up when times get hard, and the fact that they’re there for each other is why people choose to stay despite how bleak the outlook may be.
"This is my home, and I like my home," said Grove.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national-politics/the-race/rural-communities-bearing-the-brunt-of-inflation
| 2022-04-08T19:29:42
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SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Don Tyson School of Innovation in Springdale (DTSOI) has received a $130,720 grant from the Arkansas Department of Education.
Kelly Boortz, Don Tyson School of Innovation principal, says the Perkin's Innovation Grant is to improve and expand the school’s Medical Professions program of study.
Boortz says the grant will go towards purchasing equipment such as an Anatomage Table, phlebotomy arms, electrocardiogram machines, and mobile medical computer carts.
“DTSOI students will have use of an Anatomage Table, which is the world's first virtual dissection table,” said Kelley Williamson, Springdale Public Schools Career and Technical Education Coordinator. “Students in Biology and Anatomy and Physiology will be able to view the body as a cadaver.”
Anatomage Tables allow students to see digital imagery of the anatomies of healthy human bodies who donated their bodies to science. These tables allow students to see the body anatomies in great detail. Williamson says these high-tech tools increase student engagement.
“The Anatomage Table will really bring students together in discussing the body and how it works,” Williamson said. “I envision great conversations to take place with students at the table as students gain curiosity as to how their bodies work, how to help people with medical issues, and medicine's effects on the body. Teachers will be able to inspire students to look closer and understand more effectively the ten systems of the body.”
Boortz says this training equipment will help students prepare for high-demand medical professions in Northwest Arkansas. These include certified nursing assistants, phlebotomists, medical interpreters, pharmacy technicians, and emergency medical responders,
“We have strong partnerships with our medical community and post-secondary institutions, and we have worked with them to align our programs to provide entry-level positions and internships for students,” Boortz said. “This grant will allow us to provide the training our students need onsite at DTSOI for high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage careers.”
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/springdale-school-receives-innovation-grant-don-tyson-innovation/527-9c049b80-d204-4439-a696-658b9679826e
| 2022-04-08T19:29:48
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/springdale-school-receives-innovation-grant-don-tyson-innovation/527-9c049b80-d204-4439-a696-658b9679826e
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LYONS, Ill. (AP) — A man suspected of concealing the deaths of his mother and sister nearly a year after their bodies were found buried in the backyard of their suburban Chicago house has been arrested on felony charges.
Lyons Police Chief Thomas Herion said Thursday that 45-year-old Michael Lelko would be formally charged with two felony counts of concealment of a death.
Herlon said Lelko also could face federal charges in connection to his alleged cashing of his mother's Social Security checks for years after she died.
In August, police discovered the bodies of 79-year-old Jean Lelko and 44-year-old Jennifer Lelko.
Police say Lelko told them his mother died in 2015, and his sister died in 2019.
Because autopsies could not determine the cause of death for either woman, Herion said Lelko was not charged in the deaths of the 79-year-old and 44-year-old, the Associated Press reported.
Lelko told police that his mother was killed by his sister, who pushed her down the stairs and that he buried his sister after she became ill and died.
The AP reported that Lelko's brother is the subject of an investigation but has not been charged with anything.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/man-suspected-of-burying-mom-sister-in-backyard-arrested
| 2022-04-08T19:29:48
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/man-suspected-of-burying-mom-sister-in-backyard-arrested
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On April 6, a tweet with over 3,600 retweets and more than 6,800 likes, claimed that effective April 7, the CDC “will now allow infectious #COVID19 cases to fly & stop such reporting.”
The tweet’s author told VERIFY that his tweet was based on a “CDC alert on travel” that was sent via email to health department officials in Virginia. The email was forwarded to him by a Virginia local health department source and was sent to VERIFY for review.
THE QUESTION
Did the CDC change its COVID-19 public domestic air travel guidance?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
No, that is not true. The CDC’s public guidance for domestic air travel has not changed.
The email alert cited in the tweet was sent to some health departments as a notice of changes in how health departments report individual cases and a positive person’s travel plans to the CDC. The CDC has never had a policy that specifically states COVID-19 infected individuals couldn’t fly.
WHAT WE FOUND
The tweet that was posted on April 6 said the CDC would “discontinue applying health travel restrictions to most COVID-19 cases and contacts with reported air travel.”
The tweet is missing important context.
The CDC has not issued any new guidance to the public. What they have done is issued new reporting guidelines to state and local health departments.
VERIFY spoke to the Fairfax County, Virginia Health Department about this tweet. The claim in the tweet stemmed from an email alert sent to local Virginia health departments. Under the health department guidance, the CDC is discontinuing the use of the “Do Not Board” list in most cases. It also states the health departments can stop reporting the following to the CDC:
- If a COVID-19 infected person has upcoming air travel
- If individuals had traveled recently and tested positive after arriving at their destination
A person on the “Do Not Board” list can’t obtain a boarding pass for any flight into, out of, or within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces this rule. The CDC has never had a policy that specifically did not allow COVID-19 positive individuals to fly, but individual airlines could have conducted their own screening that prevented a person with symptoms from flying (i.e. temperature screening prior to boarding).
In order to be placed on the “Do Not Board” list, a person would have had to meet criteria outlined by the CDC. The CDC does not place every COVID-19 positive individual on the list.
Officials with the Fairfax County Health Department explained how the previous guidance for COVID-19 positive case reporting worked, and how it impacted travel for infected individuals.
Previously, when an individual received a positive COVID-19 result from a doctor’s office or lab, the local health department would be notified, Fairfax County officials told VERIFY. Then, that health department would receive a list of close-contact individuals and encourage them to quarantine. That original positive and close contact data would then be reported to the CDC.
If the infected person had indicated an intent to travel during the time they were advised to quarantine and the CDC would place that person on the “Do Not Board” list.
So, now with the new guidance, health departments aren’t required to send the information about an infected person and their upcoming or past travels plans to the CDC.
Because the memo from the CDC did not change any public recommendations, Fairfax County officials told VERIFY that is why the CDC would not publicize this update on their website. A spokesperson with the San Diego County Health Department in California told VERIFY they were also aware of the change in data reporting.
The CDC is still encouraging all individuals to be vaccinated against COVID-19, wear a mask during travel. The CDC is encouraging tests for domestic travel for people who are not vaccinated or someone who had a close contact with someone who tested positive.
“Do not travel if you are sick, tested positive for COVID-19 and haven’t ended isolation, had close contact with a person with COVID-19 and haven’t ended quarantine, or are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test,” the CDC’s website said.
The CDC did not respond to VERIFY’s request for comment.
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/verify/coronavirus-verify/cdc-did-not-change-its-covid-19-air-travel-guidance/536-f2e27ff3-922b-4513-814d-3bb537e2f1e2
| 2022-04-08T19:29:54
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/verify/coronavirus-verify/cdc-did-not-change-its-covid-19-air-travel-guidance/536-f2e27ff3-922b-4513-814d-3bb537e2f1e2
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the company will build an electric vehicle dedicated for use as a robotaxi.
He also told a crowd at a party celebrating the opening of a Texas factory that Tesla will start making three new vehicles next year.
Musk didn’t give details of the robotaxi other than to say it will “look quite futuristic.”
He said Tesla will start building the Cybertruck pickup at its new factory near Austin, Texas, next year.
After that, it will start making a new Roadster and an electric semi.
He made his remarks Thursday night at the “Cyber Rodeo at Giga Texas,” an invitation-only party for thousands of guests at Tesla’s new billion-dollar-plus factory.
The factory is expected to employ about 10,000 people.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/musk-says-tesla-will-build-vehicle-designed-to-be-a-robotaxi
| 2022-04-08T19:29:54
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/musk-says-tesla-will-build-vehicle-designed-to-be-a-robotaxi
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Lawsuits challenging the No Surprises Act are popping up all over the country.
The new law that took effect this year protects us from getting surprise medical bills when we get certain out-of-network medical treatments.
“I would emphasize it's not every type of provider that sends these surprise bills. It tends to be focused on one’s that might be owned by a private equity company or have a real profit margin. Many have been using patients and using the surprise bills to make a lot of money. So it threatens how much they're going to make and so they're suing over it,” said Katie Keith and Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms.
Experts and advocates for health insurance reform are drawing attention to these lawsuits.
They say their outcomes could bring changes to the No Surprises Act or eventually lead to higher insurance premiums.
In Texas, one court has already sided with a challenge involving arbitration to settle bill disputes.
“But if you take off that guardrail there's sort of this risk that providers use. Arbitration is an opportunity to get higher rates when it's not warranted. For them to be doing so, all those higher rates of insurance companies have to pay providers more -- that all trickles down to all of us,” said Keith.
Patricia Kelmar at U.S. PIRG says there is action being taken to fight this type of surprise billing.
“We've filed an amicus brief to support the government to make sure the law stays strong,” said Kelmar.
If the New York lawsuit is successful, it threatens the entire act.
For now, advocates want you to know that you should not be surprised with out-of-network bills.
For the most common practices, like ER care, air ambulances and anesthesiologists.
However, certain services are not covered in the act.
“We're starting to see now more in provider offices, the opportunity to have your blood drawn there, or maybe even get some testing done or some imaging done. Just because it's in your in-network providers office, (it) doesn't necessarily mean that's an in-network service, So we also ask you to always make sure that you double-check before you get your blood drawn or an EKG done, or something like that. Those services are not out of network,” said Kelmar. Even with the act in place, patients are advised to research in advance so they can be informed about their in-network providers.
You can find more information about the new protections here.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/several-lawsuits-challenge-no-surprises-act-that-impacts-medical-bills
| 2022-04-08T19:30:00
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The jury has reached a partial verdict in the trial for the men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta have been found not guilty in the case and a mistrial has been declared for the other counts.
The counts and jury decisions for Adam Fox, Barry Croft Jr., Brandon Caserta and Daniel Harris are as follows:
Adam Fox was charged with two counts. One count of kidnapping conspiracy and a count of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction.
Count: 1 | Kidnapping conspiracy
NO VERDICT
Count: 2 | Conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction
NO VERDICT
Barry Croft Jr. was charged with three counts. One count of kidnapping conspiracy, a count of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, and a count of possession of an unregistered destructive device.
Count: 1 | Kidnapping conspiracy
NO VERDICT
Count: 2 | Conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction
NO VERDICT
Count: 3 |Possession of an unregistered destructive device
NO VERDICT
Daniel Harris was charged with four counts. One count of kidnapping conspiracy, a count of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, a count of possession of an unregistered destructive device, and a count of possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle.
Count: 1 | Kidnapping conspiracy
VERDICT: NOT GUILTY
Count: 2 | Conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction
VERDICT: NOT GUILTY
Count: 3 | Possession of an unregistered destructive device
VERDICT: NOT GUILTY
Count: 4 | Possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle
VERDICT: NOT GUILTY
Brandon Caserta was charged with one count of kidnapping conspiracy.
Count: 1 | Kidnapping conspiracy
VERDICT: NOT GUILTY
Jury deliberations started Monday, and the defense wrapped up its closing arguments last Friday after a 14-day trial. In all, 34 witnesses testified, including two former defendants who pleaded guilty and were star witnesses for the prosecution.
One of the defendants – Daniel Harris – testified in his own defense. He was the only one of the four men charged who testified.
All of the men were arrested in October 2020 after the government said they were planning to kidnap Whitmer before the 2020 election.
The jury was made up of six men, six women, and three alternates in a separate room.
This story was first reported by WXYZ in Detroit, Mich.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/verdict-2-men-found-not-guilty-in-mi-governor-kidnap-plot-trial-mistrial-declared-on-other-counts
| 2022-04-08T19:30:06
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If there is one thing nearly every midterm election has told us, it is that our country thirsts for change.
In the 19 elections since World War II, the president’s party has lost seats in the House of Representatives in 17 of them.
This year, that same outcome is anticipated as polls show Republicans gaining control of the lower chamber, but the electorate that is expected to get them there is vastly different than that of years past.
“You know, in 2012 we were talking about equity and environmental justice matters, but I think the sense of urgency and the intensity of the issues facing today’s generation of voters is much different,” said Joelle Martinez, a former political strategist under President Barack Obama and the current president of the Latino Leadership Institute.
During the 2018 midterms, Latinos set a voting record when 11.7 million cast their vote. At the time, it was thought to be an outlier, but in this year’s midterms, 11.6 million are expected to vote, according to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. It is a 71.4% increase from the number of Latinos that voted in 2014.
“I think the thing that has changed the most is that Democrat and Republican parties are no longer magnets for Latino voters,” said Martinez. “And we saw that in two parts of evidence. One, this last election cycle where you saw voters, Latino voters, voting conservatively in areas where they hadn’t predicted that to happen. And two, young Latino voters are registering to be Independent more times than not.”
“We’re sort of in a realignment period right now,” added Lonna Atkeson, director of the LeRoy Collins Institute, a non-partisan public policy center at Florida State University.
Atkeson says the change our electorate is undergoing right now goes against many assumptions politicians have based their strategies on for decades- that young people will consistently turn out to vote and that minorities are by and large monolithic.
“Maybe the things that we relied on previously about how groups were going to vote is less reliable,” said Atkeson. “I think the culture war is just raging and I think that’s a piece of that and the other piece of that is the economy.”
The Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program projects that 17 million young people will turn 18 between the 2020 and 2024 elections and that 49% of them will be kids of color, only adding to the increasingly diverse electorate that is the future of American politics.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/why-the-2022-midterms-will-be-one-of-the-most-diverse-elections-in-history
| 2022-04-08T19:30:12
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The motion picture academy has banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars or any other academy event for 10 years following his slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards.
The move comes after a meeting Friday of the academy’s board of governors to discuss a response to Smith’s actions.
The academy in a statement called Smith’s actions “unacceptable and harmful.”
Smith pre-emptively resigned from the academy last week during the run-up to the meeting and said he would accept any punishment the academy handed down.
Smith slapped Rock in the middle of the awards show after the comedian joked about Jada Pinkett Smith's short hair. The actress suffers from alopecia.
Smith was allowed to remain at the show and won an Oscar for best actor later that night. He has since apologized to Rock and the academy for his actions.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/will-smith-gets-10-year-oscars-ban-over-chris-rock-slap
| 2022-04-08T19:30:18
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https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/will-smith-gets-10-year-oscars-ban-over-chris-rock-slap
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After previously announcing they are removing all of their music from 1987 onward from digital music providers in Russia and Belarus, Pink Floyd is releasing their first single in 28 years in support of the people of Ukraine.
The band’s new single, “Hey Hey Rise Up,” is the first new original music they have recorded together as a band since 1994. The track includes guitarist David Gilmour, drummer Nick Mason, long-time Pink Floyd bass player Guy Pratt and Nitin Sawhney on keyboards. It also features Ukrainian musician Andriy Khlyvnyuk, who left a tour in the U.S. to return home and fight in Ukraine. The choral parts of the song are by Ukrainian VERYOVKA Folk Song and Dance Ensemble.
The song includes Khlyvnyuk’s vocals taken from an Instagram post where he sang in Kyiv’s Sofiyskaya Square. The song he was singing, “The Red Viburnum In The Meadow,” is a Ukrainian protest song written during World War I, but it has been become popular in protest of the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. The title of the Pink Floyd song is taken from a lyric of “The Red Viburnum In The Meadow,” which translates to ‘Hey Hey Rise up and rejoice’.
“We, like so many, have been feeling the fury and the frustration of this vile act of an independent, peaceful democratic country being invaded and having its people murdered by one of the world’s major powers,” Gilmour, who has a Ukrainian daughter-in-law and grandchildren, said in a statement.
Gilmour came to know Khlyvnyuk in 2015 after a show in support of the Belarus Free Theatre, whose members were imprisoned. Khlyvnyuk’s band, Boombox, was also set to perform, but due to problems with Khlyvnyuk’s visa, the rest of the band instead backed up Gilmour for his set.
“Recently I read that Andriy had left his American tour with Boombox, had gone back to Ukraine, and joined up with the Territorial Defense,” Gilmour said. “Then I saw this incredible video on Instagram, where he stands in a square in Kyiv with this beautiful gold-domed church and sings in the silence of a city with no traffic or background noise because of the war. It was a powerful moment that made me want to put it to music.”
Khlyvnyuk was hospitalized in Kyiv, recovering from a mortar shrapnel injury, when Gilmour was writing the song, but the two were able to speak. Gilmour says he played some of the track over the phone and Khlyvnyuk gave him his blessing.
“I hope it (the song) will receive wide support and publicity,” Gilmour said. “We want to raise funds for humanitarian charities and raise morale. We want to express our support for Ukraine and, in that way, show that most of the world thinks that it is totally wrong for a superpower to invade the independent democratic country that Ukraine has become.”
The artwork for the track features a painting of the national flower of Ukraine, the sunflower, and is also a reference to the viral video of a woman who was seen giving sunflower seeds to Russian soldiers and telling them to carry them in their pockets so that when they die, sunflowers will grow.
The “Hey Hey Rise Up” music video features the band and Khlyvnyuk, along with footage from Ukraine. You can watch it below:
The single is available now on all streaming and download platforms, with all proceeds going toward Ukrainian humanitarian relief.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/pink-floyd-reunited-record-first-single-28-years-support-ukraine
| 2022-04-08T19:30:25
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https://www.wmar2news.com/pink-floyd-reunited-record-first-single-28-years-support-ukraine
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Before Taylor Swift went to Nashville to become a young musical sensation, she lived in the Reading, Pennsylvania, area. She has immortalized the farm she grew up on through songs like “Christmas Tree Farm” and “Seven.” This was before her family moved to a home at 78 Grandview Boulevard in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, where the budding singer-songwriter lived from about ages 8-14 and attended the area junior high school before the family moved in 2004 so she could pursue a career in country music.
Turns out the house is now on the market. How about that for a piece of pop-culture memorabilia?
The home, which the family is said to have purchased for $280,000 in 1997, is a 1929 Georgian-style residence of 3,560 square feet. It has five bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths and a 3/4-acre lot with a nice backyard and detached two-car garage. In February, it was listed for more than $1 million and is now yours for the taking at just $999,900.
According to reports, the house was originally built as an in-law house for the prominent Lauer family in an upscale neighborhood supported by the textile mill industry. It has changed hands and gone through renovations several times since Swift and her family lived there. Residents tell stories of people coming to take pictures of the house, or of finding artifacts of Swift’s time there.
Let’s take a look inside! The house features many historic details, including a stately profile with an ornate foyer.
It also has a formal dining room with decorative molding.
The living room features two sets of French doors that lead to a covered side patio and a wood-burning fireplace flanked with bookshelves. Looks like an idyllic place for a family to gather and talk about the tea that has been spilled by its famous former resident!
The kitchen, like the rest of the house, is large, with a marble-top island, big sink, wooden cutting board, commercial-grade Viking range with double oven, and plenty of cabinets for storage. Built-in appliances like a refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave are included.
Attached to the kitchen is a cute little breakfast room with plenty of natural light. You might say you could “only see daylight” in here.
The property also includes a den, butler’s pantry with wet bar, a second floor with a primary and secondary bedroom, three bedrooms on the top floor, and a basement. Outside, there’s a playground, pool (unfilled in the pictures due to the time of year) and fenced-in garden.
If you’re interested in purchasing this property, you’ll want to contact Eric J. Miller & Eric P. Miller at Re/Max of Reading, who are the agents representing the property. Get a virtual tour of the inside of the home on agent Eric Miller’s YouTube page. You’ll see there are plenty of wreaths hung up, which play on the Swift connection.
If you’re looking for a place in this world, this might be the one!
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/taylor-swifts-childhood-home-market-look-inside
| 2022-04-08T19:30:31
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https://www.wmar2news.com/taylor-swifts-childhood-home-market-look-inside
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You can now add a veterans status to the front of your driver's license or ID card!
MDOT MVA is now offering a veteran designation for qualifying veterans. It will indicate that you're eligible for state veteran benefits.
You are eligible for this designation if your veteran status is anything other than dishonorable and there is no cost to add this if you:
- Add the veteran designation at any time without making any other changes
- Already have the veteran designation on the back of your driver’s license or ID but want the new secure driver’s license or ID with the word Veteran on the front
If you are renewing your driver’s license or ID or you wish to make any corrections (ex: name, address, etc.), standard fees apply.
Do add or remove this designation you just have to visit and MDOT MVA branch and provide an original or certified copy of one of the following:
- Veteran’s Medical CardDD214 Military Discharge Certificate
- For post October 1979 DD214 documents, Maryland Veterans can call 410-230-4444, extension 6450
- Honorable Discharge Certificate
- Letter from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri
- Letter from the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Service Program
- Letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- United States Uniformed Services Retiree Identification Card (DD Form 2)
- MDOT MVA has also increased the list of acceptable documents to include the Veteran Health Identification Card
- MDOT MVA has expanded sources of proof for veteran status for those retiring from military service prior to 1950. Previously, military veterans were turned away if they did not provide a DD214, separation of service form. However, through consultation and collaboration with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, MDOT MVA now accepts other forms of proof that can be used in place of the DD214 form. The following forms are now accepted:
- WD AGO 53
- WD AGO 55
- WD AGO 53-55
- NAVPERS 553
- NAVMC 78PD
- NAVCG 553
If you don't have one of these documents, contact the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs to obtain documentation verifying your status as a veteran. You can also call 1-800-446-4926.
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https://www.wmar2news.com/voiceforveterans/veterans-can-now-add-a-specific-designation-to-the-front-of-their-real-id
| 2022-04-08T19:30:37
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https://www.wmar2news.com/voiceforveterans/veterans-can-now-add-a-specific-designation-to-the-front-of-their-real-id
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District 3 St. Clair County Commissioner Tommy Bowers has announced that he will be dropping out of the race for commission chairman.
Bowers said his health became of concern in the middle of campaigning in February. He said he will require colon surgery.
“It was a health issue more than anything,” Bowers said, adding he will continue to serve on the commission as he continues to get back on his feet.
“It takes a lot to run a campaign and the way I wanted to run the county commission. It would take a lot of effort there, too, and I didn’t want there to be anything to interfere with that.”
Bowers added that the main reason he ran was because there were changes he felt needed to be made, especially when involving the public.
“I thought that I could move the county forward in a little different direction than we were currently going and involve the public more and employees and the other elected officials in the decision that the county commission is making,” he said.
“I wanted it to basically be more open to the public to the taxpayers, the ones who're paying the bills.”
The race will now fall between two candidates, current Commission Chairman Paul Manning and former Chairman Stan Batemon. The two will officially face off as polling places open for the primary election May 24.
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https://www.annistonstar.com/the_st_clair_times/bowers-drops-bid-for-st-clair-county-commission-chairman/article_b0cb631a-b76f-11ec-a3ce-438b86bce1bf.html
| 2022-04-08T19:34:33
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(NewsNation) — The board of governors for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences banned actor Will Smith from any academy events for 10 years after the actor slapped comedian Chris Rock in the face at the Oscars.
“The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards,” the academy said in part.
Smith resigned from the academy last week.
The slap happened after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, making a reference to the 1997 film “G.I. Jane,” in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head. Pinkett Smith has alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss. Smith won the best actor Oscar for his role in “King Richard” shortly after the slapping incident.
Since Smith is now banned, he will not be able to present the best actress category at the Oscars next year, which is traditionally part of the victory lap after winning best actor.
“This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behavior is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy,” the academy said in a release. “We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.”
Fallout from the slap was immediate, and now, it’s taken a salacious turn.
The Smiths’ lifestyle has made headlines since they got married in 1997. Two years ago, more eyes were on the couple when they acknowledged that Pinkett Smith had had an affair with 29-year-old musician August Alsina.
Alsina, an R&B artist, just released new music, including a song that hints at the trysts, and there’s word of a six-figure book deal detailing what happened.
This book deal comes amid renewed interest in a Will Smith memoir that came out last November.
“Will” has been moving back up book charts since he hit Rock.
“Controversy sells, and familiarity sells and notoriety sells,” said Michael Levine, a media expert and image consultant. “There’s nothing that can be taken from that data point that should indicate this is not a deeply serious, tragic, life-altering mistake.”
Smith’s memoir details his troubled relationship with an abusive father and outlines his expansive career as a successful rapper and actor for more than three decades.
This story is developing. Refresh for updates.
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https://www.wane.com/top-stories/will-smith-banned-from-academy-awards-events-for-10-years/
| 2022-04-08T19:43:59
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VAN WERT, Ind. (WANE) — Police in Van Wert, Ohio, said “all students are…safe” after bomb threats were called in to at least two western Ohio high schools Friday.
According to a report on the Van Wert Police Department‘s Facebook page, bomb threats were called at “Van Wert High School and other high schools in the area.” The department said nearby Wapakoneta High School in Wapakoneta also received a bomb threat.
Van Wert Police said officers searched the high school as well as the Goedde building out of “an abundance of caution” and found no threats.
“We have been given the all clear,” police said. “All students are accounted for and safe.”
The police department said in a news released that investigators called the phone number back and it came back to a “texting mail subscriber.”
Students were released on time.
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https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/van-wert-high-school-receives-bomb-threat/
| 2022-04-08T19:48:14
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True
The Four Seasons of Jackie Robinson
By Kostya Kennedy
St. Martin’s Press. 278 pp. $29.99
By October 1972, Jackie Robinson no longer moved in powerful bursts. His eyes were failing. His hair had gone white. For a quarter-century, Robinson had sought to represent the best of America, and when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of the World Series, he looked worn by the burden.
Yet during the pregame ceremony honoring baseball’s Black pioneer, Robinson crackled with his old energy. After all the tributes, he took the microphone. “I’m extremely proud and pleased to be here this afternoon,” he concluded. “But I must admit that I’m going to be tremendously more pleased and more proud when I look at that third base coaching line one day and see a Black face managing in baseball. Thank you very much.”
He was a crusader until the end. Nine days later, Robinson died of a heart attack. In his final public appearance, he had again spotlighted the biases that plagued the nation, including in sports, and demanded better.
It has been 50 years since Robinson’s death and 75 years since his electric debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, when he became the first African American player in the modern history of Major League Baseball. It is comfortable, perhaps, to freeze our appreciation for him in 1947, when he endured racist abuse with stoic dignity. But the true Jackie Robinson should make us a little uncomfortable. He was a ball of pulsating tension, a man of fierce independence, a voice for genuine freedom. As Martin Luther King once wrote, “He incessantly raises questions to sear America’s conscience.”
Kostya Kennedy’s “True: The Four Seasons of Jackie Robinson” is the latest addition to the literature on this American icon. A former writer at Sports Illustrated and an author of books on Joe DiMaggio and Pete Rose, Kennedy brings literary grace to his subject, illuminating Robinson’s sizzling style on the ballfield, his colossal significance in American culture, his complex humanity and his enduring legacy.
Unlike a traditional biography, “True” focuses on four distinct years in Robinson’s life. Kennedy starts in 1946, Robinson’s single season in the minor leagues with the Montreal Royals. He then jumps to 1949, when the Dodger star glowed brightest, capturing the National League’s most valuable player award. In 1956, Robinson retired after a rocky season that included feuds with management and long stints on the bench, as well as glorious glimpses of his unique greatness. The book ends in 1972, with Robinson as a lion in winter, slowly fading, still fighting.
Kennedy’s approach allows him to linger over scenes, painting lush portraits of telling moments from Robinson’s career. He depicts how Jackie and his wife, Rachel, drew sustenance from their stint in Montreal, where local fans gave friendship and comfort. He portrays how Black fans cheered their hero with a deep, almost spiritual pride. He renders the everyday indignities and terrifying death threats during spring training in the Jim Crow South.
Some vivid passages describe Robinson on the base paths, showcasing his astonishing physicality and attacking philosophy. “None of Robinson’s contemporaries displayed his ability to start and stop and start and stop and start again, to jink his way past fielders and potential tags, to rattle and embarrass and elude,” writes Kennedy. “He would hover at times and then explode. For Robinson, each time on base promised an essay into new possibilities.”
At his best, Robinson dominated every facet of the game. During his 1949 MVP season, he led Brooklyn to the pennant while hitting .342 with 16 home runs, 38 doubles, 12 triples and 124 RBI. He stole 37 bases, scored 122 runs, turned 119 double plays and laid down 17 sacrifice bunts.
At this same time, Robinson was invested with enormous political significance. More than a celebrity under a magnifying glass, he had to represent an entire race. In 1949, after singer-activist Paul Robeson questioned whether African American soldiers would fight against the Soviet Union, Robinson testified before the House Committee on Un-American Activities, both affirming Black patriotism and blasting racial injustice.
Robinson lived in paradox. He was worshiped as a hero and disdained as just another second-class citizen. He injected baseball with audacious exuberance, yet suffered from excruciating pressure. His Dodgers proved the success of racial integration, winning six National League pennants, but lost five World Series to the New York Yankees. When the Dodgers finally triumphed over their hated rivals in 1955, Robinson watched from the bench, mired in injuries and slumps.
Kennedy fleshes out a proud, sincere and often stubborn man, especially in the final section. There is sweetness in Jackie’s devotion to Rachel, and there is tragedy in the saga of his son Jackie Jr., who overcame drug addiction and then died in a car accident. There is steeliness in Robinson’s political commitment, which included fundraising for civil rights organizations, campaigns with politicians of both parties and newspaper columns that criticized anyone who deserved it. There is an elegiac quality as Robinson makes his final rounds, burying some lingering resentments and asserting his place as baseball’s conscience.
The episodic structure of “True” has costs, as it bypasses some significant periods and themes in Robinson’s life. Most obviously, Kennedy pays minimal attention to the barrier-breaking integration of the Dodgers in 1947. He devotes little space to Brooklyn’s World Series futility or the franchise’s 1957 move to Los Angeles. Kennedy also might have explained that as one of the most important Black Republicans of his era, Robinson championed a progressive, patriotic political vision that got lost in the tumult of the 1960s.
”True” nevertheless explains Robinson in striking, human terms. Throughout the book, Kennedy sprinkles in the tale of Ira Glasser, a Jewish boy who grew up in East Flatbush and idolized Robinson. His fandom imparted subtle lessons about justice and equality. Glasser grew up to lead the American Civil Liberties Union. “We incorporated more than his style of play,” he wrote to Rachel Robinson upon her husband’s passing. “To us, baseball was a metaphor of life.”
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https://www.unionleader.com/book-world-jackie-robinsons-huge-talent-and-fierce-dedication-to-civil-rights/article_26e813de-7502-54f6-9e5d-2be9f3c7bf8d.html
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Emmett Lewis of Litchfield teethes on a miniature Spirit Airlines plane while waiting with his father, Adam, to fly to Orlando, Fla., on Spirit’s first departure from Manchester in October.
Emmett Lewis of Litchfield teethes on a miniature Spirit Airlines plane while waiting with his father, Adam, to fly to Orlando, Fla., on Spirit’s first departure from Manchester in October.
A new takeover offer for Spirit Airlines by JetBlue Airways of New York is now viewed as attractive enough for the South Florida-based carrier to enter into negotiations aimed at cutting a deal.
Late Thursday, Spirit, which already has a proposed $2.9 billion agreement on the table with Frontier Airlines, announced its board of directors believes JetBlue’s unsolicited $3.6 billion offer could lead to a “superior proposal” as defined in Spirit’s agreement with Frontier.
Spirit did not say when the JetBlue talks would begin.
In the interim, Spirit said it “remains bound by the terms of the merger agreement with Frontier,” and the Spirit board has not determined that JetBlue’s proposal is in fact a superior deal. Frontier and Spirit entered into their tentative agreement on February 7.
JetBlue quickly applauded the Spirit decision and said it looks forward “to engaging with the Spirit Board to finalize our combination.”
“We are pleased the Spirit board recognizes the compelling value for all stakeholders that JetBlue has offered,” said Robin Hayes, chief executive officer of JetBlue in a statement.
In October, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport started offering new flights by Spirit Airlines — the first new carrier in 17 years. The carrier offers flights to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa. Starting April 20, Spirit will begin flying to Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Wall Street analysts view the combination of Spirit and Frontier to be more compatible, as both are low-cost ultra discount airline. Hayes has acknowledged that JetBlue’s absorption of Spirit would pose logistical and work force “cultural” challenges arising from differences in the configurations of the airlines’ fleets and business models.
Spirit’s stock price was up slightly to $26.68 on Friday while JetBlue’s slid by 2.3% to $11.81. The shares of Frontier Holdings rose by a fraction to $10.74.
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https://www.unionleader.com/news/business/after-3-6-billion-offer-spirit-airlines-agrees-to-negotiate-with-jetblue/article_0d5cab7e-c91e-5402-b3b9-86e97188158f.html
| 2022-04-08T19:49:39
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Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has asked a federal appeals court to stop his execution and consider four constitutional arguments not addressed when the Supreme Court reinstated his death penalty last month.
In a motion to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, Tsarnaev’s lawyers argued a US District Court judge in Boston improperly forced their client to stand trial in the city, denied challenges of jurors they said lied to the court, dismissed a juror because of their views on the death penalty, and admitted evidence to the trial gathered from a “coerced confession.”
The Supreme Court ruled on March 4 to reinstate Tsarnaev’s death sentence after it was struck down by the First Circuit Court in 2020.
The appellate court had said that a judge’s errors involving evidence and jury selection necessitated dropping the death penalty. But that ruling was a mistake, the high court said in deciding that Tsarnaev would be put to death for placing twin bombs at the 2013 Boston Marathon with his brother.
Tsarnaev was a 19-year-old University of Massachusetts Dartmouth student on April 15, 2013, when he and his brother Tamerlan placed two homemade pressure-cooker bombs at the marathon finish line.
The explosives killed three people: Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu, and Martin Richard, who was just 8 years old at the time. Hundreds more were injured, some losing limbs. Three days later, after pictures of the brothers were released by federal investigators, the pair shot Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer Sean Collier and kidnapped a local resident in his car, before engaging police in a shootout in Watertown.
Tamerlan was killed during the confrontation with police after he was shot multiple times and then run over by Dzhokhar as the younger Tsarnaev escaped in a car. Dzhokhar eluded capture, setting off a manhunt that ended in his capture in Watertown.
After a high-profile trial, a jury in a Boston federal court found him guilty on 30 charges, including using a weapon of mass destruction.
The appeals court in 2020 upheld Tsarnaev’s conviction but overturned his death sentence. The court said US District Court Judge George O’Toole should not have prevented attorneys from asking potential jurors about media coverage they saw of the bombings prior to the trial. O’Toole also mistakenly blocked evidence implicating Tamerlan Tsarnaev in a 2011 Waltham triple murder said to have bolstered his younger brother’s resolve to commit violence at the 2013 marathon, the appellate court ruled.
But the Supreme Court decided along ideological lines to overturn the lower court’s ruling.
In a 6-3 decision — with Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissenting — the court found O’Toole did not abuse his discretion by declining to allow potential jurors to be asked about media coverage of the bombings.
In the majority opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas also said that O’Toole was correct to exclude evidence from the Waltham murders. Dzhokhar had sought to introduce evidence connecting Tamerlan to the murders, in order to argue he was the ringleader of the bombing. But the evidence, Thomas said, did not allow the jury to consider Tamerlan’s possible role in the murders, which he did not face charges over.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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https://www.unionleader.com/news/courts/boston-bomber-asks-court-to-drop-death-penalty/article_595c5696-9a0b-58ee-8662-3ee6623b6cf4.html
| 2022-04-08T19:49:45
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Officials have identified a man who went underwater and did not resurface on Wednesday in the area of Nine Island at the junction of the Passumpsic and Connecticut Rivers in Monroe.
The man has been identified as Jonathan Zukowski, 31, of Woodstock. Search efforts are continuing, according a release from the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol on Friday.
Around 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, state police dispatch received a 9-1-1 call reporting two people stranded on an island and a third individual who had gone underwater nearby and had not resurfaced.
Marine Patrol Sgt. Seth Alie and Supervisor David Jones responded to the scene. According to state police, three men had been fishing from Nine Island when one man noticed their boat was drifting away and entered the water to try to retrieve it.
“Despite attempts to throw him a life jacket, he went underwater and did not resurface,” Marine Patrol said in a statement.
State police, New Hampshire Fish and Game, fire personnel from Monroe, Littleton and Bath as well as St. Johnsbury, Vt., and Woodville EMS responded.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information related to the suspected drowning or who witnessed it is asked to contact Sgt. Seth Alie at 603-227-2117 or by email at Seth.P.Alie@dos.nh.gov.
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https://www.unionleader.com/news/safety/officials-id-man-presumed-drowned-in-the-area-of-nine-island/article_24c5c34c-c986-5c17-ab9e-c8ee614e431c.html
| 2022-04-08T19:49:51
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Oklahoma’s failed school voucher bill is just the latest battle in an ongoing war
- By Kayla Branch | The Frontier
The chatter of young students on their lunch break filled up the Infinity Generation Preparatory School room, tucked into a storefront in a shopping center a few blocks away from the Oklahoma Capitol.
The private school serves students from preschool to 12th grade. Infinity Generation opened in 2018 and now has about 40 students and a dozen teachers. It shares a new playground with a church around the corner.
The curriculum is skills-based, meaning the teachers create individualized education plans for students based on their knowledge and state academic standards, said teacher Tamaiko Mays. Individualized education paired with small class sizes are the main drawing points for many parents that choose private schools.
“For me, I needed this type of school when I was a kid. I was shy, and I wasn’t going to ask a question and say I didn’t understand,” she said. “We try to understand a child’s learning style and keep up the excitement.”
The school doesn’t ask parents to pay more than $1 a day for a year of instruction, but the actual cost per kid is close to $12,000, said director and school co-founder Gina Darby. Grants and private donations have made up the difference, and the school was accredited last year by the state Department of Education. Now over half of the students qualify to receive state private school scholarships.
So when Darby heard about Senate Bill 1647, she was excited. The bill, authored by Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, would have given parents thousands of dollars in state funding to spend on private educational expenses. Students and teachers from Infinity Generation visited the state Capitol and met with Gov. Kevin Stitt, who has been a vocal proponent of funding school choice options with tax dollars.
But the controversial bill failed during a late-night vote on the Senate floor last month after opposition from some Republicans who were educators or represent rural districts with fewer private school options.
Public education advocates say the bill would have primarily subsidized tuition for kids who can already afford private school. Many private schools have tuition that far exceeds what would have been covered by the bill.
Although Senate Bill 1647 is technically dead, Treat’s plan to put tax dollars into education savings accounts for parents to use on private school expenses will likely come up again, either during budget negotiations later this session or next year. Treat told reporters after the bill failed that the idea could find more support if Stitt, who has vowed to support school choice legislation, is reelected in November. Stitt’s favored pick for state Superintendent, Secretary of Education Ryan Walters, has also been a vocal supporter of school vouchers.
“We’ve won the battle,” said Union Public Schools Superintendent Kirt Hartzler. “But we have not won the war.”
Private school voucher programs have already made small but steady inroads in the state over the years.
Over the last decade, the state has delivered nearly $60 million in public money to fund private schools as more students participate in two school-choice scholarship programs, according to data from the Oklahoma Tax Commission and the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.
Senate Bill 1647 was the latest and most ambitious attempt to broaden school choice in Oklahoma, a movement that has flourished nationwide during the pandemic. The Cato Institute, a Libertarian think tank, called 2021 the “best year ever” for school choice policies. Dozens of states have passed or at least debated legislation that would expand school choice programs in recent years.
Shifting funding to private schools has left underfunded public educators feeling frustrated as they deal with teacher shortages and navigate new regulations imposed by the Legislature.
“It’s just a tough, scary situation that feels like they could just take us apart,” said Don Ford, director of the Organization of Rural Oklahoma Schools.
Funding for scholarship programs increasing
Without financial assistance from the state to attend private schools, low-income students are “trapped in a system that has failed many Oklahoma children and left our state 49th in the nation in education,” Stitt said in a press release.
A small but growing share of state money is already going to fund some private school voucher programs.
Since 2010, Oklahoma has provided vouchers to some qualifying students to attend approved private schools through the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship program. Over $38 million has been diverted from public school funding to the program since its inception, according to the Oklahoma State School Boards Association.
Eligibility has expanded over the years from just students with certain disabilities to include children with involvement in the foster care or juvenile justice systems. This has helped the program grow from a handful of participants in 2011 to more than 1,000 in 2021, according to EdChoice, a national pro-school choice group.
Over $21 million in state funding has been diverted to fund private school scholarships through the Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship program since 2013. The program provides tax credits to individuals and businesses who fund scholarships to private schools or educational improvement grants to public schools. Students that meet income thresholds or live near a public school deemed in need of improvement by the state are eligible for Equal Opportunity scholarships to private schools.
The tax credit program initially had an annual $5-million cap, but lawmakers dramatically increased allowable credits for donors last year to $50 million. While half of the program is geared toward donations to public schools, only a fraction of tax credits were claimed for that purpose.
Sen. Jake Merrick, R-Yukon was one of several Senate Republicans to vote against Senate Bill 1647. But he said that backing school choice may seem like a good option for some conservative parents frustrated by schooling in the pandemic and concerned about classroom curriculum.
“This mixture of clashing values and this question about are they getting the right education, I think those two factors are causing parents to step in and say we want to make sure that things are happening inside the school that are in line with our values and in line with our goals for our children. And if they’re not, then we want to be able to go somewhere else,” Merrick said.
But Senate Bill 1647 went “too far,” he said, creating an entirely new program that was much broader than existing programs for small, targeted groups of students.
While school choice groups say tax credit and voucher programs actually save the state money, public school advocates contend that the programs pull millions out of state revenue.
“It’s just unfathomable that we would have a discussion about shifting dollars to fund private school education when our public schools aren’t adequately funded by any measure that you want to use,” said David Pennington, director of the United Suburban Schools Association.
Oklahoma schools ranked in the bottom 10 states for per-pupil spending for the 2019- 2020, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Funding for public schools has increased in recent years, reaching a high of more than $3.1 billion this budget year. But Katherine Bishop, president of the Oklahoma Education Association, said those increases have been “digging ourselves out of a hole” after years of budget cuts, inflation and a growing student population.
“That underfunding just creates a cascade,” Bishop said.
Ideals behind public education
Union Superintendent Kirk Hartzler has been a public school educator for nearly four decades. He said the issues Oklahoma’s schools face now are similar to what they were in the 1990s — lack of funding and a severe teacher shortage.
Teacher walkouts in 1990 and 2018 have forced the Legislature to increase pay for educators and dedicate some funding streams to public schools, he said. But lawmakers have gradually chipped away at those advances over the years with tax cuts.
While public schools are required to provide transparency about how they spend tax dollars, private schools aren’t held to the same standards, Pennington said. Private schools also determine their own admissions guidelines, which can range from grade requirements to discipline history to requiring parents to sign a statement of faith agreeing that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
Some public education advocates also worry that additional state funding to private schools would create more inequalities for the kids left behind in public schools, since many of the families struggling the most may not have the time and resources to navigate the complex education system.
“To say these are just failing schools, I think is a mischaracterization. We have families, we have children who are in tough environments that we have chosen as a state not to really try to address,” Pennington said.
The Union school district has over 15,000 students and has spent more than a decade trying to cultivate a sense of community despite its size, pushing for a 100% graduation rate and allowing for students and families to have more control over schedules, Hartzler said.
Because of that work, Hartzler believes Union schools will fare well even as the push for school choice and vouchers in Oklahoma continues. But he fears the ideals behind public education as an institution that brings people together despite their differences will be what suffers.
“I‘m not so sure there’s too many institutions out there today that afford us the opportunity to do that,” he said. “And if our state ever were to start really proliferating this voucher movement, I think we will look up someday and be very disappointed with what we have created.”
The Frontier is a nonprofit, independent news source based in Tulsa. Frontier content is republished in The Transcript through a special content agreement. For more information on The Frontier, visit readfrontier.org.
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James "Jim" Drennan 71, of Norman passed away April 5, 2022. A celebration of Jim's life will be held 11:00am Friday April 15, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Norman. Online condolences may be shared at www.tribute.care
David Brady, 84, passed at home. Memorial service is Thursday April 14, at 10:00AM at Primrose Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Shriners Hospital for Children or OKC Rescue Mission. Sign the online guestbook at www.primrosefuneralservice.com
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https://www.normantranscript.com/news/oklahoma-s-failed-school-voucher-bill-is-just-the-latest-battle-in-an-ongoing-war/article_855ebeda-b769-11ec-b1ac-575bc40f0220.html
| 2022-04-08T19:52:12
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Lil Durk is scheduled to perform on Friday, April 8, at Arizona Federal Theatre.Ticketmaster
The Valley’s spring concert season is in full swing, and things couldn’t be busier. And the stretch from Friday, April 8, to Sunday, April 10, will be especially stacked with noteworthy shows.
In addition to all the big performances happening at Arizona Bike Week up in north Scottsdale and at Country Thunder Arizona down in Florence, this weekend’s concert calendar will feature plenty of great gigs.
Popular rappers Lil Durk and Baby Keem will both be in town on Friday night. Meanwhile, electro-funk duo Chromeo will perform a DJ set over at Walter Where?House. This weekend will also see local punkgrass band The Haymarket Squares reunite their original lineup, a free outdoor show by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and EDM artists like Krewella and JAUZ in the mix.
Details about each of these shows and events can be found below. And for even more live music happening around the Valley, visit Phoenix New Times’ online concert listings.
After two years of pandemic-related delays and postponements, followed by a rare fall edition last October, Country Thunder is back to its original spot as a springtime event. The 2022 edition of the annual multiday country music festival, which draws thousands to the grounds of Canyon Moon Ranch, 20585 East Water Way in Florence, will feature such superstars as Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Chase Rice, Tracy Lawrence, and controversial artist Morgan Wallen. Others scheduled to perform at the festival from Friday, April 8, to Sunday, April 10, include Gabby Barrett, Sawyer Brown, Randy Houser, Lindsay Ell, Michael Ray, Jameson Rogers, Hardy, MacKenzie Porter, and Blanco Brown. General admission is $150 to $175 each day or $245 for the entire weekend. Benjamin Leatherman
If you want to know what a Chromeo DJ set is like, there are a couple of routes you can take. You can live vicariously through others who have seen these makers of electro-funk and synth-y dance music rock a venue as turntable masters. Or, you just go have a damn real-life experience and check them out for yourself on Friday, April 8, at Walter Where?House, 702 North 21st Avenue. Chromeo is David Macklovitch and Patrick Gemayel, known respectively as Dave 1 and P-Thugg, who met while attending the same college in the '90s. In 2002, the friends began making music together and have since been layering amped-up beats with funk, rock, and soul sounds geared to inspire long, sweaty nights of dancing. Expect things to get funky — it’s a part of what this twosome does — and let these freaky, nu-disco dudes provide your Friday night soundtrack. The music starts at 9 p.m. and Jake Stellarwell of Recordbar Radio opens. Tickets are $10 to $30. Amy Young
Baby Keem at Marquee Theatre
After releasing his mixtape, The Sound of Bad Habit, in 2018, rapper Baby Keem's profile has only continued to grow, including landing on XXL's Freshman Class in 2020. He's collaborated with the likes of Kanye West, Travis Scott, and his cousin Kendrick Lamar. He's currently on tour in support of his debut studio album, The Melodic Blue, which brings him to Tempe’s Marquee Theatre, 730 North Mill Avenue, on Friday, April 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets are only available through resellers. Ashley-Anna Aborenden
It seemed for a while like Rob Zombie was taking his film career more seriously than his music. However, his career as a gruesome horror amateur hasn't exactly elevated him to the level of George A. Romero or John Carpenter. Still, his yen for gory (albeit campy) schlock has helped made him a metal and hard rock icon over the past three decades and his influence has crossed over into other genres, inspiring up-and-coming rappers like Lil Uzi Vert and Rico Nasty. Zombie’s most recent album, 2021’s The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy, even topped Billboard's Top Rock Albums and Hard Rock Albums charts shortly after its release. He’s set to perform at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 North Pima Road, at 9 p.m. on Friday, April 8, during a headlining concert at the annual Arizona Bike Week. Ticketsare $56. Matthew Keever
Lil Durk at Arizona Federal Theatre
Rapper Lil Durk has been the longest-lasting champion of the drill scene that came out of Chicago. His latest album, 7220, released in March, gives us a new chapter in the legacy of the Chicago MC. The drill scene was a sound of the youth of Chicago and many of the artists that came out of that scene were very young when they found themselves in the public eye. At 29, Lil Durk has more years in the game than most his age. The 18 songs featured on 7220 offer a slew of first-rate features (like Future, Gunna, and Summer Walker), including a surprising appearance by country music star Morgan Wallen (who was embroiled in controversy after being caught on video using the N-word) on the track “Broadway Girls.” (The rapper stated on a recent episode of The Full Send Podcast that he doesn’t believe Wallen is racist.) It’s just one of the ways Durk continues flexing on the world. His tour in support of 7220 will hit Arizona Federal Theatre, 400 West Washington Street, on Friday, April 8. The gig starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $39.50 to $79.50. Jeff Kinni and Benjamin Leatherman
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus at Tempe Marketplace
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’ debut album Don’t You Fake It reached platinum status in 2016, a decade after its release. Supported by the singles “Face Down,” “False Pretense” and “Your Guardian Angel,” the Florida rockers rose to stardom. Since then, TRJA has released a total of five albums, most recently 2018’s The Awakening. Fans of emotive rock can see the band in-person during a free show at Tempe Marketplace, 2000 East Rio Salado Parkway, on Saturday, April 9. Outsiders and This Modern open the 7 p.m. show, which will take place at the outdoor mall’s District Stage. Matthew Keever
A promotional image for Los Tigres del Norte's current tour.
Ticketmaster
Los Tigres del Norte at Arizona Federal Theatre
This San Jose-based group of brothers are one of the largest and most beloved musical ensembles to come out of the Mexican norteño genre. Over the last four decades, Los Tigres Del Norte has released more than 50 albums, selling over 30 million copies, and have contributed greatly to the modernization of corridos, the classic Mexican ballad. Whether they sing songs of lovers torn apart by family quarrels, songs of heartbreak, or the ballads of those caught up in the illegal drug trade, everyone inside Arizona Federal Theatre, 400 West Washington Street, will be singing along to Los Tigres during their concert on Saturday, April 9. Tickets for the 8 p.m. concert are $82.50 and up. Julian Hernandez
Journey at Gila River Arena
Now fronted by Filipino singer Arnel Pineda, classic rock band Journey will headline a night of soft rock on Saturday, April 9, at Gila River Arena, 9400 West Maryland Avenue, with a little help from TOTO. Founded in 1973 by former members of Santana's and Steve Miller's backing bands, Journey saw its biggest commercial success with singer Steve Perry between 1978 and 1987. During that time, Journey had 19 songs in the top 40 — the biggest being the inescapable "Don't Stop Believin'." Original guitarist Neal Schon and longtime multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Cain remain at the band's helm, while their 21st-century members have taken over the rhythm section. Pineda has been the band's lead singer since 2007 and has been praised for his vocal range, which has been likened to Perry's. The band's setlist will include classic Journey songs in addition to cuts from the band's 2022 release Freedom. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert are $55 to $780. David Fletcher
Ed Schrader's Music Beat at Yucca Tap Room
This minimalist, post-punk/art-rock duo from Baltimore careens wildly between styles. Most listeners probably discover Ed Schrader's Music Beat from its song "Sermon," which appears on a terrifying episode of Adult Swim's Infomercials show called "Unedited Footage of a Bear," on which a woman takes an allergy pill and reality as she knows it ceases to exist. Get ready to declare your disinterest in the better interest and attend their gig on Saturday, April 9, at Tempe’s Yucca Tap Room, 29 West Southern Avenue. Locals Dadadoh and Daphne and the Glitches open the 7:30 p.m. gig. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. John Bear
Krewella at Sunbar Tempe
Krewella is a sister duo that hails from Houston whose with far-reaching multicultural backgrounds find their way into its sound. The pair's electro-pop music swept onto the scene in 2012; this year saw the release of a third studio album, The Body Never Lies. The duo also emphasizes philanthropy and sustainable fashion, exclusively donning thrifted clothes or pieces made from recycled materials. They’re scheduled to take over the sound system at Tempe’s nightclub Sunbar, 24 West Fifth Street, on Saturday, April 9. Madgrrl, Fairydvst, and Zule will open the evening at 9 p.m. Tickets are $23. Mary Gibson
Lynyrd Skynyrd at Arizona Bike Week
Technically, Lynyrd Skynyrd hasn't existed since 1977, when Ronnie Van Zant and several other band members died tragically in a plane crash. Nevertheless, Ronnie's younger brother Johnny Van Zant has insisted on keeping the band touring pretty consistently since 1987. Only one of the founding members, guitarist Gary Rossington, is still with the band, and nothing the second-generation version has done could even approach the band's original work, like "Simple Man," "Gimme Three Steps" or "Sweet Home Alabama." As such, there is really no reason to see Lynyrd Skynyrd live for the music — your records at home will sound much better — but there's no better people-watching than at a show like their performance on Saturday, April 9, during Arizona Bike Week at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 North Pima Road. Lynyrd Skynyrd appeals to a certain rowdy type of crowd, so you'd better be ready to duck some elbows, drink some beer, and witness other wild antics during what’s likely to be a memorable performance. The Christopher Shayne Band opens at 6:30 p.m. and Lynyrd Skynyrd will take the stage at 9 p.m. Tickets are $57. Amy McCarthy
The Haymarket Squares are bringing back their OG lineup this weekend.
Rachael Smith
The Haymarket Squares at Last Exit Live
To paraphrase the legendary Mark Twain, rumors of the Haymarket Squares’ demise have been greatly exaggerated. While it's been a couple of years since the local "punkgrass" band last performed, owing to the pandemic and factors, they aren't ready to hang up their instruments just yet. This weekend, the Haymarket Squares will bring together its original lineup of guitarist/banjo player John Luther Norris, mandolin player Mark Sunman, bassist Marc Oxborrow, and slide guitarist Mark Allred for a show on Sunday, April 10, at Last Exit Live, 717 South Central Avenue. Expect the Squares to provide their usual high-energy set, which will mix punk attitude, sociopolitical righteousness, four-part harmonies, and bluegrass stylings. The end results? A "moshpit hoedown” and one of this weekend's "can't miss" concerts. Doors open at 7 p.m. and The Blood Feud Family Singers and The Pubes provide opening sets. Admission is $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Benjamin Leatherman
Big D and the Kids Table has been at the skanking game for more than two decades. Formed in 1995 at the height of the Third Wave ska revival, the Boston group wound up, ironically enough, finding its biggest success long after ska became little more than a punchline to most listeners. The joke, though, is on the haters: Packed with elastic horn riffs, lung-popping sing-alongs, and a high ratio of bounce per ounce, Big D's anthems are a welcome blast of pure fun in an age of crappy dance-punk and self-important indie rock. The nine-member ensemble is touring behind their latest full-length, Do Your Art, which was released last year on SideOneDummy Records, and are due at Yucca Tap Room, 29 West Southern Avenue in Tempe, on Sunday, April 10. The Maxies and Left Alone open the 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $18 in advance, $22 at the door. Jason Heller
Guitar virtuoso Trace Bundy, better known as the "Acoustic Ninja."
Madison House
Trace Bundy at Musical Instrument Museum
Trace Bundy has quietly been going about his business as a musician for more than two decades. But, really, calling him a musician doesn't quite do justice to what the guy does with a guitar. With a pioneering finger-style technique that incorporates up to five capos across various strings of his guitar at once, Bundy displays a mastery of the instrument that's second to none. Great music gets discovered regardless of where in the world it originates. Such is the case with Bundy, who's quickly being welcomed into the pantheon of guitar greats through his amazing YouTube clips in which he applies his signature style to songs ranging from his own highly technical and gorgeous original compositions to cover songs from the likes of Eminem and Guns N' Roses to new and inventive versions of baroque classical music standards. Bundy will show off his guitar mastery on Sunday, April 10, at the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 East Mayo Boulevard. His performance starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $35.50 to $41.50. Dutch Seyfarth
Since 2017, the Los Angeles-based band Wallows has won over many a teenaged fan with its brand of surf rock-inspired tunes. Although it’s been a few years, the trio of Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters, and Cole Preston will return to the Valley for a gig on Sunday, April 10, at The Van Buren, 401 West Van Buren Street. Wallows has been touring consistently since the release of its debut LP, Nothing Happens, in March 2019. With two more albums (2020’s Remote and this year’s Tell Me That It's Over) under their belts, the band now has an assortment of original songs to choose from while curating set lists. Their show at the Van Buren starts at 8 p.m. and Spill Tab and Jordana will open. Tickets are $35 to $125. Katherine Wong
DJ and producer Sam Vogel, better known as JAUZ, creates a genre-bending blend of trap, bass house, and dubstep has since launched him into the EDM stratosphere. He founded his own label-slash-collective, Bite This, in November 2017, releasing singles from rising British bassline producers Holy Goof and ATRIP, future house duo Loge21, and “digital renegade” duo Pixel Terror. He releases his own music on Bite This Too, including debut studio album The Wise and the Wicked. This weekend, local EDM events promoter Relentless Beats will be bringing him to Maya Dayclub, 7333 East Indian Plaza in Scottsdale, for an afternoon pool party. Gates open at noon and tickets are $45. Elle Carroll
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| 2022-04-08T19:58:39
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NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are mixed on Friday, and Wall Street is heading for its first losing week in the last four as investors brace for the Federal Reserve to press the brakes on the economy more aggressively to beat down inflation.
The S&P 500 was 0.1% higher in afternoon trading after earlier drifting between small losses and gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 244 points, or 0.7%, at 34,828, as of 2 p.m. Eastern time. Technology stocks were again lagging the market, dragging the Nasdaq composite down 0.8%.
The S&P 500 remains on track for a loss of 1% this week. Stocks have slumped as the Federal Reserve swings more aggressively toward fighting inflation by raising short-term interest rates and making other moves. It’s a sharp reversal from keeping rates at record lows to stimulate the economy and carry it through the pandemic.
Investors learned this week that the Fed may hike short-term rates by double the usual amount several times at upcoming meetings, and that it came very close to doing so last month. The last time that happened was in 2000. The Fed also indicated in the minutes from its last meeting that it’s likely to shrink its massive stockpile of bonds by up to $95 billion monthly, starting as soon as next month.
Altogether, the moves should make it more expensive for U.S. households and businesses to borrow, which would in turn slow the economy and hopefully halt the hottest inflation in 40 years.
On Wall Street, higher rates particularly hurt stocks seen as the most expensive. That’s because higher rates mean better returns for owning relatively safe bonds, which makes investors less willing to pay higher prices for riskier assets like stocks.
That’s why big technology and other high-growth stocks have led the market lower recently. Apple, Nvidia, Tesla and Amazon were among Friday’s heaviest weights on the market, with each dropping at least 1.1%.
Worries are also rising about he strength of the economy. With the Federal Reserve set to raise rates so aggressively, the fear is that it will squeeze the brakes so hard that it will force the economy into a recession. While that’s not the consensus on Wall Street, economists at Deutsche Bank earlier this week said they project a U.S. recession by late next year.
The war in Ukraine has made things more uncertain by threatening to worsen inflation and damage the global economy. Prices for oil, gas and food have been particularly volatilesince Russia invaded the country.
A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 1.2% to $97.19 on Friday. It has swung wildly in recent weeks and briefly topped $130 last month. Brent crude, the international standard, added 1% to $101.58 per barrel.
Much of the market’s focus has been on the bond market, where expectations for more aggressive Fed action have sent yields to their highest levels in three years. The 10-year yield climbed to 2.70% from 2.65% late Thursday. It was at just 1.51% at the start of the year.
It could be set to rise further as the Fed not only halts but reverses its program to buy trillions of dollars of bonds.
The bond buying helped prices for stocks and other financial assets to soar and markets to stay relatively calm, Chief Investment Strategist Michael Hartnett wrote in a recent BofA Global Research report.
Now the Fed is less than a month away from reversing that, which “by design will be negative” for financial assets, Hartnett said. He said it should lead to higher bond yields and higher volatility in markets.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 continues to squeeze the economy around the world, particularly in China. Shanghai residents face severe restrictions on movement and activities because of a surge in infections, with economic effects rippling around the world.
ACM Research, a supplier of equipment for the semiconductor industry that has offices and production facilities in Shanghai, said the restrictions will cause a significant hit to its revenue. The stock fell 5.8%.
A jump in COVID-19 cases is also behind airline disruptions in Europe. Two major airlines, British Airways and easyJet, canceled about 100 flights Wednesday. The industry is suffering from staff shortages because of the virus.
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AP Business Writer Yuri Kageyama contributed.
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BERLIN (AP) — The German government on Friday unveiled a package of loans and other financial assistance to help companies hit hard by the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia.
The package includes loans of as much as 100 billion ($109 billion) to cover the credit risks taken by Germany’s energy industry as the country scrambles to replace imports of Russian oil, gas and coal.
Affected companies will also be able to apply for limited grants to cover increased energy costs.
Additional loans will also be made available to companies grappling with a liquidity squeeze.
Economy Minister Robert Habeck said the package was necessary because “there are companies and sectors that won’t survive this period if we don’t help them.”
But he acknowledged that the measures won’t undo all of the damage done by measures including sanctions European nations have imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
“The truth is that there are no sanctions that don’t have economic consequences in this country,” he said.
Separately, the government agreed late Thursday to provide states with 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion) to pay for housing, health care, schooling and other assistance for Ukrainian refugees.
Germany has so far taken in 320,000 Ukrainians since the start of the war on Feb. 24.
Many have flocked to the big cities, with at least 50,000 Ukrainians settling in Berlin alone.
A leading Left party lawmaker, Dietmar Bartsch, urged for greater efforts to seize the wealth of Russian oligarchs in Germany in order to to help pay for the cost of the refugee influx.
“Those who profit from and support Putin’s system should be drawn on financially to pay for hosting refugees in Germany,” he told daily Rheinischen Post in an interview published Friday.
Bartsch said other European countries seized far greater amounts from sanctioned Russian oligarchs than Germany has.
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| 2022-04-08T20:00:04
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Last Mile Food Rescue in Cincinnati started shopping in November for a refrigerated box truck to move perishable donations from food retailers to distribution sites. The purchase would take some of the pressure off overstretched volunteers, who would have to make three or more runs in their cars to haul as much food as a single truckload.
But Last Mile is experiencing sticker shock. Prices for the kind of truck its leaders have in mind have soared thousands of dollars in recent months, to as much as $80,000. For an organization with an annual budget of $650,000, that’s too big a hit to absorb.
Frustrated, the charity started looking for used trucks, but the prices of used vehicles have shot up as well.
“We look every day,” says Julie Shifman, Last Mile’s executive director. “We hope that we will be able to afford it, or a major donor might be able to come in to help us.”
Last Mile is far from alone. Nonprofits of all kinds are getting hit hard by inflation, experts say. Price and wage increases are hurting nonprofits in multiple ways, making it harder to keep up with their own basic operational expenses while also forcing them to curtail the services they provide.
At the same time, there are early signs that the burst of generosity donors showed in the first year of the pandemic may be slowing considerably.
“It’s not a pretty equation,” says Shannon McCracken, chief executive of the Nonprofit Alliance, an advocacy group.
Nonprofits that provide annual cost-of-living increases for their workers, as many do, are getting hit with higher payroll costs of about 6% even without any increase based on merit or seniority, McCracken says.
David Lipsetz, CEO at the Housing Assistance Council, says inflation has eaten into the number of affordable-housing units his organization can provide.
The council underwrites loans for housing developments at below-market rates in some of the poorest regions of the country, and it strives to maximize the amount of housing it can build with limited resources. “We’re operating on extraordinarily thin margins,” says Lipsetz. “We are putting those loans out the door as cheaply as we can.”
When the price of building materials goes up 10%, says Lipsetz, there’s usually no room in the loan to accommodate that increase. Lipsetz says that sometimes his nonprofit can rework the terms of the loan or find additional sources of financing, but it doesn’t always work out.
“It’s stalled countless projects for us, right in the middle of a period of time when housing and shelter are the most important things needed to weather the storm of a pandemic,” says Lipsetz. “For us, a modest increase in costs can shut down a project in an area of the country where it’s needed the most.”
Jesse Tree, a nonprofit in Boise, Idaho, that pays rent for people who are on the verge of being evicted, has seen sharp increases in demand for assistance in recent years. Ali Rabe, the organization’s executive director, says research shows housing prices in her region shot up 75% from 2015 to 2020 at a time when local wages increased 18%.
The situation has only gotten worse since 2020, says Rabe. Work-at-home policies spurred by the pandemic allowed highly paid urban dwellers to relocate to rural areas, she says, and housing prices shot up another 40% or so last year.
Local courts in the Treasury Valley region of southwestern Idaho, which Jesse Tree serves, hold about 20 eviction hearings a week, says Rabe.
“We can only help about a quarter of people who apply for assistance,” she says.
A government grant provided through federal Covid assistance helped the nonprofit maintain operations, but that grant expires in September, says Rabe. The nonprofit is hoping donors will fill the gap, she says.
Nonprofits by their nature are in a poor position to adapt to rising costs, experts say. While McDonald’s can offset higher beef costs by raising the cost of a Big Mac, for many nonprofits the only options are to cut services or hope donors will come to the rescue.
Kelley Kuhn, CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, says nonprofits that provide basic goods and services, like food and housing, are being hit the hardest. At the same time, nonprofits are struggling to retain workers who are being lured away by businesses that are able to offer higher salaries, says Kuhn.
“That’s something any nonprofit is experiencing now, trying to keep up with the requests for higher salaries and wages,” Kuhn says. She added that a passion for the mission won’t keep nonprofit workers from seeking higher wages elsewhere if they can’t meet basic living expenses.
“That’s a lot of strain on human capital happening for nonprofits,” she says.
Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott recently took the sting of inflation away for some nonprofits with another round of major gifts. The Housing Assistance Council, for example, got $7 million. And Habitat for Humanity, which has had to scale back the number of houses it builds due to increased costs of lumber and land, got $439 million, which will allow it to reverse course and ramp up operations.
Corinne O’Connell, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, says the cost of replacing a roof on a row house shot up from $5,000 to $8,500 in a single year. And while her local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity received $5 million of Scott’s gift, she notes that most nonprofits can’t count on getting bailed out by a generous billionaire. “The screws just keep tightening on nonprofits who are working on the front lines,” O’Connell says.
Like Shifman at Last Mile, Diana Lara leads a charity that collects and distributes food that was otherwise headed for the garbage. Lara’s Southern California nonprofit Food Finders has three trucks and a van, all refrigerated, and the fuel costs are gobbling up a bigger share of its budget.
At the same time, grocery stores are hanging onto perishable food longer, she says. Food that previously would have been donated is getting marked down for a quick sale instead.
The group purchases some nonperishable food to supplement donated goods, and those costs are rising, says Lara. Meanwhile new hires are demanding higher starting pay.
In short, a wide array of expenses are over budget.
“So we’re starting to feel that in our pockets,” she says. “It’s just insane.”
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This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Dan Parks is a senior editor at the Chronicle. Email: dan.parks@philanthropy.com. The AP and the Chronicle receive support from the Lilly Endowment for coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits. The AP and the Chronicle are solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.
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| 2022-04-08T20:00:11
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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A study published out of Iceland that examined the benefits of a four-day workweek called it “an overwhelming success” and the news spread among international media and governments – as well as companies. An academic researcher specializing in business management based out of Tennessee shared some insight this week on the four-day workweek and how employee productivity can be approached.
Studies out of Japan and New Zealand also posted positive results for the four-day workweek. Business, management, and organizational experts at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business say that while the four-day workweek is a hot topic of late, the idea has been around for a while.
Academic and management research studies dating back to the 1970s or earlier discuss the idea of a four-day workweek and since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified various companies’ approaches to how they manage their employees.
“There is actually a fairly large amount – and growing – of current literature on the four-day workweek,” Timothy P. Munyon, associate professor of management at UT Haslam College of Business, said. “The general consensus is that it improves productivity, reduces burnout, and increases respite.”
Munyon specializes in management and is the Janet and Jeff Davis Faculty Research Fellow at Haslam College of Business. His current research interests include the causes and effects of social influence at work, human resource management practices, and entrepreneur and family firm behavior. Munyon’s research has been published in multiple journals covering management, psychology, organizational behavior, and human resource management.
“Evidence is fairly compelling for the viability of a ‘results-only work environment,'” Munyon said. “This concept isn’t new, but the idea is to give people tasks, resources, and autonomy to get the work done, and then hold them accountable for outputs, rather than processes.”
Munyon also said these structures can save lots of time, give employees flexibility that they desire or need, and also can change the organization’s orientation toward its people.
“Of course, this is primarily intended for knowledge work roles, but may be applicable to other forms of work too, including manufacturing,” he said.
Historically, the 40-hour, five-day workweek became part of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Since then, the workforce has seen significant changes such as women entering the workforce in droves; the increased influence of international relations and employment; the onset of the internet and information age – and most recently, the coronavirus pandemic.
As far as hours spent during a workweek, workaholism is not as productive, experts say.
“Additional research suggests that there aren’t significant differences between the 55-hour and 70-hour work-week, suggesting that ‘classic workaholism’ doesn’t result in demonstrably improved productivity relative to a more balanced work-week.,” Munyon said.
A U.S. Congressman representing California last summer proposed legislation (US HB4728) for a 32-hour, four-day workweek and it gained momentum in Washington, D.C. In December, the Congressional Progressive Caucus endorsed the proposed bill. Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
“As a longtime member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, I am proud that the caucus voted to formally endorse my 32-Hour Workweek Act in support of transitioning toward a modern-day business model that prioritizes productivity, fair pay, and an improved quality of life for workers across the country,” Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) said in a December statement. “After a nearly two-year-long pandemic that forced millions of people to explore remote work options, it’s safe to say that we can’t – and shouldn’t – simply go back to normal, because normal wasn’t working. People were spending more time at work, less time with loved ones, their health and well-being was worsening, and all the while, their pay has remained stagnant. This is a serious problem. It’s time for progress and I am confident that with the CPC behind this bill, we can take meaningful steps forward and create positive, lasting change in people’s lives.”
At last check, the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act bill had been sent to the House Education and Labor Committee, where it is pending.
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| 2022-04-08T20:00:18
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TOKYO (AP) — Japan announced Friday it is expelling eight Russian diplomats and trade officials and will phase out imports of Russian coal and oil, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida saying Moscow must be held accountable for “war crimes” in Ukraine.
Kishida said Japan will also ban imports of Russian lumber, vodka and other goods, and will prohibit new Japanese investment in Russia.
It will also step up financial sanctions against Russian banks and freeze assets of about 400 more individuals and groups, including military-linked organizations, Kishida said at a news conference.
He said atrocities against civilians and attacks on nuclear facilities in Ukraine are “severe violations of international law and are absolutely impermissible.”
“We are at a critical moment in our efforts to get Russia to stop its cruel invasion of Ukraine and restore peace. Everyone, please cooperate,” Kishida said, referring to the sanctions’ impact on Japan, such as higher prices for gasoline, electricity and food.
Earlier Friday, the Foreign Ministry announced it is expelling eight Russian diplomats and trade officials. European countries have already expelled dozens of Russian diplomats.
Kishida said the expulsion is based on a “comprehensive decision taking into consideration Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.” He added that Japan will do utmost to ensure safety of Japanese nationals and companies still in Russia in case of a retaliation.
Europe and the United States have also stepped up sanctions against Russia, including restrictions on coal imports, following revelations of harrowing atrocities against civilians in Ukrainian cities.
Kishida said the additional sanctions are in line with an agreement by the Group of Seven industrialized nations.
Reduction of fossil fuel imports from Russia is a difficult choice for resource-poor Japan, whose hydrocarbon needs account for about half of its total energy mix. The decision could mean a shift for Japan’s energy policy toward more renewables and nuclear power.
Russia accounts for about 11% of Japanese coal imports and also ranks among the top exporters of liquefied natural gas and oil, according to government data.
Kishida said Russian coal is used industry-wide, from utility companies to cement and steel manufacturers. “We will have to assess the impact first, and will take steps toward Russian coal ban by securing alternatives,” Kishida said, declining to set a timeline for a total ban.
The measures agreed to by G-7 leaders include a phasing out or banning of imports of Russian coal and oil. Trade Minister Koichi Hagiuda said Japan plans to gradually reduce its energy reliance on Russia while seeking ways to reduce the burden on Japanese companies.
Japan had already imposed some sanctions, including freezing assets of top Russian officials such as President Vladimir Putin, restricting exports of goods including sensitive items with dual military use, and removing key banks from an international messaging system known as SWIFT.
Japan is taking a greater role in the international effort against Russia because of concerns about the impact of the invasion on East Asia, where China’s military has grown increasingly assertive.
Japan has already faced reprisals from Russia. Moscow recently announced the suspension of talks on a peace treaty with Tokyo that include negotiations over Russian-held islands which the Soviet Union seized from Japan at the end of World War II.
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| 2022-04-08T20:00:24
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Tesla will build a vehicle dedicated for use as a robotaxi, and it will start making three new vehicles next year, CEO Elon Musk told fans at a party celebrating the opening of a Texas factory.
Musk didn’t give details of the robotaxi other than to say it will “look quite futuristic.” He also said Tesla will start building the Cybertruck pickup at its new factory near Austin, Texas, next year. After that, it will start building a new Roadster and an electric semi, he said.
He made his remarks Thursday night at the“Cyber Rodeo at Giga Texas,” an invitation-only party for thousands of guests at Tesla’s new billion-dollar-plus factory.
As many as 15,000 people were expected to attend the private event hosted to mark the opening of the new factory in Travis County that also serves as the company’s new headquarters following its move from California.
Musk said at the Thursday night event streamed live on YouTube that Tesla was delivering the first Model Y small SUVs built at the new factory, which he said can make a half million of the SUVs per year.
Tesla and Musk have often missed targets to start producing vehicles. In 2019, he promised a fleet of autonomous robotaxis would be on the road the following year, but the company’s “Full Self-Driving” software is still being tested by selected Tesla owners on public roads.
The company is the largest maker of electric vehicles in the U.S. and the world.
Musk said this year will be about scaling up the Austin factory as well as anew one in Germany. He also said the company may start building a robot in 2023. “Next year there’s going to be a massive wave of new products,” he told the crowd Thursday night.
A county-issued permit said the event included interactive tours, food, alcohol and live entertainment. But the event was off-limits to the general public and the news media.
Musk has said the Austin-area plant will employ up to 10,000 workers.
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| 2022-04-08T20:00:31
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LONDON (AP) — A major British airport warned passengers on Friday to expect the delays plaguing travel to continue for months, as the U.K. aviation regulator told the country’s air industry to shape up after weeks of canceled flights and long airport queues.
The head of Manchester Airport in northwest England said passengers could face waits of up to 90 minutes to get through security “over the next few months.”
Travelers in Britain have suffered days of delays during the current Easter school holiday break, with British Airways and easyJet canceling hundreds of flights because of coronavirus-related staff absences, and long lines building at airport check-in, security and baggage points.
Manchester, Heathrow and Birmingham airports have all experienced problems, stemming from a mix of staff off sick with COVID-19 and from trouble replacing workers laid off during the pandemic, when international travel ground to a halt.
The managing director of Manchester Airport resigned this week. Charlie Cornish, chief executive of owner Manchester Airports Group, acknowledged that the airport does not have “the number of staff we need to provide the level of service that our passengers deserve.”
“Despite our efforts since last autumn, the tight labor market around the airport has meant we have just not been able to hire people quickly enough to establish a full-strength team,” he said.
He said departing passengers should arrive three hours before their flights to be sure of having enough time.
Civil Aviation Authority Chief Executive Richard Moriarty told airlines they must set “deliverable” schedules and “have the necessary level” of staff.
In a letter, he said the delays and cancelations were “not just distressing for affected consumers but have the potential to impact confidence levels across the industry.”
EasyJet said earlier this week that the number of crew illnesses was more than double normal levels because of high COVID-19 infection rates across Europe.
British Airways said many of its cancellations include flights that were cut when it decided last month to shorten its schedule until the end of May to boost reliability amid rising COVID-19 cases.
Infections across the U.K. have soared again with the rapid spread of the more transmissible omicron BA.2 variant, reaching record levels last week when official figures showed about 1 in 13 people had the virus.
The Easter school holidays are the first time many families in Britain have booked trips abroad after two years of pandemic restrictions. All remaining virus measures, including mandatory self-isolation for those infected and testing requirements for international travel, were scrapped in February and March.
Traffic also has been snarled at the English Channel port of Dover after P&O Ferries suspended sailings to France after firing almost 800 crew members without notice to replace them with cheaper contract staff. The move sparked a standoff with the British government, which is demanding P&O reverse the sackings.
The company is refusing to budge. It said it was ready to resume trips on the Dover-Calais route by next week, “subject to regulatory sign-off.”
Other ferry operators say their boats are full, and miles-long queues of thousands of trucks have built up over the past week outside Dover, one of the U.K.’s busiest ports for both passengers and freight.
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| 2022-04-08T20:00:38
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LANETT, Ala. (WRBL) – The man wanted in Lanett, Ala. for an alleged rape, double kidnapping, and double robbery in February 2022 was arrested earlier this week in Coweta County, Ga.
According to a news release from the Lanett Police Department, Jaquavious Boyd, age 24, was arrested on April 6, 2022 in connection to the incident.
According to police, on Feb. 2, 2022, the two female victims were approached by the suspect in the 1100 block of North 12th Avenue. The suspect pulled out a gun and robbed both of them and one of them was sexually assaulted. During the course of the events the man also made the victims drive him to several different locations.
Police said on March 25, 2022, Boyd, of Lanett, was identified as the suspect responsible for the sexual assault and robbery, using forensic evidence gathered in the case. Warrants for his arrest were issued.
Lanett Police asked the U.S. Marshals for assistance in tracking down Boyd. He was located in Coweta County on April 6, 2022 and arrested. Boyd was extradited back to Chambers County, Ala. on April 7, 2022.
Boyd has been booked into the Chambers County Jail.
Charges against Boyd include:
- Sodomy 1st Degree (Felony)
- Rape 1st Degree (Felony)
- Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)
- Sexual Abuse 1st Degree X2 counts (Misdemeanors)
- Kidnapping 2nd Degree X2 counts (Felonies)
- Theft of Property 3rd Degree (Felony)
- Theft of Property 4th Degree (Misdemeanor)
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (Misdemeanor)
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| 2022-04-08T20:00:45
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SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) – A wild scene was caught on camera as a driver runs straight into a motorcyclist, sending him flying into the air.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office says the suspect, Kenneth Cordova, 34, was arrested on charges of attempted murder for intentionally using his car to hit another person.
Authorities say the incident happened at a Salt Lake County apartment complex on Thursday.
In the video, the victim is seen sitting on a motorcycle outside of an apartment complex. Cordova’s car is seen speeding directly towards the victim, slamming into him moments later.
The impact sent the victim flying into the air, landing on the car’s windshield before eventually falling to the ground. Cordova is seen quickly hopping out of his car while aggressively confronting the victim.
During police questioning, Cordova admitted to intentionally targeting the victim because he allegedly saw him holding a gun minutes before the incident.
Cordova believed the victim “had a hit” on him dating back from 2009. He says he felt, “he had to kill or be killed.”
Authorities say there is no evidence the victim ever possessed a firearm. The victim also says he’s never seen or interacted with Cordova before the incident. The victim was transported to a local hospital. He sustained injuries throughout his body although none were major, according to police reports.
Officials say Cordova is a “multi-state offender, convicted felon and has a history of violent behavior.” He has a criminal history with offenses in Nevada and Arizona, as well.
“The suspect, Kenneth Eugene Cordova, showed complete disregard to human life when striking the victim with his vehicle and then continuing to assault the victim after he was hit by his vehicle,” arresting documents say.
Cordova has been arrested on one charge of attempted murder and is currently booked at the Salt Lake County Jail.
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| 2022-04-08T20:00:52
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NEW YORK (AP) — Camila Cabello says she found joy in her roots while working on “Familia,” her new studio album. The pop singer and songwriter, born in Havana to a Cuban mother and a Mexican father, immersed herself in the music she listened to while growing up and even ventured to write for the first time a couple of songs fully in Spanish.
“I was curious what the process would be, because my process in English is very like me on a mic, and I just sing whatever kind of comes to my head, including lyrics. So I was like, ‘I wonder what’s gonna come out in Spanish,’” she said in a recent interview via Zoom from Los Angeles.
The first thing that came out was “Hasta Los Dientes” (Spanish for “to the teeth”), a pop tune featuring Argentine urban singer María Becerra about feeling jealousy for a boyfriend’s past. And then “Celia,” a rhythmic song which seems to reference Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, in the chorus: “Ha vivido toa la vida sin azúcar / Conoció a Celia sin ir pa’ Cuba” (“He has lived his whole life without sugar / He met Celia without going to Cuba”).
With 12 songs in English, Spanish and Spanglish, including the singles “Don’t Go Yet” and “Bam Bam” with Ed Sheeran as well as collaborations with WILLOW (“psychofreak”) and Cuban singer Yotuel (“Lola”), Cabello released her third solo record under Epic Records on Friday.
“My heritage and roots are such a big part of who I am, and more and more something that makes me feel really connected and joyful and something I wanna get closer with as I get older,” she said referring to her parents and grandparents when asked about the title of the album, which in English means “family.”
But she also mentioned her close friends and collaborators, her “family by choice,” as she called them. “It’s like really about community and how important relationships are for me, and I think for all of us,” she said.
Musically, the pop album features classic rhythms like mariachi, mixing the old and the new in songs like “La Buena Vida” (“The Good Life”), which Cabello sings in English accompanied by Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar, with a Spanish chorus sang by the Mexican band and the singer’s father, Alejandro Cabello. She debuted it last October on an NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, where she presented it as one of her favorites from her then-upcoming album.
“That was one of the songs I wrote with (producers) Ricky (Reed), Cheche Alara and Edgar Barrera. We were playing songs that I listened to when I was a kid: I played some Alejandro Fernández, we were listening to mariachi songs that my dad would play when I was younger. We were like, ‘What can we do that is like interesting and weird?’”
They tried combining a rhythmic pop song with mariachi and were excited with the result. “Yeah, they killed it on the production,” she said.
There’s also “Lola” with Yotuel — which she co-wrote with Mike Sabath and Scott Harris — about a woman that wants “patria y vida” (homeland and life) as opposed to “homeland or death,” Fidel Castro’s motto. The line comes from the Latin Grammy-winning song of 2021 “Patria y Vida,” by Yotuel, Descemer Bueno, El Funky, Gente de Zona, Yadam González, Beatriz Luengo and Maykel Osorbo. It became an anthem of the demonstrations in Cuba that year after some of its authors dared to express their disagreement with the government for the first time.
“I was so excited when Yotuel said yes to writing on that song (‘Lola’) and collaborating on it with me because, to me, “Patria y Vida” changed history and gave people a lot of bravery and hope that things could change in Cuba,” Cabello said.
To her, “Lola” represents not only the people from her native country but from any other nation with systemic oppression where “talented, smart people don’t get the same opportunities because of where they were born and where they live,” said the singer, who moved to Miami at the age of 6. “I was just reflecting about what my life would have been like if my family hadn’t come to the United States and all the possible kind of alternatives.”
As for “Bam Bam,” which many fans think is a song about Cabello’s break-up with Shawn Mendes, she said that “of course is something personal, every song (on the album) is whatever I was feeling that day (I wrote it).”
But with the catchy chorus “Así es la vida, sí / Yeah, that’s just life, baby,” how did it come to be?”
“Well, I feel like in Latin music there are so many songs that have these kinds of life lessons in them, … like the impermanence of things and of hard times and good times. I think love and relationships impermanence is a really common thing too; you just never know what’s around the corner, you never know what’s gonna happen, how things are gonna progress and change and transform,” Cabello said, adding that, when she hits a bad time or a good time, her mom always says “así es la vida (that’s life) … things catch you by surprise.”
After writing the song with her team based on that principle, she said they sent it to Ed Sheeran, who made some “amazing” changes and sent her the chord progression that we now hear.
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Sigal Ratner-Arias is on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sigalratner.
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| 2022-04-08T20:00:58
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NEW YORK (AP) — A group of inter-generational stars from film, TV, sports and music — including Bruce Springsteen, Hugh Jackman, Elton John, Jon Bon Jovi, Jonas Brothers and Billie Eilish — have signed up for a social media campaign to show support for Ukraine.
The Global Citizen-organized social media rally Friday urges governments, institutions, corporations and individuals to help fund humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and other regions of the world. Celebrities are being asked to use their social media accounts to publicize the effort, using the hashtag #StandUpForUkraine.
Springsteen posted a video on social media Friday to show his support: “Refugees in Ukraine and around the world need our help now,” he said. “Everyone deserves safe and humane living conditions.” Barbra Streisand tweeted a link to Global Citizen and wrote: “I supported and hope you will too.”
The list of participants also includes The Weeknd, Alanis Morissette, Alejandro Sanz, Angélique Kidjo, Annie Lennox, Billy Joel, Celine Dion, Chris Isaak, Chris Rock, Demi Lovato, FINNEAS, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, Green Day, Carole King, Jon Batiste, Juanes, Kacey Musgraves, Katy Perry, Leon Bridges, Luke Combs, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Ozzy Osbourne, Pearl Jam, Pharrell Williams, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Shaquille O’Neal, Stevie Nicks, Stevie Wonder, Weezer, 5 Seconds of Summer, Dave Matthews, Radiohead, Miley Cyrus, Tame Impala, U2 and Usher.
Celine Dion took to Instagram to upload a video of support with a caption in English and French that said: “I’m calling in world leaders to help all those who are forced to leave their homes.” Ellen DeGeneres in her own video urged world leaders to “do the right thing and contribute the billions they need.”
The campaign has also been joined by players for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies, the band Metallica, Billy Porter, Julian Lennon, Adam Lambert, Luis Fonsi, Padma Lakshmi, Weezer and Rita Ora.
The campaign takes place a day before a pledging conference Saturday co-hosted by European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
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Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
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| 2022-04-08T20:01:04
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Dancing With the Stars” will waltz away from its longtime ABC home and over to streaming service Disney+, the network’s corporate sibling.
The competition series, which debuted on the broadcast network in 2005, will be on Disney+ starting this fall in the U.S. and Canada, the company announced Friday.
It will be the first live series on Disney+, said Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. The program received a two-season order from Disney+.
“The show’s broad appeal, as well as the overwhelming popularity of its Disney-themed competition nights, make Disney+ the perfect home for ‘Dancing with the Stars’ while continuing to expand our demographic reach,” Daniel said in a statement.
The platform switch comes as ABC looks ahead to NFL games next season that will air on Monday night, the time period that’s belonged to “Dancing With the Stars.”
The dance contest also fits in with the family oriented programming that Disney+ has focused on as part of the competitive and crowded streaming marketplace.
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| 2022-04-08T20:01:11
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — If David Letterman put together a Top Ten list of hospitals, Rhode Island Hospital would probably be No. 1.
The longtime host of “The Late Show with David Letterman,” who stepped down in 2015, thanked the staff of the hospital’s emergency department in a video Thursday in which he disclosed that he was visiting Providence with his son last August when he fell on the sidewalk, struck his head, and fell unconscious.
“The ambulance comes and picks me up. They take me and my son in the ambulance to the emergency room and they stitch me up, they X-rayed my head, they gave me a CT scan, they scrubbed me up,” Letterman, 74, says in the roughly one-minute long video posted to YouTube by Lifespan, the hospital’s parent company.
Someone brushed his teeth and he got some fresh clothes, he said.
He says the experience was scary at the time, but the staff put him at ease.
“So I can’t thank you enough for making time for me,” he concluded. “So I have nothing but lovely things to say and think about with regard to the Rhode Island Hospital and the emergency department.”
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| 2022-04-08T20:01:18
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LONDON (AP) — British rapper Dizzee Rascal was sentenced Friday to a curfew and a restraining order for assaulting his former fiancée.
A judge at Croydon Magistrates’ Court in south London told the musician he must observe a 24-week curfew and wear an electronic tag. The judge also imposed a 12-month restraining order on the 37-year-old musician, whose full name is Dylan Kwabena Mills.
The musician was convicted last month of headbutting Cassandra Jones at a home in south London in June. Prosecutors said he pressed his forehead against hers and pushing her to the ground during a “chaotic” argument over money and custody arrangements for their two children.
When police, called by neighbors, arrived, Mills said “I’m the aggressor,” but later gave a prepared statement in a police interview, denying the allegations and claiming Jones had assaulted him.
Sentencing Mills on Friday, District judge Polly Gledhill said she wanted him to work on how he thinks and behaves, as he “lost his temper and used violence.”
She told the rapper he had shown “no remorse for this matter” and “you continue to place the blame on Ms. Jones — the victim in this case.”
Dizzee Rascal released his debut album, “Boy in Da Corner,” in 2003 and was among the first breakout stars from the distinctly British genre of hip-hop known as grime. His hits include “Bonkers” and “Dance Wiv Me.”
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| 2022-04-08T20:01:25
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The Weeknd is the top finalist at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards for a second year in a row, up for 17 awards, followed by Doja Cat, who is up for 14 awards.
Finalists were announced Friday across 62 categories for the awards that measure chart success, streaming, airplay and social engagement. The show will air on NBC and Peacock on May 15 from Las Vegas.
The Weeknd picked up nods in top artist, top 100 artist and top streaming songs artist and his duet with Ariana Grande on “Save Your Tears (Remix)” is up for six awards. Also nominated for top artist are Doja Cat, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and Drake, who is the show’s most decorated winner of all time with 29 total awards.
Doja Cat, who recently won her first Grammy Award for her collaboration “Kiss Me More” with SZA, is up for top 100 song, top collaboration and top viral song.
First-time finalist Rodrigo continues her streak of a being an awards show favorite as a finalist in 13 categories, including top new artist, top female artist and top radio songs artist.
Justin Bieber also is up for 13 awards, including top male artist, top Hot 100 artist and top streaming song for his song “STAY” with The Kid LAROI.
Ye, who changed his name from Kanye West, is a finalist for 13 awards and a strong favorite in the Christian/gospel categories. He has four out of the five songs in both top gospel song and top Christian song categories, and his album “Donda” is also up for top rap album, top gospel album and top Christian album.
Swift has a chance to surpass Drake for most wins in the show’s history. The pop star is second behind him with 25 previous wins and is up for seven awards this year. But Drake is also up for 11 awards, including top Billboard 200 Album, top rap artist and top streaming songs artist.
This year, five new categories were added, four of which are based on Billboard’s global charts, and one measuring viral songs. The 2022 awards are based on the chart period of April 10, 2021, through March 26, 2022.
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| 2022-04-08T20:01:32
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In the latest battle of the coronavirus mutants, an extra-contagious version of omicron has taken over the world.
The coronavirus version known as BA.2 is now dominant in at least 68 countries, including the United States.
The World Health Organization says it makes up about 94% of sequenced omicron cases submitted to an international coronavirus database in the most recent week. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it was responsible for 72% of new U.S. infections last week.
Dr. Wesley Long, a pathologist at Houston Methodist in Texas, said he’s seen BA.2 quickly become dominant in his medical system. At the end of last week, the variant was responsible for more than three-quarters of cases in Houston Methodist hospitals. Less than two weeks earlier, 1% to 3% of cases were caused by BA.2.
“It’s not terribly surprising because it is more contagious” than the original omicron, Long said.
As the variant advances, scientists are learning more about it. But they still don’t know exactly how it will affect the trajectory of the pandemic.
WHAT’S KNOWN
BA.2 has lots of mutations. It’s been dubbed “stealth omicron” because it lacks a genetic quirk of the original omicron that allowed health officials to rapidly differentiate it from the delta variant using a certain PCR test.
One reason BA.2 has gained ground, scientists say, is that it’s about 30% more contagious than the original omicron. In rare cases, research shows it can sicken people even if they’ve already had an omicron infection — although it doesn’t seem to cause more severe disease.
Vaccines appear equally effective against both types of omicron. For both, vaccination plus a booster offers strong protection against severe illness and death.
HAS THE VARIANT PUSHED UP CASES?
Coronavirus cases rose in parts of Europe and Asia when BA.2 became dominant, and some scientists are concerned that the variant could also push up cases across the U.S.
Besides being more contagious, it’s spreading at a time when governments are relaxing restrictions designed to control COVID-19. Also, people are taking off their masks and getting back to activities such as traveling, eating indoors at restaurants and attending crowded events.
At this point, overall coronavirus cases in the U.S. are still on the decline. But there have been upticks in some places, including New York, Arizona and Illinois. Health officials have also noted that case counts are getting more unreliable because of the wide availability of home tests and the fact some people are no longer getting tested.
“We’re entering a phase where increasing cases or waves may be very regional and it may depend a lot on vaccination levels in the community — and not just vaccination levels but timing of the vaccinations,” Long said. “How long ago were they? Did people get boosters? Because we know the immunity to the vaccine wanes a little bit over time.”
Long said he feels “very certain” that cases will eventually go back up in the U.S., whether that’s because of BA.2 or some future variant. “If it’s BA.2,” he said, “it may be more of a wave or a speed bump than a surge.”
For now, COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are still trending down nationally.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER VARIANTS TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT?
As the coronavirus continues to evolve, the WHO is tracking other mutants, including hybrids known as “recombinants.”
These include combinations of delta and omicron and hybrids of BA.2 and the original omicron, also known as BA.1.
One recombinant that health authorities are tracking closely is a BA.1-BA.2 hybrid called XE, which was first detected in the United Kingdom in January. About 600 cases have been reported, and scientists believe it may be about 10% more contagious than BA.2.
WHAT SHOULD PEOPLE DO?
The advice from experts remains the same: Take precautions to avoid getting COVID-19.
“The virus is still out there circulating,” Long said. “Vaccination is still your best defense.”
Get the shots if you haven’t already, he said, and get the second booster if you’re eligible because you are 50 or older or have a compromised immune system.
“If cases start going up in your community, think about assessing your risk level,” Long said. “If you stopped masking and stopped worrying about distancing and things … that’s the time to reinstitute those protective measures.”
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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.
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| 2022-04-08T20:01:39
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The U.S. is getting a first glimpse of what it’s like to experience COVID-19 outbreaks during this new phase of living with the virus, and the roster of the newly infected is studded with stars.
Cabinet members, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Broadway actors and the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut have all tested positive. Outbreaks at Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University are bringing back mask requirements to those campuses as officials seek out quarantine space.
The outbreaks in the Northeast may — or may not — signal what’s to come, experts say. Case counts are no longer reliable because official testing and reporting has been scaled back and more Americans are testing at home.
Across the nation, mask-wearing is at its lowest level since April 2020, said Ali Mokdad, a professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. For every 100 infections, only seven are recorded in official tallies, according to his modeling group’s latest estimate.
Mokdad expects the high level of U.S. immunity built up from previous infections and vaccinations will protect the nation from a large surge.
“We’re going to have some infections here and there, but it’s not going to shut down the country,” Mokdad said. “Life has to go on. We have to be vaccinated and boosted. We need to protect the vulnerable, but we have to get used to it.”
Large indoor gatherings with masks optional have led to infections, with a high-profile party in Washington, D.C., now seen as a possible super-spreader event. Other infection clusters outside of groups that are regularly tested might go undetected, said Josh Michaud, associate director of global health policy with the Kaiser Family Foundation in Washington.
“It’s harder now than it was before to know what’s happening. The future is a little fuzzier because we don’t have as much information at our fingertips,” Michaud said. “If you’re not an actor in a Broadway play or a politician you might fall through the testing cracks.”
The public health response will vary from community to community based on what’s happening locally, Michaud said.
“We’re fighting smaller fires instead of a raging blaze across the country and those smaller fires can be disruptive,” Michaud said. “It leaves everyone to choose their own adventure when it comes to pandemic response and individual behaviors.”
In Washington D.C., the outbreak has been particularly high profile — striking multiple Cabinet secretaries and Congress members along with Mayor Muriel Bowser and the president of Georgetown University.
At least a dozen of those infections can be traced to the Gridiron Club dinner, an annual fixture of the D.C. social calendar that took place Saturday for the first time in three years. The dinner is an example of a return to near-total normality that’s taking place around the country, leading to a spike in positive tests, but not necessarily a corresponding spike in serious illnesses or hospitalizations.
Washington, D.C., like much of the rest of the country, has greatly relaxed its COVID stance in recent weeks. Bowser has allowed vaccination and indoor masking mandates to expire, and the city health department stopped reporting daily virus numbers in early March. Attendees at the Gridiron Club dinner, which Bowser did not attend, had to provide proof of vaccination, but otherwise no masking or social distancing protocols were observed.
And other staples of the D.C. social calendar are also back to normal. The city’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival has been going for weeks — with dozens of associated events, including a parade scheduled for Saturday.
Amid that general return to pre-pandemic behavior, there are a few cautionary steps backward. Georgetown University announced it would reintroduce its indoor mask mandate amid rising infection numbers that include university President John DeGioia
Georgetown’s Chief Public Health Officer Ranit Mishori, in announcing the new restrictions, described the infection spike as “significant” — particularly among undergraduates. “Thankfully, with the vast majority of our community up to date on vaccination, we are not seeing cases involving severe illness,” Mishori wrote.
D.C. health chief Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, in comments to reporters this week, has pointed to the ongoing low level of hospitalizations as proof that the vaccinations have successfully limited the severity of the illness.
Virus metrics in Washington have crept up in the past month according to the city health department. The weekly case rate per 100,000 residents climbed from 51 at the beginning of March to 110 at the end of March. But that’s still far below the weekly case rate of 865 per 100,000 residents reported in the second week of January during the omicron variant surge.
Nesbitt said there were no immediate plans to reinstitute any of the lapsed virus protocols, but that always remained an option in the future.
“We need to remember that living with the virus does not mean forgetting about the virus. It’s still out there, it’s still causing people to get sick and some people to die,” Michaud said. “If we’re not prepared, we could be in a bad situation quickly again.”
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AP writer Ashraf Khalil in Washington, D.C., contributed.
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| 2022-04-08T20:01:52
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MADRID (AP) — Spain is awaiting the publication in coming days of a new law banning the intimidation or harassment of women entering abortion clinics.
The law comes into force when it is published in the Government Gazette, possibly next week, after the Spanish Senate on Wednesday endorsed a law passed earlier by parliament.
The Senate gave its blessing by 154 to 105 votes for changes to the penal code in Spain, where abortions are available for free in the public health service through the 14th week of pregnancy.
The legal changes mean that anyone harassing a woman going into an abortion clinic will be committing a crime that can be punished with up to one year in prison.
Spain’s government, led by the center-left Socialist government, proposed the law last year and lawmakers approved it in September.
In the Senate, as in parliament, the changes were opposed by right-of-center political groupings.
They argued that the alterations flew in the face of the constitutional right to free speech and the right to assemble.
Anti-abortion groups said their gatherings outside abortion clinics were organized to pray and offer help to the women.
The national Association of Accredited Clinics for Pregnancy Termination says that more than 100 cases of harassment are reported outside clinics each year.
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Ninth grader Harleigh Walker, 15, spends her time after school like many girls her age: doing homework, listening to Taylor Swift, collecting records and hanging out with friends.
But this year, her spring break also included trying to persuade members of the state House and Senate to reject legislation banning gender-affirming medications for transgender kids like her under 19. She was unsuccessful. On Thursday, Alabama lawmakers passed the measure, andGov. Kay Ivey signed it into law on Friday, meaning that Harleigh will no longer be able to take testosterone-blocking drugs.
“Honestly, I’m a little scared now,” she said Thursday after learning the bill had passed. ”But we’re still going to fight no matter what.”
Harleigh said she is holding out hope the bill will be be blocked by a court.
Alabama is among multiple states with Republican-controlled legislatures that have advanced bills not only to block medical treatment but to ban transgender children from using school restrooms or playing on sports teams that don’t correspond with their sex at birth. The Alabama medication bill is one of the most far-reaching: It would put doctors in prison for up to 10 years for prescribing puberty blockers or hormonal treatment to trans kids under 19.
“In one breathtakingly cruel and cowardly day, the Alabama legislature passed the single most anti- transgender legislative package in history,” said Cathryn Oakley, state legislative director and senior counsel for the Human Rights Campaign, a national advocacy group for the LGBTQ community.
Conservative lawmakers say the measures are needed to protect children and parental rights.
“We regulate all kinds of things that are harmful for minors — alcohol, cigarette smoke, vaping, tattoos — because their minds aren’t ready to make those decisions about things that can affect them long term,” said Rep. Wes Allen, the sponsor of the House version of the Alabama legislation. Allen cited public hearing testimony from a woman who said she regretted taking hormone therapy to try to transition to being male.
“With these powerful medications that have detrimental effects on their body long term, we just want to put a pause on it … give them a chance to develop and grow out of that,” Allen said.
But opponents say transgender health is being used as a deliberate political wedge issue to motivate a voting base — in the same way they say bills about critical race theoryhave been employed. Critical race theory is a way of thinking about America’s history through the lens of racism. Numerous Republican-controlled legislatures have proposed bills to block its teaching in public schools.
The measures involving trans youth have prompted swift backlash from medical experts, Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration, the U.S. Department of Justice and the families of trans youth. Last month, the Justice department sent a letter to all 50 state attorneys general, warning them that blocking transgender and nonbinary youth from receiving gender-affirming care could be an infringement of federal constitutional protections.
“My child is not a political tool. This is not a fair fight to pick on vulnerable children,” said Vanessa Finney Tate, the mother of a 13-year-old trans boy in Birmingham, Alabama, after testifying at a public legislative hearing on bill that would block students from using bathrooms corresponding to their gender.
Harleigh’s father, Jeff Walker notes that many of the same Alabama lawmakers who supported the ban on gender-affirming medical treatment recently argued, ‘It’s your body and your choice’ regarding coronavirus vaccinations. He said the family is now scrambling to find another state where it can continue Harleigh’s medical care.
“We just don’t want people meddling in our medical care,” he said.
Medical groups including The American Academy of Pediatrics have publicly opposed efforts to outlaw gender-affirming care.
“Gender-affirming care benefits the health and psychological functioning of transgender and gender-diverse youth,” the Endocrine Society said in a statement. “When an individual’s gender identity is not respected and they cannot access medical care, it can result in higher psychological problem scores and can raise the person’s risk of committing suicide or other acts of self-harm.”
The organization notes that only reversible puberty blockers are recommended for younger adolescents, while older adolescents might qualify for hormone therapy.
Harleigh received the medication — which stops her from going through male puberty — only after consulting with a team of doctors for years. She said it’s “weird” to see lawmakers with no medical experience call her medication “child abuse,” when six doctors have agreed she should have it.
Angus, a 16-year-old trans teen who requested that his last name not be used because of the bullying he has received in his north Alabama town, said he knew at puberty that the mirror reflected “a body that wasn’t my own.”
After coming out to his mother, he began slowly testing the waters: dressing as a man, changing his name. Only after years of talking to a team of doctors, was he able to recently get medications to stop his periods. The next step, which he is eager to start, would be a small dose of testosterone.
“I have been waiting for seven years to finally become a man, the man that I’ve always known I am,” Angus said.
He said bills to block such treatments are harming, not protecting trans youth.
“The government is saying, ‘Oh, parents are abusing their children by letting them transition,'” he said. “Actually, it’s more child abuse to not let them transition if they come out. What these bills really are doing is putting trans youth lives at risk because these suicide rates will spike exponentially. And a lot of families will lose their children.”
Similar bans are moving forward in other states.
In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the state’s child welfare agency to investigate as abuse reports of gender-confirming care for kids. And a law in Arkansas bans gender-affirming medications. That law has been blocked by a court, however.
Trans youth in many red states say they feel attacked, angry, betrayed and scared by the wave of legislation aimed at them.
“It feels like a back-stab,” Harleigh said. “I’ve lived in this state my whole life. For them to just say, ‘Well, you know what, this is an issue that’s really popular on my side of the aisle so I’m just going to raise it up and support it because it’ll help me win my election’ — It just hurts to see them do that.”
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ISLAMABAD (AP) — A defiant Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that he is in a fight to protect the country’s sovereignty and called his supporters to the streets to defy opponents determined to unseat him.
Khan delivered an impassioned televised address to the nation on the eve of a no-confidence vote in parliament, a day after Pakistan’s Supreme Court blocked his bid to stay in power, ruling that his move to dissolve Parliament and call early elections was illegal.
Thursday’s court decision set the stage for a no-confidence vote, with opposition lawmakers saying they have the 172 votes in the 342-seat assembly needed to unseat Khan, after several of his ruling party members and a small, but key, coalition partner defected.
In his speech, Khan urged Pakistanis — particular the country’s young who have been the backbone of his support since the former cricket star turned conservative Islamist politician came to power in 2018 — to rally countrywide on Sunday night.
“All of you will have to come out on Sunday after evening prayer to protest, to peacefully protest … I again say that should never indulge in violence,” he said. ”It should be a peaceful protest.”
He vowed not to accept the results of the no-confidence vote on Saturday — an indication he was aware he will likely lose the vote.
“You have to come out to protect your own future. It is you who have to protect your democracy, your sovereignty, and your independence … this is your duty,” he said.
Pakistan’s latest political crisis erupted last Sunday, when Khan sidestepped the opposition’s initial no-confidence petition — a motion that had been weeks in the making — and instead accused his opponents of colluding with the United States to remove him.
Qasim Suri, Khan’s ally and deputy parliament speaker, dismissed the no-confidence vote on the grounds of collusion while his Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry described the opposition as being “disloyal to the state,” and accused them of colluding with a foreign power.
Khan dissolved Parliament and called early elections but the opposition went to the Supreme Court with its case.
After four days of deliberations, hearing arguments from both the opposition and Khan’s lawyers, the five-member bench unanimously ordered Parliament reinstated and the no-confidence vote to be held on Saturday.
For his part, Khan said he had wanted the Supreme Court to investigate communications between a senior U.S. diplomat, whom he did not name, and Pakistani diplomats — communications he claimed were proof of collusion.
Khan claimed America wanted him gone because of his foreign policy choices in favor of Russia and China, and a visit he made on Feb. 24 to Moscow, where he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine. He has also said the U.S. dislikes his strident criticism of Washington’s war on terror.
The U.S. State Department has denied any involvement in Pakistan’s internal politics. Deputy State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter told reporters on Friday that there was “absolutely no truth to these allegations.”
“Of course, we continue to follow these developments and support Pakistan’s constitutional process but again, these allegations are absolutely not true,” she said.
Khan’s political opposition runs the gambit of the political spectrum, from the left to the radically religious parties. The largest among the opposition parties — the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League — have been tainted by allegations of widespread corruption.
The Pakistan Muslim League leader and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was convicted of corruption after being named in the so-called Panama Papers — a collection of leaked secret financial documents showing how some of the world’s richest hide their money and involving a global law firm based in Panama. He was disqualified by Pakistan’s Supreme Court from holding office.
If the opposition wins the no-confidence vote, it is up to Parliament to choose a new head of government — which could be Sharif’s brother, Shahbaz Sharif. If the lawmakers are unsuccessful, early elections would be called.
“I will not accept an imposed government,” Khan said Friday.
Khan’s options are limited and should he see a big turnout in his support, he may try to keep the momentum of street protests as a way to pressure Parliament. But with his supporters being mostly the young, who make up the majority in Pakistan, he also risks an outbreak of violence.
“Khan tapped into a potent vein of anti-American sentiment in Pakistan that is unlikely to dissipate any time soon,” Elizabeth Threlkeld, Pakistan expert at the U.S.-based The Stimson Center, told The Associated Press.
Pakistan’s military, which has consistently stepped in during many past turmoil engulfing a democratically elected government, has remained quiet in the latest crisis. The army has seized power and ruled for more than half of Pakistan’s 75-year history.
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Associated Press writers Munir Ahmed in Islamabad and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
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BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union has imposed sanctions on two adult daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of a new package of measures targeting Russia’s economy, businessmen and oligarchs in retaliation for the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine, according to two EU officials.
The EU included Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova in its updated list of individuals facing an assets freeze and travel ban. The two EU officials from different EU member countries spoke Friday on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the updated list of individuals and entities sanctioned has not been published yet.
The move from the European bloc follows a similar move two days earlier by the United States.
In the wake of evidence of torture and killings emerging from war zones outside Kyiv, the EU decided to impose a fifth package of measures.
“These latest sanctions were adopted following the atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Bucha and other places under Russian occupation,” said Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat. “The aim of our sanctions is to stop the reckless, inhuman and aggressive behavior of the Russian troops and make clear to the decision makers in the Kremlin that their illegal aggression comes at a heavy cost.”
But many in the Ukraine government want tougher measures that will have a quicker impact on the war.
“Some countries may want to exhaust the Russians economically rather than stop them, while the Ukrainians are shedding their blood. We don’t accept that,” said Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk “The idea of the sanctions should be not just to exhaust the Russians in the longer term, but to stop them within months, not years.”
In addition to sanctions on individuals and members of their families, oligarchs and high-ranking Kremlin officials, the 27-nation bloc also formally approved Friday an embargo on coal imports starting in August, as well as a full transaction ban on four key Russian banks representing 23% of market share in the Russian banking sector.
Also, vessels registered under the Russian flag are now prohibited to access EU ports, with an exception for agricultural and food products, humanitarian aid and energy.
This is the first time that EU sanctions target Russia’s lucrative energy industry over its war in Ukraine. According to the EU council, imports of coal into the region are currently worth 8 billion euros per year.
The EU has already started working on additional sanctions, including on oil imports.
EU officials said the impact of the bloc’s sanctions so far over the first four weeks shows that imports into the 27 nations from Russia dropped off by 9% in terms of value, and over 20% in terms of volume. Trade from the EU to Russia has fallen by three quarters.
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Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this story.
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THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An international organization formed to identify the dead and missing from the 1990s Balkan conflicts is preparing to send a team of forensics experts to Ukraine as the death toll mounts more than six weeks into the war caused by Russia’s invasion.
Authorities in Kyiv have reached out to the International Commission on Missing Persons to help put names to bodies that might otherwise remain anonymous amid the fog of war.
A team made up of a forensic pathologist, forensic archeologist and an expert on collecting DNA samples from bodies and from families to cross-match, is expected to travel to Ukraine early next week, Director-General Kathryne Bomberger told The Associated Press on Friday.
They will help identify the dead, but also document how they died — information that can feed into war crimes investigations in the future. The organization’s laboratory in an office block on a busy street in The Hague will build a central database cataloging evidence and the identities of the missing.
“Having this centralized capability is absolutely critical because you have to look at this as an investigation into a gigantic crime scene that is taking place across Ukraine,” Bomberger said.
The team will have plenty of work to do when it deploys to Bucha, where images of bodies lying in the streets after Russian forces withdrew shocked the world.
Bucha Mayor Anatoliy Fedoruk said Thursday on Ukrainian television that at least three sites of mass shootings of civilians during the Russian occupation have been found. Fedoruk said hundreds have been killed and investigators are finding bodies in yards, parks and city squares.
Vladyslav Atroshenko, the mayor of Chernihiv, said about 700 military personnel and civilians have been killed in the northern city during the war, and that 70 of the bodies remain unidentified, Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported.
The commission, known by its acronym ICMP, already has a working relationship with the prosecution office of the International Criminal Court and other crime-fighting agencies like Interpol and Europol to share evidence. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan already has opened an investigation in Ukraine.
“We want to make sure that we work together with the Ukrainian authorities to properly excavate these crime scene sites to identify the mortal remains so that evidence can be provided in the future for criminal trial purposes, not only potentially to the ICC, but also potentially within domestic courts in Ukraine,” Bomberger said.
The organization is at the forefront of using new technology in their painstaking work to identify bodies from even the smallest samples.
“We have implemented a new extraction technique, which allows us to extract more DNA from smaller or more damaged fragments of bone sample,” said DNA Laboratory manager Kieren Hill. “This is quite a unique method in terms of its application into the missing person’s context.”
On Friday, lab staff in white clothes covered with blue plastic overalls, hair nets and gloves were meticulously working on other cases, grasping small shards of bone in pliers and grinding away their surfaces in search of DNA.
The ICMP has an online portal where people in Ukraine can anonymously report locations of bodies, and will help family members of the missing to provide DNA samples to help identify them.
The commission was established to trace the dead from the Balkan wars of the 1990s. Its sterile, high-tech laboratories are a world away from the muddy mass graves where the organization’s experts first rose to prominence among the decomposing dead of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre of more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys.
They helped put names to bodies that in some cases were torn apart and spread across multiple mass graves as Bosnian Serb forces buried and then re-buried the dead in an effort to cover traces of their genocidal attempt to wipe out Srebrenica’s Bosniaks.
The commission made sure they failed to cover their tracks. Bosnian Serb military chief Gen. Ratko Mladic and his political master, Radovan Karadzic, are now serving life sentences for crimes including genocide. Both men were convicted in part thanks to evidence gathered by the ICMP.
Funded by voluntary contributions from governments, the organization has since helped national governments put names to thousands more people whose anonymous remains were recovered from sites including over 3,000 mass and clandestine graves.
It has worked at crime scenes and disaster sites around the world, including Syria, Libya and Iraq. The organization also helped to identify victims swept away by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and extracted DNA from bone samples of 250 people killed when Hurricane Katrina slammed into Louisiana in 2005.
Ukraine could prove to be one of its biggest challenges yet, as the organization works together with Ukrainian authorities to investigate and build cases amid an ongoing war.
“So ensuring that this process moves in accordance with proper investigations, that these sites are properly documented, the proper chain of custody is obtained, will be a challenge,” Bomberger said. “I think under the circumstances while there’s an active conflict.”
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s health minister said Friday that the country may need to brink back a requirement for wearing face masks in public this autumn after lawmakers rejected a proposed coronavirus vaccine mandate.
Karl Lauterbach acknowledged that the Bundestag’s vote Thursday against requiring COVID-19 vaccination of people 60 and over was a personal setback for him. The bill was a watered-down compromise after some government lawmakers refused to back a vaccine mandate for all adults.
The vote was “a clear and bitter defeat for all those who advocate compulsory vaccinations,” said Lauterbach, adding that any wriggle room to further relax the rules “has been completely exhausted.”
Germany recently ended the requirement to wear masks in many indoor settings, though they are still compulsory on public transport.
Lauterbach also urged people to get tested for COVID-19 before traveling to visit relatives over the Easter vacation.
New infections in Germany are on a downward trajectory, with 175,263 additional confirmed cases reported in the past 24 hours — down from a recent peak of almost 300,000 a day. But there continued to be around 300 COVID-related deaths a day, he said.
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Follow AP’s pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
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JERUSALEM (AP) — A third Israeli has died following the attack by a Palestinian man who opened fire into a crowded bar in central Tel Aviv. Israeli security forces said they hunted down and killed the attacker early Friday.
The shooting on Thursday evening in a downtown area packed with people in bars and restaurants caused scenes of mass panic in the heart of the bustling city. Two people were instantly killed and over 10 people were wounded.
A Tel Aviv hospital on Friday afternoon announced that Barak Lufan, 35, who was wounded in the shooting had succumbed to his injuries.
It was the fourth deadly attack in Israel by Palestinians in three weeks, and came at a time of heightened tensions around the start of Ramadan. Tens of thousands of Palestinians attended the first Friday prayers of the Muslim holy month in Jerusalem amid a heavy Israeli security presence, with no immediate reports of unrest.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with top security officials and announced that a major crossing in the northern West Bank near the attacker’s hometown would be closed indefinitely.
“Every murderer will know that we’ll get to him, and anyone who helps terrorists should know that the price he will pay will be unbearable,” Bennett said in a statement.
Israel proceeded with plans to allow Palestinian women, children and older men from the occupied West Bank to enter Jerusalem for prayers. Protests and clashes in the holy city during Ramadan last year eventually ignited an 11-day Gaza war.
Thursday’s shooting took place in a crowded bar on Dizengoff Street, a central thoroughfare that has seen other attacks over the years. Thursday night is the beginning of the Israeli weekend, and the area was busy.
In videos spread on social media, dozens of terrified people were seen running through the streets as police searched for the attacker and ordered people to stay indoors. The two killed on the spot were identified as Tomer Morad and Eytam Magini, childhood friends in their late 20s from Kfar Saba, a town just north of Tel Aviv.
Hundreds of Israeli police officers, canine units, and army special forces, had conducted a massive manhunt throughout the night across Tel Aviv, searching building by building through densely populated residential neighborhoods.
Early Friday, authorities said they found the attacker hiding near a mosque in Jaffa, an Arab neighborhood in southern Tel Aviv, and killed him in a shootout.
The Shin Bet internal security service identified the attacker as Raad Hazem, a 28-year-old Palestinian from Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. It said he did not belong to an organized militant group and had no prior record. It said he had entered Israel illegally without a permit.
The Jenin refugee camp was the scene of one of the deadliest battles of the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, 20 years ago. In April 2002, Israeli forces fought Palestinian militants in the camp for nearly three weeks. Twenty-three Israeli soldiers and at least 52 Palestinians, including civilians, were killed, according to the United Nations.
The Israeli military frequently conducts arrest raids in Jenin, often coming under fire. The Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the occupied West Bank and coordinates with Israel on security matters, appears to have little control over the area.
After Thursday’s attack, 13 Israelis have been killed in recent weeks, making this one of the worst waves of violence in years.
The militant Hamas group that rules the Gaza Strip praised the attack but did not claim responsibility. President Mahmoud Abbas, who heads the PA, condemned the attack, saying the killing of civilians on either side “can only lead to a further deterioration of the situation.”
All of the attackers appear to have acted individually or with minimal support from a small cell. Three of them are believed to have identified with the extremist group Islamic State. But militant groups do not appear to have trained them or organized the attacks.
Seeking to avoid a repeat of last year’s war, Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian leaders have held a flurry of meetings in recent weeks to discuss ways to maintain calm.
Israel has taken a number of steps aimed at calming tensions, including issuing thousands of additional work permits for Palestinians from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. But the attacks have set off growing calls in Israel for a tougher crackdown.
Israel allowed Palestinian women, children and men over 40 from the occupied West Bank to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem on Friday. The Muslim body that oversees the site said 80,000 people attended the weekly prayers.
Police mobilized thousands of forces in and around the Old City, home to Al-Aqsa and other holy sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam and sits on a hilltop that is the most sacred site for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount. The holy site has long been a flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian violence.
Israel has worked to sideline the Palestinian issue in recent years, instead focusing on forging alliances with Arab states against Iran. But the century-old conflict remains as intractable as ever.
Israel captured east Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories to form their future state. The last substantive peace talks broke down more than a decade ago, and Bennett is opposed to Palestinian statehood, though he supports steps to improve their economy and quality of life.
Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognized internationally and considers the entire city to be its capital. It is building and expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, which most of the international community considers illegal.
Israel withdrew soldiers and settlers from Gaza in 2005. But along with neighboring Egypt, it imposed a crippling blockade on the territory after the militant Hamas group seized power from rival Palestinian forces two years later. Israel and Hamas have fought four wars since then.
Israel says the conflict stems from the Palestinians’ refusal to accept its right to exist as a Jewish state and blames attacks in part on incitement on social media. Palestinians say such attacks are the inevitable result of a nearly 55-year military occupation that shows no sign of ending.
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BUCHA, Ukraine – The Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office says approximately 67 bodies were buried in a mass grave near a church in Bucha, a northern Kyiv suburb where journalists and returning Ukrainians discovered scores of bodies on streets and elsewhere after Russian troops withdrew.
Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova said Friday that 18 bodies had been located so far, 16 with bullet wounds and two with bullet and shrapnel wounds. Two were women and the rest were men, she said.
“This means that they killed civilians, shot them,” Venediktova said, speaking as workers pulled corpses out under spitting rain. Black body bags were laid in rows in the mud.
The prosecutor general’s office is investigating the deaths, and other mass casualties involving civilians, as possible war crimes. Venediktova said the European Union is involved in the investigation and “we are coordinating our actions.”
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KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR:
— Officials say Russian missile kills 50 civilians at train station
— EU imposes sanctions on Putin’s daughters
— Key Polish leader bashes Hungary’s Orban, longtime ally, over stance on Ukraine
— Congress votes to suspend Russia trade status, enact oil ban
— U.N. General Assembly votes to suspend Russia from UN rights council
— UN aid chief: ‘I’m not optimistic’ about Ukraine cease-fire
— Russia is moving troops and focus toward the east, but that strategycarries risks as well
— Go to https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine for more coverage
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OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
LONDON — The board chairman of Russian metals company Rusal has called for an investigation into events in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, where Ukrainian forces and journalists discovered scores of bodies after Russian troops withdrew.
Rusal Chairman Bernard Zonneveld, an independent non-executive director, didn’t address who was responsible or even directly say anyone was killed in Bucha. But he said in a statement this week that the reports “shocked us” and that “we support an objective and impartial investigation of this crime.”
The statement stood out because Russian companies have generally remained silent about the war amid rigorous suppression of opposition by Russian authorities and state-controlled media narratives.
Zonneveld said the company was “interested in putting an end to the conflict in this European country as soon as possible.”
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BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbia is seeking explanations from NATO on why its jets have allegedly shadowed Serbian passenger planes flying back from Russia.
Serbian officials said that on Wednesday a NATO jet flew close to an Air Serbia flight from Moscow to the Serbian capital, Belgrade, near the Latvian border.
A similar incident was reported by Serbian media on Friday when reportedly a NATO Belgian Air Force fighter jet “escorted” another Air Serbia plane flying from St. Petersburg to Belgrade.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has said such actions “endanger civil aviation and lives of passengers.”
Besides Turkish carriers, Air Serbia remains the only European airline to maintain its regular flights to Russia after an international flight ban was imposed.
Serbia has voted in favor of UN resolutions condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine but has refused to join international sanctions against its ally Moscow.
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LONDON – U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged another 100 million pounds ($130 million) in high grade military equipment to Ukraine, saying Britain wants to help Ukraine defend itself.
Speaking Friday at a news conference with Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Johnson said he would give Ukraine’s military more Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles, another 800 anti-tank missiles, and precision munitions capable of lingering in the sky until directed to their target.
He also promised more helmets, night vision and body armor. The items were in addition to some 200,000 pieces of non-lethal military equipment from the UK that had already been promised.
The pledge of new weaponry came as Johnson condemned the attack on train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk earlier Friday. Women and children gathering on a train platform perished in the blast.
Johnson said both the U.K. and Germany shared the “revulsion at the brutality being unleashed, including the unconscionable bombing of refugees fleeing their homes,’’ adding that the train station attack “shows the depths to which Putin’s vaunted army has sunk.’’
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KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian prosecutors say a war crimes investigation has begun after one utilities worker was killed and two injured by a mine that retreating Russian forces left behind.
The Prosecutor-General’s Office said Friday the incident happened near Trostianets, a town in northeastern Ukraine which was occupied by Russian troops for around a month until they withdrew in late March.
It said the workers were traveling Thursday to restore electricity to the area when their vehicle struck the mine outside the village of Bilka.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned of the dangers of mines and explosive traps left by Russian forces in formerly occupied areas.
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LONDON – A military expert has rejected Russia’s effort to deny responsibility for the missile strike on a Ukrainian railway station, saying the denial follows a standard formula the Kremlin uses to “muddy the waters” after attacks on civilian targets.
Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, said Friday that railroads in eastern Ukraine are a significant military target for Russia because destroying this kind of infrastructure makes it more difficult for Ukraine to reinforce its forces in the region. He added that Ukraine has little incentive to deliberately kill its own people during a war of attrition.
Bronk told the Associated Press that the strike was entirely in line with how Russian forces operate by terrorizing civilians to try and increase pressure on the Ukrainian government to agree a cease fire. He added this would allow them to consolidate their gains and try and stabilize their military position, “which is not great.”
Russia’s defense ministry rejected claims that Russia was responsible for the attack, saying it no longer uses the type of missile that hit the railway station.
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BERLIN – Officials say 40 Russian diplomats declared ‘persona non grata’ by Germany earlier this week have left the country.
The diplomats were picked up Friday by a Russian government plane that had received special permission to land at Berlin’s Schoenefeld Airport despite a ban on flights from Russia in the European Union.
Germany’s top security official had said earlier this week that the diplomats were chosen because they were linked to Russian intelligence agencies.
Germany ordered the expulsion after dozens of civilians were found killed in the Ukrainian town of Buch following the withdrawal of Russian troops there.
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BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – Slovakia’s Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad says the United States will deploy a Patriot air defense system in his country next week.
Friday’s announcement came shortly after Slovakia donated its Soviet-era S-300 air defense system to Ukraine at its request. Nad previously said his country was willing to provide its S-300 long-range air defense missile system to Ukraine on condition it has a proper replacement.
Additionally, Germany and the Netherlands have agreed to send troops armed with Patriot missiles to Slovakia as part of 2,100-strong force made up of soldiers from several NATO members states, including the US. The force will form a battlegroup on Slovak territory to boost NATO defenses on the alliance’s eastern flank.
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LONDON – Russia’s central bank says it’s lowering a key interest rate, and said more cuts could be on the way.
The decision indicates the bank thinks strict capital controls and other severe measures are stabilizing Russia’s currency and financial system despite intense pressure from Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine.
The bank said Friday it lowered its benchmark rate from 20% to 17%, effective Monday. It had raised the rate from 9.5% on Feb. 28 — four days after the invasion — as a way to support the ruble’s plunging exchange rate.
A currency collapse would worsen already high inflation for Russian shoppers by ballooning the cost of imported goods.
The rate increase shows how the central bank has managed to stabilize key aspects of the economy with severe controls, artificially propping up the ruble to allow it to rebound to levels seen before the invasion of Ukraine — even as the West piles on more sanctions.
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COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A shipment of valuable art destined for Russian museums that was seized on the Finnish-Russian border can be released under an amendment to sanctions that went into effect on Friday, Finnish customs officials said.
The artwork and artifacts — which were returning to Russia from Italy and Japan, where they were on loan — have a total insured value of around 42 million euros ($46 million).
They were seized at the Vaalimaa border crossing on April 1-2 under European Union sanctions imposed on Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine.
The amendment to the sanctions makes it possible to grant an exceptional permit for transports between museums. Finland’s customs agency said the Foreign Ministry can grant a permit enabling the release of works of art.
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LVIV, Ukraine — The governor of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region says the death toll from a missile strike on a rail station in the eastern town of Kramatorsk has risen to 50, including five children.
Pavlo Kyrylenko wrote on social media that 38 people had died at the scene, and another 12 in hospital.
Ukrainian officials have said as many as 4,000 people were at the station, where trains were evacuating civilians westward from the Ukraine-held town ahead of an expected Russian offensive.
Scores of people were injured in the strike, and local hospitals were overwhelmed in dealing with the influx of patients.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders have accused Russia’s military of deliberately targeting a location where only civilians were assembled. Russia’s Defense Ministry denied any Russian role in the attack.
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TIRANA, Albania — Thousands of demonstrators waving Ukrainian flags and chanting support for Ukraine have marched through Albania’s capital.
Western diplomats and the city’s mayor joined Ukraine’s ambassador in a procession from Tirana’s main Skanderbeg Square to the Ukrainian embassy.
Youths held aloft a 30-meter (100-foot) long blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag and anti-war posters. Some sought to liken Russian President Vladimir Putin to the late Serb ex-authoritarian leader Slobodan Milosevic, a reviled figure in Albania.
Albania’s government has lined up with European Union sanctions and expressed support for U.S. initiatives against Russia at the U.N. Security Council, where Albania currently holds a seat.
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TOKYO — Japan is expelling eight Russian diplomats and trade officials and will phase out imports of Russian coal and oil.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday that Moscow must be held accountable for “war crimes” in Ukraine and pointed to a “critical moment” now in efforts to get Russia’s government to end its invasion of Ukraine.
He said Japan will also ban imports of Russian lumber, vodka and other goods, and will prohibit new Japanese investment in Russia. It will also step up sanctions against Russian banks and freeze assets of about 400 more individuals and groups.
Reduction of Russian fossil fuel imports is a difficult choice for resource-poor Japan, and could mean a shift for its energy policy toward more renewables and nuclear power. Russia accounts for about 11% of Japanese coal imports.
Earlier Friday, Japan’s Foreign Ministry announced it was expelling eight Russian diplomats and trade officials, joining similar moves in European countries.
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MADRID — Spain’s defense minister expects a “long and cruel” war in Ukraine.
Margarita Robles said Friday that killings and alleged torture of civilians in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha were “the tip of the iceberg” when it comes to atrocities committed since Russian forces invaded Ukraine.
Evidence of the violence against civilians emerged after Russian forces pulled out of the town on the outskirts of the capital, Kyiv.
Robles told Antena 3 that an expected Russian offensive in the eastern Donbas region — where pro-Russian separatists have been fighting Ukrainian government forces since 2014 — will likely bring more horror.
She predicted increased “cruelty” would be inflicted by Russian forces in the region.
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BRUSSELS — The European Union has returned its ambassador to Ukraine to the capital, Kyiv, in a move that underscores the improved security situation there and the 27-nation bloc’s commitment to the beleaguered country.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell made the announcement Friday during a visit to Kyiv where he joined EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Borrell said the ambassador’s return would help ensure that the EU and Ukraine’s government can work together more directly and closely.
Russian forces sought to enter Kyiv in the days after its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine but despite severe losses and damage, the city withstood the attacks and the government was able to continue functioning from there.
Borrell called it “impressive” that Ukraine’s government was fully functioning under “the very difficult circumstances.”
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ROME — The United Nations says prices for world food commodities like grains and vegetable oils reached their highest levels ever last month due to fallout from the war in Ukraine.
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said Friday its Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in international prices for a basket of commodities, recorded a double-digit percentage-point increase in March from the record level already set the previous month.
FAO said the index came in at 159.3 points last month, up 12.6% from February’s all-time high since the index was created in 1990.
The Rome-based agency says the war in Ukraine was largely responsible for the 17.1% rise in prices for cereals, including wheat and all coarse grains. Russia and Ukraine together account for around 30% and 20% respectively of global wheat and maize exports.
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LONDON — Britain has added two adult daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin to its sanctions list, following similar moves by the U.S. and the European Union.
The government said Friday it is imposing asset freezes and travel bans on Putin’s daughters Katerina Tikhonova and Maria Vorontsova, as well as Yekaterina Vinokurova, daughter of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Britain says it has sanctioned more than 1,200 Russian individuals and businesses since the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, including 76 oligarchs and 16 banks.
It says Western nations have collectively frozen 275 billion pounds ($360 billion), amounting to 60% of Russian foreign currency reserves.
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KYIV, Ukraine — The regional governor of Ukraine’s Sumy region that borders Russia is urging local residents to avoid using forest roads, walking on roadsides, or approaching destroyed military equipment after Russian troops pulled out of the region.
Dmytro Zhyvytskyy warned Friday on the messaging app Telegram that locals are still in danger because of mines and other ammunition that the Russian forces left behind.
In a message apparently directed to local residents, Zhyvytskyy said any explosions in the area in the short term were likely to be sounds of rescuers and mine-clearing specialists at work deactivating the ammunition and other explosives.
He had said earlier this week that Russia no longer controlled any settlements in the region.
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BRUSSELS — The European Union imposed has sanctions on two adult daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of a new package of measures targeting Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, according to two EU officials.
The EU included Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova in its updated list of individuals facing assets freeze and travel bans. The two EU officials from different EU member countries spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the updated list of sanctions has not been published yet.
The move from the European bloc follows a similar move two days earlier by the United States.
— By Samuel Petrequin and Raf Casert in Brussels.
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BRUSSELS — Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger and two top European Union officials are in Kyiv looking to shore up the bloc’s support for war-torn Ukraine.
Heger said in a tweet Friday that he, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief have come with trade and humanitarian aid proposals for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government.
Part of that, Heger says is “to offer options for transporting grains, including wheat.” Ukraine is a major world wheat supplier and Russia’s war on Ukraine is creating shortages, notably in the Middle East.
He adds that the three want to help Ukraine on its path toward closer ties with the EU by “creating a ReformTeam.” Ukraine has applied to join the EU, but was already sorely in need of reforms, notably to root out rampant corruption, years before Russian troops invaded in February.
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COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Latvia says it has blacklisted 15 citizens of Russia and Belarus on grounds that their activities pose a threat to the nation’s national security.
A list of nine Russians and six Belarus citizens was given by Latvia’s State Security Service — the counterintelligence agency — to Interior Minister Marija Golubeva.
The State Security Service said Friday they include people who “may be involved in obtaining intelligence or providing support for Russia’s foreign policy interests.” It says among them are those who despite the crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine express support for the Kremlin.
Earlier this month, Latvia said it will close two Russia’s consular missions and expel a total of 13 Russian diplomats and employees currently stationed in the Baltic country.
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MOSCOW — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has acknowledged that Russia has suffered “significant losses of troops” during its military operation in Ukraine.
Peskov said: “Yes, we have significant losses of troops and it is a huge tragedy for us.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with British broadcaster Sky on Thursday, Peskov also hinted that the operation might be over “in the foreseeable future.” He said that Russian forces were “doing their best to bring an end to that operation.”
He said: “And we do hope that in coming days, in the foreseeable future, this operation will reach its goals, or we’ll finish it by the negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations.”
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CANBERRA, Australia — The first of 20 Bushmaster armored vehicles has left Australia for Ukraine, one week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy specifically requested the Australian-manufactured four-wheel drives.
A Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport jet that can carry four Bushmasters left the east coast city of Brisbane for Europe on Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
The 20 Bushmasters cost 50 million in Australian dollars, which is $37 million in U.S. dollars.
The vehicles are in addition to $116 million in Australian dollars ($87 million in U.S. dollars) in military and humanitarian aid previously committed to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy requested Bushmasters when he made a video address to the Australian Parliament on March 31.
“And as soon as he asked, we said yes,” Morrison said.
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WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Thursday announced it is levying sanctions against Russia’s largest military shipbuilding and diamond mining companies.
The move blocks their access to the U.S. financial system as the United States looks to exact more economic pain on President Vladimir Putin for the invasion of Ukraine.
Alrosa is the world’s largest diamond mining company and accounts for about 90% of Russia’s diamond mining capacity, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.
Alrosa generated over $4.2 billion in revenue in 2021. Diamonds are one of Russia’s top 10 non-energy exports by value.
The State Department also said it was blacklisting the United Shipbuilding Corporation, as well as its subsidiaries and board members.
The moves against the two-state owned companies come a day after the U.S. announced it was targeting the two adult daughters of President Vladimir Putin, two of Russia’s largest banks and banning new American investment in Russia.
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PARIS (AP) — President Emmanuel Macron said Friday he has no fear of losing France’s presidential election, despite far-right rival Marine Le Pen narrowing the gap in opinion polls days before the first-round vote.
Still, suspense is the watchword in Sunday’s voting to choose the top two among a dozen contenders, with a predicted low turnout that could help decide the race.
“I have the spirit of conquest rather than the spirit of defeat,” Macron, a centrist, said in an interview with RTL radio on the final day of campaigning. But he cautiously added, “Nothing is ever a given.”
Le Pen, running in her third presidential race, has consistently placed second behind Macron in polls. She appeared to close the gap even further according to latest polls, which have given a difference of between 1 and 6 points between the two.
If the polls mirror election results, Macron and Le Pen would repeat the 2017 scenario, squaring off in a second round Apr. 24. Macron won by a landslide five years ago, taking 66% of the vote to Le Pen’s 34%.
This time, polls forecast the score to be much closer.
Le Pen has expended much energy to take the edge off her National Rally party in order to make it more appealing to voters. She has softened her image even more and made purchasing power the centerpiece of her campaign, but hasn’t give up on her key themes: stopping the “migratory submersion” and “eradicating” political Islam.
“If Emmanuel Macron had enriched the country, excuse me but we wouldn’t be talking about purchasing power,” Le Pen said at her final rally Thursday evening in the southwest town of Perpignan whose far-right mayor, Louis Aliot, is her former companion.
Macron denounced the far-right as “playing with the fears” of people, in an interview with French online media Brut on Friday evening. “When I look at far-right views, whoever the candidate is … there are lots of links to conspiracy theories, and for two years of (COVID-19) pandemic, everything and its opposite was said, quite worryingly,” he said.
“And then, there are short-term proposals, sometimes not making financial sense at all or demagogic, like on purchasing power,” he added.
Macron stressed the unemployment rate decreased from about 10% to 7.4% during his term and vowed, if reelected, to reach “full employment.”
Macron chose the online media to do his last interview before Sunday’s vote in efforts to reach out to young voters, who tend to be less likely to go to the polls than the rest of the population.
Macron spoke to several French television and radio channels and newspapers this week in an final push to promote his policies. He cited his presidential duties, notably his diplomatic efforts over the war in Ukraine, to justify his absence during much of the campaign, which has been criticized by other candidates.
Turnout could be the deciding factor in the the election and could harm Le Pen’s chances most because her working class support base is composed of voters who tend to stay at home on election day.
Pollsters say measuring the proportion of people who may not vote is a delicate task. The Odoxa polling firm suggested Friday that abstention could near a historic low level, with 27.4% of eligible voters staying home. That would be five points more than in 2017.
The record was in 2002 when 28.4% of voters failed to go to the polls in the first round, when then-President Jacques Chirac was competing with Le Pen’s firebrand far-right father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, among others. Le Pen was defeated in the final round in a landslide.
“It could even be higher than this record,” Erwan Lestrohan, director of studies at Odoxa, said in an interview Friday with The Associated Press. “This is the final stretch and there are still some undecided voters, but we are very close to a record abstention.”
In addition, three out of 10 people who say they are sure they will vote could change their minds or remain undecided about which candidate to choose, Lestrohan said.
“There is still lots of suspense in the final stretch,” he said.
In Perpignan, Le Pen sought to rally supporters including those mulling about casting their ballot for novice far-right candidate Eric Zemmour, a former TV pundit whose bid for the presidency is based entirely on the migration issue. He stands in fourth place in the polls, behind far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
Le Pen also appealed to supporters to cast their ballots.
“To those who stopped voting because of anger, disgust, disillusion, fatigue, I tell them: ‘I understand you’ but here, become citizen again,” Le Pen said.
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AP Journalists Catherine Gaschka and Sylvie Corbet contributed.
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| 2022-04-08T20:02:56
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WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland on Friday summoned France’s ambassador over French President Emmanuel Macron’s reference to Poland’s prime minister as a “far-right anti-Semite” in a budding feud over Russia’s war on Ukraine.
It was not immediately clear exactly when Ambassador Frederic Billet would arrive at Poland’s Foreign Ministry. Officials in Poland blamed the harsh words on campaign fervor ahead of this weekend’s presidential election in France.
The bitter exchange between Macron and Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki appears as an unwelcome crack in the European Union’s unity forged amid outrage over Russia’s aggression on Ukraine.
In an interview published online by the French Le Parisien newspaper Thursday, Macron called Morawiecki a “far-right anti-Semite who bans LGBT persons.” Macron, who is seeking a second term in Sunday’s vote, also claimed that Morawiecki has been trying to help French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen.
Piotr Mueller, a spokesman for Poland’s right-wing government, said it was a “lie” to suggest that Morawiecki had anything to do with anti-Semitism and blamed Macron’s remarks on the emotions of a heated election campaign.
Poles are especially sensitive to accusations of anti-Semitism because of the Holocaust that Nazi Germany largely carried out in Poland. Most of Europe’s Jews lived in Poland before World War II and millions perished in death camps or ghettos run by German Nazi forces that occupied the country during the war.
Macron didn’t specify what he was referring to, but Morawiecki angered Israel and many Jews in 2018 when he said that there were also “Jewish perpetrators” of the Holocaust. Morawiecki’s government also introduced a law that penalizes apportioning blame to Poles for Holocaust crimes committed by the Germans. Another law Morawiecki’s team introduced effectively bars restitution of private property that had been owned by Holocaust victims and was later seized by the state.
The French leader’s remarks were in response to Morawiecki’s harsh criticism of his talks with Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin in a still futile effort to end the bloodshed in Ukraine. Morawiecki said Monday that no talks should be held with (war) criminals like Nazi Germany’s leader Adolf Hitler or the Soviet Union’s Joseph Stalin.
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| 2022-04-08T20:03:03
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OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — An attack by suspected Islamic extremist rebels on a military unit in Burkina Faso Friday has killed at least 16 security forces and injured many others, the army announced.
A dozen military soldiers and four volunteer fighters who work alongside the army died when their military unit was attacked at 5 a.m. in Namissiguima town in the Center North region, said a statement by the armed forces. An additional 21 soldiers were wounded and equipment was also damaged, said the statement.
Burkina Faso is grappling with rising jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group that’s killed thousands and displaced some 2 million people.
This is the latest in a series against the military. At least 40 security forces were killed in the last two weeks of March according to an internal security report for aid groups seen by The Associated Press.
The Friday attack involved a car bomb and was carefully planned, according to security analysts.
“In addition to this being a sign of how (the) security situation continues to deteriorate, it also shows the ability of jihadist groups to carry (out) sophisticated and complex attacks,” said Rida Lyammouri, senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a Moroccan-based organization focused on economics and policy.
“Jihadists control the area just north of where the incident occurred, so they had the time and information to plan this complex attack,” he said.
Civilians living in nearby towns without military support say they’re worried the violence is going to spread. “Namissiguima is the only place that has a military detachment around here,” said a resident of the nearby Kongoussi town who insisted on anonymity for his safety. “We hope the attacks don’t expand.”
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| 2022-04-08T20:03:10
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LONDON (AP) — The British government on Friday defended its Ukraine refugee policy but acknowledged there had been frustrating delays after disclosing that only 12,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war have arrived in the U.K.
Government figures showed that of the total number of arrivals, only 1,200 came as part of the Homes for Ukraine program set up to match refuges with volunteer hosts. The other 10,800 came to join family members in Britain.
In comparison, neighboring Ireland, which has one tenth the U.K. population, has already taken in more than 20,000 refugees from the war in Ukraine.
About 200,000 people and groups in the U.K. have offered to accommodate Ukrainians as part of Homes for Ukraine. Some say they have never heard back, while others report slow progress navigating red tape and the checks the government is conducting on volunteer hosts.
Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon accused the government of “choosing control over compassion” and said Britons who are prepared to open up their homes have been left feeling “angry and frustrated that their gesture of support has been lost into a web of bureaucracy and chaos.”
Opposition parties and refugee groups also have criticized the Conservative government for insisting on visas for Ukrainians, which many countries in Europe and waived.
The government says visa checks are needed to ensure people are who they say there are. It said that as of Thursday, about 79,800 applications had been submitted and 40,900 visas had been granted.
“The whole process is taking far too long. Complicated visa schemes have delayed or deterred many people from seeking safety in the U.K,” said Alex Fraser, director of refugee support at the British Red Cross.
Richard Harrington, appointed the U.K.’s new refugee minister a month ago, this week conceded that the program had got off to a ”slow and bureaucratic” start.
Home Secretary Priti Patel acknowledged feeling “frustration” and said she was working to streamline the process. But she defended the visa rules.
“We want to give people the status and security of coming to our country along with the warm welcome,” Patel told the BBC. “We have to ensure that they are protected and safeguarded in the United Kingdom as well.”
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| 2022-04-08T20:03:17
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PARIS (AP) — French voters in Sunday’s presidential election will use the same system that’s been used for generations: paper ballots that are cast in person and counted by hand. Despite periodic calls for more flexibility or modernization, France doesn’t do mail-in voting, early voting or use voting machines en masse like the United States. President Emmanuel Macron is the clear front-runner, though an unprecedented proportion of people say they are unsure who they will vote for or whether they will vote at all.
PAPER BALLOTS
Voters must be at least 18 years old. About 48.7 million French are registered on the electoral rolls of the place where they live.
Voters make their choices in a booth, with the curtains closed, then place their ballot in an envelope that is then put into a transparent ballot box. They must show photo identification and sign a document, next to their name, to complete the process.
Volunteers count the ballots one by one. Officials will then use state-run software to register and report results more efficiently.
But legally only the paper counts. If a result is challenged, the paper ballots are recounted manually.
PROXY VOTING
People who can’t go to the polls for various reasons can authorize someone else to vote for them.
To do so, a voter must fill out a form ahead of time and bring it to a police station. A person can be the proxy of no more than one voter living in France — and potentially one additional person living abroad.
Up to 7% of people voted by proxy in the last presidential election five years ago.
NO MAIL-IN VOTING, RARE MACHINE-VOTING
Mail-in voting was banned in 1975 amid fears of potential fraud.
Machine-voting was allowed as an experiment starting in 2002, but the purchase of new machines has been frozen since 2008 due to security concerns. Only a few dozens towns still use them.
Last year, Macron’s centrist government tried to pass an amendment to allow early voting by machine to encourage electoral participation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate, led by a conservative majority, rejected the measure, arguing it was announced with too little notice and was not solid enough legally.
COVID-19 MEASURES
Most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in the country. Though the number of cases is significantly lower than earlier this year, infections have been creeping up again for several weeks, reaching over 130,000 new confirmed cases each day.
People who test positive for the virus can go to the polls. They are strongly advised to wear a mask and follow other health guidelines.
Voters can wash their hands at polling stations, which will also have hand sanitizer available. Equipment will be frequently cleaned. Each voting station will let fresh air in for at least 10 minutes every hour.
TWO-ROUND SYSTEM
France’s presidential election is organized in two rounds. Twelve candidates met the conditions for Sunday’s vote, including Macron and French nationalist leader Marine Le Pen,his main challenger.
In theory, someone could win outright by garnering more than 50% of the vote in the first round, but that has never happened in France.
In practice, the two top contenders qualify for a runoff, with the winner chosen on April 24.
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the French election at https://apnews.com/hub/french-election-2022
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| 2022-04-08T20:03:24
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PARIS (AP) — With war singeing the European Union’s eastern edge, French voters will be casting ballots in a presidential election whose outcome will have international implications. France is the 27-member bloc’s second economy, the only one with a UN Security Council veto, and its sole nuclear power. And as Russian President Vladimir Putin carries on with the war in Ukraine, French power will help shape Europe’s response.
Twelve candidates are vying for the presidency — including incumbent and favorite President Emmanuel Macron who is seeking a new term amid a challenge from the far-right.
Here’s why the French election, taking place in two rounds starting Sunday, matters:
NATO
Russia’s war in Ukraine has afforded Macron the chance to demonstrate his influence on the international stage and burnish his pro-NATO credentials in election debates. Macron is the only front-runner who supports the alliance while other candidates hold differing views on France’s role within it, including abandoning it entirely. Such a development would deal a huge blow to an alliance built to protect its members in the then emerging Cold War 73 years ago.
Despite declaring NATO’s “brain death” in 2019, the war in Ukraine has prompted Macron to try and infuse the alliance with a renewed sense of purpose.
“Macron really wants to create a European pillar of NATO,” says Susi Dennison, Senior Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “He’s used it for his shuttle diplomacy over the Ukraine conflict.”
On the far-left, candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon wants to quit NATO outright, saying that it produces nothing but squabbles and instability. A NATO-skeptic President Melenchon might be a concern especially for Poland, which has a 1,160-kilometer border with territory now controlled by Russia.
Several other candidates want to see either diminished engagement with the alliance or a full withdrawal. Although unlikely, France’s departure from NATO would create a deep chasm with its allies and alienate the United States.
EUROPEAN COOPERATION
Observers say a Macron re-election would spell real likelihood for increased cooperation and investment in European security and defense — especially with a new pro-EU German government.
Under Macron’s watch, France’s defense spending has risen by €7 billion euros ($7.6 billion) with a target to raise it to 2% of gross domestic product — something that leaders including Putin are watching closely. In his second term, Macron would almost certainly want to build up a joint European response to Ukraine and head off Russian threats.
A FAR RIGHT ALLIANCE?
This election could reshape France’s post-war identity and indicate whether European populism is ascendant or in decline. With populist Viktor Orban winning a fourth consecutive term as Hungary’s prime minister days ago, eyes have now turned to France’s resurgent far right candidates — especially National Rally leader Marine Le Pen who wants to ban Muslim headscarves in streets, and halal and kosher butchers, and drastically reduce immigration from outside Europe.
“If a far-right candidate wins, it could create some sort of alliance or axis in Europe,” said Dennison, of the European Council on Foreign Relations. “Le Pen has been tweeting pictures of herself shaking hands with Orban in recent days. She is championing a Europe of strong nation states.”
That axis might include Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, a right-wing populist and ally of Donald Trump. It has alarmed observers.
“Over 30 percent of French voters right now say they are going to vote for a far right candidate. If you include Melenchon as another extreme, anti-system candidate — that’s almost half the entire voting population. It is unprecedented,” Dennison said.
Far right candidate Eric Zemmour has dominated the French airwaves with his controversial views on Islam in France and immigration.
However, even centrist Macron ruffled feathers in Muslim countries two years ago when he defended the right to publish cartoons of the prophet Muhammad. That came during a homage to a teacher beheaded by a fundamentalist for showing the cartoons to his pupils as part of a class on free speech.
A FRIEND OF AMERICA
The US often touts France as its oldest ally — and from Russian sanctions to climate change and the United Nations, Washington needs a reliable partner in Paris. France is a vital trans-Atlantic friend for America, not least for its status as continental Europe’s only permanent UN Security Council member wielding veto power.
Despite the bitter US-France spat last year over a multibillion deal to supply Australia with submarines — which saw France humiliated — President Joe Biden and Macron are now on solid terms.
“Macron is obviously the only candidate that has history and credentials in the US relationship. All the others would be starting from scratch at a time of great geopolitical uncertainty,” said Dennison..
Unlike Macron, an Elysee in the hands of Zemmour or Le Pen would likely mean less preoccupation with issues that the U.S. considers a priority such as climate change. “They might not prioritize the large economic cost of keeping the Paris Climate Agreement alive and the potential to limit global warming to 1.5%,” Dennison added.
MIGRATION IN THE CONTINENT
In light of a huge migrant influx into Europe last year, France’s position on migration will continue to strongly impact countries on its periphery and beyond. This is especially so because of its geographical location as a leg on the journey of many migrants to the U.K.
A migrant vessel capsized in the English Channel last November killing 27 people, leading to a spat between France and the U.K. over who bore responsibility The British accused France of not patrolling the coast well enough, yet Macron said this was an impossible task. Observers consider France not to be a particularly open to migrants within a European context and see Macron as a relative hardliner on migration.
But Le Pen or Zemmour would likely usher in tougher policies than Macron if they either emerges victorious, such as slashing social allocations to non-French citizens and capping the number of asylum seekers. Some candidates have supported a Trump-style construction of border fences.
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the French election at https://apnews.com/hub/french-election-2022
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PINEVILLE, La. (WNTZ) – Louisiana Christian University will recognize academically outstanding students in three separate ceremonies on April 12.
Honors Convocation will be held during Chapel at 11 a.m. and recognizes outstanding students in their academic disciplines. Many of these include scholarship awards.
The Dean’s List includes students who have earned at least a 3.5 GPA in their courses in the fall semester. The ceremony will be at 5:30 p.m.
The President’s List includes students who have earned a 4.0 GPA in their courses in the fall semester. The ceremony will be at 7 p.m.
All ceremonies will be in Guinn Auditorium
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A jury on Friday acquitted two men of all charges in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer but couldn’t reach verdicts against the two alleged leaders, a stunning defeat for the government after a weekslong trial that centered on an FBI sting operation just before the 2020 election.
The decisions were announced a few hours after the jury said it was struggling to find unanimity on all 10 charges. The judge told the panel to keep working on the fifth day of deliberations, but jurors emerged again after lunch to say they still were deadlocked on some counts.
Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta were found not guilty of conspiracy. In addition, Harris was acquitted of charges related to explosives and a gun.
The jury could not reach verdicts for Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., which means the government can put them on trial again.
Fox’s attorney, Christopher Gibbons, said the acquittals of Harris and Caserta demonstrated some serious shortcomings in the government’s case.
“We’ll be ready for another trial. … We’ll eventually get what we wanted out of this, which is the truth and the justice I think Adam is entitled to,” Gibbons said.
Defense lawyers had portrayed their clients as credulous weekend warriors prone to big, wild talk, who were often stoned. They said FBI undercover agents and informants tricked and cajoled the men into agreeing to a conspiracy.
But prosecutors offered evidence of the men discussing abducting Whitmer before the FBI sting began. They went way beyond talk, including scouting Whitmer’s summer home and testing explosives, prosecutors told jurors.
There were 10 charges in the case: one against Caserta, two against Fox, three against Croft and four against Harris.
Deliberations resumed earlier Friday with a court employee handing over a large plastic bag containing pennies, known as exhibit 291. The pennies were requested before jurors went home Thursday.
Pennies taped to a commercial-grade firework were intended to act like shrapnel, investigators said.
According to evidence, a homemade explosive was detonated during training in September 2020, about a month before the men were arrested.
In his closing argument on April 1, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler said Croft wanted to test the explosive as a possible weapon to use against Whitmer’s security team. He quoted him as saying the pennies would be so hot they could go “right through your skin.”
The trial covered 20 days since March 8, including jury selection, evidence, final arguments and jury deliberations.
Prosecutors offered testimony from undercover agents, a crucial informant and two men who pleaded guilty to the plot. Jurors also read and heard secretly recorded conversations, violent social media posts and chat messages.
Prosecutors said the group was steeped in anti-government extremism and angry over Whitmer’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Croft is from Bear, Delaware, while the others are from Michigan.
Whitmer, a Democrat, rarely talks publicly about the plot, though she referred to “surprises” during her term that seemed like “something out of fiction” when she filed for reelection on March 17.
She has blamed former President Donald Trump for fomenting anger over coronavirus restrictions and refusing to condemn right-wing extremists like those charged in the case.
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BEAUMONT, Texas (AP) — Seven inmates have been charged with killing two fellow prisoners and wounding two others during a January attack at a federal prison in Texas that led to a nationwide lockdown of the federal prison system.
The 15-count indictment filed this week includes charges of racketeering, murder and attempted murder against Juan Carolos Rivas-Moreiera; Dimas Alfaro-Granados; Raul Landaverde-Giron; Larry Navarete; Jorge Parada; Hector Ramires; and Sergio Sibrian.
The seven remain in federal custody and court documents do not list attorneys who could speak on their behalf.
The Jan. 31 attack was inside USP Beaumont in Beaumont, Texas. Prosecutors say the seven are members of the violent MS-13 gang and attacked rival gang members of the Mexican Mafia and its affiliate, the Sureños.
“Deterring prison violence remains a priority for the Department,” U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston of the Eastern District of Texas said in a statement Thursday. “Any prisoner who causes physical injury to another, inmate or corrections officer, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Each of the seven could face the death penalty if convicted on the murder charges, the indictment states.
According to the indictment, the MS-13 maintained a relationship with the Mexican Mafia and Sureños for protection in prisons.
“However, that symbiotic relationship recently began to fall apart as MS-13’s leadership in El Salvador sought to exert more control and independence of its own members while incarcerated in prisons within the United States,” the indictment stated.
The change led the seven to conspire to kill members of Mexican Mafia and the Sureños, according to the indictment.
The indictment said Sureños member and Mexican Mafia associate Guillermo Riojas and Sureños member Andrew Pineda were fatally stabbed during the attack and two Sureños members were wounded.
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| 2022-04-08T20:03:51
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BOSTON (AP) — A former Florida prep school administrator who took students’ college entrance exams for bribes was sentenced to four months in prison Friday, the same day a decorated former water polo coach at the University of Southern California was found guilty of fraud and bribery.
The sentence for Mark Riddell was what U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins’ office had recommended to the judge in court filings ahead of Friday’s hearing.
Riddell’s lawyers, in their own filing, had argued for one to two months in prison, saying he was neither the ringleader of the scheme nor a university insider, like the coaches and college administrators implicated.
In court, Riddell apologized to the students who lost out of college opportunities because of his “terrible decision.”
The Harvard graduate, who emerged as a key figure in the wide-ranging scandal, admitted to secretly taking the ACT and SAT in place of students, or correcting their answers.
Riddell, who had been cooperating with federal authorities in hopes of getting a lesser sentence, pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges in April 2019.
Riddell oversaw college entrance exam preparation at IMG Academy, a school in Bradenton, Florida that bills itself as the world’s largest sports academy.
Authorities say the admissions consultant at the centerof the scheme, Rick Singer, bribed test administrators to allow Riddell to pretend to proctor the exams for students so he could cheat on the tests. Singer typically paid Riddell $10,000 per test to rig the scores, prosecutors said.
Riddell, who was fired from IMG Academy, made more than $200,000 by cheating on over 25 exams, prosecutors said.
Also Friday, a federal jury in Boston convicted former USC water polo coach Jovan Vavic of fraud and bribery.
Vavic, 60, who guided USC’s men’s and women’s water polo teams to 16 national championships, received about $250,000 in bribes for designating unqualified students as water polo recruits so they could attend the elite Los Angeles school, prosecutors said.
He declined to comment after the hearing and left court with his family.
Vavic’s defense argued he was just doing what he could to raise money for his dominant, championship-winning program as athletic officials at the school had demanded.
They also maintained never lied, never took a bribe and was a victim of USC’s desire to protect its reputation and cover up a “pervasive culture” of accepting wealthy students who could provide donations windfalls.
The university, which fired Vavic after his 2019 arrest, has stressed its admissions processes are “not on trial.”
Nearly 60 people, including wealthy and famous parents as well as college coaches and athletic administrators were charged in the Operation Varsity Blues case, including “Full House” star Lori Loughlin and her fashion designer husband Mossimo Giannulli.
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BOSTON (AP) — When she was elected mayor of Boston in November, Michelle Wu transformed the image of the city’s chief executive — up until then the sole domain of white men, many of Irish descent.
Now in office, the Chicago-born daughter of Taiwanese immigrants is facing a raft of challenges, including making good on key campaign promises like creating a fare-free public transit system and blunting the city’s skyrocketing housing costs.
Wu, 37 and the mother of two, has also grappled with early morning protests outside her home and racist online taunts.
“You can’t take things personally in jobs like this,” Wu said in an interview with The Associated Press. “At the same time, it does seem like in the last few years especially we’ve seen a normalizing of behavior that is toxic and harmful and personally abusive to many, many people.”
“Women and women of color in particular often have the most racialized and gender-based versions of that intensity,” she added.
The noisy morning gatherings outside her home prompted Wu to push through a new city ordinance limiting the hours during which protesters can gather in residential neighborhoods to the window between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
She’s also dismissed online chatter which tried to raise doubts about her mental health. Wu has been open about her mother’s struggles with mental illness.
“What has been most staggering about some of the rumors or these whisper campaigns is that in fact, I think it has the opposite impact,” Wu said. “If I needed mental health support, I would be the first to say that.”
She’s also run into flak from city unions on pandemic mandates and, more recently, tried to thread a needle on whether and how to allow restaurants to continue offering sidewalk dining along the narrow streets of the city’s North End.
The post is still a dream job for Wu — a former Democratic city councilor and policy wonk in the mold of mentor Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
“In many ways, it feels familiar and exhilarating and energizing to be able to roll up my sleeves and just work on issues that I had been talking about,” Wu said. “The energy right now in Boston to get things done is felt everywhere across the city.”
While Wu is the first woman of color to be elected mayor, she wasn’t the first to hold the seat. FormerCity Council President Kim Janey, who is Black, held the post of acting mayor for much of 2021 after former Mayor Marty Walsh resigned to become President Joe Biden’s labor secretary.
Unlike the typical Boston mayor, Wu wasn’t born and raised in the city. She first arrived from Chicago to attend Harvard University in neighboring Cambridge.
She would eventually relocate her two younger sisters and mother to Boston as she attended Harvard Law School.
“Boston has given me everything that I cherish in my life — the ability to take care of my family, to connect my mom to health care in a way that saved her life, the schools that I was able to raise my sisters in and now my own two boys,” Wu said. “It’s a city of every possible opportunity that you can think of, but it’s also a city that really needs to take down barriers, still, for that to be felt across every single part of our neighborhoods.”
One of biggest challenges facing Wu is housing.
Boston is facing a hollowing-out, driven by rapid gentrification as sleek new apartment buildings rise in neighborhoods that traditionally relied on three-story wooden homes to house a working and middle class
“We are working to throw everything we have at housing right now,” said Wu, who has pledged to revive rent control, outlawed by Massachusetts voters in 1994.
Hemmed in by neighboring communities and the Atlantic Ocean, Boston doesn’t have many large open spaces for new housing. One of the last — a former industrial landscape rebranded as the Seaport District — has been filled with boxy glass-enclosed high rises.
Wu is eyeing three other parcels: a former horse track in the city’s East Boston neighborhood; a reconfiguration of Interstate 90 that could unlock land largely owned by Harvard; and an industrial area near the city’s South Boston neighborhood that had been eyed for a stadium during the city’s aborted bid for the 2024 Olympics.
During the campaign, Wu also promised a free public transit system.
The city has put a down payment on that pledge with three free bus linesserving primarily riders of color and lower income neighborhoods. The city is picking up the tab — $8 million in federal pandemic relief funds — for the next two years.
“Bus service is the most cost efficient and the most equitable place to start, because that is where we see some of the largest gaps in rider experience,” Wu said, noting that Black riders spend 64 more hours per year sitting on buses in Boston compared to white riders.
Expanding the fare-free push to other bus lines and the subway system would likely require action by state lawmakers, the governor and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which oversees the public transit system. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker has panned the idea.
Wu said she’s hoping to change what it means to be mayor of the nearly 400-year-old city — and maybe change the way the rest of the country sees Boston while she’s at it.
“I made a promise to myself early on that I would be proud of who I was in politics long after I got out of politics,” Wu said. “I was anxious at first that being in this role would mean having to change my family’s life in different ways. But politics doesn’t have to be how we see it now. Politics is what we make of it.”
“I hope that, in leaning into who I am — a mom with two young kids, someone who didn’t grow up in the city, raised by parents who didn’t grow up in this country — that I expand the definition of what leadership looks like,” she said.
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A jury on Friday acquitted two men of all charges in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmerbut couldn’t reach verdicts against the two alleged leaders, a stunning defeat for the government after a weekslong trial that centered on a remarkable FBI sting operation just before the 2020 election.
The results were announced a few hoursafter the jury said it was struggling to find unanimity on all 10 charges. The judge on the fifth day of deliberations told the panel to keep working, but jurors emerged again after lunch to say they still were deadlocked on some counts.
Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta were found not guilty of conspiracy. In addition, Harris was acquitted of charges related to explosives and a gun.
The jury could not reach verdicts for Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., which means the government can put them on trial again.
“Obviously we’re disappointed with the outcome. We have two defendants that are awaiting trial and we’ll get back to work on that,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge said, declining further comment.
Harris and Caserta embraced their lawyers when U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker said they were free after 18 months in jail awaiting trial. Family members moments earlier gasped and cried with joy when the verdicts were read.
Over 13 days of testimony, prosecutors offered evidence from undercover agents, a crucial informantand two men who pleaded guiltyto the plot. Jurors also read and heard secretly recorded conversations, violent social media posts and chat messages.
Ty Garbin, who pleaded guilty and is serving a six-year prison sentence, said the plan was to get Whitmer and cause enough chaos to trigger a civil war before the 2020 election , keeping Joe Biden from winning the presidency.
The six including Garbin and Kaleb Franks, who also pleaded guilty and testified for the government, were arrested in October 2020 amid talk of raising $4,000 for an explosive to blow up a bridge and stymie any police response to a kidnapping, according to trial testimony.
Prosecutors said the group was steeped in anti-government extremism and angry over Whitmer’s COVID-19 restrictions. There was evidence of a “shoot house” erected in Luther, Michigan, to practice going in and out of tight spaces at her vacation home.
But defense lawyers portrayed the men as credulous weekend warriors prone to big, wild talk and often stoned on marijuana. They said agents and informants tricked and cajoled the men into targeting the governor.
Harris was the only defendant to testify in his own defense, repeatedly telling jurors “absolutely not” when asked if he had targeted the governor.
“I think what the FBI did is unconscionable,” Caserta’s attorney, Michael Hills, said outside court. “And I think the jury just sent them a message loud and clear that these tactics — we’re not going to condone what they’ve done here.”
Fox’s attorney, Christopher Gibbons, said the acquittals of Harris and Caserta demonstrated some serious shortcomings in the government’s case.
“We’ll be ready for another trial. … We’ll eventually get what we wanted out of this, which is the truth and the justice I think Adam is entitled to,” Gibbons said.
Deliberations resumed earlier Friday with a court employee handing over a large plastic bag containing pennies, known as exhibit 291. The pennies were requested before jurors went home Thursday.
Pennies taped to a commercial-grade firework were intended to act like shrapnel, investigators said.
According to evidence, a homemade explosive was detonated during training in September 2020, about a month before the men were arrested.
In his closing argument on April 1, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler said Croft wanted to test the explosive as a possible weapon to use against Whitmer’s security team. He quoted him as saying the pennies would be so hot they could go “right through your skin.”
The trial covered 20 days since March 8, including jury selection, evidence, final arguments and jury deliberations.
Croft is from Bear, Delaware, while the others are from Michigan.
Whitmer, a Democrat, rarely talks publicly about the plot, though she referred to “surprises” during her term that seemed like “something out of fiction” when she filed for reelection on March 17.
She has blamed former President Donald Trump for fomenting anger over coronavirus restrictions and refusing to condemn right-wing extremists like those charged in the case.
A jury of six women and six men heard the case, as well as four alternates. Little is known about them. Jonker ordered out of privacy concerns that they be only identified by numbers. Two jurors were dismissed during the trial because of illness.
Separately, seven other men linked to a paramilitary group called the Wolverine Watchmen were charged in state courtat the same time as the federal arrests. Those men are accused of planning to storm the Michigan Capitol and create a “civil war.”
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Find AP’s full coverage of the Whitmer kidnap plot trial at: https://apnews.com/hub/whitmer-kidnap-plot-trial
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White reported from Detroit.
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OXFORD, Ala. (AP) — Native Americans whose ancestors were forced out of the Southeast almost 200 years ago during a purge that cleared the way for white settlers returned Friday for a two-day festival with a name that sums up its purpose: “We have come back.”
A busload of Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizens and others in vans and cars traveled from their homes in Oklahoma and elsewhere for a celebration in the east Alabama city of Oxford, located on what once was part of Arbeka, a Muscogee community dating back 12,000 years. The people who lived there were forced to move west in 1836 during the “Trail of Tears,” a brutal journey of about 700 miles (1,125 kilometers) during which many died.
Land that once was a village inhabited by an estimated 3,000 people is now the site of a city park with sports fields and a walking trail, said RaeLynn Butler, who manages the nation’s historical and preservation department. Tribal citizens gathered there at the start of a two-day event to tell Muscogee stories, sing hymns, explain tribal history and give area residents a chance to meet their leaders.
“We’re trying to reestablish our presence in our homeland,” Butler said.
The Muscogee name for the event is “Reyicepes,” or “We have come back.” With the United States currently considering how to best interpret a history that includes the enslavement of Black people and the mistreatment of other minorities, women and Native Americans, the tribe is hoping to tell its own story, Principal Chief David Hill said.
“If you read the history books now it doesn’t really tell you why and how we were removed with the Trail of Tears,” he said. “We didn’t want to leave. We were forced to leave.”
Once among the largest groups in the Southeast, the Muscogee territory included parts of the present-day states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. The tribe’s last major fighting force was defeated by U.S. troops at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend about 55 miles (88 kilometers) south of Oxford in 1814, leading to its eventual expulsion from the region.
About 23,000 Muscogee were forced out of the Southeast in all, Butler said, and as many as 4,000 died on a journey that included long stretches of walking and rides on barges and riverboats. The deaths continued once people arrived in Oklahoma because so many were seriously ill after the trip.
With about 96,000 enrolled citizens and headquarters in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, the tribe is now one of the largest in the United States. Groups of Muscogee have made trips to the Southeast to reconnect with the region in recent years, including visits to the Horseshoe Bend battlefield, now a historic site, and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon, Georgia, Butler said.
The weekend festival is different, she said, because tribal leaders developed the idea on their own and the city welcomed the plan. A partnership between the two got started years ago when municipal officials began developing the park on the old village site, discovered artifacts and notified Muscogee leaders, she said.
While a group from the Muscogee Nation visited the park in 2016 after it opened, most citizens haven’t.
“This is the first time many people coming have been here,” Butler said. “We know these places but we’ve never seen them with our own eyes.”
The nation wants to do more to connect with the local community and Muscogee still living in the South, the principal chief said. The nation already is working on educational programs with area schools, Hill said, and there have been discussions about using city-owned land at the park, which includes a reconstructed mound and interpretative signs, for a cultural center.
“We look at it as, ‘If they can’t come to us, we’ll go to them,’” he said.
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Reeves is a member of the AP’s Race and Ethnicity team.
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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Under increasing pressure from state lawmakers, the head of Louisiana State Police placed his second-in-command on leave Friday while an investigation continues into the wiping of cellphone data during an investigation into Black motorist Ronald Greene’s 2019 death after a violent arrest by state troopers.
Superintendent Col. Lamar Davis released a statement saying he placed Lt. Col. Doug Cain on paid administrative leave “to eliminate any questions into the integrity of the investigation.”
Cain acknowledged last month that he was under internal investigation for having his cellphone data erased amid the ongoing federal investigation into the video-recorded arrest of Greene, who died in custody after being repeatedly punched, stunned and dragged by troopers following a highway chase. Cain denied any wrongdoing.
Davis’ move came a day after lawmakers on a special committee looking into the Greene case complained about the lack of action against the troopers involved in Greene’s arrest and the higher-ups in charge of investigating the case.
“We’re exceeding the speed limit,” state Rep. Tony Bacala said during Thursday’s hearing, as the investigation of Cain was discussed, “and you all are putting down the road.”
Nearly three years after Greene’s May 10, 2019, death along a rural roadside in northeast Louisiana, no one has been criminally charged.
John Belton, the district attorney in Union Parish, where Greene died, said he was first alerted to a report on Greene’s death in September 2019. He alerted federal authorities and said he has held off on prosecutions at the request of federal prosecutors as they pursued the case.
Belton said the federal investigation continues but he’s been released from his promise to stand down and plans to request a court to empanel a special grand jury to look into Greene’s death.
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Shuttered businesses. Sleepless nights. Canceled classes. Hundreds of thousands of people across Puerto Rico remained without power on Friday, nearly two days after a fire at a main power plant sparked an island-wide outage.
Crews have restored power to some 650,000 customers out of nearly 1.5 million, but people in several neighborhoods have complained that the electricity went out once again as the island struggles to emerge from the blackout that also left more than 160,000 clients without water.
The outage forced the government to cancel classes and shutter agencies for the second day in a row on this U.S. territory of 3.2 million people as frustration and anger bubbled over.
“This is unbearable,” said Maribel Hernández, 49, as she wiped her forehead with a small blue washcloth that she hung over her left shoulder.
Hernández, who is recovering from cancer, has been sleeping on the concrete floor in her home’s narrow outdoor patio with only a sheet because her mattress doesn’t fit there. She worries about being mugged because she lives in a working-class neighborhood with a high crime rate, but the heat inside her house is overwhelming.
“Those who have generators are doing well, but what about people like us?” she said, adding that she’s been forced to throw out all her food.
Officials with Luma, which took over transmission and distribution from Puerto Rico’s Electric Power company last year, have said they don’t know exactly when power would be fully restored but note crews have been working nonstop.
“The system is extremely fragile,” said Shay Bahramirad, an engineering vice president with Luma.
The company has said that a circuit-breaker failure could have caused the blackout after a fire erupted late Wednesday at the Costa Sur power plant in southern Puerto Rico, but that it will be weeks before they’ll know the exact cause of the interruption.
Meanwhile, the lack of power prompted at least one city to distribute food to the elderly and ice to those with health conditions including diabetes as many wonder when exactly they’ll have lights again.
“I haven’t slept,” said Fernando García, a 51-year-old construction worker who is more worried about not being able to find work in the past two days given the outage. “I don’t have a budget right now.”
García stood outside a small outdoor cafeteria selling eggs and greasy turnovers known as empanadillas, grateful that the owner allowed him to charge his phone for the day as he continued to look for work.
Luma CEO Wayne Stensby has called the outage “very unusual” and said it demonstrated the fragility of Puerto Rico’s electrical grid, which Hurricane Maria razed in 2017 as a powerful Category 4 storm. Emergency repairs were made at the time, but reconstruction efforts have yet to start on the crumbling electrical grid that has caused weekly outages in dozens of communities
Late Thursday, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency said it had approved nearly $9.5 billion to Puerto Rico’s power company in September 2020 to rebuild the grid, but that it has not yet received any transmission and distribution projects for evaluation and approval of construction funds.
In addition, the Costa Sur generation plant, one of four main ones on the island, was damaged during a series of strong earthquakes that struck southern Puerto Rico in recent years.
Kevin Acevedo, a vice president for Luma, said Friday that the company hopes to have restored power to 1 million customers by late Friday night.
Those who have power back said they are relieved but worry about the impact the outage had on shrinking budgets already hard hit by the island’s more than decade-long economic crisis.
Felicia Serrano, manager of a small grocery store in a community called Barrio Obrero in the capital of San Juan, said she lost $2,000 worth of merchandise as a result of the blackout. The store runs on a small generator that keeps the lights on but doesn’t have the power to keep large refrigerators running.
“Ýou’re working under a lot of stress when you have no lights,” she said as she grabbed large bunches of green plantains and placed them on worn shelves.
Many are now worried about the state of the electrical grid just two months before the Atlantic Hurricane season starts.
Josué Colón, executive director of Puerto Rico’s power company, said those concerns are legitimate: “It’s still a system that is not in prime condition. It’s still a system that has to be rebuilt.”
The outage comes as Puerto Rico’s electric power company tries to emerge from bankruptcy and restructure some $9 billion in public debt. The company has long struggled with corruption, mismanagement and a lack of investment into aging infrastructure.
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX launched three rich businessmen and their astronaut escort to the International Space Station on Friday for more than a week’s stay, as NASA joins Russia in hosting guests at the world’s most expensive tourist destination.
It’s SpaceX’s first private charter flight to the orbiting lab after two years of carrying astronauts there for NASA.
Arriving at the space station Saturday are an American, a Canadian and an Israeli who run investment, real estate and other companies. They’re paying $55 million apiece for the rocket ride and accommodations, all meals included.
Russia has been hosting tourists at the space station — and before that the Mir station — for decades. Just last fall, a Russian movie crew flew up, followed by a Japanese fashion tycoon and his assistant.
NASA is finally getting into the act, after years of opposing space station visitors.
“It was a hell of a ride and we’re looking forward to the next 10 days,” said former NASA astronaut and chaperone Michael Lopez-Alegria on reaching orbit.
The visitors’ tickets include access to all but the Russian portion of the space station — they’ll need permission from the three cosmonauts on board. Three Americans and a German also live up there.
Lopez-Alegria plans to avoid talking about politics and the war in Ukraine while he’s at the space station.
“I honestly think that it won’t be awkward. I mean maybe a tiny bit,” he said. He expects the “spirit of collaboration will shine through.”
The private Axiom Space company arranged the visit with NASA for its three paying customers: Larry Connor of Dayton, Ohio, who runs the Connor Group; Mark Pathy, founder and CEO of Montreal’s Mavrik Corp.; and Israel’s Eytan Stibbe, a former fighter pilot and founding partner of Vital Capital.
Before the flight, their enthusiasm was obvious. Stibbe did a little dance when he arrived at the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center.
SpaceX and NASA have been upfront with them about the risks of spaceflight, said Lopez-Alegria, who spent seven months at the space station 15 years ago.
“There’s no fuzz, I think, on what the dangers are or what the bad days could look like,” Lopez-Alegria told The Associated Press before the flight.
NASA’s Kathy Lueders, head of space operations, said there’s a lot to learn from this first wholly private station visit. “But man, was this launch a great start,” she told reporters.
Each visitor has a full slate of experiments to conduct during their stay, one reason they don’t like to be called space tourists.
“They’re not up there to paste their nose on the window,” said Axiom’s co-founder and president, Michael Suffredini, a former NASA space station program manager.
The three businessmen are the latest to take advantage of the opening of space to those with deep pockets. Jeff Bezos’ rocket company Blue Origin is taking customers on 10-minute rides to the edge of space, while Virgin Galactic expects to start flying customers on its rocket ship later this year.
Friday‘s flight is the second private charter for Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which took a billionaire and his guestson a three-day orbit ride last year. SpaceX’s fifth flight of NASA astronauts to the station is coming up in just a couple weeks.
Axiom is targeting next year for its second private flight to the space station. More customer trips will follow, with Axiom adding its own rooms to the orbiting complex beginning in 2024. After about five years, the company plans to detach its compartments to form a self-sustaining station — one of several commercial outposts intended to replace the space station once it’s retired and NASA shifts to the moon.
At an adjacent pad during Friday’s launch: NASA’s new moon rocket, which is awaiting completion of a dress rehearsal for a summertime test flight.
As a gift for their seven station hosts, the four visitors are taking up paella and other Spanish cuisine prepared by celebrity chef José Andrés. The rest of their time at the station, NASA’s freeze-dried chow will have to do.
The automated SpaceX capsule and its four passengers are due back April 19 with a splashdown off the Florida coast.
Connor is honoring Ohio’s air and space legacy, is bringing along a fabric swatch from the Wright brothers’ 1903 Kitty Hawk flyer and gold foil from the Apollo 11 command module from the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta.
Only the second Israeli in space, Stibbe will continue a thunderstorm experiment begun by the first — Ilan Ramon, who died aboard shuttle Columbia in 2003. They were in the same fighter pilot squadron.
Stibbe is carrying copies of recovered pages of Ramon’s space diary, as well as a song composed by Ramon’s musician son and a painting of pages falling from the sky by his daughter.
“To be a part of this unique crew is a proof for me that there’s no dream beyond reach,” he said.
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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.
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PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) — A human chain helped rescue four Bay County Sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday after a water rescue.
Law enforcement responded to help three distressed swimmers, but after that, they found themselves in a scary situation.
“The initial response for the swimmers in distress, they were able to get the swimmers out and then at that point it was getting themselves out as well,” said BCSO Captain, David Baldwin.
Baldwin said four deputies went into the water to help the swimmers.
Three were able to get out, but the fourth, a sergeant, was stuck in the current yelling for help. That’s when the other deputies got back in the water to assist.
“It just shows the danger that our personnel go into to one, rescue and save the civilians but then again, save themselves because we’re human too,” Baldwin said. “We’re trained to handle that type of water but you can’t sometimes fight against mother nature. She will win when you try to fight against her.”
A fifth deputy got in the water to help. Baldwin said beachgoers followed and formed the human chain. He said the deputy didn’t intend for that to happen.
“So we don’t encourage that but what we would say is thank you to the personnel and the citizens that showed up to help that deputy because they were in fact able to help those last three get out and then finally our sergeant who was the very last to come out as well,” Baldwin said.
Georgia resident and beachgoer, Jimmy Gaylor, said he’s only seen a human chain one other time in his life.
“When it started we were actually up in the condo whenever they started getting you know pulled out and we came down and by the time we came down, that’s when they were doing the human chain,” Gaylor said.
Gaylor said at first the Gulf seemed fine, but then things changed right before their eyes.
“Just all of a sudden you saw the actual tide change and it started going back out and if people are not aware of that, it’s easy to get caught up in it,” Gaylor said.
Captain Baldwin said people can come here and have a safe vacation. He said it is important to learn the flag system and when double red flags are flying stay out of the water.
Violators of the double red flag law can face a $500 fine or even arrest.
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| 2022-04-08T20:04:46
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BEIJING (AP) — Three local officials in Shanghai have been sacked over a slack response to the COVID-19 outbreak in China’s largest city, where residents are complaining of harsh lockdown conditions leading to shortages of food and basic necessities.
An official notice Friday gave no details of the allegations against the three officials, but said their failure to fulfill their duties in epidemic prevention and control had allowed the virus to spread, leading to a “serious impact” on efforts to control the outbreak.
Shanghai announced more than 21,000 new local cases on Friday, of which only 824 had symptoms. Total cases in the outbreak that began last month in Shanghai have soared past the 100,000 mark, making it one of China’s most serious since the virus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019.
No additional deaths have been reported in the outbreak blamed on the hugely infectious but relatively less lethal omicron subvariant BA.2. China’s vaccination rate is around 90%, but considerably lower among the elderly.
Shanghai has placed all 26 million residents under lockdown and implemented mass testing, while requiring anyone with a positive result to be held in an isolation center, some of which have been newly created from converted gymnasiums and exhibition halls.
Some residents have received government food packages containing meat and vegetables. Many, however, are struggling to obtain rice and other basics, with online vendors sold out and delivery services unable to keep up with demand.
With no word on when the lockdown will be lifted, anxiety is rising, along with frustration over the city’s apparent lack of preparation for an extended lockdown.
Travel in and out of Shanghai has largely come to a standstill and usually bustling city streets are deserted apart from police, health workers and residents reporting for testing.
China has repeatedly enforced lengthy mass lockdowns over the two-year course of the epidemic. Shanghai, however, had largely escaped the most onerous measures under China’s “zero-COVID” strategy that aims to isolate every infected person.
Home to many of China’s wealthiest, best educated and most cosmopolitan citizens, the city was first promised a two-phase lockdown starting March 28 and lasting no more than eight days total. With little notice given, residents made a run on supermarkets, quickly leaving shelves bare.
Those measures have since been extended, leaving many families that had planned for only a limited time in quarantine without supplies. Authorities say they will determine future steps based on testing results, but have given no specifics.
Officials say Shanghai, which includes the world’s busiest port and China’s main stock exchange, has enough food. But a deputy mayor, Chen Tong, acknowledged Thursday that getting it the “last 100 meters” to households is a challenge.
City officials have apologized for mishandling the lockdown and promised to improve food supplies. The Communist Party leadership in Beijing is working to squelch complaints, especially online, in hopes of preventing the lockdown and accompanying dissatisfaction from becoming a political issue ahead of a key party congress later this year.
In a further endorsement of the government’s approach, Xi credited China’s “closed loop” management with keeping the infection rate to just 0.45% of those involved in this year’s Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games,
China’s COVID-19 policy has “once again withstood the test, contributing useful experience for the world to fight against the virus and host major international events,” Xi said in an address at a ceremony Friday honoring Chinese Games participants.
The government says it is trying to reduce the impact of its tactics, but authorities are still enforcing curbs that also block access to the industrial cities of Shenyang, Changchun and Jilin with millions of residents in the northeast.
Meanwhile, punishments meted out to officials seen as being insufficiently rigorous appears to be incentivizing local governments to take extreme measures. Dozens of local officials around the country have been sacked or otherwise punished, though no one at the central government level has been held to account.
Friday’s notice identified those fired as Cai Yongqiang, Xu Jianjun and Huang Wei, all officials at the district, neighborhood or township level.
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