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NEW YORK (AP) — A former Goldman Sachs banker was convicted Friday of bribery and other corruption charges accusing him of participating in a $4.5 billion scheme to ransack the Malaysian state investment fund known as 1MDB.
A jury reached the verdict at the U.S. trial of Roger Ng in federal court in Brooklyn. Jurors had heard nearly two months of evidence about tens of millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks allegedly orchestrated by Malaysian financier and fugitive socialite Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo told reporters outside court that he was surprised by the verdict because “the evidence wasn’t reliable,” and that he was considering an appeal. He also said the defense team was more disappointed than his client.
Ng “is doing better than his lawyers,” Agnifilo said. “He has great fortitude.”
The embezzlement bankrolled lavish spending on jewels, art, a superyacht and luxury real estate. The spoils even helped finance wild parties and Hollywood movies, including the 2013 Martin Scorsese film “The Wolf of Wall Street” that starred Leonardo DiCaprio.
“With today’s verdict, a powerful message has been delivered to those who commit financial crimes motivated by greed,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement.
Ng faces up to 30 years in prison. No sentencing date was set.
A former head of investment banking in Malaysia, Ng is the only Goldman banker to stand trialin the 1MDB scandal. The 49-year-old had pleaded not guilty to three counts — conspiring to launder money and violating two anti-bribery laws.
Prosecutors alleged that Ng and other Goldman Sachs bankers helped 1MDB raise $6.5 billion through bond sales — only to divert $4.5 billion of it to themselves and their co-conspirators through bribes and kickbacks.
“The harm to the people of Malaysia is immeasurable,” prosecutor Alixandra Smith said during closing arguments. “It is deeply unfair to everyone else who plays by the rules.”
Ng’s defense attorneys have described the looting of 1MDB state investment fund as “perhaps the single largest heist in the history of the world.” But they contend U.S. prosecutors scapegoated Ng for crimes committed by others, including the government’s star witness, Tim Leissner.
“Roger is basically the fall guy for this whole thing,” Agnifilo said in his closing argument. “And Tim Leissner is looking to close the biggest deal of his life.”
Agnifilo accused Leissner, a higher-ranking Goldman banker, of falsely implicating Ng in a bid for leniency in his own criminal case.
Leissner “never stopped lying ever, and he didn’t stop lying in this courtroom,” Agnifilo said.
During several days on the witness stand, Leissner testified that he, Ng and Low used offshore accounts and shell companies to “disguise the flow of funds.” The money laundering efforts also involved drawing up fake contracts with banks, he said.
“If we told any bank the truth, it wouldn’t work,” he said. “The house of cards would have fallen down.”
He also described a dinner in London around 2012 where Low informed he and Ng they would be receiving kickbacks. Leissner said he knew that would be illegal, but didn’t care because if the deal went through he would be “a hero” at Goldman Sachs.
Ng, he added, was “particularly glad he was going to be paid some money” because he felt the firm had undercompensated him over the years.
The defense claimed that some of the $35 million Ng received through Leissner — money prosecutors said were illicit proceeds from the scheme — was actually the proceeds of a legitimate business transaction between the two men’s wives.
On cross-examination, Ng’s attorney sought to attack Leissner’s credibility by peppering him with questions about his history of lying about his marital status. He admitted he forged documents in 2014 to dupe his now-estranged wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, into believing he was divorced so she would agree to marry him. Simmons is a model, reality TV personality and ex-wife of rap mogul Russell Simmons.
Leissner, 52, pleaded guilty in 2018 to paying millions of dollars in bribes to government officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi. He was ordered to forfeit $43.7 million as part of his guilty plea and agreed to testify against Ng.
Low, who maintains his innocence, became well known in the New York City and Los Angeles club scenes. In 2012, he threw an opulent 31st birthday bash attended by DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian and other celebrities — a fete described by The Wall Street Journal as the “wildest party (Las) Vegas ever saw.”
The looting of the state investment fund led to the fall of Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government in 2018. Najib was later convicted by a Malaysian court of abuse of power and other crimes related to the scandal and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
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| 2022-04-08T20:04:59
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — A plane, fishermen and and jet skiers joined an expanded search entering a third day Friday for three Europeans, including two teenagers, who disappeared while diving off a southern Malaysian island.
Authorities were hopeful of finding them after Norwegian diving instructor Kristine Grodem was rescued Thursday. She said the four of them surfaced safely Wednesday afternoon but later drifted away from the boat and were separated by a strong current.
The group was diving about 15 meters (50 feet) deep at an island off the town of Mersing in southern Johor state. Grodem, 35, was rescued by a tugboat about 22 nautical miles (40 kilometers) from the dive site.
The missing divers are Alexia Alexandra Molina, 18, of France; Adrian Peter Chesters, 46, of Britain; and his Dutch son, Nathen Renze Chesters, 14.
Authorities deployed a Bombardier jet that can fly longer and cover more area in an expanded search, said First Adm. Nurul Hizam Zakaria, Johor director of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. The plane was in addition to three helicopters, 11 boats and some 100 personnel including rescue divers.
Zakaria said members of the public have also lent support, with fishermen and 10 jet skis helping to comb the sea. The weather was reported to be fair. “It’s been three days since they went missing but we will not give up. We hope all of them will be rescued,” Zakaria said.
The search was halted Friday night, and will resume early Saturday. Maritime officials said Grodem was providing training for the other three, who were seeking to obtain advanced diving licenses.
The family of French teenager Molina, who resides in Johor, has meanwhile sought support from private boat owners to join the search. Esther Molina, 57, said she was optimistic that her daughter, who loves the sea, was still alive.
“My daughter is strong, she is smart. So now, we can only wait for developments,” Esther was quoted as saying by national Bernama news agency. She said Alexia was due to attend a fashion college in Kuala Lumpur next month.
The boat skipper was detained for further investigation, and diving activities off Mersing have been suspended. There are several islands off the town that are popular dive spots for local residents and tourists.
Malaysia’s borders reopened to foreigners on April 1 after being closed for more than two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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| 2022-04-08T20:05:06
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — 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 a remarkable FBI sting operation just before the 2020 election.
The results were announced a few hours after 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 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.
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 court at 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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| 2022-04-08T20:05:14
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UEDEM, Germany (AP) — As Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine accelerated early this year, military planners at NATO began preparing to dispatch scores of fighter jets and surveillance aircraft into the skies near Russia and Ukraine. It was a warning to Moscow not to make the mistake of targeting any member country.
Even in the weeks preceding the war, politicians and analysts were divided over whether President Vladimir Putin would really order Russian troops to invade. From a military point of view, though, the forces arrayed around Ukraine appeared designed to do just that.
It became a matter of urgency to put more eyes in the sky and to tightly link NATO aircraft, warships, ground-based missile systems and radar installations to protect the alliance’s eastern flank.
“We are monitoring very closely,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said this week. “Information, best possible situation awareness, is of course extremely critical in such a dangerous situation as we see in Ukraine now.”
In the lead-up to the Feb. 24 invasion, the alliance’s Combined Air Operations Center in Uedem, western Germany, shifted gear. A few dozen military personnel now simultaneously manage up to 30 aircraft in skies from the northern tip of Norway down to Slovakia.
From an underground bunker in quiet farmland, patrolling aircraft are diverted to monitor suspicious Russian planes. Jets on 15-minute standby are routinely “Alpha Scrambled” from around Europe to intercept unidentified aircraft near NATO airspace.
More than 100 aircraft can be working aloft on any given day, mixed in among roughly 30,000 civilian flights made daily through European skies.
Six Boeing E-3A surveillance planes from NATO’s ageing fleet of early warning and control aircraft help create an “air picture” to share with member nations. These “eyes in the sky” do not fly into Ukraine or Russia, but can see up to 400 kilometers (250 miles) across borders.
Fighter jets also provide information about what is going on inside part of two countries at war. These “assets” are sometimes sent from as far away as western France, refueled mid-air, and can patrol for about an hour in the border area before they must return.
The 30-nation military alliance is wary of being drawn into a wider war with Russia, so borders and airspace are scrupulously respected.
“There is always the fog of war, and we don’t want to have NATO assets close by because even unintentionally you might have some losses,” said Major General Harold Van Pee, commander of the NATO facility in Uedem.
The most sensitive zones for unidentified planes are the Kola Peninsula — at the high north borders of Russia and Norway — the Gulf of Finland approaching the Russian city of St. Petersburg, and the skies around Russia’s exclave of Kaliningrad, sandwiched between Lithuania and Poland.
From their computer screens, NATO personnel can also track cruise missiles, like those that Russia used last month to pound a military training base in western Ukraine near NATO member Poland, killing 35 people.
But shadowing them with aircraft is a high-risk endeavor, particularly at night, in poor weather or when the missiles hug the ground, flying so low that electrical pylons and cables become a danger. “We have to be convinced that there is a credible threat” to go after one, Van Pee said.
A less obvious challenge to NATO airspace is rogue drones. Military officers said that Russia is using powerful electromagnetic devices for communication jamming purposes which can disrupt remotely controlled flights.
Last month, a military drone drifted uncontrolled out of Ukraine through the airspace of three members – Romania, Hungary and Croatia – before crashing in the Croatian capital. Some parked cars were damaged but no one was hurt.
The drone weighed just over 6 tons. Both Russia and Ukraine denied launching it. Military officers and NATO officials refuse to comment on the incident until an investigation is completed.
“Even if you fly alongside one of those drones, are you going to do something about it? You have to ask yourself, because if you shoot it down then for sure you’re going to do damage on the ground. If you let it fly, hopefully it will crash in the sea. I mean, you don’t know,” Van Pee said.
Whether it’s a rogue drone or a missile threat, political and legal experts are supposed to be involved in any decision to shoot something down. Despite the war in its backyard, NATO is operating under strict peacetime rules and is determined to keep it that way.
“Before you start using force there has to be an imminent threat to either NATO forces or NATO populations. That’s a judgement call, and that’s always hard to make,” Van Pee said.
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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| 2022-04-08T20:05:13
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Minnesota saw a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases this week, driven by the latest coronavirus variant omicron BA.2, but the state’s outbreak remains at low levels not seen since last summer.
The Minnesota’s Department of Health estimates omicron BA.2, the coronavirus variant related to the strain that drove cases to record levels in January, is responsible for about 62 percent of recent infections. Cases caused by BA.2 have risen steadily in recent weeks.
Data from Twin Cities sewage, reported by the Metropolitan Council, suggests the prevalence of BA.2 is higher, about 78 percent, in the metro.
Health officials don’t think the BA.2 variant will drive cases up as high as its predecessor did earlier this year. But they are closely monitoring the rate of infections.
The test-positivity rate rose slightly this week and is now over 3 percent. But as more people test at home, results which are not reported to the state, test-positivity gives a more limited picture of the state of the outbreak.
Cases per capita and hospitalizations remain low and the average rate of daily reported deaths has remained in the single digits for nearly a month.
Health officials reported 612 new infections Friday and six more COVID-19 deaths. The state’s case total is 1,433,225 infections since the pandemic began in March 2020.
The six deaths reported Friday included five residents in their 60s and one in their 80s. Five lived in private homes and one in long-term care.
The state’s COVID-19 death toll is 12,440, including 5,688 fatalities in nursing homes and assisted living. Another 240 deaths are suspected to have been caused by COVID-19, but those who died never had a positive coronavirus test.
Roughly 82 percent of Minnesota’s COVID-19 deaths have been seniors 65 or older. Fifty-two people under the age of 30 have died.
There are 200 patients hospitalized with severe infections including 29 in intensive care. Hospital capacity has improved dramatically in recent weeks, but staffing shortages continue to be a challenge, especially in the Twin Cities.
Health officials maintain that vaccines are the best way to avoid a severe illness and to slow the spread of the coronavirus. But omicron BA.2 and other variants have shown they can infect people who are fully vaccinated.
Nevertheless, health officials say vaccines, especially with a booster dose, are effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death.
About 37 percent of the more than a million infections since vaccinations began have been in people who are fully vaccinated. Of the 379,342 breakthrough cases, 10,549 have been hospitalized and 1,982 have died.
Minnesota has administered more than 9.5 million doses of vaccine, including nearly 2.2 million boosters. About 66 percent of the state’s 5.7 million people have completed their initial series of shots.
Children who are 5 and under remain ineligible for vaccination.
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https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/08/covid-19-friday-update-omicron-ba-2-variant-drives-uptick-in-minnesota-cases/
| 2022-04-08T20:05:20
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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 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage,” the academy said in a statement.
Smith pre-emptively resigned from the academy lastweek 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 for “King Richard.”
“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. ”
In a statement in the days following the Oscars, the academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but refused.
But it’s not clear how the message was delivered to Smith or what form it took, and several media outlets reported that he was never formally told to leave the Dolby Theatre. The Los Angeles Times reported in a story Thursday that Oscars producer Will Packer told Smith: “Officially, we don’t want you to leave. We want you to stay.”
The ban means Smith will not be presenting one of the major awards at next year’s Oscars, as is tradition for the best actor winner.
The academy in its Friday statement also expressed “deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances.”
The academy’s statement did not address whether Smith could be nominated for Oscars during his 10-year ban. Nor did it take any action to revoke Smith’s Academy Award.
The academy has not revoked Oscars from expelled members Harvey Weinstein or Roman Polanski.
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| 2022-04-08T20:05:20
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Mayor Adams was rooting for the home team Friday — even though he isn’t really a tried and true fan.
Adams, an avowed Mets supporter since the team’s early days, said he’d be pulling for the Yankees before they took the field on Opening Day against the Boston Red Sox — the preferred choice of his predecessor, former Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“I want a Subway Series, you know? Let’s keep the money right here in New York. A championship team brings millions of dollars in revenue, it hires the restaurant workers and everyone that feeds off of the economy from tourism,” he said during an appearance on Brian Lehrer’s show on WNYC. “So we want the Yankees and Mets in the World Series.”
During de Blasio’s eight years as mayor, the city’s then-top Red Sox fan refused to set foot in Yankee Stadium, making an exception to that rule only once when he announced the ballpark would be used as a COVID vaccination site in February 2021.
Adams is a Mets fan, and while he said he was rooting for the Yanks on Friday, he also made it quite clear where his allegiances would lie in the event of Subway Series between the Amazins and the Bronx Bombers.
“I’m a constant Mets fan. I still have memories of being with my family in 1969 when they won the World Series,” he told Lehrer. “I will continue to be rooting for the New York Mets.”
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| 2022-04-08T20:05:26
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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A rural Alaska man who threatened to assassinate both of Alaska’s U.S. senators in a series of profane messages left at their congressional offices was sentenced Friday to 32 months in prison.
Jay Allen Johnson was also fined $5,000, ordered to serve three years of supervised release after his prison sentence, and is barred by a protective order from contacting U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, their family and staff members for three years.
“Nothing excuses this conduct, threatening our elected officials, an act that attacks our very system of governance,” U.S. Attorney John E. Kuhn Jr. of the District of Alaska said in a statement. “The erosion of civility in our political discourse will never justify threats or acts of violence. Johnson’s actions must be punished, and the Department of Justice will always work to ensure our elected officials can serve without fear of harm.”
Johnson, who said he was too old and ill to carry out his threats, partially blamed his behavior on a mixture of pain medications and alcohol along with the isolation during the pandemic prevalent during the five-month span of 2021 when he left 17 threatening voicemails.
Johnson, 65, of Delta Junction, pleaded guilty in January to two counts of threatening to kill a U.S. official in January. Sentencing was carried out at U.S. District Court in Fairbanks.
The government sought a sentence of 37 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release along with the protective order.
Johnson sought a 30-month term or supervised release.
“The defendant’s conduct is simply unacceptable in a democracy” U.S. Assistant Attorney Ryan Tansey wrote in the government’s sentencing memo filed before the sentencing hearing. “As political violence and domestic extremism grow, violent intimidation of public officials must result in serious criminal consequences.”
In one message left at Murkowski’s office, Johnson asked, “.50 caliber shell … you ever see what that does to a human head? Yeah, well….”
In another message to Murkowski, he said: “I will find out all your properties, and I will burn everything you hope to have, and I will burn everything you hope to own.”
Johnson also blamed her for the undocumented workers who have come into the country.
“Your life is worth $5,000, that’s all it’s worth,” he said on message to Murkowski’s office. “And as you let in these terrorists, and assassins, guess what, I’m going to use them. … I’m going to use them to come and assassinate your f——— a—.”
In a message left for Sullivan, Johnson said he was tired of politicians destroying the country. He claimed he would get out his .50 caliber and start a GoFundMe page for the shells. “And I’m coming with a vengeance, motherf——-,” he said.
“Sadly, political violence of all stripes has become a clear and present danger to public safety and the functioning of our democracy,” the government memo states. “The defendant’s conduct showed his rejection of that democracy and his willingness to resort to repeated violent threats when duly elected representatives take actions with which he disagrees.”
Johnson, who has had six driving under the influence convictions, is not allowed to possess firearms because he is a felon. However, law enforcement seized seven unsecured firearms at his home when executing a search warrant.
The defense said the weapons belonged to Johnson’s wife, Catherine Pousson-Johnson. In October, when pleading that her husband be released from jail while the legal case proceeded, she was asked if she was aware if her husband was making threats against the two senators.
“Who hasn’t?” she replied.
At the same hearing, she said, “My husband is an old man, and he gets very angry listening to politics on the news.”
In the defense’s sentencing memo, attorney Jason Weiner describes Johnson as being in poor health, suffering from osteoarthritis and other ailments. He has had a series of surgeries over the years, including twice on knees, back and shoulder procedures. He has been prescribed pain medications.
He has also been diagnosed with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, the latter due to a turbulent childhood. Because of his health problems, he retired from working physical labor jobs at age 55, when his drinking began, the memo says.
He takes full responsibility for his conduct and realizes that while he never intended to carry out the verbal threats, the senators did not know that, the memo says.
“Between the prescribed narcotics, pain and self-medicating, Mr. Johnson was not himself,” the memo says.
“If anything, Mr. Johnson could use supervision not continued incarceration,” the defense memo says when asking the judge to consider three years of supervised release as an option instead of further incarceration.
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| 2022-04-08T20:05:27
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Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito left Friday’s opening-day start against the Detroit Tigers with abdominal tightness on his left side.
The right-hander is being further evaluated, according to the team.
Giolito allowed one hit, struck out six and walked two in four scoreless innings at Comerica Park. He exited after throwing 61 pitches.
Giolito, starting opening day for the third straight season, struck out one in the first, two in the second and three in the third. He twice fanned new Tigers shortstop Javier Báez.
Bennett Sousa replaced Giolito to begin the fifth.
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| 2022-04-08T20:05:32
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WASHINGTON (AP) — A defense attorney conceded on Friday that a former Virginia police officer broke laws when he entered the U.S. Capitol during last year’s riot, encouraging a federal jury to convict him of misdemeanor offenses.
But the lawyer urged jurors to acquit former Rocky Mount police officer Thomas Robertson of felony charges that he armed himself with a weapon and stormed the Capitol with another off-duty officer to obstruct Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory.
Jurors began deliberating after hearing closing arguments from Justice Department prosecutors and defense attorney Mark Rollins at Robertson’s jury trial, the second among hundreds of Capitol riot cases. The first ended last month with jurors convicting a Texas man, Guy Reffitt, of all five counts in his indictment.
Rollins said Robertson is “absolutely guilty” of illegally entering restricted areas of the Capitol and of engaging in disorderly conduct on Jan. 6, 2021. But the defense attorney argued that the evidence doesn’t support more serious charges that Robertson intended to stop Congress from certifying the Electoral College vote or that he was armed with a dangerous weapon, a large wooden stick.
“There were no plans to go down there and say, ‘I’m going to stop Congress from doing this vote,'” Rollins said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Risa Berkower said Robertson went to Washington and joined a “violent vigilante mob” because he believed the election was stolen from then-President Donald Trump. He used the wooden stick to interfere with outnumbered police before he joined the crowd pouring into the Capitol, she said.
“The defendant did all this because he wanted to overturn the election,” Berkower said.
Robertson didn’t testify at his trial. A key witness for prosecutors in his case was Jacob Fracker, who also served on the Rocky Mount police force and viewed Robertson as a mentor and father figure.
Fracker was scheduled to be tried alongside Robertson before he pleaded guilty last month to a conspiracy charge and agreed to cooperate with federal authorities.
Fracker testified on Thursdaythat he initially believed that he was merely trespassing when he entered the Capitol building. However, he ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiring with Robertson to obstruct the joint session of Congress.
Fracker said he didn’t have a “verbal agreement” with anybody to obstruct the congressional proceedings. He said he believed everybody in the mob “pretty much had the same goal” and didn’t need for it to be “said out loud.”
“It was clear that everyone around them had that same goal,” Berkower said.
Rollins said Robertson didn’t engage in any of the violence or destruction carried out by “knuckleheads” and “clowns” who stormed the Capitol.
“Don’t judge him by what the other people are doing,” he told jurors.
Robertson and Fracker drove with a neighbor to Washington on the morning of Jan. 6. Robertson brought three gas masks for them to use, according to prosecutors.
After listening to speeches near the Washington Monument, Fracker, Robertson and the neighbor walked toward the Capitol, donned the gas masks and joined the growing mob, prosecutors said. Robertson stopped to help his neighbor, who was having trouble breathing. Fracker broke off and entered the building before Robertson, but they reunited inside the Capitol.
Defense attorney Camille Wagner said Robertson only went into the Capitol because he wanted to retrieve Fracker. Wagner also denied that Robertson wielded the stick as a weapon. She said the U.S. Army veteran was using it as a walking stick because he still has a limp from getting shot in the right thigh while working as a private contractor for the U.S. Defense Department in Afghanistan in 2011.
Robertson was charged with six counts: obstruction of Congress, interfering with officers during a civil disorder, entering a restricted area while carrying a dangerous weapon, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted area, disorderly or disruptive conduct inside the Capitol building and obstruction. The last charge stems from his alleged post-riot destruction of cellphones belonging to him and Fracker.
The town fired Robertson and Fracker after the riot. Prosecutors said Robertson paid Fracker more than $30,000 after they were arrested, but Fracker said he believes Robertson wanted to cover his lost wages and wasn’t trying to “buy” his testimony.
Jurors saw some of Robertson’s vitriolic posts on social media before and after the Capitol riot. In a Facebook post on Nov. 7, 2020, Robertson said “being disenfranchised by fraud is my hard line.”
“I’ve spent most of my adult life fighting a counter insurgency. (I’m) about to become part of one, and a very effective one,” he wrote.
Robertson has been jailed since Cooper ruled in July that he violated the terms of his pretrial release by possessing firearms.
More than 770 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot. Over 240 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors.
Robertson’s trial is one of four so far for Capitol riot defendants. Two others had their cases decided by bench trials before the same judge.
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden convicted New Mexico elected official Couy Griffin last month of illegally entering restricted Capitol grounds but acquitted him of engaging in disorderly conduct. On Wednesday, McFadden acquitted another New Mexico man, Matthew Martin, of all four charges that he faced.
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Thirty minutes after Nico Hoerner helped the Chicago Cubs secure a season-opening win, manager David Ross met the shortstop at his locker.
Hoerner had put the Cubs ahead midway through the game with a two-run home run, his first since 2019, en route to their one-run victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. But Hoerner was not in the lineup for Friday’s game, which was postponed because of inclement weather. Instead, Ross opted to start Jonathan Villar at shortstop, giving Hoerner the day off.
That served as the motivation for Ross to meet with Hoerner after Thursday’s game. Ross wanted to let him know the plan for the next day and the big-picture approach.
“It’s just about communicating to those guys and making sure I’m getting ahead of that,” Ross said. “The other thing that I try not to do, one of my things is if you go deep the day before you’re not sitting the next day, so I told him that, like, ‘Hey, you hit a home run today, and I’m going to go against everything in my gut.’ But it makes the most sense long term.”
Expect to see that philosophy applied to both Hoerner and Nick Madrigal when it comes to how ofthen they play. Ross wants to keep guys fresh, specifically calling it a priority for the middle infielders to get days off. With shortstop Andrelton Simmons (right shoulder inflammation) on the injured list, Ross has less flexibility with how he uses Hoerner and Madrigal.
“Right now, I’m not wanting those guys to play four in a row right out of the chute, and especially in Nick’s case,” Ross said Friday. “So somebody’s got to sit at certain times, and getting Jonathan Villar in there is a priority.
“Ideally, those things will work themselves out as we go through the season and we’ve got to be able to mix and match when I need to.”
Ross’ 15 years in the majors predominately as a backup catcher allow him to relate to how players feel not being in the lineup every game. He expressed that sentiment to Hoerner, telling him how he often got pinch hit for “even though I knew I was probably an out, it still sucks to get pinch hit for.”
“It’s the same concept, so just communicating those guys, let them know,” Ross said. “Here’s my thinking, and if they have a problem we’re free to address it. I have a lot of decisions like that to make throughout the season, and so the more I try to let them into my thought process, I always like transparency that.”
Although he might see time at second base on days Magridal is on the bench, Hoerner clearly put work in over the offseason at his new position. After making 33 career starts at shortstop the previous three seasons in a backup role, Hoerner’s defensive work at short stood out during camp, at times impossible to ignore. His improved arm strength was particularly impressive, highlighted by a Derek Jeter-esque jump throw in the hole in a Cactus League game to nail the runner at first base.
“Shortstop’s a position I’ve been playing most of my life,” Hoerner said. “It’s somewhere I’m very comfortable. Obviously we’re moving around in shifts a lot. … So it’s about being a good baseball player first.”
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WASHINGTON (AP) — A North Carolina man on Friday became the second member of the extremist group Proud Boys to plead guilty to conspiring with other group members to stop Congress from formally certifying Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.
Charles Donohoe, 34, pleaded guilty during an appearance in federal court in Washington to charges of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and assaulting or impeding federal officers. His plea agreement includes a provision to cooperate in the ongoing Justice Department cases against other Proud Boys members.
Federal sentencing guidelines call for a prison term of about six to seven years, although terms of his sentence will be up to a federal judge.
The indictment against Donohoe and other members of extremist groups, such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, have been a focus of the Justice Department’s sprawling investigation of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection. Donohoe — who had been president of a local Proud Boys chapter in North Carolina — has close ties to the group’s leader, Enrique Tarrio.
More than three dozen people charged in the Capitol siege have been identified by federal authorities as Proud Boys leaders, members or associates.
Tarrio pleaded not guilty this week to charges that he remotely led a plot to stop Congress’ certification of Biden’s 2020 victory in the presidential election. Though he wasn’t at the Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot, prosecutors say Tarrio organized encrypted chats with Proud Boys members in the weeks before the attack, had a 42-second phone call with another member of the group in the building during the insurrection and took credit for the chaos at the Capitol.
A New York man, Matthew Greene, became the first Proud Boys member to plead guilty to conspiracy in December. He agreed to cooperate with authorities as part of a plea agreement.
On the morning of Jan. 6, Proud Boys members met at the Washington Monument and marched to the Capitol before President Donald Trump finished addressing thousands of supporters near the White House.
Around two hours later, just before Congress convened a joint session to certify the election results, a group of Proud Boys followed a crowd of people who breached barriers at a pedestrian entrance to the Capitol grounds, according to one of the indictments. Several Proud Boys also entered the Capitol itself after the mob smashed windows and forced open doors, the indictment says.
Since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 775 people have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, officials said.
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Beyond the positions of a handful of players, there were few surprises in the Orioles’ lineup for Friday’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Facing Baltimore-born left-hander Shane McClanahan, center fielder Cedric Mullins begins the year in the leadoff spot he occupied for all of his 149 starts during his 30-30 season. After setting the franchise’s rookie home run record in 2021, first baseman Ryan Mountcastle is listed second, with designated hitter Trey Mancini behind him.
Outfielders Austin Hays and Anthony Santander are next, respectively, in the lineup, with Orioles manager Brandon Hyde putting Hays in right and Santander in left — the opposite of what was expected.Hyde said he went with that alignment because Hays has been the better thrower of late, but the pair will switch off throughout the year, with Hays primarily playing left at Camden Yards with the ballpark’s fence moving back and creating more playing area.
In Santander’s case, Hyde said he was pleased with the state of his health, given he spent much of 2021 battling a left ankle sprain after being Most Valuable Oriole in 2020.
“There was a couple of times this spring where he had to score from first on a double or score from second on a hit and you saw him move, you saw him go,” Hyde said. “I didn’t see that last year.”
Most of the uncertainty about Hyde’s starting lineup centered on the infield combination, and opposite McClanahan, he went with three right-handed bats. Second baseman Ramón Urías hits sixth, shortstop Jorge Mateo will bat seventh and third baseman Kelvin Gutiérrez is in the ninth spot. Making his Orioles debut, Robinson Chirinos, eighth in the order, will catch left-hander John Means, making his second straight season-opening start for the Orioles.
Infielders Rougned Odor and Chris Owings, outfielders DJ Stewart and Ryan McKenna, and catcher Anthony Bemboom are available off Hyde’s bench. Gutiérrez, McKenna and Bemboom are among eight Orioles on their first opening day roster. Like Chirinos, Odor, Owings and Bemboom have yet to appear in a game for Baltimore after signing as free agents between seasons.
Hyde put this lineup together a week later than once expected, with the Orioles’ season opener delayed a week amid Major League Baseball’s lockout. Once that was lifted, a rapid spring followed, but it got the Orioles to opening day.
“It was a very unusual offseason, didn’t know what was going to happen,” Hyde said. “Fortunate we got spring training in. It was a real short spring training, but I feel really good about the work that we put in. Give a lot of credit to a lot of people, our medical guys, [head athletic trainer] Brian Ebel and his staff, our strength coaches Trey [Wiedman] and [Justin] Bucko, and our coaches for collaborating and really keeping these guys on the field, having them healthy. Our guys are ready to go and we’re excited for today.”
Zimmermann ‘lost for words’ to start home opener
Bruce Zimmermann grew up watching Orioles’ home openers on TV, occasionally attending in person to see players jog down the orange carpet in center field. When Baltimore acquired the Loyola Blakefield graduate in 2018, he almost immediately began to imagine what it would be like to start the first game of the season at Camden Yards.
On Monday, Zimmermann will get to do just that, with the 27-year-old left-hander lined up to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the first home game of Oriole Park’s 30th anniversary season.
“It’s a dream come true, to be honest,” Zimmermann said. “I’m honestly dreaming — it’ll probably be better than my debut, honestly, with the amount of fans that usually show up for Opening Day in Baltimore and the orange carpet being back and all the fanfare that comes with Opening Day. I can’t really put into words how excited I am for the opportunity.”
Zimmermann is the first Maryland native to be the starting pitcher in the Orioles’ home opener since Tom Phoebus in 1968. He said he was “kind of lost for words” when Hyde first delivered the news Wednesday. He then went out for a team practice, during which the Orioles announced the assignment, and he returned to a bevy of texts and calls. Zimmermann said he’ll take care of tickets for about a dozen family members, friends, and former teammates and coaches. He made his major league debut in 2020, when fans weren’t allowed into the ballpark because of the coronavirus pandemic, and although he got a second debut of sorts in 2021, it still came with limited capacity at the ballpark.
Monday, Opening Day at Camden Yards will come with all the fanfare he grew up watching.
“When I got traded to the Orioles, it was definitely kind of a bucket list thing to hopefully be able to accomplish,” Zimmermann said. “The fact that it happened so quickly, I’m very, very excited and blessed and just ready to go out there and get the Orioles faithful a W on Opening Day.”
Around the horn
>> Outfield prospect Heston Kjerstad has been assigned to Low-A Delmarva and placed on the injured list. Kjerstad, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft who missed all of last season recovering from myocarditis, pulled his hamstring early in training camp. He’s yet to make his professional debut.
>> The Orioles passed right-hander Isaac Mattson through waivers before the game, opening a 40-man roster spot. Mattson, 26, was one of four pitchers the club acquired from the Los Angeles Angels for starter Dylan Bundy in December 2019. He’s been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk.
>> Right-hander Spenser Watkins and catcher Beau Taylor are on the Orioles’ taxi squad.
>> Families of Baltimore police officer Keona Holley — who died Dec. 23 after being shot while on duty — and Baltimore firefighters Paul Butrim, Kenneth Lacayo and Kelsey Sadler — who died battling a fire Jan. 24 — will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the home opener, the team announced. Firefighter John McMaster, who the fire left in critical condition, will also participate.
>> Orioles broadcaster Melanie Newman has joined MLB Network, adding the station to her work with the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network and Orioles Radio Network.
Orioles opening day lineup
Behind starting pitcher John Means
1. Cedric Mullins, CF
2. Ryan Mountcastle, 1B
3. Trey Mancini, DH
4. Austin Hays, RF
5. Anthony Santander, LF
6. Ramón Urías, 2B
7. Jorge Mateo, SS
8. Robinson Chirinos, C
9. Kelvin Gutiérrez, 3B
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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who is up for reelection in November, on Friday vetoed a package of bills passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature that would have made a series of changes to the battleground state’s election laws.
Republicans who fast-tracked the bills don’t have the votes to override his vetoes. The bills are part of a nationwide Republican effort to reshape elections following President Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump.
The bills were quickly passed earlier this year amid Trump’s insistence that the 2020 election was stolen from him and that there was widespread fraud, despite no evidence to back up his claims. Courts, recounts, independent audits and partisan reviews have all upheld President Joe Biden’s nearly 21,000-vote victory.
In vetoing the eight bills, Evers told lawmakers that “The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy; it should not be subject to the whim of politicians who do not like the outcome of an election.”
Evers said the vetoed bills were “passed under the guise of needing to reform our election system because elected officials in this state have enabled disinformation about our elections and elections process.”
Republican supporters argued that the changes were intendent to address deficiencies identified in an audit by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau and a review done by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty. But the vetoed bills went far beyond those recommendations and would have changed how votes are cast and elections are run in Wisconsin.
Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who has rebuffed calls from Trump and some Republican lawmakers to decertify Biden’s win, had said the bills were about fixing problems for future elections, not relitigating the past.
Vos, who met with Trump, ordered a taxpayer-funded investigation into the election that is ongoing led by former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman. The investigation has been mired in lawsuits challenging the legality of subpoenas Gableman filed with mayors of the state’s largest and most Democratic cities.
The court fight is expected to go into July and perhaps longer. Gableman’s current contract runs through the end of April. Gableman, on a podcast hosted by former Trump Chief of Staff Steve Bannon, asked fans to call Vos to pressure him to change his mind about picking up Gableman’s office equipment on April 26.
Vos floated the possibility of rescinding the subpoenas he signed for Gableman, a move that would effectively end the official investigation.
The bills Evers vetoed would have:
— Prohibited anyone other than the voter, an immediate family member or a legal guardian from returning an absentee ballot. That issue is currently pending before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, with oral arguments scheduled for next week.
— Barred the spending of private money on the administration of elections. Republicans have cried foul over $8.8 million in grants Wisconsin’s largest and most Democratic cities received in 2020 from the Center for Tech and Civic Life, a group funded by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Grants were also awarded to smaller, majority Republican cities.
Republicans are trying to get around the veto by putting the ban in the state constitution. That would require approval by voters as early as next year.
— Bar election clerks from filling in any missing information on a voter’s absentee ballot envelope. Trump had argued that thousands of ballots where clerks filled in missing information on the outside envelope should be discounted, but courts rejected his argument. The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission had advised clerks for years that filling in the missing information was OK.
— Require the bipartisan elections commission to hire Republican and Democratic-aligned attorneys to work with commission members and offer what would likely be contrary legal advice. Nonpartisan attorneys currently work for the commission.
— Give the Legislature control over guidance delivered to local election clerks by the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission.
— Limit who can identify as indefinitely confined, a status that allows for absentee ballots for those who can’t get to the polls due to age, illness or disability.
— Require the state to conduct checks to ensure that registered voters are United States citizens.
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The Orioles have signed right-hander Matt Harvey to a minor league deal, the team announced Friday, reuniting with the former All-Star who started 28 games for Baltimore last season.
On Thursday, executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias acknowledged the “very unique situation” surrounding Harvey, who testified at the trial of former Los Angeles Angels communications director Eric Kay in February. Kay was found guilty of two felony counts and faces a minimum of 20 years in prison for distributing drugs to Tyler Skaggs, which led to the Angels pitcher’s overdose death in 2019.
In Harvey’s testimony, the 33-year-old detailed his own experience using drugs. Cocaine was his drug of choice, Harvey said, and he continued to use the drug after he signed with the Angels in 2019. He also shared Percocet pills with Skaggs when Skaggs asked if Harvey had either Percocet or oxycodone.
Skaggs, 27, was found dead July 1, 2019, the day after the team had traveled from Los Angeles and before the start of a series against the Texas Rangers. A coroner’s report said Skaggs had choked to death on his vomit, and a toxic mix of alcohol, fentanyl and oxycodone were in his system.
Harvey could be facing a suspension of at least 60 days due to a violation of MLB’s drug policy for drug distribution, according to ESPN. MLB said in February that they would conduct a review of the matter after the trial was completed, and that process is ongoing.
At the trial, Harvey said he believed his testimony would threaten his career.
“Obviously, he’s in the situation he’s in right now because of off-the-field things,” Elias said. “But getting to know him last year, understanding his approach to what’s gone on, our point of view is that this was something that shouldn’t prevent him from having another chance with this organization, especially with the way he conducted himself last year.”
Harvey had a 3.60 ERA in his first seven starts, setting up a tantalizing return to Citi Field to face the New York Mets on May 12, but he allowed seven runs that day against his former team to kick off a stretch of 11 starts in which he had an 11.20 ERA. He pitched better after the All-Star break but finished the season with a 6.27 ERA across 127 2/3 innings, second most behind left-hander John Means, in 28 starts.
Elias acknowledged the stat line “wasn’t the prettiest,” but there are other factors he considers when approaching a deal for Harvey.
“He did a lot to help us last year,” Elias said. “The innings that he threw, the luck that he had, and I think most importantly for us, the pro and the teammate that he was in helping us get through a very difficult season was something that we wanted back. We feel he might provide us depth and he might be able to help us and he was in the process of kind of unlocking some things, coming off an injury.”
Having Harvey in the system might be a security blanket of sorts. Baltimore has seen breakthroughs from Means and right-hander Tyler Wells, but Elias is waiting to see consistency from his other young arms. The fifth starter role isn’t set in stone.
That could open room for a pitcher with Harvey’s experience — and his ability to chew innings. There remains the uncertainty of a looming suspension for Harvey, but his presence in the organization supplies another long option.
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Which Nike tennis dress is best?
You don’t need much to play tennis apart from a ball and racket. However, competitors need to follow club and tournament rules. That means adhering to a dress code, which for women usually involves wearing a tennis dress.
A tennis dress is standard attire for most women’s competitions. Nike offers a handful of high-quality tennis dresses, like the Nike Women’s Dri-Fit Court Tennis Dress, which players love for its tailored fit, breathability and Nike’s Dri-Fit sweat-wicking technology.
What to know before you buy a Nike tennis dress?
Size
Tennis dresses are designed to fit close to the skin and often have a tailored, slim fit. Slim-fit tennis dresses let players move freely, so their performance isn’t negatively affected, as it might be if they were wearing loose-fitting attire.
A tennis dress should fit snug, but you should also find it comfortable to play in. Most players prefer smaller sizes, as they don’t restrict their mobility, but you can opt for a larger size if you find it more comfortable.
Sleeves
Most tennis dresses are short-sleeved because tennis is usually played in warm-weather conditions or indoors, but there are also long-sleeve styles for playing outdoors on chilly days. Some players also appreciate the compression that long sleeves provide, as they feel it tightens their swinging mechanics.
However, long-sleeve dresses naturally cause more sweating, making players uncomfortable and possibly affecting their on-court performance. In any case, you want something breathable and appropriate for the weather.
Breathability
Tennis dresses are usually made with highly breathable polyester fabrics and stretchy materials such as spandex. A breathable tennis dress is often 70%-90% polyester, but it can also incorporate fabrics like cotton and elastane materials.
It’s crucial to wear a breathable tennis dress, especially if you’re playing on a hot summer day. Warm-weather conditions can cause players to overheat and sweat profusely, so it’s vital to wear clothing that’s well-ventilated so you can stay cool for extended periods.
What to look for in a quality Nike tennis dress
Dri-Fit
Dri-Fit is a polyester material that’s designed to wick away moisture. Most Nike tennis dresses are manufactured using Dri-Fit technology, which can help players stay cool when they’re on the court. Many athletes prefer Dri-Fit clothing since they aren’t weighed down by excessive sweat-absorption, making them both lightweight and breathable.
Racerback
Racerback is a design where the straps create a T-shape in the back of the clothing. It’s also a popular style for the backs of tennis dresses, as they tend to be more comfortable and flexible than standard-strap dresses. It’s a matter of preference, but racerback tennis dresses are the more commonly worn style.
Colors and style
It’s crucial to feel comfortable and well-ventilated while wearing a tennis dress, but you should also consider the color and style. As a tennis player, you want to establish your presence every time you step onto the court. One of the best ways to boost your confidence is to wear an outfit that matches your personality and unique style.
Tennis dresses come in various colors, patterns and designs, so there’s something for every type of player.
How much you can expect to spend on a Nike tennis dress
Nike is known for its high-quality athletic attire, so their tennis dresses are more expensive than those offered by other brands. In general, however, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50-$200 on a Nike tennis dress.
Nike tennis dress FAQ
Why are Nike tennis dresses so expensive?
A. Nike tennis dresses are manufactured using high-quality materials and often incorporate Dri-Fit technology into their design.
Why are tennis dresses required for women in competitions?
A. A tennis dress is considered traditional attire for women. It’s unique to tennis, and it’s embraced for its style and comfort above all else.
What’s the best Nike tennis dress to buy?
Top Nike tennis dress
Nike Women’s Dri-Fit Court Tennis Dress
What you need to know: This tennis dress is on the pricey side, but it’s justified since it’s made with high-quality fabrics, making it ideal for serious players.
What you’ll love: It’s a slim-fit dress, but the material is stretchy enough to give players the flexibility they need on the court. It has mesh inserts for superior breathability and ventilation, and Nike’s Dri-Fit technology helps wick away sweat.
What you should consider: It’s only available in white with teal accents.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Top Nike tennis dress for the money
Nike Women’s Court Dri-Fit Advantage Printed Tennis Dress
What you need to know: This dress has a sleek, slim fit that gives players the flexibility and comfort to perform at a high level.
What you’ll love: It’s a comfortable tennis dress with a crew-neck collar that’s made with ultra-soft and stretchy fabric and features a cut-out section in the back for extra breathability. The origami-inspired pattern looks sensational, and it’s available in a stunning obsidian blue, peach cream or white color.
What you should consider: It’s cheaper than other top Nike dresses, but still pricey for a tennis dress.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Worth checking out
NikeCourt Women’s Dri-Fit ADV Slam Tennis Dress
What you need to know: It’s a high-quality tennis dress that’s breathable and well-designed to keep players cool without limiting their mobility.
What you’ll love: This dress has a racerback design and a tailored slim fit and is manufactured using advanced heat mapping data to pinpoint areas needing the most ventilation. The fabric is stretchy, allowing for superior flexibility, and doesn’t cling to the skin.
What you should consider: It’s only available in white and due to its slim, tailored fit, some customers complain that it’s too see-through.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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ST. LOUIS — To say the Winter Classic didn’t go the Wild’s way would be an understatement. The St. Louis Blues went into Target Field and beat Minnesota 6-4 on Jan. 1.
“The year is 82 games,” Wild captain Jared Spurgeon said. “And that was one blip in the game there.”
That was the latest edition of the budding rivalry between the two Central division teams, with Friday night’s game in St. Louis holding a lot of importance.
Minnesota (43-21-5, 91 points) holds a one-point lead over St. Louis (40-20-10, 90 points) in the standings with a game in hand. The winner of Friday’s game could put a major dent in the loser’s hopes for home-ice advantage in the NHL Western Conference playoffs, as the pair seem likely to face each other in the first round.
“Obviously, after our last one, we want to come out with a different outcome,” Spurgeon said. “I think everyone knows the importance of it, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Spurgeon missed the Winter Classic with a lower-body injury, but has faced the Blues in big games throughout his career. As one of a few Minnesota players who faced St. Louis in the two playoff series the franchises have played against one another, he has seen the rivalry grow over the years.
“They’re a good team over there, and they play a hard game to defend,” Spurgeon said. “At the same time, we like to think we play the same way as well. Obviously, when you get into a couple of playoff series against each other, it always brings that out in you.”
The Wild didn’t go back and watch the Winter Classic when scouting the Blues for Friday’s game, opting instead to watch more recent games.
Asked about what stands out about the growing rivalry, Wild coach Dean Evason said “hopefully not the Winter Classic,” but was candid about the growing strife between the two clubs.
“It’s a fun matchup. It has been for a while,” Evason said. “It looks like it’s gonna continue, and we’re both hockey clubs that are battling to get into the playoffs at the end of the season, so we’re looking forward to the challenge here.”
GOALTENDERS
Minnesota has rotated its goaltenders frequently, with Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Talbot splitting time since Fleury joined in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks on March 21.
Fleury has started the past two games and is likely to start against St. Louis. Spurgeon said the main difference between playing in front of either was making calls and puck handling since Fleury is newer to the team.
“They’re both great goaltenders, so whoever’s back there playing that night, we have the most trust in them,” Spurgeon said. “You don’t really change in front of them.”
INJURY REPORT
The Wild will be without three players in Friday’s game against the Blues, but two are close to getting back.
While Matt Dumba did not skate in St. Louis, both Matt Boldy (upper-body injury) and Jon Merrill (upper-body injury) did, and they could be back for Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Kings. Dumba came off the ice against the Nashville Predators following an open-ice hit from Michael McCarron and did not return.
“I don’t know what the timeframe is going to be,” Evason said of Dumba’s injury, “but it’s more positive than negative.”
Dumba will miss Sunday’s game, but Boldy and Merrill could return. Minnesota won’t practice Saturday, so a decision on Boldy and Merrill’s fitness will be made later.
On the other side, St. Louis’ all-star winger Jordan Kyrou is questionable due to illness.
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https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/08/wild-roll-into-st-louis-trying-to-purge-memory-of-winter-classic/
| 2022-04-08T20:05:57
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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 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage,” the academy said in a statement.
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 for “King Richard.”
“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. ”
In a statement in the days following the Oscars, the academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but refused.
But it’s not clear how the message was delivered to Smith or what form it took, and several media outlets reported that he was never formally told to leave the Dolby Theatre. The Los Angeles Times reported in a story Thursday that Oscars producer Will Packer told Smith: “Officially, we don’t want you to leave. We want you to stay.”
The ban means Smith will not be presenting one of the major awards at next year’s Oscars, as is tradition for the best actor winner.
The academy in its Friday statement also expressed “deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances.”
The academy’s statement did not address whether Smith could be nominated for Oscars during his 10-year ban. Nor did it take any action to revoke Smith’s Academy Award.
The academy has not revoked Oscars from expelled members Harvey Weinstein or Roman Polanski.
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https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/08/will-smith-gets-10-year-oscars-ban-over-chris-rock-slap/
| 2022-04-08T20:06:03
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Which burnt-orange shower curtains are best?
Burnt orange is trending in interior design for its beautiful accenting qualities. Red like clay and warm like the sun, this natural color looks great in bathrooms, bringing the pristine and utilitarian porcelain whites back down to earth. One of the best ways to introduce a bit of burnt orange into your bathroom decor is with a shower curtain.
Whether you choose patterned or solid is up to your taste, but it’s high time you take advantage of this underused canvas in your home. The best burnt-orange shower curtain is Ebern Designs Dothan Sunset in Hot Desert Shower Curtain and Hooks.
What to know before you buy a burnt-orange shower curtain
Colors that go with burnt orange
Burnt orange is a lovely, dark orange with more brown than yellow. Slightly red, too, this deeper color feels rustic and earthy. You want to look for opposites to complement the warmth of burnt orange. Sage greens, beiges and ochres all look nice with this fiery color. You can also use deep, dark blues to counter-balance it. Lastly, darker browns and reds can also work with warm grays thrown in. When in doubt, think about fall palettes, as the image of turning leaves is the perfect inspiration when pairing this color.
Styling your burnt-orange shower curtain
Given its subdued cheerful vibe and red-clay earthiness, burnt orange is popular in boho and rustic decors. Burnt orange evokes images of crafted pottery and country living out in the desert. But you don’t need a nomadic design scheme to justify using this exciting color. Burnt orange can work wonderfully as an accent in mid-century modern decor, playing off of the natural woods and pastel palettes typically found in contemporary iterations of modernism.
Pattern vs. solid
Choosing between a patterned or solid-color shower curtain is a matter of personal taste. Both can be beautiful ways to introduce this rich color into your bathroom. If you don’t want to commit fully to burnt orange, patterns are a great way to tone down burnt orange and offset it with a complementary or base color.
On the other hand, solid colors provide saturated backdrops for further play and ornamentation. Use these to elevate other patterns, textures and materials in the room. Or color block your bathroom by painting the walls a deep blue or sage green.
What to look for in a quality burnt-orange shower curtain
Material
The three most common materials for shower curtains are cotton, polyester and vinyl. These each have unique properties that will affect their durability and feel:
- Cotton: A premium fabric in the world of shower curtains, cotton offers thick, luxurious warmth. These are easy to clean and the most durable. But cotton is also more expensive than other options. It’s also not waterproof, so you will need a shower-curtain liner.
- Polyester: Ranging from soft like cotton, to shiny like vinyl, this synthetic material is the best of both worlds, offering water resistance and durability. It’s cheaper than cotton, though certainly not as luscious. Polyester often doesn’t require a liner and can be washed.
- Vinyl: The cheapest of the three, vinyl is completely water-resistant. It’s the easiest to print on, offering the widest range of design options. It’s less durable however, so you will have to replace it once or twice a year.
Size
Choosing the right shower curtain size depends on your shower. While the typical shower curtain is a square 72 by 72 inches, if you have a walk-in or freestanding style tub, this will either be way too big or not big enough.
Smaller showers benefit from a narrow shower curtain, at about half the length. Tubs with more than one side exposed should use an extra-wide shower curtain of 108-180 inches depending on the number of sides. And if you have high ceilings, make sure to get an extra-long shower curtain, which adds another foot in length so you don’t spill water all over your floor.
Installation
Shower curtains are easy to install. They either use their built-in grommets or additional shower-curtain hooks. Grommets are the reinforced circular openings at the top of your shower curtain’s hem. If they’re large enough, you can slide them right onto your shower curtain rod. This is the easiest installation method but doesn’t offer the same ease of use once on the rod as hooks.
Shower curtain hooks, on the other hand, are a little fussier to install. These use rings to slide on your rod that then hook into the grommets on your curtain. Their design lets your curtain lie completely flat and makes them easier to pull back and forth.
How much you can expect to spend on a burnt-orange shower curtain
Shower curtain cost depends on the material and size. A vinyl shower curtain is usually $5-$25. Quality polyester ranges between $30-$60. And a premium cotton shower curtain can cost as much as $80-$120.
Burnt-orange shower curtain FAQ
How do I clean my shower curtain?
A. To get rid of mold and mildew, machine wash your polyester or cotton shower curtain once a month. For vinyl, you’ll want to use household cleaner in a well ventilated space.
Do I need a shower curtain liner?
A. Shower curtain liners are inexpensive vinyl barriers that help protect your shower curtain. Most polyester and vinyl curtains do not need them, but a liner can help boost their longevity. Cotton shower curtains need a liner as cotton is not waterproof.
What’s the best burnt-orange shower curtain to buy?
Top burnt-orange shower curtain
Ebern Designs Dothan Sunset in Hot Desert Shower Curtain + Hooks
What you need to know: Bring the brilliant heat of the desert into your bathroom with this gradient burnt-orange shower curtain.
What you’ll love: Transitioning from orange to white, Ebern Designs’ shower curtain offers a burst of color that won’t dominate the space. It’s made from polyester with reinforced grommets. The curtain comes with hooks for easy installation. You have your choice of four sizes.
What you should consider: The sizes offered may cover a few unique showers, but they’re by no means comprehensive, especially for extra-tall showers and freestanding tubs.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
Top burnt-orange shower curtain for the money
What you need to know: Featuring a motif inspired by traditional designs found on the African continent, this shower curtain offers boho style on a budget.
What you’ll love: This hefty, polyester shower curtain comes in narrow and long sizes. The hem is weighted to prevent the shower curtain from flying around in a draft. You get 12 hooks with it.
What you should consider: This curtain is only printed on one side and doesn’t come in extra-wide sizes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Latitude Run Sanches 18-Piece Embroidery Shower Curtain Set
What you need to know: With a tasteful, embroidered floral pattern in the top quarter panel, this practically solid-color shower curtain set is enough to deck out your entire bathroom in burnt orange.
What you’ll love: You not only get a shower curtain, but two matching bath mats and three matching towels. The curtain comes with rings for hanging and is made from water-resistant polyester. The towels are thin, so use this for decoration rather than as a fully functional bath set.
What you should consider: This set might be a little too much orange for those looking to add a singular accent to their bathroom.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
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Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/bed-bath-br/shower-accessories-br/best-burnt-orange-shower-curtain/
| 2022-04-08T20:06:02
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Which diamond earrings are best?
If you’ve decided to purchase diamond earrings, there’s a good chance you’re ready to spend some serious cash. They can be expensive, but they’re also diverse in many aspects, so the possibilities are endless. And while expensive jewelry is lovely, you don’t have to break the bank for a classy pair of diamond earrings.
If you’re looking for reasonably priced earrings with an elegant look, Macy’s 1/3-Carat Diamond Stud Earrings in 14-Karat Gold are a top choice. They boast a high-quality round cut and are set in 14-karat gold, which can be either white, yellow or rose gold in color.
What to know before you buy diamond earrings
Cut and shape
Diamond earrings can be cut into many shapes, including emerald, pear, heart, cushion, oval and marquise. If you’re considering stud earrings, the two most popular are brilliant round cut and princess cut.
Brilliant round cut diamonds are typical for stud earrings and have a classic look and design. Princess cut earrings have a square shape that gives diamonds more sparkle and a flashier look.
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity essentially refers to how clean it looks. The fewer blemishes (also known as inclusions) a diamond has, the better its clarity. However, better clarity usually means a higher price tag. There are six main clarity categories:
- Included
- Slightly Included
- Very Slightly Included
- Very, Very Slightly Included
- Internally Flawless
- Flawless
Categories can be further broken down into grades, but most differences in clarity can only be seen at the microscopic level once you reach Very Slightly Included.
Style
The most common diamond earring styles are stud, hoop and drop. Stud earrings are the most versatile and an excellent fashion choice for nearly every occasion. Hoop and drop earrings are flashier and move more, making them look more brilliant, so they’re ideal for formal occasions
What to look for in quality diamond earrings
Carat
A diamond’s carat is a measurement unit used to refer to its weight. Depending on its cut and shape, a diamond can have more weight without appearing larger. Diamonds with a higher carat weight are usually more expensive, but not always, and those with identical weights can vary in price.
Setting
Any time you purchase diamond earrings, they’ll be set in a metal, and it’s up to you to decide which style is for you. Popular settings for earrings include bezel and halo.
- Bezel settings feature diamonds embedded in a metal band, giving them a sleek, smooth look.
- Halo settings surround a large gem with several smaller stones. This draws more attention, since light bounces off all of the stones, giving the earrings added brilliance.
Back
An earring’s back attaches it to the ear in two basic styles.
- Push backs are standard closures for stud earrings, and a simple sliding piece keeps them in place with friction. Push backs are comfortable, but they can loosen over time, so they’re not the most secure.
- Screw backs are also popular and arguably more secure than push backs. They’re not as easy to attach as push-back earrings, but the security makes them worth the effort and time.
How much you can expect to spend on diamond earrings
The sky’s the limit for diamond earrings since there are so many possibilities for cuts, shapes, carat, color and customization. Affordable options range anywhere from $200-$2,000, so anything more than that is considered high-end jewelry.
Diamond earrings FAQ
What does magic size mean?
A. There are three magic sizes: 1/2, 3/4 and 1 carat. The term refers to the magical price jump from fraction sizes to 1 carat or higher.
Does color affect the price of diamond earrings?
A. It can. All things considered, colorless diamonds are more expensive than ones with tints.
What are the best diamonds earrings to buy?
Top diamond earrings
Macy’s 1/3-Carat Diamond Stud Earrings in 14-Karat Gold
What you need to know: These earrings have a stylish stud design, and although they have a classy design, they don’t look too extravagant.
What you’ll love: They have a stunning brilliant round cut and are set in 14-karat white, yellow or rose gold. Each stud has a 1/6-carat weight, and the push back closure makes it easy to put them on.
What you should consider: The carat weights are approximate and may vary by as much as 1/20 of a carat.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
Top diamond earrings for the money
Macy’s 1/10-Carat Diamond Halo Cluster Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver
What you need to know: These earrings are an excellent option for those who want a nice pair of stud earrings to wear casually.
What you’ll love: These round halo cluster earrings have an elegant look and a post back closure. Each stud is set in dazzling sterling silver and has a 1/10 carat weight. Also, they come in a protective velvet box.
What you should consider: Customers complained about the backs being too loose or breaking off easily.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
Worth checking out
Macy’s 1/4-Carat Diamond Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver
What you need to know: These hoop earrings are an affordable and excellent option if you’re not a fan of stud earrings.
What you’ll love: These earrings feature 1/4-carat round-cut diamonds set in sterling silver. They measure approximately 1 inch in diameter. The clasp is secure, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally pulling them off.
What you should consider: They’re smaller than they look in photos, so if you want something larger than 1-inch hoop earrings, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/fashion-accessories-br/jewelry-br/best-diamond-earrings/
| 2022-04-08T20:06:09
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Which luxury Apple Watch case is best?
The Apple Watch has increased in popularity in recent years, so making a statement with it has never been harder. Fortunately, a high-quality luxury case can solve this problem, whether you’re looking for something to wear to formal occasions or to take on the hiking trail.
Luxury Apple Watch cases come in a variety of materials and perform different functions. A good place to start your search is with the Hatalkin Apple Watch Sports Case.
What to know before you buy a luxury Apple watch case
Check the case’s compatibility
Although this seems obvious, it can be hard to tell if an Apple Watch case will fit your watch just by looking at it. To ensure that you don’t end up having to make a return, check which series your watch is by opening the settings in the Watch app on your iPhone, or try looking on the back of your watch.
Size, look and materials
Like phone cases, some Apple Watch cases are significantly larger than others. Consider what size and look you want before purchasing. For example, if you want something that’s versatile above all else, consider something with a metal case and band that can be worn in a formal environment but doesn’t sacrifice durability or protection. If durability and protection are your biggest concerns, choose one with tougher shockproof materials.
What to look for in a quality luxury Apple Watch case
Case and band combo
High quality Apple Watch cases usually include both a durable case and a luxurious band. Cases that include bands make upgrading your watch a lot easier, and keep the look cohesive. Keep an eye out for cases with integrated bands made from high quality materials such as metal or leather.
Band interchangeability
One of the best features of the Apple Watch is that it can be used in almost any setting, whether it’s formal, casual or somewhere in-between, such as the office. However, not all bands are made for all situations, and being able to easily change them is key to maximizing the versatility of your watch. Your band probably will attach to the case, not the watch, and the best luxury cases make changing bands easy.
Built-in screen protector
High-quality Apple Watch cases often include an integrated screen protector that adds protection. This is especially useful because cases often interfere with the ability to use a screen protector. Cases with built-in screen protectors also tend to add waterproofing.
How much you can expect to spend on a luxury Apple Watch case
High-end cases that don’t include a band cost $40-$60, while cases with integrated bands usually cost more than $60.
Luxury Apple Watch case FAQ
Will using a case cause my Apple Watch to overheat?
A. Although a case may cause some phones to overheat, it is highly unlikely that this will occur with your Apple Watch. Not only is overheating less likely with an Apple Watch than the average cell phone, but Apple Watch cases have gaps to make sure the wheel is usable and the sensor on the back has direct contact with your skin. The gaps let air cool the watch during intense use.
Can I get an Apple Watch case that makes my watch waterproof?
A. If you have an older Apple Watch model that isn’t waterproof, you can purchase a waterproof case. Make sure you read the description of whatever case you choose to avoid swimming too deep for it maintain its seal.
What’s the best luxury Apple Watch case to buy?
Top luxury Apple Watch case
Hatalkin Apple Watch Sports Case
What you need to know: Although this case doesn’t look quite as luxurious as its leather and metal counterparts, it’s made of premium materials and offers the utmost protection for your watch.
What you’ll love: It’s made of shockproof material that can protect your watch from drops and bangs. Each button has a precision cutout that makes it easy to use, even with gloves on, and you don’t need to remove the case to charge the watch. The case has an integrated rubber strap that’s comfortable and durable.
What you should consider: This case and band may be too rugged and bulky for people looking for one they can wear to work or formal events.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top luxury Apple Watch case for the money
What you need to know: This luxurious case provides excellent protection as well as great eye-catching style.
What you’ll love: This case boasts a bejeweled bezel that is sure to draw attention and make a big impression. In addition to the shiny cubic zirconia crystals, this case is entirely silver-plated bronze. There’s a soft silicone layer inside the case that adds further protection for your watch and prevents it from moving around inside the case.
What you should consider: It’s only compatible with the Apple Watch Series 1-3.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
Worth checking out
Gelishi Metal Apple Watch Case
What you need to know: This case is made with high-quality materials and features a sleek black design.
What you’ll love: This case is made from 316L stainless steel, which is the same material Rolex uses in some of its watches. The case and band are made of stainless steel, which retains its shine for years and years. The case also features contrasting rose gold accents.
What you should consider: Because the band that’s included is metal, it’s difficult to adjust.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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William Briskin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/fashion-accessories-br/watches-br/best-luxury-apple-watch-case/
| 2022-04-08T20:06:16
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https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/fashion-accessories-br/watches-br/best-luxury-apple-watch-case/
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If you have allergies, there are certain seasons that you might dread. For many people, spring is the worst. The abundance of pollen from trees, grass and weeds mingle with the air to become easily inhaled. Once inside, your body treats these benign invaders and reacts almost the same way it does to a cold or flu virus. The result is that you feel miserable.
For some, the best approach to fighting seasonal allergies might not be treating the symptoms with over-the-counter and prescription medications. It might involve limiting your exposure to allergens that cause the symptoms. Luckily, with modern technology, there are several ways to accomplish that.
What causes allergies?
According to the Mayo Clinic, allergies are the result of an overactive immune system. When a foreign substance — that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people — gets in, your immune system goes on high alert and starts producing antibodies to combat the threat. The antibodies release chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms. As the battle rages on, your body becomes a casualty, producing a variety of reactions from mild irritation to life-threatening emergencies.
What are typical seasonal allergy symptoms?
There is a broad range of allergy symptoms. Many overlap the symptoms you have when you get a virus. Some of the most common reactions to seasonal allergens include:
- Itchy skin, nose, eyes and roof of the mouth
- Sneezing, runny nose and congestion
- Red, swollen, itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing and postnasal drip
- Tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and wheezing
- A rash, hives or swelling
- In rare cases, a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur
What are common allergens?
While nearly anything can be an allergen depending on your sensitivities, the most common seasonal triggers are tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen, flower pollen and mold. It is important to understand that allergies are cumulative. You could have a mild sensitivity to animal dander that doesn’t normally bother you. However, when you are exposed to animal dander, tree pollen and mold, your body could reach a tipping point that triggers symptoms.
How to manage seasonal allergies
The key to remaining symptom-free is reducing your exposure to allergens. Here are 15 simple ways to do that.
- Keep a diary of activities and symptoms to learn your triggers.
- Avoid known triggers to the best of your abilities.
- When the pollen count is high, stay indoors as much as possible.
- If you must go outside, plan on late afternoon activities.
- Do not open windows. Use an air conditioner to help remain cool.
- Purge your environment of troublesome allergens by investing in an air purifier and a high-quality vacuum cleaner.
- Choose easy to clean furniture, remove carpets and reduce clutter.
- Change the filter in your central air system. If the system can tolerate it, use a HEPA filter.
- Wash your curtains and bedding often.
- Wear a mask when cutting the grass or doing other outdoor tasks.
- Take a shower after being outside.
- Brush your pets before letting them inside to reduce the amount of pollen they bring into the home.
- Bathe your pets at least once a week.
- Do not allow smoking inside the home.
- Consult a medical professional to determine if you need to be on symptom-alleviating medication
What you need to manage seasonal allergies
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
This high-end vacuum is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. It has the strongest suction in Dyson’s line and a self-adjusting cleaner head that lets you tackle all types of floors.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Shark NV360 Navigator Deluxe Upright Vacuum
The detachable pod feature lets you take this powerful vacuum into hard-to-reach areas. It has an anti-allergen seal and works with HEPA filters to trap dust and allergens. It is easy to steer and has a large-capacity dust cup.
Sold by Amazon
Dyson Air Purifier with HEPA Filter
The sealed HEPA and activated carbon filter can trap pollen, bacteria and pet dander. It is certified asthma- and allergy-friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and it has a quiet mode that lets you run the unit around the clock if needed.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
LG Electronics 6,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
For days when the temperature climbs to an uncomfortably warm degree, this model lets you cool up to 250 square feet without worrying about bringing pollen into the home. It is easy to install, features quiet operation and comes with a remote.
Sold by Home Depot
This NIOSH-approved N95 mask lets you work outside by reducing your exposure to allergens. It has an exhalation valve for up to 50% easier breathing.
Sold by Amazon (10-pack) and Home Depot (5-pack)
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T20:06:23
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Which citicoline supplements are best?
Citicoline supplements may improve brain activity and prevent memory loss. Additionally, numerous studies confirm that it may aid in general brain function. Still, it’s a good idea to research citicoline’s benefits, risks and most popular forms before buying a supplement.
If you’re considering taking a citicoline supplement to give your brain a boost, Jarrow Formulas Citicoline, CDP Choline Supplements are an effective option with no wheat, gluten or dairy.
What to know before you buy a citicoline supplement
What is citicoline?
According to the National Institutes of Health, citicoline is a compound that may help with certain neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroprotective compounds like citicoline help protect nerve cells against damage and degeneration. For example, glaucoma patients with mild visual issues had improved retinal function after using citicoline for two years. Many patients with mild vascular cognitive impairment scored higher on mental examinations after using citicoline for 9 months. The compound can improve mood and memory.
How does citicoline work?
For a while, it was thought that this supplement could help people who suffered from strokes and brain injuries, but this has been proven false. After ingesting citicoline, it breaks down into cytidine and choline. Interestingly, these components are transported to the brain separately, where they then recombine to form citicoline in the brain cells.
Is citicoline safe?
According to the NIH, the compound has negligible toxicity and no significant side effects. Still, talk to your doctor before taking citicoline if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or are taking any medications. It’s probably best to avoid the supplement if you’re under 18 years old. Some users reported feeling confused, depressed or nauseous after taking the compound for extended periods.
How to take citicoline
Some supplements come in large capsules that may be hard to swallow. If you have trouble swallowing supplements, consider buying small tablets that melt in your mouth. Many people take supplements before breakfast or lunch, as it prevents them from upsetting their stomachs.
What to look for in a quality citicoline supplement
Proper dosage
According to the NIH, humans can safely take over 500 milligrams of citicoline each day. Still, many users felt that even 250 milligrams of citicoline per day was too much. However, many supplements have at least 250 milligrams. If that proves to be too much for you, consider purchasing tablets that you can cut in half easily.
Ingredients
Many people have dietary restrictions or preferences. If you don’t want to consume animal-based ingredients, you’ll want to ensure you buy vegan capsules. It’s essential to ensure the supplement doesn’t contain any allergens that may negatively impact you.
Number of capsules
Most supplement bottles contain 30, 90 or 120 capsules. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, consider buying a bottle that comes with many supplement capsules or tablets.
Positive effects
Some supplements are more effective than others. It’s a good idea to choose a brand with numerous positive reviews that suggest the supplement is effective. Avoid brands that seem to induce nausea, diarrhea and other adverse side effects.
Trusted brand
Supplement claims aren’t often tested before the supplement is sold. It’s a good idea to buy supplements from a trusted brand whose claims have been tested by a third party.
How much you can expect to spend on citicoline supplements
Citicoline supplements can cost $17-$35, depending on the brand and quantity of supplements included.
Citicoline supplement FAQ
Do citicoline supplements have a bad taste or smell?
A. In many cases, citicoline supplements have a strong chemical smell and taste. If you find the scent overpowering, consider taking them with juice or another flavored drink.
How long does it take to notice citicoline’s benefits?
A. Some people notice benefits immediately. Other individuals feel it takes a few weeks to see positive effects. Many studies suggest it could take more than two months before citicoline yields any noticeable benefits.
Does citicoline increase your dopamine production?
A. Many studies have suggested that citicoline positively affects your mood due to increased dopamine production.
Can you take citicoline by itself?
A. Yes. Many people take citicoline supplements with Alpha-GPC, but the effects of mixing these two supplements haven’t been widely studied. If supplements often upset your stomach, consider taking them with food.
What’s the best citicoline to buy?
Top citicoline supplement
Jarrow Formulas, Citicoline, CDP Choline, 250 milligrams, 120 Capsules
What you need to know: These gentle supplements don’t contain soy, wheat, dairy, egg, gluten or peanuts.
What you’ll love: This bottle contains 120 capsules. Each capsule contains 250 milligrams of citicoline. Many users felt this supplement improved their attention and memory. These capsules are small and easy to swallow. Most users didn’t notice any side effects. Many users take up to two of these capsules every day.
What you should consider: Some users felt these capsules contained too much citicoline.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb and Amazon
Top citicoline supplement for the money
Nature’s Bounty Brain Focus, Nootropic Supplement
What you need to know: These chewable tablets dissolve in your mouth with a cooling sensation, and they taste good, making them easy to take.
What you’ll love: These supplements have a pleasant lemon flavor. Many users noticed these supplements improved their concentration and mood. Most users felt these supplements didn’t hurt their stomachs.
What you should consider: These aren’t as effective as other supplements.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb and Amazon
Worth checking out
Double Wood CDP Choline (Citicoline) Supplement
What you need to know: These supplements contain 300 milligrams of citicoline in each capsule.
What you’ll love: These capsules are non-GMO and gluten-free. They are small enough for most people to swallow easily. Many users said they felt these supplements were highly effective.
What you should consider: These capsules have a strong smell and taste.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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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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| 2022-04-08T20:06:30
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Which HMB supplement is best?
Building muscle involves a consistent workout routine and proper nutrition, but it can be challenging and take time. Many people use protein shakes and other dietary supplements to help them build muscle more quickly.
Hydroxymethylbutyrate is a chemical produced naturally in your body that has gained popularity as a dietary supplement due to its ability to help build muscle. Supplements such as the Tony Horton PowerLife High Impact Plant Protein Powder With HMB let you consume protein and HMB simultaneously.
What to know before you buy an HMB supplement
What HMB is
HMB is produced when your body breaks down leucine, one of the building blocks of protein. According to the National Institutes of Health, it improves protein metabolism in those with muscular dystrophy. HMB also helps with strength, power, muscle damage, mass and delayed onset muscle soreness in athletes. That’s why it’s a popular supplement for building muscle and preventing muscle loss.
How you take an HMB supplement
Many HMB supplements come in capsules. If you have trouble swallowing pills, it’s essential to consider the size of the capsule when choosing an HMB supplement. HMB also can be purchased in powder form and consumed with your protein shake or smoothie. In some cases, you can buy supplements that contain protein and HMB.
HMB vs. creatine
Athletes use both HMB and creatine, and many use them together. But there are minor differences in their effects. HMB is used to prevent muscle breakdown and support muscle recovery. Creatine is primarily used to boost muscle growth.
What to look for in a quality HMB supplement
Flavor
Many powdered HMB supplements come in vanilla or chocolate. In some cases, they taste chalky even after being blended into a shake. Still, in many cases the flavor is comparable to that of traditional protein powder.
Effectiveness and safety
These supplements can be relatively pricey, so before buying, read the reviews and ensure people noticed improvements after using the one you’re considering for several weeks . HMB isn’t known to have serious side effects, but it’s also good to ensure people didn’t feel bad after taking a particular supplement.
Additional ingredients
HMB is more effective when taken with vitamin D3 or creatine. Many supplements contain both HMB and one of these, so you won’t have to take as many supplements each day. If you plan to use HMB after working out, consider buying a supplement that contains protein to boost muscle recovery.
Also, check the bottle to ensure that other ingredients won’t cause you problems, either ethically or physically. Some contain gelatin or HMB derived from animals, and not all are gluten-free.
How much you can expect to spend on HMB supplements
You can expect to spend anywhere from $22-$40 on a 3-month supply of capsules. HMB powder with protein costs $50-$60 for a 2-week supply.
HMB supplement FAQ
Can you take HMB without exercise?
A. According to the NIH, HMB combined with vitamin D3 enhanced muscle strength and physical function in adults without the need for exercise.
What foods have HMB?
A. HMB is present in many meats, vegetables and fruits, specifically alfalfa and catfish. Still, there is significantly higher concentration in HMB supplements.
Is HMB good for older adults?
A. There are conflicting reports on HMB use by older populations, but many consumers agree that these supplements are effective in older people when taken with vitamin D3.
Does HMB increase testosterone?
A. That’s unclear. According to the NIH, people who used both HMB and creatine were found to have increased testosterone levels after 10 weeks of supplementation. There aren’t any notable studies on testosterone levels before and after taking HMB by itself.
What’s the best HMB supplement to buy?
Top HMB supplement
Tony Horton PowerLife High Impact Plant Protein Powder With HMB
What you need to know: This flavored powder is ideal for those who prefer shakes to capsules.
What you’ll love: It’s available in chocolate and vanilla, and it contains both vitamin D3 and a full clinical dose of HMB, so it will provide muscle support even if you don’t exercise daily. It’s vegan, keto-friendly and non-GMO. After taking this daily, users noticed significant improvement in their strength and endurance.
What you should consider: Many users didn’t like the taste, and it’s pretty expensive.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top HMB supplement for the money
What you need to know: After using this for a while, most users noticed a change in their muscle mass. .
What you’ll love: The bottle holds 60 gluten-free capsules, and although they’re large, they’re relatively easy to swallow. They doesn’t contain milk, egg, tree nut, fish, peanut, shellfish or soy.
What you should consider: This only contains HMB, so you won’t notice a difference unless you exercise daily or take a daily vitamin D3 supplement.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb
Worth checking out
What you need to know: After taking this for at least a month, users noticed a significant difference in their muscle recovery.
What you’ll love: Users felt these were effective when taken daily. The bottle contains a 1-month supply of HMB.
What you should consider: The capsules are relatively large.
Where to buy: Sold by iHerb
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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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| 2022-04-08T20:06:38
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Which Persian rugs are best?
Persian rugs come from a long cultural tradition of carpet weaving in Iran. These gorgeous rugs are known for their intricate patterns and heirloom quality. Whether you’re decorating a contemporary or vintage-style home, a Persian carpet is the perfect area rug for any room in the house. With a luxurious texture underfoot, you’re sure to feel like royalty everywhere you walk.
Which Persian rug you choose comes down to a few factors: how you style your home and how large of a rug you need. That said, you can’t go wrong with the Luxe Weavers Distressed Cream Area Rug.
What to know before you buy a Persian rug
What is a Persian rug?
These beautiful carpets are characterized by their complex geometric patterns and motifs. Typical Persian rugs have a center region cast in rich color with tendril-like designs in it. This field can take up the whole carpet or be framed within one or more large borders. The patterns and images woven into Persian rugs come from tribal or Islamic tradition and require considerable planning and master craftsmanship.
Types of Persian rugs
Dating back over 2,500 years, Persian rugs are made from hundreds of different patterning and weaving traditions. The following three categories are by no means comprehensive but give a general idea of what aesthetic to expect from Persian rugs and other rugs inspired by them:
- Tribal: Tribal rugs are made from patterns passed down within the various ethnic and tribal groups of Iran, each with their own history and tradition. Patterns range from symmetric to asymmetric on wool or cotton.
- Village: These rugs are traditionally made and sold in local markets. They have less complex designs than city carpets, and they’re smaller. Because they’re made without a reference pattern, they’re more stylized and often have a few idiosyncrasies woven in.
- City: These are mass-produced rugs sold as examples of the highest quality crafted by centuries of honed skill. Larger and intricate, city rugs have one border and can be woven from wool or silk.
How to style a Persian rug
Despite their ornate appearance, a Persian rug can fit into even the most austere of interior design schemes. When considerably worn or aged, a Persian rug adds a touch of patinated texture to your home. Limited color palettes are best for minimal or modern decors. If you’re lavishing your room in antique sophistication, deep, saturated colors and complex designs are the go-to aesthetic.
What to look for in a quality Persian rug
Color
Persian rugs are commonly a mixture of deep reds and blues, with red serving as the dominant color of the whole carpet. If you don’t want something so vivid and primary, look for carpets that use the spectrum of colors around red and blue, such as rust orange, turquoise and even warm beiges. Aging and artificial aging are also great ways to tone down a Persian rug’s colors.
Material
- Wool: Most Persian rugs are wool. This high-quality material is durable and soft. Look for Kork or Kurk wool, which is premium wool taken from sheep grown in Central Asia.
- Cotton: A cheaper alternative to wool or silk, cotton is a little less durable but easy to clean.
- Silk: Identifiable by its satiny sheen, silk is one of the finest materials found in Persian rugs. These are the most expensive and require professional cleaning.
- Synthetic: Many retailers use materials like polyester and viscose to mass-produce their own interpretations of Persian rugs. If you’re looking for that aesthetic on a budget and don’t mind the inauthenticity, synthetic Persian carpets are a solid choice.
Size
The size of the rug you choose depends on which room you’re putting it in. Persian rugs can be quite large, but smaller options are great for hallways, vestibules and other spaces. For larger area rugs, you’ll want to think about the space you’re trying to fill. Rugs are best sized as a means to divide a room up. For example, a rug just large enough for a couch, chairs and coffee table creates a space for gathering by bringing these disparate pieces of furniture together.
How much you can expect to spend on a Persian rug
While an authentic Persian rug could set you back thousands of dollars and is quite difficult to get, a quality Persian-inspired or Oriental rug can easily be purchased for $80-$300.
Persian rug FAQ
What’s the difference between Persian and Oriental rugs?
A. Persian rugs are rugs made solely in Iran or by the various nomadic ethnic groups from the region. Oriental rugs are a similar visual style of rug produced around the world.
How do I care for my Persian rug?
A. Whether authentic or Persian-inspired, upkeep is crucial. Make sure to dust off your carpet regularly, and wash it according to its material requirements. It’s always a good bet to test a small portion of the carpet with soap and water before washing the whole thing; you don’t want to find that the dyes come right off when doing the whole thing. Lastly, never wash a silk carpet yourself. Get it professionally cleaned.
What’s the best Persian rug to buy?
Top Persian rug
Luxe Weavers Distressed Cream Area Rug
What you need to know: A refined and aged take on the Persian rug, this beige and turquoise carpet looks great in boho and minimalist decors.
What you’ll love: This store offers a number of Persian-inspired rugs. Each is artificially aged for a soft-colored, patinated look. They’re available in many different sizes from small foyer rugs to long runners and large area rugs. These rugs are synthetic, so they’re easy to clean.
What you should consider: This doesn’t have the fringe of an authentic Persian rug.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Persian rug for the money
nuLOOM Gracie Machine-Washable Distressed Medallion Area Rug
What you need to know: With a design inspired by the traditional Persian medallion motif, this distressed rug features subtle coloration for seamless integration in your modern home.
What you’ll love: Made from polyester, this nuLOOM carpet is as close as you can get to an authentic Persian rug on a budget. Its stitched edges retain that frayed look and the detailing recalls the aesthetic of village rugs. It’s 4 by 6 feet, so it’s best as an area rug in a living room, dining room or bedroom. The nonslip backing eliminates the need for a carpet pad.
What you should consider: This rug has a low pile, so it won’t be soft and plush underfoot.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Safavieh Vintage Hamadan Collection Persian Nonshedding Area Rug
What you need to know: Woven in luscious reds and blues, the Safavieh Persian-inspired rug is a stunning statement piece for any living or dining room.
What you’ll love: Featuring a geometric pattern, this carpet evokes an antique aesthetic with a contemporary vibe. It’s synthetic, so you can clean it easily without worrying about stains. The pattern comes in a few color options, including monotones. The size ranges available are near infinite.
What you should consider: Some feel the pattern isn’t as clear in real life as it is in the photos. Specifically, fuzzy, desaturated areas were noted by a few customers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Which path lights are best?
Nothing adds warmth and curb appeal to the front of your house like a good set of path lights. Whether you opt for wired ones or go for the ease and versatility of solar lights, a well-lit path makes your home look clean and well cared for.
When you’re looking for easy-to-install, attractive path lights that won’t break the bank, Solpex 8-Pack Solar Pathway Lights are the top choice.
What to know before you buy path lights
Solar vs. wired
You can either wire your path lights into your existing electrical system or place lights that get their energy from the sun.
- Electric lights tend to have a longer life and brighter light, but add the cost and time of wiring them into your home’s electrical system. Even if you only have to plug them in, you have to devise a way to get the wire from them to the outlet, making sure no one will trip on it and no unsightly wires are visible.
- Solar lights are much easier to install, but tend to give fainter light that is dependent on getting enough sun. In the winter, this may mean that your path lights will look faint or won’t light up.
Their lumen rating
A path light’s lumen rating indicates how bright it is. A 10-lumen light casts a faint glow, while a 40-lumen light offers real light for a dark area.
Whether the light they emit is warm or cool
- Warm light can add an air of romance to the walk. It’s best suited for classic-style homes such as colonials, Victorians and Queen Annes.
- Cool light adds a modern, fresh air and looks great in front of newer houses, or those with large windows or more angular architecture.
What to look for in quality path lights
A great pattern on the glass
Wavy glass or a fun art deco stain will add visual interest to your path beyond just adding illumination. So if you like something more than just light, look for path lights with patterned glass or framing to cast interesting shadows.
The right height
Tall lanterns look best near plantings and flowers while shorter path lights look great near grass. You may also opt for in-ground lights that shine upward near grass or other ground covering to add a glow without a visible path light.
Durability
Spending a little more to get a set of solid-construction lights will save on the replacement cost of less expensive but easily broken ones. If you live in a region with heavy winters and significant snowfall — and you don’t take your lights in for the winter — buy a sturdier variety.
How much you can expect to spend on path lights
An inexpensive set of solar path lights can cost around $25, with a sturdier, wired set running around $80-$100.
Path lights FAQ
How long will solar path lights last?
A. The average life of a solar path light is two to six years, with sturdier, more expensive brands lasting longer. To extend your lights’ life, bring them in during extreme weather and keep them clean and free of debris.
Do solar lights go dark on rainy days?
A. On average, no. That’s for the same reason you still have to wear sunblock on cloudy days: ultraviolet light still gets through, enough to charge the solar battery. Solar lights even get some charge on winter days, although above a certain latitude, that charge is faint and will not power the light through the whole night.
What are the best path lights to buy?
Top path lights
What you need to know: They create a fun, interesting pattern of light on your walkway that adds visual interest.
What you’ll love: Unless you have a very long walkway, this eight-light set gives you enough sturdy, attractive lights to illuminate it all. The snowflake pattern is fun and easily seen from the street. Installation is as easy as turning on the switch and using the enclosed stakes to put them in the ground.
What you should consider: They put off cool light that may not be a great match for older architecture.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top path lights for the money
Hampton Bay Solar Black LED 10 Lumens Path Lights
What you need to know: Classic and attractive, these lights offer mini gothic arches and rectangular construction.
What you’ll love: They turn on at dusk and add a warm, cozy light to the walkway until dawn.
What you should consider: At only 10 lumens each, these five lights are on the fainter side, making them better for streets that already have ample lighting.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This 12-pack of in-ground lights adds a glow to your path or the edge of your lawn without the structure of wired lights.
What you’ll love: Easy to place and bright enough to add light to a dark walkway, these are ideal under plants that could use some light shining from below or along well-tended grass.
What you should consider: If you want to cover a wide area, their light may feel insufficient.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Maria E. Andreu writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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| 2022-04-08T20:06:51
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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.
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| 2022-04-08T20:06:59
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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.
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| 2022-04-08T20:07:05
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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.
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| 2022-04-08T20:07:12
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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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| 2022-04-08T20:07:19
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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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| 2022-04-08T20:07:26
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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.
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| 2022-04-08T20:07:33
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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.
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https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/what-you-need-for-beach-volleyball/
| 2022-04-08T20:07:40
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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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https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/outdoor-toys-br/how-to-start-an-ant-farm/
| 2022-04-08T20:07:47
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https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/outdoor-toys-br/how-to-start-an-ant-farm/
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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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https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/travel-br/travel-essentials-br/best-air-mattress-for-travel/
| 2022-04-08T20:07:53
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https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/travel-br/travel-essentials-br/best-air-mattress-for-travel/
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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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https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/swagtron-hoverboard-review-can-this-off-road-hoverboard-model-provide-smooth-rides-on-all-terrain/
| 2022-04-08T20:08:00
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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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| 2022-04-08T20:08:07
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LONDON (AP) — Tennis great Boris Becker could face a jail sentence after being found guilty on Friday of illicitly moving thousands of dollars from a bank account after he was declared bankrupt.
A jury at London’s Southwark Crown Court convicted Becker on four charges under the Insolvency Act, including removal of property, concealing debt and two counts of failing to disclose estate.
The German star was found to have transferred hundreds of thousands of pounds (dollars) after his June 2017 bankruptcy from his business account to other accounts, including those of his ex-wife Barbara and estranged wife Sharlely “Lilly” Becker.
He was also convicted of failing to declare a property in Germany and hiding an 825,000 euro ($895,000) bank loan and shares in a tech firm.
He was acquitted on 20 other counts, including charges that he failed to hand over his many awards, including two Wimbledon trophies and an Olympic gold medal.
The six-time Grand Slam champion had denied all the charges, saying he had cooperated with trustees tasked with securing his assets – even offering up his wedding ring – and had acted on expert advice.
Becker’s bankruptcy stemmed from a 4.6 million euro ($5 million) loan from a private bank in 2013, as well as about $1.6 million borrowed from a British businessman the year after, according to testimony at the trial.
During the trial Becker, 54, said his $50 million career earnings had been swallowed up by payments for an “expensive divorce” and debts when he lost large chunks of his income after retirement.
He said he had “expensive lifestyle commitments” including a house in Wimbledon that cost 22,000 pounds ($28,800) in rent each month. But he said bad publicity had damaged “brand Becker,” making it hard for him to earn enough to pay off his debts.
“(It is) very difficult when you are bankrupt and in the headlines every week for it,” he told the jury. “(It is) very difficult to make a lot of money with my name.”
The charges carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. Becker was granted bail until a sentencing hearing on April 29.
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https://www.cenlanow.com/sports/boris-becker-found-guilty-over-bankruptcy-could-face-jail/
| 2022-04-08T20:08:14
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Joe Davis is no stranger to succeeding legendary baseball voices.
In 2017, he took over from Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully on Los Angeles Dodgers telecasts. He’s since emerged as one of the top broadcasters in the game.
Davis will be tasked with succeeding another major name. On Friday, Davis was named Fox Sports’ lead baseball play-by-play announcer.
Davis takes over for Joe Buck, who left Fox for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football.” Buck was Fox’s lead baseball announcer since the network started televising games in 1996, calling 24 World Series and 22 All-Star Games.
When it comes to his new position with Fox, Davis said he would take the same approach he did with the Dodgers — he is following Buck, rather than replacing him.
“I’m going to try to be myself,” Davis said. “I think Joe’s the greatest of this generation. He is the guy that I grew up listening to. I think back to watching the World Series when Fox got it in 1996, I was eight or nine years old at that point, and already I knew what I wanted to do. And there was Joe doing the job that I dreamed of one day doing. So you know, it’s heady stuff for me.
“Because of the person that was in the chair before me, that’s part of what makes the job so special. That’s part of what makes it such a great responsibility.”
Davis’ debut as Fox’s top voice will be May 28. He is already used to working with analysts John Smoltz and reporters Tom Verducci and Ken Rosenthal after doing some games with them last season after Buck cut back on regular-season games. Davis also called the final game of the 2020 National League Championship Series with Smoltz.
The 34-year old Davis joined Fox Sports in 2014 to call baseball, college football and college basketball. He previously worked at ESPN for two years. He called the 2013 Poinsettia Bowl, becoming the youngest person to ever announce a bowl game for ESPN at 25.
Brad Zager, the President of Production/Operations and Executive Producer of Fox Sports, certainly wasn’t expecting to name a new baseball announcer two months ago, but unprecedented movement among top announcers has allowed Davis a chance to move into the lead role.
“We felt extremely confident in a very short amount of time once the reality set in that Joe Buck was leaving that we’ve had the right guy in house being groomed for this for a while now,” Zager said. “Joe Davis had those opportunities the last few years to fill in on big events, and he’s nailed it. He’s proven to Dodger fans on a daily basis how good of a baseball broadcaster he is. We know he’s ready.”
Davis said he tried not to get caught up in all the rumors about Buck leaving until early March when it became a reality. Zager told Davis during the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament that he would become only the second lead voice in Fox baseball history.
Besides his duties on Fox, Davis will continue to do Dodgers games on SportsNet LA. This year’s All-Star Game will be at Dodger Stadium on July 19.
“The World Series is obviously this dream come true. But then you start thinking about the other stuff like the All-Star Game and the Field of Dreams game. I’m pinching myself about those things, too,” Davis said. “I daydream a little bit about the All-Star Game and the introductions and the guys lining up along the baselines and getting to introduce them. I’m gonna have so many pinch me moments this year and the years to come.”
As for the other opening Buck and Troy Aikman created at Fox, Zager said discussions continue about the new lead NFL team. Kevin Burkhardt is expected to take over the play-by-play role.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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https://www.cenlanow.com/sports/joe-davis-named-foxs-lead-baseball-voice-after-buck-leaves/
| 2022-04-08T20:08:21
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NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge began what could be his last season with the New York Yankees after failing to agree to a long-term contract by the slugger’s opening-day deadline to reach a deal.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the team offered an eight-year contract worth $230.5 million to $234.5 million, the difference to have been determined in arbitration for this year’s salary.
Judge’s representatives wanted a nine-year deal in excess of the average annual value of Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout’s contract, which comes to $319.6 million, a person familiar with the negotiations said, speaking on condition of anonymity because Judge’s stance was not made public.
The outfielder is eligible for free agency after the World Series.
“We obviously had an extended conversation over the last three weeks or so with Page Odle and I — I actually had a conversation with Aaron Judge briefly, as well, but we were unsuccessful in concluding a multiyear pact,” Cashman said, looking glum during a news conference about two hours before the first pitch. “Obviously, our intent is to have Aaron Judge stay as a New York Yankee as we move forward, and I know that’s his intent, as well, which is a good thing.”
Cashman said the Yankees offered a contract averaging $30.5 million annually from 2023-29, with Judge’s 2022 salary to be either the $17 million offered by the team in arbitration or the $21 million requested by the player.
Cashman anticipates talks will resume after the season. Judge would not be free to negotiate with all teams until the sixth day after the World Series.
“We’ll wait now as we enter the winter. There’s no guarantees that anything will happen with that,” Cashman said. “I know that the intent on both parties would be to stay here. He’s been a great Yankee. He’s an impactful player. He’s one of the game’s great players. And so — certainly our hope is that at some point we’ll find that common ground that we both feel comfortable with, but the timing obviously on that is not going to happen right now.”
Judge is a three-time All-Star who turns 30 on April 26. He led the Yankees last season with a .287 batting average, 39 homers and 98 RBIs.
Judge said before batting practice that he would address the situation after the game.
“If it happens, it happens,” he said. “Just the thought of going down this route with the Yankees is something special. ”
His locker was moved this season from near the front entrance of the Yankees clubhouse to the stall next to the entrance to the showers, a spot that goes to a senior player and had been occupied by Brett Gardner. The stall opposite Judge’s is occupied by Gerrit Cole, who took it over from CC Sabathia.
“I get a better view of the TV,” Judge said. “I talked to Gardy a little bit about it. He said: ‘Take care of it.’”
Judge has a .276 average, 158 homers and 366 RBIs in six major league seasons.
“He’s the ultimate teammate,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s probably the biggest leader in that room, and he’s an amazing player that wants to go out and be great and wants nothing more than to be a part of a championship club. And there’s no doubt in my mind, whatever the outcome is, nothing will change in the way Aaron goes about things.”
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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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| 2022-04-08T20:08:28
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A look at what’s happening around baseball today:
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BRAND NEW BALLGAME
Rachel Balkovec is set to become the first woman to manage a minor league affiliate of a major league team when her Class-A Tampa Tarpons in the New York Yankees’ organization face the Lakeland Flying Tigers in the Florida State League.
“I’ve thought about it plenty,” the 34-year-old Balkovec said last week. “Just trying, with as many distractions there will be, lock in what we’re trying to do on the field and what we have to prepare, and that’s it.”
Balkovec has broken several barriers on her way to the position. She was the first woman to serve as a full-time minor league strength and conditioning coach, then the first to be a full-time hitting coach in the minors with the Yankees.
The Yankees announced her hiring as a minor league manager in January.
Balkovec, a former softball catcher at Creighton and New Mexico, got her first job in professional baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals as a minor league strength and conditioning coach in 2012.
THE MIGHTY MAX
Max Scherzer makes his New York Mets debut in the second game of the season at Washington, the team he helped lead to a World Series title in 2019.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner developed a problem with his right hamstring late in spring training but declared himself “good to go” after coming through some fielding work just fine Thursday at Nationals Park.
“I knew it was a hiccup. I knew it wasn’t a major, like, injury. I’ve done this a couple times and had an idea what it was,” Scherzer said, speaking in the visiting team’s clubhouse at a stadium he called home for 6 1/2 seasons.
Asked what he expects his return to the mound in the nation’s capital to be like, he said: “It’s just going to be a crazy, wild atmosphere.”
“You get used to playing for another team. You go out there and just compete and have fun. A lot of good memories here. There always will be good memories here,” Scherzer said. “But nothing lasts forever.”
Washington traded Scherzer to the Los Angeles Dodgers last July and he finished a combined 15-4 with a 2.46 ERA and 236 strikeouts in 179 1/3 innings. He became a free agent in the fall and signed a $130 million, three-year contract with the Mets.
NEW DIGS
Freddie Freeman, Carlos Correa, Trevor Story and Kris Bryant are some other stars ready to debut for their new teams.
Freeman plays his first game for the Dodgers in Colorado against the Rockies, who signed Bryant to a $182 million contract in the offseason. Freeman, the 2020 NL MVP, inked a $162 million deal with Los Angeles after leading the Atlanta Braves to a World Series championship last season.
After a rainout Thursday, Correa makes his Minnesota debut in a showdown with new Mariners lefty Robbie Ray, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner. Both players changed teams via free agency, with Correa departing Houston and Ray leaving Toronto.
Story gets his first taste of baseball’s biggest rivalry as his Boston Red Sox face the Yankees in New York, another opener pushed back from Thursday because of bad weather.
GO DEEP
New Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson’s first completion in Denver will be to a catcher.
Wilson will toss out the first pitch when the Rockies host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the season opener. Wilson was once an infielder taken by Colorado in the fourth round of the 2010 draft.
After batting .229 over two minor league seasons, Wilson did an end-around on baseball and chose the gridiron option.
The Broncos acquired Wilson in a deal with Seattle last month. He helped the Seahawks beat Peyton Manning and the Broncos in Super Bowl 48.
“I’m excited the Broncos got him,” Rockies opening day starter Kyle Freeland said. “Veteran quarterback who’s a proven winner.”
Freeland won’t be offering any first-pitch tips to Wilson.
“He knows what he’s doing,” Freeland said. “I’m sure he’s going to fire a strike.”
THAT HURTS
There were 127 players on Major League Baseball’s injured list on opening day following a shortened spring training, an increase of six from the start of last season.
Cincinnati led the major leagues with eight players on the IL, and the Chicago Cubs and White Sox had seven each.
Last year, San Diego began with 13 but reduced the total to six at the start of this year.
There were an additional two players on the COVID-19 IL, both on Colorado: pitchers Lucas Gilbreath and Robert Stephenson.
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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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| 2022-04-08T20:08:35
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James will miss the final two games of the Los Angeles Lakers’ season with a sprained left ankle, almost certainly preventing him from winning his second NBA scoring title.
The Lakers made the announcement Friday before they hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder. Los Angeles’ disappointing season ends Sunday at Denver.
The 37-year-old James averaged 30.3 points this season while playing in only 56 games, two shy of the minimum to qualify for the scoring title with his full points-per-game average. The second-leading scorer in NBA history has played in only one game since spraining his ankle March 27, scoring 38 points in a crushing home loss to New Orleans on April 1.
James is slightly behind Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, who is averaging 30.4 points per game in one of the closest scoring title races in NBA history. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo is third at 29.9 points per game.
James is a four-time league MVP with four championship rings, but he won his only scoring title back in 2008 with Cleveland. The 18-time All-Star was attempting to become the oldest scoring champion in NBA history by surpassing Michael Jordan, who was 35 when he won his final title.
James passed Karl Malone for second place on the NBA’s career scoring list on March 19. With 37,062 points, he trails only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his 38,387 points for the top spot in league history.
James also averaged 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists in his 19th season. He will make nearly $44.5 million next season in the final year of his contract with the Lakers.
Although he has racked up impressive stats while defying his age, James will miss the playoffs for only the second time since 2005 because of the Lakers’ major struggles in the second half of the season. He missed the postseason in his first season with the Lakers in 2018-19.
Los Angeles (31-49) has lost eight consecutive games and is 10-30 since Jan. 7. Anthony Davis returned to the lineup April 1 after missing six weeks with the latest in his long series of injuries over the past two seasons after the Lakers won their franchise’s 17th championship in the Florida bubble.
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More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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| 2022-04-08T20:08:42
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AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — The Latest on the Masters (all times local):
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3:15 p.m.
First-round leader Sungjae Im wrestled his way to a 2-over 74 in the second round of the Masters and is 3 under through 36 holes, tied with Charl Schwartzel for the top spot at blustery Augusta National.
Im shot a sparkling 4-under 68 in breezy conditions on Thursday afternoon but found the going a bit rougher as the wind continued to pick up Friday morning. He managed three birdies against five bogeys to slip into a tie with Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion.
Im bogeyed the first hole but steadied himself with a birdie on the par-4 third. He made the turn at even par for the day but had trouble on the back nine, including a bogey on the par-5 15th when his fairway metal skipped over the green and into the water. He recovered with a birdie at the par-3 16th but a wayward drive on 18 led to one last bogey.
Former Masters champion Danny Willett also is at 3 under as he gets to the turn.
Tiger Woods has bogeyed four of his first five holes to fall to 3 over on the tournament and is in danger of missing the cut if he can’t turn things around.
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2:55 p.m.
Augusta National is catching up with Tiger Woods.
The five-time Masters champion is off to a rocky start in the second round. Woods has bogeyed three of the first four holes to move to 2 over for the tournament.
He is struggling with his drive and his irons early on. Woods missed each of the first two fairways and a questionable iron into the par-3 fourth landed short of the green, leading to a bogey.
The Masters is the only major championship where Woods has not missed the cut. That streak could be in danger if he can’t turn things around. The top 50 players and ties advance to the weekend.
The projected cut currently is 3 over, but it could rise with a large group of players still on the course and winds whipping around Augusta National.
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2 p.m.
Tiger Woods began his second round at the Masters with a bogey to drop back to even par for the tournament.
The five-time Masters champion hit his tee shot on the par-4 first into a bunker. His approach shot landed to the right of the green. His ensuing pitch rolled 7 feet past the pin and his put drifted left. He settled for a tap-in bogey.
Woods posted a solid 1-under 71 in the opening round in his first competitive round since a car accident in February 2021 severely injured his right leg.
The 46-year-old has never missed a cut at the Masters. The top 50 players and ties advance to the weekend at Augusta National.
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1:35 p.m.
Charl Schwartzel navigated the breeze to post a 3-under 69 in the second round of the Masters, the best of the early wave of golfers at Augusta National.
The 2011 Masters champion is a 3 under for the tournament and in good position for the weekend.
Schwartzel put together five birdies, including one on the par-3 16th that he set up with a beautiful tee shot to within 4 feet. He saved par from the trees on the par-4 18th, splashing out of the front left bunker to 9 feet and then draining the putt.
Schwartzel wrapped up just moments before five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods was scheduled to tee off for his second round. Woods posted a 1-under 71 in the opening round.
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12:25 p.m.
Tiger Woods will have one fewer playing partner for the second round of the Masters.
Louis Oosthuizen has withdrawn from the tournament. Organizers made the announcement about 90 minutes before Oosthuizen was to tee off alongside Woods and Joaquin Niemann.
Oosthuizen cited an injury as the reason. The specifics were not immediately announced. He opened the tournament with a 4-over 76 on Thursday.
His absence means Woods and Niemann will play as a twosome for the second round. They will be the second-to-last group, teeing off at 1:41 p.m.
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11:35 a.m.
Dustin Johnson is stalking the lead early in the sound round of the Masters.
The 2020 Masters champion birdied the par-3 fourth hole to move to minus-4, one shot behind Sungjae Im.
Johnson put together a tidy 3-under 69 in the opening round on Thursday. His began the second round with three straight pars before hitting an iron to within 5 feet at the fourth before making the putt.
Im wobbled early, flubbing a recovery shot at the par-4 first in which the ball failed to reach the green and rolled back down the hill toward his feet. He bounced back by rolling in a 24-foot birdie putt to get back to 5 under.
There has been little movement on the leaderboard among the second round’s early wave, though several former champions are slowly making inroads. Charl Schwartzel, who won in 2011, is 2 under for the day and 2 under for the tournament through 10 holes in the second round. Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson is 2 under for the day and 1 under for the tournament through seven.
Five-time green jacket winner Tiger Woods is part of the afternoon session. Woods is coming off a 1-under 71 in his first professional event since a car accident in February 2021.
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9:20 a.m.
The wind is expected to rise during the second round at the Masters, and there’s a good chance the scores will rise right along with it.
The National Weather Service is forecasting sunny skies at Augusta National with sustained winds in excess of 15-20 mph throughout the afternoon.
Nineteen of the 90 players in the field posted scores of par or better during the opening round. That number could thin with the cut looming.
The top 50 and ties will make it to the weekend. Several high-profile names will be looking to bounce back after shaky opening rounds. Brooks Koepka and Kevin Kisner both opened with 3-over 75s while Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau posted 4-over 76s in more benign conditions on Thursday.
Tiger Woods will tee off in the afternoon and is coming off a solid 1-under 71 on Thursday.
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8 a.m.
Tiger Woods is right where he wants to be heading into the second round of the Masters. He’s in red numbers at 1 under, one of only 17 players who broke par.
He’ll have a better idea where he is when Woods arrives Friday afternoon.
Sunjae Im starts the day with a one-shot lead after a 5-under 67. He is one shot ahead of Cameron Smith, with Dustin Johnson among those two behind. Im and Johnson are early starters in the second round with stronger wind in the forecast.
Friday also is about the top 50 and ties who make the cut. This is the only major in which Woods has never missed the cut as a professional.
The big test for Woods is how his legs hold up. This is his first time walking 18 holes in consecutive days since he returned from his car crash 14 months ago.
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More AP Masters coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/the-masters
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| 2022-04-08T20:08:49
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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Seattle Mariners signed Gold Glove shortstop J.P. Crawford to a $51 million, five-year contract on Friday ahead of the start of the regular season.
Crawford, 27, had agreed last month to a $4.85 million, one-year deal and would have been eligible for free agency after the 2024 season. He gets a $5 million signing bonus and $5 million salary this year, $10 million in each of the following three seasons and $11 million in 2026. He also gets a full no-trade provision.
“I love Seattle. I’ve loved it ever since I put on that jersey for the first time,” Crawford said before the season opener against the Twins. “I’ve really wanted to stay here ever since then. So I’m really happy for this opportunity.”
Crawford has been a standout defensive player since being acquired by the Mariners before the start of the 2019 season. He won a Gold Glove in 2020 and was a finalist for the award last season.
Since the start of the 2020 season, Crawford leads all American League shortstops in innings played at the position with 1,876. He has made just 15 errors in 843 chances during that span.
Crawford said he was at a low point with his career toward the end of his time in Philadelphia. After he arrived in Seattle, he received helpful guidance from veteran Dee Strange-Gordon to help start his turnaround.
“He took me under his wing and showed me how to really love baseball again,” Crawford said. “He showed me the passion for it again, and he just taught me how to have fun again.”
While his defense has been terrific since arriving in Seattle, Crawford also has improved significantly at the plate. He set career highs with a .273 batting average, nine homers, 54 RBIs and a .715 OPS last year. He also played in 160 games after never playing more than 93 games in a season.
“I don’t know if we have a more competitive player. When the stakes rise he has a knack for kind of rising with it and that was never more apparent than toward the end of last season,” Seattle President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto said.
“The contributing factors to acquiring J.P. were all about his physical skills, what we were scouting from afar and what we knew about the player dating back to high school. What we’ve learned since is why we’re doing this extension.”
Crawford hit in the leadoff spot most of last season but is likely shifting further down in the batting order this season after Seattle acquired Adam Frazier in the offseason. He was batting eighth in the opener against Minnesota.
Even before talks of the contract started, Crawford receive reassurance from Dipoto and the front office about being in their future plans as the team’s shortstop after Seattle opted not to pursue any of the big free agents at that position in the offseason.
“It says a lot about trust and I want to think you for trusting me,” Crawford said. “This is my team. It is permanently now and I’m ready to lead these guys.”
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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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| 2022-04-08T20:08:56
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AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Of all the 6,576 shots that were officially struck at Augusta National on Day 1 of the Masters, only one truly mattered.
It didn’t go in the hole. It wasn’t down the center of the fairway. Nothing special about it at all, really.
Except for the fact that it was off a club swung by Tiger Woods.
With his opening tee shot at 11:04 a.m. Thursday, the Masters was truly back to normal. The full allotment of patrons was crammed into Augusta National to watch a tournament round the first time since the pre-pandemic days of 2019, the year in which Woods won the most recent of his five green jackets. They watched a man who could have lost a leg — or his life — in a car crash 15 months ago return to the spot of his past glory, and albeit moving perhaps a bit more slowly than he used to, chase glory again.
“If you would have seen how my leg looked to where it’s at now … to get from there to here, it was no easy task,” Woods said.
The scorecard said Woods shot a 1-under 71 on Thursday. That’s basically average for Woods at Augusta National; literally, his career average in 91 tournament rounds at the place is 70.9. It is easy for nobody, not even champions, not even five-time champions, especially five-time champions who needed rods and screws and pins a little over a year ago to reassemble a right leg and right foot that were mangled in a car crash. Yet Woods answered the bell and then some Thursday, probably surprising some by playing at all, surprising even more by looking like someone who could contend.
“Just the fact that, one, he’s alive, considering what that accident was about. Two, that he’s made a comeback to this point to be able to compete, it’s phenomenal,” Woods’ longtime friend and incoming U.S. Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson said. “Now, it’s also a situation where you’re talking about an individual that, I mean, are we really that surprised? … He’s the best player I’ve ever played with, and I say that in all aspects. He is the best competitor I’ve ever witnessed.”
Sungjae Im was the first round leader, shooting a 5-under 67. Cameron Smith was second, one shot back with a 68, and four players — Danny Willett, Joaquin Niemann, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and past Masters champion Dustin Johnson — were all two shots off the pace after rounds of 3-under 69.
Dustin Johnson won his Masters in 2020. Im and Smith tied for second that year. Thursday, the trio were all on the first page of the leaderboard again, the order slightly adjusted.
“Yes, there is a coincidence there somewhere,” Im said, his mind drifting back to that moment.
Ah, nostalgia. No place does it better than the open-air museum of golf that is Augusta National.
The day started with a nod to tradition, of course: Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus extended their run as honorary starters for the tournament, joined this time by Tom Watson for the ceremonial tee balls off the first tee.
They were all at the Masters Club dinner earlier this week, one of the many perks for past champions. Woods was there as well, after being unable to attend last year while recovering from his injuries. That was Tuesday night. On Wednesday, Woods — who said the previous day that he intended to play — went through his final practice round and decided there was no need to back out.
And on Thursday, there he was, every step he took surrounded by thousands and thousands of people who left the grounds able to say that they saw Woods’ comeback round. The word “roar” might get overused at Augusta National, but that’s what the sound from those patrons sure seemed like.
“At the beginning I noticed that there was a lot of people,” said Joaquin Niemann, one of Woods’ playing partners Thursday along with Louis Oosthuizen. “But then I was trying to talk to my caddie, and I couldn’t hear anything that he was saying.”
Woods was far from vintage. He kept spraying tee shots off to the left. He played a few times from the pine straw. A half-dozen or so approach shots would barely get to the front of the green, then spin back to the fairway, Woods punctuating one of those bad breaks by shouting a profanity that an on-course microphone caught.
Thing is, he got through it. Three birdies, two bogeys. He gave the patrons a fist pump on No. 16 after making a 30-footer for birdie. He had nothing but smiles walking off the course. A night of ice baths and therapy awaited, just to coax his body into deciding it could walk 18 more holes on Friday. He plays in the afternoon, when it’s supposed to be very windy. A course that took about 3 inches of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday will further dry out. It’s going to get harder. It’s going to get tougher.
The roar was back. So were the patrons. So was Tiger Woods.
“This is only one round,” Woods said. “We’ve got three more to go.”
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More AP Masters coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/the-masters
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| 2022-04-08T20:09:03
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It was David Stern’s running joke. He would get asked when the NBA would be adding a European division and his answer was almost always the same.
“In 10 years,” the then-commissioner of the NBA would say.
Thing is, it wasn’t intended to be a joke. Stern was always looking ahead, looking for the next thing, the next innovation to keep the league moving. He oversaw expansion, pushed toward getting the league on television around the world, found ways to take revenues to record levels.
It took more than 4,700 players and nearly 14 million points to get to this spot, but the 75th anniversary season for the National Basketball Association is winding down. Nobody knows for certain where the NBA will be in 25 years, when it’ll be celebrating its 100th anniversary.
The only safe bet is that things will be very, very different.
A play-in postseason tournament was added in recent years. An in-season tournament is probably coming in the next couple years. By the 100th anniversary, having more teams seems certain. Seeing more women in leadership roles, on the court and off, also seems certain.
Maybe a 4-point shot gets added. Robot referees. The possibilities are endless, especially in a wildly and rapidly changing world where technology evolves constantly and ideas flow just as quickly.
“You could have a separate league,” Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said. “There are obviously leagues in Europe. But you have to say, ‘What’s the purpose? Do you want the best players from Europe to play in Europe or do you want them to come to United States and play in the greatest league in the world?’ I think the answer is the latter, because you want to see the best of the best play against each other. To have an NBA team in London would be nuts; the travel would wipe people out, so you’re not going to do that.”
Where Ballmer sees change coming is in the way the game is experienced.
Technology, he insists — and believes — is everything. Technology is what truly allowed the game to grow, because NBA games can now be watched on phones and tablets in just about all corners of the world.
“I think the broadcast, the way we think about the broadcast, the way we use technology in the broadcast to enhance the broadcast and make it more social … I think that will be dramatically different,” Ballmer said. “I think the stadium experiences will be dramatically different, but the broadcast is where I think … there won’t be a broadcast anymore, it will be a digital interaction.”
Innovations in travel — faster planes, for example — could change the way games are scheduled. Innovations in fitness could allow players to recover more quickly. The ball could become some sort of computerized tracking device. Virtual reality, something that only a small percentage of people experience now, might be something more mainstream by then, allowing fans to have a true in-arena feel without leaving their home.
It will be different.
Oscar Robertson only hopes the decision-makers in 2047 treat the league with the same reverence as was the case at its 25th anniversary, its 50th anniversary and now as the league celebrates its 75th.
“The game is a great game,” the Hall of Famer said. “The 3-point shot is electrifying … and the fans love it. As long as the fans want the game, it’s going to be fine. I just hope the players and owners get together and keep it at the top of the list.”
Nobody knows what will happen. But the players of now are laying the groundwork for whatever will come, just as the players of yesterday did for the players of today.
The way LeBron James sees things, it’s on each generation to take the game and push it forward.
“It’s a responsibility, for sure,” said James, a four-time champion with Miami, Cleveland and most recently the Los Angeles Lakers. “Somebody did it before me and put it in a position where it was my responsibility to make sure I kept it where it was and also make it even more grand and make it better than what it was and represent this league with the utmost respect.
“I’ve held that title of the ambassador of the league. Nobody ever told me to do it, but I felt like if I wasn’t going to do it, who was going to do it? I took that with a lot of responsibility, and I’ll continue to do it until I’m done playing the game.”
And in 25 years, he hopes — and expects — to see something even better than what the world enjoys now.
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More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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| 2022-04-08T20:09:10
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Ukrainian soccer club Shakhtar Donetsk will play a series of charity games on a government-backed “Global Tour for Peace” that will raise money for the country’s military in the war against Russia.
The depleted squad has gathered in Turkey to prepare for Saturday’s opening match against Greek league leader Olympiakos. The games will also raise money for Ukrainian refugees displaced by the war.
“Football diplomacy will help us involve millions of fans around the world in assisting Ukraine, which is really important,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Friday. “By this charity tour, we will continue attracting the world’s attention to Russian aggression against Ukraine and raise more funds for the Ukrainian army.”
Shakhtar is also set to play Fenerbahce, Hajduk Split and Lechia Gdansk, with other opponents still to be confirmed.
Soccer clubs around Europe have been offering to play games against Ukrainian clubs and host youth players after soccer in the country was shut down when Russia invaded in February.
Olympiakos has advertised the game as “Football For Peace – Stop war in Ukraine.” Tickets for the match in Pireaus cost 10 euros ($10.90).
“This shall be the opening match in a series of friendlies the Ukrainian outfit is going to play against top clubs in Europe and the U.S.,” the defending Greek champions said.
Shakhtar has not played a competitive game since mid-December. On Feb. 26, the league leaders were scheduled to resume the domestic season after a winter break. But two days before their game at Metalist Kharkiv, Russia launched its military invasion and Ukrainian soccer stopped.
Shakhtar typically provides several players to the Ukrainian national team, which was unable to play a World Cup qualifying playoff match against Scotland two weeks ago.
FIFA wants to stage that game in Glasgow in early June. The winner will play Wales several days later for a place at this year’s World Cup in Qatar. FIFA also removed Russiafrom the playoffs.
Shakhtar has relied on a core of Brazilian players to win 13 league titles over the past 20 years and become a regular in the Champions League. In December, Shakhtar finished last in a Champions League group that included Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
During the war, FIFA changed transfer rules to let players with Ukrainian clubs sign elsewhere. Shakhtar loaned Tetê to Lyon while Junior Moraes, who gained citizenship and played for Ukraine, went to Brazil to play for Corinthians.
The club’s success has continued despite being exiled from its home city Donetsk in 2014, when pro-Russia separatists took control of parts of eastern Ukraine. The team has been playing in Kyiv in recent years.
Nicknamed the Miners, the club is owned by billionaire Rinat Akhmetov and has become a symbol of its home region. The Donbass Arena hosted games at the 2012 European Championship.
The club said during the war it has so far provided 1.4 billion Ukrainian hryvni ($48 million) in “humanitarian aid to civilians, as well as assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Territorial Defense force in dozens of cities and towns.”
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More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani was outstanding for five innings on the mound, and he looked dangerous all night at the plate.
Framber Valdez and his Houston Astros were just a bit better everywhere while extending a remarkable decade of opening day dominance.
Valdez outpitched Ohtani with 6 2/3 innings of two-hit ball, and the Astros tied the longest opening day winning streak in major league history with a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night.
Alex Bregman had an early RBI single and a late homer as the Astros won their 10th straight season opener. That matches the mark posted in the late 19th century by the Boston Beaneaters — now the Atlanta Braves.
Valdez (1-0) was nearly untouchable in the late-blooming lefty’s first career start in April, striking out six. He retired 15 straight Angels after Matt Duffy’s single in the second, and exited only after Duffy’s soft infield single in the seventh.
“That guy, he’s a beast,” Houston catcher Martín Maldonado said. “He goes out there and he doesn’t talk too much. He just executes pitches.”
Valdez’s lead still nearly slipped away in the seventh when Anthony Rendon missed a go-ahead homer by inches down the left-field line.
“When I saw the ball flying in the air, I got mad with myself that I didn’t make my best pitch,” said Valdez, who got Rendon to ground into a double play on the next pitch. “I just took a deep breath and threw my best pitch.”
Houston manager Dusty Baker had a different perspective on Rendon’s fly: “We were all blowing that ball foul.”
Ohtani (0-1) struck out nine while pitching one-run ball into the fifth inning for the Angels, who lost their season opener for the eighth time in nine years. Last season’s AL MVP went 0 for 4 at the plate while taking advantage of baseball’s offseason rule change allowing him to remain the designated hitter after he finishes pitching.
Michael Brantley doubled and scored on Bregman’s single off Ohtani in the third. Bregman and Yordan Alvarez then homered off new Angels reliever Ryan Tepera in the eighth.
Los Angeles finally scored in the eighth when Alvarez couldn’t make a diving stab of David Fletcher’s two-out triple to left, but Hector Neris retired Ohtani on a high fly to right.
“The last at-bat, I thought it might have a chance,” Ohtani said through a translator. “Overall, I’m pretty satisfied with how I felt at the plate, even though the results weren’t there.”
Ohtani didn’t win, but he made more baseball history: He became the first player in baseball history to throw his team’s first pitch of the season — a 99 mph fastball in the dirt to José Altuve — and to face his team’s first pitch of the season at the plate.
Ohtani was impressive in his first career opening day start on the mound, particularly against Altuve: Ohtani struck out the Astros star three times, getting him with a nasty slider on his 80th and final pitch.
“I feel like I could have been better,” Ohtani said.
Ohtani became only the fourth pitcher to fan Altuve thrice in a game, but manager Joe Maddon pulled Ohtani early to preserve his arm after an abbreviated spring.
“Shohei, once again, nothing is too big for him,” Maddon said. “Nothing is too quick for him. I thought he looked really good. … I loved our effort. I loved everything about us today.”
Mike Trout went 1 for 4 with a ninth-inning single in the three-time AL MVP’s first game since missing the final 4 1/2 months of last season with an injured calf.
Rendon went 0 for 4 and made two stellar defensive plays in the $245 million third baseman’s first appearance since last July 4.
After Rendon flied out with Trout on base in the ninth, Ryan Pressly got Tyler Wade to ground into a game-ending double play, earning the save several hours after the Houston closer agreed to a $30 million, two-year contract.
BUILT TOUGH
The sturdy Astros showed off their balanced roster while extending their remarkable run of opening day success. The streak was started in 2013 by a Houston team that went on to lose 111 games, and it continued through the franchise’s rise and current renaissance of five straight AL Championship Series appearances, three pennants and one World Series title.
CHOSEN ONE
Jeremy Peña went 0 for 4 in the touted Houston prospect’s major league debut as Carlos Correa’s successor at shortstop.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Los Angeles put OF Taylor Ward on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain incurred during an exhibition game Tuesday. Ward would have been the opening day starter in right field.
UP NEXT
Angels rookie left-hander Reid Detmers makes his season debut against Houston right-hander Jake Odorizzi. Detmers, the most promising pitcher yet in Los Angeles’ string of prospects from its long-struggling farm system, is swapping rotation spots with Patrick Sandoval, who will pitch Tuesday after resting his tired arm.
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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. (WGNO) — A Louisiana State Police Lieutenant has been arrested and charged in connection to two New Orleans-area hit and run crashes.
On Friday, April 8, LSP announced the arrest of Lt. Chad Lacoste after an investigation connected him to the two crashes — one in Orleans Parish and the other in St. Tammany Parish.
LSP reports the charges stemmed from the September 2021 investigation in which Lacoste first reported being involved in a hit and run crash in his unmarked department vehicle. The crash occurred on US Highway 90 in Orleans Parish.
Detectives say just one day before the crash, Lacoste was also involved in a separate hit and run in the same vehicle — this time on LA Highway 22 in St. Tammany Parish.
According to LSP, it was revealed through vehicle damage, witness reports, and electronic evidence that Lacoste intentionally failed to stop at the scene of the St. Tammany Parish crash, then falsely reported damage to his car during the Orleans Parish crash.
Lacoste has been charged with two counts of Malfeasance in Office (one for each crash) and one count of Injuring Public Records. He has also receive a summons for Hit and Run Driving and Careless Operation of a Motor Vehicle for the accident in St. Tammany Parish.
Lacoste, who has been with LSP since 2003, was placed on administrative leave at the beginning of the investigation.
DPS Colonel Lamar Davis commented on Lacoste’s arrest, saying;
“Once again, I pledge to support you. I will, likewise, continue to hold each and every one of us accountable for our actions.”
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| 2022-04-08T20:09:32
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BATON ROUGE, La (BRPROUD) — The second in command for Louisiana State Police was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation on Friday morning.
The superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, Colonel Lamar Davis released the following statement:
“This morning, I placed Lt. Colonel Doug Cain on paid administrative leave pending the ongoing administrative investigation into the sanitization of his department cellular device. The decision to place him on leave was made in the best interest of the department to eliminate any questions into the integrity of the investigation. I am confident the investigation will be conducted in a fair and unbiased manner leaving no concerns of its findings.”
On Thursday, April 7, the House Special Committee to Inquire into the Circumstances and Investigation of the Death of Ronald Greene heard new testimony. North Louisiana District Attorney John Belton testified, stating that he is seeking state charges for those responsible for Greene’s death.
Colonel Davis’ handling of discipline was questioned by lawmakers. A number of legislators said they believe those under investigation, including Lt. Colonel Doug Cain, should not be interacting with the public, and instead, be placed on leave. Lawmakers specifically wondered why Lt. Col. Cain had his phone wiped.
“Almost three years later, the only person to really receive any discipline as a part of a State Police IA investigation is an attorney who is part of an audit team,” said Rep. Tanner Magee during Thursday’s meeting.
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| 2022-04-08T20:09:38
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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The LSU Board of Supervisors and LSU President William Tate will attend a meeting in Shreveport to address issues that have caused a long-held rift between university leadership in Baton Rouge and the northwest Louisiana satellite campus.
State representatives from the region have criticized the system, claiming that LSUS is not properly funded or supported by the main campus in Baton Rouge. These accusations came to a head last spring as Louisiana State Sen. Gregory Tarver, D-Shreveport called out the system over sexual misconduct allegations against Chancellor, Dr. Ghali E. Ghali who has since resigned from the school after he was cleared of all charges.
“LSU Baton Rouge has never had any love for LSU Medical School in Shreveport. They act as if they care about us in Shreveport but they look at us very differently. In over twenty-eight years of serving in the State Senate, LSU Baton Rouge has never genuinely cared for North Louisiana. Right now their only concern is self-protection because the LSU System has not yet begun to touch the surface of the issues surrounding the school in Baton Rouge.”
The meeting is scheduled to take place on the LSUS campus Friday afternoon and will address the lack of support and funding for the system’s northern campuses including LSUS and LSU Health.
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| 2022-04-08T20:09:45
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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — It’s official — the Red Hot Chili Peppers are coming to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Officials made the announcement on Friday, April 8, less than one month ahead of the week-long event.
The band’s appearance replaces the Foo Fighters, who canceled their tour following the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers will take the stage on Sunday, May 1 for their first appearance at the event since 2016.
Jazz Fest is scheduled for April 29 through May 8. Click here for tickets and more information.
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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — A group of Democrats says it’s time the Supreme Court adopts new ethics standards.
“The highest court should not have the lowest standards,” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)
Currently, Supreme Court justices aren’t required to follow the ethics rules given to other federal judges. Whitehouse’s bill would change that.
“It could not be more timely, now that we have a captured supreme court that needs that extra layer of accountability,” Whitehouse said.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) say recent revelations about the wife of Justice Clarence Thomas demonstrate why this is so important.
“We’ve learned that justice Clarence Thomas ruled on a case concerning the insurrection that his wife participated in and helped plan,” Jones said.
“The public is watching the United States Supreme Court to see whether or not Justice Thomas will recuse himself,” Blumenthal added.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) isn’t ready to support the bill but agrees more transparency is needed.
“I think a full disclosure of their financial positions much like we do here, should be able to satisfy that,” Capito said.
But some Republicans think Democrats are not focusing on the right concerns.
“They can’t even make sure that that person answers questions on how she would define a woman or when life begins,” Rep. Fred Keller (R-Penn.)
Keller believes Democrats are prioritizing their self-interests.
“What they’re doing is quite frankly a political stunt, rather than good government,” Keller said.
If passed, all nine justices are required to follow these new standards.
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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — Large portions of Louisiana and Texas are under a “red flag warning” from the National Weather Service (NWS) today — but what does that mean?
According to the NWS, a red flag warning means that conditions are ripe for fires to either break out or get out of control. Specifically today, the combination of low relative humidity below 25%, northwest winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph, and relatively dry conditions will produce a high fire danger across southeast Texas, central, and southern Louisiana today.
“A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger,” states the NWS website.
NWS officials recommend the following on red flag warning days:
- If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
- Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
- Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
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| 2022-04-08T20:10:05
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The Academy's Board of Governors made the decision Friday, nearly two weeks after Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars.
"The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage," the Academy said in a statement. "...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. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted."
The ban takes effect on April 8, 2022.
"I will accept and respect the Academy's decision," Smith said in a brief statement issued to CNN.
After the slap that was witnessed around the world, Smith sat back down and yelled obscenities at Rock from his seat. Since that night, Smith has issued a series of apologies and resigned from the Academy.
WATCH: Will Smith resigns from Academy over Chris Rock slap. Here's what that means
The academy also apologized for its handling of the situation and allowing Smith to stay and accept his best actor award for "King Richard."
"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. "
In a statement in the days following the Oscars, the academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but refused.
But it's not clear how the message was delivered to Smith or what form it took, and several media outlets reported that he was never formally told to leave the Dolby Theatre. The Los Angeles Times reported in a story Thursday that Oscars producer Will Packer told Smith: "Officially, we don't want you to leave. We want you to stay."
The ban means Smith will not be presenting one of the major awards at next year's Oscars, as is tradition for the best actor winner.
RELATED | Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at Oscars after joke at wife Jada Pinkett Smith's expense, apologizes
The academy in its Friday statement also expressed "deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances."
The academy's statement did not address whether Smith could be nominated for Oscars during his 10-year ban. Nor did it take any action to revoke Smith's Academy Award.
Hollywood insiders had speculated that Smith's punishment could include a ban on future nominations.
"They could create a ban for him being nominated which would ostensibly have a trickle-down effect on his career because any Oscar film or would-be Oscar film wouldn't probably think twice... about casting him because it would cast a pall on the production," said IndieWire Editor-in-Chief Dana Harris-Bridson.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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1-year-old child dies after 'targeted' shooting in West Palm Beach
A 1-year-old boy has died after he was shot in the chest Thursday evening in West Palm Beach, police said.
The child's aunt identified the boy Friday as Kaleb Watson.
A West Palm Beach Police Department spokesman initially reported the child was 4 months old. However, police later clarified to WPTV on Friday that the boy was actually 16 months old.
Watson passed away around 7 a.m. Friday after undergoing surgery overnight at a local hospital, police said.
Investigators said Watson, along with his mother and father, were sitting in a vehicle just before 6 p.m. Thursday in an alleyway south of Fourth Street and west of Douglass Avenue when at least one shooter approached the car and opened fire.
"The driver of the car, the 20-year-old man, immediately drove the wounded woman and the child to a nearby hospital," West Palm Beach police public information officer Mike Jachles said.
Watson — who was sitting in the back seat of the car — was struck in the chest, his aunt said.
The boy's mother, identified by family as Aaliyah Christie, 20, was grazed by a bullet and taken to a hospital, where police said she was treated and later released. The man in the car, also 20 years old, was not hurt.
The gunman fled the scene and has not been captured.
West Palm Beach police are now offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.
"Our detectives are determined to find the person or persons responsible for the killing of an innocent 16-month-old baby," Jachles said. "No words can describe what that family must be going through."
Jachles said the shooting was a targeted attack. However, no other details about a possible motive have been released.
"There is no threat to the neighborhood per se. This was targeted," Jachles said. "This was not a random attack. These people, or someone in the vehicle, was targeted."
Back in February, West Palm Beach police announced the arrests of 18 people who authorities said are connected to the "4th Street Gang," which mainly operates in an alleyway between Third and Fourth streets adjacent to Tamarind and Douglass avenues, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Jachles on Friday would not confirm if the deadly shooting of the 1-year-old boy has any ties to gang activity.
"There was a drug and gun bust of the '4th Street Gang' that was done a couple months ago. Any connections to the investigation, that will all be part of what detectives would keep close to the vest right now as part of the investigation," Jachles said. "So that would be just speculation at this point."
WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE:
West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James released the following statement Friday about the deadly shooting, calling it a "heinous act":
"I was saddened to learn of the baby's tragic death and the injuries to his mother which resulted from last night's targeted shooting. My thoughts and prayers are with their family at this time. The murder of an innocent child is incomprehensible... There is simply too much gun violence throughout our country. It is unfortunate that the state has tied the hands of municipalities from taking any further action against gunmakers."
Anyone with information that can help investigators is asked to call the West Palm Beach Police Department at 561-822-1900 or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS.
Scripps Only Content 2022
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Betty White’s personal possessions to go up for auction
(CNN) - Fans of the famous actress Betty White will have a chance to own several keepsakes from her lustrous career as the first lady of television.
Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California, is putting 1,500 of her treasured possessions on the auction block this fall.
The items include everything from her award show gowns to her jewelry, home furnishings and even her “Golden Girls” director’s chair.
The collection also includes certificates for her 21 Emmy nominations and rare photos of her personal life and work on behalf of animal rights.
With all the memorabilia spanning White’s eight-decade career in entertainment, the auction is scheduled to take three days starting Sept. 23.
Fans will also be able to make their bids remotely, according to Julien’s Auctions.
Copyright 2022 via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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David Letterman thanks hospital for the way it treated him
Published: Apr. 8, 2022 at 4:06 PM EDT|Updated: 7 minutes ago
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 video was posted by Lifespan, the hospital’s parent company.
He says the experience was scary at the time, but the staff put him at ease.
Scripps Only Content 2022
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Photo: AP
|Photo: AP
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By JOHN FLESHER and ED WHITE
Updated: April 08, 2022 01:40 PM
Created: April 08, 2022 07:13 AM
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 a remarkable FBI sting operation just before the 2020 election.
The results were announced a few hours after 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 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.
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 court at 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.
(Copyright 2022 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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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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Photo: AP
|Photo: AP
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By ANDREW DALTON
Updated: April 08, 2022 01:40 PM
Created: April 08, 2022 01:10 PM
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 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage," the academy said in a statement.
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 for "King Richard."
"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. "
In a statement in the days following the Oscars, the academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but refused.
But it's not clear how the message was delivered to Smith or what form it took, and several media outlets reported that he was never formally told to leave the Dolby Theatre. The Los Angeles Times reported in a story Thursday that Oscars producer Will Packer told Smith: "Officially, we don't want you to leave. We want you to stay."
The ban means Smith will not be presenting one of the major awards at next year's Oscars, as is tradition for the best actor winner.
The academy in its Friday statement also expressed "deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances."
The academy's statement did not address whether Smith could be nominated for Oscars during his 10-year ban. Nor did it take any action to revoke Smith's Academy Award.
The academy has not revoked Oscars from expelled members Harvey Weinstein or Roman Polanski.
(Copyright 2022 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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| 2022-04-08T20:14:49
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Housing assistance available to Palm Beach County homeowners
Homeowners in unincorporated Palm Beach County are eligible for housing rehabilitation assistance.
Beginning Monday, homeowners can apply for the Palm Beach County's Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED) Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation program.
Funding will assist income eligible homeowners, living in the unincorporated area of Palm Beach County, with much needed rehabilitation to correct code violations or issues that will become a code violation.
The program applications will be available online here on April 11 at 8 a.m. through May 13 at 11:59 p.m., or until 70 applications have been submitted. Applications will be processed on a first submitted, first qualified, first served basis, subject to funding availability.
All applicants are required to attend a virtual mandatory orientation prior to submitting their application. To register, click here.
For more information or to find out whether your property is located in the unincorporated area of Palm Beach County, please contact HED Mortgage and Housing Investments Division at (561) 233-3600 or email HEDverify@pbcgov.org.
Scripps Only Content 2022
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WATCH: Bear smashes through windshield after destroying inside of N.C. family’s SUV
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - A black bear in North Carolina was caught on camera attempting to get out of a family’s SUV through the windshield after being stuck inside overnight.
Ashley McGowin said she went to walk her dogs at 6:30 a.m. on Friday when she saw the hazard lights on her SUV blinking, WHNS reported.
When she went to see what it was, she discovered a bear trapped inside the vehicle.
The family believes the bear was able to open an unlocked door to get inside. It then destroyed the inside of the car before smashing the windshield in order to get back out.
The family recorded the bear while it was stuck trying to climb through the windshield.
McGowin said along with the damage to the car, the bear also urinated on her son’s homework that was in the SUV.
After making its escape, the bear was reunited with its two cubs.
The family reported it had a tracker on its ear.
Neighbors told McGowin they heard honking around midnight so she believes the bear was trapped in the SUV for more than six hours.
McGowin said they see bears around their house four to five times a week, but never in a situation like this before.
Copyright 2022 WHNS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T20:14:57
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Will Smith gets 10-year Oscars ban for 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 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage,” the academy said in a statement.
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 for “King Richard.”
“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. "
In a statement in the days following the Oscars, the academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but refused.
But it’s not clear how the message was delivered to Smith or what form it took, and several media outlets reported that he was never formally told to leave the Dolby Theatre. The Los Angeles Times reported in a story Thursday that Oscars producer Will Packer told Smith: “Officially, we don’t want you to leave. We want you to stay.”
The ban means Smith will not be presenting one of the major awards at next year’s Oscars, as is tradition for the best actor winner.
The academy in its Friday statement also expressed “deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances.”
The academy’s statement did not address whether Smith could be nominated for Oscars during his 10-year ban. Nor did it take any action to revoke Smith’s Academy Award.
The academy has not revoked Oscars from expelled members Harvey Weinstein or Roman Polanski.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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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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Democrats accuse oil companies of ‘rip off’ on gas prices
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats on Wednesday accused oil companies of “ripping off the American people” and putting profits before production as Americans suffer from ever-increasing gasoline prices during the war in Ukraine.
“At a time of record profits, Big Oil is refusing to increase production to provide the American people some much needed relief at the gas pump,” said Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Oil executives, testifying before Congress for the second time in six months, responded that oil is a global market and that oil companies don’t dictate prices.
“We do not control the market price of crude oil or natural gas, nor of refined products like gasoline and diesel fuel, and we have no tolerance for price gouging,” said Chevron CEO Michael Wirth.
Facing sharp questions from Democrats, Wirth, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods and other executives said their companies have no plans to halt payments of dividends to stockholders or to restrict stock buybacks that have enriched shareholders and company executives. The six companies at the hearing recorded $77 billion in profits last year, they testified.
The hearing comes as President Joe Biden has ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve for six months in a bid to control energy prices, which have spiked as the United States and its allies have imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The national average gas price was $4.16 a gallon for regular on Wednesday, up from $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA.
Biden and other Democrats have blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin and the U.S. oil industry for the increase, citing reports that oil companies have made record profits in recent months as prices have risen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“This is the Biden price hike,’’ countered Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington state, the committee’s top Republican.
Noting that prices were increasing before Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, McMorris Rodgers said Americans “are too smart and have not fallen for this” claim by Biden and other Democrats. She called the hearing “purely political.”
Woods said Exxon has halted investments in Russia and is withdrawing from operations there. The company is increasing production in the United States, Woods said, including in the oil-rich Permian Basin in New Mexico and Texas. Exxon also is increasing production outside the U.S., including “a world-class development in Guyana,’’ he said.
Rep. Kim Schrier, D-Wash., said gas prices are close to $5 per gallon in her Seattle-area district. Her constituents “are mad, and they should be,’’ she said, citing the record profits oil companies are reaping.
“This feels like gouging. It even feels like profiteering,’’ Schrier said. Prices at the pump have not gone down in recent weeks along with crude oil prices, she and other Democrats noted.
At a time of war and high prices, “oil companies should not be sending profits back to shareholders,’’ she said, urging oil executives to restore production to pre-pandemic levels.
Wirth, the Chevron CEO, said his company produced a record amount of oil in 2021, while also making sure to “return value to shareholders’' through higher dividends and stock buybacks.
“They’re not mutually exclusive. We can do both,’’ he said.
Democrats have introduced bills in the House and Senate to impose a windfall tax on oil profits, although the idea has generated little momentum on Capitol Hill. West Coast senators, including Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell of Washington state, have called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate possible price manipulation on the West Coast, where prices in California top $6 per gallon.
“Americans have the right to know why one of our most important commodities doesn’t have the right amount of transparency and oversight,’’ Cantwell said at a hearing Tuesday. Targeting what she called the “mysterious middle of the supply chain,’’ Cantwell said lawmakers and the FTC should ensure that — as in the 2001 energy crisis spurred by Enron — “there aren’t a bunch of ‘smart guys in the room’ hurting consumers because they think we can’t figure out what is happening.’’
Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., blamed Biden for high gas prices, citing cancellation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline and a moratorium on new drilling leases on federal lands. Walberg said he was disappointed that neither Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm nor any other administration official appeared at the House hearing “to answer for the administration’s failed policies.″
Biden has called on Congress to impose financial penalties on companies that lease public lands but don’t produce oil, a request that so far has been ignored. Biden also invoked the Defense Production Act to encourage mining of critical minerals for batteries in electric vehicles, part of a broader push to reduce use of fossil fuels and address climate change.
“The bottom line is if we want lower gas prices we need to have more oil supply right now,” Biden said last week in announcing the strategic oil release. Higher prices have hurt Biden’s approval domestically and added billions of oil-export dollars to the Russian government as it wages war on Ukraine.
Oil companies have pledged to boost domestic production, but it is growing slowly. Executives point to supply chain and labor constraints as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as investor demands for returns. They have called for more federal permits to allow additional leases.
Besides Exxon and Chevron, other companies represented at the hearing were Shell, BP, Pioneer Natural Resources and Devon Energy.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Fed signals more aggressive steps to fight inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve officials are signaling that they will take an aggressive approach to fighting high inflation in the coming months — actions that will make borrowing sharply more expensive for consumers and businesses and heighten risks to the economy.
In minutes from their March policy meeting, released Wednesday, Fed officials said that half-point interest rate hikes, rather than traditional quarter-point increases, “could be appropriate” multiple times this year.
At last month’s meeting, many of the Fed’s policymakers favored a half-point increase, the minutes said, but held off then because of the uncertainties created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Instead, the Fed raised its key short-term rate by a quarter-point and signaled that it planned to continue raising rates well into next year.
The minutes said the Fed is also moving toward rapidly shrinking its huge $9 trillion stockpile of bonds in the coming months, a move that would contribute to higher borrowing costs. The policymakers said they would likely cut those holdings by about $95 billion a month — nearly double the pace they implemented five years ago, when they last shrank their balance sheet.
The plan to quickly draw down their bond holdings marks the latest move by Fed officials to accelerate their inflation-fighting efforts. Prices are surging at the fastest pace in four decades, and officials have expressed increasing concern about inflation.
The Fed’s plans “reflect their great discomfort with the rapid pace of inflation,” said Kathy Bostjancic, chief U.S. financial economist at Oxford Economics.
The Fed is “increasingly worried” that consumers and businesses will start expecting price surges to persist, Bostjancic added, a trend that can itself prolong high inflation.
Many economists have said they worry the Fed has waited too long to start raising rates and could be forced to respond so aggressively as to trigger a recession. Indeed, economists at Deutsche Bank predict that the economy will tumble into a recession late next year, noting that the Fed, “finding itself now well behind the curve, has given clear signals that it is shifting to a more aggressive tightening mode.”
The stock market sold off when the minutes were released but later rebounded from its worst levels. Still, the S&P 500 index closed down nearly 1% after a sharp drop on Tuesday.
Markets now expect much steeper rate hikes this year than Fed officials had signaled as recently as their meeting in mid-March. At that meeting, the policymakers projected that their benchmark rate would remain below 2% by the end of this year and 2.8% at the end of 2023, up from its current level below 0.5%. But Wall Street now foresees the Fed’s rate reaching 2.6% by year’s end, with further hikes next year.
Higher Fed rates will, in turn, heighten costs for mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and corporate loans. In this way, the Fed hopes to cool economic growth and rising wages enough to tame high inflation, which has caused hardships for millions of households and poses a severe political threat to President Joe Biden.
Chair Jerome Powell opened the door two weeks ago to increasing rates by as much as a half-point. Lael Brainard, a key member of the Fed’s Board of Governors, and other officials have also made clear they envision such sharp increases. Most economists now expect the Fed to raise rates by a half-point at both its May and June meetings.
In a speech Tuesday, Brainard underscored the Fed’s increasing aggressiveness by saying its bond holdings will “shrink considerably more rapidly” over “a much shorter period” than the last time it reduced its balance sheet, from 2017-2019. At that time, the balance sheet was about $4.5 trillion. Now, it’s twice as large.
After the pandemic hammered the economy two years ago, the Fed bought trillions in Treasury and mortgage bonds, with the goal of lowering longer-term loan rates. It also cut its short-term benchmark rate to near zero.
As a sign of how fast the Fed is reversing course, the last time the Fed bought bonds, there was a three-year gap between when it stopped its purchases, in 2014, and when it began reducing the balance sheet, in 2017. Now, that shift is likely to happen in as few three months or less, with the reduction in the balance sheet likely to be announced as early as May.
Brainard’s remarks caused a sharp rise in the rate on the 10-year Treasury note, which influences mortgage rates, business loans and other borrowing costs. On Wednesday, that rate reached 2.6%, up from 2.3% a week earlier and 1.7% a month ago. Average mortgage rates have leapt higher, reaching 4.67% last week, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac, the highest since 2018.
Shorter-term bond yields have jumped more, in some cases to above the 10-year yield, a pattern that has often been taken as a sign of an impending recession. Fed officials say, however, that shorter-term bond market trends aren’t flashing the same warning signals.
Gennadiy Goldberg, senior U.S. rates strategist at TD Securities, said the narrow gap between longer- and shorter-term bond yields indicates that investors think the economy will slow enough in the next two years to force the Fed to scale back its rate hikes.
To shrink its balance sheet, the Fed will let some of its bonds mature without reinvesting the proceeds. What impact this might have is uncertain. Powell said last month that the reduction in bond holdings would be equivalent to another rate hike. Economists estimate that reducing the balance sheet by $1 trillion a year would be equal to anywhere from one to three additional quarter-point increases in the Fed’s benchmark short-term rate each year.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who preceded Powell as Fed chair, suggested at a congressional hearing Wednesday that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would likely keep escalating inflation in the coming months.
“The sanctions we’ve placed on Russia are pushing up the price of energy,” Yellen said. “When energy prices are going up, the price of wheat and corn that Russia and Ukraine produce are going up, and metals that play an important industrial role are going up.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Gov. McMaster declares April for Gamecocks
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The Gamecocks Women’s Basketball team received recognition from legislators Wednesday at the South Carolina State House.
WIS News 10 streamed it live as it happened.
Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed April 2022 as the South Carolina Gamecock NCAA Women’s Basketball National Champions Month.
Today I am proud to proclaim April 2022 as South Carolina Gamecock NCAA Women's Basketball National Champions Month in the great state of South Carolina.
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) April 6, 2022
Congratulations, Coach @dawnstaley and the @GamecockWBB team on your historic season! pic.twitter.com/RwKN8zO3Sv
RELATED COVERAGE:
‘The women’s team is such an inspiration:’ Fans welcome national champion Gamecocks home
Gamecocks return victorious to cheering Columbia
The celebration has moved over to the Senate, where “Sandstorm” is very unlikely to be played again, but the Gamecocks and Coach Staley are just as popular. pic.twitter.com/He3SDL64gH
— Mary Green (@MaryGreenNews) April 6, 2022
.@GamecockWBB and @dawnstaley being honored today at the State House after winning their second national championship Sunday. Lots of FAMs and garnet among the lawmakers here in the House chamber! pic.twitter.com/V633kEvBbO
— Mary Green (@MaryGreenNews) April 6, 2022
Never seen so much excitement in the SC House chamber for a special guest 👀 pic.twitter.com/YBfUtft2di
— Mary Green (@MaryGreenNews) April 6, 2022
Copyright 2022 WIS. All rights reserved.
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Midlands picks up pieces after storms hit South Carolina
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - After Tuesday’s storms the Midlands were left picking up the pieces. Communities across South Carolina woke up Wednesday morning to find trees knocked down and damage to their homes and vehicles.
In Allendale County where a tornado set down our Nick Neville saw trees and residences that had felt the storm. Some people in the area were still without power this morning.
Wednesday afternoon surveys confirmed at least three tornadoes had hit the area during Tuesday’s storms.
Tornado surveys are ongoing across the Midlands. So far, we have confirmed 3 paths. An EF2 in Clarendon County, and EF1 in Lexington/Calhoun Counties, and an EF2 in Aiken/Lexington Counties. Additional surveys are ongoing. More details to follow tonight. #scwx
— NWS Columbia (@NWSColumbia) April 6, 2022
School administrators let families know that schools were dismissed on social media as the community cleans up. Over night an emergency shelter opened to help house displaced families.
In Manning, officials continued to clean up after the storm flipped over a truck and flooded a Walmart.’
In Orangeburg Chris Joseph was on the ground Tuesday, hearing from community members as they began to clean up.
Orangeburg County EMD reported 14 homes were damaged, including two with major damage and one destroyed.
In the Sixty Six community between Branchville and Rowesville, the storm appeared to cut a path through nearby trees and across Highway 21 to Hillary McAlhany’s home.
She said her and her mother sheltered in the bathroom, and came out to find holes in the roof, rendering it uninhabitable.
She gave WIS a tour on Wednesday, with debris and water strewn across the floor.
“Devastating because you know I work so hard, and I have a little girl, she’s three, and she stays here too,” she said.
McAlhany got emotional when describing the conversation with daughter.
“I was telling her you don’t have your room no more, so we have to find somewhere else to go,” she said.
McAlhany said she doesn’t have insurance but will be staying with family and has been in contact with the Red Cross.
On nearby Cattle Creek Road, the storm mostly spared homes, with exception of some minor shingle damage.
Residents, along with family and friends, spent the morning cleaning snapped trees.
Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young said the financial cost of the damage is being calculated.
Those wanting to help #Allendale residents affected by the recent storms can call 803-584-4556 or 706-360-0443.
— SCEMD (@SCEMD) April 6, 2022
What is being accepted: non-perishable food, monetary donations, and cleaning supplies.
At this time, clothing is not needed. pic.twitter.com/v4RNGjJTfg
Copyright 2022 WIS. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T20:16:19
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No charges filed in no-knock warrant killing of Amir Locke
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota prosecutors declined to file charges Wednesday against a Minneapolis police SWAT team officer who fatally shot Amir Locke while executing an early morning no-knock search warrant in a downtown apartment in February.
Locke, 22, who was Black, was staying on a couch in his cousin’s apartment when authorities entered it on Feb. 2 without knocking as part of an investigation into a homicide in neighboring St. Paul.
Prosecutors said body camera video showed that Locke pointed a gun at Officer Mark Hanneman, justifying his use of deadly force. Locke’s family has disputed that, arguing that the footage suggests Locke was startled awake and that he grabbed for a gun he was licensed to carry.
Locke’s mother, Karen Wells, said she was disgusted by the decision. At a news conference in New York with attorney Ben Crump and civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton, she vowed to keep up pressure on Minneapolis city leaders and spoke directly to Hanneman.
“This is not over. You may have been found not guilty, but in the eyes of me, being the mother who I am, you are guilty,” Wells said. “And I’m not going to give up. Continue to have your restless nights, because I know you do.”
Locke was shot seconds after officers entered the apartment. The body camera footage shows that Locke was holding a gun before he was shot.
Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Michael Freeman, whose offices reviewed the case, said Locke might never have been shot if not for the no-knock warrant. But they said there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Hanneman violated the state statute governing when police can use deadly force.
“It would be unethical for us to file charges in a case in which we know that we will not be able to prevail because the law does not support the charges,” Ellison said.
Locke’s death came as three former Minneapolis police officers were on trial in federal court in St. Paul in George Floyd’s killing. It sparked protests and a reexamination of no-knock search warrants. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced an immediate moratorium on such warrants, and on Tuesday, he formalized a new policy requiring officers to knock and wait before entering a residence, with limited exceptions. Some lawmakers have been pushing for a statewide ban on no-knock warrants, except in rare circumstances.
The department issued a statement from Interim Chief Amelia Huffman saying that Hanneman returned to active duty on Feb. 28 but is no longer on a SWAT team. She did not comment directly on Hanneman’s actions but said, “Officers never want to face split-second decisions that end in the loss of life.”
Locke’s family was angry that police initially described him as a suspect, which police later said was a mistake.
“Our investigation found no evidence that he had any role in the homicide investigation that brought the police to his door at 6:48 on Feb. 2,” Ellison said. “Amir was a victim. He never should have been called a suspect.”
In their applications for search warrants of the Minneapolis apartment and other locations, authorities said a no-knock warrant was necessary to protect the public and officers as they looked for guns, drugs and clothing worn by people suspected in a violent killing. Authorities asked that officers be allowed to conduct the search without knocking, and outside the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., because the suspects being sought in the Jan. 10 killing of Otis Elder had a history of violence.
Locke was killed seconds after the SWAT team entered the apartment at 6:48 a.m. Body camera video shows an officer using a key to unlock the door and enter, followed by at least four officers in uniform and protective vests. As they enter, they repeatedly shout, “Police, search warrant!” They also shout “Hands!” and “Get on the ground!”
The video shows an officer kicking a sectional sofa, and Locke is seen wrapped in a comforter, holding a pistol. Three shots are heard and the video ends.
“I was convinced that the individual was going to fire their handgun and that I would suffer great bodily harm or death,” Hanneman wrote in his statement to investigators. “I felt in this moment that if I did not use deadly force myself, I would likely be killed.”
Ellison and Freeman said they spoke with Locke’s parents on Wednesday before announcing they wouldn’t file charges.
“They, like us, are very frustrated with no-knock warrants. They, like us, believe that if a no-knock warrant hadn’t been used Amir Locke might well be here today,” Freeman said, declining to give further details about their conversation.
Sharpton said the family will demand that the U.S. Justice Department review the case. Crump faulted police for creating a life-or-death situation, and said gun rights groups should join with the family in demanding an end to no-knock warrants.
He connected Locke’s death with that of Breonna Taylor, who was killed in a botched police raid in Kentucky in 2020 in which her boyfriend shot at officers first as they broke into her apartment.
“Because if it can happen to Amir, it can happen to Breonna Taylor, it could happen to your children, too,” Crump said.
Although Locke was not named in the warrant, his then-17-year-old cousin, Mekhi Camden Speed, was named and has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in Elder’s killing.
Elder, a 38-year-old father, was found shot and laying in the street in what police believe was an apparent robbery. Drugs and money were found in Elder’s SUV, according to court documents.
The police department hired Hanneman in 2015. City records show there were three complaints made about him and that all were closed without him being disciplined, but they give no details. Data on the website of the citizen group Communities United Against Police Brutality shows a fourth complaint, in 2018, that remains open. No details were given.
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Associated Press writer Amy Forliti contributed to this report.
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Find the AP’s full coverage of the death of Amir Locke: https://apnews.com/hub/amir-locke
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Police: Sacramento shooting was gunfight among gang rivals
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The mass killing that left six people dead and 12 wounded outside bars just blocks from California’s Capitol last weekend was a gunfight involving at least five shooters from rival gangs, Sacramento police said Wednesday.
Police said they identified at least five gunmen but there may have been more. Only two suspects — both brothers wounded by gunfire — have been arrested in connection with the shooting and, so far, only face firearms charges.
“We’re still working through ... who the actual shooters are in the case,” Sgt. Zach Eaton said.
Until Wednesday’s announcement, police had been silent on what led to the shooting that erupted early Sunday as bars were letting out. Rapid-fire bursts of over 100 gunshots echoed through the streets as terrified patrons ran for their lives and others were hit by bullets.
Police said at least two gangs were involved. They declined to provide more details or name the gangs involved or the affiliation of any suspects.
Experts said that if gangs were to blame, it would mark an unusually bloody feud.
In 20 years of researching gangs in Los Angeles, Alex Alonso said he can’t remember a gang-related shooting with such a high body count.
“It’s extremely rare that a gang shooting happened as the way this one is being characterized,” Alonso said. “It’s extremely rare to have that happen in a public place with so many victims.”
Gregory Chris Brown, a criminal justice professor at California State University, Fullerton, said gangs often target rivals in drive-by shootings with fewer victims, though innocent bystanders are sometimes also struck.
The location of the Sacramento shooting – in a bustling area of watering holes near the entertainment district — was incidental to whatever fueled the fight.
“If rival gang members see each other it doesn’t matter if they’re in the Capitol of the United States of America,” Brown said. “If you see a rival gang member and you’re going to attack them, it doesn’t matter where they are.”
The large number of casualties was the result of high-capacity weapons in a crowded area, he said.
Berry Accius, founder of Voice of the Youth who leads gun intervention and prevention programs and offered his services to counsel families who lost loved ones in the shooting, criticized police for characterizing the crime as gang-related, which he said will lead some to “think Black people.”
He said people will see the photos of the Black women and men who were shot, assume they were in a gang and wonder why gang members are downtown.
“That’s the narrative we don’t need at this particular time,” Accius said. “This idea that we’re going to put blame to one demographic of folks and blame them for the violence that ensued.”
Bill Sanders, a criminologist at Cal State LA, said he wanted to see more evidence the shooting was gang-related, a term police often use to drum up support. He said gang shootings are more mundane and most occur in what are considered gang neighborhoods.
“If you looked at a map of gang homicides in the city — or any city — over time, you’d see the same areas lighting up — meaning that’s where they occur. If these guys were white, this wouldn’t be considered gang related — not even for a minute.”
Authorities credited witnesses who contributed nearly 200 videos, photos and other tips with helping the investigation.
Police were trying to determine if a stolen handgun found at the crime scene was used in the massacre. It had been converted to a weapon capable of automatic gunfire.
They are also investigating whether a gun one of the brothers, Smiley Martin, 27, brandished in a video was used in the shooting, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The official was briefed on the investigation but was not authorized to publicly discuss details and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Martin and his brother were among those wounded in the gunfire that erupted about 2 a.m. Sunday as bars closed and patrons filled the streets.
The Sacramento County coroner identified the three women killed as Johntaya Alexander, 21; Melinda Davis, 57; and Yamile Martinez-Andrade, 21. The three men killed were Sergio Harris, 38; Joshua Hoye-Lucchesi, 32; and De’vazia Turner, 29.
Ten people were wounded in addition to the Martin brothers. At least two remained hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
Smiley Martin faces charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a machine gun. He remained hospitalized and it wasn’t clear if he had an attorney who could speak for him.
His brother, Dandrae Martin, 26, was arrested as a “related suspect” and appeared briefly Tuesday in Sacramento Superior Court on a charge of being a convict carrying a loaded gun.
He did not enter a plea and his attorney said she would wait to see if prosecutors brought more serious charges before deciding whether to seek his release.
Both men have criminal records. Smiley Martin was released from prison in February after serving about half of a 10-year prison sentence for beating a girlfriend. He was denied parole last year after prosecutors said he “clearly has little regard for human life,” documents show.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg questioned why the brothers were on the streets.
“Those questions need to be answered and they will be answered over the days ahead,” Steinberg said.
A 31-year-old man seen carrying a handgun immediately after the shooting was arrested Tuesday on a weapons charge. Police said they don’t believe his gun was used in the shooting.
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This version corrects that Smiley Martin served about half of a 10-year prison sentence, not about two years of the term.
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Melley reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Stefanie Dazio, Christopher Weber in Los Angeles, Don Thompson in Sacramento, Michael Balsamo in Washington, Jacques Billeaud in Phoenix and News Researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York City contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Three injuries reported after tornado rips through Allendale
ALLENDALE, S.C. (WIS) – On Wednesday families in Allendale County were picking up the pieces after a tornado ripped through the area on Tuesday, leaving significant damage.
According to the South Carolina Emergency Division, three non-life-threatening injuries have been reported.
The American Red Cross of South Carolina is currently assisting 15 families after the tornado impacted their homes.
Representative Justin Bamberg has asked that Governor Henry McMaster declare a state of emergency in Allendale and Bamberg counties.
Officials say four homes were destroyed, five homes had major damage and six homes had minor damage. More damage assessments will be done Wednesday.
Eletha Kearse, who lives in Ulmer, suffered damage to her trailer, and is praising God because she said it could have been much worse.
As a tornado ripped through the county, Kearse was watching coverage on TV until it came to her doorstep.
“I’m letting everybody else know what the storm was doing, and not knowing not that the storm was headed our way,” she said. “Next thing you know lights went off, next thing you know I heard a sound over my trailer. And I said ‘Lord, it done hit.’ And all I could do was just pray and cry and just ask the Lord just to cover us.”
Half of her awning got blown to the other side of the home.
The window of Kearse’s car got smashed by a refrigerator that was outside. She credits her carport for stopping the fridge from being picked up and thrown on top her home.
There’s also a leak on inside, and she didn’t have power until 7am this morning.
“We could’ve been gone yesterday but God spared our life because as you know, a trailer don’t stand a chance on a tornado, that’s just like a piece of paper,” she said. “So like I said, I am truly blessed. My daughter and my niece are truly blessed today because we’re alive and this is my testimony that I can tell people, do not take a tornado for a joke because it is real.”
Surveying storm damage across the county on Wednesday, WIS found trees ripped up and downed power lines on multiple roads.
WIS also found metal tanks rolled across fields on Railroad Ave. in Allendale, and cars smothered by fallen trees.
There were also collapsed silos on farms, and all sheet metal crumpled like aluminum foil.
Amid the wreckage, Kearse found perspective.
“Like I tell people, my trailer and my car are material things, but God spared our life yesterday and that’s a blessing,” she said.
Allendale County Schools were closed on Wednesday, and will be closed again on Thursday.
Allendale-Fairfax Elementary School was used as a shelter on Tuesday night following the storm.
The Red Cross tells WIS that it’s unclear at this point if the school will be reopened as a shelter on Wednesday night.
Per SCEMD, those wanting to help Allendale County residents affected by the recent storm in Allendale County can make donations of non-perishable food and cleaning supplies. You can do that by calling 803-584-4556 or 706-360-0443.
#Allendale residents who are safe in their houses need to stay home & off the roads.
— SCEMD (@SCEMD) April 5, 2022
Emergency responders are answering calls rights now.
They need the roads cleared of other drivers as they work around debris and help those in need of help.
If you have an emergency, call 911. pic.twitter.com/nxk2kVr0Nt
SCEMD tweeted these photos after the storm Tuesday.
Copyright 2022 WIS. All rights reserved.
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2 men arrested with enough fentanyl to kill 4.7 million people, officials say
BUENA PARK, Calif. (Gray News) - Officials in Southern California report police have taken two men into custody with hundreds of pounds of drugs, which has resulted in the biggest bust in the last 16 years in Orange County.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, a lethal dose of fentanyl is as little as 2 milligrams, and authorities recovered nearly 21 pounds of fentanyl pills after Buena Park police pulled over a minivan leaving a house on March 17.
Police also said they found about 821 pounds of methamphetamine and 190 pounds of cocaine.
Edgar Alfonso Lamas, 36, and Carlos Raygozaparedes, 53, were the men arrested in the drug bust. The district attorney’s office reports the two face several felony charges, including possession of a controlled substance and the sale or transportation of a controlled substance.
Police said the alleged two drug dealers were also charged with felony enhancements that the controlled substances exceeded 80 and 20 kilograms by weight or 400 liters by liquid volume.
“Millions of unsuspecting people have the grim reaper looking over their shoulder. They have no idea how close they actually are to dying from taking a single pill,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Fentanyl is cheap, it’s easy to get, and it is killing our children, our co-workers, and tens of thousands of innocent Americans who don’t have to die. Drug dealers don’t care about you or your loved ones – they only care about their bottom line and making as much money as possible.”
Lamas and Raygozaparedes face a maximum sentence of 37 years and four months in jail if convicted on all charges. According to the district attorney’s office, the two have pled not guilty and remain in custody on a $5 million bail.
According to court records, a preliminary hearing is scheduled for the two men on June 7 in Fullerton, California.
“With fentanyl in an estimated 40 percent of street drugs, it’s not a matter of if but when someone you know, and love dies from fentanyl. We have to continue to do everything we can to combat this deadly drug epidemic and save lives,” Spitzer said.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Boy, 12, killed when tractor-trailer struck bicycle on Mississippi highway, troopers say
MAGEE, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) - Troopers in Mississippi said a sixth-grade boy died after a tractor-trailer collided with the bicycle he was riding.
WLBT reports the Mississippi Highway Patrol said Anthony Wilder III, 12, died as a result of the Tuesday night crash on US 49 in Simpson County.
Investigators determined a 1998 Freightliner tractor-trailer was traveling south on the highway when it collided with the bicycle in the right lane.
Wilder attended Magee Middle School, and the school posted a Facebook tribute to the child, saying he was known for his “energetic personality and upbeat attitude.”
The school said Wilder was a high achiever academically and was known to breakdance in the hallway.
“These memories will keep Anthony with us during the difficult times ahead,” the school said on Facebook. “We give our hopes and prayers to his family and friends. Anthony, we will miss you.”
Troopers are still investigating the crash.
Copyright 2022 WLBT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Fort Mill man sentenced in Capitol Riot case
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A Fort Mill man was sentenced Wednesday, April, 6, 2022 in a Capitol Riot case.
Investigators from the Department of Justice said Paul Colbath is charged with:
- Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds
- Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Grounds
- Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building
- Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building
He entered a guilty plea in January. Colbath’s sentence includes three years of probation, 30 days home detention, 60 hours community service and $500 in restitution.
RELATED COVERAGE: A year later, here’s the South Carolinians who have been charged for Jan. 6 (wistv.com)
Colbath Paul - Plea Agreement - Jan 2022 0 by Nevin Smith on Scribd
According to court documents Colbath entered the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021 and entered restricted areas with the intent to disrupt Congress. More information about the case can be found at the link here.
Colbath Paul - Information - Oct 2021 0 by Nevin Smith on Scribd
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Doctors remove ‘miracle’ baby’s grapefruit-sized facial tumor
HAYWARD, Wis. (WCCO) - A Wisconsin family is celebrating their little boy’s first birthday. Doctors had to perform life-saving surgery on him before he was even born, due to a rare and potentially deadly birth defect.
Jagger Scalzo celebrated a hard-fought first birthday after dealing with a medical condition that surprised even experts.
Mycaela and Donovan Scalzo, parents to an almost 1-year-old girl, found out they were expecting a boy, but when they got an ultrasound, there was something they were not expecting: a congenital tumor.
“He had what’s called an oropharyngeal teratoma. They can be really small or quite large. His was huge,” said Dr. Joseph B. Lilligard, surgeon at Children’s Minnesota. “It’s a condition that happens in about one in 35,000 to one in 200,000 live births. They can block the airway, so the moment the baby is born, they wouldn’t have the ability to protect their airway or breathe.”
The Scalzo family decided to head to the Midwest Fetal Care Center in Minneapolis, a partnership between Children’s Minnesota and Allina Health.
“I think I cried almost every appointment up until he was there. It’s just so unknown,” Mycaela Scalzo said.
Lilligard and his coworkers knew what to do. It would require a C-section where the baby would be partially born while doctors removed the grapefruit-sized tumor from his mouth and face.
The surgery was risky for both baby and mother.
“I mean, we went into my C-section not knowing if he would be OK or if I would,” Scalzo said.
But thankfully, everything worked out.
“It’s pretty remarkable. You go from a really horrific-type scene to a quite normal, exciting, almost perfect outcome,” Lilligard said. “The sky’s the limit for Jagger. He can do anything.”
After conquering a brain bleed, Jagger was able to leave the hospital after 76 days.
“I cried the entire way from Minneapolis, and I was just so excited. His dad was driving and was like, ‘Are you just gonna stare at him the whole time?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I am.’ It was just so exciting for him to meet our daughter and see them finally realize that the other exists,” Scalzo said.
Jagger’s mother says he is doing well and getting stronger. He did have a recent setback when he had a brain bleed and was treated for hydrocephalus, but his family says he’s recovering.
“He’s a miracle, and I think that’s the best way any of us can describe it. He’s the perfect, happy, smiley, little miracle, and we are so grateful we ended up where we did,” Scalzo said.
She hopes Jagger won’t have another surgery for at least 20 years.
Copyright 2022 WCCO via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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Earthquake reported near Elgin becomes 20th to occur in SC in 2022
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 8:44 AM EDT|Updated: Apr. 7, 2022 at 8:49 AM EDT
ELGIN, S.C. (WIS) - Another earthquake was reported near Elgin Thursday morning, making it the 20th earthquake to happen in the state in 2022.
Several other earthquakes were reported in December of 2021.
The earthquake measured in at 2.0 magnitude and happened at 5:03 a.m., according to the United States Geological Survey.
The epicenter was 4.5 miles east of Elgin.
You can check to see who felt it by clicking here.
The last earthquake that happened in the state, happened on March 27 near Centerville.
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FIRST ALERT: Breezy this afternoon and looking much cooler this weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Our showers and storms have moved east and we can expect breezy winds with low 70s by this afternoon.
First Alert Weather Headlines:
· It will be breezy today with gusts up to 30mph. Highs are in the low 70s.
· Friday is cooler with highs in the mid to upper 60s. Winds will gust up to 35mph.
· Saturday is chilly with highs in the upper 50s and winds near 25-30mph. Overnight lows are dipping into the upper 30s!
First Alert Weather Story:
Expect skies to clear up by this afternoon and the winds to pick up out of the southwest at 15-20mph with gusts up to 30mph. Highs are in the low 70s today.
Tonight is clear and cooler with lows dipping down to 47.
Friday we have a strong western flow with gusts up to 35mph. Skies are mostly sunny and temps are in the upper 60s.
Saturday is even cooler! Lows are in the low 40s and highs reach the upper 50s. Expect mostly sunny skies and breezy winds gusting up to 25mph.
Overnight into Sunday morning lows are dipping down to 38. Winds should be too strong to allow frost to form but there is a chance of some patchy frost. So we will keep our eye on it!
Sunday we see our highs reach the upper 60s with sunny skies.
Monday morning we have lows in the mid 40s and highs reach the upper 70s as southern flow returns. A large high pressure system will keep us clear.
Today: Clearing skies and breezy. Highs in the low 70s.
Friday: Mostly Sunny and Cooler. Windy. Highs in the mid to upper 60s.
Saturday: Mostly Sunny. Breezy, even cooler. Highs in the mid 50s. Overnight lows in the upper 30s.
Sunday: Sunny & Mild. Highs in the upper 60s.
Monday: Mostly Sunny. Warm. Highs in the upper 70s.
Tuesday: More Clouds. Mainly Dry. High temperatures will be near 80.
Wednesday: Mostly Cloudy. Isolated Showers (20%). Highs in the low 80s.
Copyright 2022 WIS. All rights reserved.
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Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival returns to Fairgrounds Saturday
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The 7th annual SC Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival is returning to the state fairgrounds this weekend (April 9).
The event, organized by Food Truck Festivals of America will happen Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (VIP hour will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and will include 30 local food trucks serving a variety of foods from BBQ to donuts to New England-style lobster rolls and more.
Some of the food trucks participating include Cruisin Cuisine, The Noodle Lady, T&A Southern Eats, Taylormade Smoothies, Bangin’ Vegan Eats, Smokin’ Gringo’s TexMex BBQ, The Donut Shack, Bubblelicious Waffles, Palmetto Kettle Corn.
Organizers say local, regional and national craft beers will be available for sale at the festival. Those brands include Steel Hands Brewing, Wicked Weed, Savage Galaxy IPA, Wild Leap Lemonade, Bold Rock Apple Cider, Swamp Cabbage Brewing, Sugar Creek Brewing Company and more.
Presale tickets will be available in advance online for $5 or at the gate for $10. Admission is free for children 12 and under.
First responders and military are free with valid ID at the gate.
For more information on tickers and the event, click here.
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Google rolls out feature that lets you search using images
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 11:51 AM EDT
(CNN) - Google just rolled out a new feature to make it easier for users to search for things that are hard to describe.
On Thursday, the company unveiled a new search option that allows you to combine text and images in a single question.
For example, you can take a picture of a couch, upload it along with the word “chair,” and you’ll be able to find ones that are similar.
A Google executive says the multi-search feature is experimental for now.
It’s available for U.S. users with the lens feature on Google’s mobile app.
At the moment, it’s expected to be used for shopping-related searches.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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GRAPHIC: Officers race to save 4-year-old who survived 6-story fall
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 11:19 AM EDT
NEW YORK (CNN) - A four-year-old New York boy who fell six stories from an apartment window Tuesday is listed in stable condition.
The New York Police Department released dramatic bodycam video of officers rushing to help the boy after the fall from a sixth-floor apartment window in the Bronx.
Police say he was alert and conscious after the fall.
Officers did not wait for an ambulance to arrive and rushed him to Lincoln Hospital in a squad car where he was immediately met by EMTs.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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H&M releasing line of biodegradable baby clothes
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 12:01 PM EDT
(CNN) - As fast as babies grow, their clothes don’t stick around for long. But what if you could just toss that outgrown onesie in the compost?
With H&M’s new lines of baby clothes for newborns, you can.
The clothes are made from organic cotton and they’re 100% biodegradable, so there are no buttons or metal trim. Even the pigments used to print the designs are biodegradable.
There are 12 pieces to choose from, and they’ll be on sale in May.
The new line is just one of several ways H&M said it is working to make fashion more sustainable and keep clothes out of landfills.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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House panel: Justice Dept. ‘obstructing’ Trump records probe
WASHINGTON (AP) — A congressional oversight committee on Thursday said the Justice Department is “obstructing” its investigation into former President Donald Trump’s handling of White House records by preventing the release of information from the National Archives.
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland accusing the Justice Department of impeding the panel’s expanded investigation into the 15 boxes of White House records that Trump took to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida after leaving office last year. The Archives in February revealed it had found classified material in the boxes and referred the matter to the Justice Department.
The letter from Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., the chairwoman of the Oversight Committee, outlines communications between the committee and the National Archives that took place between February to late March.
In those letters, Maloney made a series of requests for information she said the committee needs to determine if Trump violated federal records laws over his handling of sensitive and even classified information. In response, the general counsel for the archivist wrote on March 28 that “based on our consultation with the Department of Justice, we are unable to provide any comment.”
“By blocking NARA from producing the documents requested by the Committee, the Department is obstructing the Committee’s investigation,” Maloney wrote in the letter released Thursday.
Maloney added that while the committee is not looking to interfere with the department’s ongoing investigation, lawmakers have not received any explanation as to why the department is preventing the archivist from providing information about the contents of the boxes.
The House’s oversight panel has repeatedly cited its authority to investigate matters involving the Presidential Records Act, which was enacted in 1978 after former President Richard Nixon wanted to destroy documents related to the Watergate scandal.
Maloney had warned in December 2020 that she had “grave concerns” that the Trump administration was not complying with the federal records act, even writing in a letter to the archivist citing those concerns that the departing administration “may not be adequately preserving records and may be disposing of them.”
While federal law bars the removal of classified documents to unauthorized locations, it is possible that in this case, Trump could try to argue that, as president, he was the ultimate declassification authority.
The former president has denied reports of tensions with the National Archives and his lawyers have said that “they are continuing to search for additional presidential records that belong to the National Archives.”
The attorney general has acknowledged that the department received the referral from the Archives, but it is longstanding Justice Department policy not to comment on investigations.
Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill may face a long wait for answers to their questions about specific investigations.
Generally, under Justice Department guidelines, details of investigations are supposed to remain out of the public view until charges are filed or warrants are filed. And, if grand juries are convened, the Justice Department is precluded under federal law from discussing specifics of a grand jury investigation before an indictment is handed down.
Garland has also made clear to prosecutors that the Justice Department won’t be influenced by outside political pressure.
The Oversight Committee asked Garland to respond by next week with either a green light for the National Archives to cooperate with their request or provide an explanation as to why the department is imposing such limitations.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Local faith and civil rights leader celebrates 100th birthday
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Bishop Frederick C. James, faith and civil rights leader, is turning 100!
Bishop James, bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church, turns 100 Thursday, of Prosperity, making him the oldest living Methodist Bishop in the country, according to church officials.
“We are beyond a place of gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Bishop James and this truly remarkable milestone birthday,” Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr., Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District. “Bishop James has led an extraordinary life with tremendous impact in this state and across the country. We are grateful for Bishop James’ lifetime of service to the Lord.”
Bishop James graduated from Drayton Street High School. He received his A.A. degree from Bettis Junior College (Trenton, SC) and his B.A in History and English from Allen University (Columbia) in 1943. His masters in Divinity is from Howard University’s School of Divinity (Washington, DC).
Bishop James attended the inauguration of South African President Nelson Mandela in 1994, is a former White House Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and US State Dept.’s Advisory Board on Religious Freedom and is a member of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce.
Bishop James also received the Order of the Palmetto in 2003 and the Leon A. Love Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina African American Heritage Foundation and Columbia SC 63: Our Story Matters, and he has been inducted into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame and the Columbia Housing Authority Wall of Fame, according to church officials.
Copyright 2022 WIS. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T20:18:17
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Newborn safely surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box
CARMEL, Ind. (Gray News) – A baby was safely surrendered this week to a Safe Haven Baby Box in Indiana.
According to the Carmel Fire Department, the baby was taken to the hospital for evaluation and is healthy.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes are used to prevent the illegal abandonment of a newborn and offer a safe place for a mother-in-crisis to leave her infant.
The Safe Haven Baby Box at the Carmel Fire Department is set up in a way that provides complete anonymity to the person who is leaving the baby.
The person opens a door on the side of the department’s building that holds a bassinet, which triggers a silent alarm to alert firefighters that a baby has been placed inside. The exterior door automatically locks to protect the baby.
Authorities said firefighters were able to get to the surrendered newborn in less than a minute and provide it the care it needs before taking it to the hospital by ambulance.
“Our hope is that this baby boy will find a forever loving home the same way and find their forever family as well,” said Fire Chief David Haboush in a Facebook post for Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
According to the organization, 17 babies have been surrendered inside Safe Haven Baby Boxes since the first one was installed in 2016. Safe Haven Baby Boxes are currently available in Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky and New Mexico.
“Today we celebrate a brave mother’s sacrificial love to give her child a better life,” said Safe Haven Baby Boxes founder Monica Kelsey. “We are proud that these mothers have safely surrendered their infants who we know were so loved.”
If you need help finding a Safe Haven location or to speak to a licensed counselor, call the National Safe Haven crisis hotline at 1-866-99BABY1.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T20:18:24
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SC has ‘one of the lowest rates anywhere’ for new COVID cases
State ranks 50th in nation for COVID-19 cases last week
COLUMBIA, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - During their boarding meeting on Thursday, the Department of Health and Environmental Control said COVID-19 numbers in South Carolina are very low compared to the rest of the country.
Last week South Carolina reported 951 new COVID-19 cases, ranking the state 50th in the nation.
“We have one of the lowest rates anywhere,” a board member said in Thursday’s meeting.
All 46 counties are green on the Center for Disease Control’s indicator map, meaning all counties have a low level of COVID-19 right now.
DHEC said the omicron BA.2 subvariant of coronavirus is the most common in South Carolina currently, but they haven’t seen a large surge in cases like with previous variants.
DHEC did say the number of new cases may actually be greater since they don’t get information on at-home rapid test results.
The state’s COVID-19 incident response team will stand down on Apr. 30 after more than two years of service.
Copyright 2022 WHNS. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T20:18:30
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SC initial unemployment claims fall for second straight week
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The amount of first-time unemployment claims in South Carolina is down for a second straight week.
For the week ending Saturday, the Department of Employment and Workforce received 1,455 first-time unemployment claims, 46 fewer than last week, the agency said. That represented a 3% decrease from the prior week’s 1,501.
Greenville County recorded the highest number of initial claims, 151. Richland County had the second-highest weekly count with 144, while Spartanburg County was third with 94.
In the Lowcountry, Charleston County reported 61 while Berkeley County listed 56. Dorchester County listed 40 while the remaining Lowcountry counties were under 20.
Since the pandemic began, the state has paid out more than $6.6 billion in state and federal unemployment benefits.
The state reported a 3.5% unemployment rate for February, which is the most recent rate. The unemployment rate has remained flat since December 2021.
Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T20:18:36
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Turkey suspends trial of Saudi suspects in Khashoggi killing
ISTANBUL (AP) — A Turkish court decided Thursday to transfer the trial of 26 Saudis accused in the gruesome killing of Jamal Khashoggi to Saudi Arabia, raising fears that those responsible for the death of the Washington Post columnist won’t be brought to justice for a crime that drew international outrage.
The decision, which comes as Ankara is trying to repair relations with Saudi Arabia, was denounced as “scandalous” by a human rights group. It marked an abrupt reversal for Turkey, which had vowed to shed light on the killing and began prosecuting the defendants in absentia in 2020.
Khashoggi, a United States resident who wrote critically about Saudi Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed Oct. 2, 2018, at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. He had gone into the consulate for an appointment to collect documents required for him to marry his Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, and never came out.
Turkish officials alleged that Khashoggi was killed and dismembered with a bone saw inside the consulate by a team of Saudi agents sent to Istanbul. The group included a forensic doctor, intelligence and security officers and individuals who worked for the crown prince’s office. His remains have not been found.
The Istanbul court’s decision comes despite warnings from human rights groups that turning the case over to the kingdom would lead to a cover-up of the killing, which has cast suspicion on the crown prince.
Last week, the prosecutor in the case recommended its transfer to the kingdom, arguing that the trial in Turkey would remain inconclusive. Turkey’s justice minister supported the recommendation, adding that the trial in Turkey would resume if the Istanbul court is not satisfied with the outcome in Saudi Arabia.
It was not clear if the kingdom, which has already put some of the defendants on trial behind closed doors, would open a new trial, and there was no immediate reaction from Riyadh to the decision.
At Thursday’s hearing, lawyers representing Cengiz asked the court not to move the proceedings to Saudi Arabia, the private DHA news agency reported.
“Let’s not entrust the lamb to the wolf,” the agency quoted lawyer Ali Ceylan as telling the court. “Let’s protect the honor and dignity of the Turkish nation.”
But the court halted the trial in line with the Justice Ministry’s “positive opinion,” DHA reported. It also decided to lift arrest warrants issued against the defendants and gave the sides seven days to lodge any opposition.
Saudi Arabia had rejected Turkey’s requests to extradite the defendants, who included two former aides of the prince.
Some of the men were put on trial in Riyadh behind closed doors. A Saudi court issued a final verdict in 2020 that sentenced five midlevel officials and operatives to 20-year jail terms. The court had originally ordered the death penalty, but reduced the punishment after Khashoggi’s son, Salah, who lives in Saudi Arabia, announced he forgave them. Three others were sentenced to lesser jail terms.
At the time of the killing, Turkey apparently had the Saudi Consulate bugged and shared audio of the killing with the CIA, among others.
The slaying sparked international condemnation. Western intelligence agencies, as well as the U.S. Congress, said an operation of such magnitude could not have happened without the knowledge of the crown prince.
Human rights advocates had also urged Turkey not to transfer the case to Saudi Arabia, arguing that justice for Khashoggi would not be delivered by Saudi courts.
“It’s a scandalous decision,” said Emma Sinclair-Webb, the Turkey director for the New York-based Human Rights Watch, asserting that the court had “rubber-stamped” a political decision that would allow the Turkish government to repair its ties with Saudi Arabia.
“In the interest of realpolitik, Turkey is ready to sacrifice justice for an egregious crime on its own soil,” she told The Associated Press. “(The decision) opens the way for other countries to commit assassinations on Turkish territory and get away with it.”
Cengiz said she would continue to seek justice.
“We will continue this (judicial) process with all the power given to me, as a Turkish citizen,” she told reporters outside the courthouse.
“The two countries may be making an agreement, the two countries may be opening a new chapter ... but the crime is still the same crime,” she said. “The people who committed the crime haven’t changed. Governments and states must have a principled stance.”
Turkey, which is in a deep economic downturn, has been trying to improve its strained relationship with Saudi Arabia and an array of other countries in the region. Some media reports have claimed that Riyadh has made improved relations conditional on Turkey dropping the case, which had inflamed tensions between two countries.
The move would pave the way to a resolution of disputes between the two regional heavyweights since the 2011 Arab Spring, including Turkey’s support for Islamist movements like the Muslim Brotherhood, which Riyadh considers a terrorist group. Turkey also sided with Qatar in a diplomatic dispute that saw Doha boycotted by Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
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Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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US experts wrestle with how to update COVID-19 vaccines
WASHINGTON (AP) - More than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. health officials are beginning to grapple with how to keep the vaccines updated to best protect Americans from the ever-changing coronavirus.
On Wednesday, a panel of vaccine advisers to the Food and Drug Administration spent hours debating key questions for revamping the shots and conducting future booster campaigns. They didn’t reach any firm conclusions.
The questions facing the experts included: How often to update the vaccines against new strains, how effective they should be to warrant approval and whether updates should be coordinated with global health authorities.
Last week, the FDA authorized a fourth dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines for anyone 50 or older and for some younger people with severely weakened immune systems. It’s an effort to get ahead of another possible surge.
But the FDA’s vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks acknowledged at the meeting “we simply can’t be boosting people as frequently as we are.” He called the latest booster update a “stopgap” measure to protect vulnerable Americans while regulators decide whether and how to tweak the current vaccines.
Marks cautioned that waning vaccine protection, new variants and colder weather in the fall could raise the risk of more surges.
“Our goal here is to stay ahead of future variants and outbreaks and ensure we do our best to reduce the toll of disease and death due to COVID-19,” said Marks, adding that he expects more meetings of the vaccine panel in coming months.
Some of the key questions the panel discussed:
HOW SHOULD THE U.S. DECIDE WHEN TO LAUNCH FUTURE ROUNDS OF BOOSTER SHOTS?
One area where experts appeared to agree is that vaccines should be judged on their ability to prevent severe disease that leads to hospitalization and death.
“We need to focus on the worst case, which is severe disease, and we need to change strains when we’re losing that battle,” said Dr. Mark Sawyer of the University of California, San Diego.
By that measure, the current vaccines have held up remarkably well.
During the last omicron-driven surge, two vaccine doses were nearly 80% effective against needing a breathing machine or death — and a booster pushed that protection to 94%, federal scientists recently reported.
But only about half of Americans eligible for a third shot have gotten one. And many experts said it was unsustainable to continue asking Americans to get boosted every few months.
A panelist from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that the 80% protection from severe disease could become the standard for evaluating the vaccines.
“I think we may have to accept that level of protection and then use other alternative ways to protect individuals with therapeutics and other measures,” said Dr. Amanda Cohn, CDC’s chief medical officer.
Presentations at the meeting by government health officials and independent researchers underscored the challenges of predicting when the next major COVID-19 variant might appear.
Trevor Bedford, a disease modeler with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, said a major new strain like omicron could emerge anywhere from every 1.5 years to once a decade, based on currently available data. Given that unpredictability, researchers will need methods to quickly determine whether current vaccines work against emerging variants.
WHAT’S THE PROCESS FOR UPDATING VACCINES TO ADDRESS NEW VARIANTS?
All three COVID-19 vaccines now used in the U.S. are based on the original coronavirus version that emerged in late 2019. Updating the vaccines will be a complex task, likely requiring coordination between the FDA, manufacturers and global health authorities.
To speed the vaccines to market, the FDA relied on research shortcuts to judge effectiveness, mainly looking at their early impact on the immune system’s antibody levels. A number of panelists said Wednesday they wanted more rigorous data from studies that track patients over time to see who gets sick or dies.
But that approach would likely be too time consuming.
“We’re looking at a conundrum here in that it’s going to be hard to generate all the data we want in short order when a new variant emerges,” said Dr. Ofer Levy of Harvard Medical School.
A representative for the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority laid out the narrow window that manufacturers could face to reformulate, study and mass produce an updated vaccine by September.
“If you’re not on your way to a clinical trial by the beginning of May, I think it’s going to be very difficult to have enough product across manufacturers to meet demand,” said Robert Johnson, deputy assistant secretary of BARDA.
The process for updating annual flu vaccines offers one possible model, as laid out by a representative from the World Health Organization.
Twice a year, WHO experts recommend updates to flu vaccines to target emerging strains. The FDA then brings those recommendations to its own vaccine panel, which votes on whether they make sense for the U.S., setting the stage for manufacturers to tweak their shots and begin mass production.
But COVID-19 hasn’t yet fallen into a predictable pattern like the flu. And as the coronavirus evolves, different strains may become dominant in different regions of the world.
Several experts said they would need more meetings with more data and proposals from the FDA to decide on a strategy.
“We’ve never been here before. We’re all working together to do the best we can and it’s very complex,” said Oveta Fuller of the University of Michigan’s Medical School.
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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.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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USDA Forest Service looking to fill recreation positions for Francis Marion, Sumter National Forests
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Interested in working outdoors and serving your community? The USDA Forest Service is hiring.
The Forest Service is hiring positions in recreation and archaeology in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests.
“The USDA Forest Service in South Carolina is looking for talented, diverse applicants to help us manage the recreational opportunities on the Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests,” said Robbie Sitzlar, acting Forest Supervisor. “If you’re interested in working outdoors, stewarding public lands and serving our local communities, I encourage you to apply.”
Applications are ONLY accepted through this link: https://www.usajobs.gov/. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early as there are deadlines for applications and some applications will automatically close after 800 applications are received.
For more information, visit the Forest Service Jobs webpage.
Copyright 2022 WIS. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-08T20:18:57
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HYGIENE, Colo. (KDVR) — Being a firefighter requires a certain amount of mental and physical strength. But it’s a part of the job that firefighter Dylan Miraglia of Hygiene, Colorado, takes more seriously than some.
“It’s a physical job, it’s a blue-collar job,” Miraglia said. “You have to be strong, and that’s one of the aspects of the job.”
When Miraglia’s not working, you can usually find him working out in a small gym tucked behind the rural Boulder County fire station.
“I’ve been weightlifting my whole life, and there’s not a day where I’m going to take off and relax. It’s just a part of me,” he said.
Miraglia said he’s always dreamed of setting a world weightlifting record and stumbled upon a challenge while flipping through the Guinness Book of World Records.
“They had a record for who could lift the most weight by atlas stone in sixty minutes,” he said. “And I saw that and I was like, ‘OK, I could beat this, I know I could beat this.’”
Last September, Miraglia set out to accomplish the task, lifting a 193-pound atlas stone 194 times in one hour.
Miraglia had to film the attempt from multiple angles, and have a certified timer verify the process. In the end, he lifted more than 37,000 pounds over the course of the hour, crushing the previous record by roughly 8,000 pounds.
After weeks of waiting, he said the record was verified a few weeks ago.
“I was actually on shift at the station and got this email, and was like, ‘Ahh, this is awesome!'” he said.
Miraglia already has his eyes set on another record involving Turkish kettlebells. He’s also hoping to make it back-to-back years on the Lifeline Puppy Fire Rescue Dogs Calendar.
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| 2022-04-08T20:19:00
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LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — Authorities are searching for a man arrested for his alleged role in the shooting of Lady Gaga’s dog walker and the theft of her French bulldogs last year.
The suspect, James Howard Jackson, was in custody for attempted murder but was mistakenly released from custody on Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.
“Mr. Jackson was arraigned on a superseding indictment filed in court under a new case number,” the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office wrote in a statement to Nexstar’s KTLA. “The old case was then dismissed by a judge as required by law.”
He was in court at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center just a day before he was mistakenly released due to “a clerical error,” the sheriff’s department said.
It is unclear what the new indictment is.
Anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at (213) 229-1850.
The pop singer’s dog walker was shot while walking three of her dogs in Hollywood on Feb. 25, 2021.
Multiple people were involved in the attack, according to authorities. A car had pulled up to the dog walker near Sunset Boulevard that evening and two men jumped out. Jackson is the one accused of firing the single shot that landed the victim in the hospital before they got away with two dogs, the Associated Press reported. The third dog had run off.
The district attorney’s office said Jackson, Jaylin White, and Lafayette Whaley were charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and second-degree robbery. The Los Angeles Police Department has said the trio are documented gang members.
A woman identified as Jennifer McBride later returned the two dogs unharmed to an L.A. police station. She turned out to be in a relationship with the father of one of the suspects, who was identified as Harold White. Both the father and McBride were charged with accessory after the fact to attempted murder, according to the DA.
Gaga’s dog walker survived the attack.
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| 2022-04-08T20:19:06
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A federal jury on Friday found two suspects not guilty in an alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and on two others was not able to reach a verdict.
Brandon Caserta, 33, of Canton, and Daniel Harris, 34, of Lake Orion, were acquitted on all counts. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision in the cases of Barry Croft Jr., 46, of Bear, Delaware, and Adam Fox, 38, of metro Grand Rapids.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed at the outcome,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge said. “Thought we’d get the jury to convict beyond a reasonable doubt.”
A mistrial was declared for Croft and Fox.
“I think that the trial here has demonstrated that there’s some serious shortcomings in the (government’s) case,” Fox’s attorney Christopher Gibbons told reporters outside the courthouse. “Obviously, with acquittals occurring with Mr. Caserta and Mr. Harris says a lot about what’s going on in the case, and the proofs.”
Caserta and Harris were free to go, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Jonker said. There were sounds of joy from the gallery as the not guilty verdicts were announced for them.
Outside the courthouse Friday afternoon, Brandon Caserta’s attorney said his client was enjoying a walk as he was finally a free man. He added that it was Caserta’s birthday.
“Best birthday present imaginable,” Mike Hills said.
“I’m just glad he’s home,” one of Caserta’s relatives said.
Fox’s attorney said Fox was “disappointed” that he would remain behind bars pending a presumed second trial.
“We’ll eventually get what we want out of this, which is the truth and the justice I think Adam is entitled to,” Gibbons said.
The jury of six men and six women deliberated in a federal courthouse in downtown Grand Rapids for 37 hours over the course of a week. On Friday morning, after being told that the jury had reached some decisions and was locked on others, the judge asked it to keep deliberating. He provided members some thought exercises about how to reach some insight on the issues that divide them. He said they should not change their minds simply to reach a decision.
The jury remained in the same spot Friday afternoon. Jonker told jurors to go back, confirm where they stood and decide whether there was a path forward. If they remained in the same place and there was no path forward, he said, they should announce their unanimous verdicts and indicate on which counts they were deadlocked.
They came back with their verdicts in only a few minutes.
“Today, Michiganders and Americans—especially our children—are living through the normalization of political violence. The plot to kidnap and kill a governor may seem like an anomaly. But we must be honest about what it really is: the result of violent, divisive rhetoric that is all too common across our country. There must be accountability and consequences for those who commit heinous crimes. Without accountability, extremists will be emboldened.
“The governor remains focused on her work on behalf of Michigan and all Michiganders. That includes addressing violence and threats to our democracy. We appreciate the prosecutors and law enforcement officers for their work on this case.”
JoAnne Huls, chief of staff for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
THE TRIAL
It was a loss for the FBI, which had been accused by defense attorneys of working behind the scenes with undercover agents and paid informants to orchestrate the plot and entrap the men.
“The message (to the FBI) is, ‘Change your tactics.’ I think the jury, they didn’t get a full picture of it, but they got enough to know that what the FBI was doing was not right,” Caserta’s attorney Mike Hills said after the trial. “(The government) got zero convictions today.”
“Our governor was never in any danger,” Hills added.
He said in all the hundreds and thousands of hours of recordings he listened to, his never heard his client agreeing to kidnap the governor.
“My take is, they needed somebody to accompany Fox,” Hills said. “Because Fox is a joke by himself. So they need the Wolverine Watchmen to give him credibility.”
The jury’s decisions were announced followed a weekslong trial that included testimony from about three dozen witnesses, including a key informant known as Big Dan and two co-defendants. Those co-defendants, Ty Garbin and Kaleb Franks, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap and testified in exchange for leniency. They said they were not entrapped.
Harris, a former Marine, was the only defendant to take the stand, repeatedly denying any conspiracy and downplaying his suggestion that they just shoot the governor three times in the head.
The jury did not hear from key informant, Stephen Robeson, of Oxford, Wisconsin, who was accused by the feds of working both sides. Defense attorneys wanted him to take the stand, hoping it would bolster their entrapment defense, but Robeson invoked his Fifth Amendment rights and did not testify. He was among more than half a dozen defense witnesses who pleaded the Fifth.
The trial also included more than 400 pieces of evidence from federal prosecutors, everything from secret audio and video recordings to social media screenshots to assault weapons and night vision goggles.
The feds said the men started the conspiracy in June 2020 at a meeting of militia members in Ohio. Their plan, the feds said, eventually evolved to kidnapping the governor from her cottage in Elk Rapids, blowing up a bridge or two to slow down police, then taking her in a boat, either to strand her in Lake Michigan or to Wisconsin to face trial and execution.
They were angry, the feds said, over Whitmer’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and hoped to ignite a second Civil War.
Two of the men, Caserta and Harris, were members of the Wolverine Watchmen militia group, based in Michigan. The feds said that Fox and Croft, described as leaders of the group, belonged to the Patriot 3-Percenters militia group. Federal prosecutors have said that all four were also part of the Boogaloo movement, which was pushing for a second Civil War.
Dan Chappel, or Big Dan, a military veteran, testified that he had joined the Wolverine Watchmen in the spring of 2020 for weapons training, but grew concerned after talk turned toward killing cops. He went to police and then became an FBI informant, launching the federal terrorism investigation. He stayed with the militia group and became a leader while wearing a wire. The talk, he said, later turned toward kidnapping the governor.
The FBI paid Chappel $54,000 for his work, including expenses.
Defense attorneys argued that their clients were nothing more than big talkers who got ensnared by the feds. They said the FBI, working through Big Dan and other informants, orchestrated the plot — setting up meetings, trainings and recon missions at the governor’s cottage in Elk Rapids. They argued that FBI informants created and led some of the state Patriot 3-Percenters chapters.
Under cross-examination, Big Dan Chappel acknowledged he helped plan an attack, “to a degree.” He suggested the kinds of helicopters they could use if they kidnapped Whitmer from the governor’s residence on Mackinac Island.
Chappel also testified that he worked to keep Fox connected to those in the Wolverine Watchmen and that he pushed him to conduct reconnaissance on the governor’s cottage in Elk Rapids, picking the date of the first mission.
It also was Chappel who “suggested to Adam Fox and others they could ambush the governor on her way to her place in Traverse City, catching her in transit,” Fox’s attorney said.
Big Dan agreed that he also suggested to “blow her door down.”
After an FBI later complimented Chappel’s work in a text, Chappel texted back: “Awesome. Building my resume.”
“Dan Chappel makes everything happen,” Fox’s attorney Gibbons told the jury in his closing argument.
The two FBI agents who worked most on this case were not called by federal prosecutors: agent Jayson Chambers, after reports he had formed a security company on the side that could benefit from his work on the kidnapping plot case; and Henrik Impola, after what the feds say were unsubstantiated allegations that he committed perjury in an unrelated case.
Chambers and Impola were assigned to handle informant Big Dan.
Chambers, who was called to testify by the defense, told the jury that he pushed the FBI to approve the terrorism investigation into the Wolverine Watchmen in 2020.
“I have pledged to beat them over the head with it until they comply,” Chambers wrote in a text in April 2020. “I’m going to be working this as a TEI (Terrorism Enterprise Investigation) whether you get me the paperwork or not.”
He testified that at the time, the FBI had five separate investigations into individual suspects, “and these five people are all part of that group.”
Chambers said the FBI later approved the investigation.
Federal prosecutors also didn’t call a third agent, Robert J. Trask, who testified in an earlier hearing in the case. The FBI fired Trask last year after he was convicted of assaulting his wife. He also had made anti-Trump social media posts.
“I think what the FBI did was unconscionable, is what I think,” Hills said Friday. “And I think the jury just sent them a message loud and clear that these tactics are not going to be, we’re not going to condone what they’ve done here.”
In his closing argument on Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler told the jury the four were predisposed to commit the kidnapping. He reminded jurors of the steps the men took to commit the crime, including the training, and the recon missions to check out the governor’s cottage in Elk Rapids with night vision goggles, then checking out the nearby boat launch “to launch their waterborne assault.”
—News 8 digital executive producer Rachel Van Gilder contributed to this report.
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| 2022-04-08T20:19:12
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A birth certificate battle is brewing in the courthouse in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma.
It started as a divorce between two parents: the mother who carried and delivered the baby and the non-gestational parent.
Kris Williams and Rebekah Wilson got married in the summer of 2019. Later that year, they had a son.
Wilson carried the child, conceived through artificial insemination. Williams cut the umbilical cord. They named their son for a beloved family member on Williams’ side of the family.
“I thought it was a dream come true. It was special,” said Williams.
In Oklahoma, same sex marriage is legal. Williams and Wilson have the same rights as every married couple.
Their names are both on the baby’s birth certificate as mother and mother.
“It’s pretty simple,” said attorney Robyn Hoplins. “That’s black and white, and so I’m not sure why we are getting caught up in the gray.”
The gray is an ugly divorce making its way through district court.
Earlier this year, Wilson asked the court to remove Williams from the birth certificate.
Judge Lynne McGuire ruled Williams “failed to pursue a legal remedy to establish parental rights.”
Even though Williams was on the baby’s birth certificate, the judge ruled she should have adopted her own child.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Hopkins. “It’s not a question about what the divorce is. This isn’t about the divorce case at all. We’re not talking about assets. We’re not talking about marital property, separate property. We’re talking about the custody of a child that was born of that marriage.”
Williams hasn’t seen her son in 19 weeks.
“I want people to know that that it’s not just the LGBTQ community that’s vulnerable in this,” Williams said. “We have other families who can’t have biological children and use donors as a means to to have families. I think it’s horrible that we have to take an extra step in order to solidify our space for us to be legally connected to our children.”
Wilson filed a Victim Protection Order against Williams late last year. She was in court Thursday and refused to answer any questions about why she filed to have her estranged wife removed.
Both sides were be back in court Friday in front of Judge Lynne McGuire, on a motion to reconsider her original finding.
KFOR tried to speak to Wilson’s attorney, Seth Von Tunglen, who was in court Thursday with his client. Von Tunglen said his court filings speak for themselves.
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https://www.wane.com/news/oklahoma-mother-to-be-removed-from-babys-birth-certificate-because-shes-not-the-gestational-parent/
| 2022-04-08T20:19:19
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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — A group of Democrats says it’s time the Supreme Court adopts new ethics standards.
“The highest court should not have the lowest standards,” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)
Currently, Supreme Court justices aren’t required to follow the ethics rules given to other federal judges. Whitehouse’s bill would change that.
“It could not be more timely, now that we have a captured supreme court that needs that extra layer of accountability,” Whitehouse said.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) say recent revelations about the wife of Justice Clarence Thomas demonstrate why this is so important.
“We’ve learned that justice Clarence Thomas ruled on a case concerning the insurrection that his wife participated in and helped plan,” Jones said.
“The public is watching the United States Supreme Court to see whether or not Justice Thomas will recuse himself,” Blumenthal added.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) isn’t ready to support the bill but agrees more transparency is needed.
“I think a full disclosure of their financial positions much like we do here, should be able to satisfy that,” Capito said.
But some Republicans think Democrats are not focusing on the right concerns.
“They can’t even make sure that that person answers questions on how she would define a woman or when life begins,” Rep. Fred Keller (R-Penn.)
Keller believes Democrats are prioritizing their self-interests.
“What they’re doing is quite frankly a political stunt, rather than good government,” Keller said.
If passed, all nine justices are required to follow these new standards.
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https://www.wane.com/news/washington-dc/congressional-democrats-push-new-bill-to-set-ethics-standards-on-supreme-court/
| 2022-04-08T20:19:25
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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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TIJUANA (Border Report) — Inna Levien has been driving from Orange County down to Tijuana almost on a daily basis since last week — that’s a two-hour commute each way not counting the hours spent waiting to cross the border.
She’s been doing it out of love for Ukrainian migrants staying at a shelter in Tijuana.
Levien is coordinating about 40 medical volunteers who are giving up their spare time to perform check-ups and other routine medical services on the immigrants.
“We’re just a group of volunteers who showed up last week knowing there might be some need,” said Levien. “We just want to help and provide comfort and relief and help as much as we can.”
Levien says most migrants are stressed, and their immune systems are compromised.
“We constantly have people, especially kids, with cough problems, trouble breathing, some have forgotten their medications and need refills, or some have just had a procedure done and need a follow-up,” she said.
Levien said some of the most common problems with the migrants are intestinal issues, vomiting, overheating, dehydration and sunburn.
“We even have pregnancies but if we see complications we expedite that person through the border,” she said.
Levien says the volunteer medical staff puts in long hours to the point of exhaustion.
“We even had one person who experienced a panic attack, we are working so hard that at the end of the day we just collapse.”
Levien said they will continue working at the shelter as long as it remains open.
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https://www.cenlanow.com/border-report-tour/medical-personnel-volunteer-care-to-ukrainian-migrants/
| 2022-04-08T20:21:41
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ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks today announced they have converted the contract of guard Skylar Mays from a two-way to a standard NBA contract.
Mays has appeared in 27 games (five starts) for the Hawks this season, averaging 3.0 points in 8.1 minutes (.500 FG%, .889 FT%). In eight starts with the College Park Skyhawks of the NBA G League this season, he averaged 18.0 points, 4.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 33.6 minutes (.456 FG%, .341 3FG%, .947 FT%).
Drafted in the second round (50th overall) by the Hawks in the 2020 NBA Draft, Mays played in 33 games as a rookie with Atlanta in 2020-21, putting up 3.8 points and 1.1 rebounds in 8.2 minutes (.449 FG%, .350 3FG%, .880 FT%).
A native of Baton Rouge, LA, Mays attended LSU and became the first player in school history to record at least 1,600 points, 400 rebounds, 300 assists and 200 steals. A summa cum laude graduate with a degree in kinesiology, Mays was a three-time Academic All-American and a two-time SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
(Release via the Atlanta Hawks)
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https://www.cenlanow.com/sports/geaux-nation/atlanta-hawks-pick-up-contract-of-br-native-former-lsu-tiger/
| 2022-04-08T20:21:47
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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A video circulating on social media has grabbed the attention of motorists across New Orleans.
It shows a suspect breaking the window of a pickup truck and proceeding to climb inside. However, seconds later, a big flash of light and smoke sends the unidentified suspect running away fast!
After having his car broken into 6 times in the last 2 months, Brendan Batt decided he had enough and took matters into his own hands. Batt rigged a flashbang.
“This is rigged with a pen and a tripwire so as someone comes and opens the box this pen is going to get pulled, and then, boom! No one is going to get killed or permanently injured from this, but it’s not pleasant and you do not want it to go off anywhere near you,” said Brendan Batt.
Batt built a 12-gauge mini flashbang. He made it with gunpowder and hide the device in his center console. Batt says it is not to injure anyone but to send a message. Batt says car break-ins are a major problem across the city and something needs to be done to stop them.
Already this year, 112 carjackings have been reported here in New Orleans.
Thanks to surveillance footage, Batt says NOPD has received multiple tips on the suspect who broke the window of his Chevy Silverado.
“This is a cheap shot of what people are doing, there is nothing you can do to defend yourself. The guy gleefully skips up to my car, bunny hopping up there like, here we go, who knows what’s in this one, and then he finds out what’s in there is not what he was looking for,” said Batt.
Batt does not encourage other drivers to make flash bangs but hopes more people will install surveillance cameras to help investigators stop car break-ins across the city.
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https://www.cenlanow.com/state-news/caught-on-camera-new-orleans-man-rigs-flashbang-to-blast-car-burglar/
| 2022-04-08T20:21:53
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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.
Smith pre-emptively resigned from the academy last week during the run-up to Friday's meeting and said he would accept any punishment the academy handed down.
Here is the full letter sent by the Academy to its members:
"Open Letter to Our Academy Family
The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.
During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. 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.
Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith's actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. 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.
We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances. We also want to thank our hosts, nominees, presenters and winners for their poise and grace during our telecast.
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. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted.
Thank you,
David Rubin
President
Dawn Hudson
CEO"
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https://www.kgw.com/article/entertainment/events/oscars/letter-from-the-academy-on-will-smith-punishment-oscars-slap/507-165bb4ef-fc66-443a-9661-746bbda54499
| 2022-04-08T20:22:51
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