url stringlengths 45 202 | text stringlengths 310 49k | in_y0 bool 1 class | in_y1 bool 2 classes | category stringclasses 2 values | publisher stringclasses 1 value | crawl_date stringclasses 170 values |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/30/christine-flowers-shame-of-a-nation-was-at-the-oscars-on-sunday/ | There a number of takeaways from Will Smith’s Total Fail. Here they are, in no particular order:
(1) Men who are married to women with whom they maintain an “open marriage” do not need to defend anyone’s “honor.”
(2) Men who are more upset that their wives have been insulted than that they have been, what the Italians call, “cornuti” (you know, the horns) need to discuss it with their therapist.
(3) Men who punch other men, and then apologize to everyone in the world except the guy who was punched, need to discuss it with their backup therapist;
(4) Women who applaud men who use their fists to defend them against insults do not deserve to be defended.
(5) Hollywood actors who give a standing ovation to guys who punch other guys deserve to be punched.
(6) One Black man punching another Black man is not a great way to commemorate the passing of the great Sidney Poitier.
(7) Will Smith has some serious emotional issues that need to be addressed by more than a golden statue.
(8) Those of us who have deep roots in West Philadelphia can be proud of another native son, Oscar winner Questlove.
The above list is not exhaustive, and I’m certain that others have even more incisive observations than the ones I’ve advanced. But I’ve tried to cover the most compelling aspects of Will Smith’s pathetic, unfortunate meltdown at the Oscars.
After we all saw the Overbrook native assaulting comic Chris Rock for making the tasteless but non-lethal jokes about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, there was no lack of opinions. Many agreed with me that Smith was completely at fault. Others thought he was justified as a chivalrous knight protecting the tender sensibilities of his spouse. Some insisted that it was all a fabricated grab for ratings while others still (me included) believed that it was an authentic (and criminally actionable) expression of rage.
I actually don’t think it matters whether the act was staged or spontaneous, though. The street gutter behavior of Will Smith is not the point, even though Chris Rock’s cheek might disagree. What matters to me, and what should matter to you, is the way society reacted to the incident. It was a Rohrshack test of how we look at violence, at sexism, at race, at privilege, at law enforcement and at fidelity. So many things were intertwined in that regrettable moment in L.A. that the punch is almost irrelevant.
The thing I find most troubling is that no one thought to evict Will Smith from the Oscar ceremony, let alone arrest him. It’s unlikely that they would have dared arrest a Black man at the event once dubbed “Oscars So White.” The optics on that would have been somewhere between George Floyd and Jussie Smollett, but it would have been bad. The elders of the Academy Awards did not want to be seen as manhandling a man who just handled another man. And race was absolutely a part of it.
The next thing that angered me, probably as much as the refusal to recognize the criminality of what Smith did, was the archaic idea that a man has the right to “defend his woman” with his fists. For all of our “I am woman, hear me roar” theatrics these days, and for all of the pleas for equality and our veneration of feminist ideals, the fact that there are still people who smile when a man hits another man because the tender feelings of the damsel have been bruised is repellent. It is also a complete and unmistakable negation of the principle of female empowerment.
In other words, if a woman is disrespected, she can deal with it herself. She does not need tuxedoed Mike Tyson wannabee coming to her rescue. We traded our smelling salts for pepper spray, years ago.
And on a much more sobering note, as my friend Joan observed, men defending women has a tragic history, particularly when race is involved. Anyone old enough to remember Emmet Till understands that men have used that “I’m protecting my woman” excuse to commit heinous crimes, and those crimes generally have nothing at all to do with defending the “honor” of the ”ladies.”
Speaking of which, there’s the laughable thought that a woman who has been very open about her alternative version of fidelity should have anyone defending her honor. As Shakespeare wrote, “The purest treasure mortal times afford is spotless reputation, take that away Men are but gilded loan or painted clay…Mine honor is my life; both grow in one, take honor from me and my life is done.” Judging from the way Jada and Will have lived their lives, it’s doubtful a few mean comments from a comedian did any more damage to her reputation.
A friend of mine said that the character of the person being defended should be irrelevant, but I disagree. In order to defend honor, it has to exist. Or to continue with the Shakespearean theme, “methinks they doth protest too much.”
And as if the violence and hypocrisy weren’t enough, the fact that so many people thought this was staged is possibly the saddest thing about the mess. We have become accustomed to fake everything: fake breasts, fake lips, fake meat, fake news, fake marriages, that we are unable to recognize true rage when we see it. There are moments when humans allow ourselves to be possessed by emotion and abandon reason. Since I’ve been trotting out the classic writers in this essay, let me trot out another, Blaise Pascal, who wrote “the heart has its reasons that reason knows nothing of.” I could say that about Will with respect to Jada, but I also think it explains why some people do the things they do: there is no logical explanation. All of those folks on my timeline saying that Will punched Chris for ratings are victims of that sad cynicism.
The saddest part of the whole affair is the disintegration of Philly’s “Fresh Prince.: Where once there was light and energy, enthusiasm and generosity, genius and creation, now there is a man who dissolved in tears on national TV after having punched a man for making a joke. In the moment he should have been celebrating the culmination of a career, he was exposing his inner demons to a cowardly audience of uncaring sycophants.
Shame on him, and on them.
Christine Flowers is an attorney. Her column appears Thursday and Sunday. Email her at cflowers1961@gmail.com. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/biden-oil-move-aims-to-cut-gas-prices-fairly-significantly/ | By ZEKE MILLER and JOSH BOAK
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve for six months, a bid to control energy prices that have spiked after the United States and allies imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
The president said it was not known how much gasoline prices could decline as a result of his move, but he suggested it might be “anything from 10 cents to 35 cents a gallon.” Gas is averaging about $4.23 a gallon, compared with $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA.
“The bottom line is if we want lower gas prices we need to have more oil supply right now,” Biden said. “This is a moment of consequence and peril for the world, and pain at the pump for American families.”
The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing. He said he will invoke the Defense Production Act to encourage the mining of critical minerals for batteries in electric vehicles, part of a broader push to shift toward cleaner energy sources and reduce the use of fossil fuels.
The actions show that oil remains a vulnerability for the U.S. 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.
Tapping the stockpile would create pressures that could reduce oil prices, though Biden has twice ordered releases from the reserves without causing a meaningful shift in oil markets. Biden said Thursday he expects gasoline prices could drop “fairly significantly.”
Part of Biden’s concern is that high prices have not so far coaxed a meaningful jump in oil production. The planned release is a way to increase supplies as a bridge until oil companies ramp up their own production, with administration officials estimating that domestic production will grow by 1 million barrels daily this year and an additional 700,000 barrels daily in 2023.
The markets reacted quickly with crude oil prices dropping about 6% in Thursday trading to roughly $101 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago, with supplies failing to keep up with demand as the world economy has begun to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic. That inflationary problem was compounded by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which created new uncertainties about oil and natural gas supplies and led to retaliatory sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.
Stewart Glickman, an oil analyst for CFRA Research, said the release would bring short-term relief on prices and would be akin to “taking some Advil for a headache.” But markets would ultimately look to see whether, after the releases stop, the underlying problems that led to Biden’s decisions remain.
“The root cause of the headache is probably still going to be there after the medicine wears off,” Glickman said.
Biden has been in talks with allies and partners to join in additional releases of oil, such that the world market will get more than the 180 million barrels total being pledged by the U.S.
Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of that devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That total accounts for about one-fifth of total global consumption of oil.
Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of U.S. usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.
Republican lawmakers have said the problem results from the administration being hostile to oil permits and the construction of new pipelines such as the Keystone XL. Democrats say the country needs to move to renewable energy such as wind and solar that could reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and Putin’s leverage.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., blasted Biden’s action to tap the reserve without first taking steps to increase American energy production, calling it “a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.″
Daines called Biden’s actions “desperate moves″ that avoid what he called the real solution: ”investing in American energy production,″ and getting “oil and gas leases going again.”
The administration says increasing oil output is a gradual process and the release would provide time to ramp up production. It also wants to incentivize greater production by putting fees on unused leases on government lands, something that would require congressional approval.
Oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors than consumers, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59% of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve “capital discipline” amid high prices was the reason they weren’t pumping more, while fewer than 10% blamed government regulation.
In his remarks Thursday, Biden tried to shame oil companies that he said are focused on profits instead of putting out more barrels, saying that adding to the oil supply was a patriotic obligation.
“This is not the time to sit on record profits: It’s time to step up for the good of your country,” the president said.
The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output.
Still, the politics of oil are complicated with industry advocates and environmentalists both criticizing the planned release. Groups such as the American Petroleum Institute want to make drilling easier, while environmental organizations say energy companies should be forced to pay a special tax on windfall profits instead.
The administration in November announced the release of 50 million barrels from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Russia-Ukraine war began, the U.S. and 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.
According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of March 25. After the release, the government would begin to replenish the reserve once prices have sufficiently fallen.
News of the administration’s planning was first reported by Bloomberg.
___
Associated Press writers Alex Veiga, Darlene Superville, Matthew Daly and Michael Balsamo contributed to this report. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/bristol-softball-rallies-past-upper-moreland/ | BRISTOL, Pa. — The Bristol High softball team put on a classic display Thursday of how it’s not how many hits you get, but rather when you get them.
Taking on visiting Upper Moreland, Bristol was able to string seven of its 10 hits together all in the same inning. The result was an eight-run explosion in the fourth and a 10-6 victory that gave it two wins in two games under new coach Dave Chichilitti.
After Bristol opened the scoring in the first on a triple by pitcher Jaidyn Morales-Devine and bunt by Solita Vasquez, Upper Moreland (1-1) rallied to take a 3-1 lead by repeatedly advancing on the bases as numerous pitches got away at the plate.
Everything changed, however, in the fourth as Morales-Devine was able to work her way out of a minor jam and then the Warriors went to work by sending 13 batters to the plate.
Vasquez got the rally started with a lead-off single, followed by an RBI double by Samiyah Bell, who would later add another RBI double in the sixth with a blast to center field to complete the Bristol scoring.
Zoey McElveen singled home the next run and following a single by Camryn Guy and a bases on balls, Jolene Zefferi got a run home by walking with the bases loaded.
Before the inning was over, No. 9 batter Mackenzie Newcomb got a run home, Morales-Devine stroked an RBI single and standout shortstop Taylor McClain smacked a two-run bullet to left field. McElveen drove in the last run of the inning with a sac fly.
Upper Moreland was able to stay in the game behind a two-run homer by pinch hitter Eva Bailey in the fifth, but Morales-Devine gave up only one run in the last two innings to finish with a seven-hitter and her second win of the year.
Bristol was also able to slow down Upper Moreland in the later innings by moving McClain from shortstop to behind the plate.
“We’ll take it,” said Chichilitti. “I’d much rather lose a game like this than beat someone 21-0 and never swing the bat. You saw we’ve got. We can hit the ball a little bit and need to work on our defense.”
Upper Moreland (1-1) 012 021 – 6 7 0 2
Bristol (2-0) 100 801 x – 10 10 1
WP-Devine-Morales. LP-Rizzo. 2B-Bailey (UM), Bell (B) 2. 3B-Woodman (UM), Morales-Devine. HR-Bailey. RBIs: UM-Santry, Walton, Bailey 2, Shaffert. B-Morales-Devine, McClain 2, Vasquez, Bell 2, McElven 2, Zefferi, Newcomb.
Villa Joe Marie 8, Gwynedd-Mercy 4
LOWER GWYNEDD TWP. Pa. — The Jems are now 3-0 after they were able to push across four runs in the top of the 11th inning. Leah Pagano got the pitching with with help from a double by Rebecca Minnichbach and home run by Ally Byrne.
Villa Joe Marie 300 000 000 04 – 8 12 2
Gwynedd-Merch 003 300 000 01 – 4 15 1
WP-Pagano. LP-Seidel. 2B-Minnichbach (VJM). HR-Byrne (VJM). | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/council-prez-demands-trenton-police-director-resign-over-shooting-of-unarmed-black-man/ | TRENTON – The man known as “Officer Friendly” faces not-so-friendly fire from political foes who demanded his resignation Thursday during a rally over a police shooting that paralyzed an unarmed Black man.
Jajuan Henderson, 29, of Burlington County, filed suit in March, claiming he was victimized by four Trenton Police officers who stopped him without probable cause early Feb. 12.
Police-worn body camera footage shows the harrowing encounter, which ends with Officer Michael Gettler opening fire four times on Henderson moments after he attempted to drive off in a parallel-parked Saturn Ion during an encounter around midnight on Centre Street.
Henderson is heard in footage questioning why officers approached his vehicle, saying they did not have reason to stop him.
Attorneys for Henderson, who was left paralyzed from the chest down, claim in a sharply different account in the lawsuit that their client went to the vehicle, belonging to the mother of his child, to retrieve a bottle of iced tea.
And then they claim “jump-out boys,” allegedly in plain clothes and masks appearing like “dangerous criminals from a horror movie,” boxed in his car and escalated the unlawful stop.
The shooting garnered national attention as city leaders and activists gathered outside City Hall on Thursday to call on Mercer County prosecutors to drop remaining charges against Henderson.
He was charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault for allegedly attempting to strike officers with his vehicle, but they were dismissed leaving only counts of resisting and obstruction.
Activists want the U.S. Attorney’s Office to open a separate probe into whether cops violated Henderson’s civil rights during the stop.
A spokesperson for that office didn’t respond to an emailed request for comment.
“The more things change, the more things stay the same,” North Ward council candidate Divine Allah said.
He claimed Trenton cops treated Henderson like a “known savage” rather than a human.
Trenton council president Kathy McBride called for Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson to immediately step down, citing a lack of transparency that “speaks volumes” over the Henderson encounter.
“We are calling for accountability, responsibility and acute justice,” McBride said, “for all persons killed or maimed by Trenton Police. … Our police department needs someone who understands that good law enforcement begins and ends with looking out for the best interests of all people who live within our borders.”
She blamed the retired Trenton Police lieutenant, known as “Officer Friendly,” and former director Sheilah Coley’s successor for “doing very little” to address a steady drumbeat of gun violence, culminating with the recent brutal killing of 9-year-old Sequoya Bacon-Jones.
Trenton suffered back-to-back years with 40 homicides, an all-time record eclipsing previous bloody highs.
McBride said afterward that legislators already issued the police director a disciplinary Rice notice. They’ll commence removal proceedings at their next meeting if Wilson doesn’t “do the right thing” and resign by Friday.
Wilson didn’t respond to a phone call seeking comment. But his boss, Mayor Reed Gusciora, said it was “irresponsible” for the council president to blame Wilson for the Henderson shooting while prosecutors continue the use-of-force investigation.
“At least he’s trying,” Gusciora said of Wilson. “At the end of the day, this is her creating havoc.”
City leaders and advocates said the police shooting of Henderson was proof New Jersey needs more oversight of police officers.
West Ward councilwoman Robin Vaughn called for New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin to charge the four Trenton officers involved in the Henderson shooting.
The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the officers’ conduct because of a conflict with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Last week, the office released body-camera footage, from the four officers’ points of view, depicting the encounter with Henderson.
Vaughn called for installation of a state monitor to oversee Trenton Police, which has been at the center of several police brutality complaints over the years, including last year’s in-custody death of Stephen Dolceamore of Pennsylvania following an encounter at a city hospital.
His family has sued TPD after a coroner ruled his death a homicide from a combination of methamphetamine intoxication with physical restraint and chest wall restriction.
“Clean up this undemocratic, unconstitutional mess,” Vaughn said.
Larry Hamm of the People’s Organization for Progress said thousands of Americans, many Black and Latino, suffered similar fates as Henderson at the hands of rogue cops.
Chanting “no justice no peace, no racist police,” he called on lawmakers to enact sweeping reforms, including ending qualified immunity, that, he said, would bring more accountability to New Jersey police departments.
And he urged Trentonians not to allow Henderson’s family to “fight this battle alone.”
“We have to get these killer cops out,” he said. “What happened to Jajaun was an outrage. Your job is not to give someone a behind whooping.”
Footage Released
The four videos, spanning roughly six minutes apiece, pick up with officers, in black tactical uniforms with “police” logos, surrounding Henderson’s vehicle.
They tell Henderson to roll down his window and ask for his license, registration and proof of insurance, while shining flashlights into the front and back seats of his vehicle.
Henderson searches pants pockets and reaches around the car, and into the glove compartment, as if he’s looking for driving credentials, the footage shows.
An officer says it appears Henderson “doesn’t have” the documents and might “try to take off.”
Officers order Henderson out of the car but he refuses, and questions why cops rolled up on him in the first place. He tells them they don’t have probable cause for the stop.
“If you don’t step out of the car, I’m gonna break the window and get you out of the car, OK. You got one more warning, OK?” one cop says, while another tells Henderson to “stop reaching behind the f***ing seat.”
“You’re gonna make this more difficult than it’s gotta be?” an officer says.
Henderson is told he’s under arrest for obstruction as a cop repeatedly strikes his window with what appears to be the butt of a flashlight.
Henderson protests and then screams as glass shatters and hits him in the face.
Then he throws the vehicle into drive and accelerates forward, striking a parked vehicle, tires screeching. He rapidly backs up into a second car, as officers step back, standing off to the side of the Saturn Ion.
Gettler fires four shots, and the car comes to a stop. Officers pull Henderon from the car and render first aid.
A cop tells colleagues to search Henderson for weapons as they perform chest compressions. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/hilltown-woman-accused-of-killing-longtime-partner-keeping-body-wrapped-in-bedroom/ | HILLTOWN — A 48-year-old Hilltown woman was charged March 30 with homicide and abuse of a corpse after investigators said she shot and killed her longtime partner, kept the body wrapped up in a bedroom for almost two weeks and had a hole dug at the couple’s home to bury the man.
Following a preliminary arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Regina Armitage, New Britain, Anna Maria Tolomello was taken to Bucks County Correctional Facility with bail denied, court information shows.
Tolomello is accused of killing 65-year-old Giovanni Gallina at the couple’s home on Limekiln Pike in the Chalfont section of Hilltown, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office said on crimewatchpa.com. The pair were the owners of Pina’s Pizza in New Britain, the D.A.’s Office said.
On the “Remembering Giovanni Gallina” GoFundMe page, Gallina was remembered as a friend of many, father of three and grandfather of two.
“‘The Boss’ was a good man that was tough on the outside but loving on the inside. He helped many people in need, including myself, and I will forever be grateful. I can write pages about this man’s impact on so many people. He was a funny, kind-hearted and good person all around,” Pris Castrejon, who started the page, wrote.
The investigation began after Gallina’s son, who lives in Italy, reported on March 29 that he spoke almost every day by phone with his father, but had not been able to reach him since March 16 or 17 and that Tolomello, Gallina’s common-law wife, would only say that Gallina was away on business, according to information in the criminal complaint.
Tolomello, who had not reported that Gallina was missing, had hired someone to dig a hole in the driveway of their home that was seven feet long, three feet wide and three feet deep, investigators said. She said she would fill the hole herself and have it covered with blacktop, investigators said.
She had also asked someone else for advice on removing the odor of a skunk, investigators said.
When the Hilltown Township Police and Bucks County District Attorney’s Office went to the home with a search warrant on March 29, Tolomello said she knew why they were there and that she had shot Tolomello in self-defense, the criminal complaint says. She later told officers she shot Gallina in his left temple while he was strangling her on the evening of March 16, investigators said.
She said he was “wrapped up” in a bedroom, police said.
On March 30, a large bundle wrapped in a blue tarp and comforter and containing the body of an adult male wrapped in bedclothes that were saturated in blood and the head covered with a black plastic garbage bag was removed from the home, investigators said.
Tolomello initially said the hole she had hired the person to dig was to bury a dog, but later said it was for Gallina’s body, investigators said. She also said the reason she had asked about ways of masking skunk odor was to cover the odor of Gallina’s decomposing body, investigators said.
Tolomello said she had taken the bloody mattress Gallina was lying on to the pizza business where she put the mattress in the dumpster, investigators said. She said she wiped down the gun and the nightstand from which she took it to remove fingerprints, along with disposing of the spent shell casing and remaining unspent casings, investigators said. The Smith & Wesson .38-caliber revolver was in a car in the home’s driveway, investigators said.
The investigation was conducted by Detective Louis Bell and Sgt. Timothy Murphy of the Hilltown Township Police Department and Detective Eric Landamia of the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, the D.A.’s Office said. Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Rees and Assistant District Attorney Jose Perez are the prosecuting attorneys, the D.A.’s Office said. Court information did not list an attorney for Tolomello as of March 30. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/hs-baseball-preview-allentown-returns-to-cvc-valley-division-battle/ | When Steinert moved up into the Colonial Division, Allentown moved back down to the Valley Division of the Colonial Valley Conference.
In baseball, that’s a fairly even trade, which figures to have the Redbirds battling Robbinsville, Hopewell Valley and Hamilton West for the 2022 Valley title.
A’town will have 12 players back from its 15-5 team which advanced to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III semifinals a year ago. Seniors Mike Timberlake (right-handed pitcher/first baseman), Mike Doran (right-handed pitcher/infielder) and Baden Delaney (infielder) will headline a squad which will need to make up for the nine mound wins lost when Dan Merkel, Joe Dimino and Justin Marcario graduated last season.
“We’ve got to do a lot of things better,” said 17th-year head coach Brian Nice, whose team spent part of its preseason at the Myrtle Beach, S.C. Ripken complex. “We’re inexperienced, so there’s a lot of competition for jobs. We have a solid, deep pitching staff. That will help.”
Robbinsville, which went 12-5 last spring, climbs to Central Jersey Group III status this year. With 12 players returning, including senior outfielders Tyler Provost and Jason Gallucci, senior righty pitcher/infielder Connor Stachowski, senior infielder Uriel Sanchez and senior first baseman Anthony Ziliani, fourth-year head coach Mike Kinsella’s squad plans to be in the Valley Division race.
“This is a super intense group,” said Kinsella, who bulked up his team’s schedule to prepare it for the challenge. “We’re going to be able to hit. Our issue will be seeing if our young pitchers can give us enough.”
Hopewell Valley won the Colonial Valley Conference Tournament last season when that filled in for the Mercer County Tournament, which returns this spring. Eleven players are back from Hopewell’s 2021 team.
Catcher Michael Boyer, outfielder/left-handed pitcher Dylan Eng, infielder/right-handed pitcher Chris Tobia, and outfielders/right-handed pitchers Jared Greenzang and Jake Lengle highlight a 13-member senior class which wants to do even better than last year’s 12-10 finish.
“I think our strength is our pitching. It will definitely be our strong suit,” said 18th-year head coach Ken Harrison, whose team just returned Wednesday from its preseason trip to Orlando, Fla. “We have a handful of players who are new, but even some of them have varsity experience.”
The Bulldogs and Hamilton West played an eight-inning classic in the Central Jersey Group III Tournament last spring before the Hornets moved on to the sectional semifinals with a 2-1 victory.
Hamilton’s fifth-year head coach Mike Moceri Jr. saw 12 players graduate from that 16-6 team of a year ago, but the Hornets still have the talent to keep them on top with senior returnees like righty pitcher/outfielder Dylan Parsons, catcher Nate Mains, utility man Ryan Marino, righty pitcher/first baseman Patrick McAuliffe and infielder/righty pitcher Michael Drosos among their 10 upperclassmen.
“We are going to turn to our returning pitchers (Parsons and junior southpaw Mark Meara) for leadership on the mound, and our returning catcher (Mains) for leadership behind the plate,” said Moceri, whose team was the Valley Division’s last champion, back in 2019. “Those three guys are going to have to set the tone and lead by example. There will be opportunities for new faces to make a name for themselves. We know we will get stronger as the season progresses, and our new faces gain experience.”
Lawrence High and Nottingham High won eight games last year and want to get into the Valley uprising this spring despite still having relatively young squads.
Seventh-year head coach Andrew Septer’s Cardinals will look to seniors Dhruv Indelicato (right-handed pitcher/outfielder), Ryan Willever (infielder/right-handed pitcher), Tyler Van Hise (catcher) and Zach Berardi (outfield) to keep their less experienced teammates on course as they try to go out with a flourish.
“I’ve also been impressed with some of our younger guys,” Septer said. “Right now, it’s about everybody getting confidence and being out there consistently.”
Third-year Northstars head coach Charlie Iacono will rely upon seniors Tyler Dunmeyer, a lefty pitcher/first baseman; Cesar Camacho, an outfielder; and Ryan Applegate, a righty pitcher/outfielder, to lead an otherwise young club. Yet, as Nottingham showed last spring when it was the king of upsets, this team has talent, no matter what age.
“We’ve got some solid pitching, so we should be all right,” Iacono said. “We need to work on our offense, our defense and limit our strikeouts at the plate. There were too many times when we didn’t put the ball in play last season.”
Ewing High was another team which improved in 2021 and wants to keep it going.
The senior class of catcher Austin Hill, right-handed pitcher/third baseman Dom Yarson, shortstop/right-handed pitcher Ryan Leary, first baseman Kenric Davis, infielder/outfielder Jordan Everett and outfielder Andrew Salmon would like to help the 2022 Blue Devils come away with even more than four wins.
“We’re seeing spurts of improvement,” said eighth-year head coach Dave Angebranndt, whose team came close to pulling off a pair of CVC Tournament upsets last season. “There’s more chemistry and more competitiveness among them. If we start doing the little things right, we can be more consistent.”
ALLENTOWN
Head Coach — Brian Nice (17th season).
Assistant Coaches — Kevin Tylus, Justin Coecliff, Jose Vera, Gerry Gomez.
Last Season — 15-5 overall, 11-3 CVC, CVC Tournament semifinalist, NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III Tournament semifinalist, No. 4 in Trentonian Top 12.
Roster — Mike Timberlake (Sr., RHP/1B), Mike Doran (Sr., RHP/IF), Baden Delaney (Sr., IF), Devin Nitschmann (Sr., RHP), Dean Mitchell (Sr., IF), Joe Butera (Sr., C), Frank Marra (Sr., IF), Chase Williams (Sr., OF), Jake Sacco (Sr., RHP/OF), Alex Bischoff (Jr., C/OF), Antonio Dominici (Jr., IF), Bryce Berrien (Jr., RHP/3B), Slade Harrill (Jr., LHP/OF), Scott Bruett (Jr., RHP/IF), Eddie Werse (So., LHP/OF/1B), Jack Sweeney (So., OF), Matt Acquaviva (So., RHP/IF), Luke Wiedau (So., RHP), J.D. Alster (So., LHP/OF/1B), J.C. Laquara (So., C/1B), Anthony Lino (So., C).
Outlook — The Redbirds graduated eight players and have 12 returning. The biggest difference for A’town this season will be varsity experience, but don’t be surprised if this club turns out to be very good.
EWING
Head Coach — Dave Angebranndt (eighth season).
Assistant Coaches — Ryan O’Donnell, Brian Dudeck, Billy Meyer.
Last Season — 4-13 overall, 4-10 CVC.
Roster — Austin Hill (Sr., C), Dom Yarson (Sr., RHP/3B), Ryan Leary (Sr., SS/RHP), Kenric Davis (Sr., 1B), Jordan Everett (Sr., IF/OF), Andrew Salmon (Sr., OF), Kenny Rankin (Jr., OF/RHP), Zaire Lowe (Jr., OF/RHP), Chris Salmon (So., OF/C), Collin Elam (So., RHP/IF), Lorenzo Petrone (So., IF/RHP), Keith Lesko (So., IF), Connor Greig (So., LHP), Joey Andreas (Fr., C/IF), Jacob Mignogna (Fr., IF), Connor Lane (Fr., IF).
Outlook — The Blue Devils had five players graduate and have eight more returning. Ewing showed improvement last season; the nucleus is there for that trend to continue with hard work throughout lineup.
HAMILTON WEST
Head Coach — Mike Moceri Jr. (fifth season).
Assistant Coaches — Matt Mayo, Jim Maher, Tim Kline, Mark Pienciak Jr., Jon Iorio.
Last Season — 16-6 overall, 12-4 CVC, NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III Tournament semifinalist, No. 3 in Trentonian Top 12.
Roster — Dylan Parsons (Sr., RHP/OF), Nate Mains (Sr., C), Ryan Marino (Sr., UTL), Patrick McAuliffe (Sr., RHP/1B), Michael Drosos (Sr., IF/RHP), Dominick Costantino (Sr., IF), Steven Leonardo (Sr., OF), Jason Ferdetta (Sr., OF), John Murray (Sr., C), Andy Figueroa (Sr., OF), Mark Meara (Jr., LHP/OF), Robert Reyes (Jr., RHP), Ryan Payne (Jr., IF), Adrian Byra (Jr., 1B), Jayden Jennings (Fr., IF), Derek Anson (Fr., OF/LHP), Triston Bonilla (Fr., 1B/LHP), Peter Lanausse (Fr., OF/RHP), Andrew Maddalena (Fr., LHP).
Outlook — The Hornets graduated a 12-member senior class, including six starters, which leaves a lot of room for new players to step in. Even if it takes longer to get there, Hamilton will peak by season’s end.
HOPEWELL VALLEY
Head Coach — Ken Harrison (18th season).
Assistant Coaches — John Capuano, John Ronaghan, Dan Balog, Frank Lovero, Ken Ridge, Chase Vena.
Last Season — 12-10 overall, 7-9 CVC, CVC Tournament champion, No. 6 in Trentonian Top 12.
Roster — Michael Boyer (Sr., C), Dylan Eng (Sr., OF/LHP), Jake Lengle (Sr., OF/RHP), Jared Greenzang (Sr., RHP/OF), Chris Tobia (Sr., IF/RHP), Jeff Petrozzini (Sr., RHP/1B), Cole Beck (Sr., C/OF), Chris DelVecchio (Sr., OF), Kolton Moyer (Sr., RHP), Hunter Kochersperger (Sr., LHP), Tyler Hersh (Sr., IF), Austin Martorana (Sr., IF/RHP), Ben Perrino (Sr., IF), Lucas Henderson (Jr., RHP/IF), Tyler Ottobre (Jr., C/1B), Tim McKeown (Jr., RHP/IF), Alex Helmrich (Jr., RHP/IF), Jayden Shin (So., IF/RHP), Jeffrey Blake (So., IF/RHP), Branyan Hoppe (So., C/OF), Blake Echternacht (Fr., RHP/IF).
Outlook — The Bulldogs graduated nine, yet still have 11 players returning. A deep senior class will be counted on to lead the team’s younger players as Hopewell again tries to make a mark on the CVC.
LAWRENCE
Head Coach — Andrew Septer (seventh season).
Assistant Coaches — Jason Zegarski, Ryan Kmiec.
Last Season — 8-13 overall, 8-10 CVC.
Roster — Dhruv Indelicato (Sr., RHP/OF), Ryan Willever (Sr., IF/RHP), Tyler Van Hise (Sr., C), Zach Berardi (Sr., OF), Ben Pawlak (Jr., OF/RHP), Giovanni Brogle (Jr., IF/OF/RHP), Jonathan Gorden (Jr., OF/RHP), Vikram Siva (Jr., UTL), Rohun Kaistha (Jr., RHP/IF), Colin Pecht (Jr., OF), Ryan Fobare (Jr., OF), Robert Kelly (So., IF/RHP), Kellen Moore (So., RHP/C), Daniel Dryzga (So., IF/RHP), Riley Rivera (So., IF), Tobie Mitchell (So., OF), Matt Glospie (So., IF), Connor Crowley (Fr., RHP/IF), Dayne Bates (Fr., IF/RHP), Teak Toto (Fr., IF/RHP).
Outlook — The Cardinals graduated four, had a few not return, yet have enough talent back and coming in to improve. Lawrence’s hitters, pitchers and defense will need to be more consistent to climb in CVC.
NOTTINGHAM
Head Coach — Charlie Iacono (third season).
Assistant Coaches — Rob Nosari, Brian Emerson, Brad Harris, Michael Suosso.
Last Season — 8-11 overall, 5-9 CVC.
Roster — Tyler Dunmeyer (Sr., LHP/1B), Cesar Camacho (Sr., OF), Ryan Applegate (Sr., RHP/OF), Aidan Scannon (Jr., RHP/IF), Darren Johnson (Sr., IF/OF), Rushil Shah (Sr., IF), Tyler Weniger (Jr., RHP/IF), Alexys Rodriguez (Jr., RHP/IF), Jordan Raba (So., SS), Chris Babkowski (So., C/RHP), Matt Juliano (So., OF/RHP), Dan Leon (So., C/IF), Mike Septak (So., IF/RHP), Aidan Cavanaugh (So., IF/RHP).
Outlook — The Northstars saw five players graduate and have nine back, yet they’re still a relatively young team. Despite inexperience, Nottingham is dangerous with the pitching and talent to beat anyone.
ROBBINSVILLE
Head Coach — Mike Kinsella (fourth season).
Assistant Coaches — Jerry Chmielewski, Joe Washington Jr., Gregg Lerner.
Last Season — 12-5 overall, 9-3 CVC, No. 7 in Trentonian Top 12.
Roster — Tyler Provost (Sr., OF), Connor Stachowski (Sr., RHP/IF), Jason Gallucci (Sr., OF), Anthony Ziliani (Sr., 1B), Uriel Sanchez (Sr., IF), Christian Yoo (Jr., RHP/IF), Brody Patterson (Jr., RHP/IF), Noah Oliva (Jr., RHP/IF), Ryan Dziedzic (Jr., OF), Niko Johnston (Jr., RHP), Luke Billings (So., SS/OF/RHP), Dylan Carmignani (So., C), Grayson Hopkins (So., OF), Hayden Perusich (Fr., IF/RHP), Chris Naperkowski (Fr., C), Noah Schwartz (Fr., LHP/OF).
Outlook — The Ravens graduated six for a second straight year. With 12 players returning, including some of the CVC’s best hitters, R’ville should be good again as long as more pitchers step forward. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/hs-baseball-preview-steinert-rejoins-cvc-colonial-division-race/ | Steinert High’s baseball team moved back to the Colonial Division of the Colonial Valley Conference in 2021, but, because there was no divisional play in the conference last year on the heels of the coronavirus pandemic, few may have realized that.
With divisions set once again when the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletics Association’s 2022 spring sports season begins Friday, the Spartans are primed to challenge Notre Dame, Hightstown, Princeton and West Windsor-Plainsboro South for the Colonial crown. Steinert visits the Tigers at 4 p.m. on opening day.
Coming off a 14-7 campaign in which it went extra innings with Hopewell Valley in the CVC Tournament title game (which was played in place of the Mercer County Tournament a year ago), head coach Brian Giallella’s squad returns 14 players and has nine seniors ready to do battle with the best of them.
With infielders Joey Gmitter, Evan Bresnen, Dylan Pope and Christian Barbato, catcher Joe Giori, outfielder Chris Nodeland and right-handed pitchers Vaughn Belford, Matt Dziubek and Noah Rivera, Steinert has a strong team with just its seniors, but there is plenty of up-and-coming talent which will be added to the mix.
“We have veteran pitching. That’s important,” said Giallella, who is entering his 20th season as the Spartans’ head coach. “I think we have the makings of a good team, but we’re not there yet. I tell the players they have a lot of room for growth.”
Head coach Joe Drulis’ Irish are equally eager to show how good they can be after going 9-8 a year ago when they also had a wealth of talent. With 17 returnees and nine seniors, Notre Dame figures to battle for the Colonial title it won in 2019.
With proven veterans like middle infielders Jackson Wargo and Dylan Palmer, righty pitcher/third baseman/first baseman Ryan Mignogna and righty pitcher/outfielder Matt Amoroso to lead a team with talent in every class, ND can never be counted out.
“At Notre Dame High School, we always have lofty goals to be successful,” said Drulis, who is in his 21st season as Irish skipper. “We will improve in the pitching department as the season progresses into May and June and improve as a team as well.”
Arguably the best battery in the CVC will take the field every time Hightstown senior right-hander Aaron Winzinger and his classmate, catcher Sean Kane, head out there for the Rams. Though, with only four other seniors, head coach Chris Knott’s team is noticeably inexperienced.
“They’re young, but they’re coming together,” said fourth-year head coach Knott, whose team went 12-5 last spring. “Our numbers are down, so, right now, there’s a big experience gap.”
Princeton and WW-P South are hoping their sizeable senior classes will help each stay in the Colonial hunt.
The Tigers went 11-9 in 2021 and have 12 players back, plus 14 seniors on their roster. That top class is chock full of talent with catcher Carl Birge, right-handed pitchers/utility players Kenny Schiavone and Connor McDowell, outfielders Jensen Bergman and Aiden Castillo, plus a trio of Petrones – infielder Drew, right-handed pitcher/first baseman Jaxon and outfielder/right-handed pitcher James.
“We have higher expectations for all of them this season,” fourth-year head coach Dom Capuano said. “We can’t be satisfied with last year. Everybody’s got to be pushing forward. We need to keep getting better and hold ourselves to a higher standard.”
Third-year Pirates head coach Justin Ely has 11 returning players and nine seniors. After going 8-10 last season, WW-P South is counting on seniors like third baseman/righty pitcher Josh Raeter, righty pitcher/utility man Caleb Kasof, shortstop/third baseman Luis Saldivia and first baseman/righty pitcher Owen McCarron to drive their teammates toward an even better finish.
“I think we look pretty sharp right now,” Ely said. “If there’s one thing the team is still working on, it’s attention to detail. We’re trying to get them to stay focused; stay on the main course. That will be our guiding light or our demise.”
Trenton High and West Windsor-Plainsboro High North will each have new head coaches this spring. Ariel Rivera will lead the Tornadoes, and Rob Kinloch moves from assistant to head coach of the Northern Knights.
Trenton was winless a year ago, so it will count on senior returnees like Jonathan Rodriguez, Jermaine Tillery, Christian Rivera and Pedro Santos to help change its fortunes. Tillery, Rivera and Santos either pitch or play in the field. Rodriguez catches.
“We have a lot of newcomers, so we have to get them to play and work together,” said Rivera, who played for Vic Napolitano at Pennsbury High. “We’re looking to our seniors to instill a good work ethic in everyone else.”
WW-P North won two games in 2021 and needs seniors like catcher Kole Dispensiere, third baseman/right-handed pitcher John Pacifico, outfielder Ben Knepper and all-purpose player Chris Cordasco to get their less experienced mates to strive for more.
“This year’s going to be all about our mentality. The main focus for the program is to stay positive,” Kinloch said. “We’re going to be relying on our experience since we’re returning pretty much every starter. They’ll be the anchors for our team.”
HIGHTSTOWN
Head Coach — Chris Knott (fourth season).
Assistant Coaches — Vince Colucci, Ryan Kent, Dave Gorner, Ed Horowitz.
Last Season — 12-5 overall, 10-3 CVC, CVC Tournament semifinalist, No. 5 in Trentonian Top 12.
Roster — Aaron Winzinger (Sr., RHP/OF/1B), Sean Kane (Sr., C), Christopher Drews (Sr., OF/RHP), Vincent Bibbens (Sr., 1B), William Valera (Sr., OF), Yogi Ratanpara (Sr., LHP/OF/1B), Derek Geissel (Jr., RHP/IF), Eric McMahon (Jr., OF/1B), James Wauters (So., RHP/1B), Raymond Valentino (So., RHP/OF/3B), Evan Cepeda (So., 2B/SS), Ben Ng (So., 2B), Cole Vinson (Fr., OF), Gordan Klim (Fr., 2B/SS).
Outlook — The Rams graduated 10 players and hope to continue last year’s success, but will have to do so with six returnees. The main battery remains strong, which should help the younger players get better.
NOTRE DAME
Head Coach — Joe Drulis (21st season).
Assistant Coaches — Bill Romano, Bob Reilly, Charlie Battis, Rich Carabelli, Bo Burrows, Gary Conover, Bob “Duke” DeLuca, Patrick Clancy.
Last Season — 9-8 overall, 8-6 CVC, No. 11 in Trentonian Top 12.
Roster — Jackson Wargo (Sr., SS/2B/OF), Dylan Palmer (Sr., 2B/SS/RHP), Ryan Mignogna (Sr., RHP/3B/1B), Matt Amoroso (Sr., RHP/OF), Brian Hough (Sr., C/3B/1B), Nate Duff (Sr., OF), Nick Blotto (Sr., 1B/OF), Alex Marino (Sr., 1B/RHP), Caleb Kempler (Sr., OF/RHP), Brendan Buecker (Jr., C/3B/2B/OF), Luke Foley (Jr., LHP/OF), Lance Eilbacher (Jr., OF/2B), Logan Eilbacher (Jr., C/OF), Jack Hughes (Jr., 1B), David Olenchalk (Jr., RHP/OF), Brett Spearnock (Jr., RHP/C/3B/OF), Jack Madigan-Green (Jr., LHP/1B/OF), A.J. Surace (So., 1B/OF), Jack Saker (So., C/1B/OF), Justin Prekop (So., LHP/OF), Chase Burrows (So., LHP/OF), Dom Vizzoni (So., RHP/IF), Nate Jones (So., RHP/2B/SS), Tristan Stephenson (So., RHP/1B/SS/OF), T.J. Magliozzo (So., SS/2B/OF).
Outlook — With six players having graduated, the Irish have 17 returning, which should keep them solid. Defense and speed will keep ND in games, but pitchers will need to prove themselves on varsity level.
PRINCETON
Head Coach — Dom Capuano (fourth season).
Assistant Coaches — Scott Goldsmith, Benito Gonzalez.
Last Season — 11-9 overall, 9-7 CVC.
Roster — Carl Birge (Sr., C), Drew Petrone (Sr., IF), Jaxon Petrone (Sr., RHP/1B), James Petrone (Sr., OF/RHP), Kenny Schiavone (Sr., RHP/UTL), Connor McDowell (Sr., RHP/UTL), Aiden Castillo (Sr., OF/C), Jensen Bergman (Sr., OF), Peter Hare (Sr., RHP/UTL), Theo Steiger (Sr., IF), Zach Okoye (Sr., IF/RHP), Massimo Mazzucci (Sr., OF), Tyler DiNoia (Sr., RHP), Jake Zuckerman (Sr., RHP/IF), Wes Price (Jr., RHP), Jon Tao (Jr., RHP/OF), Jack Durbin (Jr., IF), Alex Winters (So., OF), Dylan Newman (So., IF/RHP), Michael Prete (Fr., 1B/LHP).
Outlook — The Tigers had three graduate and have 12 players back, including standout catcher Birge. Seven of the returnees pitch, including five seniors, which should make Princeton tough to beat.
STEINERT
Head Coach — Brian Giallella (20th season).
Assistant Coaches — Rick Freeman, Mike Hastings, Mike Santoro, Mike Szczepanski, Matt Moticha.
Last Season — 14-7 overall, 11-5 CVC, CVC Tournament runner-up, No. 8 in Trentonian Top 12.
Roster — Joey Gmitter (Sr., 1B), Joe Giori (Sr., C), Evan Bresnen (Sr., IF), Vaughn Belford (Sr., RHP), Dylan Pope (Sr., IF), Chris Nodeland (Sr., OF), Noah Rivera (Sr., RHP), Matt Dziubek (Sr., RHP), Christian Barbato (Sr., IF), Braedan Nitti (Jr., OF), Colin James (Jr., RHP), Ryan Tash (Jr., IF), Jake Pope (Jr., IF), Ryan Everett (Jr., OF), Danny Maher (Jr., OF), Jack Lambert (Jr., IF), Avery Cannato (So., RHP), Joe Loreti (So., RHP), Andrew Condurso (So., C), Mason Waznis (So., C), Christian Finacchio (So., OF), Jack Gill (So., IF).
Outlook — The Spartans graduated nine, but have 14 players back, looking to continue their strong tradition. Even with a move up to the Colonial Division, Steinert has the tools to challenge for a title.
TRENTON
Head Coach — Ariel Rivera (first season).
Assistant Coaches — Jason Regotts, Branford Colvin, Robert Prunetti Jr.
Last Season — 0-14 overall, 0-14 CVC.
Roster — Jonathan Rodriguez (Sr., C), Jermaine Tillery (Sr., IF/OF/RHP), Christian Rivera (Sr., IF/RHP), Pedro Santos (Sr., OF/LHP), Julian Heredia (Sr., IF), Jose Rodriguez-Zabala (Sr., IF), Mekhi Ward (Sr., IF), Jordany Corcino (Sr., RHP/OF), Hector Oliveras (Sr., C), Hector Contreras (Sr., IF/OF/RHP), Jean Felix (Jr., OF/LHP), Calvin Moore (Jr., OF/IF), Anyory Jimenez (Jr., IF/RHP), Jeam Taylor (So., OF), Carmelo Acevedo (So., IF/RHP).
Outlook — Rivera takes over for Paul Ash after 13 seasons at the helm. The Tornadoes saw three players graduate, leaving them eight returnees to lead the squad as it strives to begin improving.
WW-P NORTH
Head Coach — Rob Kinloch (first season).
Assistant Coaches — Chris Barbieri, Nick Tabernero.
Last Season — 2-15 overall, 2-13 CVC.
Roster — Kole Dispensiere (Sr., C), John Pacifico (Sr., 3B/RHP), Ben Knepper (Sr., OF), Chris Cordasco (Sr., SS/2B/OF/RHP), Paul Rizzo (Sr., OF), Mike Wojtenko (Sr., 1B/DH), Matt Chi (Jr., OF/C), Robert Rossi (Jr., SS/2B/OF/RHP), Daylend Wallace (Jr., 3B/RHP), Jahan Kulkarni (So., 1B/RHP), Anthony Vilardi (So., IF), Jeter Silvestri (So., IF), Adithya Ravisankar (So., OF/RHP), Conor Sattirjau (Fr., RHP/OF), Zach Owens (Fr., C/IF), Evan Knepper (Fr., IF).
Outlook — Kinloch takes over for Gary Gottlob after two years at the helm. The Northern Knights graduated four, had one transfer and another not return, but still have 11 back to keep the team growing.
WW-P SOUTH
Head Coach — Justin Ely (third season).
Assistant Coaches — Chris Gero, Joe Gambino.
Last Season — 8-10 overall, 7-8 CVC.
Roster — Josh Raeter (Sr., 3B/RHP), Caleb Kasof (Sr., RHP/UTL), Luis Saldivia (Sr., SS/3B), Owen McCarron (Sr., 1B/RHP), A.J. Friedman (Sr., OF/RHP), Dylan Elias (Sr., UTL), Cooper Dey (Sr., C), Nicholas Schultz (Sr., OF), Lewen Sun (Sr., OF), Jason Carroll (Jr., OF/LHP), Quinn Ferri (Jr., OF/LHP), Daniel Hu (Jr., IF), Kai Hanson (Jr., 1B), Rishi Bajaj (So., IF), Devin Singh (So., LHP), Andrew Pearson (So., C), Bennett Siegel (Fr., OF/RHP).
Outlook — The Pirates had five graduate, leaving 11 returning players, which should help the team continue to climb this season. With its strong senior class, WW-P South could be a dark horse in the CVC race. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/janet-wide-awake-will-open-eyes-about-city-education-champions-l-a-parker-column/ | The world-famous Trenton Makes The World Takes motto has lost luster, this capital city remains crucial to U.S. history.
In December, 1776, The Battle of Trenton, won when General George Washington’s army defeated a garrison of Hessians set the stage for another success at Princeton a weekend later, turned the tide and improved morale of Continental soldiers.
Almost two centuries later, Trenton became a battleground for civil rights and equality as two city mothers revolted against segregation of schools.
While February allows for Black History Month, the story of Gladys Hedgepeth and Berline Williams should be learned and taught as part of city school curriculum year-round.
Hedgepeth and Williams challenged the Trenton school formerly known as Junior High No. 2 and its policy of segregation after their children were not admitted due to their race.
After a historic legal battle, the New Jersey Supreme Court struck down the widespread practice of segregation in New Jersey public schools. This case was used as precedence for the U.S. Supreme court case of Brown vs. Board of Education.
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483, stands as a landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that U.S. state laws establishing racial segregation in public schools are unconstitutional, even if the segregated schools are otherwise equal in quality.
The story finds life this weekend as “Janet Wide Awake: The Hedgepeth-Williams Dream” an interesting collaboration between powerful forces, highlights the struggle for integration instead of separate but equal education initiatives.
Over the past six months, Passage Theatre has partnered with Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School of the Arts to complete a residency wherein Passage teaching artists have worked with 17 seventh-grade students to write an original show based on the history of their school and its name.
These students will now join a professional director, actors, designers, and management team to fully mount the production, featuring the students onstage!
The show will reflect both the school’s history and how it affects the students today, as it follows a young girl who, by learning the true story of her school’s past, is empowered to make changes in her present.
Pitched as “Theatre for Families and Young Audiences” the show opened Thursday night at Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School. Performances run through Sunday, April 3.
Written by David Lee White, Richard Bradford, and the students at Hedgepeth-Williams Middle School of the Arts, Janet Wide Awake tabs Andrew Binger as director.
While performances linchpin audiences to the past, discussions after curtains fall provide important conversations. All Theatre For Families and Youth Audiences performances are followed by a talkback with the artists where audience members can ask questions.
These talkbacks are moderated by a nonprofit professional from the community who has in-depth knowledge regarding the topic addressed in the production.
One almost certain topic involves the realization that New Jersey schools rank near the top of our nation’s most-segregated institutions.
Still, hearing an honest assessment of Hedgepeth and Williams may serve as inspiration for city students to understand sacrifices and education battles edged in their behalf.
No matter the setting, who may or may not be in classrooms, education holds the key to positive lifestyles and myriad successes.
Tickets — $25 Adults; $15 Mercer County educators,
$5 Students/Hedgepeth-Williams Families;
Free for Trenton Public School Students at the door.
Thursday, March 31 @ 7:30pm
Friday, April 1 @ 7:30pm*
Saturday, April 2 @ 3pm*
Sunday, April 3 @ 3pm*
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/lindors-spring-power-surge-encouraging-sign-for-mets/ | SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Francisco Lindor wasn’t the franchise-altering shortstop the Mets were hoping for last season.
His performance in this year’s shortened spring training has New York confident better days are coming.
The switch-hitting Lindor has been among the best hitters in the Grapefruit League through two weeks of games, hitting .476 with four homers and 10 RBIs through his first 21 at-bats. It’s the kind of run that was common when the former Cleveland star made four All-Star teams in a row from 2016-19.
The 28-year-old struggled for big chunks of his first season with the Mets after signing a 10-year, $341 million contract, batting just .230 with 20 homers.
“Life was a little faster for me last year,” Lindor said earlier in spring training. “I tried to give it my best, gave it my best and I just wasn’t as productive as I wanted to be.”
The Mets have sky-high expectations once again in 2022, believing Lindor can be a cornerstone for a lineup that includes slugger Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil and newly acquired players like Starling Marte and Mark Canha.
Here are a few other players off to a good start as MLB’s regular season rapidly approaches on April 7:
David Peralta, OF, Diamondbacks: The veteran has been a steady influence in Arizona’s lineup since 2014 but his power has dipped considerably over the past two seasons with 13 homers in a stretch spanning about 700 at-bats. He has four homers in his first 19 spring at-bats in Cactus League play.
Kyle Higashioka, C, Yankees: The sixth-year catcher has slowly worked his way into a bigger role with the Yankees. His ability to hit will probably determine if he ultimately becomes a part-time or full-time option. He showed some pop last year with 10 homers, but hit just .181 in 193 at-bats. He’s off to a good start in the Grapefruit League with a .412 average and four homers.
Mickey Moniak, OF, Phillies: It’s been a tough road to the big leagues for Moniak, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2016 but has spent most of the past seven years in the minors. The 23-year-old has a legit chance to earn a spot on Philadelphia’s opening day roster, especially after three homers in his first 20 spring at-bats.
Max Scherzer, RHP, Mets: He’s now 37 years old but the hard-throwing right hander doesn’t show many signs of slowing. New York added the three-time Cy Young winner during the offseason on a three-year, $130 million deal. He’s already in midseason form in Grapefruit League play, striking out 12 batters in his first 11 innings while giving up just three earned runs.
Sandy Alcantara, RHP, Marlins: The 26-year-old has quietly been among the better pitchers in the National League for three years. He was one of just four MLB pitchers to throw at least 200 innings last season, finishing with 205 2/3 over 33 starts. He looks ready for another big year after giving up just one hit over his first seven innings in the Grapefruit League.
MacKenzie Gore, LHP, Padres: He just turned 23 and has been among the sport’s highest-rated prospects for several years. Now he appears on the verge of breaking into the big leagues, whether it is straight out of spring camp or later this season. He struck out 11 batters through his first nine innings in the Cactus League this spring and has given up just two runs. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/murder-rides-shotgun-with-deja-vu-in-trenton/ | The Village has lost another family, daughter, sister, etc. while yet another alleged teen killer heads to trial.
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri said that 9-year-old Sequoya Bacon-Jones died after being caught in the crossfire stemming from a Facebook back and forth between the sister of alleged triggerman Isiah Roberts and another woman.
Mother Sacha Bacon-Jones referenced her daughter an “embodiment of greatness….“She came into this world fighting, and she left this world fighting.” May we all embody greatness during our lifetimes, even temporarily.
Sequoya Bacon-Jones gained life traction as an overachiever with a love for school and interests in cheerleading, cooking, plus, track and field.
“And now she can’t be because of stupid Facebook stuff,” Sacha Bacon-Jones said during a Wednesday press conference.
“And now all I have are memories I can’t make anymore. And that’s not fair.”
Law enforcement officers joined a chorus that has alarmed for nearly 30 years.
“This awful tragedy needs to be a wake-up call, “ New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said during a news conference. “The community, Trenton, and the state of New Jersey cannot continue to endure these horrors.”
Of course, community, Trenton and New Jersey owns a weary history with murders followed by wakeup calls. We just seem detached from staying woke about violence, murder, guns, education, family and poverty.
Nine-year-old Bacon-Jones leaves as a reminder of our violent city. In fact, almost 16 years to this date, Trenton reeled after 7-year-old Tajahnique Lee had her face and life damaged by bullets fired by rival gang members.
Lee had been out riding her bike on Coolidge Ave. when a bullet ripped through her jaw and severed a portion of her tongue. The Trenton community voiced outrage although police struggled to attract eyewitnesses.
A followup New York Times article headlined — A Little Girl Shot, and a Crowd That Didn’t See. We make similar charges about residents, almost disregarding their understandable fear of retaliation and also their disbelief that police can keep tips confidential.
Lee connects to June 2009, when Tamrah Leonard, a 7th grader at Monument Elementary School, died after being gunned down on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.
Leonard had starred in her short life, as dancer, cheerleader, honor roll student and an entrepreneur. Gone. In seconds.
In July 2021, Dion Ellis, 16, a city lifeguard, died after being gunned down by an assailant.
Ellis had expected a positive sophomore year at Trenton Central High School, where he played for the junior varsity basketball team. Done.
All murders hurt, drain just a smidgen of our community and humanity. Personally, no way exists to quantify murder.
In 2007, two city youth murdered 84-year-old Jerry Eure Sr. in a home invasion. No matter the age, murder resounds as unfortunate and horrific.
Col. Patrick Callahan, the superintendent of New Jersey State Police, admitted seeing an overshare of violence.
“I’m tired of praying for children who are shot. I’m tired of looking at teddy bears and candles on sidewalks around the state of New Jersey,” he said.
Recovery allegedly arrives when people are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Hopefully, Trenton residents get real sick, real tired, really soon.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/notre-dame-high-ready-to-take-next-step-as-premier-boys-lacrosse-program/ | ROBBINSVILLE — Since Ryan Bonanni became the head coach of Notre Dame boys lacrosse in 2019, the Irish have been one of the best teams in Mercer County.
After overcoming hurdles caused by the pandemic in the past two seasons, Notre Dame is amped up for a full spring campaign to potentially take the program to the next level as one of the best in all of New Jersey.
The Irish hit the ground running in Thursday’s season opener with a dominant 17-6 win at Robbinsville.
“We’re excited,” Bonanni said. “We have a lot of work to do and want to make sure that these guys continue to perform to our standards and understand that today was a very big game. Robbinsville is traditionally a very good program and they’re led by a very good coach. This game could’ve gone either way. It’s just that the guys start to feel momentum and they continue to keep their foot on the gas.”
With a good chunk of its offense back and having played a full preseason with no restrictions, Notre Dame has chemistry and continues to integrate talented players into its system.
Junior Ian Staniec looks like the next breakout star. A three-sport athlete who has committed to Susquehanna University’s lacrosse program, Staniec erupted for a career-high six goals and two assists against Robbinsville.
“He’s always been a pretty good shooter,” senior midfielder Joe Meidling said. “He’s finally putting everything together. We knew he was going to be dangerous.”
“He’s been working very, very hard to condition himself and to get ready for the next level,” Bonanni added. “He has put a tremendous amount of work in in the offseason, and it showed today. He is somebody who is very quiet in the locker room and in practice, but when he’s on the field he’s fearless and he’s making everybody better.”
Staniec plays both attack and midfield depending on the opponent. He showed off his scoring versatility in the opener with goals from the X position behind the net, while dodging downhill and by finishing passes from teammates.
Staniec said playing soccer helps with his stamina and setting picks in basketball also translates to the lacrosse field. So he feels ready for a bigger role after scoring 16 points and grabbing 22 ground balls as a sophomore.
“Just working on my shot, working on my chemistry with my teammates throughout the offseason, working hard in the winter league,” Staniec said. “It’s just fun. We’re all here, we’re a brotherhood, we do everything together.”
Junior Liam Harding also has the tools to lead Notre Dame’s refined offense as he complemented Staniec with a career-high four goals and two assists.
Notre Dame can wear down opponents with its crisp ball movement, which stems from its ability to maintain possession with dominant execution in the face-off circle. Meidling won 14 of his 19 face-offs and gave the Irish an 8-0 lead with three straight goals in a span of 26 seconds late in the first quarter.
Meidling scored 48 points and won 88 percent of his face-offs as a junior to become the CVC Player of the Year and a US Lacrosse All-American. The Towson commit is now aiming to be one of the state’s best midfielders as a senior.
“I’ve been kind of taking it one faceoff at a time and use my wings as much as I can, push in transition and I’ll let the stats take care of themselves and hopefully just win a lot of games this year,” Meidling said.
This spring has the chance to be something special if Notre Dame can unseat Princeton Day School as the four-time defending Mercer County Tournament champion. That would also put the Irish in strong position to make a deeper run in the state tournament.
But both Bonanni and his players emphasize that they approach their goals one day, one practice and one game at a time.
“The standard is high every year,” Meidling said. “Every game we expect to win. We’re going to try to win one game at a time and we’ll see what happens.” | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/pennsylvania-state-trooper-killed-in-the-line-of-duty-given-a-final-salute-in-bucks-county/ | LEVITTOWN — A Pennsylvania State Trooper from Bucks County who was killed by a driver on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia on March 21 was laid to rest on Thursday.
From Bristol to Levittown, people lined the streets to pay their respects to State Trooper Martin F. Mack III of Bristol Borough as a funeral procession made its way from the Wade Funeral Home to St. Michael the Archangel Church.
When the procession arrived at St. Michael’s, it was greeted by hundreds of State Police Troopers and local law enforcement officers who had gathered in front of the church on the Levittown Parkway in a show of respect.
As bagpipe music broke the solitude, the law enforcement officers saluted as Trooper Mack’s casket was carried into the church by six State Troopers.
Mack, 33, and Trooper Branden T. Sisca were killed March 21 by a drunk driver while assisting a pedestrian on Interstate 95. The pedestrian also lost his life.
“One of the most touching things that I ever saw was leaving Bristol and coming here to St. Michael’s today,” said Father Dennis Mooney of St. Mark Catholic Church in Bristol where Trooper Mack attended services with his wife, Stephanie, and his cherished daughters, Olivia Reese “Livvie” and Rowan Jane. “There were so many people lining the streets, the highways with their hands on their hearts, saluting to our brother. I almost started to cry. The great love shown by that is an honor and a tribute to this wonderful man.”
Father Mooney presided at the service, sharing words of comfort with the late Trooper’s wife, his daughters, his parents, his brother, and to his friends and law enforcement colleagues.
Father Mooney said Trooper Mack “was a young man loved by so many. He only lived in Bristol Borough for four short years and he had already made an impact in everything he joined and was a part of,” said Mooney.
Mack was a member of The Midnight Squad of the Pennsylvania State Police, Belmont, a member of St. Mark Church, the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, (Michael Dougherty Div., 1, Bristol), Troop Rugby, and was an assistant coach for the Bristol Township Truman Tigers Lacrosse Team.
“What came to mind when I thought about Marty are the words of sacred scripture, ‘No one has greater love than this – to lay down one’s life for his friends.’
“Marty was escorting that young man walking on Interstate 95. And the urgency of that call to him and Trooper Sisca, when they heard that call that this man was in danger, they ran to save him. And they themselves had no greater love than this. They laid down their lives and gave all that they possibly could give. They were doing what they were called to do – in service to others and the protection of others.
“I’m sure this senseless killing once again sharpens the anxiety of the men and women who serve and protect us, and place themselves in harm’s way as State Troopers and law enforcement,” said Father Mooney. “As you leave home each day your family is wondering whether you will return at the end of your shift. We appreciate and know the sacrifices that you make for us,” he said.
Following the funeral service, a procession of hundreds of vehicles escorted the body of Trooper Mack to Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Middletown Township where he was laid to rest.
Mack enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in November 2014 and graduated as a member of the 141st cadet class. Sisca enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in February 2021 and graduated as a member of the 161st cadet class. Both troopers spent their entire careers assigned to the Patrol Section of Troop K, Philadelphia.
A public funeral service for Sisca will take place on Saturday, April 2 at noon at Perkiomen Valley High School, 509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville 19426. The funeral procession and interment will be private and are not open to the public.
Governor Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds fly at half-staff to honor Troopers Mack and Sisca.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that occurred while these troopers were protecting and serving,” said Gov. Wolf. “This mournful incident is a stark reminder of the risks — and sacrifices — our law enforcement officers undertake every day to keep us safe. My heart goes out to their families and the communities they lived in and served.”
On March 22, the Pennsylvania State Police filed felony and misdemeanor charges against the driver, Jayana Tanae Webb, following an investigation into the crash.
Webb, 21, of Eagleville, was charged with murder of the third degree, three counts; homicide by vehicle while DUI, three counts; homicide by vehicle, three counts; manslaughter of a law enforcement officer in the second degree, two counts; involuntary manslaughter, three counts; recklessly endangering another person, three counts; driving under the influence, and summary traffic violations, which include failing to drive at a safe speed, careless driving, and reckless driving. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/shaheen-holloway-returns-to-coach-seton-hall-with-peacocks-there-to-cheer-him-on/ | SOUTH ORANGE — Having coach Shaheen Holloway get the head coaching job at Seton Hall wasn’t a surprise at all.
The Pirates’ career assists leader and star of the college coaching scene after taking Cinderella Saint Peter’s to the Elite Eight, was the only person athletic director Bryan Felt considered after Kevin Willard left for the Maryland job 10 days ago.
If there was a surprise Thursday as Holloway was introduced in a tiny Walsh Gymnasium crowd of about 1,000 people, the 15 players from his uplifting Saint Peter’s team were in the audience to applaud him.
“It says a lot about Shaheen,” Felt said of the Peacocks being there to celebrate their former coach. “It says a lot about him. It says a lot. What he pours in, he gets back.”
This marked the second time Felt has hired Holloway. He was the Saint Peter’s athletic director when Holloway was hired in 2018. Felt took the Seton Hall job in 2019 and hired Holloway again on Wednesday.
The Peacocks of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference became the first No. 15 seed to reach the Elite Eight. Their run to the Final Four was stopped on Sunday in a 69-49 loss to North Carolina.
“I wouldn’t be up here if it wasn’t for those 15 young men,” Holloway said shortly after being introduced. It was a remark that sparked the second of three standing ovations the Peacocks received. The first was when they walked in the gum.
Holloway said he spoke with the Peacocks for three hours on Wednesday, just before Seton Hall announced his hiring. He said it was extremely hard to leave the program he led for four seasons. He said the players made it easy for him, even teasing the 45-year-old who spent eight seasons as a Pirates assistant coach.
In replacing Willard, Holloway is taking over a Big East program that has been to five of the past six NCAA tournaments. It would have been six of seven had not the pandemic canceled the 2020 event.
Holloway, whose Peacocks beat Kentucky, Murray State and Purdue in the NCAA Tournament, said he would put Saint Peter’s back on the Pirates’ schedule after a four-year absence. He also went out of his way to say how important it was for him to get this job.
“I can’t mess this up and I’m not going to mess this up,” he said. “When you are home, it’s too important. It’s a difference. It’s a big difference, like you put more time, more effort, more sweat, more tears. This is everything to get an opportunity to coach at my alma mater. I’m not going to mess up this opportunity.”
Holloway said he walked around Walsh Gym on Wednesday night and it brought back a ton of memories.
“I’m blessed, I’m humbled,” he said. “It’s unbelievable to me,” Holloway said.
Holloway said he felt exhausted and drained by the past two weeks. The emotional burden reached a climax on Sunday when his grandmother, Dorothy Holloway, died. She raised him.
She had told him she wanted to be buried at Seton Hall and Holloway will try to have her wish fulfilled.
His wish is to improve the Pirates’ program.
“I want to take it to the next level, You always want to take it to the next level,” Holloway said. “That’s going to be hard work. It’s going to be hard.”
Looking at the Seton Hall players in the audience, Holloway told them to get ready to work.
Seton Hall junior forward Tyrese Samuel said Holloway probably is the most talked about coach in the country right now, and he is looking forward to working with him. He added Holloway’s success is going to put pressure on the Pirates.
“Oh yeah,” Samuel said. “I think like as a player, I think you want to just continue to move on to where he left off. You know, he took a great team, Saint Peter’s, to the Elite Eight and he’s coming here trying to do the same thing. There’s no time to rest.”
Holloway said he hopes to have a say in finding his replacement at Saint Peter’s, but added athletic director Rachelle Paul will do a good job.
Peacocks guard Doug Edert — with his distinctive mustache — was happy to see Holloway rewarded. Holloway will probably earn close to $2.5 million annually at Seton Hall, roughly 10 times what he got at the Jesuit school in Jersey City, New Jersey, less than 20 miles away.
“We’re all happy for him and everything he did,” Edert said. “It’s awesome.”
That’s the way Holloway described returning to Seton Hall.
Holloway was a four-year standout at Seton Hall from 1996-00 and helped lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen in 2000. He hit the game-winning layup in overtime to defeat Oregon in the first round. He was inducted into school’s athletics Hall of Fame in 2012. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/03/31/trenton-teen-killed-a-week-after-9-year-old-gunned-down/ | TRENTON – A teenager was shot to death Thursday night, in another killing that rocked Trenton following last week’s murder of a young girl at a notorious city high rise, The Trentonian has learned.
The teenage boy was reportedly shot in the face just after 9 p.m. on the 100 block of Liberty Street, prosecutors said.
No arrests have been made, but police sources said the 16-year-old boy was feuding with another teen before the deadly altercation.
A spokeswoman from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s office said others teens were at a home where a gun was found.
The slaying, Trenton’s sixth of the year, is under investigation.
Mayor Reed Gusciora didn’t immediately respond to a phone call seeking comment.
The killing comes less than a week after murder of 9-year-old Sequoya Bacon-Jones, who was caught in the crossfire at Kingsbury Square.
Alleged killer Isiah Roberts, 19, was arrested and charged this week in the little girl’s death.
Authorities said he opened fire on a group of people who argued with his sister about parenting styles. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220401 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/2-spray-antiperspirants-recalled-for-elevated-levels-of-cancer-causing-chemical/ | Unilever U.S. has announced that it is recalling two Suave brand spray antiperspirants due to “slightly elevated” levels of a cancer-causing chemical.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration posted the company’s announcement March 30.
Unilever, based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., said an internal review showed slightly elevated levels of benzene in some product samples. While benzene is not an ingredient in any of the recalled products, the review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can.
The recall includes all lots of Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Powder and Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Fresh with expiration dates through September 2023. The recall includes 4 oz. and 6 oz. cans of Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Powder with UPC codes 079400751508 and 079400784902 and 6 oz. cans ofSuave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Fresh scent with UPC code 079400785503. All products have an expiration date through September 2023.
“While benzene is not an ingredient in any of the recalled products, the review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can,” said a Unilever news release. “No other Unilever or Suave products are in the scope of this recall.”
Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin; it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life threatening.
Unilever’s release said humans around the world have daily exposures to benzene indoors and outdoors from multiple sources. Based on an independent health hazard evaluation, daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.
The Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant product line was discontinued in October 2021.
Unilever also will offer reimbursement for consumers who have purchased products impacted by this recall. Consumers should stop using and appropriately discard the affected Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant products.
Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Unilever by calling 866-204-9756, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. or by visiting www.suaverecall.com for more information about the impacted products and to learn how to receive reimbursement for eligible products. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/china-rejects-sanctions-as-ukraine-war-tops-summit-agenda/ | By LORNE COOK, SAMUEL PETREQUIN, KEN MORITSUGU
BRUSSELS (AP) — China on Friday renewed its criticism of Western sanctions against Russia, as top European Union officials sought assurances from Beijing that it would not help Moscow circumvent the economic measures imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also laid blame for the war in Ukraine at least partially on the United States for pushing to expand the NATO military alliance closer to Russia’s borders. Twenty-one of the EU’s 27 countries are also NATO member states.
At a virtual summit, European Council President Charles Michel, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell sought signs from Chinese President and Communist Party leader Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang that Beijing would help to end the war in Ukraine.
Von der Leyen said leaders from both sides “exchanged very clearly opposing views” on many topics but expressed hopes that China would use its influence as a major power and permanent member of the U.N. Security Council to convince Russia it should put an end to the war.
She added that she expects China at least not to interfere with Western sanctions targeting Russia, even if Beijing does not endorse them.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian earlier warned at a daily briefing that his country “disapproves of solving problems through sanctions, and we are even more opposed to unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law.”
Zhao said when it comes to Ukraine, Beijing would not be forced to “choose a side or adopt a simplistic friend-or-foe approach. We should, in particular, resist the Cold War thinking and bloc confrontation.”
“As the culprit and leading instigator of the Ukraine crisis, the U.S. has led NATO to engage in five rounds of eastward expansion in the last two decades after 1999,” he said, adding that NATO membership almost doubled from 16 to 30 countries, and pushed “Russia to the wall step by step.”
China says it is not taking sides in the conflict but it has declared a “no limits” partnership with Russia and refuses to condemn the invasion. Beijing routinely amplifies Russian disinformation about the conflict, and does not refer to it as an invasion or a war in keeping with Russian practice.
Michel and Von der Leyen did not say whether they received guarantees from Chinese officials that Beijing would not provide financial or military aid to Russia. Von der Leyen insisted that any support to Russia’s ability to wage its war would lead to “a major reputational damage for China” in Europe.
“The business sector is watching very closely the events and evaluating how countries are positioning themselves,” she said. “This is a question of trust, of reliability and of course of decisions on long-term investments.”
In a news release following a first summit session, Li was quoted as affirming the importance of China-EU ties, saying he hoped the two “remain open to each other, steadily expand market access, protect fair competition and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.”
“China hopes that the EU will also provide a sound business environment to Chinese businesses investing and developing in Europe,” Li was quoted as saying.
The meeting took place amid rising negative sentiment within the bloc fueled by China’s aggressive foreign policies and trade practices.
Underlying the EU’s expectations for China is the possibility of penalties against Chinese companies that undermine measures taken against Russia. EU officials point out that 13.7% of China’s total trade is done with the 27-nation bloc, and 12% with the United States, compared with just 2.4% with Russia.
Other topics included China’s travel ban on members of the European Parliament; Beijing’s economic boycott of EU member Lithuania over its Taiwan relations; the fate of a stalled investment agreement; and civil and political rights under China’s authoritarian Communist Party regime.
Beijing has dismissed European criticisms as biased and driven by an anti-China agenda being pursued by its chief global rival, the United States.
Beijing also sanctioned some European Union lawmakers last year after the EU, Britain, Canada and the United States launched coordinated sanctions against officials in China over human rights abuses in the far western Xinjiang region.
The European Parliament responded by saying it will not ratify a long-awaited business investment deal as long as the sanctions remain in place.
Rights groups have also urged the EU to take a more assertive stand with China over repression in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and elsewhere and the persecution of Chinese dissidents including Sakharov Prize winner Ilham Tohti and Chinese-Swedish publisher Gui Minhai.
Highlighting some positive discussions that took place during their summit, von der Leyen said the EU and China can cooperate constructively in the fight against climate change and COVID-19.
Xi was quoted as saying that the “Ukraine crisis has come on top of a protracted COVID-19 pandemic and a faltering global recovery.”
“Against such a backdrop, China and the EU, as two major forces, big markets and great civilizations, should increase communication on their relations and on major issues concerning global peace and development, and play a constructive role in adding stabilizing factors to a turbulent world,” Xi said in a statement.
___
Moritsugu reported from Beijing.
___
Follow all AP stories about developments in Russia’s war on Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/ford-recalls-737k-vehicles-to-fix-oil-leaks-trailer-brakes/ | DETROIT (AP) — Ford is issuing two recalls covering over 737,000 vehicles to fix oil leaks and trailer braking systems that won’t work.
The oil leak recall includes the 2020 through 2022 Ford Escape SUV and the 2021 and 2022 Bronco Sport SUV with 1.5-Liter engines. A housing can crack and oil can leak onto engine parts, which can create a fire hazard.
Dealers will replace the housing if needed. Owners will be notified starting April 18.
The trailer braking recall includes F-150 pickups from 2021 and 2022, as well as the 2022 F-250, 350, 450 and 550. Also covered are the 2022 Maverick pickup, and Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.
A software error can stop trailers from braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update brake control software. Owners will be notified starting April 18. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/former-princeton-star-devin-cannady-back-with-magic-after-standout-g-league-run/ | Devin Cannady is back in the NBA.
Cannady signed a 10-day contract with the Orlando Magic, the team announced late Thursday night, making this the former Princeton University star’s second stint with the club.
“Good to be back,” Cannady tweeted. “See y’all at Amway tomorrow!”
Cannady earned the contract thanks to his strong play for the Lakeland Magic, Orlando’s G League affiliate. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound guard averaged 15.8 points on 46.8% shooting from 3 (59-for-126) in 16 games.
A native of Mishawaka, Ind., Cannady appeared in three games for the Magic last season after he earned the G League Final MVP, but his NBA time was cut short when he suffered an open fracture of his right ankle during the first quarter of an April 25 game against the Pacers.
Cannady has spent the majority of his pro career in the G League — first with the Long Island Nets and then Lakeland Magic — where he has posted 14.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and shot 39% from 3 over 69 total games.
A two-time All-Ivy honoree at Princeton, Cannady’s 1,515 points ranks fifth all-time in program history. When he appeared for the Magic at the end of last season, he became the 10th Tiger to play in an NBA game and first since Steve Goodrich in 2002.
The Magic (20-57) have five games remaining, beginning on Friday night against the Raptors. They also face the Knicks, Cavaliers, Hornets and Heat. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/former-tcnj-assistant-bob-turner-set-for-induction-into-mercer-county-soccer-hall-of-fame/ | It was a wise basketball coach that pointed Bob Turner on the path of a Hall of Fame career in soccer.
Wanting to prove he could play Division I basketball, Turner was a successful walk-on at the University of Miami his freshman season. After the season, though, a coach took Turner aside and explained that although they liked his game, they thought his greatest impact would be with the soccer team.
Yes, and the rest is history.
Turner finished a solid career with the Hurricane soccer team, then became involved in coaching and with the Jersey ODP program. That led to an amazing 32-year career as an assistant coach at The College of New Jersey.
It’s a journey that has led Turner to induction into the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Hibernian Club in Hamilton Township. There are limited tickets available.
“I’m very honored,’’ said Turner. “It’s really special because it’s Mercer County and soccer has been really big in this area for as long as I can remember.”
Besides Turner, the induction Class of 2022 includes Dick Bartlett, Sam Maira, Bob Tartaglia, Nicole Dennion, Kobe Johnson, the St. Anthony 1973 boys’ team, the 1973 Lawrence boys’ team and the 1973 Steinert boys’ team.
Turner’s coaching life began when he helped his daughter Amanda’s team in the Ewing league. When he took over the Revere Travel team, his knowledge of the game and his ability to reach the players shone through brilliantly
When Joe Russo started the women’s soccer program at The College of New Jersey (then Trenton State), his first call was to Turner.
“I coached his daughter Amanda at Ewing and I recognized early on that he was a fantastic recruiter, he understands the game well, he relates well to kids and has a brilliant soccer mind,’’ Russo said of Turner. “He was everything you’d ask from an assistant coach. He was loyal, consistent and positive and he brought so much to the program.’’
It was in the youth programs that Turner’s reputation as an excellent judge of talent flourished as Revere Travel became a household name in girls’ soccer.
“He was involved in club and youth soccer before it was what it is today and today it drives the sport,’’ said Russo. “He has done so much for youth soccer.’’
It was youth soccer and family that brought Turner to the sidelines.
“I never thought I’d get involved in coaching, but it started when my daughter was playing and that evolved into a travel team (Revere Travel),’’ recalled Turner.
His talents were noticed and Evelyn Gill asked him to take over the ODP program.
Gill and George O’Gorman are two of the people that meant a great deal to Turner throughout his career.
“Evelyn Gill was a special lady to me and George did so much for the Revere team,’’ said Turner. “I wish they were both able to be here.’’
It was a full plate for Turner working at C.R. Cregar and Sons, guiding ODP and assisting at The College of New Jersey – and he managed it all.
It was a decorated run at TCNJ with four national championships, 30 straight NCAA appearances and 20 New Jersey Athletic Conference championships. The run ended in the Division III championship game this past fall.
“This is long overdue and well deserved and I couldn’t be happier for him,” Russo said of Turner’s induction.
Now retired from TCNJ, Turner will never be far from soccer as his wife Krissy is the highly successful coach of the Monmouth University women’s program.
It truly has been a Hall of Fame career for Turner. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/freshman-sophie-cammarata-leads-hightstown-girls-lacrosse-to-first-victory/ | HIGHTSTOWN — When Sophie Cammarata wasn’t creating a turnover or scooping up a ground ball, the Hightstown freshman was scoring a goal.
Cammarata made it known she is ready for primetime.
Sparked by the freshman, the Rams took an 11-2 decision to spoil Lawrence’s season debut on a gusty Friday afternoon in a Colonial Valley Conference Valley Division game played on Hightstown’s McIntyre Field.
Hightstown (1-1) bounced back from a season opening loss to Princeton and did it quickly scoring early to set the tone.
The Cardinals (0-1) struggled with first-game jitters and it took them a while to get the offense untracked.
Certainly, the bright spot for the Rams was the play of Cammarata.
“She is a great spark of energy on the field,’’ said Hightstown’s first-year coach Emma Fenning. “She is talented and she is fast. We had a few upperclassmen out and she really stepped up and fit into the role very nicely.’’
Cammarata finished with six goals and an assist, Daniela Lopez had two goals with Jordan Blank, Madelyn Meister and Grace Weissenberger all getting single tallies.
“It was an amazing game,’’ said Cammarata. “It was great to work with my team and nice to score my first goals of the season. It was really fun playing.’’
Meister had two assists with Weissenberger, Mallory Bertran and Kara Zimmer each having one.
Lawrence saw Megan Simpson and Hayley Jodoin find the back of the cage.
“We just have to continue to work on ourselves and work to improve,’’ said Lawrence coach Heather Phillips. “We did some good things in this game, but we have to work to do more.’’
After a tough opener, the Rams made the needed adjustments and came out prepared to make it a successful home opener.
“We worked on some of the issues we had in the first game like transitioning and settling down on offense and it really showed on the field today,’’ said Fenning. “We want to be an aggressive, but clean defensive team and we want to focus on that. This was our home opener and that added some motivation.’’
The motivated Rams built an 8-0 lead before Lawrence scored with just 38 seconds left in the half.
The first 10 minutes of the second half saw the Cardinals hold their own, cutting the lead to 8-2.
But Hightstown regrouped and scored the final three goals of the game to cap off an impressive home opener.
When preseason started, Cammarata wasn’t sure what her role would be, but Fenning had a pretty good idea.
“I knew from the beginning that she was going to be able to contribute,’’ said Fenning, of the freshman. “She told me she wanted to prove what she can do and she really did that in this game.’’
She certainly did and in so many ways.
Lawrence (0-1) 1 1 – 2
Hightstown (1-1) 8 3 – 11
Goals: L: Simpson, H. Jodoin. H: Cammarata 6, Lopez 2, Blank, Meister, Weissenberger. Assists: H: Meister 2, Cammarata, Weissenberger, Bertran Shots: L: 5, H: 34. Saves: L: DePaz 23. H: Houtenville 3. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/gm-recalls-nearly-682000-suvs-windshield-wipers-can-fail/ | DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling nearly 682,000 compact SUVs because the windshield wipers can fail.
The recall covers the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain from the 2014 and 2015 model years.
Ball joints in the wiper module can rust, causing one or both wipers to fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the module and repair or replace it if needed. Owners will be notified by letter starting May 2. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/gorin-named-young-lawyer-of-the-year/ | MOUNT LAUREL – Capehart Scatchard has announced that Commercial Litigation Department Associate, Stacey R. Gorin, Esq., has been selected to receive the prestigious Young Lawyer of the Year award, presented annually by the New Jersey State Bar Association’s (NJSBA) Young Lawyer Division. Gorin will receive the award at a ceremony to be held during the NJSBA’s Annual Meeting and Convention May 19.
To be eligible for the award, candidates must be a member of the NJSBA who has been practicing law for 10 years or less or who is under the age of 36. The award is presented to a young lawyer whose combined personal and professional achievements over the past year merit special recognition, and who made significant community and public service contributions, actively participated in the organized bar, and stood out in the areas of professional knowledge, skill, integrity, and courtesy.
Gorin has distinguished herself with her devotion to serving her community and involvement in bar association activities. She currently serves as a Trustee to the Burlington County Bar Association (BCBA) and is an active member of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the Rutgers Law Alumni Association. Gorin is a recognized leader having earned the BCBA’s Robert Criscuolo Award in 2020 and spearheading programmatic endeavors resulting in the growth of the association’s membership and engagement. Gorin recently served as the co-moderator for a remote CLE hosted by the Burlington County Bar Association’s Wellness Committee and Young Lawyers Committee.
Gorin earned her J.D. from Rutgers Law School in Camden, a M.A. in Professional and Business Communication from La Salle University, and a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University. Upon law school graduation, she worked as a law clerk to the Honorable Richard J. Nocella, P.J.F.P. in Burlington County. She is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and New York.
Capehart Scatchard is a diversified law firm of 87 attorneys with offices in Mount Laurel, Hamilton, Holmdel, Philadelphia and New York City. For more information, www.capehart.com. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/hs-softball-wrap-pennsburys-bats-stay-hot-in-win-over-bensalem/ | BENSALEM, Pa. – Upping its season run total to an impressive 34 in just two games, the Pennsbury High softball team beat Bensalem, 15-3, Friday.
Caitlyn Martell led the assault with a 3-for-5, double and four RBIs. Ainsley McClure worked the first four innings and struck out 10. Losing pitcher Maggie Formichelli smacked two doubles. Rowan Mulholland, Quinn McGonnigle, Sam Raub and Ava Storlazzi also doubled for Pennsbury, which will be at Neshaminy Tuesday afternoon.
Pennsbury (2-0) 121 704 – 15 14 0
Bensalem (1-1) 002 100 – 3 10 2
WP-McClure. LP-Formichelli. 2B-Martell (P), Mulholland (P), McGonnigle (P), Raub (P), Mahoney (P), Storlazzi (P), Formichelli 2, Howard (B). 3B-Klein (B).
Allentown 19, Trenton 0
ALLENTOWN – The Rebirds, who will play at Hightstown Saturday morning, prevailed in four innings when Skylar La Fiska threw a perfect game with eight strikeouts. Sofia Bellardino and Stella Logan each had two hits with Logan smacking a double. Holly Muni, Liv Sacco and Logan each had two RBIs.
Trenton (0-1) 000 0 – 0 0
Allentown (1-0) (12)43 x – 19 9
WP-La Fisca. LP-Robinson.
Robbinsville 7, Nottingham 0
ROBBINSVILLE – The Ravens picked up a forfeit victory after a Nottingham player got hurt in the first inning and the Northstars didn’t have enough players to continue.
Truman 12, Council Rock North 0
NEWTOWN, Pa. – The Tigers came out strong in their first game. Courtney Nau belted a three-run double, Jess Adams homered, Emma Olsen doubled and Hannah Smith had two hits. Kylee Thomas hurled the shutout and was backed by a strong defense.
Florence 16, Holy Cross 6
FLORENCE TWP. – Gabriella LeVach went 3-for-4, and Kate Woolston, Madison Jobes and Madson Clevenger each had two hits to lead the Flashes. One of LeVach’s hits was a home run. Holy Cross got two hits from Natalie Audet.
Burlington Township 5, Northern Burlington 4
BURLINGTON TWP. – Township won in eight innings despite 13 strikeouts by NBC pitcher Mikahyla Fontana.
Pemberton 10, Maple Shade 0
PEMBERTON – Anyssa Brannon homered and drove in two runs. Theresa Solayao struck out 12 batters for the win while throwing a no-hitter.
Delran 6, Westampton Tech 3
DELRAN – The Bears rallied with three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings. Alanna Kelly was the big hitter with a 3-for-3 and doubles. Olivia Reissman had two hits.
Neshaminy 9, Council Rock South 0
HOLLAND, Pa.- Jill Thomas and Ryleigh Bilbrey smacked RBI doubles as the Redskins (2-0) started fast with three runs in the first. Ruth got the pitching victory, striking out 10 and allowing just five base runners.
Steinert 18, Princeton 2
PRINCETON – Isabella Bonacci struck out eight in four innings of work and was also a hitting star when she wet 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Ceara O’Neal was 3-for-3 with three RBIs, and Amber Dewitt and Avery Kontura had two hits apiece.
OTHER SCORES
Delaware Valley 7, Pingry 3
Shawnee 10, West Deptford 2
Cherokee 10, Seneca 0
Palmyra 16, Medford Tech 0
Lenape 10, Camden Catholic 1
Burlington City 16, Pennsauken 6 | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/its-like-a-movie-villanovas-caleb-daniels-comes-full-circle-in-hometown-final-four/ | RADNOR, Pa. — By the time RJ Daniels gets done listing the plot points, he makes a pretty convincing case about his brother, Caleb Daniels.
There is the first college destination that didn’t work out when a coach left. There are injury bumps, a global pandemic, a viral infection that was frightening if treatable. And to end a five-year college odyssey not just in a Final Four, but in his hometown of New Orleans …
“It’s like a movie,” RJ Daniels said Thursday. “You couldn’t have written it any better than how it’s playing out.”
Caleb Daniels will at least get a chance to pen his preferred ending this weekend when the Villanova guard takes the court in the Superdome, in a city that helped shape him, in front of the family shaped by that city.
The Hollywood ending wasn’t something anyone in the family looked too far ahead to. Caleb’s mom, Connie, said she started to think about it once Villanova won the Big East tournament. But Caleb was so locked in on the task ahead that he didn’t consider the Big Easy trip until after beating Houston in the Elite Eight.
“I think it dawned on me a little bit after the Elite Eight game when we beat Houston,” Caleb said this week at the Finneran Pavilion. “I processed it, but I’m just dialed into what we do as a team.”
“It’s pure joy,” Connie said. “We’re elated to have him come to his hometown, where it all started. The NCAA Final Four could’ve been in any city, but it’s in his city, where he was born and raised and started his basketball journey. It’s fantastic.”
The movie might open at home, with Caleb as the youngest of three brothers. All three played in college – RJ at Xavier University, and Marcel at Dillard University and Southern University-New Orleans, all NAIA schools. As the baby, Caleb was on the receiving end of what in retrospect passes as character-building.
“Playing against me and Marcel, we used to beat up on each other all the time,” RJ said. “So I guess growing up with two older brothers that are a lot stronger and bigger than you, it kind of helped translate to the game. That just goes to show you how his toughness was brought about.”
That basketball gauntlet continued at St. Augustine’s, the alma mater of numerous pro athletes, including Villanova legend Kerry Kittles. With his training at home as a guide and Roland Daniels Sr. as a coach, life at St. Aug’s prepared Caleb for any college environment he’d encounter.
“That made him tougher,” Roland Sr. said. “It made him get in the weight room, do his pushups and sit-ups, do everything I asked him to do. Because if he wasn’t strong enough or wasn’t able to take the beating that his brothers were going to dish out, then he was going to end up losing. And Caleb hates to lose.”
As a New Orleanian, Hurricane Katrina loomed large in Daniels’ youth. He was in first grade when the storm hit in 2005, killing hundreds and making swaths of the city unlivable for months. The family evacuated to Beaumont, Texas, to stay with relatives, though Connie and Roland – working for the New Orleans Health Department and as a surgeon in the labor and delivery unit at University Hospital, respectively – were among the first responders.
The boys didn’t return to the city until December. When they did, it was to where their parents were housed, on a cruise ship moored in the Gulf of Mexico, through April 2006. RJ remembers it as a time without basketball, where the brothers had to adapt to difficult circumstances.
Soon after returning to the city, Connie and Roland took the boys through some of the worst-hit parishes, giving them a perspective of what had happened to their city and what drew their parents back. Like anyone who lived through it, the moment made an impact on Caleb.
“It’s a pivotal point in our history as a city,” Caleb said. “Knowing that we’ve been through a lot and we’re still going through a lot but we’ve made a whole lot of progress, it’s a true blessing. It’s a true mark of who we are as New Orleans people because we stick together no matter that.”
After an all-state career at St. Augustine’s, Caleb stayed close to home as his brothers had, despite low-major offers from the likes of Rice and VCU. He contributed almost immediately, and by his sophomore season at Tulane, he averaged 16.9 points per game in 30 starts. But Mike Dunleavy Sr. was fired at the end of 2019, and Daniels exited with him.
After his redshirt year, Daniels started 24 times for ‘Nova in 2020-21, averaging 9.6 ppg and helping the Wildcats to the Sweet 16. As the season wore down, though, so did Daniels, due to a bout of COVID-19 that developed into myocarditis. Daniels was left with a somewhat common symptom, an inflammation of the heart muscle particularly prevalent in adolescents. The treatment was six months of almost no activity – no exercise, no basketball, no elevating his heartrate above 90.
Daniels’ parents and the Villanova medical staff, of which they speak highly, communicated closely during his recovery. (Connie calls Caleb “a stickler” about attending to that.) Returning to the court wasn’t the main focus, for the family or Villanova. The remedies included a lot of prayer and a lot of late-night FaceTime sessions to keep spirits up, on both sides.
“We kept encouraging him,” Connie said. “It was a really challenging time for a moment, not being able to jump rope, not being able to run. We kept encouraging, kept telling him that this too shall pass and letting him know that this a recoverable condition, but it takes time and sometimes it takes substantial amount of time.”
Daniels was cleared in September and has come back better than ever. He’s embraced a sixth-man role, upping his minutes (to 27.3) and scoring average (10.2). He’s likely to start Saturday against Kansas, due to the season-ending injury to Justin Moore.
That game will be in a building he revered growing up. He recalled the way the SuperDome would rock, even for preseason Saints games. He enjoyed the celebration in 2010 after the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV, even if he was rooting for the Indianapolis Colts, led by New Orleans native Peyton Manning, and was “crushed” that they lost.
Daniels is, in the media-savvy parlance of a Jay Wright leader, “staying 94-by-50” this week, dialed into one last business trip. But the homecoming is not lost on him, and it’s something he hopes to enjoy in the moments the weekend affords.
“Our goal coming into the season is just to be the best Villanova basketball team that we can be, regardless if that ends up in the Final Four and getting a championship or not,” he said. “I think we answer to each other and we come back in the locker room and look each other in the eyes and say, we gave it up for each other, that’s what matters the most.” | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/last-call-to-be-a-builder-of-happiness-at-awa/ | VOORHEES – Animal Welfare Association’s (AWA) state-of-the-art 25,000-square-foot Adoption and Education Center is in the final months of construction and AWA is inviting supporter to leave a legacy of love for tomorrow’s hurting and homeless animals.
“Happiness happens when people act. This is our last call inviting animal lovers to be builders of Happiness with their gifts to help hurting and homeless animals,” said Maya Richmond, Strategic Director, and former Executive Director at AWA.
AWA is $13,000 away from meeting their $2,500,000 funding goal but due to the pandemic, delays and supply and labor shortages caused an increased to the overall cost of the project.
The new building will save the lives of over 2,500 dogs, cats, and bunnies each year with a capacity to hold sixty-five dogs and 100 cats at one time. Located centrally between the dog and cat wings is the Shelter Medical Ward where animals can be treated and cared for.
The Pet Food Pantry will help provide food to families who are struggling financially making it possible for them to feed their pets and keep them in their homes.
The newly renovated Pet Clinic will provide affordable services to many families struggling with the cost of veterinary care; a place to turn to for vaccinations, wellness examinations, spay/neuter surgery, dental procedures and much more. Returning to pre-pandemic and pre-construction patient levels, the Pet Clinic will once again provide services to over 15,000 dogs and cats annually.
3,000 adults and youth will participate in one of AWA’s humane education activities – pet CPR classes, summer camp, reading programs, birthday parties and so much more.
“Happiness comes from togetherness and when we are connected. Every inch of the new building is designed to connect the mission’s work with people,” said Maya Richmond, Strategic Director, and former Executive Director of AWA.
If you would like to learn more about AWA’s capital campaign Building a Place Where Happiness Begins or donate visit: https://support.awanj.org/capitalcampaigndonation. For remaining naming opportunities available visit: https://www.awanj.org/wp-content/uploads/Naming-Opportunities.pdf | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/lawrence-softball-impressive-in-opening-win-over-ewing/ | Lawrence shortstop Katie Ciuffreda dives to catch a pop up against Ewing during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Lawrence pitcher Emma Dobkin throws to the plate against Ewing during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Lawrence pitcher Emma Dobkin delivers to the plate against Ewing during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Lawrence's Paige Lamson, right, lunges safely into second base as Ewing shortstop Amonnie Wertz, left, waits for the throw during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Lawrence third baseman Kate Sanjek catches a pop fly against Ewing during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Lawrence's Paige Lamson, left, celebrates with teammate Ali McGuire, right, after scoring a run against Ewing during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Ewing pitcher Julia Smith winds up to throw against Lawrence during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Ewing pitcher Julia Smith throws to the plate against Lawrence during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Ewing's Amonnie Wertz swings at the ball against Lawrence during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Ewing's third baseman Emily Gamboa, left, tags out Lawrence's Annie Cino, right, at third base during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Lawrence's Ali McGuire hits the ball against Ewing during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Lawrence's Emma Quattrochi slides safely into third base against Ewing during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Ewing's Emily Gamboa hits the ball against Lawrence during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Lawrence's Katie Ciuffreda hits a double against Ewing during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Lawrence shortstop Katie Ciuffreda moves to catch a pop up against Ewing during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Lawrence's Katie Ciuffreda, left, slaps hands with teammate Emma Quattrochi, right, after scoring a run against Ewing during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Lawrence coach Dana Williams warms her team up prior to a CVC softball game against Ewing on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
Ewing coach Dan Bernoski, right, argues a call with the home plate umpire against Lawrence during a CVC softball game on Friday afternoon at Armstrong Park. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)
EWING — The word was out before the season started that the Lawrence High softball team had a talented freshman named Emma Dobkin who can both pitch and hit.
Sure enough it was all on display Friday afternoon when Dobkin did both as the Cardinals got their season off and rolling with an 8-2 victory over Ewing.
Although Dobkin did not blow away the Blue Devils with just five strikeouts, she did throw low heat with good location and finished with a nine-hitter.
Lawrence, meanwhile, banged out 11 hits against two Ewing pitchers with Dobkin leading the way with three singles in the No. 8 spot in the order. The one time she didn’t get a hit she walked, making it a perfect 3-for-3 day in her first varsity action.
Lawrence’s standout shortstop Katie Ciuffreda also did not make an out, although it was kind of an unusual day for her as she reached on three Ewing errors before walking in her last at bout out of the lead-off spot.
The next three girls in the order took advantage of the Ewing fielding woes as Paige Lamson, Emma Quattrochi and Allison McGuire each collected two hits.
One of Quattrochi’s hits was an RBI double when Lawrence took control with five runs in the top of the fourth inning. Lamson and Quattrochi each finish with two RBIs, while McGuire also got a run home with an RBI double in that fourth inning.
Ewing starter Julia Smith actually threw pretty well at times and no doubt would have fared better if given the
proper defensive support. Smith did have a big day at the plate with three hits, including two doubles. Ameerah McMullen also had two hits for Dan Bernoski’s Blue Devils.
Still this was Lawrence’s day. The Cardinals had just one error and got contributions from throughout the lineup.
Coming off a turnaround 13-win season, things are definitely looking up for the Lawrence program and with Dobkin joining a team that returned some proven it all projects as quite possibly an even better season than last year. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/live-updates-us-giving-ukraine-300m-more-in-military-gear/ | By The Associated Press
The U.S. Defense Department says it is providing an additional $300 million in military equipment to Ukrainian forces defending the country from Russian troops.
Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said in a statement Friday evening that the gear in the new package includes laser-guided rocket systems, unmanned aircraft, armored vehicles, night vision devices and ammunition. Also included are medical supplies, field equipment and spare parts.
Kirby said the new package “represents the beginning of a contracting process to provide new capabilities” to Ukraine, rather than delivering equipment drawn from U.S. military stockpiles.
The U.S. has provided more than $1.6 billion in security assistance since Russia’s invasion, Kirby said.
___
KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR:
— Ukraine top of agenda as China rejects sanctions at summit
— Ukraine strike on Russian territory reported as talks resume
— War in Ukraine fuels fears among draft-age Russian youths
— African refugees see racial bias as US welcomes Ukrainians
— Go to https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine for more coverage
___
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
LVIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces were leaving behind “a complete disaster” as they retreat from the north, including towns just outside Kyiv, and he warned residents to beware of more Russian shelling and of land mines.
“They are mining the whole territory, they are mining homes, mining equipment, even the bodies of people who were killed,” he said in his nighttime video address to the nation late Friday.
He urged residents to wait to resume their normal lives until they are assured that the mines have been cleared and the danger of shelling has passed.
Zelenskyy warned of difficult battles ahead as the Russians redeploy troops in eastern Ukraine.
Zelensky said he spoke Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron by telephone and with the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, during her visit to Kyiv.
“Europe doesn’t have the right to be silent about what is happening in our Mariupol,” he said. “The whole world should respond to this humanitarian catastrophe.”
Zelenskyy said 3,071 people were able to leave Mariupol on Friday.
___
LVIV, Ukraine — A Ukrainian official said there were casualties after at least three Russian ballistic missiles were fired late Friday at the Odesa region on the Black Sea, but he did not give specifics.
Regional leader Maksim Marchenko said the missiles were fired from the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia has held since seizing it from Ukraine in 2014.
The Ukrainian military said the Iskander missiles were intended for critical infrastructure but did not hit their targets because of the response of Ukraine’s air-defense forces. It was unclear where they hit.
Odesa is Ukraine’s largest port and the headquarters of its navy.
___
KYIV, Ukraine — The secretary of Ukraine’s national security council has denied the country was responsible for a reported attack on a Russian fuel depot.
Moscow had earlier placed the blame on Ukraine. There was no independent confirmation of details about the incident.
“For some reason they say that we did it, but in fact this does not correspond with reality,” Oleksiy Danilov said on Ukrainian television on Friday.
Regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said earlier that two Ukrainian helicopter gunships had flown at low altitude and struck the facility in the city of Belgorod north of the border.
Two workers at the depot were injured, he said. But Russian media cited a statement from state oil company Rosneft that denied anyone was hurt.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy’s office said 86 Ukrainian service members were freed in the Zaporizhzhia region as part of a prisoner swap with Russia. The number of Russians released was not disclosed.
___
KYIV, Ukraine – The mayor of Kyiv said the bombardment of satellite towns near the Ukrainian capital was ongoing despite Russian promises of scaling back troops from the region.
Vitali Klitschko told British broadcaster Sky News on Friday he could hear the sounds of explosions “nonstop during the day and night.”
Klitschko said that the cities northwest of Kyiv such as Irpin, Borodyanka and Hostomel were being targeted after Ukrainian fighters moved back Russian troops, and that fighting also persisted in Brovary, east of Kyiv.
For those who may want to return to Kyiv in light of the supposed Russian withdrawal, he urged people to wait a “couple of weeks” to see how the situation develops.
___
GENEVA — The International Committee of the Red Cross says a team intending to help people leave the besieged city of Mariupol was unable to reach the port city on Friday.
The Red Cross said in a statement that the team hopes to try again Saturday.
“Arrangements and conditions made it impossible” for the convoy of three vehicles to get safely to Mariupol and they returned to Zaporizhzhia, it said.
“For the operation to succeed, it is critical that the parties respect the agreements and provide the necessary conditions and security guarantees,” the organization said.
___
BERLIN — The International Energy Agency says its members agreed Friday to release further oil from their emergency reserves in response to the market turmoil caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Paris-based agency said in a statement that the agreement was reached at an extraordinary meeting of ministers. It did not provide information on how much emergency stock would be released, saying this would be made public next week.
The agency’s 31 members previously announced last month that they would release 62.7 million barrels of oil to ease shortages.
It said members noted the high oil price volatility caused by the war, with commercial inventories at their lowest level since 2014 and particular difficulties in diesel markets. Russia is the world’s third-largest oil producer, with about 60% of exports going to Europe and 20% going to China.
The IEA said its member hold emergency stockpiles of 1.5 billion barrels.
___
PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron promised to keep working to establish a sustainable humanitarian corridor in and out of Mariupol in talks Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy appealed to Macron to continue diplomatic efforts to get Russia to agree to conditions for evacuation and aid, according to Macron’s office. That includes a durable cease-fire announced far enough in advance to be able to organize help.
The French leader has been trying for a week to arrange help for Mariupol, so far without evident success.
Macron’s office said France is working to ensure that people fleeing Mariupol can go “in the direction of their choosing,” and that France is available to help civilians displaced by the war to settle elsewhere in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy tweeted after the call: “Told about countering Russian aggression. Discussed the negotiation process – the course and prospects, the importance of security guarantees. The initiative of (France) on humanitarian corridors from Mariupol must be implemented!”
___
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s president said he renewed a call for a meeting between leaders of Ukraine and Russia in a telephone call Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A statement from Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s office said he and Putin also discussed the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia that were held in Istanbul earlier in the week.
Erdogan’s office said the Turkish leader told Putin that the Istanbul talks had “raised hopes for peace.” Erdogan said Turkey wanted to cap off those efforts by bringing Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy together, according to the statement.
The statement said Erdogan told Putin that it was important for the sides “to act with common sense and to maintain the dialogue.”
During the call, Putin thanked Erdogan for hosting the meeting between the delegations, according to the Erdogan’s office.
Earlier on Friday, Erdogan said Zelenskyy was willing to participate in a leaders’ meeting to be hosted by Turkey.
___
MILAN — Italy’s foreign minister was visiting Azerbaijan on Friday as part of Italy’s efforts to diversify its natural gas supply following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Italy buys 40% of its gas from Russia, which Premier Mario Draghi acknowledged Thursday was directly financing Russia’s war.
Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio will discuss the possibility of increasing the supply of gas from Azerbaijan through the Trans-Adriatic pipeline, which was developed as an alternative to Russia supplies. The pipeline transported its first gas at the end of 2020.
Di Maio has been on missions to Qatar, Algeria, Angola and Congo as Italy seeks to replace Russian gas.
___
VIENNA — The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency says that Russian forces’ departure from the decommissioned Chernobyl power plant is “a step in the right direction” and the U.N. nuclear watchdog plans to be there “very, very soon.”
IAEA director-general Rafael Mariano Grossi says he will head a support mission to Chernobyl, the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, and that further nuclear safety missions to Ukraine will follow.
Grossi spoke Friday after visits to Ukraine and Russia. He said Russian nuclear and foreign ministry officials didn’t discuss with him why Russian forces left Chernobyl.
Of the overall situation in the area, he said: “The general radiation situation around the plant is quite normal. There was a relatively higher level of localized radiation because of the movement of heavy vehicles at the time of the occupation of the plant, and apparently this might have been the case again on the way out.”
Ukraine’s state power company said Russian troops received “significant doses” of radiation from digging trenches in the exclusion zone around the plant. But Grossi said “we don’t have any confirmation” that soldiers were contaminated.
___
MOSCOW — Russian officials say their demand that natural gas be paid for in rubles doesn’t mean supplies will be immediately interrupted.
Gas used for heating and electricity was still flowing from Russia to Europe on Friday.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said “payments on shipments in progress right now must be made not this very day, but somewhere in late April, or even early May.”
President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia would start accepting ruble payments Friday and gas supplies would be cut off if buyers don’t agree to the new conditions.
A decree he signed gave Russian authorities and Gazprombank 10 days to make arrangements. It also says countries could pay foreign currency to the bank, which would convert it to rubles in a second account.
The European Commission’s energy chief tweeted that the European Union was coordinating “to establish a common approach.” Western leaders have said they will keep paying in euros and dollars.
___
LVIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s general staff says the country’s armed forces have retaken control over 29 settlements in the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, where Russia has pulled back some of its troops.
The Russian military in the northeast continues to block and shell Chernihiv and Kharkiv, the general staff said Friday.
In the southeast of the country the Russians are trying to seize the cities of Popasna, Rubizhne and Mariupol in order to expand the territory of separatist republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, according to the Ukrainian military.
___
LVIV, Ukraine — Authorities in Mariupol say it is not possible to enter the besieged Ukrainian city and that it is dangerous for people to try and leave it on their own.
“We don’t see a real desire from the Russians … to provide an opportunity for Mariupol residents to evacuate to territory controlled by Ukraine,” Petro Andryushchenko, adviser the mayor of the city, said Friday on the messaging app Telegram.
“Since yesterday, the occupiers have categorically not allowed any humanitarian cargo, even in small volumes, to enter the city,” he added.
Russian officials on Friday allowed 42 buses with Mariupol residents to depart from the neighboring occupied city of Berdyansk, which Mariupol residents were able to reach on their own.
A convoy of about 2,000 refugees, escorted by the Red Cross, on Friday afternoon was heading to the city of Zaporizhzhia, which is under Ukrainian control.
The Mariupol city council on Friday said Russia’s actions in Ukraine and in their bombed-out city amounted to genocide.
___
WARSAW, Poland — Ukraine’s foreign minister says that now his country’s government is back in control of the Chernobyl nuclear site, it will work with the U.N. atomic agency to determine what the occupying Russians did there and mitigate any danger.
Russian troops left the heavily contaminated nuclear site early Friday after returning control to the Ukrainians.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the Russians behaved irresponsibly at the site during the more than four weeks that they controlled it, preventing staff at the plant from performing their full duties and digging trenches in contaminated areas.
Kuleba told a news conference in Warsaw that the Russian government had exposed its soldiers to radiation, endangering their health.
___
ROME — Venice is preparing special material to send to Lviv’s National Art Gallery and other museums in the Ukrainian city so artworks can be better protected during the war.
Mariacristina Gribaudi, head of the Venice Civic Museums Foundation, said in a statement Friday that some 65,000 artworks and 2,000 sculptures have been placed in Lviv storerooms as a precaution, but the objects aren’t adequately protected.
The Venice foundation will oversee a shipment of special fabric that can cover paintings and graphic art as well as furniture, costumes and materials made from glass or marble to protect the objects from the majority of solvents and gasses. The fabric also impedes mold and fungus growth while the works are in storage.
Also being sent are polyethylene foam shock-resistant panels.
Venice museums experts also gave advice in a video call with the Lviv gallery’s management about how to best store artworks.
___
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian says that new sanctions against Russia are needed “to force (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to end this crazy aggression.”
Le Drian, who was in Estonia and spoke through an interpreter, also said Friday that “Russia cannot expect to win this war.”
Le Drian was to travel later in the day to Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital.
___
ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated that he would like to host a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders in Istanbul, in the hope that it would “turn the negative course of events into a positive one.”
Erdogan made the comments on Friday hours before he was scheduled to hold a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the call, he was expected to renew an offer to host a leaders’ meeting.
Erdogan told reporters that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with whom he spoke on Thursday, had a “positive outlook” toward such a meeting in Turkey and that Putin’s attitude had been positive in the past.
Russian and Ukrainian delegations held a face-to-face meeting in Istanbul earlier this week during which Ukraine presented a list of proposals, including that it would have neutral status guaranteed by a range of foreign countries.
___
LVIV, Ukraine — Talks between Russia and Ukraine have resumed via video link.
Russian delegation head Vladimir Medinsky published a picture of the talks under way Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office confirmed to The Associated Press that the negotiations had resumed.
Friday’s talks came three days after the last meeting, in Turkey, between Russian and Ukrainian delegations.
Medinsky, the Russian lead negotiator, said “our positions on Crimea and the Donbas are unchanged.”
Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in southern Ukraine in 2014. The Donbas is the predominantly Russian-speaking industrial region where Moscow-backed separatists have been battling Ukrainian forces since 2014.
___
BRUSSELS — The European Union’s executive arm is proposing that the 27-nation bloc’s countries allow the millions of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine to exchange their hryvnia banknotes into the currencies of host member nations.
The European Commission said Friday its proposal aims at promoting a coordinated approach within the region.
“This approach was necessary in light of the fact that the National Bank of Ukraine had to suspend the exchange of hryvnia banknotes into foreign cash in order to protect Ukraine’s limited foreign exchange reserves,” the commission said.
“As a consequence, credit institutions in EU Member States have been unwilling to carry out the exchanges due to the limited convertibility of hryvnia banknotes and exposure to exchange rate risk.”
According to EU figures, more than 3.8 million of people fleeing the war have arrived in the European Union. More than 4 million have fled Ukraine.
The Commission proposed a maximum limit of 10,000 hryvnias (306 euros) per person, without charges, at the official exchange rate as published by the National Bank of Ukraine.
___
BERLIN — The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog says he will head a team to the decommissioned Chernobyl power plant in Ukraine “as soon as possible.”
Rafael Mariano Grossi wrote on Twitter that the International Atomic Energy Agency “assistance and support” mission to Chernobyl “will be the first in a series of such nuclear safety and security missions to Ukraine.”
Grossi’s comments followed his visits to Ukraine and then to Russia this week. He didn’t elaborate on his plans or give a more precise timeframe. He was due to hold a news conference in Vienna later Friday.
Russian forces took control of Chernobyl, the site of a 1986 nuclear disaster, at the beginning of the war. But authorities say the troops have now left after returning control to the Ukrainians.
___
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The Norwegian government is proposing a national 14.4 billion kroner ($1.7 billion) crisis package for the war in Ukraine, including spending on refugees and national defense.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told a press conference Friday, “We should take good care” of the Ukrainian refugees while they are in Norway. “This will demand the best of us,” he said.
If the proposal is passed by parliament, as expected, some 7.1 billion kroner ($815 million) will be spent on the refugees, police and the Norwegian immigration agency. Norway expects to receive 35,000 refugees this year.
Money is also going to strengthening the country’s military and civilian defense. Earlier the government has said it wants an extra allocation of 3.5 billion kroner ($402 million) for 2022 to strengthen NATO member Norway’s Armed Forces and civilian preparedness.
___
MOSCOW — The Kremlin says reports that Ukrainian helicopter gunships attacked a fuel depot inside Russia, setting it ablaze, are not conducive to talks between the two sides in the war.
Asked if the reported incident could be viewed as an escalation of the conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “Certainly, this is not something that can be perceived as creating comfortable conditions for the continuation of the talks.”
Russia-Ukraine talks were expected to continue Friday via video link.
The governor of the Russian border region of Belgorod accused Ukraine of flying helicopter gunships into Russian territory early Friday morning and targeting the oil depot, in what if confirmed would be the first attack of its kind.
It was not immediately possible to verify the report.
Peskov said President Vladimir Putin had been informed about the reported fire. He told a daily conference call with reporters that Russian authorities were taking measures to ensure fuel supplies in the region were not disrupted.
___
BEIJING — China is accusing the United States of instigating the war in Ukraine and says NATO should have been disbanded following the break-up of the Soviet Union.
“As the culprit and leading instigator of the Ukraine crisis, the U.S. has led NATO to engage in five rounds of eastward expansion in the last two decades after 1999,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters at a daily briefing Friday.
“The number of NATO members increased from 16 to 30, and they have moved eastward more than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) to somewhere near the Russian border, pushing Russia to the wall step by step,” Zhao said.
While China says it is not taking sides in the conflict, it has declared a “no limits” partnership with Moscow, has refused to condemn the invasion, opposes sanctions on Russia and routinely amplifies Russian disinformation about the conflict, including not referring to it as an invasion or a war in keeping with Russian practice.
Zhao’s comments came as Chinese and European Union leaders were meeting virtually for a summit at which Ukraine was expected to dominate discussions. EU officials say they are looking for a commitment from China not to undermine sanctions and assist in efforts to halt the fighting.
___
GENEVA — The International Committee of the Red Cross says it’s not sure that a planned delivery of aid into Mariupol and an evacuation of civilians out of the besieged Ukrainian city will happen Friday.
Spokesman Ewan Watson told a U.N. briefing in Geneva that the humanitarian group has sent three vehicles toward Mariupol and a frontline between Ukrainian and Russian forces, but two trucks carrying supplies for the city were not accompanying them.
Dozens of busses that have been put together by Ukrainian authorities to take people out also have not started approaching the dividing line, he said Friday.
Watson called it an “extremely complex” operation, adding that “not all details are in place to ensure that this happens today.”
He said the hope was that “thousands” of people could be ferried out, and their destination would be into parts of Ukraine less affected by the fighting that has been ongoing since Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24.
___
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Europol, the European Union police agency, has sent teams to countries bordering Ukraine in an effort to protect refugees from criminals.
The Hague-based agency said Friday its teams are supporting local authorities by running secondary security checks and seeking to “identify criminals and terrorists trying to enter the EU in the refugee flow and exploit the situation.”
The Europol teams are operating in Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Moldova and are planning to deploy to Romania, too.
The agency says they also are gathering intelligence to feed into criminal threat assessments across Europe.
The United Nations says that more than 4 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded on Feb. 24.
___
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Police in Norway say they have intensified information and intelligence gathering as a result of the security situation in Europe.
The move is to help “prevent and detect crime as a result of the migration flow and the tense security policy situation,” National Police Commissioner Benedicte Bjørnland said in a statement Friday.
She added that “we are particularly aware of the crime challenges that may arise as a result of the migration flow.” She did not elaborate.
More than 7,800 Ukrainians have sought asylum in Norway. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/local-police-officers-harrowing-ordeal-with-deadly-after-effects-of-covid-19/ | CAMDEN – They call him their “miracle patient.” He calls them his “miracle workers.”
“He” is Frank Talarico Jr., a Merchantville police sergeant who nearly died from a massive blood clot in his lung caused by COVID-19.
“They” are a team of health care heroes at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, who used a combination of swift action, advanced techniques, and caring support to save the 47-year-old husband and father.
The clot, known medically as a pulmonary embolism, was more than a foot long and as thick as a finger in many areas – one of the largest the staff had seen.
“It almost took me out,” says Frank, a 25-year public servant who was just six months away from retirement when he fell ill.
Indeed, as doctors worked to remove the life-threatening mass, Frank’s heart nearly stopped and he had to be put on life support. His kidneys also were at risk of failure, so doctors immediately put him on dialysis to do the work of those vital organs.
The Virtua team was “just amazing, because I’m still here,” adds Frank. “They’re truly angels, all of them.”
Frank’s health care providers agree that his chances of survival were slim. But their efforts – along with his family’s strong support and Frank’s own perseverance – pulled him through the crisis.
“Because of the care he received at the hospital and the good care he received at home from his wife, Frank recovered,” notes Dr. Hitoshi (Gene) Hirose, director of cardiac critical care for Virtua and a key member of Frank’s care team.
“He’s a remarkable person. He went through so much,” adds Shawn McCullough, one of Frank’s critical care nurses.
McCullough is among many staff who would constantly check on Frank – even when they weren’t assigned to care for him.
One such night, when Frank struggled to communicate with McCullough, the quick-thinking nurse drew an alphabet chart, enabling Frank to express himself by pointing to the letters. The team used the chart for several days.
“Nurses are at the bedside 24/7, giving that continuous care,” says Jackie Whitby, another of Frank’s critical care nurses. “Even after visiting hours, we’re reassuring the families and giving them that snapshot of how their loved one is doing.”
One-two punch
Frank’s experience is a sobering example of the dangers of COVID-19 – especially for the unvaccinated, like this previously healthy and athletic officer. He was hospitalized twice, and almost died the second time.
The Pennsauken man first became ill in December, when he developed a severe case of COVID. He was admitted to Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes on Christmas Eve, and spent 26 days there being treated for COVID pneumonia. After returning home, he had to continue using an oxygen tank.
His health had been improving until one morning in late January, when he awoke early with severe breathlessness. Frank’s wife – a physician assistant who works part-time in the Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes emergency department – immediately suspected a pulmonary embolism. She called an ambulance, which sped them to the hospital.
Once they arrived, the hospital’s rapid response team launched into action. Specialists performed a thrombectomy to remove the dangerous clot through a catheter (a thin, flexible tube). If not removed quickly, these clots can fatally block blood flow in the lungs.
At the same time, with Frank’s heart rate and other vital signs falling, other doctors placed Frank on ECMO – an advanced life-support machine that serves as the patient’s heart and lungs. With his kidneys also failing, another specialist put him on dialysis.
“I’m lucky to be alive,” says Frank. “COVID and the blood clot caused my body to go into so much distress. They were very concerned I wasn’t going to make it.”
Frank almost went into cardiac arrest as the team worked to save him, notes Dr. Hirose.
“His blood pressure was so low, we had to use medications to keep his heart beating. We had a small margin of time to complete the thrombectomy and save Frank,” recalls the physician, who started the hospital’s ECMO program when he joined Virtua last year. (ECMO is only available at certain advanced facilities.)
Dr. John Schwika, Frank’s nephrologist (kidney doctor), remembers thinking Frank was so sick that he was unlikely to survive, despite the highly intensive care he was getting. “It’s incredible that he came through this,” says the doctor, who is chief of nephrology for Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes.
Being able to diagnose and remove the clot swiftly was critical, he explains. “A lot of times, people ignore their symptoms and come in when it’s too late. If a PE (pulmonary embolism) is not treated, they’re deadly.”
Dr. Schwika credits the entire care team for Frank’s recovery, including the critical care nurses. “They know how to assess patients and tell us what’s going on. Then they follow up on it. It’s all of us working together.”
‘Mind changed’ on COVID vaccines
Frank’s experience has altered his view about vaccination.
“I had reservations about the vaccine, but after this whole ordeal, my mind is completely changed,” says Frank, who plans to get vaccinated as soon as doctors clear him to do so.
“The vaccine helps prevent hospitalization and death,” emphasizes nurse Whitby. “I’m very happy to hear that Frank now supports the vaccine.”
COVID is “not to be taken lightly,” Frank stresses. “It’s definitely real. The nurses told me so many people with COVID didn’t walk out of the hospital after going there.”
He also agrees with the medical consensus that the virus isn’t going away any time soon. “So take care of yourself and trust in the people who take care you,” he advises.
Thanking the staff
Three weeks after being discharged from the hospital, Frank and his wife Christine Lynch returned to Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes to express their gratitude to those who saved and cared for him.
“It was emotional. They were all so good to me,” says Frank, who brought bagels and cream cheese in the morning, and then returned with pizzas for the night crew.
“People don’t realize how much of their heart and soul they put into their patients,” says Frank. “A lot of them were emotional seeing me walk in unassisted, knowing how sick I had been. Tears were shed all around.”
As a health care worker herself, Christine knows the extreme amount of loss the staff has seen since the start of the pandemic. “It can really break them down emotionally,” she says. “I knew how much it would mean to them to see how well Frank’s doing, to see our gratitude, and to help them in any small way we could.”
Looking ahead
Frank continues to recover at home, and can now do many of his former activities, including driving, cooking, and starting to exercise again at his gym.
Virtua provides him with physical therapy at home three times a week, and he recently started pulmonary rehabilitation at a Virtua Rehab site twice weekly. He still has shortness of breath when he exerts himself, but his therapists say that will lessen, and he no longer needs supplemental oxygen. He’ll be on blood thinners for up to a year, to help prevent more clots.
Frank’s retirement from the police is still set for June 30 – when he will reach his full 25 years of service. In the meantime, he’s using his accumulated vacation, personal, and sick time as he rebuilds his health.
He and Christine have delayed a planned relocation to Florida, originally set for July. Now, they’re looking to move in January, allowing more time for Frank to rebuild his health and attend multiple medical appointments in New Jersey over the coming months.
And though they married last June in Mexico, the pair haven’t taken a honeymoon yet, so they’re hoping to do so once Frank feels better.
Still, he and his family know that none of this would even be possible without the multi-faceted, life-saving care Frank received.
“I’ve always had a great appreciation for health care workers,” says Frank, “but the way they took care of me and how much they did, gave me an even stronger appreciation for them.” | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/mets-ace-degrom-out-indefinitely-with-shoulder-inflammation/ | JUPITER, Fla. — Mets ace Jacob DeGrom will miss major time because of inflammation in his shoulder area, a huge blow to a team that heavily invested in making a deep run this season.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner won’t throw for up to four weeks and there is no timetable for his return, the Mets announced Friday.
“He’s disappointed. We’re disappointed. Everybody is sharing in the disappointment right now. Nobody’s immune to that,” Mets general manager Billy Eppler said in Jupiter, where New York played St. Louis.
The Mets said an MRI earlier in the day showed a stress reaction on deGrom’s right scapula that caused inflammation. He first experienced tightness while playing catch Thursday.
The 33-year-old deGrom missed the second half of last season with an elbow injury.
DeGrom had been set to start the season opener Thursday in Washington. The Mets had considered their rotation a major strong suit this year after signing three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and trading for All-Star Chris Bassitt.
“Sure, we were hoping that it was a two- or three-day thing. I know Jake was. It’s a little more time, obviously,” Mets manager Buck Showalter said. “I look at it as now, thinking about how much stronger Jake is going to be over the long haul of the season now.”
Eppler took a similar approach.
“I think the good news is here there is nothing structurally wrong here, as far as the rotator cuff or anything like that is concerned. We are dealing with a bone issue and when you are dealing with bone, they calcify. The healing characteristics will take of themselves, so I think that’s a positive that we walk away with,” Eppler said.
After getting off to a sensational start last year, deGrom didn’t pitch after July 7 because of a sprained elbow. He was 7-2 with a 1.08 ERA in 15 outings, but New York collapsed without him to finish 77-85 after leading the NL East for 103 days.
DeGrom reported to camp healthy this year and had permitted one run over five innings in Grapefruit League games, striking out 10. The right-hander’s most recent outing was Sunday against the Cardinals.
Earlier in camp, deGrom said he planned to opt out of his contract after this season and become a free agent.
Scherzer is scheduled to throw seven innings and fewer than 100 pitches against Mets minor leaguers in a simulated game Saturday. James McCann will catch Scherzer. The remainder of the major league club has a scheduled off day.
As for opening day and beyond, Showalter said the Mets have a little time to figure it out.
“We’ll get our arms around it now that we know what we’re dealing with,” he said. “We’re able to do some maneuvering now.”
Before deGrom’s diagnosis was revealed, Showalter had said Scherzer would be available to pitch opening day on five days of rest, provided the simulated game went smoothly.
“He would be comfortable, yes,” Showalter said earlier in the day.
“We’ll see how tomorrow goes,” he said.
Carlos Carrasco and Taijuan Walker comprise the remainder of the Mets rotation.
Showalter designed the spring rotation to give each pitcher five days of rest before his first regular season appearance.
“I’d really like to stay away from changing four guys’ plans that were carefully scripted to begin the season with an extra day’s rest going in,” Showalter said in the morning.
Right-hander Tylor Megill or left-hander David Peterson are the most likely options to join the Mets rotation. Megill went 4-6 with a 4.52 ERA in 18 starts last year — his lone major league season. In 25 appearances, 24 starts, across the past two seasons, Peterson is 8-8 with a 4.64 ERA.
When healthy, deGrom has been dominant. A four-time All-Star, he won the NL Cy Young in 2018 and 2019.
His 99.2 mph average velocity for fastballs last season was second in the majors behind Emmanuel Clase’s 100.7 mph for hurlers with at least 1,000 pitches, according to MLB Statcast.
“We’re going to do everything we can to support him every which way that we can, Jake’s a resilient person. With time, things heal. This is another situation where time will have him healed and we’ll get him back on the field,” Eppler said. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/mlb-umpires-to-announce-replay-decisons-for-1st-time/ | By RONALD BLUM
NEW YORK (AP) — In addition to “Play ball!” and “Yer Out!”, big league umpires will be heard saying “Overturned!” and “Upheld!” for the first time this season.
Major League Baseball said Friday that umpires will conduct in-park announcements during the replay reviews this season. The decision was delayed two seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We discussed the possibility of doing this with the umpires during their most recent CBA negotiation,” MLB executive vice president Morgan Sword said, “and then COVID got in the way our planning. We finally were able this year to give them the appropriate training and get everybody ready for opening day.”
A crew chief will have a wireless microphone and first announce the call being challenged and which team initiated the challenge. After the review, the crew chief will announce the result.
Audio will go over ballpark public-address systems and be made available to broadcasters.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “I think the fans deserve that explanation. I played baseball in Japan for a year and I felt like it was awkward at first, when the umpires would go over and explain every ruling, the reason for every ejection, whatever it was, just to let the fans know. But I got used to it and I think the fans appreciated it.”
MLB was the last major pro sport in North America to institute replay when it began late in the 2008 season for home run calls. Video reviews were vastly expanded for the 2014 season.
Until now, umpires had revealed their decisions such as safe and out with hand signals.
Of 1,305 calls challenged by clubs last year, 655 calls were overturned (50.2%), 221 were confirmed (16.9%) and 429 were allowed to stand (32.9%) when there was insufficient evidence to overturn or confirm. There were 159 additional crew chief reviews initiated by an umpire.
NFL referees were given wireless microphones in 1975 to explain penalty decisions. The NFL had an initial replay system from 1986-91, abandoned it, then reinstalled it for the 1999 season. The NHL added a replay system in 1991 and the NBA in 2002.
___
AP Sports Writer David Brandt contributed to this report.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/new-50th-in-flight-mural-tells-story-of-stockton-in-1000-photos/ | GALLOWAY – The story of Stockton University is now displayed on a wall of the Campus Center in a 30-by-16-foot mural composed of almost 1,000 photos showing the history of the university over its first 50 years.
The 50th Anniversary Exhibit, titled “50th in Flight” was dedicated March 31 as students, faculty and staff peered at the photos, looking to see if they might recognize someone.
The mural photos include Stockton presidents, faculty, staff and hundreds of students and student athletes. It even includes Justin Bieber, who presented a $100,000 check to student Julie Coker in 2020 to support her work with the mental health organization Active Minds. An image of the Stockton mascot, the osprey, is superimposed over the photos.
“This is more than just a retrospective of the past,” said President Harvey Kesselman. “It is a dynamic installation, a storytelling device that will inform and entertain.”
Kesselman was in the first class of freshmen at Stockton in 1971 and has spent virtually his whole career at Stockton. He noted that he can probably identify photos from every era on the mural.
Stockton Special Collections librarian Heather Perez, who co-chaired the project with Professor of History Michelle McDonald and Director of Creative Services Ed Wuillermin, said the idea for the photo mural came from students.
“They didn’t want to do a traditional exhibit,” Perez said. Dozens of students, and staff collaborated to define the themes for the mural, collect photos, and write up 50 short stories for a companion website.
“As you look at the mural, we hope you can find an image with which you can connect, maybe a sport, an event, or a location,” Perez said.
Graduate student Jessica Chamberlain of Cape May said she actually began working on 50th anniversary stories five years ago, when she was a student intern with Professor Tom Kinsella.
“Once we agreed on a mural, the next question was where it would go,” Chamberlain said. “We thought across from the presidents’ portraits in the Campus Center would be nice so they could look upon it. Plus, there was a big empty wall there.”
Chamberlain said the project has made her appreciate the importance of historical preservation.
“I hope everyone can see a representation of themselves in this mural,” she said. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/new-flu-outbreak-could-affect-new-jersey-birds/ | There’s a new virus going around – one that people should be aware of but not necessarily worried about catching. No, it’s not another Covid-19 variant!
New Jersey wildlife and agriculture officials are keeping their eyes on an outbreak of a bird flu that’s affecting both wild and domestic birds in 20 states – mostly along the “Atlantic flyway” migration corridor, including this state we’re in.
So far, the “highly pathogenic avian influenza” (HPAI) has not resulted in any confirmed bird deaths in New Jersey. But it may just be a matter of time. Dr. Nicole Lewis, pathologist for the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, is testing a group of brant geese recently found dead.
“We know that we have it here,” she said, explaining that wild waterfowl and shorebirds are considered “natural reservoirs” of avian influenza, but they often don’t develop symptoms. For example, a sampling of wild ducks in New Jersey that were trapped for testing came back positive for the bird flu. However, the ducks showed no signs of being sick.
But, as with Covid-19, infected individuals without symptoms can still spread the disease to others.
Dr. Lewis was first alerted to the HPAI a few months ago, after a mixed flock of about 300 birds in Newfoundland, Canada, was struck by sudden illness. “It was a menagerie of birds and they all died,” she said.
The bird flu causes neurological symptoms, including seizures, falling over, twitching and having difficulty flying. Most birds that display symptoms perish within 24 to 48 hours.
The wild birds considered most at risk include eagles, snow geese, snowy owls, mergansers, swans, mallard ducks, vultures, hawks, gulls and shorebirds.
In eastern Pennsylvania, the HPAI virus was just confirmed in a bald eagle found dead in Chester County. A diagnosis is pending on five hooded mergansers recovered in a northwestern Pennsylvania lake; four were found dead and the fifth was euthanized after showing neurologic symptoms. Cases have also been reported in wild birds in New York and Maryland.
Fortunately, the disease doesn’t seem to affect backyard feeder birds like chickadees, cardinals and finches, according to Dr. Lewis. “Songbirds tend to be resistant, so we don’t need to worry about them being impacted,” she said.
Perhaps the most vulnerable bird populations are domestic poultry – chickens, ducks and turkeys – including flocks that many New Jerseyans raise in their backyards to produce eggs.
“HPAI spreads through contact with bodily secretions, including feces and ocular, nasal, or oral secretions from infected birds,” according to an advisory from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. “The virus can be spread on vehicles, equipment, shoes, etc. Practicing good biosecurity can help prevent the spread of HPAI onto your farm.”
Droppings from wild birds flying over domestic poultry flocks are believed to have contributed to the spread of the disease.
While HPAI can potentially infect humans, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that the current bird flu outbreak poses little risk to the health of the general public.
“There’s always the risk, but it’s quite low,” Dr. Lewis said. The people most likely to contract cases of avian influenza, she said, are those who work in close contact with birds.
New Jersey volunteers who work with birds – or even just observe them – are being made aware of the disease as a precaution. For example, biologist Larissa Smith of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey is alerting volunteers who monitor bald eagle nests throughout the state.
“We just want everyone to know the disease is out there and they’ve got to be careful,” Smith said, especially if they come across dead or injured birds.
What should members of the public do if they encounter sick or dead birds?
“If you find a bird that seems very depressed or down, or if you approach them and they don’t fly away, that could be a neurological symptom,” said Dr. Lewis.
For sick or injured birds, search online for “New Jersey wildlife rehabilitators” and call the facility nearest the location of the sick bird. To report dead birds, call the state Department of Environmental Protection’s hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP. Dead birds should not be touched or picked up!
To learn more about avian influenza and see a map of cases, go to www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/distribution-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-north-america-20212022#overview. More information can be found at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture website at www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/diseases/avian_influenza.html and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website at www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/birdflu.htm.
And for information on preserving New Jersey’s land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website at www.njconservation.org or contact me at info@njconservation.org.
Tom Gilbert is co-executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/new-vehicles-must-average-40-mpg-by-2026-up-from-28-mpg/ | By TOM KRISHER
DETROIT (AP) — New vehicles sold in the U.S. will have to average at least 40 miles per gallon of gasoline in 2026, up from about 28 mpg, under new federal rules unveiled Friday that undo a rollback of standards enacted under President Donald Trump.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said its new fuel economy requirements are the strongest to date and the maximum the industry can achieve over the time period. They will reduce gasoline consumption by more than 220 billion gallons over the life of vehicles, compared with the Trump standards.
They’re expected to decrease carbon dioxide emissions — but not as much as some environmentalists want — and raise new vehicle prices in an industry already pressed by inflation and supply chain issues.
For the current model year, standards enacted under Trump require the fleet of new vehicles to get just under 28 miles per gallon in real-world driving. The new requirements increase gas mileage by 8% per year for model years 2024 and 2025 and 10% in the 2026 model year.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whose department includes NHTSA, said the rules also will help strengthen national security by making the country less dependent on foreign oil and less vulnerable to volatile gasoline prices. Gasoline nationwide has spiked to an average of more than $4.22 per gallon, with much of the increase coming since Russia, a major oil producer, invaded Ukraine in late February. It cost $2.88 per gallon just a year ago, according to AAA.
Gas prices also have helped to fuel inflation to a 40-year high, eating up household budgets and hitting President Joe Biden’s approval ratings.
“Transportation is the second-largest cost for American families, only behind housing,” Buttigieg said. The new standards, he said, will help keep the U.S. more secure and preserve “the freedom of our country to chart its future without being subject to other countries and to the decisions that are being made in the boardrooms of energy companies.”
But auto dealers say more stringent requirements drive up prices and push people out of an already expensive new-car market. NHTSA projects that the new rules will raise the price of a new vehicle in the 2029 model year by $1,087.
Trump’s administration rolled back fuel economy standards, allowing them to rise 1.5% per year, which environmental groups said was inadequate to limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change. The standards had been rising about 5% per year previously.
But the new standards won’t immediately match those adopted through 2025 under President Barack Obama. NHTSA officials said they will equal the Obama standards by 2025 and slightly exceed them for the 2026 model year.
The Obama-era standards automatically adjusted for changes in the type of vehicles people are buying. When they were enacted in 2012, 51% of new vehicle sales were cars and 49% SUVs and trucks. Last year, 77% of new vehicle sales were SUVs and trucks, which generally are less efficient than cars.
Some environmental groups said the new requirements from NHTSA under Biden don’t go far enough to fight global warming. Others supported the new standards as a big step toward reducing emissions, with the American Lung Association calling for even stronger standards to drive a transition to all new vehicles having zero-emissions by 2035.
“Climate change has gotten much worse, but these rules only require automakers to reduce gas-guzzling slightly more than they agreed to cut nine years ago,” said Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Transport Center at the Center for Biological Diversity.
Officials said that under the new standards, owners would save about $1,400 in gasoline costs during the lifetime of a 2029 model year vehicle. Carbon dioxide emissions would drop by 2.5 billion metric tons by 2050 under the standards, the NHTSA said.
Automakers are investing billions of dollars to develop and build electric vehicles but say government support is needed to get people to buy them. The companies want government tax credits to reduce prices as well as more money for EV charging stations to ease anxiety over running out of juice.
John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a large industry trade group, said increased regulations will require supportive government policies. Regulators should consider safety, consumer buying preferences, improved fuel economy and the transition to electric vehicles, he said in a statement.
NHTSA sets fuel economy requirements, while the Environmental Protection Agency develops limits on greenhouse gas emissions. NHTSA officials said their requirements nearly match rules adopted in December by the EPA, so automakers don’t have to comply with two rules.
___
This story has been corrected to show the current real-world mileage requirement under the Trump administration rules is 28 mpg, not 24 mpg. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/officer-killed-in-pennsylvania-was-1-month-from-retirement/ | By MARK SCOLFORO
A police lieutenant killed on duty in Pennsylvania was one month away from retirement when a man suspected of breaking into a family member’s home opened fire on responding officers, authorities said Friday.
Lebanon City Police Lt. William Lebo and three other uniformed officers were met with immediate gunfire when they entered the home on Forest Street, Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said at a news conference.
Two other officers were injured and remain hospitalized. The suspect, 34-year-old Travis Shaud of Lebanon, was also killed in the exchange of gunfire.
Graf said Shaud had a record of domestic assaults as well as mental health issues.
“Family attempts to intervene, to provide assistance, were met with his utter resistance,” she said.
Shaud had previously lived in the home but not for some years, she said. A man listed as a co-owner of the home declined comment when reached by phone early Friday.
Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello said the injured officers are Ryan Adams, 34, and Derek Underkoffler, 32, both with seven years on the force. Lebo, 63, had planned to retire May 1 after 40 years with the department.
A family member arrived home after work Thursday and realized Shaud had broken into the rear of his home, so he called police, Graf said.
“When police attempted to enter the residence, four officers encountered immediate gunfire,” Graf said. Shaud used a gun from the home to shoot at police, Graf said.
Officers returned fire and Shaud was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Shaud family friend, Susan Schott, told the Lebanon Daily News the Forest Street home was Travis Shaud’s childhood home.
“Travis was a wonderful person when he was OK,” Schott told the paper. “But as soon as I heard the address I knew what happened.”
Authorities have not said who shot who and did not take questions about what Graf called an ongoing investigation at news conferences Thursday and Friday.
“As one can imagine, it’s clearly a traumatic event,” Lebanon Police Chief Todd Breiner said Thursday night. “Our guys are strong, but we’re human and we have families.”
Lebanon resident Angelo Gonzalez, 17, was working at a pizzeria down the road from the shooting when he said he saw “cop car after cop car flying down the street.”
“Then we heard something and weren’t sure what it was and the street filled up with cops and ambulance in a matter of 15 min,” Gonzalez said in a text message.
Lebo was at least the third officer killed in the line of duty in Lebanon, according to Capello.
___
Associated Press writer Ryan Kryska in Leonard, Michigan, contributed to this report. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/oscars-producer-says-police-offered-to-arrest-will-smith/ | By ANDREW DALTON
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oscars producer Will Packer said Los Angeles police were ready to arrest Will Smith after Smith slapped Chris Rock on the Academy Awards stage.
“They were saying, you know, this is battery, was a word they used in that moment,” Packer said in a clip released by ABC News Thursday night of an interview he gave to “Good Morning America.” “They said we will go get him. We are prepared. We’re prepared to get him right now. You can press charges, we can arrest him. They were laying out the options.”
But Packer said Rock was “very dismissive” of the idea.
“He was like, ‘No, no, no, I’m fine,” Packer said. “And even to the point where I said, ‘Rock, let them finish.’ The LAPD officers finished laying out what his options were and they said, ‘Would you like us to take any action?’ And he said no.”
The LAPD said in a statement after Sunday night’s ceremony that they were aware of the incident, and that Rock had declined to file a police report. The department declined comment Thursday on Packer’s interview.
In the longer version on “Good Morning America,” Packer said he initially believed the slap was an orchestrated bit. “I thought it was part of something that Chris and Will were doing on their own. I thought it was a bit. I wasn’t concerned at all.”
Packer said he went up to Rock after the incident. “I said, ‘Did he really hit you?’” the producer asked Rock. “And he looked at me and he goes, ‘Yeah, I just took a punch from Muhammad Ali,’ as only Chris can. He was immediately in joke mode, but you could tell that he was very much still in shock.”
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences met Wednesday to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations against the group’s standards of conduct. Smith could be suspended, expelled or otherwise sanctioned.
The academy said in a statement that “Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television.”
Without giving specifics, the academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre, but refused to do so.
Smith strode from his front row seat on to the stage and slapped Rock after a joke Rock made about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, when he was on stage to present the Oscar for best documentary.
On Monday, Smith issued an apology to Rock, the academy and to viewers, saying “I was out of line and I was wrong.”
The academy said Smith has the opportunity to defend himself in a written response before the board meets again on April 18.
Rock publicly addressed the incident for the first time, but only briefly, at the beginning of a standup show Wednesday night in Boston, where he was greeted by a thunderous standing ovation. He said “I’m still kind of processing what happened.”
___
Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/politically-charged-u-s-iran-in-first-middle-east-world-cup/ | DOHA, Qatar — The most controversial World Cup ever will feature in Qatar the most politically charged matchups.
Just like in 1998, the United States will play Iran with diplomatic relations yet to be restored between the nations. Throw into the mix in Group B, England, whose government has endured tense relations with Tehran.
The group could yet be completed by Ukraine, whose ability to qualify for the World Cup has been postponed by being invaded by Russia. The Ukrainians will have to overcome Scotland and then Wales in the playoffs to make the tournament in November.
What is known is that Qatar will open its first World Cup against Ecuador on Nov. 18 after qualifying for the first time as host.
The draw in Doha on Friday delivered a thrilling matchup in Group E between Spain and Germany. Group C could see a meeting of the most recent FIFA Best winners with Lionel Messi’s Argentina drawn to play Robert Lewandowski’s Poland.
The world champion will be crowned in December for the first time due to the final being moved from its usual July slot to avoid Qatar’s fierce summer heat.
Qatar has spent 12 years, since winning the World Cup bid, fighting to protect the hosting rights amid corruption investigations and regional disharmony.
The implausibility of Qatar staging such a mammoth event within the congested confines of Doha was clear in the desert imagery that flashed on the screens around the draw venue. Images of skyscrapers growing from the sand served as a reminder of the vast projects required to develop this gas-rich nation in recent decades.
“The world can see Qatar as promised,” the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, told the audience.
The suffering of low-paid migrant workers went unmentioned.
There was an oblique reference before the draw by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to the war on Ukraine launched in February by 2018 host Russia.
“Our world is divided, our world is aggressive,” Infantino said, “and we need occasions to bring people together.”
There was a plea for peace.
“To all the leaders and all the people of the world,” Infantino added. “Stop the conflicts and the wars. Please engage in dialogue. Please engage in peace. We want this to be a World Cup of unity and the World Cup of peace.”
The day began with a protest outside FIFA headquarters in Zurich. German artist Volker-Johannes Trieb used balls filled with sand to protest against the suffering of migrant workers in Qatar who have worked on the infrastructure related to the World Cup. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/rcbc-chosen-as-host-site-for-smithsonians-voices-and-votes-democracy-in-america-exhibit/ | MOUNT LAUREL – Who has the right to vote? What are the privileges and obligations of citizens? Whose voices will ultimately be heard? These questions have ruminated in the American psyche since the Revolutionary War and continue to affect citizens to this day. Explore them further and join the discussion at Rowan College at Burlington County from April 5 to May 5, as they display Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, an exhibit based on works currently displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
Features of the exhibit include historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games and additional footage, photos and information; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia and protest material.
This exhibit will correlate with a year of programming integration with RCBC courses and events, including but not limited to Marketing the Movement: How Women Won the Vote, Early Voting on RCBC’s Mount Laurel Campus and a Naturalization Ceremony which will take place on April 1. 50 candidates from 26 countries will earn citizenship during the ceremony. Visit rcbc.edu/smithsonian to see all upcoming events.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America has been made possible at Rowan College at Burlington County by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. Voices and Votes is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the Federation of State Humanities Councils. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/ryan-marinos-bat-leads-hamilton-west-baseball-past-hopewell-valley-in-opener/ | HAMILTON — Ryan Marino and his teammates on the Hamilton High West baseball squad do not appreciate being overlooked.
Yet, that is exactly what Marino and Co. felt happened when preseason evaluations of the 2022 Hornets came out this week.
Head coach Mike Moceri Jr.’s team went as far as any Colonial Valley Conference team last spring (the sectional semifinals) and won the Valley Division the last time official league play happened back in 2019 (because of the coronavirus pandemic), however Hamilton was not considered, by some, one of the front runners in the same division this season after 12 seniors graduated.
That did not sit well with Marino.
So when Hopewell Valley, a team some saw as the Valley favorite, visited the Hornets’ Nest Friday in the season opener for New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletics Association schools, the senior third baseman made people take note of Hamilton West.
All Marino did was belt a two-run home run and a two-run double to help the home team come away with a 4-3 victory over the Bulldogs.
“With it being the first game and the conditions today, I figured he (Hopewell pitcher Jared Greenzang) might try to blow it right by us, so I wanted to be aggressive and stay right on him,” Marino said.
The approach worked as the Hornets’ No. 3 hitter, with the wind at his back, smoked an offering from Greenzang over the left-field fence after Mac Meara had walked ahead of him with one out in the bottom of the first inning.
“The first pitch he got a hold of was a slider that hung up there. It sort of flattened out like a fastball,” Greenzang said of his encounters with Marino. “The second one he hit was a fastball. He beat me twice.”
After grounding out on a close play in the third inning, Marino stepped in against Greenzang once more in the fifth inning with two outs, two on and the Bulldogs leading 3-2.
With Andy Figueroa and Nate Mains on base after both had walked, Marino jumped on a pitch and sent it soaring to the left side of center field for a booming double which chased around both runners.
“When I get ahead in the count, I try to be aggressive. It paid off,” Marino said.
Coming off a football season in which he gained All-CVC honors as a senior offensive lineman, Marino dropped 20 pounds to get in shape for his final baseball season with the Hornets.
“I love to play with energy,” he said. “And we love playing with a chip on our shoulders.”
Without realizing it, Hopewell provided that incentive Friday, and Greenzang, a hard-throwing Rider commit who pitched a complete game and struck out 10, provided Marino with the perfect test subject.
However, this was more than a two-man game.
After loading the bases off Hamilton West starting pitcher Dylan Parsons with two outs in the third inning, but failing to score, the Bulldogs came back to get three runs off Parsons in the fourth with the help of two errors.
That catapulted the visitors, who were led by a 3-for-3 performance from Lucas Henderson, into the lead.
But when Dylan Eng led off the fifth inning with a single, Meara came in from center field to take over for Parsons on the hill.
Head coach Ken Harrison’s team challenged in the sixth inning when Henderson, Michael Boyer and Cole Beck strung together hits, but Henderson got caught rounding second base.
Hopewell Valley threatened to tie the game once more in the seventh when leadoff hitter Jake Lengle got all the way to third base before Meara snagged a comebacker from Chris DelVecchio and threw down to first base to cap an exciting opening day for Marino and the Hornets.
Hopewell Val. (0-1) 000 300 0 — 3 7 2
Hamilton West(1-0) 200 020 x — 4 4 3
2B: Marino (HW); HR: Marino (HW); RBIs: Beck (HV), Marino 4 (HW).
WP — Meara (1-0); LP — Greenzang (0-1). | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
https://www.trentonian.com/2022/04/01/stockton-and-atlantic-city-to-host-first-community-cleanup-and-party-in-the-park/ | GALLOWAY – Stockton University and the city of Atlantic City will host the first citywide Atlantic City Community Day Cleanup and Party in the Park from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23 (rain date April 24).
The event, one of the highlights of Stockton’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2021-22, will bring together city residents, local employees, and Stockton students, faculty, staff, and alumni to work together and have fun.
The day will start with a cleanup in each of the city’s six wards and the beach from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. All that hard work will be rewarded with a block party in O’Donnell Park across from the Stockton Atlantic City campus.
“We talked to the neighborhood associations and there was a lot of support for having both a community service component and a party to celebrate the day,” said Stockton Atlantic City Chief Operating Officer Brian K. Jackson. “This is truly going to be a citywide event.”
The event is co-chaired by Jackson, who is coordinating the cleanup, and Noyes Arts Garage Executive Director Michael Cagno, who is coordinating the party.
Stockton President Harvey Kesselman said since Stockton held its very first classes in Atlantic City 50 years ago while the Galloway campus was under construction, it is only fitting that the university hold an anniversary party in the city.
“Atlantic City is where we got our start,” Kesselman said. “We are proud to be back in the city at our Atlantic City campus and invite residents to come join us in the celebration.”
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, a Stockton alumnus, encouraged city residents to participate in the day.
“This is an opportunity for all of us to show our pride in our city,” Small said. “It’s always a great day in Atlantic City, and Stockton is making this a very special day for our residents.”
Neighborhood associations in each ward are helping to secure volunteers for the cleanup. Stockton students and employees, area churches, organizations and businesses have also committed to supporting and participating, including ACDevco, ACUA, Resorts Casino Hotel, AtlantiCare, South Jersey Industries, Hard Rock Casino, Orsted, Spencer’s/Spirit of Halloween, Surfrider Foundation of South Jersey and the Special Improvement Division-CRDA.
Jackson said he anticipates more organizations to sign on to participate, with a goal to have 1,000 volunteers on site that day.
The Party in the Park, scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature food trucks, DJs and live band, games, a magician, art workshops, a hip hop corner, and villages set up for crafters selling their wares and some 25 community organizations who have registered to participate.
Cagno said they are still accepting food vendors, local crafters and artists for the event.
“We want area residents to have the opportunity to share and highlight their talents,” Cagno said. “This is a day for Atlantic City to shine.”
For more information and to register to participate as a volunteer or vendor, go to the website at stockton.edu/50. | true | true | both | www.trentonian | 20220402 |
End of preview. Expand
in Data Studio
README.md exists but content is empty.
- Downloads last month
- 10