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Keystone’s Seth Apel, Who Had His Right Arm Severed and Reattached at Age 12, Teaching Others How to Persevere Through Baseball
KNOX, Pa. (EYT/D9) — To Seth Apel, it almost seems natural now.
He swings only with his left arm, backhanding the bat toward the pitch like a tennis player returning a volley. He makes good contact, too — he hit .262 as a junior on the Keystone High School baseball team and walked more times than he struck out.
A natural right-hander, he now throws with his left arm — no other choice, he says. He’s become good enough at it that he hopes to pitch this season for the Panthers.
He plays virtually every position on the diamond — he even caught an inning against Karns City, receiving a pitch with the mitt on his left hand, popping the ball in the air as he dropped the glove, snatching the ball out of the air and firing it back to the pitcher in one smooth motion.
Since he was 12, Apel has had to adapt after a horrific accident on his rural Knox farm that severed his arm from his body just below the shoulder.
The limb was reattached during a six-hour surgery, and he’s had multiple other operations in an attempt to return as much function as possible to his right arm. He can bend his elbow normally, and his bicep and shoulder are strong.
The 18-year-old Keystone senior is still fighting to regain mobility in his wrist and fingers, however – after nearly seven years.
He doesn’t know if he will ever be able to use his right hand again.
And, he’s at peace with that.
“You know, you get used to things,” Apel said. “Life goes on. There’s no use sulking about something you can’t change.”
Apel has become an inspiration over the years. To his teammates. To his peers. To those struggling with their own difficulties all over the world.
It’s his calling. It’s his answer – everything happens for a reason.
“I’ve been really blessed,” Apel says, smiling. “I’ve been able to get my story out there and help others.”
At first, though, Apel wondered why?
Why me? Why did this happen?
At first, he wanted to die.
“I JUST WANT TO SEE JESUS”
Seth Apel doesn’t remember much about the life-altering event that happened to him on November 7, 2015.
Just bits and pieces. A snippet of a recollection here. A moment in time frozen in his mind there.
He remembers the cuff of his coat getting caught in the power take-off of a tractor. He remembers the instinct to jerk his arm back.
Then, the sight of his right arm lying on the ground 10 feet away from him.
The power take-off had twisted and severed his arm between the shoulder and the elbow. Seth, age 12 at the time, said he didn’t immediately go into shock.
He was just confused.
“When it first happened, I felt a tug,” said Seth, a homeschooled senior. “My reaction was to pull back. I looked down, and I didn’t see my arm.
“If I didn’t pull back,” he added. “I wouldn’t be here today.”
All Seth could do was lie on the ground and scream. His grandfather, Tim Smith, heard his bellows and raced out to see what was wrong.
Confronted with the horrifying scene, he called 9-1-1. An ambulance arrived in minutes. Seth was taken to a nearby field where he could be transported by medical helicopter to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
With his father, Josh, by his side and his mother, Angela, en route from New Bethlehem, the reality of Seth’s accident set in.
“I questioned why it happened to me,” Seth said. “It’s natural when something traumatic happens. You question why.”
Seth loved the game of baseball. Was enamored with every aspect of it. He was a standout right-handed pitcher on his Little League team and was looking forward to the season coming up in the spring.
Funny what the mind focuses on in times of trauma. Seth’s initial thoughts were he’d never be able to play baseball again.
As they waited to take off, Seth kept saying, “I just want to see Jesus. I just want to go see Jesus.”
Angela got the word her son was in an accident from her mother, Cindy Smith. They were attending a baby shower in New Bethlehem when Cindy received a frantic call from Tim.
Cindy got up and left the room. When Cindy returned, she couldn’t find the words to tell Angela what had happened.
“She was saying, ‘It’s Seth. It’s Seth.’”
Angela packed up her three young girls, the youngest not yet two, and drove toward home, not knowing if Seth was alive or dead.
As she saw the medical helicopter land at the campground, a sense of relief washed over her.
“At least I knew he was alive,” she said. “That made it a little easier to deal with, what had happened, because my thoughts before that was he could be dead.”
Angela raced to the ambulance where Seth and her husband, Josh, were waiting. Josh was bawling. Between his sobs, he told Angela what had happened and the extent of Seth’s injuries.
More relief, oddly, engulfed Angela.
“I just said, ‘That’s OK. We can handle that. He’s alive,’” Angela said. “That’s just what my focus was. Keep him alive.”
Seth’s severed arm was also in the ambulance, packed initially in ice inside a garbage bag before being moved to a cooler for the trip to Pittsburgh.
ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST
Dr. Lorelei Grunwaldt and the surgical team at Children’s were pessimistic that they could successfully reattach Seth’s arm.
The nerves were stretched and torn. That made Seth a poor candidate for the delicate procedure.
Something — she’s not sure what — compelled Dr. Grunwaldt to want to try. The consensus of the surgical team was the operation would fail, but she dug in anyway.
“In my heart, in my mind, I felt there was a greater than a 50-50 chance of it being successful,” she said in an interview with the 700 Club.
Dr. Grunwaldt felt that Seth deserved a chance to keep his arm. She convinced the rest of the team to go ahead with the operation.
Seth’s family had no idea that an effort was underway.
“We were in the waiting room, and they came out and said, ‘Well, we’ve got the arm back on,’” Angela said. “We about fell over. We never expected that. We thought they were just going to patch up the wound, and that was gonna be that. The fact they were able to reattach it was really a miracle. It’s really a miracle it has done as well as it has.”
(Seth Apel with Pittsburgh Pirates’ Neil Walker in the hospital shortly after his surgery to reattach his severed right arm.)
After a six-hour surgery and 48 hours of waiting — and a whole lot of praying, not just from Seth’s family, but from thousands across Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and even the world — Dr. Grunwaldt’s gamble paid off.
When Seth finally awoke, a piece of scripture leaped into his mind.
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,” he said.
LONG RECOVERY
Seth’s story became international news.
His ordeal was recounted on Pittsburgh television stations, The Today Show, and even in the Daily Mail in the United Kingdom.
Neil Walker, then of the Pittsburgh Pirates, visited Seth in the hospital. So, too, did former major leaguer, Sean Casey.
His story was also told on the 700 Club, a program that airs on the Christian Broadcast Network.
Seth appreciated the well wishes and support, but he also had bigger goals in mind.
He wanted to be a source of inspiration, to help others going through great trauma.
He also wanted to play baseball again during the upcoming Little League season in the spring.
That revelation shocked those around him, but also made them proud. Seth wasn’t going to let what had happened to him stop him.
He was determined.
“We were very proud of him,” Angela said.
(Seth was able to return to the Little League field just six months after his accident.)
“At first I was considering being a mascot or something,” Seth said. “It was my last year of Little League, and we were thinking about how can I be a part of the team. What can I do? I was like, ‘No. I want to play.’”
But how, with only one functioning arm?
Seth jumped on YouTube and typed, “One-handed baseball players.”
He was surprised by the number of videos that popped up. He studied them, watching intently to see what kind of challenges he’d have to overcome to play with one arm.
Seth knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is.
Seth worked tirelessly, teaching himself how to throw left-handed. He learned how to swing a bat with one arm, practiced fielding a ball with his glove, and shedding it quickly so he could throw.
It was arduous work. Long hours. Plenty of failures and frustration. And, yes, there were moments, fleeting occasions of doubt, when Seth wondered if he would ever be able to step back onto a baseball field again.
He pushed those thoughts from his mind.
Seth had faith he could do it, and to him, faith was a powerful thing.
“For a normal person with two arms, it would be hard to learn how to throw with the other arm,” Seth said. “I didn’t have an option. I couldn’t cheat and throw with my right. I couldn’t quit. If I’m gonna play, I have to make this work.”
By the spring, he was playing again. A smile beamed on his face when he took his first at-bat, when he fielded his first fly ball, when he made his first throw to a base — simple things that he took for granted before, but were monumental now.
As time passed, things became more natural for Seth. He developed his skills enough to crack the starting lineup for Keystone.
“He’s always been determined,” Angela said. “He a very determined child. He didn’t let it hold him back.”
JUST ANOTHER BALLPLAYER
Seth worked with batting coach, Ed Kemmer, on the best way for him to swing with one arm.
When he first started, he used his right hand to stabilize the bat before he swung. Now, he just uses his left arm.
“I don’t have a power arm, but who needs a power arm when you can find the holes,” Seth said, grinning.
Seth has undergone several procedures after his accident with the hopes of returning more function to his arm.
Some of the surgeries have been painful.
Two years ago, surgeons removed a portion of his thigh muscle to transplant into his forearm.
“That was probably the hardest one he’s gone through,” Angela said. “He said, ‘I’m not gonna do this again. I’m not going through this again.’ That was tough. It’s his prerogative. It’s his life. If that’s it, he’s gonna be fine because he’s learned how to function without it.”
Seth is also a soccer player. During the fall, he broke his right forearm, necessitating another surgery to implant another plate for support.
“That was a hiccup that we weren’t expecting,” Angela said. “He hadn’t thought about how brittle that forearm was getting.”
No more surgeries are scheduled. He still cannot bend his fingers enough to grasp items. He’s hoping in time and with more work in physical therapy, he can someday.
An avid hunter, Seth has found ways to tackle that passion with one arm, as well.
(Seth has learned ways to still hunt despite limited use of his right hand.)
“I’m big into the outdoors and whitetail deer,” Seth said. “I’m going to Wisconsin this August with some wildlife biologists.”
Seth has blended in seamlessly with his teammates on the Keystone baseball team. His ability to play any position and his good eye at the plate has helped him get on the field and contribute to the Panthers.
Then, there are all the things he can do for his team off the field.
“Seth is one of the most outstanding young men I’ve ever met,” said Keystone baseball coach Nick Banner. “He’s a phenomenal baseball player. He’s better than most players with two arms. He can play any position. I will play him anywhere in a game.
“He’s my captain,” said Banner added. “He is an awesome guy. He inspires everyone around him.”
There’s one more thing Seth wants to accomplish before his baseball career is over.
He wants to pitch again.
He’s thrown out the first pitch left-handed at a Pittsburgh Pirates’ game and at the Little League World Series.
But, he wants to face live hitters. Stare them down. Strike them out with a pitch thrown from his left hand.
“It’s my senior year. I want to pitch again,” Seth said, a smile creasing his face. “I’ve been working on pitching. It’s still a work in progress.”
Angela doesn’t put anything past her son.
“He really wants to do that,” Angela said. “When he sets his mind to something …”
Like Seth said when he first awoke from his ordeal.
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/08/update-keystones-seth-apel-who-had-his-right-arm-severed-and-reattached-at-age-12-teaching-others-how-to-persevere-through-baseball/ | 2022-04-09T03:56:24Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/08/update-keystones-seth-apel-who-had-his-right-arm-severed-and-reattached-at-age-12-teaching-others-how-to-persevere-through-baseball/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
RMNP rangers searching for suspect(s) who illegally took beloved bull elk's antler, skull
Rocky Mountain National Park rangers are investigating the alleged illegal removal of the skull and a massive antler of one of its most majestic bull elk.
The popular photographic elk, whose large size earned him nicknames such as the Big Kahuna, Bruno, Incredibull and Big Thirds, died last month from what park officials believe was natural causes.
The approximately 10 year-old bull was reportedly injured during last fall's rutting season, when males battle sometimes with antlers for the right to breed cow elk.
The announcement of his death went viral on social media. The large elk was a hit with visitors, who often photographed him in the Moraine Park area.
Wildlife photographers posted on social media images of the elk's carcass they found March 20 but did not announce the location. Park rangers said in a news release Friday afternoon they believe the skull and antler were illegally removed from the carcass between March 20 and March 22.
The elk only had one antler at the time of his death and it is believed he had already shed the other one, which bull elk do each late winter and early spring.
Park rangers are asking anyone with information regarding the case to call the park's tip line (970) 586-1393 or email ROMO_Tipline@nps.gov.
Those who wish to remain anonymous, can visit the NPS Anonymous Tip Information line at (888) 361-3332 or (202) 379-4877.
RMNP know before you go: Timed entry reservation system back for a third year
Reporter Miles Blumhardt looks for stories that impact your life. Be it news, outdoors, sports — you name it, he wants to report it. Have a story idea? Contact him at milesblumhardt@coloradoan.com or on Twitter @MilesBlumhardt. Support his work and that of other Coloradoan journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today. | https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2022/04/08/rocky-mountain-national-park-investigating-illegal-elk-antler-skull-removal/9519324002/ | 2022-04-09T04:00:09Z | coloradoan.com | control | https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2022/04/08/rocky-mountain-national-park-investigating-illegal-elk-antler-skull-removal/9519324002/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL) — The city of Thomasville announced Friday night that power had been restored following Wednesday's severe weather.
"Our #TeamThomasville crews have worked countless hours to restore power throughout the city following Wednesday night’s storm. We are happy to report that all power has been restored," the city posted on its Facebook page Friday night. "Thank you for your patience and we apologize for the inconvenience."
Early Thursday morning, the city reported more than 1,000 customers were without power in the Thomasville area.
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida confirmed Friday multiple tornadoes impacted Thomasville and Thomas County Wednesday. | https://www.wtxl.com/news/local-news/city-of-thomasville-power-restored-following-severe-storms | 2022-04-09T04:01:47Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/news/local-news/city-of-thomasville-power-restored-following-severe-storms | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Cascades Park was flooded with people attending Friday's live concert to kick off The Word of South Festival.
Over the next two days, people in the community will get a chance to learn how literature and music share a connection.
Hundreds of people listened to the first live performance to kick off The Word of South Festival.
Friday's show began at 7 p.m. at the amphitheater in Cascades Park.
Musicians and authors performing on stages around the park and giving the community a chance to connect with them is what this festival is all about.
Musicians will be playing live music and authors reading their books is the perfect event for Tallahassee.
"We are a city that's innovative and forward thinking. We are open to arts and culture events and we do have a strong literary and music loving community," said Sara Marchassault.
Sara Marchessault, Director of Word of South Festival, said she watched the festival grow over seven years and being able to connect music and literature is a connection she wants everyone to experience.
She said this year the festival has a unique component catered to children.
"We're hosting literacy lane which is a new idea that we're excited to try where we are planning interactive stations for children and families," said Marchessault.
She said the children that attend will have an opportunity to go home with a free book donated by Early Learning Coalition.
Word of South is a free weekend long event with multiple stages for performances and workshops set up around Cascades Park.
"To be able to have the weekend be here and be able to see all the people enjoy this festival that is for Tallahassee very very special and I think it's garnering a lot of repeat attendees," said Elizabeth Anderson.
A place for people that are passionate about the art of communication. "
They are crafting something. They are using words and there experiences and emotions to try and elicit something out of the audience," said Anderson.
Words that allow strangers to connect to music in the best way.
The Word of South festival is Saturday April 9th and Sunday April 10th.
For a schedule of performances head to Word of South Festival. | https://www.wtxl.com/news/local-news/word-of-south-brings-a-weekend-long-literature-and-music-festival-to-cascades-park-in-tallahassee | 2022-04-09T04:01:53Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/news/local-news/word-of-south-brings-a-weekend-long-literature-and-music-festival-to-cascades-park-in-tallahassee | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ATLANTA — Georgia Tech (20-11, 6-7 Atlantic Coast Conference) had six runs and 10 hits in the first three innings en route to a 7-3 win over No. 20 Florida State (17-12, 6-7 ACC) Friday night at Russ Chandler Stadium.
Parker Messick (4-2) was tagged with the loss, allowing 10 hits and six runs in 2.2 innings.
Conner Whittaker allowed a solo home run over 2.2 innings, the second-longest outing of his career. Dylan Simmons set career-highs with 1.2 innings pitched and three strikeouts, and Dylan Jacobs pitched a scoreless eighth inning.
Combined the bullpen allowed just one run on six hits in 5.1 innings.
Kevin Parada got the scoring started with a two-run home run in the first inning, one of four hits for the Yellow Jackets in the frame. The Seminoles cut the lead in half in the second inning against Chance Huff (3-1) when Brett Roberts doubled and scored on Alex Toral’s groundout.
Georgia Tech took control with four more runs off Messick in the third inning.
Parada hit his second home run in the sixth inning to extend the lead to 7-1.
Toral and Tyler Martin singled in the seventh, and Logan Lacey extended the inning by reaching on a third strike passed ball. Jaime Ferrer plated two runs on a single to chip into the lead.
FSU loaded the bases in the ninth inning, but Georgia Tech’s Zach Maxwell struck out the next three batters for his first save of the year. | https://www.wtxl.com/sports/college-sports/fsu/seminoles-roughed-up-early-in-loss-to-yellow-jackets-in-baseball | 2022-04-09T04:02:11Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/sports/college-sports/fsu/seminoles-roughed-up-early-in-loss-to-yellow-jackets-in-baseball | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
LONG BEACH — NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson in 2021 raced for the first time in IndyCar. The season wasn’t a rousing success, as his best finish in 12 races was 17th – at Laguna Seca and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in the final two races of his rookie season.
Don’t look now, but Johnson might be figuring out the car and the tracks. In this season’s second NTT IndyCar event, Johnson finished sixth at the XPEL 375 in Forth Worth, Texas. He was 23rd in the season opener in St. Petersburg, Florida.
“Texas went really well,” said Johnson, who won seven NASCAR Cup series titles, including five in a row from 2006-10, for Hendrick Motorsports. “Granted, it was an oval and I have high expectations for myself on ovals. Road and street, I still have a long way to go. There is no way around it.
“It’s a very unique skill-set. These cars are very different than what I grew up racing, but I’m so happy to be here and I look forward to the challenge.”
Johnson tested on two ovals in 2021 but did not run in any.
Johnson will try his luck again this Sunday in the main event on the streets of Long Beach. He learned a tough lesson at the 2021 event, which was run in September instead of April because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Just how little grip there is around this track,” said Johnson, now with Chip Ganassi Racing. “No one really talked about the roughness and the low grip. Everybody talked about Detroit and Nashville. I came here thinking, ‘Oh, nobody’s really mentioned it, must be a high-grip, smooth track.’
“My eyes were wide open after the completion of my first lap. I couldn’t believe just how rough and challenging the grip level is around here, so just knowing that piece is going to be very helpful moving into today’s practice.”
Johnson spoke to reporters Friday, about three hours ahead of the first official practice of the weekend.
GAINING EXPERIENCE
Yes, the sixth-place finish at Texas did come on an oval, but Johnson believes that experience could help him on street and road courses.
“Totally, it felt great,” said Johnson, 46. “I think going those speeds, feeling those G-forces will have added effects for me on street and road courses. Things come at you so fast on an oval, going that speed, that I’m hopeful it will just slow down the experience I have on street and road courses and recalibrate my body to really know what the cars are capable of.”
Indeed, going from stock cars to open-wheel racing is not easy, especially for someone in his mid-40s. But Johnson seems to be getting more of a feel for things.
He was asked about his comfort level in an Indy car at this time.
“Way more comfortable than my first time,” he said. “Not where I want to be, but I’ve taken a lot of big chunks out of the deficit that I’ve had. Now, I’m getting to the tough part, though.
“The small bit that’s left is really the area that takes years to refine and get right, just the subtleties of the car and the tracks.
“But I’m up for the challenge. I’m enjoying myself.”
Johnson’s best practice lap time Friday was 1:09.6203. That was 24th. | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/04/08/acura-grand-prix-of-long-beach-jimmie-johnson-getting-a-feel-for-indycar/ | 2022-04-09T04:06:08Z | pasadenastarnews.com | control | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/04/08/acura-grand-prix-of-long-beach-jimmie-johnson-getting-a-feel-for-indycar/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NEW YORK (AP)Fans packed Yankee Stadium and red, white and blue bunting was out on a sun-splashed afternoon, just like opening days before the pandemic.
Shadows had crawled across the infield by the time Josh Donaldson capped his New York debut with a performance reminiscent of the Yankees of old – their first walk-off win on opening day since Yogi Berra charged across the plate on Andy Carey’s single to beat the Washington Senators in 1957.
”The energy in the stadium, the atmosphere was pretty electric,” Donaldson said Friday after his 11th-inning single lifted the Yankees over the Boston Red Sox 6-5. ”It doesn’t get any bigger than this right here.”
Donaldson, the 2015 AL MVP with Toronto, was acquired from Minnesota on March 13. He completed a comeback from a 3-0, first-inning deficit, becoming just the third Yankee with a walk-off RBI in his first game after Roy Weatherly in the 1943 opener and Chase Headley in July 2014, according the Elias Sports Bureau.
”It’s amazing for him to come and to get on the good side of this place right away,” teammate Giancarlo Stanton said.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, also obtained in the Donaldson trade, started the inning as the automatic runner at second base in the first extra-inning game of the strange rule’s third season.
Donaldson hit a three-hopper up the middle against rookie Kutter Crawford leading off the 11th, just past the dives of new Boston second baseman Trevor Story and shortstop Jonathan Arauz, who took over in the 10th after Xander Bogaerts strained his right hamstring.
Kiner-Falefa slid across the plate well ahead of center fielder Kike Hernandez’s one-hop throw. Donaldson ran all the way to second and flipped his helmet, then was mobbed by teammates.
”Some people handle it really well, some people not as much,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. ”There’s a level of wanting to ingratiate yourself to the new town, new people, new fans, teammates.”
It was the Yankees’ sixth walk-off win in an opener, the team’s first over Boston since 1906.
The Red Sox led 3-0 on Rafael Devers’ two-run homer andJ.D. Martinez’s RBI double before Gerrit Cole got a single out, the Yankees ace out of sorts after a lengthy pregame ceremony disrupted his routine.
Seats were filled with a sellout crowd of 46,097, COVID-19 protocols were dropped and opening-day festivities returned after two seasons altered by the pandemic.
Ukraine’s flag was raised and its national anthem played before ”The Star-Spangled Banner” during ceremonies that included a moment of silence for war victims.
”Festivities got a little away from the schedule,” Cole said.
Anthony Rizzo had a two-run drive in the bottom half and Stanton tied it at 3 with a leadoff homer in the fourth. Both were off Nathan Eovaldi, who beat Cole in last year’s AL wild-card game.
Alex Verdugo pushed Boston back ahead 4-3 with an RBI single in the sixth off Clay Holmes through a drawn-in infield, but DJ LeMahieu homered off Garrett Whitlock in the eighth.
Bogaerts’s third hit put the Red Sox ahead in the 10th, an RBI single against winner Michael King, the Yankees eighth pitcher.
Pinch-hitter Gleyber Torres, out of the starting lineup in favor of LeMahieu at second base,tied it in the bottom half with a sacrifice fly off Ryan Brasier.
”I’m sure today was a really tough day for him,” Boone said. ”That’s a tough spot where you’re down 0-2, shadows, late, first at-bat of the season, everything on the line.”
JUDGE-MENT DAY
New York star Aaron Judge let his deadline pass for a long-term contract. Judge, who said he will not negotiate during the season, went 2 for 5, including a two-out double in the ninth off Hansel Robles. He was stranded when Stanton struck out for the fourth time.
STAN-TONIAN
Stanton has five opening-day homers, including four with the Yankees. He struck out in his four other at-bats. Eovaldi, who allowed three runs and five hits in five innings, didn’t give up his second home run last year until June 4.
START ME UP
Story played his first big league game at second base after 733 at shortstop and went 0 for 5 at the plate in his Red Sox debut.
”It’s intense and that’s fun,” Story sad. ”That’s the kind of atmosphere you want to play in. Every pitch counts and that’s the way we’re taking it.”
HIZZONER
New New York City Mayor Eric Adams played catch with Yankees right-hander Luis Severino before the game.
MEMORIES
Boston is wearing black patches on its right sleeves with a white No. 2 in memory of Jerry Remy, whose last name is in red. The former player and broadcaster died Oct. 30 at age 68.
SIGNALLING
Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka moved the new Pitch Com signaling device from a wrist to a shinguard.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Red Sox: Bogaerts on his hamstring: ”Hopefully I come back tomorrow and I feel good and get ready to go.” … RHP Matt Barnes was not available because of back tightness.
Yankees: Rizzo was hit on the right hand by a fastball from Eovaldi in the fifth inning that tailed in. He stayed in the game.
UP NEXT
Severino and Boston RHP Nick Pivetta are to start Saturday.
—
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/mlb/donaldson-lifts-yankees-to-opening-win-over-red-sox-in-11th/ | 2022-04-09T04:07:50Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/mlb/donaldson-lifts-yankees-to-opening-win-over-red-sox-in-11th/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Joe Davis is no stranger to succeeding legendary baseball voices.
In 2017, he took over from Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully on Los Angeles Dodgers telecasts. He’s since emerged as one of the top broadcasters in the game.
Davis will be tasked with succeeding another major name. On Friday, Davis was named Fox Sports’ lead baseball play-by-play announcer.
Davis takes over for Joe Buck, who left Fox for ESPN’s ”Monday Night Football.” Buck was Fox’s lead baseball announcer since the network started televising games in 1996, calling 24 World Series and 22 All-Star Games.
When it comes to his new position with Fox, Davis said he would take the same approach he did with the Dodgers – he is following Buck, rather than replacing him.
”I’m going to try to be myself,” Davis said. ”I think Joe’s the greatest of this generation. He is the guy that I grew up listening to. I think back to watching the World Series when Fox got it in 1996, I was eight or nine years old at that point, and already I knew what I wanted to do. And there was Joe doing the job that I dreamed of one day doing. So you know, it’s heady stuff for me.
”Because of the person that was in the chair before me, that’s part of what makes the job so special. That’s part of what makes it such a great responsibility.”
Davis’ debut as Fox’s top voice will be May 28. He is already used to working with analysts John Smoltz and reporters Tom Verducci and Ken Rosenthal after doing some games with them last season after Buck cut back on regular-season games. Davis also called the final game of the 2020 National League Championship Series with Smoltz.
The 34-year old Davis joined Fox Sports in 2014 to call baseball, college football and college basketball. He previously worked at ESPN for two years. He called the 2013 Poinsettia Bowl, becoming the youngest person to ever announce a bowl game for ESPN at 25.
Brad Zager, the President of Production/Operations and Executive Producer of Fox Sports, certainly wasn’t expecting to name a new baseball announcer two months ago, but unprecedented movement among top announcers has allowed Davis a chance to move into the lead role.
”We felt extremely confident in a very short amount of time once the reality set in that Joe Buck was leaving that we’ve had the right guy in house being groomed for this for a while now,” Zager said. ”Joe Davis had those opportunities the last few years to fill in on big events, and he’s nailed it. He’s proven to Dodger fans on a daily basis how good of a baseball broadcaster he is. We know he’s ready.”
Davis said he tried not to get caught up in all the rumors about Buck leaving until early March when it became a reality. Zager told Davis during the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament that he would become only the second lead voice in Fox baseball history.
Besides his duties on Fox, Davis will continue to do Dodgers games on SportsNet LA. This year’s All-Star Game will be at Dodger Stadium on July 19.
”The World Series is obviously this dream come true. But then you start thinking about the other stuff like the All-Star Game and the Field of Dreams game. I’m pinching myself about those things, too,” Davis said. ”I daydream a little bit about the All-Star Game and the introductions and the guys lining up along the baselines and getting to introduce them. I’m gonna have so many pinch me moments this year and the years to come.”
As for the other opening Buck and Troy Aikman created at Fox, Zager said discussions continue about the new lead NFL team. Kevin Burkhardt is expected to take over the play-by-play role.
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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/mlb/joe-davis-named-foxs-lead-baseball-voice-after-buck-leaves/ | 2022-04-09T04:08:11Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/mlb/joe-davis-named-foxs-lead-baseball-voice-after-buck-leaves/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)Shohei Ohtani was outstanding for five innings on the mound, and he looked dangerous all night at the plate.
Framber Valdez and his Houston Astros were just a bit better everywhere while extending a remarkable decade of opening day dominance.
Valdez outpitched Ohtani with 6 2/3 innings of two-hit ball, and the Astros tied the longest opening day winning streak in major league history with a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night.
Alex Bregman had an early RBI single and a late homer as the Astros won their 10th straight season opener. That matches the mark posted in the late 19th century by the Boston Beaneaters – now the Atlanta Braves.
Valdez (1-0) was nearly untouchable in the late-blooming lefty’s first career start in April, striking out six. He retired 15 straight Angels after Matt Duffy’s single in the second, and exited only after Duffy’s soft infield single in the seventh.
”That guy, he’s a beast,” Houston catcher Martin Maldonado said. ”He goes out there and he doesn’t talk too much. He just executes pitches.”
Valdez’s lead still nearly slipped away in the seventh when Anthony Rendon missed a go-ahead homer by inches down the left-field line.
”When I saw the ball flying in the air, I got mad with myself that I didn’t make my best pitch,” said Valdez, who got Rendon to ground into a double play on the next pitch. ”I just took a deep breath and threw my best pitch.”
Houston manager Dusty Baker had a different perspective on Rendon’s fly: ”We were all blowing that ball foul.”
Ohtani (0-1) struck out nine while pitching one-run ball into the fifth inning for the Angels, who lost their season opener for the eighth time in nine years. Last season’s AL MVP went 0 for 4 at the plate while taking advantage of baseball’s offseason rule change allowing him to remain the designated hitter after he finishes pitching.
Michael Brantley doubled and scored on Bregman’s single off Ohtani in the third. Bregman and Yordan Alvarez then homered off new Angels reliever Ryan Tepera in the eighth.
Los Angeles finally scored in the eighth when Alvarez couldn’t make a diving stab of David Fletcher’s two-out triple to left, but Hector Neris retired Ohtani on a high fly to right.
”The last at-bat, I thought it might have a chance,” Ohtani said through a translator. ”Overall, I’m pretty satisfied with how I felt at the plate, even though the results weren’t there.”
Ohtani didn’t win, but he made more baseball history: He became the first player in baseball history to throw his team’s first pitch of the season – a 99 mph fastball in the dirt to Jose Altuve – and to face his team’s first pitch of the season at the plate.
Ohtani was impressive in his first career opening day start on the mound, particularly against Altuve: Ohtani struck out the Astros star three times, getting him with a nasty slider on his 80th and final pitch.
”I feel like I could have been better,” Ohtani said.
Ohtani became only the fourth pitcher to fan Altuve thrice in a game, but manager Joe Maddon pulled Ohtani early to preserve his arm after an abbreviated spring.
”Shohei, once again, nothing is too big for him,” Maddon said. ”Nothing is too quick for him. I thought he looked really good. … I loved our effort. I loved everything about us today.”
Mike Trout went 1 for 4 with a ninth-inning single in the three-time AL MVP’s first game since missing the final 4 1/2 months of last season with an injured calf.
Rendon went 0 for 4 and made two stellar defensive plays in the $245 million third baseman’s first appearance since last July 4.
After Rendon flied out with Trout on base in the ninth, Ryan Pressly got Tyler Wade to ground into a game-ending double play, earning the save several hours after the Houston closer agreed to a $30 million, two-year contract.
BUILT TOUGH
The sturdy Astros showed off their balanced roster while extending their remarkable run of opening day success. The streak was started in 2013 by a Houston team that went on to lose 111 games, and it continued through the franchise’s rise and current renaissance of five straight AL Championship Series appearances, three pennants and one World Series title.
CHOSEN ONE
Jeremy Pena went 0 for 4 in the touted Houston prospect’s major league debut as Carlos Correa’s successor at shortstop.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Los Angeles put OF Taylor Ward on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain incurred during an exhibition game Tuesday. Ward would have been the opening day starter in right field.
UP NEXT
Angels rookie left-hander Reid Detmers makes his season debut against Houston right-hander Jake Odorizzi. Detmers, the most promising pitcher yet in Los Angeles’ string of prospects from its long-struggling farm system, is swapping rotation spots with Patrick Sandoval, who will pitch Tuesday after resting his tired arm.
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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/mlb/valdez-bests-ohtani-astros-top-angels-3-1-for-opener-record/ | 2022-04-09T04:09:49Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/mlb/valdez-bests-ohtani-astros-top-angels-3-1-for-opener-record/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BEIJING (AP) — Three local officials in Shanghai have been sacked over a slack response to the COVID-19 outbreak in China’s largest city, where residents are complaining of harsh lockdown conditions leading to shortages of food and basic necessities.
An official notice Friday gave no details of the allegations against the three officials, but said their failure to fulfill their duties in epidemic prevention and control had allowed the virus to spread, leading to a “serious impact” on efforts to control the outbreak.
Shanghai announced more than 21,000 new local cases on Friday, of which only 824 had symptoms. Total cases in the outbreak that began last month in Shanghai have soared past the 100,000 mark, making it one of China’s most serious since the virus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019.
No additional deaths have been reported in the outbreak blamed on the hugely infectious but relatively less lethal omicron subvariant BA.2. China’s vaccination rate is around 90%, but considerably lower among the elderly.
Shanghai has placed all 26 million residents under lockdown and implemented mass testing, while requiring anyone with a positive result to be held in an isolation center, some of which have been newly created from converted gymnasiums and exhibition halls.
Some residents have received government food packages containing meat and vegetables. Many, however, are struggling to obtain rice and other basics, with online vendors sold out and delivery services unable to keep up with demand.
With no word on when the lockdown will be lifted, anxiety is rising, along with frustration over the city’s apparent lack of preparation for an extended lockdown.
Travel in and out of Shanghai has largely come to a standstill and usually bustling city streets are deserted apart from police, health workers and residents reporting for testing.
China has repeatedly enforced lengthy mass lockdowns over the two-year course of the epidemic. Shanghai, however, had largely escaped the most onerous measures under China’s “zero-COVID” strategy that aims to isolate every infected person.
Home to many of China’s wealthiest, best educated and most cosmopolitan citizens, the city was first promised a two-phase lockdown starting March 28 and lasting no more than eight days total. With little notice given, residents made a run on supermarkets, quickly leaving shelves bare.
Those measures have since been extended, leaving many families that had planned for only a limited time in quarantine without supplies. Authorities say they will determine future steps based on testing results, but have given no specifics.
Officials say Shanghai, which includes the world’s busiest port and China’s main stock exchange, has enough food. But a deputy mayor, Chen Tong, acknowledged Thursday that getting it the “last 100 meters” to households is a challenge.
City officials have apologized for mishandling the lockdown and promised to improve food supplies. The Communist Party leadership in Beijing is working to squelch complaints, especially online, in hopes of preventing the lockdown and accompanying dissatisfaction from becoming a political issue ahead of a key party congress later this year.
In a further endorsement of the government’s approach, Xi credited China’s “closed loop” management with keeping the infection rate to just 0.45% of those involved in this year’s Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games,
China’s COVID-19 policy has “once again withstood the test, contributing useful experience for the world to fight against the virus and host major international events,” Xi said in an address at a ceremony Friday honoring Chinese Games participants.
The government says it is trying to reduce the impact of its tactics, but authorities are still enforcing curbs that also block access to the industrial cities of Shenyang, Changchun and Jilin with millions of residents in the northeast.
Meanwhile, punishments meted out to officials seen as being insufficiently rigorous appears to be incentivizing local governments to take extreme measures. Dozens of local officials around the country have been sacked or otherwise punished, though no one at the central government level has been held to account.
Friday’s notice identified those fired as Cai Yongqiang, Xu Jianjun and Huang Wei, all officials at the district, neighborhood or township level. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/ap-top-headlines/3-shanghai-officials-sacked-over-covid-19-response/ | 2022-04-09T04:10:03Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/ap-top-headlines/3-shanghai-officials-sacked-over-covid-19-response/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Shuttered businesses. Sleepless nights. Canceled classes. Hundreds of thousands of people across Puerto Rico remained without power on Friday, nearly two days after a fire at a main power plant sparked an island-wide outage.
Crews have restored power to some 650,000 customers out of nearly 1.5 million, but people in several neighborhoods have complained that the electricity went out once again as the island struggles to emerge from the blackout that also left more than 160,000 clients without water.
The outage forced the government to cancel classes and shutter agencies for the second day in a row on this U.S. territory of 3.2 million people as frustration and anger bubbled over.
“This is unbearable,” said Maribel Hernández, 49, as she wiped her forehead with a small blue washcloth that she hung over her left shoulder.
Hernández, who is recovering from cancer, has been sleeping on the concrete floor in her home’s narrow outdoor patio with only a sheet because her mattress doesn’t fit there. She worries about being mugged because she lives in a working-class neighborhood with a high crime rate, but the heat inside her house is overwhelming.
“Those who have generators are doing well, but what about people like us?” she said, adding that she’s been forced to throw out all her food.
Officials with Luma, which took over transmission and distribution from Puerto Rico’s Electric Power company last year, have said they don’t know exactly when power would be fully restored but note crews have been working nonstop.
“The system is extremely fragile,” said Shay Bahramirad, an engineering vice president with Luma.
The company has said that a circuit-breaker failure could have caused the blackout after a fire erupted late Wednesday at the Costa Sur power plant in southern Puerto Rico, but that it will be weeks before they’ll know the exact cause of the interruption.
Meanwhile, the lack of power prompted at least one city to distribute food to the elderly and ice to those with health conditions including diabetes as many wonder when exactly they’ll have lights again.
“I haven’t slept,” said Fernando García, a 51-year-old construction worker who is more worried about not being able to find work in the past two days given the outage. “I don’t have a budget right now.”
García stood outside a small outdoor cafeteria selling eggs and greasy turnovers known as empanadillas, grateful that the owner allowed him to charge his phone for the day as he continued to look for work.
Luma CEO Wayne Stensby has called the outage “very unusual” and said it demonstrated the fragility of Puerto Rico’s electrical grid, which Hurricane Maria razed in 2017 as a powerful Category 4 storm. Emergency repairs were made at the time, but reconstruction efforts have yet to start on the crumbling electrical grid that has caused weekly outages in dozens of communities
Late Thursday, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency said it had approved nearly $9.5 billion to Puerto Rico’s power company in September 2020 to rebuild the grid, but that it has not yet received any transmission and distribution projects for evaluation and approval of construction funds.
In addition, the Costa Sur generation plant, one of four main ones on the island, was damaged during a series of strong earthquakes that struck southern Puerto Rico in recent years.
Kevin Acevedo, a vice president for Luma, said Friday that the company hopes to have restored power to 1 million customers by late Friday night.
Those who have power back said they are relieved but worry about the impact the outage had on shrinking budgets already hard hit by the island’s more than decade-long economic crisis.
Felicia Serrano, manager of a small grocery store in a community called Barrio Obrero in the capital of San Juan, said she lost $2,000 worth of merchandise as a result of the blackout. The store runs on a small generator that keeps the lights on but doesn’t have the power to keep large refrigerators running.
“Ýou’re working under a lot of stress when you have no lights,” she said as she grabbed large bunches of green plantains and placed them on worn shelves.
Many are now worried about the state of the electrical grid just two months before the Atlantic Hurricane season starts.
Josué Colón, executive director of Puerto Rico’s power company, said those concerns are legitimate: “It’s still a system that is not in prime condition. It’s still a system that has to be rebuilt.”
The outage comes as Puerto Rico’s electric power company tries to emerge from bankruptcy and restructure some $9 billion in public debt. The company has long struggled with corruption, mismanagement and a lack of investment into aging infrastructure. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/ap-top-headlines/puerto-rico-struggles-to-emerge-from-outage-as-anger-builds/ | 2022-04-09T04:11:07Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/ap-top-headlines/puerto-rico-struggles-to-emerge-from-outage-as-anger-builds/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart and Kohl’s are paying a combined $5.5 million in settlements after the Federal Trade Commission said they falsely marketed dozens of sheets and other home textile products as made of environmentally friendly bamboo, when they were actually rayon.
Kohl’s agreed to pay $2.5 million and Walmart will pay $3 million in the settlements, which stemmed from an FTC complaint that also included allegations of deceptive environmental claims. The companies touted the “bamboo” textiles as being made in an ecofriendly way, the commission said Friday.
Rayon is a synthetic fiber that is made with plant cellulose, including bamboo, but the FTC noted the process “requires the use of toxic chemicals and results in hazardous pollutants.”
FTC said that both retailers have marketed some of the “bamboo-derived” products as providing general environment benefits, such as being produced “free of harmful chemicals, using clean, non-toxic materials.”
”False environmental claims harm both consumers and honest businesses, and companies that greenwash can expect to pay a price,” said Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a statement.
Both retailers have been prohibited from making deceptive green claims or using other misleading advertising, the FTC said.
Kohl’s, based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and Walmart have each marketed at least two dozen items as made of bamboo in both product titles and descriptions for several years, the FTC said.
Walmart, which is based in Bentonville, Arkansas, said it takes the claims seriously.
“We hold ourselves accountable when issues like this are raised,” said Randy Hargrove, a Walmart spokesman. “We have worked to strengthen our product description programs and expect our suppliers to provide products that comply with all laws, including those around labeling. “
Kohl’s also it continues to take the labeling regulations “seriously.” | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/business/walmart-kohls-settle-over-eco-friendly-rayon-products/ | 2022-04-09T04:12:32Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/business/walmart-kohls-settle-over-eco-friendly-rayon-products/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed a measure Friday that would expand access to abortion in the state by ending a restriction that only physicians can provide them and requiring most insurance plans to cover abortion care without cost.
The Republican governor, who isn’t ruling out a run for the White House in 2024 after his second term ends early next year, wrote that the bill “endangers the health and lives of women by allowing non-physicians to perform abortions.”
“The bill risks lowering the high standard of reproductive health care services received by women in Maryland,” wrote Hogan, who has previously said he personally opposes abortion though he considers it settled law in the state. “These procedures are complex and can, and often do, result in significant medical complications that require the attention of a licensed physician.”
Democrats, who control the General Assembly, passed the legislationwith enough votes to override the veto before the scheduled adjournment of the legislative session Monday at midnight.
Supporters say Maryland does not have enough abortion providers for the needs of the state. They have pointed out that many counties do not have a single provider. The bill would remove a legal restriction preventing nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physician assistants from providing abortions. It would create an abortion care training program and requires $3.5 million in state funding annually.
Separately, the governor decided he would neither veto nor sign a measure that sets accelerated greenhouse gas reduction goals for Marylandand takes a wide variety of steps to meet them. The measure will become law without Hogan’s signature. The governor also said a bill that will require the state retirement and pension system to consider certain climate risks when managing assets of the system will go into law without his signature.
“These two bills are an example of poor legislative practice and misguided resources resulting in partisan politics; however I will allow them to pass into law in hopes they will generate future deliberation and discussion on this critically important issue,” Hogan wrote.
The measure aimed at slowing climate change would speed up Maryland’s current goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 40% of 2006 levels to 60% by 2031. It also sets a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 in the state. That means at least as much carbon would be removed from the atmosphere as what’s being emitted.
The bill includes a variety of provisions to cut emissions. For example, it would increase the state’s electric vehicle fleet and reduce emissions from large buildings.
The measure seeking to expand abortion access comes at a time when the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that banned states from outlawing abortion.
If they do, at least 26 states are likely to either ban abortion outright or severely limit access, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization that supports abortion rights.
That would force many women to travel to other states to get abortions, prompting Democratic-led legislatures like Maryland’s to pass new laws to prepare for them. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/health/maryland-gov-hogan-vetoes-bill-to-expand-abortion-access/ | 2022-04-09T04:12:53Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/health/maryland-gov-hogan-vetoes-bill-to-expand-abortion-access/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BUCHA, Ukraine – The Ukrainian prosecutor general’s office says approximately 67 bodies were buried in a mass grave near a church in Bucha, a northern Kyiv suburb where journalists and returning Ukrainians discovered scores of bodies on streets and elsewhere after Russian troops withdrew.
Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova said Friday that 18 bodies had been located so far, 16 with bullet wounds and two with bullet and shrapnel wounds. Two were women and the rest were men, she said.
“This means that they killed civilians, shot them,” Venediktova said, speaking as workers pulled corpses out under spitting rain. Black body bags were laid in rows in the mud.
The prosecutor general’s office is investigating the deaths, and other mass casualties involving civilians, as possible war crimes. Venediktova said the European Union is involved in the investigation and “we are coordinating our actions.”
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KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR:
— Officials say Russian missile kills 50 civilians at train station
— EU imposes sanctions on Putin’s daughters
— Key Polish leader bashes Hungary’s Orban, longtime ally, over stance on Ukraine
— Congress votes to suspend Russia trade status, enact oil ban
— U.N. General Assembly votes to suspend Russia from UN rights council
— UN aid chief: ‘I’m not optimistic’ about Ukraine cease-fire
— Russia is moving troops and focus toward the east, but that strategycarries risks as well
— Go to https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine for more coverage
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OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
LONDON — The board chairman of Russian metals company Rusal has called for an investigation into events in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, where Ukrainian forces and journalists discovered scores of bodies after Russian troops withdrew.
Rusal Chairman Bernard Zonneveld, an independent non-executive director, didn’t address who was responsible or even directly say anyone was killed in Bucha. But he said in a statement this week that the reports “shocked us” and that “we support an objective and impartial investigation of this crime.”
The statement stood out because Russian companies have generally remained silent about the war amid rigorous suppression of opposition by Russian authorities and state-controlled media narratives.
Zonneveld said the company was “interested in putting an end to the conflict in this European country as soon as possible.”
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BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbia is seeking explanations from NATO on why its jets have allegedly shadowed Serbian passenger planes flying back from Russia.
Serbian officials said that on Wednesday a NATO jet flew close to an Air Serbia flight from Moscow to the Serbian capital, Belgrade, near the Latvian border.
A similar incident was reported by Serbian media on Friday when reportedly a NATO Belgian Air Force fighter jet “escorted” another Air Serbia plane flying from St. Petersburg to Belgrade.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has said such actions “endanger civil aviation and lives of passengers.”
Besides Turkish carriers, Air Serbia remains the only European airline to maintain its regular flights to Russia after an international flight ban was imposed.
Serbia has voted in favor of UN resolutions condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine but has refused to join international sanctions against its ally Moscow.
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LONDON – U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged another 100 million pounds ($130 million) in high grade military equipment to Ukraine, saying Britain wants to help Ukraine defend itself.
Speaking Friday at a news conference with Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Johnson said he would give Ukraine’s military more Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles, another 800 anti-tank missiles, and precision munitions capable of lingering in the sky until directed to their target.
He also promised more helmets, night vision and body armor. The items were in addition to some 200,000 pieces of non-lethal military equipment from the UK that had already been promised.
The pledge of new weaponry came as Johnson condemned the attack on train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk earlier Friday. Women and children gathering on a train platform perished in the blast.
Johnson said both the U.K. and Germany shared the “revulsion at the brutality being unleashed, including the unconscionable bombing of refugees fleeing their homes,’’ adding that the train station attack “shows the depths to which Putin’s vaunted army has sunk.’’
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KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian prosecutors say a war crimes investigation has begun after one utilities worker was killed and two injured by a mine that retreating Russian forces left behind.
The Prosecutor-General’s Office said Friday the incident happened near Trostianets, a town in northeastern Ukraine which was occupied by Russian troops for around a month until they withdrew in late March.
It said the workers were traveling Thursday to restore electricity to the area when their vehicle struck the mine outside the village of Bilka.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned of the dangers of mines and explosive traps left by Russian forces in formerly occupied areas.
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LONDON – A military expert has rejected Russia’s effort to deny responsibility for the missile strike on a Ukrainian railway station, saying the denial follows a standard formula the Kremlin uses to “muddy the waters” after attacks on civilian targets.
Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, said Friday that railroads in eastern Ukraine are a significant military target for Russia because destroying this kind of infrastructure makes it more difficult for Ukraine to reinforce its forces in the region. He added that Ukraine has little incentive to deliberately kill its own people during a war of attrition.
Bronk told the Associated Press that the strike was entirely in line with how Russian forces operate by terrorizing civilians to try and increase pressure on the Ukrainian government to agree a cease fire. He added this would allow them to consolidate their gains and try and stabilize their military position, “which is not great.”
Russia’s defense ministry rejected claims that Russia was responsible for the attack, saying it no longer uses the type of missile that hit the railway station.
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BERLIN – Officials say 40 Russian diplomats declared ‘persona non grata’ by Germany earlier this week have left the country.
The diplomats were picked up Friday by a Russian government plane that had received special permission to land at Berlin’s Schoenefeld Airport despite a ban on flights from Russia in the European Union.
Germany’s top security official had said earlier this week that the diplomats were chosen because they were linked to Russian intelligence agencies.
Germany ordered the expulsion after dozens of civilians were found killed in the Ukrainian town of Buch following the withdrawal of Russian troops there.
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BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – Slovakia’s Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad says the United States will deploy a Patriot air defense system in his country next week.
Friday’s announcement came shortly after Slovakia donated its Soviet-era S-300 air defense system to Ukraine at its request. Nad previously said his country was willing to provide its S-300 long-range air defense missile system to Ukraine on condition it has a proper replacement.
Additionally, Germany and the Netherlands have agreed to send troops armed with Patriot missiles to Slovakia as part of 2,100-strong force made up of soldiers from several NATO members states, including the US. The force will form a battlegroup on Slovak territory to boost NATO defenses on the alliance’s eastern flank.
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LONDON – Russia’s central bank says it’s lowering a key interest rate, and said more cuts could be on the way.
The decision indicates the bank thinks strict capital controls and other severe measures are stabilizing Russia’s currency and financial system despite intense pressure from Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine.
The bank said Friday it lowered its benchmark rate from 20% to 17%, effective Monday. It had raised the rate from 9.5% on Feb. 28 — four days after the invasion — as a way to support the ruble’s plunging exchange rate.
A currency collapse would worsen already high inflation for Russian shoppers by ballooning the cost of imported goods.
The rate increase shows how the central bank has managed to stabilize key aspects of the economy with severe controls, artificially propping up the ruble to allow it to rebound to levels seen before the invasion of Ukraine — even as the West piles on more sanctions.
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COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A shipment of valuable art destined for Russian museums that was seized on the Finnish-Russian border can be released under an amendment to sanctions that went into effect on Friday, Finnish customs officials said.
The artwork and artifacts — which were returning to Russia from Italy and Japan, where they were on loan — have a total insured value of around 42 million euros ($46 million).
They were seized at the Vaalimaa border crossing on April 1-2 under European Union sanctions imposed on Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine.
The amendment to the sanctions makes it possible to grant an exceptional permit for transports between museums. Finland’s customs agency said the Foreign Ministry can grant a permit enabling the release of works of art.
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LVIV, Ukraine — The governor of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region says the death toll from a missile strike on a rail station in the eastern town of Kramatorsk has risen to 50, including five children.
Pavlo Kyrylenko wrote on social media that 38 people had died at the scene, and another 12 in hospital.
Ukrainian officials have said as many as 4,000 people were at the station, where trains were evacuating civilians westward from the Ukraine-held town ahead of an expected Russian offensive.
Scores of people were injured in the strike, and local hospitals were overwhelmed in dealing with the influx of patients.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders have accused Russia’s military of deliberately targeting a location where only civilians were assembled. Russia’s Defense Ministry denied any Russian role in the attack.
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TIRANA, Albania — Thousands of demonstrators waving Ukrainian flags and chanting support for Ukraine have marched through Albania’s capital.
Western diplomats and the city’s mayor joined Ukraine’s ambassador in a procession from Tirana’s main Skanderbeg Square to the Ukrainian embassy.
Youths held aloft a 30-meter (100-foot) long blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag and anti-war posters. Some sought to liken Russian President Vladimir Putin to the late Serb ex-authoritarian leader Slobodan Milosevic, a reviled figure in Albania.
Albania’s government has lined up with European Union sanctions and expressed support for U.S. initiatives against Russia at the U.N. Security Council, where Albania currently holds a seat.
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TOKYO — Japan is expelling eight Russian diplomats and trade officials and will phase out imports of Russian coal and oil.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday that Moscow must be held accountable for “war crimes” in Ukraine and pointed to a “critical moment” now in efforts to get Russia’s government to end its invasion of Ukraine.
He said Japan will also ban imports of Russian lumber, vodka and other goods, and will prohibit new Japanese investment in Russia. It will also step up sanctions against Russian banks and freeze assets of about 400 more individuals and groups.
Reduction of Russian fossil fuel imports is a difficult choice for resource-poor Japan, and could mean a shift for its energy policy toward more renewables and nuclear power. Russia accounts for about 11% of Japanese coal imports.
Earlier Friday, Japan’s Foreign Ministry announced it was expelling eight Russian diplomats and trade officials, joining similar moves in European countries.
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MADRID — Spain’s defense minister expects a “long and cruel” war in Ukraine.
Margarita Robles said Friday that killings and alleged torture of civilians in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha were “the tip of the iceberg” when it comes to atrocities committed since Russian forces invaded Ukraine.
Evidence of the violence against civilians emerged after Russian forces pulled out of the town on the outskirts of the capital, Kyiv.
Robles told Antena 3 that an expected Russian offensive in the eastern Donbas region — where pro-Russian separatists have been fighting Ukrainian government forces since 2014 — will likely bring more horror.
She predicted increased “cruelty” would be inflicted by Russian forces in the region.
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BRUSSELS — The European Union has returned its ambassador to Ukraine to the capital, Kyiv, in a move that underscores the improved security situation there and the 27-nation bloc’s commitment to the beleaguered country.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell made the announcement Friday during a visit to Kyiv where he joined EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Borrell said the ambassador’s return would help ensure that the EU and Ukraine’s government can work together more directly and closely.
Russian forces sought to enter Kyiv in the days after its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine but despite severe losses and damage, the city withstood the attacks and the government was able to continue functioning from there.
Borrell called it “impressive” that Ukraine’s government was fully functioning under “the very difficult circumstances.”
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ROME — The United Nations says prices for world food commodities like grains and vegetable oils reached their highest levels ever last month due to fallout from the war in Ukraine.
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said Friday its Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in international prices for a basket of commodities, recorded a double-digit percentage-point increase in March from the record level already set the previous month.
FAO said the index came in at 159.3 points last month, up 12.6% from February’s all-time high since the index was created in 1990.
The Rome-based agency says the war in Ukraine was largely responsible for the 17.1% rise in prices for cereals, including wheat and all coarse grains. Russia and Ukraine together account for around 30% and 20% respectively of global wheat and maize exports.
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LONDON — Britain has added two adult daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin to its sanctions list, following similar moves by the U.S. and the European Union.
The government said Friday it is imposing asset freezes and travel bans on Putin’s daughters Katerina Tikhonova and Maria Vorontsova, as well as Yekaterina Vinokurova, daughter of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Britain says it has sanctioned more than 1,200 Russian individuals and businesses since the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, including 76 oligarchs and 16 banks.
It says Western nations have collectively frozen 275 billion pounds ($360 billion), amounting to 60% of Russian foreign currency reserves.
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KYIV, Ukraine — The regional governor of Ukraine’s Sumy region that borders Russia is urging local residents to avoid using forest roads, walking on roadsides, or approaching destroyed military equipment after Russian troops pulled out of the region.
Dmytro Zhyvytskyy warned Friday on the messaging app Telegram that locals are still in danger because of mines and other ammunition that the Russian forces left behind.
In a message apparently directed to local residents, Zhyvytskyy said any explosions in the area in the short term were likely to be sounds of rescuers and mine-clearing specialists at work deactivating the ammunition and other explosives.
He had said earlier this week that Russia no longer controlled any settlements in the region.
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BRUSSELS — The European Union imposed has sanctions on two adult daughters of Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of a new package of measures targeting Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, according to two EU officials.
The EU included Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova in its updated list of individuals facing assets freeze and travel bans. The two EU officials from different EU member countries spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the updated list of sanctions has not been published yet.
The move from the European bloc follows a similar move two days earlier by the United States.
— By Samuel Petrequin and Raf Casert in Brussels.
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BRUSSELS — Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger and two top European Union officials are in Kyiv looking to shore up the bloc’s support for war-torn Ukraine.
Heger said in a tweet Friday that he, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief have come with trade and humanitarian aid proposals for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government.
Part of that, Heger says is “to offer options for transporting grains, including wheat.” Ukraine is a major world wheat supplier and Russia’s war on Ukraine is creating shortages, notably in the Middle East.
He adds that the three want to help Ukraine on its path toward closer ties with the EU by “creating a ReformTeam.” Ukraine has applied to join the EU, but was already sorely in need of reforms, notably to root out rampant corruption, years before Russian troops invaded in February.
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COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Latvia says it has blacklisted 15 citizens of Russia and Belarus on grounds that their activities pose a threat to the nation’s national security.
A list of nine Russians and six Belarus citizens was given by Latvia’s State Security Service — the counterintelligence agency — to Interior Minister Marija Golubeva.
The State Security Service said Friday they include people who “may be involved in obtaining intelligence or providing support for Russia’s foreign policy interests.” It says among them are those who despite the crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine express support for the Kremlin.
Earlier this month, Latvia said it will close two Russia’s consular missions and expel a total of 13 Russian diplomats and employees currently stationed in the Baltic country.
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MOSCOW — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has acknowledged that Russia has suffered “significant losses of troops” during its military operation in Ukraine.
Peskov said: “Yes, we have significant losses of troops and it is a huge tragedy for us.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with British broadcaster Sky on Thursday, Peskov also hinted that the operation might be over “in the foreseeable future.” He said that Russian forces were “doing their best to bring an end to that operation.”
He said: “And we do hope that in coming days, in the foreseeable future, this operation will reach its goals, or we’ll finish it by the negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations.”
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CANBERRA, Australia — The first of 20 Bushmaster armored vehicles has left Australia for Ukraine, one week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy specifically requested the Australian-manufactured four-wheel drives.
A Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport jet that can carry four Bushmasters left the east coast city of Brisbane for Europe on Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
The 20 Bushmasters cost 50 million in Australian dollars, which is $37 million in U.S. dollars.
The vehicles are in addition to $116 million in Australian dollars ($87 million in U.S. dollars) in military and humanitarian aid previously committed to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy requested Bushmasters when he made a video address to the Australian Parliament on March 31.
“And as soon as he asked, we said yes,” Morrison said.
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WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Thursday announced it is levying sanctions against Russia’s largest military shipbuilding and diamond mining companies.
The move blocks their access to the U.S. financial system as the United States looks to exact more economic pain on President Vladimir Putin for the invasion of Ukraine.
Alrosa is the world’s largest diamond mining company and accounts for about 90% of Russia’s diamond mining capacity, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.
Alrosa generated over $4.2 billion in revenue in 2021. Diamonds are one of Russia’s top 10 non-energy exports by value.
The State Department also said it was blacklisting the United Shipbuilding Corporation, as well as its subsidiaries and board members.
The moves against the two-state owned companies come a day after the U.S. announced it was targeting the two adult daughters of President Vladimir Putin, two of Russia’s largest banks and banning new American investment in Russia. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/international/live-updates-russia-acknowledges-significant-troop-losses/ | 2022-04-09T04:13:47Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/international/live-updates-russia-acknowledges-significant-troop-losses/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland on Friday summoned France’s ambassador over French President Emmanuel Macron’s reference to Poland’s prime minister as a “far-right anti-Semite” in a budding feud over Russia’s war on Ukraine.
It was not immediately clear exactly when Ambassador Frederic Billet would arrive at Poland’s Foreign Ministry. Officials in Poland blamed the harsh words on campaign fervor ahead of this weekend’s presidential election in France.
The bitter exchange between Macron and Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki appears as an unwelcome crack in the European Union’s unity forged amid outrage over Russia’s aggression on Ukraine.
In an interview published online by the French Le Parisien newspaper Thursday, Macron called Morawiecki a “far-right anti-Semite who bans LGBT persons.” Macron, who is seeking a second term in Sunday’s vote, also claimed that Morawiecki has been trying to help French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen.
Piotr Mueller, a spokesman for Poland’s right-wing government, said it was a “lie” to suggest that Morawiecki had anything to do with anti-Semitism and blamed Macron’s remarks on the emotions of a heated election campaign.
Poles are especially sensitive to accusations of anti-Semitism because of the Holocaust that Nazi Germany largely carried out in Poland. Most of Europe’s Jews lived in Poland before World War II and millions perished in death camps or ghettos run by German Nazi forces that occupied the country during the war.
Macron didn’t specify what he was referring to, but Morawiecki angered Israel and many Jews in 2018 when he said that there were also “Jewish perpetrators” of the Holocaust. Morawiecki’s government also introduced a law that penalizes apportioning blame to Poles for Holocaust crimes committed by the Germans. Another law Morawiecki’s team introduced effectively bars restitution of private property that had been owned by Holocaust victims and was later seized by the state.
The French leader’s remarks were in response to Morawiecki’s harsh criticism of his talks with Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin in a still futile effort to end the bloodshed in Ukraine. Morawiecki said Monday that no talks should be held with (war) criminals like Nazi Germany’s leader Adolf Hitler or the Soviet Union’s Joseph Stalin. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/international/poland-france-trade-barbs-over-russias-war-on-ukraine/ | 2022-04-09T04:14:01Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/international/poland-france-trade-barbs-over-russias-war-on-ukraine/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BOSTON (AP) — When she was elected mayor of Boston in November, Michelle Wu transformed the image of the city’s chief executive — up until then the sole domain of white men, many of Irish descent.
Now in office, the Chicago-born daughter of Taiwanese immigrants is facing a raft of challenges, including making good on key campaign promises like creating a fare-free public transit system and blunting the city’s skyrocketing housing costs.
Wu, 37 and the mother of two, has also grappled with early morning protests outside her home and racist online taunts.
“You can’t take things personally in jobs like this,” Wu said in an interview with The Associated Press. “At the same time, it does seem like in the last few years especially we’ve seen a normalizing of behavior that is toxic and harmful and personally abusive to many, many people.”
“Women and women of color in particular often have the most racialized and gender-based versions of that intensity,” she added.
The noisy morning gatherings outside her home prompted Wu to push through a new city ordinance limiting the hours during which protesters can gather in residential neighborhoods to the window between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
She’s also dismissed online chatter which tried to raise doubts about her mental health. Wu has been open about her mother’s struggles with mental illness.
“What has been most staggering about some of the rumors or these whisper campaigns is that in fact, I think it has the opposite impact,” Wu said. “If I needed mental health support, I would be the first to say that.”
She’s also run into flak from city unions on pandemic mandates and, more recently, tried to thread a needle on whether and how to allow restaurants to continue offering sidewalk dining along the narrow streets of the city’s North End.
The post is still a dream job for Wu — a former Democratic city councilor and policy wonk in the mold of mentor Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
“In many ways, it feels familiar and exhilarating and energizing to be able to roll up my sleeves and just work on issues that I had been talking about,” Wu said. “The energy right now in Boston to get things done is felt everywhere across the city.”
While Wu is the first woman of color to be elected mayor, she wasn’t the first to hold the seat. FormerCity Council President Kim Janey, who is Black, held the post of acting mayor for much of 2021 after former Mayor Marty Walsh resigned to become President Joe Biden’s labor secretary.
Unlike the typical Boston mayor, Wu wasn’t born and raised in the city. She first arrived from Chicago to attend Harvard University in neighboring Cambridge.
She would eventually relocate her two younger sisters and mother to Boston as she attended Harvard Law School.
“Boston has given me everything that I cherish in my life — the ability to take care of my family, to connect my mom to health care in a way that saved her life, the schools that I was able to raise my sisters in and now my own two boys,” Wu said. “It’s a city of every possible opportunity that you can think of, but it’s also a city that really needs to take down barriers, still, for that to be felt across every single part of our neighborhoods.”
One of biggest challenges facing Wu is housing.
Boston is facing a hollowing-out, driven by rapid gentrification as sleek new apartment buildings rise in neighborhoods that traditionally relied on three-story wooden homes to house a working and middle class
“We are working to throw everything we have at housing right now,” said Wu, who has pledged to revive rent control, outlawed by Massachusetts voters in 1994.
Hemmed in by neighboring communities and the Atlantic Ocean, Boston doesn’t have many large open spaces for new housing. One of the last — a former industrial landscape rebranded as the Seaport District — has been filled with boxy glass-enclosed high rises.
Wu is eyeing three other parcels: a former horse track in the city’s East Boston neighborhood; a reconfiguration of Interstate 90 that could unlock land largely owned by Harvard; and an industrial area near the city’s South Boston neighborhood that had been eyed for a stadium during the city’s aborted bid for the 2024 Olympics.
During the campaign, Wu also promised a free public transit system.
The city has put a down payment on that pledge with three free bus linesserving primarily riders of color and lower income neighborhoods. The city is picking up the tab — $8 million in federal pandemic relief funds — for the next two years.
“Bus service is the most cost efficient and the most equitable place to start, because that is where we see some of the largest gaps in rider experience,” Wu said, noting that Black riders spend 64 more hours per year sitting on buses in Boston compared to white riders.
Expanding the fare-free push to other bus lines and the subway system would likely require action by state lawmakers, the governor and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which oversees the public transit system. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker has panned the idea.
Wu said she’s hoping to change what it means to be mayor of the nearly 400-year-old city — and maybe change the way the rest of the country sees Boston while she’s at it.
“I made a promise to myself early on that I would be proud of who I was in politics long after I got out of politics,” Wu said. “I was anxious at first that being in this role would mean having to change my family’s life in different ways. But politics doesn’t have to be how we see it now. Politics is what we make of it.”
“I hope that, in leaning into who I am — a mom with two young kids, someone who didn’t grow up in the city, raised by parents who didn’t grow up in this country — that I expand the definition of what leadership looks like,” she said. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/national/boston-mayor-michelle-wu-hopes-to-transform-her-adopted-city/ | 2022-04-09T04:15:08Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/national/boston-mayor-michelle-wu-hopes-to-transform-her-adopted-city/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
CHICAGO (AP) — Jurors on Friday acquitted two men and deadlocked on two others accused of plotting to abduct Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020. They concluded nearly five days of deliberations after weeks of testimony in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Here’s a look at the charges:
WHO WERE THE DEFENDANTS?
Six men were initially charged but two pleaded guilty before trial.
The remaining defendants included Adam Fox, described by prosecutors as the plot’s ringleader. He and co-defendant Barry Croft Jr. were affiliated with the “Three Percenter” far-right anti-government movement. They may be tried again after the jury hit an impasse on their charges.
The other two defendants, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta — who were found not guilty of all charges — were members of the Wolverine Watchmen, a self-styled militia with similar views, according to prosecutors.
Ty Garbinpleaded guilty last year and Kaleb Franksjoined him in February. Both were government witnesses at trial.
WHAT WERE THE CHARGES?
All four were charged with kidnapping conspiracy.
According to prosecutors, the defendants plotted from June to October 2020 to abduct Whitmer from her vacation home in northern Michigan because they were infuriated by what they saw as her overly restrictive policies during the pandemic.
Fox, Croft and Harris were also charged with conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction. Prosecutors said they sought to construct and buy explosives, with the aim of destroying a bridge near Whitmer’s cottage to stymie police during the kidnapping. Harris was acquitted on the charge.
Croft and Harris were charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device — a firework wrapped with pennies that could serve as shrapnel. Harris was acquitted.
Harris was the only one charged with possession of a semi-automatic assault rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches long that wasn’t registered to him. He was acquitted.
WHAT WERE THE POTENTIAL SENTENCES?
The kidnapping conspiracy and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction charges carried maximum life sentences.
Garbin has already been sentenced to six years in prison, and Franks is expected to receive a lighter sentence than if he had lost at trial.
WHAT WAS REQUIRED FOR CONVICTIONS?
The defendants never achieved their purported goal of kidnapping Whitmer. Unbeknownst to them, the FBI had infiltrated their group and was closely monitoring them. They were arrested in October 2020.
Defense attorneys portrayed their clients as weekend warriors prone to big, wild talk, who were often stoned. To prove it was deadly serious, prosecutors entered evidence showing the defendants took specific steps, referred to as “overt acts,” toward implementing their plans.
Jury instructions explained that convictions on the kidnapping and weapons conspiracy charges required evidence that each defendant committed at least one of the long list of overt acts in the indictment.
Proof that a defendant simply knew about the conspiracy or associated with members of the conspiracy wasn’t enough.
WHAT WERE THE ALLEGED OVERT ACTS?
They included that Fox proposed the kidnapping of Whitmer on Aug. 23, 2020, during a meeting with Harris and Caserta. Another was that the men scrutinized each other’s IDs in a bid to ensure no one was an undercover agent.
Another was that Fox, Croft, Harris and Caserta held field-training exercises in September 2020, practicing tactics for fighting Whitmer’s security detail.
The indictment attributed another overt act on Oct. 7, 2020, to Caserta, alleging he instructed co-conspirators that, if they encountered police, they should give the officers one chance to leave, then kill them.
Alleged overt acts on the weapons of mass destruction charge included that Harris boasted on May 1, 2020, that he was a Marine Corps veteran who “can make things go boom if you give me what I need.”
WHAT WAS THE ROLE OF ENTRAPMENT?
The defense mounted an entrapment defense at trial, accusing the FBI of engaging in the barred investigatory practice. Jurors who find authorities tricked or cajoled targets into committing crimes they showed no predisposition to commit were supposed to return with not guilty verdicts.
Prosecutors had the burden of proving defendants weren’t entrapped. At trial, they sought to showthat not only were the men predisposed to joining the kidnap plot but that they discussed such schemes before the FBI sting began.
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Find AP’s full coverage of the Whitmer kidnap plot trial at: https://apnews.com/hub/whitmer-kidnap-plot-trial | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/national/explainer-charges-in-michigan-gov-whitmer-kidnap-plot-case/ | 2022-04-09T04:15:16Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/national/explainer-charges-in-michigan-gov-whitmer-kidnap-plot-case/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A jury on Friday acquitted two men of all charges in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmerbut couldn’t reach verdicts against the two alleged leaders, a stunning defeat for the government after a weekslong trial that centered on a remarkable FBI sting operation just before the 2020 election.
Whitmer did not immediately comment on the outcome, though her chief of staff was critical, saying Americans are “living through the normalization of political violence.”
The result was announced on the fifth day of deliberations, a few hoursafter the jury said it had been strugglingto find unanimity on charges in the 10-count indictment. The judge told the panel to keep working, but jurors emerged again after lunch to say they still were deadlocked on some counts.
Daniel Harris, 24, and Brandon Caserta, 33, were found not guilty of conspiracy. In addition, Harris was acquitted of charges related to explosives and a gun.
The jury could not reach verdicts for Adam Fox, 38, and Barry Croft Jr., 46, which means the government can put them on trial again for two conspiracy charges. Croft also faces a separate explosives charge. They’ll remain in custody.
No juror spoke publicly about the mixed result.
“Obviously we’re disappointed with the outcome. … We have two defendants that are awaiting trial and we’ll get back to work on that,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge said.
Harris and Caserta embraced their lawyers when U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker said they were free after 18 months in jail awaiting trial. Family members moments earlier gasped and cried with joy when the verdicts were read.
The arrests in Michigan came amid upheaval in the U.S. in 2020. The year had started with pandemic lockdowns then shifted to armed Capitol protests over COVID-19 restrictions ordered by Whitmer and other governors. By late May, anger over racial injustice and the killing of George Floydby Minneapolis police erupted into demonstrations in cities nationwide.
In a Grand Rapids courtroom, during 13 days of testimony, prosecutors offered evidence from undercover agents, a crucial informantand two men who pleaded guiltyto the plot. Jurors also read and heard secretly recorded conversations, violent social media posts and chat messages.
Ty Garbin, who pleaded guilty and is serving a six-year prison sentence, said the plan was to get Whitmer and cause enough chaos to trigger a civil war before the election , keeping Joe Biden from winning the presidency.
Garbin and Kaleb Franks, who also pleaded guilty and testified for the government, were among the six who were arrested in October 2020 amid talk of raising $4,000 for an explosive to blow up a bridge and stymie any police response to a kidnapping, according to trial testimony.
Prosecutors said the group was steeped in anti-government extremism and furious over Whitmer’s pandemic restrictions. There was evidence of a crudely built “shoot house” to practice going in and out of her vacation home, and a night ride by Croft, Fox and covert operatives to check the property.
But defense lawyers portrayed the men as credulous weekend warriors, often stoned on marijuana and prone to big, wild talk. They said FBI agents and informants tricked and cajoled the men into targeting the governor.
During closing arguments a week ago, Fox’s attorney, Christopher Gibbons, said the plan was “utter nonsense,” and he pleaded with jurors to be the “firewall” against the government.
Harris was the only defendant to testify in his own defense, repeatedly telling jurors “absolutely not” when asked if he had targeted the governor.
“I think what the FBI did is unconscionable,” Caserta’s attorney, Michael Hills, said outside court. “And I think the jury just sent them a message loud and clear that these tactics — we’re not going to condone what they’ve done here.”
He said Whitmer was “never in any danger.”
Gibbons said the acquittals of Harris and Caserta demonstratedserious shortcomings in the government’s case.
“We’ll be ready for another trial. … We’ll eventually get what we wanted out of this, which is the truth and the justice I think Adam is entitled to,” Gibbons said.
Meanwhile, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said the “outcome is disappointing.” Whitmer’s office released a tough reaction from the governor’s chief of staff, JoAnne Huls.
“The plot to kidnap and kill a governor may seem like an anomaly. But we must be honest about what it really is: The result of violent, divisive rhetoric that is all too common across our country,” Huls said. “There must be accountability and consequences for those who commit heinous crimes. Without accountability, extremists will be emboldened.”
Deliberations resumed earlier Friday with a court employee handing jurors a large plastic bag containing pennies, known as evidence exhibit 291. The pennies were requested before jurors went home Thursday.
Pennies taped to a commercial-grade firework were intended to act like shrapnel against Whitmer’s security team, according to the government.
The trial covered 20 days since March 8, including jury selection, evidence, final arguments and jury deliberations. Croft is from Bear, Delaware, while the others are from Michigan.
Whitmer, a Democrat, wasn’t a trial witness and didn’t attend. She rarely talks publicly about the plot, though she referred to “surprises” during her term that seemed like “something out of fiction” when she filed for reelection on March 17.
She has blamed former President Donald Trump for fomenting anger over coronavirus restrictions and refusing to condemn right-wing extremists like those charged in the case.
A jury of six women and six men heard the case, as well as four alternates. Little is known about them. Citing privacy, Jonker ordered that they be only identified by numbers. Two jurors were dismissed during the trial because of illness.
The jury pool was drawn from a 22-county region in western and northern Michigan that is largely rural, Republican and conservative.Several people were dismissed after saying they had strong feelings about Whitmer — positive or negative — or the government.
Matthew Schneider, a former U.S. attorney in Detroit, believes prosecutors “could have done a better job” of learning about the backgrounds and personal views of some jurors who were called up near the end of the all-day selection process.
“The government had laid out its case. The jury didn’t believe it,” Schneider said of the verdict.
Separately, authorities in state court are prosecuting eight men who are accused of aiding the group that was on trial in federal court.
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Find AP’s full coverage of the Whitmer kidnap plot trial at: https://apnews.com/hub/whitmer-kidnap-plot-trial
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White reported from Detroit. Associated Press reporters Sara Burnett in Chicago; David Eggert in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Mike Householder in Detroit contributed to this report. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/national/jury-gets-bomb-evidence-in-gov-whitmer-kidnap-plot-trial/ | 2022-04-09T04:15:36Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/national/jury-gets-bomb-evidence-in-gov-whitmer-kidnap-plot-trial/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department says it is unable to compile a complete and accurate accounting of gifts presented to former President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials by foreign governments during Trump’s final year in office, citing missing data from the White House.
In a report to be published in the Federal Register next week, the department says the Executive Office of the President did not submit information about gifts received by Trump and his family from foreign leaders in 2020. It also says the General Services Administration didn’t submit information about gifts given to former Vice President Mike Pence and White House staffers that year.
The State Department said it sought the missing information from National Archives and Records Administration and the General Services Administration, but was told that “potentially relevant records” are not available because of access restrictions related to retired records.
The State Department’s Office of Protocol reported the situation in footnotes to a partial list of gifts received by U.S. officials in 2020. The office publishes such lists annually in part to guard against potential conflicts of interest. A preview of the 2020 report was posted on the Federal Register website on Friday ahead of its formal publication on Monday.
The report notes that the lack of gift information could be related to internal oversights as the protocol office neglected to “submit the request for data to all reporting agencies prior to January 20, 2021,” when the Trump administration ended and the Biden administration began. However, it also noted that there had been a “lack of adequate recordkeeping pertaining to diplomatic gifts” between Jan. 20, 2017, when Trump took office, and his departure from the White House four years later.
The State Department report comes as House lawmakers have opened an investigation into reports that Trump had taken boxes of classified materialswith him to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida after leaving office last year. The National Archives and Records Administration has asked the Justice Department to look into the matter.
The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, meanwhile, has identified analmost 8-hour gap in official White House recordsof Trump’s phone calls as the violence unfolded and his supporters stormed the building, according to two people familiar with the probe.
Regarding the 2020 gifts, the department said it had “made attempts to collect the required data from the current authoritative sources … but it has confirmed that potentially relevant records are not available to the State Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol under applicable access rules for retired records of the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President.”
“As a result, the data required to fully compile a complete listing for 2020 is unavailable,” it said.
Gift records for Trump administration officials such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper and former Central Intelligence Agency chief Gina Haspel are included in the limited 2020 report, as are records for other senior diplomats, Pentagon and CIA officials. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/politics/state-department-wh-gift-records-for-trump-pence-missing/ | 2022-04-09T04:16:54Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/politics/state-department-wh-gift-records-for-trump-pence-missing/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP)The Los Angeles Chargers have signed wide receiver and return specialist DeAndre Carter to a one-year contract.
Carter was with Washington last season and led the NFC in total return yards (1,038), kickoff return yards (904), kickoff returns (36) and kickoff return average (25.1). He also returned a kick 101 yards for a touchdown.
Carter will be going into his fifth season. He has a career 23.3 yard average on kickoff returns and 9.2 yard average on punt returns. He also has 58 career receptions for 682 yards and three touchdowns.
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More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://apnews.com/hub/pro-32 and https://twitter.com/AP-NFL | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/nfl/chargers-sign-return-specialist-deandre-carter/ | 2022-04-09T04:17:29Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/nfl/chargers-sign-return-specialist-deandre-carter/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Gold of the Pharaohs: The blockbuster exhibition that cast Edinburgh under ancient Egypt's spell
When the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition arrived at Edinburgh's City Art Centre in 1988, the dazzling display captured the imaginations of young and old alike across the Capital and beyond.
Let us know what you think and join the conversation at the bottom of this article
Queues to see the city's first true blockbuster exhibition stretched along Market Street, past the back entrance to Waverley Station, under North Bridge and beyond. So long did queues become, those patiently waiting became a captive audience for local buskers keen to help them pass the time while, hopefully, earning a bob or two.
As Pharaoh-mania engulfed the city, Lothian Region Transport, the forerunner to Lothian Buses, even painted one of their buses gold to celebrate the spectacular Egyptian artefacts coming to the city.
Gold of the Pharaohs, easily the most ambitious exhibition to have come to the Capital, attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors during it's short run - it opened on February 8 and closed on April 30, 1988. Backed by the District Council, the exhibition displayed the ancient Egyptian treasures of Tanis, a funerary horde unearthed from the royal necropolis on the site of the ancient city in the Nile Delta, dating from 1069 BC to 715 BC.
Discovered accidentally in 1939 by French archaeologist Pierre Montet, his finds included the invaluable gold funerary mask of King Psusennes I, the highlight of the exhibition and regarded as one of the most significant finds of the 20th century.
Also known as the ‘Silver Pharaoh’ – he was interred in an ‘inner silver coffin’ inlaid with gold – Psusennes I was the third King of the 21st Dynasty and it was during his reign, between 1047 and 1001 BC, that the task of transferring monuments from the old Capital to the new residence of the kings at Tanis. Psusennes I, a name that means ‘The Star Appearing in the City’, was the son of Pinedjem I and Henuttawy, Ramesses XI's daughter by Tentamun.
Also on display were a collection of millennia-old sarcophagi including a black basalt sarcophagus, jewel-encrusted amulets, death masks and other priceless artifacts on loan from the Cairo Museum, the Louvre and the British Museum.
Integral to bringing the exhibition to Edinburgh was Herbert Coutts, Edinburgh City Curator between 1971 and 1999. An archaeologist, it was a trip he took to the Tutankhamun exhibition in London, in 1972, that sparked his desire to bring such an event to the Capital.“My vision was of a space that could take temporary exhibitions, drawing from permanent fine art collections, but also collections as important as the Tutankhamun exhibition. That was demonstrated when we were able to secure the Gold of the Pharaohs exhibition for Edinburgh. Without the City Art Centre, that wouldn’t have been possible,” he said.
Recalling the event, Christine Vincenti, who was involved in the promotion of the exhibition, told the Evening News, “It was a really exciting time when Gold of the Pharaohs fever hit Edinburgh. The phones in our office never stopped ringing with people wanting to book advance tickets to avoid the long queues which snaked all the way along Market Street.
“Schools and community groups from all over the UK came to Edinburgh to visit the exhibition. There was a huge interest from the media too and the exhibition received worldwide press coverage. The blockbuster exhibitions were brought to Edinburgh by Herbert Coutts, City Curator, who was ably assisted by a great team of staff including the late Dr Bob McLean and Ian O’Riordan, former Keeper of the City Art Centre. Without their drive and enthusiasm, the blockbuster exhibitions which firmly put the City Art Centre on the map, would never have happened.”
Insured for more than £25 million, Gold of the Pharaohs attracted almost double the 250,000 visitors which had flocked to see the Chinese Emperor’s Warriors exhibition, which had brought the terracotta army to the City Art Centre three years early.
Coutts said, “It needed President Mubarak to agree for the Gold of the Pharaohs to come to Edinburgh. The insurance value was about £30 million. It would be a hell of a lot more now. The pharaonic gold objects were outstanding in quality and beauty and it made a big impression on everybody who came."
While Edinburgh had hosted many exhibitions that attracted school kids and adults alike - Atoms For Energy at the National Museum of Scotland being one most Capital school kids of the 70’s will remember - it was Gold of The Pharaohs and the earlier Chinese Warriors that paved the way for more blockbuster exhibitions to would later take the city by storm, most notably 1995's Star Trek: The Exhibition which attracted 191,702 visitors, far exceeding a Council target of 111,000, and brought Lt Cmdr Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott himself, actor James Doohan, to the City Arts Centre.
To this day, however, with a footfall of almost half a million visitors, Gold of the Pharaohs remains the most visited historical exhibition to be staged in the UK, outside of London. | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/gold-of-the-pharaohs-the-blockbuster-exhibition-that-cast-edinburgh-under-ancient-egypts-spell-3646589 | 2022-04-09T04:17:45Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/gold-of-the-pharaohs-the-blockbuster-exhibition-that-cast-edinburgh-under-ancient-egypts-spell-3646589 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Which oversized jean jacket is best?
Just about every decade from the last century has made a comeback in fashion. And with so many different trends coming together, it can be hard to find that one thing that ties your whole outfit together. Enter the oversized jean jacket.
This versatile piece of outerwear has a place in everyone’s wardrobe, from grunge to workwear. Indigo-blue is tried-and-true in the head-spinning world of changing fashion trends. No matter your style, you can’t go wrong with the Calvin Klein Jeans Oversized Vintage Denim Jacket.
What to know before you buy an oversized jean jacket
What is an oversized jean jacket
Oversized denim is iconic. Designed for that cool, slouchy look, this take on the classic piece of outerwear is the perfect mix between comfort and slacker swagger.
Unlike a regular denim jacket, oversized jackets are made to be loose in the arms and chest but not so big you’re swimming in them. Hemlines still usually fall at the waist, but you can go all in with a long oversized denim jacket if you’re after the trench silhouette.
Benefits of an oversized jean jacket
Whether you want the jacket-from-your-partner look, or you’re going after that “Breakfast Club” aesthetic, you cannot beat an oversized jean jacket. Lightweight and layerable, they’re perfect for those spring and summer months. You can wear it over your shoulders, off of one shoulder or throw on a sweater or sweatshirt underneath for added warmth.
Styling an oversized jean jacket
Oversized has that carefree attitude synonymous with the 1980s and 1990s. Go all-in with a baggy fit, or play with contrasts and accentuate your figure.
Part of what makes denim so versatile is that it works both for preppy, streetwear and workwear styles. You can add it to a pair of chinos and a casual button-down for a look you can wear out to dinner. Or layer it over your favorite graphic tee and black, skinny jeans for the streetwear aesthetic. Swap the sneakers for brown boots and the tee for flannel, and your oversized denim becomes a rugged staple in workwear.
What to look for in a quality oversized jean jacket
Wash
Washing is a production process that determines the color and distressing of your denim. Which wash you choose comes down to your own personal style:
- Indigo: This is the rich blue most commonly used for denim. It’s also the most versatile, pairing well with darks and lights or casual and dressy.
- Light-wash: This baby-blue distressed wash gives you that faded, well-worn look. Light-wash is an excellent counter to darker denim if you’re trying to double up. It looks great with black jeans.
- Dark-wash: Deep and saturated, dark-wash blue denim has an edgy side that goes well with the classic white tee or black leather jacket.
- Acid-wash: The result of a washing process that partially bleaches the denim, acid wash is a totally 1980s aesthetic that has fun applications in contemporary style. Wear it as a statement piece or as a part of a streetwear ensemble.
- Black: Black never goes out of style, and a black oversize denim jacket is all about combining a slimming fit with the rough texture of denim. Black wash is perfect if you’re feeling a little punk or rock ‘n’ roll.
- White: Beach-chic, summery white denim is crisp and preppy. Pair it with light-wash, indigo or white jeans, or throw it over a dress for some casual structure in your outfit.
Style
In addition to the wash, denim can have all sorts of aesthetic effects. Fringe is in right now, and this dangling textural element gives off a boho vibe that harkens back to cowboys and the wild west.
Patchwork is also making a comeback with its homespun look. These jackets have fun alternating squares of different-wash denim that allow you the opportunity to play with texture and color blocking.
Lastly, distressed denim is a classic, patinated style. You get the lived-in look of that storied favorite in your closet. It adds cool texture and has a bit of punk-rock edge.
Cut
The cut of your jacket describes its structure and fit. The three most common are trucker, chore and cropped denim jackets:
- Trucker: The trucker is the original denim jacket and is made to be close-fitting and hemmed at the waist. An oversized trucker will fall slightly below the waist and fit loose in the torso and arms.
- Chore: Originally designed for physical labor, this comfortable jacket with big pockets has a downward-draping fit that runs long in oversized denim.
- Crop: Cut short at the waist, cropped denim jackets are big in the arms and torso. These are great for that bomber-jacket look, so you can achieve an 80s slouch while still showing off your waist.
Material
True denim is 100% cotton. But today, many manufacturers mix in other fabrics such as polyester to cut costs and improve strength. These blended fabrics can lose their shape in the dryer. They also don’t have the slubby, rigid texture of real-cotton denim. If you’re after comfort, or a tight fit, however, stretchy blends are a great alternative to cotton for their body-conforming properties.
How much you can expect to spend on an oversized jean jacket
An oversized denim jacket made from a blend of fabrics is typically $30-$60. For 100% cotton designer brands, you can expect to pay up to $120 at major outlets.
Oversized jean jacket FAQ
Should I wash my denim jacket?
A. Don’t wash your denim unless it gets truly dirty. If you absolutely have to put it in the washing machine, do so on the gentlest setting using cold water and very little detergent. Turning your jacket inside out will not only protect the hardware and dyes but also expose the places that really need cleaning, such as the armpits. Don’t put your denim in the dryer. Either hang dry it or lay it flat.
Can I get the oversized look by just sizing up?
A. Part of what makes the oversize style so popular is that the jacket has subtle touches that still conform and flatter your body despite being roomy elsewhere. Merely sizing up can give that billow, slouchy look but might not be as comfortable or stay on as well as a fitted, oversize jean jacket.
What’s the best oversized jean jacket to buy?
Top oversized jean jacket
Calvin Klein Jeans Oversized Vintage Denim Jacket
What you need to know: This light-wash trucker from one of the biggest late-’90s brands hits all the right notes for an instant classic.
What you’ll love: Slightly faded for that vintage look, you’ll feel like you’ve had this denim jacket forever. It’s 100% cotton with enough extra fabric to loosely roll up the sleeves, but not so much that you’re committing to the full slacker look.
What you should consider: For the price and material, you really can’t go wrong with this classic cut and tasteful distressing.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
Top oversized jean jacket for the money
Cotton On Women’s The Oversized Denim Jacket
What you need to know: Cotton On’s indigo trucker is perfect for a crisp, clean look on a budget.
What you’ll love: Designed to fall just below the waist, this jacket has a boxy fit. The roomy sleeves are comfortable and taper at the wrist. And the lack of distressing makes this a versatile piece for various styles. This jacket pairs best with slimming or cropped tops.
What you should consider: The jacket is imported and uses Australian sizes, so be sure to check the conversion chart in the product’s details.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
Worth checking out
Hotmiss Men’s Denim Jacket Casual Button Down Trucker Jacket Jean Coat
What you need to know: Baggy and lightweight, the Hotmiss trucker has a retro vibe with a unisex fit.
What you’ll love: This jean jacket is the quintessential early ’90s piece of outerwear. Unstructured and loose, you can roll up the sleeves and let it hang off your shoulders to really achieve the grunge look. It’s roomy for breathability on warmer days and layering potential in the colder months.
What you should consider: This jacket is a polyester, cotton blend.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Which burnt-orange shower curtains are best?
Burnt orange is trending in interior design for its beautiful accenting qualities. Red like clay and warm like the sun, this natural color looks great in bathrooms, bringing the pristine and utilitarian porcelain whites back down to earth. One of the best ways to introduce a bit of burnt orange into your bathroom decor is with a shower curtain.
Whether you choose patterned or solid is up to your taste, but it’s high time you take advantage of this underused canvas in your home. The best burnt-orange shower curtain is Ebern Designs Dothan Sunset in Hot Desert Shower Curtain and Hooks.
What to know before you buy a burnt-orange shower curtain
Colors that go with burnt orange
Burnt orange is a lovely, dark orange with more brown than yellow. Slightly red, too, this deeper color feels rustic and earthy. You want to look for opposites to complement the warmth of burnt orange. Sage greens, beiges and ochres all look nice with this fiery color. You can also use deep, dark blues to counter-balance it. Lastly, darker browns and reds can also work with warm grays thrown in. When in doubt, think about fall palettes, as the image of turning leaves is the perfect inspiration when pairing this color.
Styling your burnt-orange shower curtain
Given its subdued cheerful vibe and red-clay earthiness, burnt orange is popular in boho and rustic decors. Burnt orange evokes images of crafted pottery and country living out in the desert. But you don’t need a nomadic design scheme to justify using this exciting color. Burnt orange can work wonderfully as an accent in mid-century modern decor, playing off of the natural woods and pastel palettes typically found in contemporary iterations of modernism.
Pattern vs. solid
Choosing between a patterned or solid-color shower curtain is a matter of personal taste. Both can be beautiful ways to introduce this rich color into your bathroom. If you don’t want to commit fully to burnt orange, patterns are a great way to tone down burnt orange and offset it with a complementary or base color.
On the other hand, solid colors provide saturated backdrops for further play and ornamentation. Use these to elevate other patterns, textures and materials in the room. Or color block your bathroom by painting the walls a deep blue or sage green.
What to look for in a quality burnt-orange shower curtain
Material
The three most common materials for shower curtains are cotton, polyester and vinyl. These each have unique properties that will affect their durability and feel:
- Cotton: A premium fabric in the world of shower curtains, cotton offers thick, luxurious warmth. These are easy to clean and the most durable. But cotton is also more expensive than other options. It’s also not waterproof, so you will need a shower-curtain liner.
- Polyester: Ranging from soft like cotton, to shiny like vinyl, this synthetic material is the best of both worlds, offering water resistance and durability. It’s cheaper than cotton, though certainly not as luscious. Polyester often doesn’t require a liner and can be washed.
- Vinyl: The cheapest of the three, vinyl is completely water-resistant. It’s the easiest to print on, offering the widest range of design options. It’s less durable however, so you will have to replace it once or twice a year.
Size
Choosing the right shower curtain size depends on your shower. While the typical shower curtain is a square 72 by 72 inches, if you have a walk-in or freestanding style tub, this will either be way too big or not big enough.
Smaller showers benefit from a narrow shower curtain, at about half the length. Tubs with more than one side exposed should use an extra-wide shower curtain of 108-180 inches depending on the number of sides. And if you have high ceilings, make sure to get an extra-long shower curtain, which adds another foot in length so you don’t spill water all over your floor.
Installation
Shower curtains are easy to install. They either use their built-in grommets or additional shower-curtain hooks. Grommets are the reinforced circular openings at the top of your shower curtain’s hem. If they’re large enough, you can slide them right onto your shower curtain rod. This is the easiest installation method but doesn’t offer the same ease of use once on the rod as hooks.
Shower curtain hooks, on the other hand, are a little fussier to install. These use rings to slide on your rod that then hook into the grommets on your curtain. Their design lets your curtain lie completely flat and makes them easier to pull back and forth.
How much you can expect to spend on a burnt-orange shower curtain
Shower curtain cost depends on the material and size. A vinyl shower curtain is usually $5-$25. Quality polyester ranges between $30-$60. And a premium cotton shower curtain can cost as much as $80-$120.
Burnt-orange shower curtain FAQ
How do I clean my shower curtain?
A. To get rid of mold and mildew, machine wash your polyester or cotton shower curtain once a month. For vinyl, you’ll want to use household cleaner in a well ventilated space.
Do I need a shower curtain liner?
A. Shower curtain liners are inexpensive vinyl barriers that help protect your shower curtain. Most polyester and vinyl curtains do not need them, but a liner can help boost their longevity. Cotton shower curtains need a liner as cotton is not waterproof.
What’s the best burnt-orange shower curtain to buy?
Top burnt-orange shower curtain
Ebern Designs Dothan Sunset in Hot Desert Shower Curtain + Hooks
What you need to know: Bring the brilliant heat of the desert into your bathroom with this gradient burnt-orange shower curtain.
What you’ll love: Transitioning from orange to white, Ebern Designs’ shower curtain offers a burst of color that won’t dominate the space. It’s made from polyester with reinforced grommets. The curtain comes with hooks for easy installation. You have your choice of four sizes.
What you should consider: The sizes offered may cover a few unique showers, but they’re by no means comprehensive, especially for extra-tall showers and freestanding tubs.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
Top burnt-orange shower curtain for the money
What you need to know: Featuring a motif inspired by traditional designs found on the African continent, this shower curtain offers boho style on a budget.
What you’ll love: This hefty, polyester shower curtain comes in narrow and long sizes. The hem is weighted to prevent the shower curtain from flying around in a draft. You get 12 hooks with it.
What you should consider: This curtain is only printed on one side and doesn’t come in extra-wide sizes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Latitude Run Sanches 18-Piece Embroidery Shower Curtain Set
What you need to know: With a tasteful, embroidered floral pattern in the top quarter panel, this practically solid-color shower curtain set is enough to deck out your entire bathroom in burnt orange.
What you’ll love: You not only get a shower curtain, but two matching bath mats and three matching towels. The curtain comes with rings for hanging and is made from water-resistant polyester. The towels are thin, so use this for decoration rather than as a fully functional bath set.
What you should consider: This set might be a little too much orange for those looking to add a singular accent to their bathroom.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
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Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Comparing dog bicycle trailers and dog bicycle carriers
Dogs love to get out and enjoy the day just as much as humans do. If you are going for a bike ride and your dog doesn’t have the energy to run, you don’t need to leave them at home. Instead, equip your bike with a trailer or carrier.
Both are suitable options for bringing along your pooch. However, their vastly different designs may make one superior for your needs.
Dog bicycle trailer
Dog bicycle trailers are fully-enclosed carts that get towed behind you as you ride. They sit low to the ground and feature several large mesh panels that allow for plenty of air flow. Some of these may be openable for access or to let your pooch stick its head out. Most trailers are also equipped with tether attachment points and pockets, and cost between $150-$400.
Dog bicycle trailer pros
One of the biggest advantages to bike trailers is they can accommodate medium and large dogs that would be impossible to put in a carrier. Some models are designed for dogs up to 125 pounds, whereas carriers are only suitable for dogs weighing less than 25 pounds. You can also put two smaller dogs in a trailer together, making them a good choice for those with more than one furry family member.
Because trailers sit so low to the ground, they are easy for dogs to enter and exit without assistance from their owner. This design also makes them very safe and stable. In the unfortunate event of a crash, your dog is more likely to come out uninjured in a trailer because they won’t end up falling very far. Plus, the full enclosure on bike trailers means your dog can’t unexpectedly jump out to chase a squirrel.
Dog bicycle trailer cons
Many of the downsides of dog bike trailers stem from their size. They can be heavy and difficult to tow, especially with the added weight of their precious cargo. Don’t be surprised if your rides suddenly become much more tiresome when towing a trailer.
Trailers can also be problematic when biking through crowded areas with a lot of pedestrians or other cyclists. Some are nearly 3 feet wide, so they require more space on trails and sidewalks than a bike alone.
For those who live in apartments or small homes, the size of bike trailers can make them difficult to store. To mitigate that, many trailers fold up and/or have removable wheels. This can be a bit of a hassle, though, since you’ll need to remove the trailer from your bike every time you want to do this.
Best dog bicycle trailer
PetSafe Happy Ride Aluminum Dog Bike Trailer
With a sturdy aluminum frame and 110-pound weight capacity, this is a good choice for owners of large dogs. It features several mesh panels for airflow, two openings for easy access and has reflectors on the back to help motorists see you. There are also several pockets on the outside to carry treats, toys and anything else your furry friend needs.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Best dog bicycle trailer for the money
Retrospec Rover Waggin’ Pet Bike Trailer
This affordable trailer is ideal for those who have dogs weighing up to 50 pounds and want an affordable option. To keep your pooch safe, it has a nonslip floor, internal tether attachment point and reflectors on the back and wheels.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Dog bicycle trailer worth considering
Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer
The Rascal is available in two sizes and three bright colors. Conveniently, it can be decoupled from your bike without any tools. The top has a zippered panel with both mesh and solid covers. This will give your dog extra airflow or protect it from the elements as needed.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Dog bicycle carrier
Dog bike carriers are baskets that you attach to your handlebars or the rear cargo rack. They are often modified for both comfort and safety, with features such as adjustable openings, tether attachment points, padding and sometimes even full enclosures. Many also have small pockets to carry valuables, water bottles and other items. Carriers come in a range of styles, from modern nylon and mesh to classic wicker, and cost between $20-$100.
Dog bicycle carrier pros
Dog bike carriers are more versatile than trailers. Many are equipped with removable shoulder straps so they can be used as standard carriers when walking around with your four-legged family member. They also attach to and remove from bicycles quickly, without the need for any tools. This makes them a good choice for those who like to ride solo just as often as they do with their dog.
Bike carriers also keep your dog closer to you, which lets you reach over to pet or comfort them. Also, because of their small size, storage is rarely an issue with carriers.
Dog bicycle carrier cons
The biggest issue many people have with carriers is safety. They are mounted very high off the ground, which can be dangerous in a crash, and most don’t have a full enclosure. The tether and adjustable openings mitigate this issue somewhat, but it still doesn’t make them as safe as trailers.
Carriers are only suitable for small dogs, too. If you have a medium or large breed, they aren’t an option. They may also not be an option for people who have trouble bending over or picking up their pet. Most dogs cannot enter carriers on their own, so you’ll need to be able to lift them up and place them inside the basket. They shouldn’t be taught to jump down on their own either. Otherwise, they may be more likely to do it unexpectedly in the middle of a ride.
Best dog bicycle carrier
Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot Wicker Max Bike Carrier
This charming wicker carrier features a plush sherpa lining and a removable metal enclosure with a sunshade to keep your best friend comfortable on long rides. It’s equipped with a flip-up handle, too, so it can also be used for off-bike carrying.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Best dog bicycle carrier for the money
This bike carrier has all the features your pooch needs for a safe and comfortable ride yet costs much less than other carriers. It has an adjustable opening, two slip pockets and removable plush inner padding. However, it can only accommodate dogs weighing up to 10 pounds.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Dog bicycle carrier worth considering
Travelin K-9 Pet-Pilot Original
Though it’s a bit pricey, the Pet-Pilot Original has a strong steel frame and stays securely in place without swaying as you ride. It also comes with six inserts that let you change its accent color based on your mood.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Should you buy a dog bicycle trailer or a dog bicycle carrier?
Choosing between a trailer and a carrier often comes down to the size of your dog. Those with small dogs will want to opt for a carrier because they are more affordable and convenient. Owners of large dogs, or those who want to take two small dogs on a ride together, will need to buy a trailer.
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Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/reviews/br/pets-br/crates-carriers-containers-br/dog-bicycle-trailers-vs-dog-bicycle-carriers/ | 2022-04-09T04:19:55Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/reviews/br/pets-br/crates-carriers-containers-br/dog-bicycle-trailers-vs-dog-bicycle-carriers/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Which Nike trail running shoes are best?
Running in wooded areas or on rocky trails is a great way to stay in shape and get some fresh air. But before you head outside, you’re going to need a reliable pair of running shoes.
Nike is a top brand that makes some of the best trail running shoes. If you’re looking for a solid pair, the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes are stylish, durable and comfortable.
What to know before you buy Nike trail running shoes
Surface
If you’re just starting as an outdoor runner, you might not know what kind of shoes to buy. First of all, you should consider what type of surface you’ll be running on most of the time.
Trail running shoes are designed for rugged terrain where there’s a risk of encountering debris and moisture. Naturally, they tend to be more robust and durable than standard running shoes designed for urban environments or roadways.
Size and fit
While running, it’s crucial to be comfortable, especially if you’re long-distance running on rocky trails. If your shoes are too big, they can cause you to trip and possibly lead to injury. On the other hand, shoes that are too tight can cause foot swelling and pain. Focus on finding a pair with a snug fit that also has some room in the toe area.
Protection
Running on rugged terrain is more dangerous than running on a paved road, and you’ll likely encounter water and debris, such as twigs and rocks. If any of these enter your shoes, the outcome could range from discomfort while running to an injury.
To protect your feet, it’s a good idea to get water-resistant trail running shoes made with durable materials. Durable shoes will provide you with stability and protection while running on rocky trails, and they should also last you several months before they need replacing.
What to look for in quality Nike trail running shoes
Weight
Trail running shoes are more durable and heavier than road running shoes, but they still need to be lightweight. The more robust they are, the more protection they provide against debris and moisture. However, robust shoes can also make it more difficult to move, especially on rocky trails.
If speed and time are a concern, you’re going to want the most lightweight shoe possible. If you don’t mind taking your time, it’s not a bad idea to go with something that offers more protection.
Cushioning
A trail running shoe’s durability is the most important aspect, but don’t underestimate the importance of sufficient cushioning in the sole areas. Trail runners need extra cushioning for stability and support on rugged terrain where surfaces are uneven.
Heel-to-toe drop
Heel-to-toe drop refers to the distance from the highest point of the back heel’s cushioned area to its highest point at the front of the shoe. It ranges from 0 to 12 millimeters and is a matter of preference. Shoes with a lower heel-to-toe drop provide a more stable landing platform, while higher ones have more cushioning and offer more comfort.
How much you can expect to spend on Nike trail running shoes
Nike trail running shoes can cost as low as $60-$100. However, if you want more durable shoes with advanced features, you can expect to spend anywhere from $100-$160.
Nike trail running shoes FAQ
Are waterproof shoes necessary?
A. Even if you live somewhere with a relatively dry climate, waterproof shoes are still a good idea for trail running because moisture from mud and other debris can still enter your shoe.
How long do trail running shoes last?
A. It depends on how often you use your shoes and the distance you travel. In any case, you should consider replacing them every six to 18 months.
What are the best Nike trail running shoes to buy?
Top Nike trail running shoes
Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes
What you need to know: These shoes provide the ultimate protection for trail runners and are suitable for all types of terrain.
What you’ll love: Your feet will be well-protected and dry behind the Gore-Tex layer and gaiter on the collar that helps prevent moisture and debris from entering. They have a durable foam insole for superior comfort and a band around the ankle for a secure fit.
What you should consider: Some users find them on the heavy side, and they may be too narrow for those with wide feet.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Top Nike trail running shoes for the money
Nike Juniper Trail Running Shoes
What you need to know: These shoes are excellent for beginners and experienced runners alike. Additionally, they are ideal for running for extended periods on rugged terrain.
What you’ll love: They have a round-toe design and durable rubber outsole for extra traction on rocky trails. Elastic wraps around the ankle areas provide a secure fit, and the mesh upper makes for a lightweight and breathable running shoe.
What you should consider: It doesn’t have a contoured fit that adjusts to the shape of the wearer’s foot, so those with supinated or pronated feet might find them uncomfortable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Kohl’s
Worth checking out
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 Trail Running Shoes
What you need to know: If you are looking for a sturdy, comfortable shoe with a funky color scheme, then this pair is for you.
What you’ll love: They have a mesh upper, so they’re lightweight and breathable. They are also durable, as they feature traction lugs and a rock plate at the heel for extra traction and stability on rugged surfaces. Additionally, they are highly responsive and have a cushioned collar for added comfort.
What you should consider: There’s a brief break-in period, so they might feel uncomfortable out of the box.
Where to buy: Sold by Backcountry
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/footwear-br/best-nike-trail-running-shoes/ | 2022-04-09T04:20:02Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/footwear-br/best-nike-trail-running-shoes/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Which Radio Flyer tricycle is best?
Before your child has the balance to ride a standard bike, a tricycle introduces them to the fun of pedaling and the thrill of going faster than their legs can take them. If the name Radio Flyer sounds familiar, that’s because it’s the company behind the childhood staple “little red wagon.” But it also makes quality tricycles durable enough to be passed on to others once your child is ready to transition to a big-kid bike.
Its best tricycle is the Radio Flyer Tricycle For Toddlers. It’s designed for kids aged 2-4 and comes in red and pink.
What to know before you buy a Radio Flyer tricycle
Radio Flyer tricycle types
Radio Flyer makes four types of tricycle: big wheel, push, upright and convertible.
- Big wheel tricycles are the classic example. They have high-back reclining seats for comfort and a large front wheel for stability. They’re perfect for young kids transitioning from push models.
- Push tricycles are the smallest variety. They have no pedals and usually have no back. They are powered purely by your child pushing off the ground. These are “baby’s-first” tricycles.
- Upright tricycles are the last stage before big-kid bikes. They typically have no backrest and rely on full pedal power. The only difference between these and regular bikes is the smaller size and third wheel.
- Convertible tricycles are designed to grow with your child, from baby to just shy of standard-bike ready. They start, effectively, as a stroller. Your child sits in the chair and places their feet on stable blocks instead of pedals as you push them with a handle from behind. When they’re ready, you strip away some parts and they become big wheel-like. Once they’ve outgrown that, more pieces come off and it becomes upright-like.
Weight
Radio Flyer tricycles need to carefully balance their weight with the intended age of rider. Too heavy and younger or weaker children won’t have the strength to pedal or push the tricycle along. Too light and it becomes easy to tip over, and thus, a safety hazard.
What to look for in a quality Radio Flyer tricycle
Frame material
Radio Flyer tricycle frames are typically made of metal or plastic.
- Metal frames, usually steel, are typically used for older-leaning models. They are more durable and stable, but also heavier, so it takes more effort to get them moving. They are costlier.
- Plastic frames are typically meant for young-leaning models. They’re small and light so they can easily be pushed around before your child has the dexterity for pedals. They’re also inexpensive, so it doesn’t sting when you notice your child is too big for it three months after purchase.
Adjustable seating
Kids grow fast. Thankfully, many Radio Flyer tricycles have adjustable seating to account for this. They can only adjust so far, but some of the better tricycles have a large enough adjustment range to squeak out an extra year or two, if your child is an average height with average growth speed.
How much you can expect to spend on a Radio Flyer tricycle
Radio Flyer tricycles cost between $30-$200, though most cost $50-$75. Sub-$50 models are plastic and meant for kids who can’t pedal. Models $75-plus are usually multifunction and built to last for years.
Radio Flyer tricycle FAQ
How safe are Radio Flyer tricycles?
A. Most have many safety features that limit accidents as much as possible. For example, some have harnesses that can keep a child from falling out. Many limit how sharp an angle the wheel can be turned to and use wide wheelbases to lower the risk of tipping over. Still, kids are kids, and they may find a way to hurt themselves.
How old should a child be to ride a Radio Flyer tricycle?
A. That depends on which one you’re considering and your child. Most Radio Flyer tricycles are designed with an age range in mind, but this is more of a suggestion if your child is smaller, larger or more advanced than average in some way. That said, stroller tricycles are perfect for any child the right size to fit comfortably in the seat. Other tricycles that require effort on your child’s part can’t be used until they can comfortably walk.
What’s the best Radio Flyer tricycle to buy?
Top Radio Flyer tricycle
Radio Flyer Tricycle For Toddlers
What you need to know: This is the ultimate classic tricycle design.
What you’ll love: The seat is adjustable so your child fits perfectly and continues to fit perfectly as they grow. The frame is made of strong steel and the wheels are made of rubber for a long-lasting, quality ride.
What you should consider: This is among the heavier tricycles, which can make riding difficult for the youngest kids. A few consumers received damaged and clearly used tricycles, and others struggled with assembly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Radio Flyer tricycle for the money
Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Pedal Ride-On Bike
What you need to know: This is the perfect first tricycle for your toddler. The plastic construction is surprisingly durable and light enough to be easy to move.
What you’ll love: The pedals fold up so the youngest kids can scoot around, then fold down once they get old enough to really ride. The seat is contoured for comfort.
What you should consider: Some assembly is required and a few consumers reported not receiving the necessary screws. Other parents found it difficult for their children to get around.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Radio Flyer Pedal And Push Stroll ‘N Trike
What you need to know: This model features a sunshade, snack tray and cupholder and is designed to change as your child grows older.
What you’ll love: It can be used as a stroller for babies to feel like they’re riding or deconstructed down to a standard tricycle. The seat is adjustable to change as your child grows, and it has a three-point safety harness that can be removed once they’re old enough.
What you should consider: There’s no system to prevent young children from changing the front wheel direction with the handles while it’s in stroller mode.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/outdoor-toys-br/best-radio-flyer-tricycle/ | 2022-04-09T04:20:37Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/outdoor-toys-br/best-radio-flyer-tricycle/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Are TP-Link or Google mesh Wi-Fi systems best?
A single router sitting in the middle of your house or apartment can easily lead to Wi-Fi dead spots, even in adjacent rooms. If you want a frustration-free Wi-Fi experience, a mesh Wi-Fi system should be on your list. They consist either of a single router and additional extenders or any number of identical access points that can each function as stand-alone routers.
Google, on the other hand, has only released a few home Wi-Fi solutions, which have focused on user-friendly setup and management rather than cutting-edge hardware.
TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi systems
TP-Link has been a major player in-home wireless networking for over a decade and competes with some of the most popular brands worldwide. It’s even one of the few to actually design and manufacture its products in-house, instead of outsourcing production to other engineering firms and simply rebranding the results.
When you buy a TP-Link router, mesh system or smart home device, you can be reasonably certain you’re getting something of high quality. But, since it releases a large number of products on a regular basis, it can take a little extra research to figure out which are most advanced and offer the best price-to-performance ratio.
TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi system pros
- Advanced components: TP-Link regularly updates its router and mesh Wi-Fi system lineups. It always offers something that can take advantage of the most cutting-edge laptops, phones and other connected devices.
- High performance: Partly due to components and partly due to talented design, a number of its mesh Wi-Fi systems are usually found near the front of the pack in real-world speed testing.
- Low latency: For use cases like fast-paced gaming that require near-instant communication, TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi systems are among the best.
- In-depth configuration: If you want to set up guest networks or access advanced features like port routing, TP-Link’s mesh Wi-Fi routers and their configuration portals allow you to do that with relative ease.
- Wide variety: TP-Link offers some of the fastest and most advanced home wireless networking solutions. It also provides cost-effective models that should still satisfy most users despite being less technically impressive.
- Reasonable prices: Particularly in the midrange and on the low end, TP-Link wireless solutions offer very good value.
TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi system cons
- There are a lot of models to choose from: As a consumer, it takes a little extra care when looking for a TP-Link wireless solution to make sure you’re getting the best one. Unfortunately, some of its offerings don’t quite hold up in terms of latency and consistency, so it’s important to avoid those models.
- They are slightly bulky: Some mesh Wi-Fi systems consist of small pucks that are easy to hide around the home. TP-Link modules aren’t exactly huge or ugly, but they’re not quite as compact as some competitors.
- They’re not ideal for novices: If you have little to no technology experience, you might not be able to get the most out of a TP-Link networking device.
Best TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi systems
Based on the next-generation Wi-Fi 6 protocol, the Deco X20 delivers enough bandwidth for gigabit-class internet connections and the low latency needed for online gaming. It’s also surprisingly reasonably priced for a premium system.
Sold by Amazon
If you want consistent whole-home coverage but don’t want to spend a fortune, no other mesh Wi-Fi systems offer this kind of performance for the dollar. Despite being based on the somewhat older Wi-Fi 5 standard, it’s a great choice for most home networks.
Sold by Amazon
If you can’t get a consistent Wi-Fi connection in every room no matter what you try, consider this hybrid option. It uses your home’s existent power lines to ensure a strong signal, even through thick masonry.
Sold by Amazon
This one’s perfect for users who demand peak bandwidth and rock-bottom latency but don’t need several thousand square feet of coverage. As you’d expect from such a high-performing option, it’s relatively expensive.
Sold by Amazon
Google mesh Wi-Fi systems
Google has made inroads to nearly every aspect of home entertainment and wireless communications. One reason its products are so successful is they’re incredibly user-friendly. Even though Google doesn’t update its mesh Wi-Fi lineup very frequently, both current models perform well with modern computers, smartphones and smart home devices.
Google mesh Wi-Fi system pros
- Extremely easy setup: The biggest selling point of Google’s mesh Wi-Fi systems is their ease of configuration. Even if you’ve never set up a wireless network, you shouldn’t have any problem.
- Good performance: Their effective design combined with reliable components mean all but the most demanding users should be satisfied by Google mesh systems’ bandwidth and ping times.
- Compact and unassuming construction: When you first look at a Google mesh Wi-Fi module, you might not even realize what you’re looking at. Their soft lines and small stature allow them to fit in with nearly any home decor.
Google Mesh Wi-Fi system cons
- Lack of cutting-edge releases: Since Google doesn’t update the current models or develop new ones very often, they often lag behind other mesh Wi-Fi systems in terms of the most advanced features.
- No Wi-Fi 6 support: One feature that Google Wi-Fi clearly lacks is support for the Wi-Fi 6 protocol. While that’s not a huge deal at the time being, it does somewhat cut into their long-term effectiveness. It also keeps the latest smartphones and laptops from getting the most out of the highly efficient new protocol.
- Below-average customization: In an effort to simplify the setup and management process for the average consumer, Google has stripped away some of the more intricate features that other manufacturers continue to offer.
Best Google Mesh Wi-Fi systems
This base model is ideal for the consumer who doesn’t want to hassle with any confusing settings and wants to save as much money as possible.
Sold by Amazon
Equipped with more powerful hardware than the standard Google Wi-Fi, the Nest is great for larger homes, faster internet connections and greater numbers of connected devices.
Sold by Amazon
Should you get a TP-Link or Google mesh Wi-Fi system?
Many TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi systems incorporate the newest Wi-Fi 6 technology and boast above-average to excellent results in real-world testing. There’s also a great variety of TP-Link mesh Wi-Fi systems available to suit your specific needs. If you have even the slightest experience setting up a home Wi-Fi network, TP-Link offers the best bang for your buck.
The only reason you should consider getting one of Google’s current mesh Wi-Fi systems is if you’re generally averse to configuring electronics. The Google Nest system remains one of the easiest high-performance mesh Wi-Fi systems to set up. While it’s not the absolute fastest setup on the market, it will still satisfy quite a few users.
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Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/reviews/tp-link-vs-google-mesh-wi-fi-system/ | 2022-04-09T04:21:12Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/reviews/tp-link-vs-google-mesh-wi-fi-system/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Dallas Mavericks will seek to improve their chances of catching the Golden State Warriors for the No. 3 seeding in the Western Conference playoffs when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
The Mavericks (50-30) trail the Warriors (51-29) by a game with two games remaining but hold the tiebreaker advantage via winning three of the teams’ four meetings this season.
After dealing with the Trail Blazers (27-53), Dallas will finish at home against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, while the Warriors must deal with two Western play-in teams — the Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans — on the road over the weekend.
The Mavericks, who still need one more win to clinch no worse than the No. 4 spot in the West, kept their hopes alive of catching the Warriors with a 3-1 trip that finished with wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons.
Dallas got a total of 58 points from Luka Doncic in the trip-closing wins, but relied as much on a deep supporting cast, with five others scoring in double figures in each win.
Having recorded a triple-double and six double-doubles in his last eight games, Doncic insisted his fast finish has nothing to do with making a late push for Most Valuable Player honors.
“We’re winning. That’s what I care (about), he said. “Our goal is to get home advantage. We’re so close. That’s our goal right now.”
The Mavericks would earn the home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs by finishing fourth or higher.
Even though his team has run up 132 points in each of two straight wins over the Trail Blazers this season, Doncic hasn’t made much of an impression on the opponent. He didn’t play when Dallas won 132-117 at Portland in December, then was held to 15 points on 4-for-11 shooting in a 132-112 repeat romp in Oregon a month later.
Dwight Powell has come up big for the Mavericks at the Trail Blazers’ expense, hitting 14 of 16 shots from the field en route to an average of 18.5 points per game.
Damian Lillard had a 26-point outing for Portland in the December loss, and CJ McCollum put up 20 in the rematch, but neither will be on hand when Dallas goes for the season-series sweep on Friday.
Drew Eubanks, signed in-season off the waiver wire after having been traded from the Spurs to the Toronto Raptors, has taken over as Portland’s leader. His 20-point effort in Thursday’s 127-94 loss at New Orleans gave him 15 straight games with double-figure points, including 20 or more five times.
He shot 9-for-11 against the Pelicans, but that didn’t prevent a ninth straight loss on the front end of a road back-to-back.
Portland coach Chauncey Billups believes the playing time afforded Eubanks and other young Trail Blazers will pay off down the road.
“Retool,” Billups said of the team’s plan to be much better in the future. “We’ll take a few small steps back, develop some young guys, then boom — free agency and the draft.”
Eubanks seems to be developing nicely.
The 25-year-old has scored in double figures 17 times in just 21 games for the Trail Blazers, equaling the number of times he had 10 or more for the Spurs in the first 148 games of his career.
–Field Level Media | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/nba/mavs-look-to-improve-seeding-keep-trail-blazers-reeling/ | 2022-04-09T04:22:47Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/nba/mavs-look-to-improve-seeding-keep-trail-blazers-reeling/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
MILWAUKEE (AP)The Milwaukee Bucks have signed guard Rayjon Tucker after a big season with the G League.
Tucker, who is 6-foot-3, appeared in three games with the Denver Nuggets this season while on a 10-day contract. He averaged 2 points, 1.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 9.7 minutes.
He also played 14 games for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2020-21 and 20 games for the Utah Jazz in 2019-20.
Tucker has spent most of this season with the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ NBA G League affiliate. The 24-year-old averaged 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 33 minutes in 40 games with the Herd.
He played college basketball at Little Rock and went undrafted in 2019.
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More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/nba/rayjon-tucker-signs-with-bucks-after-big-season-in-g-league/ | 2022-04-09T04:23:22Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/nba/rayjon-tucker-signs-with-bucks-after-big-season-in-g-league/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)Golden State coach Steve Kerr made a point to tell Klay Thompson he played his best game yet since returning in January from a 2 1/2-year absence following surgeries and long rehabs on his left knee and right Achilles.
Jordan Poole keeps doing his part to provide a spark when the Warriors are missing stars like Thompson or, currently, Stephen Curry.
Thompson scored 33 points with six 3-pointers and Golden State won its third straight game after dropping four in a row, running away late from the depleted Los Angeles Lakers for a 128-112 victory Thursday night.
Of Thompson’s 22 shots, Kerr liked all but two of them.
”I thought it was Klay’s best game,” Kerr said. ”I know he’s scored more but just in terms of the shot selection, he just had his feet on the ground underneath him, his balance was great, his decision-making was really good. So a lot of good things happening.”
Poole added 19 points and a career-high 11 assists for the Warriors on a festive night at Chase Center, where huge Golden State fan and K-pop star BamBam brought the house down with a spirited halftime performance in the Warriors’ final regular-season home game.
”Jordan’s been amazing. He’s had a fantastic season,” Kerr said. ”He’s filled in for both Klay and Steph when they’ve been injured. He’s done anything we’ve asked him to do.”
Poole continues to show his growth by asking questions to veterans like Andre Iguodala and making the extra pass to create shots for teammates.
”It just feels really good putting my teammates in really easy situations to score the ball, especially getting guys going early in case the game gets close at the end, they’ve got a rhythm and they’re a bit comfortable,” Poole said.
Talen Horton-Tucker scored a career-high 40 points on 15-for-28 shooting to lead a Lakers team missing LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook. Malik Monk contributed 24 points as Los Angeles lost its eighth consecutive game.
Andrew Wiggins added 17 points in the Warriors’ final tune-up in the Bay Area before holding home-court advantage to start the playoffs next weekend.
”We’re going to try to win all three games. We’re just going into this thinking, let’s build momentum. If we could capitalize on these last two wins and go into next week on a winning streak, I think that would serve us really well,” Kerr said. ”But whatever happens with the seeding happens, and we’ll just play whoever we will play.”
Los Angeles hit eight of its initial 12 shots and had 11 trips to the free-throw line by the 5:07 mark of the first quarter – shooting 38 free throws in all to 10 by the Warriors.
The previous three meetings between the rivals had been decided by seven or fewer points.
Tim Hardaway was honored before the start of the second quarter for his election to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – announced by his fellow Run TMC mates and Hall of Famers Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond.
LEBRON’S INFLUENCE
Kerr hardly considers James close to done despite being 37.
”LeBron is absolutely still one of the great players in the league,” Kerr said. ”He showed that this year. … He’s an all-time great and even though he is past his prime based on age and mileage, he’s one of the very best players in the world.”
TIP-INS
Lakers: James has a sprained left ankle, Davis a sprain in his right foot and Westbrook a sore right shoulder, while Anthony is recovering from a stomach bug. Lakers coach Frank Vogel remained hopeful some of them might play Friday at home against the Thunder. … The Lakers shot 4 for 18 from 3-point range in the first half and 9 of 32 overall. … Dwight Howard received a technical with 1:47 left in the first half. … Los Angeles has lost 16 in a row on the road vs. Western Conference teams. … The Lakers waived forward Trevor Ariza, whose ankle surgery limited him to 24 games. ”Derailed most of his season and his impact on our team this year, yes,” Vogel said.
Warriors: Kerr said Thompson, Otto Porter Jr. and Iguodala each will get one of the weekend back-to-back games off to rest. Iguodala had seven assists as the Warriors finished with 39. … Golden State went 31-10 at home. … The Warriors sold out their 418th straight game with a capacity crowd of 18,064. The sellout streak goes back to Dec. 18, 2012.
UP NEXT
Lakers: Host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.
Warriors: At the Spurs on Saturday. Golden State has won its last two games in San Antonio.
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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/nba/thompson-scores-33-warriors-beat-lakers-to-win-third-in-row/ | 2022-04-09T04:23:35Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/nba/thompson-scores-33-warriors-beat-lakers-to-win-third-in-row/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SAN DIEGO (AP)Steve Lavin was eager to leave college basketball broadcasting and return to coaching, even it means being in the same conference as Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s.
Lavin was introduced Friday as coach at San Diego, which has struggled for the better part of the last 15 seasons, and not always because of the tough teams that are perennially at the top of the West Coast Conference.
Lavin, 57, who was an NCAA Tournament regular as coach at UCLA and St. John’s, said he told his new team that he missed being on a college campus and the camaraderie with the players and staff.
”When you’re a broadcaster, you’re undefeated,” Lavin said at a campus news conference. ”That’s wonderful, to be undefeated, but that’s not the same experience. This has more meaning. That’s why, almost like an extended sabbatical, I enjoyed my time in television but I ultimately want to come back to coaching because I miss it.”
Lavin was hired after extensive interviews with Toreros athletic director Bill McGillis during the Final Four in New Orleans. The two flew back to San Diego together on Wednesday night, when the school announced the hiring.
McGillis said USD’s players, who sat in the first two rows at the news conference, ”are interested in competing at a championship level and I wanted to find a head coach who could bring the attributes to do that. We found a great head coach, a great leader who can help shape this program for the next decade.”
McGillis wouldn’t divulge the length of Lavin’s contract.
Lavin replaces Sam Scholl, who was fired March 6 after the Toreros went 15-16, the third straight losing season in his four-year tenure. San Diego has had just four winning seasons and one NCAA Tournament appearance – as well as a point-shaving scandal – under three coaches since Brad Holland was fired after going 18-14 in 2006-07.
Holland, who played at UCLA and then for four years in the NBA, was 200-176 in 13 seasons at USD. He was fired in part because the athletic administration back then wanted to be more like Gonzaga and went as far as to hire Zags assistant Bill Grier. USD won the conference tournament and went to the NCAA Tournament in Grier’s first season but had just one winning season in Grier’s next seven seasons.
Lamont Smith had one winning season in his three years as coach. Scholl was elevated to interim coach late in the 2017-18 season after Smith was placed on administrative leave following an arrest on suspicion of domestic violence. No charges were brought against Smith, who resigned.
Lavin brings an impressive resume. He was 237-150 in 12 seasons with UCLA and St. John’s, with eight NCAA Tournament appearances and two NIT trips. His first team at UCLA reached the Elite 8 and the Bruins went to the Sweet 16 four more times in the next five seasons. He missed the NCAA Tournament just once in seven seasons in Westwood.
At St. John’s, he went to the NCAAs twice and the NIT twice. He missed most of the 2011-12 season at St. John’s after having surgery for prostate cancer.
Lavin said there’s no magic formula to catching Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s other than to work hard every day.
”The mantra I have is, hammer the rock,” he said. ”I’m going to have to coach this team different than my St. John’s players and different than my UCLA players.”
Lavin said he wants to give the players ”a fresh start, kind of a blank canvas because I’m a different coach than the previous coach. I told them today the greatest way we can honor Sam Scholl is by taking the baton and moving it forward.”
Lavin said the first step is to try to get into the top four teams in the WCC.
”Then you have a chance for winning big. You study what the competition is doing if you’re in the top four in the league, and then we have to build our own rocket if we’re going to have a mission in space, to the stars.”
Said McGillis: ”This is not a job for the faint of heart. … There is no ceiling at the University of San Diego and for this basketball program.”
Lavin said it was hard for him to express how grateful he was, ”and I don’t want to mess it up.”
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Follow Bernie Wilson on Twitter at https://twitter.com/berniewilson | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/ncaa-basketball/lavin-eager-to-leave-tv-get-back-into-coaching-at-san-diego/ | 2022-04-09T04:24:03Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/ncaa-basketball/lavin-eager-to-leave-tv-get-back-into-coaching-at-san-diego/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)New South Carolina men’s basketball coach Lamont Paris has brought two of his assistants from Chattanooga to the Gamecocks.
On Friday, the school’s board of trustees approved the hiring of Tanner Bronson, who was Paris’ top assistant at Chattanooga and worked there from 2017-22.
The school also announced the addition of Eddie Shannon, another Paris assistant at Chattanooga from 2019-22.
Bronson ”has been with me since day one of my head coaching career,” Paris said in a statement. ”He’s extremely talented as a teacher as well as an evaluator and a recruiter.”
Bronson was given a one-year contract that will pay him $290,000.
Shannon, a four-year starter for Florida from 1995-99, is familiar with the Southeastern Conference ”and what it takes to be successful,” Paris said.
Paris will have to call on their ability to recruit after South Carolina has seen seven players leave since the firing of Frank Martin last month. The latest was forward Keyshawn Bryant, who announced Friday on social media he’s entering the NBA draft and will hire an agent.
The 6-foot-6 Bryant went through the NBA process after last season before returning to South Carolina. However, this year was not his best. He averaged 8.7 points and four rebounds a game, both a drop from the 14.4 points and 5.4 boards averaged in 2020-21.
Bryant thanked Martin, the school and its fans. ”However, my time here has come to an end,” he said.
—
More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25 | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/ncaa-basketball/south-carolina-hires-2-assistants-f-bryant-off-to-nba/ | 2022-04-09T04:24:17Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/ncaa-basketball/south-carolina-hires-2-assistants-f-bryant-off-to-nba/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Idaho Supreme Court on Friday temporarily blocked the state's new six-week abortion ban, which mimics a controversial Texas law.
Abortion providers had said in a lawsuit filed last week that the Idaho law violates several provisions of the state constitution and asked the state Supreme Court to intervene before April 22, when the law had been set to take effect.
The court on Friday granted a motion to reconsider, and said that the "implementation of Senate Bill 1309 is stayed pending further action by this Court."
Last month, Idaho had become the first state to follow the controversial Texas statute that allows private citizens to enforce the abortion restrictions with lawsuits.
Like the Texas law, the Idaho measure outlaws abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected -- a point around six weeks into pregnancy, when many women do not know yet that they're pregnant.
Also like Texas, the Idaho law tasks enforcement to private citizens, who can bring lawsuits against medical professionals who performed prohibited procedures. Specifically, the Idaho law says that the father of the fetus, as well as his or the woman's family, can bring lawsuits seeking damages of at least $20,000. It provides exceptions for cases of rape and incest -- contingent on the abortion-seeker reporting the crime to law enforcement and providing documentation of that report to the abortion clinic -- and in cases of a "medical emergency."
Bringing the lawsuit is Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai'i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, as well as Caitlin Gustafson, a physician in Idaho. They allege that the six-week ban violates the Idaho Constitution's separation of powers doctrine, its prohibition against "special" laws, its right to privacy provisions, its due process guarantees and its equal protection clause.
"Patients across Idaho can breathe a sigh of relief tonight," Rebecca Gibron, interim CEO of the Planned Parenthood group, said in a statement.
"We are thrilled that abortion will remain accessible in the state for now, but our fight to ensure that Idahoans can fully access their constitutionally protected rights is far from over," Gibron said.
The challengers pointed to assessments by the Idaho attorney general's office and by Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little, who suggested that the law was likely to be found unconstitutional.
Even as he signed the bill into law last week, Little raised concerns that the "novel civil enforcement mechanism will in short order be proven both unconstitutional and unwise."
"Deputizing private citizens to levy hefty monetary fines on the exercise of a disfavored but judicially recognized constitutional right for the purpose of evading court review undermines our constitutional form of government and weakens our collective liberties," Little said in a statement accompanying the signing.
CNN has reached out to the governor's office for comment.
Idaho providers are focusing their fight on the state Supreme Court after efforts to block the Texas version, which took effect in September, have flailed in federal courts. The US Supreme Court has repeatedly declined requests that it halt the Texas law.
Texas abortion patients are now seeking treatment at out-of-state clinics and the impact would be similar in Idaho, the legal challengers warned, if the state law were to go into effect.
This story has been updated with additional details.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/idaho-supreme-court-temporarily-blocks-states-new-6-week-abortion-ban/article_19e2c17c-d423-52d5-874e-eb8d708b0ee6.html | 2022-04-09T04:27:25Z | local3news.com | control | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/idaho-supreme-court-temporarily-blocks-states-new-6-week-abortion-ban/article_19e2c17c-d423-52d5-874e-eb8d708b0ee6.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The second in command in the Louisiana State Police (LSP), who was accused of erasing data from his work cellphone after the death of Ronald Greene, has been placed on administrative leave nearly three years after the Black motorist's death.
On Friday, the head of the law enforcement agency, Superintendent Col. Lamar Davis, said he "placed Lt. Col. Doug Cain on paid administrative leave pending the ongoing administrative investigation into the sanitization of his department cellular device," in a statement issued by LSP.
"The decision to place him on leave was made in the best interest of the department to eliminate any questions into the integrity of the investigation. I am confident the investigation will be conducted in a fair and unbiased manner leaving no concerns of its findings," said Davis in the statement.
Greene died on May 10, 2019, while in the custody of the Louisiana State Police after a vehicle chase.
The decision to place Cain on administrative leave comes a day after Davis, while testifying in front of a special committee of the Louisiana State legislature investigating Greene's death, was pressed by lawmakers as to why Cain was still on the job. They also wanted to know why Cain had not yet been placed on leave.
Davis testified he appointed Cain to the number two position within LSP and acknowledged the public might have concerns about Cain still being on the job.
In the hearing, lawmakers expressed Cain's presence at work could make some troopers uncomfortable and unwilling to come forward with information about potential wrongdoing.
Cain has been implicated as part of an ongoing internal probe by the LSP into Greene's death and the LSP's subsequent handling of it.
While Cain was not at the scene of the incident involving Greene, his work phone is alleged to have been sanitized in the wake of Greene's death.
According to Davis' testimony, Cain has not been interviewed by internal affairs.
Cain testified before the same committee on March 22. During his testimony, state Rep. Debbie Villio asked him why his cellphone had been sanitized, Cain responded, "I can't speak to that ma'am."
After being pressed, he went on to say, "I can't speak to my cellphone ma'am. I notified the chairman that there's an internal investigation underway, to ensure transparency by Colonel Davis he's looking into that matter."
As the questioning about the phone and transparency continued, Cain told the committee chairman he had been ordered not to speak to it.
CNN reached out to Cain for a comment after he was placed on paid administrative leave but has not heard back. It is unclear whether Cain has an attorney.
The move comes one day after District Attorney John Belton, who has jurisdiction over the town where Greene died, told state lawmakers he plans to convene a special grand jury and pursue criminal charges against the troopers involved in Greene's death.
Testifying before a special committee of the Louisiana State Legislature investigating Greene's 2019 death, Belton said a "criminal act" occurred and plans to "move swiftly" to convene a grand jury.
Speaking with CNN after the committee hearing adjourned, Belton reiterated his position, saying, "I have already stated that crimes have been committed."
The troopers involved have maintained Greene's death "was caused by crash-related blunt force chest trauma that resulted in a fractured sternum and ruptured aorta," and have maintained they had to use force to restrain him "for their own personal safety and for the safety of the public," according to court documents.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/louisiana-state-police-senior-officer-on-leave-over-phone-data-in-ronald-greenes-death/article_a674ef4c-a3af-5220-8c19-5272f8e9c4e9.html | 2022-04-09T04:27:32Z | local3news.com | control | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/louisiana-state-police-senior-officer-on-leave-over-phone-data-in-ronald-greenes-death/article_a674ef4c-a3af-5220-8c19-5272f8e9c4e9.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
A North Carolina grand jury indicted a former detention center nurse this week on a charge of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the 2019 death of a Black man in custody, according to the indictment obtained by CNN, but spared the corrections officers who restrained the man.
According to previous reporting by CNN, John Elliot Neville, 56, of Greensboro, experienced an "unknown" medical emergency while in custody at the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Center, causing him to fall off his top bunk. CNN reported five corrections officers found him disoriented and confused and decided to move him to an observation cell, where authorities say he sustained injuries.
Body camera footage of the incident showed Neville yelling for help and resisting the officers who were trying to restrain him. Neville can be heard telling officers, "I can't breathe" and calling out, "Mama!" during the episode, which occurred a day after his arrest on December 1.
Michelle Heughins, the nurse, checked Neville's blood pressure as he continued to struggle and yell for help.
The initial investigation report from the Forsyth County Medical Examiner said Neville became unresponsive at some point while officers were attempting to remove the handcuffs restraining him, CNN previously reported. CPR was started by medical personnel, and EMS was called.
Upon EMS arrival, Neville's pupils were dilated and nonreactive, the report states. He was taken to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where he died December 4, 2019.
According to the medical examiner's report, Neville's cause of death is listed as "complications of hypoxic ischemic brain injury due to cardiopulmonary arrest due to positional and compressional asphyxia during prone restraint." Other significant conditions were listed as "acute altered mental status" and "asthma."
In the summer of 2020, Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O'Neil charged Heughins and all five of the corrections officers who attended to Neville leading up to his death with involuntary manslaughter, according to CNN's previous reporting. But on Monday, the grand jury indicted Heughins, and declined to indict the five correctional officers, the nurse's attorney told CNN.
O'Neil confirmed to CNN via text Heughins was indicted, and the correctional officers were not.
Grand jury meetings are secret and what was presented to the jurors that led to nurse being indicted and not the officers has not been disclosed to the public.
Heughins' attorney Claire Rauscher told CNN the indictment was "obviously surprising," adding, "Our client never restrained him, never held him down."
"Only time [Heughins] ever touched or assisted [Neville] was to take his vitals and perform CPR," Rauscher said.
Rauscher said Heughins had no authority to tell the corrections officers what to do. She said Heughins is the "only one who tried to save [Neville]."
Neville's family released a statement to CNN affiliate WXII following the indictment saying while they "appreciate" the effort of O'Neil and his office in convening a grand jury, "it is disheartening that the videos of our father gasping for air and begging for mercy while he was bound and suffocated do not seem to have gained any purchase with Forsyth County or Wellpath Care."
"It is shameful that another Black life has been extinguished at the hands of law enforcement and yet still, there is no accountability and no justice. We will continue to fight for what is right and just," Neville's family said in the statement.
According to court documents obtained by CNN, Heughins will appear in court for her arraignment on May 2.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/north-carolina-grand-jury-indicts-nurse-but-not-corrections-officers-in-death-of-jailed-black/article_2a8bb44b-50e0-575f-9cff-fb551ff7187d.html | 2022-04-09T04:27:44Z | local3news.com | control | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/north-carolina-grand-jury-indicts-nurse-but-not-corrections-officers-in-death-of-jailed-black/article_2a8bb44b-50e0-575f-9cff-fb551ff7187d.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
KEARNEY, NEBRASKA (KCAU) – A battle between the USHL’s top two teams in the Western Conference, the Sioux City Musketeers proved superior with a 4-3 win over 1st place Tri-City. Behind two goals from Owen McClaughlin and a stifling effort from goaltender Alex Tracy, the Muskies prevailed for a huge series-opening victory in the Viaero Center.
McLaughlin scores twice in Muskies’ thrilling 4-3 shootout win over Tri-City
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You have been added to KCAU 9 Breaking News Newsletter | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/mclaughlin-scores-twice-in-muskies-thrilling-4-3-shootout-win-over-tri-city/ | 2022-04-09T04:33:38Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/mclaughlin-scores-twice-in-muskies-thrilling-4-3-shootout-win-over-tri-city/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Welcome to our live blog for Saturday, April 9, dedicated to helping your journey run smoothly. We will mostly focus on the traffic chaos continues across Kent due to the Operation Brock contraflow on the M20, the A20, and the A2.
These routes have been affected at the Port of Dover due to reduced ferry movement at the Eastern Docks. This is because P&O Ferries is not operating at the moment, as its vessels are undergoing safety reviews. It is not known when its vessels will be reinstated.
All non-freight traffic is being urged to use the A20 instead of the M20. On the other hand, freight traffic which comes off at J8 of the M20 is then sent back down into the holding areas as they await clearance to head to the Channel Crossings.
READ MORE: Operation Brock: Dramatic photos show extent of M20 traffic chaos as Dover brought to a standstill
We will also be adding updates on Kent and Medway's roads and rail too and the very latest updates, pictures and video. If you have any pictures or information to share with us about this or any other story, you can email breakingsoutheast@reachplc.com
See below for the latest. | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/live-operation-brock-m20-a2-6928225 | 2022-04-09T04:41:34Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/live-operation-brock-m20-a2-6928225 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
YAKIMA, Wash. —
The Yakima Police Department is asking for the public's help identifying a male who may have picked up a 6-year-old girl on April 6. The girl was reported missing between 3-8 p.m. around the area of N 4th Street and East I Street.
Officers were told she had dark hair and was wearing a short-sleeve white shirt and multicolor leggings. A YPD officer found her around the 900 block of N 4th Street.
YPD says the girl told the officer she had been picked up by an adult male she did not know, who released her.
Special Assault Unit Detectives were brought in to investigate.
YPD wants residents in that area to check their surveillance cameras for video of the incident.
Anyone with evidence or further information should contact Detective Soptich at 509-576-6756. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/yakima-police-asking-for-surveillance-footage-of-suspicious-interaction-with-6-year-old-girl/article_688f480a-b7ab-11ec-9533-6bb485379c29.html | 2022-04-09T04:46:08Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/yakima-police-asking-for-surveillance-footage-of-suspicious-interaction-with-6-year-old-girl/article_688f480a-b7ab-11ec-9533-6bb485379c29.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ECU baseball holds off late rally to top Wichita State, Giles throws gem
ECU 6, Wichita State 5
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - ECU baseball built up a 6-2 and held on at the end to take a 6-5 series opening win over Wichita State 6-5.
Pirates used a big 3-run second inning to jump out to the lead manufacturing runs driven in by Jacob Starling and Jacob Jenkins-Cowart.
Ryder Giles pitched an absolute gem. He went 7 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits with 8 strike outs. It’s the longest start by a Pirates starter this season. He got the win and is 3-0. His E.R.A. is currently .36.
Alec Makarewicz drove in what turned out to be an important run in the 5th with an RBI double to right.
Jenkins-Cowart would homer in the 8th to put the Pirates up 6-2.
ECU surrendered 3 runs in the 9th. Trey Yasavage came in, and with two runners in scoring position, got the final out with a strike out.
The Pirates improve to 17-14 overall and 3-1 in conference.
The two meet on Saturday at 4 PM.
Copyright 2022 WITN. All rights reserved. | https://www.witn.com/2022/04/09/ecu-baseball-holds-off-late-rally-top-wichita-state-giles-throws-gem/ | 2022-04-09T04:47:00Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/2022/04/09/ecu-baseball-holds-off-late-rally-top-wichita-state-giles-throws-gem/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ECU softball blanked by Houston
Cougars 5, Pirates 0
Published: Apr. 9, 2022 at 12:02 AM EDT|Updated: 45 minutes ago
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - ECU softball got down early and fell to Houston 5-0 on Friday to open their weekend series. Former coach Courtney Oliver returned to campus with Houston. She is now an assistant coach there.
Kati Brown hit a 2-run homer in the second inning and it held up. The two teams will face off on Saturday and Sunday.
Copyright 2022 WITN. All rights reserved. | https://www.witn.com/2022/04/09/ecu-softball-blanked-by-houston/ | 2022-04-09T04:47:12Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/2022/04/09/ecu-softball-blanked-by-houston/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Police: Teen dies after boys shoot at each other while wearing body armor
BELLEVIEW, Fla. (Gray News) - A Florida teenager is dead and two others have been arrested after police said the boys took turns shooting at each other while wearing body armor.
The Belleview Police Department responded to a call of a shooting over the weekend at a house and found 16-year-old Christopher Leroy Broad Jr. shot inside of the home. He was transported to a hospital but died from his injuries.
Police said through their investigation they found 17-year-old Joshua Vining and Broad were taking turns shooting at each other while wearing a vest that contained a form of body armor. BPD Sgt. Michael Miley said Broad Jr. died after he was hit by a bullet fired by Vining, according to the evidence found.
On Thursday, police arrested Vining and 17-year-old Colton Whitler.
Vining was charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and Whitler was charged with providing false information to law enforcement, according to Belleview police.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.witn.com/2022/04/09/police-teen-dies-after-boys-shoot-each-other-while-wearing-body-armor/ | 2022-04-09T04:47:28Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/2022/04/09/police-teen-dies-after-boys-shoot-each-other-while-wearing-body-armor/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Kolkata: Former Nigerian footballer-turned-priest Chibuzor Nwakanma, Kolkata Maidan's favourite in the 1980s, died on Friday. He was 57.
Forward Chibuzor, one of the top early foreigners to play for Kolkata's 'Big Three', died after a cardiac arrest at his residence in Aba, Nigeria, according to his former teammate, Emeka Ezeugo.
"He finished his usual morning walk, came into the house, slumped and died," Emeka wrote in a Facebook post, leaving many of his former colleagues shocked.
Emeka formed a partnership with Chibuzor during their days at DAV College in Chandigarh before replicating their chemistry at the iconic Maidan.
"In the recipe of my youthful life, I just lost a vital ingredient, a brother, friend and the beautiful game's bestie," Emeka wrote in a heartfelt tribute, calling it a loss for Indian football.
"Indian football has lost an icon. I'm still in shock and incapable of discussing this. We were more than a family. He was more than a brother to me. I'm crying without tears. We've come a long way. It's an understatement to say that I'm devastated."
Known for powerful shooting and dribbling skills
Chima Okorie may have been the most illustrious Nigerian to play for Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting, but, with his powerful shooting and dribbling skills, Chibuzor had also managed to make his presence felt in the late 80s.
Having come to study in India, Chibuzor was first picked by East Bengal where he played in two phases before moving to Mohun Bagan and then making a name for himself in the black and white jersey in the 1990-91 under the coaching of Shabbir Ali.
"It was the first year of my coaching when he joined Mohammedan Sporting and we became the champion club of India (winning the Sait Nagjee Trophy)," Shabbir Ali told PTI.
"He was a team-man, a jovial character. He mixed up very well with everyone. As for his playing, he was not that extraordinary, but always among the best strikers during that time. He was a perfect blend of good striking, speed and ball control."
With Chibuzor, Mohammedan Sporting also won the Kalinga Cup, beating Mohun Bagan, the Bordoloi Cup beating East Bengal, and finished runners-up in Sikkim's Governor's Gold Cup and Rovers Cup.
Chibuzor also played in an exhibition match against the star-studded Dutch side PSV Eindhoven (1991), which had seven World Cuppers in their ranks.
The player was deeply religious and having studied Theology, he chose to become a pastor after hanging his boots at Churchill Brothers in the late 1990s.
A few years ago though, alongside his work as a priest in a church, he started a residential football coaching centre in Lagos. | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/04/09/nigerian-footballer-kolkata-maidan-favourite-chibuzor-dies.amp.html | 2022-04-09T04:50:55Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/04/09/nigerian-footballer-kolkata-maidan-favourite-chibuzor-dies.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
I don’t think it’s right to say that the final 30 minutes of Marquette’s game against #21 UConn last weekend is the best that I’ve ever seen Meredith Black’s teams play. They have beaten a ranked team in the past, and by default, that has to be a better performance.
But, given the circumstances of how the full 60 minutes went, I think we can say the second half against the Huskies might be the boldest that Marquette has ever played. They were down 12-2 at halftime after conceding consecutive 6-1 quarters and were down 11-1 out of the gate.
And yet, it was like none of that mattered to the Golden Eagles coming out of the locker room, or perhaps the exact opposite: It mattered very much to them that they were getting blown off the field in Storrs and they decided to do something about it. It was like two different teams were going at it for the final 30 minutes. MU cut the margin to just five with 4:37 to go in the third quarter, down to three with 11:49 to play in the game, and even as far as just two goals, 17-15, with just under 90 seconds left.
Had Marquette won the ensuing draw control, or heck, if it was a 70 minute game instead of 60, who knows what would have happened.... but it certainly looked like the Golden Eagles were on the verge of getting the win against the ranked Huskies.
But they didn’t and it wasn’t and they didn’t, so now they’re 0-1 in the Big East and looking to avoid going 0-2 and probably making it impossible to reach the conference tournament. I don’t know if the Golden Eagles can recapture how they went about their business in the second half against UConn, I don’t know if that’s a “we were taking advantage of things they were giving us” situation or they had to be in that big of a hole or what have you.
But if they can.... if Marquette can match that intensity to attack the day on Saturday, and keep that going the rest of the season.... I think good things are in MU’s future. But it might take playing like that for the rest of the season to do it, too.
Big East Game #2: vs Villanova Wildcats (4-8, 0-1 Big East)
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2022
Time: Noon Central
Location: Andy Glockner Memorial Bubble, Valley Fields, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Streaming: Marquette Athletics on YouTube
Live Stats: Sidearm Stats
Twitter Updates: @MarquetteWLax
Marquette is 4-5 all time against Villanova. The Wildcats took the first three meetings against the Golden Eagles, which was followed by three straight Marquette wins. Nova won the most recent meeting in Wisconsin, 15-13, in 2019, while the two teams split the weekend series last season in Pennsylvania. Marquette pulled off the 8-7 victory in the most recent encounter.
Villanova finds themselves having about as many problems as Marquette is having this season. With that said, things started out really poorly for the Wildcats, going just 1-5 in their first six games. Since then, they’ve been alternating wins and losses, and two of the losses were to ranked teams: 19-7 while visiting #4 Maryland and 8-7 in double overtime at home against #10 Michigan. They also have losses to then-#22 Temple and then-#14 Rutgers as part of that 1-5 start, so they’re 4-4 against unranked teams. That’s not great, but it’s a lot better looking than 4-8, that’s for sure.
They come into Saturday fresh off a 13-11 home loss to Georgetown in their Big East opener. That’s probably going to sting in a minute, or perhaps it already does. Villanova was up 3-1 with two minutes left in the first.... but tied at three heading to the second quarter. They were up 7-3 less than five minutes into the second quarter..... but only up 8-6 at halftime. After that? They needed two power play goals in the final 40 seconds of the third quarter — the first one coming with Georgetown down two women — to tie the thing up at 10 goals a side with 15 minutes left to play. Sydney Pappas answered a GU goal with 9:46 to go to knot it at 11, but the Wildcats would not score again while giving up two in less than 90 seconds to Kylie Hazen to send the Hoyas back to D.C. with a win.
While she had four goals and an assist against Georgetown, Sydney Pappas (20G, 3A) is not Villanova’s leading scorer this season. She is tied for second behind Caroline Curnal, who has a team high 28 goals plus five assists to have 33 points in her 11 games played. The one she missed was the La Salle game back on March 9th, and Curnal has tallied 15 goals and three assists since then, so no worries for VU as to what she can give them against Marquette.
The woman tied with Pappas is Alexa Tsahalis, a senior midfielder from New Jersey. She’s gotten to the 23 points to match Pappas by way of 16 goals and seven assists, which makes her part of the group of five women averaging at least a goal per game. One of the people not in that group? Cara Moreau, who is leading Villanova with 12 assists on the season, and that is an assist per game for her. It’s also more than a quarter of the Wildcats’ assists this season all by herself.
Alexa Moro is in net for Villanova this season, as she has been for time eternal since the 2019 season. She’s played all but a quarter this season with her backups finishing out VU’s 14-3 win over La Salle. While things might not be great in the win/loss columns, things are okay in Moro’s stats. The 5’3” Connecticut native is only allowing 11.87 goals per 60 minutes — fourth amongst regulars in the league — and she doesn’t even have the benefit of the final 15 minutes against the Explorers to help keep that down. She’s stopping just short of 44% of shots on goal — second amongst regular keepers in the Big East — while facing nearly 27 shots a game on average and stopping just over nine of them. | https://www.anonymouseagle.com/2022/4/8/23011235/marquette-golden-eagles-womens-lacrosse-preview-villanova-wildcats | 2022-04-09T04:54:36Z | anonymouseagle.com | control | https://www.anonymouseagle.com/2022/4/8/23011235/marquette-golden-eagles-womens-lacrosse-preview-villanova-wildcats | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Man shot, killed in Pleasure Ridge Park identified
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 11:46 AM EDT
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - A man who died after being shot in Pleasure Ridge Park on Wednesday night was identified as 22-year-old Adrian Sickles, according to a Jefferson County deputy coroner’s report.
Sickles was found dead around 11:30 p.m. by officers called to Clover Street on a shooting report, a Louisville Metro Police Department spokesperson said. He died before he could be brought to the hospital.
The LMPD Homicide Unit is in charge of the investigation. Any potential suspect information has not been released.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the LMPD Anonymous Tip Line at (502) 574-LMPD or use the online crime tip portal.
Copyright 2022 WAVE. All rights reserved. | https://www.wave3.com/2022/04/07/man-shot-killed-pleasure-ridge-park-identified/ | 2022-04-09T05:03:35Z | wave3.com | control | https://www.wave3.com/2022/04/07/man-shot-killed-pleasure-ridge-park-identified/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Regional Art Museum installs bee exhibit
The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum is featuring an exhibit of bees in artwork that celebrates regional organ donations.
ARORA, Arkansas' largest organ, tissue and eye recovery agency, is dispersing the exhibit throughout the state, said Laura Wattles, the marketing coordinator for the museum.
The installation includes 107 bees that are supposed to represent the 107 organ donors who donated through ARORA in 2021. ARORA facilitated 316 organ donations from those 107 donors. That is the most donations that ARORA has recovered in one year since the organization was founded in 1987, according to a press release.
ARORA officials are asking museums and businesses throughout the state to put up the 107 bees as a show of support.
"ARORA "Bees" will be buzzing around the state in different forms throughout the month," according to the press release.
The goal is to encourage Arkansans to become organ donors.
“Well, we definitely all feel like being a donor is very important and is a positive thing. This was just a way to support that, promote that," Wattles said.
Little Rock artist Vimarie DePoyster designed the installation, Wattles said. Wattles said that putting up the exhibit also allows the museum to support DePoyster.
The group chose to focus on bees "because bees are so crucial to sustaining life," Wattles said in an email. The bees are representative of how important it is to become an organ donor.
"When collectively assembled, these 18-inch by 18-inch signs will tell the story of donation, honor the donors and recipients, provide information on becoming an organ and tissue donor and offer stunning visual appeal," according to a press release.
April is National Donate Life Month. This year's theme is "Bee" a Donor.
Alex Gladden is a University of Arkansas graduate. She previously reported for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and The Jonesboro Sun before joining the Times Record. She can be contacted at agladden@swtimes.com. | https://www.swtimes.com/story/news/2022/04/09/regional-art-museum-installs-bee-exhibit/9463099002/ | 2022-04-09T05:11:53Z | swtimes.com | control | https://www.swtimes.com/story/news/2022/04/09/regional-art-museum-installs-bee-exhibit/9463099002/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Grammys record of not having a Black artist to win Album of the Year in 14 years shifted when Jon Batiste won Album of the Year for this project, “We Are” on Sunday, April 3 at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. Herbie Hancock won the award for his contribution to “River: The Joni Letters,” in 2008.
Leading with 11 nominations, Batiste carried home five trophies including top album.
“I really believe this to my core; there is no best musician, the best artist, best dancer, best actor,” Batiste said. “The creative arts are subjective and they reach people at a point in their lives when they need it most.”
In addition to his winning streak, he also performed a whimsical and quirky performance of “Freedom,” from his Grammy-winning top album. The show consisted of Afrofuturism elements combined with old-time nostalgia. Imagine a mix of Black people ruling Dr. Seuss’ fictional books with characters from Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. That best describes what Batiste brought his audience.
Black Coffee also accomplished a historic milestone with his win becoming the first South African producer to win Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 2022 Grammys. Last year, Kaytranada was the first Black artist to win in that category.
Music’s biggest night returned Sunday, with a live broadcast. Rising numbers of COVID-19 cases, fueled by the Omicron variant, forced the star-studded ceremony to be rescheduled from the original date of Jan. 31.
The main event also moved from its previous venue the Crypto.com Arena (formerly the Staples Center) in downtown Los Angeles, to the MGM Grand Garden Arena hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
’70s funk and soul-inspired duo Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak smoothly graced the stage wearing white Elvis-esque embellished jumpsuits with symbols from a deck of cards embossed on one sleeve.
Mars’ tightly coiled ringlet curls reappeared as they always, but Anderson took a different approach with his mane. He decided to pay respect to retro times rocking a silky bowl cut wig identical to the late Ike Turner’s signature hairstyle.
Their groovy performance of “777” from their debut collaboration album “An Evening with Silk Sonic,” showed they know what it means to stick to a theme, as the song is a dedication to the casino. Images of a lucky number seven jackpot and a spinning blackjack table flashed on the jumbo screens while the popular new duo wowed everyone in the building with their high-energy time travel machine to the iconic disco era.
Will Smith’s Oscar's slap has remained a trending topic since the incident occurred more than a week ago when he accosted comedian Chris Rock on stage for making a joke about wife Jada Pinkett-Smith's bald head. It was still the talk of the town at the Grammys.
Noah subtly mocked Smith joking, “We’re gonna be keeping people’s names out of our mouths.
Questlove also poked fun at the unforgettable moment, which happened moments before he was awarded best documentary feature at the Oscars. “I’m gonna present this award and I’m gonna trust you people will stay 500 feet away from me, just playing,” he said before presenting Silk Sonic with the Song of the Year for their hit, “Leave the Door Open.” They also took home awards for best R&B performance, best R&B song, and Record of the Year.
“We are truly trying our hardest to remain humble at this point, but in the industry, we call that a clean sweep,” Paak said during the group’s acceptance.
#Slapgate wasn’t the only controversy sparked at this year’s Oscar ceremony. Backlash followed online for Best Reggae Album which went to white American band, SOJA for the album “Beauty In The Silence.” #BlackTwitter unanimously argued the honor should’ve gone to Spice, Sean Paul or the other Jamaican native nominated in the category.
Unapologetically Black queer rapper Lil Nas X was nominated for five categories including Record and Song of the Year. He gave viewers a show stopping medley performance of “Dead Right Now,” the controversial “Call Me By Your Name'' (featuring clips and screenshots of critics not pleased with the video’s imagery), and “Industry Baby,” with Jack Harlow.
Dua Lipa and Megan Thee Stallion’s cute case of “[Expletive] Stole My Look,” (R.I.P. to the late Joan Rivers, originator of the term) was a reenactment of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston’s 1998 MTV Video Music Awards gowns. The difference between Lipa and Megan’s dresses was that they wore long Black Donatella Versace dresses decked with safety pins, unlike Carey and Houston who donned matching brown Vera Wang gowns. Just like in the 1998 moment, tweaks were made to the 2022 dupes done live on stage by Versace herself.
Lipa says, “Well, I was told I have the exclusive I’m gonna have to talk with Donatella.” Megan said, “Yeah, because I thought I was the Versace hottie.” The ladies presented Olivia Rodrigo with the best new artist. who also took home awards for best pop solo performance and best pop vocal album.
Hip-Hop royalty Nas impressed all present at the ceremony immaculately rapping “I Can,” “Made You Look,” “One Mic,” and “Rare,” (off his “King’s Disease” album, which he won a Grammy for in 2020) from his then 20-year long career. He graciously bowed in the finale of his performance leaving the stage with a standing ovation.
Baby Keem won his first Grammy for the track, “Family Ties” featuring his cousin 14-time Grammywinner Kendrick Lamar.It was an exciting feat for Keem, who is a Las Vegas native and won the coveted Best Rap Performance award on stage in his hometown.
“I just wanna say thank you to the women that raised me to shape me to become the man I am today.” Keem said.
Keem wasn’t the only first-time winner. After years of many fans supporting claims that she’s been snubbed, Jazmine Sullivan is officially a two-time Grammy winner with 15 nominations spanning her decades-long career. In addition to being tied with Silk Sonic for best R&B performance, she won best R&B album for “Heaux Tales,” which she dedicated to all Black women.
“I think that I wrote this project to deal with my own shame and unforgiveness around some of the decisions that I made in my 20s that weren’t favorable, but what it ended up being was a safe space for Black women to tell their stories,” Sullivan said. “For us to learn from each other, laugh with each other, and not be exploited at the same time. That’s what I’m most grateful for. Shoutout to all Black women who are just living their lives and are beautiful. I love you all.”
A St. Louis-born and injured SZA accepted her and Doja Cat’s award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance on “Kiss Me More,” on crutches.
Doja, who about a week ago Tweeted she was quitting music tearfully accepted her first Grammy win and thanked SZA for her feature on the song.
“I like to downplay a lot of [expletive], but this is a big deal,” Doja said. “SZA you are everything to me. You are incredible, you are the epitome of talent.”
H.E.R. wore an electrifying blue sequin two-piece outfit with a matching fringe jacket and pants while performing alongside iconic songwriting and producing team Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who she sampled “Making Love in the Rain,” from for her song, “Damage.” Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker and Lenny Kravitz also joined the multi-talented musician for a riveting rock performance of “Are You Gonna Come My Way.”
Cynthia Ervio, Leslie Odom Jr., and Rachel Zegler performed a moving salute to all the music industry professionals we’ve lost over the past year and a half. Young Dolph, Virgil Abloh, DMX, and Shock G were some of the stars honored during the memoriam.
John Legend joined Ukrainian artists Siuzanna Iglidan, Mika Newton and Lyuba Yakimchuk for an emotional tribute to all the lives lost and surviving in Ukraine during a performance of “Free.”
For a full list of winners, visit https://www.grammy.com/. | https://www.stlamerican.com/arts_and_entertainment/living_it/silk-sonic-jon-batiste-win-big-at-64th-annual-grammy-awards/article_52389f54-b78b-11ec-9145-032db6dc2c2b.html | 2022-04-09T05:26:36Z | stlamerican.com | control | https://www.stlamerican.com/arts_and_entertainment/living_it/silk-sonic-jon-batiste-win-big-at-64th-annual-grammy-awards/article_52389f54-b78b-11ec-9145-032db6dc2c2b.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
TORONTO, April 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Spin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY) (www.spinmaster.com), a leading global children's entertainment company, has won The Golden Screen Award for Feature Film, presented by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, for its box office hit PAW Patrol: The Movie. The Golden Screen Award recognizes the Canadian film that grossed the highest domestic box office over the time period of Jan 1, 2021 to Feb 24, 2022. The first feature film for Spin Master Entertainment, in association with Nickelodeon Movies and distributed by Elevation Pictures in Canada (Paramount Pictures in rest of world), PAW Patrol: The Movie grossed over $7.5 million in Canadian box office sales and $152 million to date globally.
Now in its ninth year, preschoolers in over 190 countries have gone on countless adventures in over 30 languages with the PAW Patrol pups – all produced right here in Canada. PAW Patrol: The Movie stayed true to these roots with more than 90% of the production being completed in Canada. The movie was directed by Canadian animation veteran Cal Bunker; written by Bunker and his writing partner Bob Barlen, animated by Montreal based Mikros Studio and brought to life with Canadian voice actors from the original series. As a nod to its heritage, the opening scene involves Chase rescuing truck driver Gus from a conundrum while transporting maple syrup.
"When setting out to tell a deeper PAW Patrol story we were passionate about working with the best Canadian talent to create our first theatrical," said Jennifer Dodge, Spin Master's President of Entertainment. "Winning the Golden Screen Award is a powerful tribute to the exceptional team of Canadian writers, voice actors, animators and producers who worked tirelessly to bring PAW Patrol: The Movie to the big screen. Thanks to the Academy for this recognition and to all the kids and families, who enjoyed this film, here in Canada and abroad."
PAW Patrol continues to be on a roll with a second feature film, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie™, greenlit for an exclusive theatrical release, distributed by Elevation Pictures in Canada, on October 13, 2023. A new PAW Patrol television series spin-off for Rubble, one of the main pups, is also set to debut in the same year.
In addition to receiving The Golden Screen Award, Spin Master's PAW Patrol won Best Pre-School Program/Series and PAW Patrol Moto Pups: Pups vs the Ruff-Ruff Pack won Best Sound, Animation. PAW Patrol: The Movie was also nominated for Canadian Screen Awards in the categories of Achievement in Sound Editing and Achievement in Sound Mixing.
About Spin Master
Spin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY) is a leading global children's entertainment company, creating exceptional play experiences through its three creative centres: Toys, Entertainment and Digital Games. With distribution in over 100 countries, Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands PAW Patrol®, Bakugan®, Kinetic Sand®, Air Hogs®, Hatchimals®, Rubik's Cube® and GUND®, and is the global toy licensee for other popular properties. Spin Master Entertainment creates and produces compelling multiplatform content, through its in-house studio and partnerships with outside creators, including the preschool franchise PAW Patrol and numerous other original shows, short-form series and feature films. The Company has an established presence in digital games, anchored by the Toca Boca® and Sago Mini® brands, offering open-ended and creative game and educational play in digital environments. Through Spin Master Ventures, the Company makes minority investments globally in emerging companies and start-ups. With over 30 offices in close to 20 countries, Spin Master employs more than 2,000 team members globally. For more information visit spinmaster.com or follow-on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @spinmaster.
About Elevation Pictures
Founded in 2013 with finance partner Teddy Schwarzman of Black Bear Pictures, Elevation Pictures has become one of Canada's leading entertainment companies specializing in distribution and production. Elevation is known for releasing award-winning films such as The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch; Room starring Brie Larson; The Father starring Anthony Hopkins; and Moonlight, winner of three Academy Awards including Best Picture. The company has also been prolific in production, including recently wrapped Alice Darling starring Anna Kendrick, and Infinity Pool directed by Brandon Cronenberg. For more information, please visit elevationpictures.com
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SOURCE Spin Master Corp. | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/04/09/spin-master-entertainment-brings-home-golden-screen-award-paw-patrol-movie-presented-by-academy-canadian-cinema-amp-television/ | 2022-04-09T05:28:22Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/04/09/spin-master-entertainment-brings-home-golden-screen-award-paw-patrol-movie-presented-by-academy-canadian-cinema-amp-television/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Tallahassee Community College hosted TCC-2-FSU Day on their main campus Friday.
Students had the chance to learn about the TCC-2-FSU transfer program and got the opportunity to tour the campus, meet admission navigators and academic advisors.
TCC academic career advisor Mia Ledford says exploring other academic programs is a great way to expand a students education.
"Because we have such a great relationship with FSU, they tell us excatly what our studetns need to know, as far as what they need to take to get into their major, what they need to have before they get into FSU, to be accepted and it just kinda walks them thorugh better than it at a school that didnt have that information," Ledford said.
Eligible students must intend to earn an Associates of Arts degree and interest in transferring to Florida State University. | https://www.wtxl.com/community/tallahassee-community-college-hosted-tcc-2-fsu-day-friday | 2022-04-09T05:33:09Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/community/tallahassee-community-college-hosted-tcc-2-fsu-day-friday | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Which oversized jean jacket is best?
Just about every decade from the last century has made a comeback in fashion. And with so many different trends coming together, it can be hard to find that one thing that ties your whole outfit together. Enter the oversized jean jacket.
This versatile piece of outerwear has a place in everyone’s wardrobe, from grunge to workwear. Indigo-blue is tried-and-true in the head-spinning world of changing fashion trends. No matter your style, you can’t go wrong with the Calvin Klein Jeans Oversized Vintage Denim Jacket.
What to know before you buy an oversized jean jacket
What is an oversized jean jacket
Oversized denim is iconic. Designed for that cool, slouchy look, this take on the classic piece of outerwear is the perfect mix between comfort and slacker swagger.
Unlike a regular denim jacket, oversized jackets are made to be loose in the arms and chest but not so big you’re swimming in them. Hemlines still usually fall at the waist, but you can go all in with a long oversized denim jacket if you’re after the trench silhouette.
Benefits of an oversized jean jacket
Whether you want the jacket-from-your-partner look, or you’re going after that “Breakfast Club” aesthetic, you cannot beat an oversized jean jacket. Lightweight and layerable, they’re perfect for those spring and summer months. You can wear it over your shoulders, off of one shoulder or throw on a sweater or sweatshirt underneath for added warmth.
Styling an oversized jean jacket
Oversized has that carefree attitude synonymous with the 1980s and 1990s. Go all-in with a baggy fit, or play with contrasts and accentuate your figure.
Part of what makes denim so versatile is that it works both for preppy, streetwear and workwear styles. You can add it to a pair of chinos and a casual button-down for a look you can wear out to dinner. Or layer it over your favorite graphic tee and black, skinny jeans for the streetwear aesthetic. Swap the sneakers for brown boots and the tee for flannel, and your oversized denim becomes a rugged staple in workwear.
What to look for in a quality oversized jean jacket
Wash
Washing is a production process that determines the color and distressing of your denim. Which wash you choose comes down to your own personal style:
- Indigo: This is the rich blue most commonly used for denim. It’s also the most versatile, pairing well with darks and lights or casual and dressy.
- Light-wash: This baby-blue distressed wash gives you that faded, well-worn look. Light-wash is an excellent counter to darker denim if you’re trying to double up. It looks great with black jeans.
- Dark-wash: Deep and saturated, dark-wash blue denim has an edgy side that goes well with the classic white tee or black leather jacket.
- Acid-wash: The result of a washing process that partially bleaches the denim, acid wash is a totally 1980s aesthetic that has fun applications in contemporary style. Wear it as a statement piece or as a part of a streetwear ensemble.
- Black: Black never goes out of style, and a black oversize denim jacket is all about combining a slimming fit with the rough texture of denim. Black wash is perfect if you’re feeling a little punk or rock ‘n’ roll.
- White: Beach-chic, summery white denim is crisp and preppy. Pair it with light-wash, indigo or white jeans, or throw it over a dress for some casual structure in your outfit.
Style
In addition to the wash, denim can have all sorts of aesthetic effects. Fringe is in right now, and this dangling textural element gives off a boho vibe that harkens back to cowboys and the wild west.
Patchwork is also making a comeback with its homespun look. These jackets have fun alternating squares of different-wash denim that allow you the opportunity to play with texture and color blocking.
Lastly, distressed denim is a classic, patinated style. You get the lived-in look of that storied favorite in your closet. It adds cool texture and has a bit of punk-rock edge.
Cut
The cut of your jacket describes its structure and fit. The three most common are trucker, chore and cropped denim jackets:
- Trucker: The trucker is the original denim jacket and is made to be close-fitting and hemmed at the waist. An oversized trucker will fall slightly below the waist and fit loose in the torso and arms.
- Chore: Originally designed for physical labor, this comfortable jacket with big pockets has a downward-draping fit that runs long in oversized denim.
- Crop: Cut short at the waist, cropped denim jackets are big in the arms and torso. These are great for that bomber-jacket look, so you can achieve an 80s slouch while still showing off your waist.
Material
True denim is 100% cotton. But today, many manufacturers mix in other fabrics such as polyester to cut costs and improve strength. These blended fabrics can lose their shape in the dryer. They also don’t have the slubby, rigid texture of real-cotton denim. If you’re after comfort, or a tight fit, however, stretchy blends are a great alternative to cotton for their body-conforming properties.
How much you can expect to spend on an oversized jean jacket
An oversized denim jacket made from a blend of fabrics is typically $30-$60. For 100% cotton designer brands, you can expect to pay up to $120 at major outlets.
Oversized jean jacket FAQ
Should I wash my denim jacket?
A. Don’t wash your denim unless it gets truly dirty. If you absolutely have to put it in the washing machine, do so on the gentlest setting using cold water and very little detergent. Turning your jacket inside out will not only protect the hardware and dyes but also expose the places that really need cleaning, such as the armpits. Don’t put your denim in the dryer. Either hang dry it or lay it flat.
Can I get the oversized look by just sizing up?
A. Part of what makes the oversize style so popular is that the jacket has subtle touches that still conform and flatter your body despite being roomy elsewhere. Merely sizing up can give that billow, slouchy look but might not be as comfortable or stay on as well as a fitted, oversize jean jacket.
What’s the best oversized jean jacket to buy?
Top oversized jean jacket
Calvin Klein Jeans Oversized Vintage Denim Jacket
What you need to know: This light-wash trucker from one of the biggest late-’90s brands hits all the right notes for an instant classic.
What you’ll love: Slightly faded for that vintage look, you’ll feel like you’ve had this denim jacket forever. It’s 100% cotton with enough extra fabric to loosely roll up the sleeves, but not so much that you’re committing to the full slacker look.
What you should consider: For the price and material, you really can’t go wrong with this classic cut and tasteful distressing.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
Top oversized jean jacket for the money
Cotton On Women’s The Oversized Denim Jacket
What you need to know: Cotton On’s indigo trucker is perfect for a crisp, clean look on a budget.
What you’ll love: Designed to fall just below the waist, this jacket has a boxy fit. The roomy sleeves are comfortable and taper at the wrist. And the lack of distressing makes this a versatile piece for various styles. This jacket pairs best with slimming or cropped tops.
What you should consider: The jacket is imported and uses Australian sizes, so be sure to check the conversion chart in the product’s details.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
Worth checking out
Hotmiss Men’s Denim Jacket Casual Button Down Trucker Jacket Jean Coat
What you need to know: Baggy and lightweight, the Hotmiss trucker has a retro vibe with a unisex fit.
What you’ll love: This jean jacket is the quintessential early ’90s piece of outerwear. Unstructured and loose, you can roll up the sleeves and let it hang off your shoulders to really achieve the grunge look. It’s roomy for breathability on warmer days and layering potential in the colder months.
What you should consider: This jacket is a polyester, cotton blend.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Karl Daum writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wspa.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/outerwear-br/best-oversized-jean-jacket/ | 2022-04-09T05:33:30Z | wspa.com | control | https://www.wspa.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/outerwear-br/best-oversized-jean-jacket/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Which diamond earrings are best?
If you’ve decided to purchase diamond earrings, there’s a good chance you’re ready to spend some serious cash. They can be expensive, but they’re also diverse in many aspects, so the possibilities are endless. And while expensive jewelry is lovely, you don’t have to break the bank for a classy pair of diamond earrings.
If you’re looking for reasonably priced earrings with an elegant look, Macy’s 1/3-Carat Diamond Stud Earrings in 14-Karat Gold are a top choice. They boast a high-quality round cut and are set in 14-karat gold, which can be either white, yellow or rose gold in color.
What to know before you buy diamond earrings
Cut and shape
Diamond earrings can be cut into many shapes, including emerald, pear, heart, cushion, oval and marquise. If you’re considering stud earrings, the two most popular are brilliant round cut and princess cut.
Brilliant round cut diamonds are typical for stud earrings and have a classic look and design. Princess cut earrings have a square shape that gives diamonds more sparkle and a flashier look.
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity essentially refers to how clean it looks. The fewer blemishes (also known as inclusions) a diamond has, the better its clarity. However, better clarity usually means a higher price tag. There are six main clarity categories:
- Included
- Slightly Included
- Very Slightly Included
- Very, Very Slightly Included
- Internally Flawless
- Flawless
Categories can be further broken down into grades, but most differences in clarity can only be seen at the microscopic level once you reach Very Slightly Included.
Style
The most common diamond earring styles are stud, hoop and drop. Stud earrings are the most versatile and an excellent fashion choice for nearly every occasion. Hoop and drop earrings are flashier and move more, making them look more brilliant, so they’re ideal for formal occasions
What to look for in quality diamond earrings
Carat
A diamond’s carat is a measurement unit used to refer to its weight. Depending on its cut and shape, a diamond can have more weight without appearing larger. Diamonds with a higher carat weight are usually more expensive, but not always, and those with identical weights can vary in price.
Setting
Any time you purchase diamond earrings, they’ll be set in a metal, and it’s up to you to decide which style is for you. Popular settings for earrings include bezel and halo.
- Bezel settings feature diamonds embedded in a metal band, giving them a sleek, smooth look.
- Halo settings surround a large gem with several smaller stones. This draws more attention, since light bounces off all of the stones, giving the earrings added brilliance.
Back
An earring’s back attaches it to the ear in two basic styles.
- Push backs are standard closures for stud earrings, and a simple sliding piece keeps them in place with friction. Push backs are comfortable, but they can loosen over time, so they’re not the most secure.
- Screw backs are also popular and arguably more secure than push backs. They’re not as easy to attach as push-back earrings, but the security makes them worth the effort and time.
How much you can expect to spend on diamond earrings
The sky’s the limit for diamond earrings since there are so many possibilities for cuts, shapes, carat, color and customization. Affordable options range anywhere from $200-$2,000, so anything more than that is considered high-end jewelry.
Diamond earrings FAQ
What does magic size mean?
A. There are three magic sizes: 1/2, 3/4 and 1 carat. The term refers to the magical price jump from fraction sizes to 1 carat or higher.
Does color affect the price of diamond earrings?
A. It can. All things considered, colorless diamonds are more expensive than ones with tints.
What are the best diamonds earrings to buy?
Top diamond earrings
Macy’s 1/3-Carat Diamond Stud Earrings in 14-Karat Gold
What you need to know: These earrings have a stylish stud design, and although they have a classy design, they don’t look too extravagant.
What you’ll love: They have a stunning brilliant round cut and are set in 14-karat white, yellow or rose gold. Each stud has a 1/6-carat weight, and the push back closure makes it easy to put them on.
What you should consider: The carat weights are approximate and may vary by as much as 1/20 of a carat.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
Top diamond earrings for the money
Macy’s 1/10-Carat Diamond Halo Cluster Stud Earrings in Sterling Silver
What you need to know: These earrings are an excellent option for those who want a nice pair of stud earrings to wear casually.
What you’ll love: These round halo cluster earrings have an elegant look and a post back closure. Each stud is set in dazzling sterling silver and has a 1/10 carat weight. Also, they come in a protective velvet box.
What you should consider: Customers complained about the backs being too loose or breaking off easily.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
Worth checking out
Macy’s 1/4-Carat Diamond Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver
What you need to know: These hoop earrings are an affordable and excellent option if you’re not a fan of stud earrings.
What you’ll love: These earrings feature 1/4-carat round-cut diamonds set in sterling silver. They measure approximately 1 inch in diameter. The clasp is secure, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally pulling them off.
What you should consider: They’re smaller than they look in photos, so if you want something larger than 1-inch hoop earrings, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Where to buy: Sold by Macy’s
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wspa.com/reviews/br/fashion-accessories-br/jewelry-br/best-diamond-earrings/ | 2022-04-09T05:34:11Z | wspa.com | control | https://www.wspa.com/reviews/br/fashion-accessories-br/jewelry-br/best-diamond-earrings/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Which pacifier is best: Nuk or Bibs?
Pacifiers soothe babies when they’re crying or otherwise uncomfortable, and many parents consider them to be an essential tool. Pacifiers come in different shapes and are made of various materials, so choosing the right one can be a challenge. If you’re trying to decide between popular brands Nuk and Bibs, there are a number of differences to consider before you can make an informed decision.
Nuk pacifiers
Nuk is a well-known brand that produces quality pacifiers. Most feature well-thought-out designs that allow babies to breathe easily and don’t put added pressure on their jawbones. Many are dishwasher-safe and all are BPA-free.
Nuk pacifier pros
- They typically mimic the shape of an actual nipple to simulate breastfeeding and reduce nipple confusion.
- Many are made of sustainable plastic.
- The shields are often breathable and contour to your baby’s face.
- They have a small handle that makes them easy to carry and allows your baby to remove them from their mouth when they’re done with them.
- Nuk claims their pacifiers are accepted by 95% of babies, according to a 2017 market study with 307 pacifier users.
- The nipple is flatter, allowing more room for a natural sucking motion.
- They’re affordable compared to other pacifiers.
- They often come in packs of three or more.
- Many of them have shields made of a soft silicone material that’s gentle on sensitive skin.
- There are a large variety of colors and sizes.
- They have glow-in-the-dark options, which can make them easier to find in the dark.
- They promote healthy teeth development. Many parents used these pacifiers past the age of 2 and didn’t notice any issues with their child’s teeth.
Nuk pacifier cons
- Many hold water in the nipple after being washed. Getting the water out can be difficult, and if you don’t, they may develop mold.
- The silicone material gets dirty quickly. This is especially problematic when your child begins crawling around.
- Some make a loud squeaking noise that may wake your baby.
- The nipples are smaller than other brands and may fall out of your baby’s mouth.
Best Nuk pacifiers
Nuk Orthodontic Pacifiers, Timeless Collection
These feature a heart-shaped shield that allow your baby to breathe easily. The glow-in-the-dark design makes it easy to find if they fall out of your baby’s mouth at night. The nipples are BPA-free silicone. The natural shape prevents nipple confusion.
Sold by Amazon
Nuk Comfy Orthodontic Pacifiers
The silicone shield contours to your baby’s face. Although the silicone material gets dirty easily, it doesn’t leave marks on your baby’s face. These are lightweight, making it easy for your baby to keep in their mouth.
Sold by Amazon and BuyBuyBaby
Nuk Airflow Glow-in-the-Dark Pacifiers
The shield’s shape and additional holes make it easy for your baby to breathe. The nipples are flat, making it easier for your baby to use. The design keeps your baby’s face from getting sweaty when it’s hot outside.
Sold by Amazon and BuyBuyBaby
Bibs pacifiers
Bibs is a Danish pacifier brand that isn’t as well-known as Nuk, though they’re rising in popularity. Many Bibs pacifiers have an entirely different shape than those made by Nuk and some are larger, making it easier for your baby to keep in their mouth. In many cases, they have air holes that make the pacifier easier to use and are made of food-grade silicone. Still, some are made of natural latex that may have a noticeable smell.
Bibs pacifier pros
- They come in numerous sizes and have a variety of nipple shapes.
- There are multiple nipple materials from which to choose.
- Many use hypoallergenic silicone that’s odorless and tasteless.
- Most have rings on the shield that can easily be attached to pacifier clips.
- Most are lightweight but durable.
- They have a stylish design compared to other brands.
- They’re easy for babies to keep in their mouths.
- Many parents found that these were the only pacifiers their babies would accept.
- Some have glow-in-the-dark rings.
- Babies with cleft palettes don’t have a hard time keeping these in their mouths.
Bibs pacifier cons
- These are significantly more expensive than Nuk brand pacifiers.
- Many hold water in the nipple when washed.
- Some of these pacifiers have a latex smell that babies don’t like.
Best Bibs pacifiers
BIBS Pacifiers Try-It Collection
If you can’t decide which pacifier your baby will like best, this pack of two different styles is a great choice. The nipples are made from natural rubber latex. Although some parents were disappointed with the styles they received, many were thrilled with their purchase.
Sold by Amazon
These feature a larger handle than most Bibs pacifiers and two nipple materials from which to choose — natural latex or silicone. They’re easy for babies to keep in their mouths. This set comes with two pacifiers.
Sold by Amazon
BIBS Supreme Silicone Pacifiers
Unlike some of the other Bibs pacifiers, these don’t have a scent. There are eight colors to choose from. They’re light and the vented shield allows your baby to breathe easily.
Sold by BuyBuyBaby
Should you get a Nuk pacifier or a Bibs pacifier?
Both Nuk and Bibs make excellent pacifiers. Nuk pacifiers are an excellent option if you’re looking for something affordable and effective. Additionally, with Nuk pacifiers, you don’t have to worry about your baby refusing the pacifier due to its smell.
Still, Bibs pacifiers are a good choice for children who have trouble keeping smaller pacifiers in their mouths. Many parents switch to Bibs pacifiers when their children are old enough to crawl and walk since they don’t tend to get dirty as easily.
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wspa.com/reviews/br/pets-br/health-br/nuk-pacifier-vs-bibs-pacifier/ | 2022-04-09T05:35:35Z | wspa.com | control | https://www.wspa.com/reviews/br/pets-br/health-br/nuk-pacifier-vs-bibs-pacifier/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
A late rally cost Yakima Valley in a 10-9 loss to Southwest Oregon on Friday in the first game of an NWAC softball crossover at Dunbar Field.
The Yaks led 9-5 before giving up three runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh. Tayah Townsend went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI while Tiauna Walker and Jasmine Almueti contributed two hits apiece for Yakima Valley.
YVC will host Clackamas on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
YVC highlights: Jessica Stanfield 1-4, 2b; Samantha Shamhart 1-5, 2b, run, 2 RBi; Tiauna Walker 2-4, 2 RBI; Jasmine Almueti 2-4, run, RBI; Tayah Townsend 3-5, 2b, 2 runs, 2 RBI; Emma Jay 2-4, run.
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BASEBALL
CWU drops a pair
NAMPA, Idaho — Junior outfielder Adam Fahsel doubled in the opener and was 2-for-3 with two runs scored in the second game on Friday for Central Washington, which lost a GNAC doubleheader to Northwest Nazarene, 7-4 and 17-4. Zach Berryman was 3-for-4 with a double, run and RBI in the opener for the Wildcats (5-13, 11-24), who play another twin bill against the Nighthawks on Saturday.
CWU highlights — Game 1: Zach Berryman 3-4, 2b, run, RBI; Adam Fahsel 1-5, 2b; Michael Copeland 2-4, 2b, run; Tyler McClain 2-3, 2 2b, run, RBI. Game 2: Michael Peter 2-3, 2b, 2 RBI; Fahsel 2-3, 2 runs. | https://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/college_sports/yvcc_sports/yvc-softball-edged-10-9-in-nwac-crossover/article_6d79779f-47f3-55f0-9a58-221a3d4a3f03.html | 2022-04-09T05:35:56Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/college_sports/yvcc_sports/yvc-softball-edged-10-9-in-nwac-crossover/article_6d79779f-47f3-55f0-9a58-221a3d4a3f03.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Junior Corbin Herrera scored two goals in the second half and rallied Eisenhower to a 2-1 victory over Davis in CBBN boys soccer Friday night at Zaepfel Stadium.
Angel Huerta gave the Pirates the early lead with a goal midway through the first half as Ike continued to struggle on offense.
But Herrera broke through in the 49th minute and again nine minutes later on an assist from Josue Lopez to earn the Cadets their first league win.
“We’ve been trying to find a way to put goals away and we finally did it in the second half,” said Ike coach Noe Gutierrez, whose team came in 0-4 in league play with three of the setbacks on 1-0 decisions. “All of our games have been close, we’ve been right there in all of them. We also got a good effort on defense, which really woke up in the second half.”
Goalkeeper Caleb Coronel made four saves for Eisenhower (1-4, 4-4), which plays at Moses Lake on Tuesday.
Davis (2-3, 4-4) visits West Valley on Tuesday.
First half: 1, Davis, Angel Huerta (Corey Villegas), 22:00.
Second half: 2, Ike, Corbin Herrera, 49:00; 3, Ike, Herrera (Josue Lopez), 58:00.
Saves: Caleb Coronel (E) 4, Davis 7.
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EASTMONT 2, WEST VALLEY 1: At Eastmont, Christian Maldonado’s goal in the 73 minute lifted the Wildcats to a home victory.
In other league play, Wenatchee defeated Moses Lake 7-2.
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BASEBALL
CBBN
WEST VALLEY 14-28, SUNNYSIDE 1-1: At Sunnyside, junior Tommy Meluskey was 7-for-8 over two games with two doubles, a triple, home run, six runs scored and eight RBI for the Rams. He also pitched four innings in the opener with seven strikeouts.
Sophomore Cody Leaverton had four hits in the second game with a double, home run, four runs scored and five RBI for West Valley (5-1, 7-1), which plays at Eisenhower on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
WV highlights — Game 1: Tommy Meluskey 3-4, 3b, HR, 3 runs, 3 RBI, 4 IP, 2 hits, 0 ER, 5 BB, 7 K; Jackson May 3-4, 2 runs, 3 RBI; Pablo Llamas 3-4, 3b, 3 runs, RBI; Brody Mills 1-4, 3b, run, 2 RBI; John Sullivan 1-3, 2 runs, RBI, 2 IP, 1 hit, 0 BB, 3 K; Drew Johnson 2-5, 2 RBI; Brandt Kneisler 2-3, run. Game 2: Meluskey 4-4, 2 2b, 3 runs, 5 RBI; Mills 2-5, 2 2b, 4 runs, 4 RBI; Cody Leaverton 4-4, 2b, HR, 4 runs, 5 RBI; Sullivan 2-5, 2b, 4 runs, 2 RBI; Steven Johnson 1-2, 3 runs, 2 RBI, 3 IP, 1 hit, 0 BB, 4 K.
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DAVIS 9-13, EASTMONT 6-7: At Eastmont, the Pirates kept it rolling, improving to 9-0 in league and 10-0 for the season. Davis will play a single game at Moses Lake on Tuesday followed by a nonleaguer at Selah on Thursday.
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WENATCHEE 16-12, EISENHOWER 1-0: At Eisenhower, Anson Schumacher was 2-for-2 in the second game and had a hit and run scored in the opener for the Cadets, who host West Valley on Tuesday.
Ike highlights — Game 1: Brodi Phillips 1-3, 2b, RBI; Anson Schumacher 1-1, run. Game 2: Schumacher 2-2.
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TRACK
Laurent runs career best
ARCADIA, Calif. — Ellensburg’s Kate Laurent broke 11 minutes in the 3,200 for the first time Friday night, clocking 10:58.78 on the first day of the Arcadia Invitational.
Laurent, whose previous best was 11:17.96, just missed Leah Holmgren’s 2019 school record of 10:57.38.
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SOFTBALL
NONLEAGUE
WAPATO 28-18, WAHLUKE 21-2: At Wahluke, Ari Castro pitched both games and was 4-for-4 with two doubles for the day to lead the Wolves (3-3), who host Mabton on Tuesday.
Wapato highlights — Game 1: Ari Castro 2-2, 2b, CG; Lilia DeLuna 2b, 3b, 3 runs; Teresa Schott 3b, 5 runs. Game 2: Castro 2-2, 2b, 3 runs, CG; Jiselle Castro 3-3; Janae Martinez 7 runs in two games; Jenacy Rodriguez 5 runs in two games with 12 stolen bases. | https://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/prep_sports/roundup-eisenhower-soccer-rallies-to-beat-davis-2-1/article_f8ec8c3f-91b8-52b8-bc2e-2286fea907f5.html | 2022-04-09T05:36:02Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/prep_sports/roundup-eisenhower-soccer-rallies-to-beat-davis-2-1/article_f8ec8c3f-91b8-52b8-bc2e-2286fea907f5.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
What you need to start an ant farm
Ant colonies in the wild may seem like an unwanted infestation at times, but in reality they represent a complex insect society worthy of study. Although scientific ant habitats called formicaria can be traced back to the 1920s, it wasn’t until 1956 that a California businessman and ant enthusiast introduced the first consumer-friendly ant farm. Uncle Milton’s Ant Farm was heavily promoted in comic books, and teachers were encouraged to set up their own versions in classrooms.
In ease of use and level of financial investment, ant farms are still one of the best ways to set up a living display in a home or classroom. The largest expenses are the ants, which should be purchased from authorized vendors. Everything else, from the formicarium to the medium and food, can be ordered online or at scientific supply outlets.
Preparing for a new ant farm
Types of ant farms
There are essentially two types of ant farms in the consumer market. The original Uncle Milton’s ant farm was considered “sandwich-style,” meaning the transparent plastic container has two narrow sides. The ants and media are sandwiched between them, which creates tunnels and nesting areas that can be easily observed. A sandwich-style ant farm is ideal for home use and most classroom settings.
A larger form of ant farm would be considered a true formicarium, designed to simulate the natural environment surrounding an ant colony. The ants and media (typically silica or loose soil) are placed in a terrarium with vegetation and water. This is a better fit for dedicated science classrooms because of its size and maintenance.
Site preparation
Decide the ant farm’s location before you buy it. The area should not experience direct sunlight or extreme swings in temperature. The display should be elevated enough for comfortable observation, but not close to a high-traffic area where accidents are possible. Lighting should be strong enough to view the ants but not generate excessive heat. While escapes are rare, the site should also have some sort of containment field to keep escapees in check.
Types of ants
There are hundreds of ant species, but only a handful are recommended for setting up an ant colony. The most common are red harvester ants and carpenter ants. Both species are noted for non-aggressive behavior and natural socializing skills. Their larger size also makes them easier to observe.
While other species of ants can often be found in the wild, it is not a good idea to transplant them directly into an ant farm. Some ants can be aggressive and destructive, while others do not perform well in captivity, especially without their queen. Live ants suitable for ant farms can be shipped through the mail from special supply stores, although a number of states prohibit their transportation across state lines.
Setting up an ant farm
Decide on a medium
Traditional ant farms in the Uncle Milton sandwich style often use a mix of organic ingredients, primarily silica sand, soil, mineral fragment and vermiculite. This is a good choice for smaller ant farms because the ants are familiar with it and will construct stable tunnels and nesting areas. The soil and minerals also provide nutrients for the colony.
Modern ant farms have largely replaced the sand/soil mix with a water-based gel. This gel is transparent enough to observe the ants, especially with LED lighting. The ants can usually form tunnels and nests, although some colonies may not survive as long in the gel. They can derive moisture and nutrients from it, however.
Introduce the ants to the container
Once the medium has been added to the tank or terrarium, it’s time to add the ants. If they have been refrigerated for shipping, they may appear sluggish at first, but should begin the task of setting up a colony within an hour of introduction. If a queen is included, the workers will create a series of nests for her to lay her eggs. A queen-less colony will spend its time digging tunnels and locating sources of food and water.
Queen or no queen?
In an ant society, much like a bee society, workers and drones instinctively serve a dominant queen. They feed her, guard her nests and fertilize her eggs. However, you can install an ant colony without a queen. The colony will not reproduce, but it will perform many of the same duties.
Some ant farm owners opt for a colony with a queen so they can observe the colony’s entire life cycle. Others choose not to include a queen in order to keep the colony at a manageable size, replacing ants as necessary. There is no right answer, but the ant farm’s purpose may point in one direction or the other.
Maintaining an ant farm
Provide food and water
In the wild, ant colonies send workers to gather sources of sugar and protein, such as leaves, berries, fruits and insects. However, in an ant farm this task falls on humans. Ants in captivity do not require large amounts of food or water to survive, but they still need nutrition.
There are commercial ant food blends, but for the most part ant farm owners can supply their own sugar sources such as sliced apples, grapes, nontoxic plant leaves and sugar cubes. Protein sources include mealworms, crickets, cockroaches or pieces of cooked egg.
A water source could be created from a bottle cap or other small container. Ants can also derive some moisture from the gel medium or natural condensation. Be sure to remove any uneaten food to avoid mold growth. Many ants will create their own site for garbage disposal and burial of the dead.
Replace medium and ants as necessary
The fill medium in an ant farm generally has a long shelf life, but it can become contaminated from rotting food. You may need to transfer the ants to another vessel temporarily while you replace it. Consider this carefully if the colony has a queen and active nests.
The ants will probably need to be replaced periodically as workers die or there is no reproduction cycle. Carefully remove as many dead ants as possible, then order live replacements of the same species. Mixing different ant species can be dangerous, because some are notably more aggressive than others. A mixed colony could terminate itself quickly or pose a stinging or biting threat to young observers.
What you need to buy to start an ant farm
Nature Gift Store 2 Tubes Live Ant Farm Ants Plus Ant Book
This ant farm started kit includes two tubes of live ants (a total of 60) and a bonus guide to the world of ants and ant farms.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Dan & Darci Gel Refill for Ant Habitat
This nutrient-rich gel medium is ideal for modern ant farms with LED lighting and a larger capacity than sandwich-style sand-filled ant farms.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
An organic mix of seeds and grains, this supplemental ant food is ideal for harvester ants, a recommended species for ant farms.
Where to buy: Amazon
For ant farms in classroom environments, this visual representation of an ant’s life cycle is an ideal educational companion for students.
Where to buy: Amazon
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Michael Pollick writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wspa.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/outdoor-toys-br/how-to-start-an-ant-farm/ | 2022-04-09T05:36:10Z | wspa.com | control | https://www.wspa.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/outdoor-toys-br/how-to-start-an-ant-farm/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Which air mattress is best for travel?
There are many types of air mattress, since if you’re buying one for the periodic houseguest you won’t have the same needs as if you want one for travel.
When it comes to travel, it’s important to consider size and weight, especially if you’ll be carrying the air mattress for long periods. Durability and comfort also need to be factored in. The last thing you want is an air mattress you have trouble sleeping on, or which pops in the middle of the night.
What to look for when buying an air mattress for travel
Comfort
A good night’s rest is as important when traveling as it is at home. This means comfort should be top priority when choosing an air mattress. Consider the amount of support it offers, the material the sleeping surface is made from, and its height.
Portability
How much portability matters depends on how you’ll be traveling and where you’ll be staying. If hiking long distances to a campsite, you’ll want an air mattress that’s lightweight and compact when deflated, but if driving right up to a campsite, you have more leeway (though you still need to be aware of how much room you have in your tent). If staying at a friend’s house, you can opt for the largest, plushest double-height air mattress, since neither weight nor size will be of much concern.
Inflation method
Many air mattresses have a built-in pump that makes inflating them easy. Some also feature a pressure-monitoring system so they can automatically add a little extra air throughout the night when needed. Bargain-priced models often require an external electric air pump, which they may — or may not — come with.
Both of these require a power source. If you are taking the air mattress camping and don’t want to lug along a generator or batteries, choose a low-volume model you can inflate by mouth or with a manual air pump.
Pillow rest
One of the most common complaints about sleeping on an air mattress is pillows slipping off during the night. Flocked tops help to some degree, but don’t eliminate the problem. To further solve it, some air mattresses have a small raised section near the head that helps keep pillows in place.
Common air mattress questions
How do I clean an air mattress?
A. Start by using a handheld vacuum to get rid of crumbs, dust and other debris that may have collected on its flocked surface. Next, wipe down the smooth plastic material with a cloth dampened with a bit of rubbing alcohol.
Why does my air mattress deflate at night?
A. Many people assume their air mattress is leaking when it deflates a bit during the night. While this might be true, more often it’s due to the air cooling at night, which reduces the amount of pressure inside. Air mattresses are also designed not to be 100% airtight to prevent them from bursting due to an increase of pressure inside if the temperature gets notably warmer.
The best air mattresses for travel
Best overall air mattress for travel
Thicker and more comfortable than most inflatable sleeping pads, yet less large and heavy than the average air mattress, this is a great choice for just about any type of travel. It’s equipped with a manual air pump and has buttons on the side to connect a second mattress for couples who want to sleep together.
Sold by Amazon
Best air mattress for vehicle travel
Designed to work in the back seat of sedans, multipurpose vehicles and SUVs, this air mattress makes sleeping in cars considerably more comfortable. It’s quite versatile, too, and can also be used as a normal air mattress or a lounger with backrests for two people when placed on a flat surface. It comes with two inflatable pillows, a storage bag and an electric air pump.
Sold by Amazon
Best plush air mattress for travel
Intex 64447ED Dura Beam Fiber Tech Air Mattress
This double-height mattress has a headboard to eliminate the issue of pillows sliding off, and to serve as a backrest when watching TV or reading a book. The heavy-duty, puncture-resistant material can stand up to a lot of wear and tear on the road, but the mattress’ overall size and weight makes it best suited to those traveling by car and sleeping in a large space.
Sold by Amazon
Best air mattress for backpacking
If you are going on a trip where every ounce and inch of space in your backpack counts, this tiny, lightweight sleeping pad is the way to go. It weighs less than a pound, packs down small and can be inflated by mouth in just 10 or 15 breaths.
Sold by Amazon
Best full thickness air mattress for camping
Jeaouia Twin Size Air Mattress
At just 4 pounds, this twin-sized air mattress is one of the best options for campers who want something more comfortable than a thin inflatable sleeping pad. It packs down small and comes at a budget-friendly price.
Sold by Amazon
Best camping cot for travel
Sometimes you want the feeling of a real bed even if you are sleeping in the great outdoors. That’s what this raised cot provides. It sits on a folding frame that features a side table and cup holder, and it inflates with the included battery-operated electric pump.
Sold by Amazon
Best kids air mattress for travel
Sleepah Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
Children are notorious for tossing and turning at night, which can lead to them rolling out of a bed. With this toddler bed, that won’t be a concern, because it has guard rails that run down both sides. It even comes with a small matching inflatable pillow and a plush toy.
Sold by Amazon
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Brett Dvoretz writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wspa.com/reviews/br/travel-br/travel-essentials-br/best-air-mattress-for-travel/ | 2022-04-09T05:36:17Z | wspa.com | control | https://www.wspa.com/reviews/br/travel-br/travel-essentials-br/best-air-mattress-for-travel/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ANAHEIM — The Angels’ bullpen was supposed to be – and still could be – one of the strengths of the team.
But this one is going to leave a mark.
Angels relievers allowed 11 runs, including eight in the seventh inning, in a 13-6 loss to the Houston Astros on Friday night at Angel Stadium.
The Angels have dropped the first two games of the season, coming up short in a pitchers’ duel on Opening Day and then getting blown out a night later.
Relievers Oliver Ortega (two runs), Mike Mayers (three), Jimmy Herget (four) and Jaime Barria (two) allowed a tie game in the fifth to turn into a lopsided loss.
Angel Stadium was filled with 42,719 fans on a Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night, and they left with nothing to celebrate besides their new memorabilia.
Although the Angels’ bullpen let the game get away at the end, in the first half of the game the Astros’ defense was the difference.
Left fielder Michael Brantley made a perfect throw to nail Jared Walsh at the plate in the first. Third baseman Alex Bregman made a diving stop of a chopper by Tyler Wade in the second inning. In the fourth, just after a leadoff double by Jose Rojas, Brandon Marsh was robbed of a hit on a diving catch by center fielder José Siri.
Siri then started the top of the fifth by using his speed to create the tie-breaking run.
Siri led off against Ortega with a bloop single. He then stole second and took third on a fly ball to right field. José Altuve then hit a bouncer directly to third baseman Anthony Rendon, who took a look at Siri and threw to first. Siri went back to the bag when Rendon looked at him, but the moment he turned away to throw to first, Siri bolted home. With Siri running at an elite 31.2 feet per second, first baseman Walsh rushed and made a bad throw home, allowing the run to score.
Ortega then gave up a homer to Bregman in the sixth, opening the floodgates. Mayers started the seventh and didn’t retire any of the three hitters he faced.
While the bullpen had a bad night, starter Reid Detmers could have saved them a little work if he’d been more efficient. Detmers gave up a pair of solo homers, to José Altuve leading off the game and to Aledmys Diaz in the fourth. He needed 29 pitches to get out of the first, which didn’t bode well for him on a night when he was limited to around 80 pitches because of the shortened spring.
It took Detmers 75 pitches to get 12 outs.
Detmers left in a 2-2 game, the Angels having scored both of their runs in the first inning.
Shohei Ohtani led off the game with his first hit of the season, a single. An out later, Rendon singled. Jared Walsh then dropped a single into left, driving in Ohtani. Rendon then scored on a passed ball.
Marsh then poked a single into left and third base coach Phil Nevin put the pressure on left fielder Michael Brantley by sending Walsh. Brantley made a perfect throw and Walsh was out by a foot.
More to come on this story. | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/04/08/angels-relievers-pounded-in-blowout-loss-to-astros/ | 2022-04-09T05:37:30Z | pasadenastarnews.com | control | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/04/08/angels-relievers-pounded-in-blowout-loss-to-astros/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed a measure Friday that would expand access to abortion in the state by ending a restriction that only physicians can provide them and requiring most insurance plans to cover abortion care without cost.
The Republican governor, who isn't ruling out a run for the White House in 2024 after his second term ends early next year, wrote that the bill “endangers the health and lives of women by allowing non-physicians to perform abortions.”
“The bill risks lowering the high standard of reproductive health care services received by women in Maryland,” wrote Hogan, who has previously said he personally opposes abortion though he considers it settled law in the state. “These procedures are complex and can, and often do, result in significant medical complications that require the attention of a licensed physician.”
Democrats, who control the General Assembly, passed the legislation with enough votes to override the veto before the scheduled adjournment of the legislative session Monday at midnight.
Supporters say Maryland does not have enough abortion providers for the needs of the state. They have pointed out that many counties do not have a single provider. The bill would remove a legal restriction preventing nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physician assistants from providing abortions. It would create an abortion care training program and requires $3.5 million in state funding annually.
Separately, the governor decided he would neither veto nor sign a measure that sets accelerated greenhouse gas reduction goals for Maryland and takes a wide variety of steps to meet them. The measure will become law without Hogan's signature. The governor also said a bill that will require the state retirement and pension system to consider certain climate risks when managing assets of the system will go into law without his signature.
“These two bills are an example of poor legislative practice and misguided resources resulting in partisan politics; however I will allow them to pass into law in hopes they will generate future deliberation and discussion on this critically important issue,” Hogan wrote.
The measure aimed at slowing climate change would speed up Maryland’s current goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 40% of 2006 levels to 60% by 2031. It also sets a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 in the state. That means at least as much carbon would be removed from the atmosphere as what’s being emitted.
The bill includes a variety of provisions to cut emissions. For example, it would increase the state’s electric vehicle fleet and reduce emissions from large buildings.
The measure seeking to expand abortion access comes at a time when the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that banned states from outlawing abortion.
If they do, at least 26 states are likely to either ban abortion outright or severely limit access, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization that supports abortion rights.
That would force many women to travel to other states to get abortions, prompting Democratic-led legislatures like Maryland’s to pass new laws to prepare for them. | https://www.wboc.com/news/maryland-gov-hogan-vetoes-bill-to-expand-abortion-access/article_ed9a226a-b7ae-11ec-b08c-3f25d78ab8aa.html | 2022-04-09T05:37:50Z | wboc.com | control | https://www.wboc.com/news/maryland-gov-hogan-vetoes-bill-to-expand-abortion-access/article_ed9a226a-b7ae-11ec-b08c-3f25d78ab8aa.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Over 200 golfers are scheduled to take to the course during this weekend’s 5th leg of the Safaricom Golf Tour at the Machakos Golf Club. Sunday’s junior contest has attracted 75 participants while Saturday’s corporate event will feature 160 golfers.
The weekend will also feature a junior golf clinic on Sunday where young people from the local area will be introduced to the game.
In the previous event held at Nyanza Golf Club, Nandi-based golfer, Lydia Jebichii emerged victorious becoming the first female golfer to win in the tournament. She joined Nicholas Bundi, Leo Gitonga and Zain Manji, who were the winners of the first three legs in Nanyuki, Limuru and Muthaiga golf club.
The tournament will culminate in a grand finale on August 6, 2022, in Vipingo, Kilifi County, where winners from each leg will battle it out for the top prize. The winners in the junior tournaments will get a chance to attend a one-week bootcamp where they will be taken through the steps of improving their game.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom, had this to say, “We are excited to bring the Safaricom Golf Tour to Machakos County as we continue to try and demystify the sport as one that is accessible to all. Through the tour, we are gradually doing away with the notion that golf is only for the elite by championing inclusivity in the sport. In the long run, we intend to keep providing a platform for young golfers to showcase their talents as we prepare them for even bigger stages.”
Safaricom has invested KES 100 million to ensure the success of the golf tour. | https://hapakenya.com/2022/04/08/the-safaricom-golf-tour-heads-to-machakos-this-weekend-for-its-5th-leg/ | 2022-04-09T05:46:44Z | afar.com | control | https://hapakenya.com/2022/04/08/the-safaricom-golf-tour-heads-to-machakos-this-weekend-for-its-5th-leg/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SPOKANE, Wash. — Northern Quest announced earlier today that renowned singer-songwriter John Fogerty will be playing alongside his sons Shane and Tyler's band Hearty Har on June 17, 2022 for the 11th Annual Pepsi Outdoor Summer Concert lineup.
John Fogerty is most well-known as one of the founding members of classic rock favorite Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR).
Tickets are currently priced at $49, $59, $79 and $99 and are scheduled to go on sale Friday, April 15.
Click here for ticket information. | https://www.krem.com/article/entertainment/john-fogerty-hearty-har-northern-quest-june/293-4003d2fe-773e-4121-8920-2e27ae4c7cbe | 2022-04-09T05:47:33Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/entertainment/john-fogerty-hearty-har-northern-quest-june/293-4003d2fe-773e-4121-8920-2e27ae4c7cbe | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — An international organization formed to identify the dead and missing from the 1990s Balkan conflicts is preparing to send a team of forensics experts to Ukraine as the death toll mounts more than six weeks into the war caused by Russia's invasion.
Authorities in Kyiv have reached out to the International Commission on Missing Persons to help put names to bodies that might otherwise remain anonymous amid the fog of war.
A team made up of a forensic pathologist, forensic archeologist and an expert on collecting DNA samples from bodies and from families to cross-match, is expected to travel to Ukraine early next week, Director-General Kathryne Bomberger told The Associated Press on Friday.
They will help identify the dead, but also document how they died — information that can feed into war crimes investigations in the future. The organization's laboratory in an office block on a busy street in The Hague will build a central database cataloging evidence and the identities of the missing.
“Having this centralized capability is absolutely critical because you have to look at this as an investigation into a gigantic crime scene that is taking place across Ukraine," Bomberger said.
The team will have plenty of work to do when it deploys to Bucha, where images of bodies lying in the streets after Russian forces withdrew shocked the world.
Bucha Mayor Anatoliy Fedoruk said Thursday on Ukrainian television that at least three sites of mass shootings of civilians during the Russian occupation have been found. Fedoruk said hundreds have been killed and investigators are finding bodies in yards, parks and city squares.
Vladyslav Atroshenko, the mayor of Chernihiv, said about 700 military personnel and civilians have been killed in the northern city during the war, and that 70 of the bodies remain unidentified, Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported.
The commission, known by its acronym ICMP, already has a working relationship with the prosecution office of the International Criminal Court and other crime-fighting agencies like Interpol and Europol to share evidence. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan already has opened an investigation in Ukraine.
“We want to make sure that we work together with the Ukrainian authorities to properly excavate these crime scene sites to identify the mortal remains so that evidence can be provided in the future for criminal trial purposes, not only potentially to the ICC, but also potentially within domestic courts in Ukraine," Bomberger said.
The organization is at the forefront of using new technology in their painstaking work to identify bodies from even the smallest samples.
“We have implemented a new extraction technique, which allows us to extract more DNA from smaller or more damaged fragments of bone sample,” said DNA Laboratory manager Kieren Hill. “This is quite a unique method in terms of its application into the missing person’s context.”
On Friday, lab staff in white clothes covered with blue plastic overalls, hair nets and gloves were meticulously working on other cases, grasping small shards of bone in pliers and grinding away their surfaces in search of DNA.
The ICMP has an online portal where people in Ukraine can anonymously report locations of bodies, and will help family members of the missing to provide DNA samples to help identify them.
The commission was established to trace the dead from the Balkan wars of the 1990s. Its sterile, high-tech laboratories are a world away from the muddy mass graves where the organization's experts first rose to prominence among the decomposing dead of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre of more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys.
They helped put names to bodies that in some cases were torn apart and spread across multiple mass graves as Bosnian Serb forces buried and then re-buried the dead in an effort to cover traces of their genocidal attempt to wipe out Srebrenica's Bosniaks.
The commission made sure they failed to cover their tracks. Bosnian Serb military chief Gen. Ratko Mladic and his political master, Radovan Karadzic, are now serving life sentences for crimes including genocide. Both men were convicted in part thanks to evidence gathered by the ICMP.
Funded by voluntary contributions from governments, the organization has since helped national governments put names to thousands more people whose anonymous remains were recovered from sites including over 3,000 mass and clandestine graves.
It has worked at crime scenes and disaster sites around the world, including Syria, Libya and Iraq. The organization also helped to identify victims swept away by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and extracted DNA from bone samples of 250 people killed when Hurricane Katrina slammed into Louisiana in 2005.
Ukraine could prove to be one of its biggest challenges yet, as the organization works together with Ukrainian authorities to investigate and build cases amid an ongoing war.
“So ensuring that this process moves in accordance with proper investigations, that these sites are properly documented, the proper chain of custody is obtained, will be a challenge," Bomberger said. "I think under the circumstances while there’s an active conflict.” | https://www.krem.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/forensics-team-ukraine-identify-dead/507-a3922a5b-54d1-44e4-bbb7-b783380d6ef3 | 2022-04-09T05:47:39Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/forensics-team-ukraine-identify-dead/507-a3922a5b-54d1-44e4-bbb7-b783380d6ef3 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SIOUX CITY, IOWA (KCAU) – West Sioux is known for producing quality talent, with projected Iowa State starting quarterback Hunter Dekkers being one of them. But on the basketball court, Mason Coppock is quickly making a name for himself among the Falcon community.
The junior guard kept a steady string of solid performances going all winter. One of his best outings came against MMCRU where he buried six three-pointers out of his 24 points, earning him our Week three SportsZone Boys Player of the Week award. From there, Coppock would emerge as a formidable threat among the Falcons, averaging a team-high 16.7 points for a season total of 384 to bring his high school career scoring total just 93 points shy of the millennium mark.
Coppock could not only score the ball, he could share it too. He’d lead the squad with 126 assists on the season while ranking as the fifth-best disher in Class 2A. High marks for high-end player that’s rightfully earned his candidacy in our SportsZone Boys Player of the Year running. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/sportszone-boys-player-of-the-year-nominee-west-siouxs-mason-coppock/ | 2022-04-09T06:05:12Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/sportszone-boys-player-of-the-year-nominee-west-siouxs-mason-coppock/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Medway is bursting with culture as more people from different communities continue to settle in the area. A walk around Chatham will reveal its rich history and diversity, including its town centre dotted with shops offering products from all across the globe.
When researching the history of the town, a name comes up a few times. Sir John Hawkins. He was a sailor, a naval commander and a slave trader in the sixteenth century. He captured 300 people in Sierra Leone in west Africa and sold them as slaves to plantations in Spanish Santa Domingo and Venezuela.
The Black Lives Matter movement led councils across the UK to rename buildings and streets, or remove statues due to their shameful past linked to the slave trade. This was the case of St John’s Car Park in Chatham town centre which used to be called Sir John Hawkins Car Park.
READ MORE: Valerie's Law: What it is and how it can help Black victims of domestic abuse
Chairperson of Medway African and Caribbean Association (MACA) Carol Stewart said: “I think it’s more than just about building and names and things because you can’t totally wipe out history. I mean, there’s a road in Gillingham that’s called Plantation Way. It could be taken either way, I think it was named after the fruit plantations. When I drove past, I was like ‘Why would you call a road that name?’”
There was also a Sir John Hawkins flyover in Chatham, which was demolished in 2008.
“You can’t wipe out everything. The flyover was taken down because of modernisation works. I think there’s a lot of work to do to educate the community,” she added. People don’t understand. I don’t like using the word tolerance and intolerance because as Black people, we’re not here to be tolerated. We just want to be accepted and treated as equals.
“We were involved in some discussions around the car park naming. The controversy around that, I think, goes much deeper than that.
“You’ve got to start painting a more holistic picture of the world. You’ve only have to look at the Royal Family and all the reactions and negativity around Megan Markle. It just goes to show that I think in terms of racism and discrimination, we still got quite a long way to go.”
MACA in partnership with the Nubian Jak memorial trust unveiled a historic blue plaque at the Dockyard honouring two of Medway’s Black heroes last summer. Chatham Cuffay fled slavery and emigrated to Medway in 1772 and worked at Chatham Dockyard. His son William Cuffay born in 1788 was a chartist and a tailor, with a shop in Rochester High Street.
“We were involved in getting that done,” Carol said. “It’s at the Dockyard because Chatham Cuffay worked as a cook there. And William Cuffay was a chartist, so he needs to be given as much prominence as Dickens does but very often isn’t.
“He fought for equal rights for people in terms of pay and treatment. So if we didn’t have Cuffay do what he did, we wouldn’t be where we are now. I think a lot of people are ignorant of this fact. So it was important for us to kind of give him the due recognition he deserves.”
Another plaque was put up at Chatham Station in 2020, to honour the pioneer for black equality Asquith Xavier who broke the ‘colour bar’ which prevented Black people from working in public facing roles.
After unveiling the plaque, director of diversity and inclusion for Network Rail Loraine Martins said: “This plaque for Asquith Xavier is a fitting tribute to his efforts in overturning the unofficial colour bar in 1966 and becoming the first Black worker employed as a train guard at London Euston station. A plaque already exists at Euston station in his memory and I’m delighted that his hometown of Chatham can now remember his achievement.”
Asquith successfully campaigned to end the racial discrimination practiced by British Rail which helped to bring in the 1968 Race Relations Act, making it illegal to refuse housing, employment or public services to people because of their ethnicity.
Carol added: “I feel there needs to be more recognition of the Black contribution. So we did an exhibition in 2019 at the Dockyard for three months. More than 10,000 people came. We’ve also a Black History Live website as well, we did that because there are so many untold stories of Black people in Kent.
“I think until you have a more balanced view of history then you’re still going to have people ignorant to what we achieved and still going to have people believing that there’s a power imbalance between Black and White. So yes, that’s why for us it is important.” | https://www.kentlive.news/news/how-medway-recognises-contribution-made-6919615 | 2022-04-09T06:15:53Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/news/how-medway-recognises-contribution-made-6919615 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
With the cost of literally-everything going through the roof, you'd be forgiven for wanting to spend the weekend indoors. It seems you barely have to leave the house to lose a tenner and every penny counts right now.
But going out for the day doesn't have to mean spending a fortune, there are lots of fun things to do in Kent that are completely free. At a time when we are all looking for ways to save some money, that doesn't have to mean you forego the fun.
We have compiled a list of interesting things to see and do across Kent that don't need a lot of planning or money to enjoy. Whether it is a bike ride, a visit to one of Kent's beauty spots, or brushing up on some historical knowledge, there is something to suit everyone, whatever the weather. Have a great day out!
Read more: Giraffe at Wingham Wildlife Park near Canterbury dies following 'accident'
1. Rochester Cathedral
England's second oldest cathedral is perfect for both visitors and worshippers, it was founded in AD604 by Bishop Justus.
With glorious Norman architecture in the Nave and crypt and one of the finest Romanesque facades in the country, the building tells a very unique story.
A full programme of events including concerts, exhibitions and activities can be found on the cathedral's website and social media pages.
2. The Crab and Winkle Way
This 7.5 mile route between Canterbury and Whitstable is perfect for cyclists of all abilities, and is mostly traffic-free.
The beautiful scenic route is signposted from Canterbury West station and takes its name from the railway line which ran between Canterbury and Whitstable in the 19th century.
The route passes through the Blean Woods, an RSPB nature reserve covering more than 11 square miles and along through Clowes Wood onto Whitstable.
There is plenty to see and do at both ends of the route, with the Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and Canterbury museum being some of the most popular sights in the city, whilst a walk around the beautiful Whitstable will work up an appetite for some of the wonderful seafood options and world famous Whitstable Oysters.
If you don't have a bike, no need to worry. The route is served by Kent Cycle Hire who have options for riders of all ages most of the year round.
3. Viking Coastal Trail
There is plenty to enjoy on this 32 mile circular route on the Isle of Thanet, exploring Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
Suitable for all abilities, you are guaranteed dramatic scenery and a wealth of history. Dividing the trail up into manageable sections will give you some fantastic days out.
The route itself passes by Minster Abbey, Monkton Nature Reserve, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and the Turner Contemporary art gallery overlooking Margate harbour. Striking views of the marshland are guaranteed as you approach Reculver Church, just a few miles east of Herne Bay.
You can find more information about the Viking Coastal Trail HERE
4. The Turner Contemporary
Situated on Margate seafront the Turner Contemporary is one of the UK's leading art galleries.
It presents a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions, events and learning opportunities which make intriguing links between historic and contemporary art. The gallery offers a space for everyone to discover different ways of seeing, thinking and learning.
The shop collaborates with local artists and makers, and the cafe sources its menu from Kent based producers and boasts unrivalled views of the harbour.
Booking your free ticket is essential before visiting HERE.
5. Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone
Always high on the list of great places to go in Kent is Lower Leas Coastal Park.
With it's beautiful views of the Folkestone coastline, it is also home to the largest free adventure play in the South East where you will find rocking boats, climbing walls, slides, plus an enclosed toddler area with sand diggers and a shipwreck play structure.
The park is split into three zones the formal zone which is home to blooming flowers, gardens and pine avenues, the wild zone, where the habitat is managed to allow local wildlife to thrive and the fun zone containing the children's play areas.
6. The White Cliffs of Dover
The world famous cliffs are a huge part of what Kent is known for and are completely free to visit.
There is a visitor centre where you can pick up a free walking map on arrival, and there is also a wheelchair friendly footpath leading to a viewing point.
You are completely free to walk around yourself and take in the breath-taking views from the cliffs, but guided tours are also offered to Fan Bay Deep Shelter and the South Foreland Lighthouse.
For more information you can visit the website HERE.
7. Margate History Museum
The museum is in a Grade II listed building in the heart of Margate Old Town and offer free guided tours which include the stories behind many of the artefacts.
The Cells and Magistrates Court hold a collection of Margate history, and include exhibits about Margate during the two world wars. You can find out more about the museum HERE.
8. Betteshanger Country Park, Deal
There is a huge range of activities at Betteshanger Park which promises 'an energized day out in Kent'
From cycling trails and the play park which are available every day, to more specialised activities like archery and fossil hunting that will be charged extra and need to be booked in advance.
For more information about what there is to do at Betteshanger Country Park you can visit HERE.
9. Whitstable Town Centre
Five miles North of Canterbury and two miles West of Herne Bay, this pretty Kent seaside town is the perfect place to have a stroll around.
There are plenty of quirky independent shops and boutiques, but if shopping is not your thing then you can head to the beachfront and enjoy a paddle and some of the famous Whitstable Oysters.
10. Westgate Parks, Canterbury
Located to the north-west of Canterbury, the park is made up of four areas, Westgate Gardens, Tannery Field, Toddler’s Cove and Bingley Island Local Nature Reserve.
There is plenty to see and do in this park, with a Roman- themed children's play area and adult fitness area.
The River Great Stour runs through the centre of the park, and you will also get a chance to see the Tannery field bull sculpture, which forms part of the Canterbury Sculpture Trail.
11. Viking Bay, Broadstairs
The most popular beach in the seaside town of Broadstairs, this beach has all the ingredients of a great day out.
There are changing huts, a promenade and even a pier, a previous winner of a Blue Flag award and in the summer the beach has a lifeguard service.
With plenty of beachside shops and cafes and even a cliffside elevator at the southern end of the beach, there is something to make sure everyone has a great day out at the seaside.
12. Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells
Once the private grounds of a very large and grand mansion, Dunorlan Park now offers a place to enjoy the Victorian garden, meadows, and wildlife, as well as having all the amenities of a modern park.
As well as a lovely place to take a walk, there is a children's play area, cafe and also the opportunity to hire boats on the lake.
There is also the opportunity to join in the free 5k Parkrun, that takes place every Saturday at 9am, you do need to register with Parkrun in advance of your first run.
13. Folkestone Harbour Arm
Folkestone's restored Harbour Arm is the place to be when the sun is shining. With stunning views over the sea and a wonderful selection of growing independent businesses, it has become the centre for food, drink and entertainment.
The Harbour Arm itself is open for promenading daily from 08.30 to 5.30pm, adverse weather can affect the opening times of traders so do check in advance to avoid disappointment.
You can find more information HERE.
14. Maidstone Museum, Chillington Manor
The main museum is free to enter, charges may apply to exhibitions.
In this award winning museum you can learn everything from local history to dinosaurs. It is also home to a vast collection of fine art and historical artefacts.
Renowned for possessing one of the largest collections in Kent, the museum takes pride in being one of the best museums in the South East.
There are collections dedicated to archaeology, ancient Egypt and Japanese arts and prints to name a few. For more information and to plan your day out, you can visit HERE.
15. Shorne Woods Country Park, Gravesend
There is lots to ensure you have a fun filled day out in the fresh air at Shorne Woods. Set on 292 acres of beautiful woodlands, wetlands and meadow there is plenty to explore and lots of room for the kids to run around.
There is an eco-friendly visitor centre and restaurant, fishing lakes, trim trail and picnic play areas, the only other thing you need is the sunshine.
16. The Old Kent Market, Margate
Free to enter and just a stones throw away from Turner Gallery, on the site of the old Parade Cinema, you will find a range of different stalls to browse around selling food, crafts, and much more.
There is a range of pop up stalls throughout the year at this fabulous community hub. You can check the Facebook page for more details of what is going on and when HERE
17. Dreamland, Margate
The park is open from Sunday May 29 and entry is now free, you just pay to ride.
Popular attractions such as The Scenic Railway and Big Wheel will be reopening as well as the Waltzer, Scrambler Twist, Gallopers and The Ghost Train and many more.
Tickets cannot be bought online and it is advised that only card or contactless payments will be taken for the rides. You can check for updates on the website HERE.
Sign up to get the latest stories from Kent direct into your inbox here | https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/17-completely-free-things-see-6915045 | 2022-04-09T06:16:04Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/17-completely-free-things-see-6915045 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
There are quite a few reasons a Wetherspoon pub will always be the go-to pub for many. Whether it's the cheap food and drink on offer or just the ideal location in the heart of town centres, people absolutely love the chain.
Some are ranked better than others though, and TripAdvisor reviewers have deemed The Muggleton Inn in Maidstone as one of the worst in the county. I visited back in February and didn't think it was too bad at all.
Many of us know 'Spoons' pubs as a place to go at the start of a night out in any Kent town centre - but what is the experience like at the start of the week, during the morning?
READ MORE: Canterbury pub owner's expert response to disgruntled Google reviewer
I headed back to The Muggleton Inn on Monday (April 4) to spend some time with the morning drinkers and to see exactly what the atmosphere was like. It did not go how I expected.
Arrival
Parked up in the town centre, I braved the cold wind and rain and trundled over to The Muggleton Inn. It was quite the contrast to the Monday morning I experienced a fortnight ago - an omen perhaps? The blue skies and warm sun were now merely just a distant memory.
A wet and miserable Monday morning - surely the pub will brighten the mood? En route to the boozer I passed many people battling with their umbrellas as the gusts jostled to take control.
I pulled down my hood and saw The Muggleton Inn in all its town-centre glory. Except this time it was darker and I feared the gloomy weather would be reflected inside the pub.
At first it was a relief to be sheltered from the blustery conditions outside. Then I noticed something completely unexpected - it was noisy and most of the tables on the lower floor were occupied.
Atmosphere
I suppose we have now hit the Easter holidays and maybe I should have expected it to be rather busy. But it was a totally different story to when I came here back in February, and there was a very mellow mood inside.
Mellow, but not miserable like the weather outside. In fact it was actually rather uplifting and joyous. Friends were getting together for a cup of tea, couples were tucking into a fry-up and people were just enjoying getting away from the rain.
I peeled away to my right and picked table 24, which was positioned in the far corner by the bar. A man was sat in front of me completing his word search, while a woman sat to my left flicking through the Wetherspoon News magazine supplied to every table.
One of the best bits about Wetherspoon pubs, aside from the cheap prices, is the app you can get on your phone. From there, you can scroll down the menu and place your order directly to your table - a scheme which many pubs and restaurants took on during COVID.
Considering the chilly weather, I went for a hot chocolate in the hope of warming me up, which it duly did. Despite the downpour going on outside, I found nothing but a warm and enjoyable atmosphere inside The Muggleton Inn which most definitely brightened up my day.
Sign up to get the latest stories from Kent direct into your inbox here | https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/reviews/spent-hour-morning-drinkers-wetherspoons-6902813 | 2022-04-09T06:16:14Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/reviews/spent-hour-morning-drinkers-wetherspoons-6902813 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Kansas football is entering its final stage of spring practices this week in preparation to host the 2022 Spring Preview this Saturday.
Coach Lance Leipold and his staff are finalizing their first full spring season with the Jayhawks, as Kansas hired Leipold before last year’s spring football game.
There seems to be a lot of excitement surrounding this year’s group, with many returning stars and faces, along with new ones, on both sides of the ball. However, there is still progress that needs to be made.
Defensive backs coach Jordan Peterson believes the players under his watch have a lot of potential.
“We just have to be more consistent from a mental standpoint. Have to play better technique-wise and on pad level,” Peterson said to the media Thursday morning.
With the new faces the Jayhawks have brought in, they have all made significant contributions and have helped make the team better day-by-day in practice. Redshirt junior defensive back Jalon Gervin, a transfer player from Michigan State, has already proven to be a strong addition to Kansas’ defensive squad.
“He's been around for a while, competed at a high level before, and he's started a lot of games,” Peterson said of Gervin. “From a body-type standpoint he's really good, very mature, and brings another element to push those young guys with a lot of potential.”
Building team chemistry is something this year’s team is focused on, which could be the key to success in 2022. Leipold and his staff are continuing to work on getting everybody to buy into the process and culture Kansas football wants to build.
Redshirt sophomore running back Ky Thomas from Minnesota said he’s felt that sense of team chemistry from his teammates while playing at Kansas.
“I feel like our room is getting tighter and closer together,” Thomas said. “Everybody is able to feed off of everybody. We're only getting closer together. Definitely a tight group.”
Redshirt junior defensive back Craig Young said he was interested in what Kansas’ coaches and current players told him about their mentality before transferring to Kansas from Ohio State this offseason.
“The coaching staff stayed together at Buffalo, and they're still together here,” Young said. “They were telling me what I needed to hear, and not what I wanted to hear. Kenny Logan Jr. helped put a good word into my ear and made me buy in, and ever since then I was bought into the program, the culture and everything.”
Saturday marks the first opportunity for the program to showcase what Kansas football fans can expect from the team in 2022. The preview starts at 1 p.m. at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. | https://www.kansan.com/sports/kansas-football-puts-in-final-preparations-for-2022-spring-preview/article_531439de-b79e-11ec-a903-8f3635e75138.html | 2022-04-09T06:28:56Z | kansan.com | control | https://www.kansan.com/sports/kansas-football-puts-in-final-preparations-for-2022-spring-preview/article_531439de-b79e-11ec-a903-8f3635e75138.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Middle school students in Tennessee may soon have an option for black history and culture classes in school.
House Bill 2106, sponsored by Rep. Yusuf Hakeem (D-Chattanooga) would add a class about the impact black people have had on international history to the school's curriculum.
"There was an underlying factor of whether this would be used to, in a sense of speaking, bash people," said Hakeem. "What we intended to do was to put forward the positive impacts African Americans have had, not only in the state but in the nation and the world."
The bill passed the state house unanimously this week. Hakeem said he's been trying to get it passed for two years, but it's faced some hurdles.
His colleagues had expressed concerns that the bill resembled so-called critical race theory, the controversial teaching that racism has shaped American policy. The misconceptions about the bill slowed its progress.
"Critical Race Theory, first of all, it's not being taught in Tennessee schools K-12," said Hakeem. "And, as a result of that, it's being used to diminish this kind of effort."
But the bill passed with near unanimous support from both parties. Hakeem said lawmakers came to understand his stance that the class would broaden students' understanding of multiple races and cultures.
"It's just the start to people working together," Hakeem said. "Sitting down, talking, finding that medium ground."
The bill is scheduled to be heard in the senate next week. It will have to pass there and be signed by Governor Bill Lee before it becomes law. | https://www.local3news.com/bill-creating-black-history-and-culture-classes-passes-tn-house-nearly-unanimously/article_c04fc42a-b7ab-11ec-a558-472649be29b6.html | 2022-04-09T06:33:11Z | local3news.com | control | https://www.local3news.com/bill-creating-black-history-and-culture-classes-passes-tn-house-nearly-unanimously/article_c04fc42a-b7ab-11ec-a558-472649be29b6.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
What started out as an idea on a whim, turned into friendship across the Atlantic Ocean.
In January 2020, Victoria Kay and her boyfriend, Graeme, were visiting St. Simons Island in Georgia from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Kay told CNN she has been painting her entire life, and decided to paint a scene from one of her favorites, a maritime forest, in watercolor.
She happened to have a bottle with her and decided at the last minute to roll up the painting, place it inside the bottle, tape it up and toss it off the pier into the ocean.
"I had no idea it would ever take off to France," Kay recounted, "It was just on a whim, I've never done this before."
She added a message on the back wishing the finder a happy new year, and Graeme suggested she put her email on the note as well, as a way for someone to contact her if the bottle was found.
Little did Kay know more than two years later, the bottle would end up on the coast of Brittany in France, more than 4,000 miles away.
Kay said she completely forgot about the bottle until an email arrived in her inbox on March 13, 2022, from Martine Bosc.
"This morning while walking my dog near the beach, I found your bottle with the message of January 5, 2020." The email read, "I discovered your message and your painting. And I was delighted to read it."
Neither Kay nor Bosc could believe the bottle survived in the water for more than two years.
Kay was worried when she threw it off the pier in St. Simons, it would hit the capsized ship sitting in the water nearby. And throughout the bottle's journey, she thought it might have become stuck in the sand somewhere or broke along the way.
She also noted how amazing it was she and Bosc were able to connect.
"During the whole pandemic while this bottle was floating through the ocean, neither I nor she succumbed to the illness." Kay said.
The experience is one Kay ties to some life advice her soon-to-be 90-year-old father gave her.
"He always said, 'If you want good things to happen in your life, you have to throw out good boomerangs,' " Kay said. And she believes the bottle was one of the "good boomerangs" she threw out.
Throughout the past few weeks, the two have kept in contact over email. Bosc writes to her in English, and they have gotten to know each other.
As the friendship has formed, the two have even invited each other to their homes and hope to meet soon.
"I've never been to France, so I think I need to get a ticket." Kay said.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/a-message-in-a-bottle-started-its-journey-in-georgia-after-two-years-and-more/article_d536a197-7f06-5b1c-bb24-32676e07985f.html | 2022-04-09T06:33:23Z | local3news.com | control | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/a-message-in-a-bottle-started-its-journey-in-georgia-after-two-years-and-more/article_d536a197-7f06-5b1c-bb24-32676e07985f.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103), cast off USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN) mooring lines, April 8, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and strike group integration as part of the ship’s tailored basic phase prior to operational deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex Timewell)
This work, sea and anchor [Image 5 of 5], by PO3 Alexander Timewell, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7134753/sea-and-anchor | 2022-04-09T06:46:18Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7134753/sea-and-anchor | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Seaman Bovensky Alix, left, from Maplewood, New Jersey, and Boatswain's Mate Seaman Tarin Adams, from Newberg, Oregon, both assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) deck department, pull a mooring line on Ford’s fantail, April 8, 2022.Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and strike group integration as part of the ship’s tailored basic phase prior to operational deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Seaman Apprentice Rajah Lee Thornton)
This work, Sea and anchoring [Image 5 of 5], must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7134756/sea-and-anchoring | 2022-04-09T06:46:36Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7134756/sea-and-anchoring | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
First gear, second gear, third, BANG!
“My tuner did me dirty,” Adam said, describing the explosion that preceded the very last time his Impreza would be motivated by a Subaru boxer powerplant. The car had already swallowed up four engines – its factory 2.5L, a JDM STI Version 7 EJ207 and two Version 9s. For a street car that’s an awful lot of motors to send to the scrap heap. Enough was enough. “I could do another Subaru motor for upwards of 20 grand or…”
Bank account well and truly ravaged, when Adam considered a new engine, Chevrolet’s LS V8 topped the shortlist. That makes sense, because with LS motors you know exactly what you’re going to get. Adam wanted at least 400 wheel horsepower, and in the LS engine world 400whp is a very moderate ask.
What LS motors lack in creativity they make up for in reliability and simplicity. They’re a journeyman motor that will run on piss and vinegar – or at least standard octane fuel and halfway-decent spark plugs. As a swap candidate, the rub is that they’ve gone from impressive to almost expected in many cases.
The funeral for Subaru engine #4 took place just as the opportunity arose for Adam to start his own mechanical workshop. The shop needed a calling card, and with the right engine his Impreza could be just that.
Throw a stone at any local car event and you’re likely to hit someone capable of doing an LS swap on most platforms. I should know, I’m one of the people who would be hit by said rock. Again, no disrespect to those doing LS swaps; they just don’t ring off as uniquely as they used to. Toyota 2JZs on the other hand, while also becoming common, still do hold a level of mystique around them.
All told, the 2JZ-powered Subaru took about three years to become roadworthy. Work was split between Adam and two friends, but when the dust settled on engine #5 only two of the three relationships survived the ordeal.
Life tip: If you find it necessary to drill and tap the engine block of a freshly-swapped 2JZ, do mind the metal shavings. Also worth noting: If you try to evict said shavings with a can of brake cleaner, don’t let the straw fall inside the hole you just drilled. Above all else, if all of the above does happen at least own up to your mistakes. Because even the best ‘it wasn’t me‘ isn’t enough to save a friendship after the motor self-destructs on the dyno.
Engine #6 is a Titan Motorsports-built 2JZ-GTE with HKS 272-degree cams. As with most 2JZ swaps, the factory twin turbos have been swapped for a considerable-sized single, in this case a 72mm BorgWarner. Factory Subaru fueling has been replaced with a trunk-mounted aluminum fuel cell and an aftermarket pump. In the engine bay, a Radium fuel rail is fitted with high-flow injectors.
Backed by a Toyota V160 6-speed transmission, the engine – sans straws – put down 655whp, well eclipsing Adam’s original 400whp goal. This engine is also in good tuning hands thanks to BrenTuning and Turbo Mike.
The power hits the ground via a Ford 8.8-inch IRS rear end, a unit as close as you can get to a modern-day Ford 9-inch. They’re incredibly stout and easily accessed.
One rather significant drawback to Ford rear ends is the Ford 5×4.5-inch bolt pattern. Not in any hurry to buy two sets of Work Meister S1 wheels, Adam embarked on a rather complex journey of making both the front and the rear of the car share the same bolt circle. If you consider the hub the center line, the inside of the axle of the car consists of Ford parts and the outside consists of Subaru parts. Mating the two worlds together took a careful mix of parts from both OEM catalogues and The Driveshaft Shop. The considerable effort proved to be worth it as not only does the bolt pattern match, it’s proven to be extremely dependable throughout all of Adam’s sanctioned and ‘responsibly supervised’ road testing.
The factory RS brakes have been replaced with STI units, and for safety during all testing exercises a line lock has also been installed.
Considering what is under the hood, the exterior of the Subaru remains rather simple. Adam does have a Varis kit for the car but he’s decided not to fit it for now. Taking the Impreza off the road for a body revision is decidedly less fun than driving it. The car is also reasonably clean throughout, so adding an elaborate kit is perhaps unnecessary.
Personally, I enjoy the restrained exterior. It suits the interior which is strictly business.
The 2JZ engine is nowhere near the size and shape of a boxer, and Adam says the process of fitting the motor and transmission into the car was “cut and go”. Most of the factory floor no longer exists; it’s been replaced with custom bead-rolled panels from firewall to rear footwell. This style of floor is more commonly seen in drag cars, so isn’t entirely out of place here.
“Originally, the car was going to be more drag-oriented,” Adam described before admitting “it’s a bit of a weird mix of street and drag currently”. It’s still got a bit of a way to go before it’s ready for quarter-mile passes, but the bones are there should that become a goal again.
‘Bones’ in this case start with custom front and rear subframes that were a necessity to make the swap work. The unibody was reinforced before a cage was then added to further increase rigidity. Finally, the core support has been replaced with an InkFab-built tube front end.
Make no mistake, this car is not for the faint of heart. Yes, it lacks refinement in several areas, but when the boost kicks in you’d better hold on to something.
Since his introduction to backroads at an early age via Toyota MR2s, Adam has always prioritized a fun-to-drive car above all else. I don’t think there’s any way to describe an Impreza RS with a 600+ horsepower 2JZ under the hood as anything but a damn good time.
Dave Thomas
Instagram: stanceiseverythingcom
Photos by Keiron Berndt
Instagram: keiron_berndt | http://www.speedhunters.com/2022/04/a-2jz-swapped-subaru-impreza-rs/ | 2022-04-09T06:48:34Z | speedhunters.com | control | http://www.speedhunters.com/2022/04/a-2jz-swapped-subaru-impreza-rs/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Telkom, Airtel eye revenue jump from Safaricom mobile money
BUSINESS
By Frankline Sunday
| Apr 9th 2022 | 3 min read
BUSINESS
Telkom Kenya and Airtel Kenya are eying an increase in revenue after the country’s leading mobile network operators launched merchant interoperability on their mobile money wallets.
The move allows customers from any mobile money network to make payments to any of Safaricom’s Lipa Na M-Pesa Till numbers, but excludes Pay Bill transactions.
“As of today, from any of the three wallets, you can make payments to any merchants and service providers who have a Lipa na M-Pesa Till,” said Telkom Kenya Chief Executive Mugo Kibati.
“This means all our Telkom T-Kash customers can make payments and get services that they previously would not get directly from their T-Kash wallets.”
READ MORE
The link follows increased pressure from regulators including Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to cut the cost of mobile money transactions and remove friction between the various payment platforms.
“From M-Pesa’s perspective, it’s more on the merchant side where using the Till that they have, they can accept payments from Airtel or Telkom which is very convenient and efficient as they do not need to have numerous Till numbers,” said M-Pesa Africa Managing Director Sitoyo Lopokoiyit.
The platform will give Airtel and Telkom customers access to 400,000 Lipa na M-Pesa tills on Safaricom’s network, potentially boosting the two telcos’ revenues from mobile payment services.
Last year, Safaricom made Sh1.7 billion in revenues from payments with the number of one-month active Lipa na M-Pesa tills growing 75 per cent year on year.
The telco’s share of the mobile payments market, however, significantly dwarfs that of its rivals.
Data from the Communications Authority of Kenya indicates that the value of customer-to-business transfers on M-Pesa stood at Sh1.3 trillion in the second quarter of 2021-22 financial year.
Majority share
Airtel and Telkom on the other hand registered Sh1.3 billion and Sh86 million respectively in similar transfers over the same period.
With 30 million monthly active users, Safaricom is likely to enjoy a comfortable majority share of commissions earned from Lipa na M-Pesa. In contrast, Airtel Money and T-Kash reported 277,143 thousand and 249,754 active users as at July 2021.
The three mobile network operators, however, did not reveal the revenue sharing structure under the new platform or when M-Pesa’s Pay Bill function and agent network will be opened up.
“That’s a conversation we’ve together and how we do that (revenue share) is between ourselves, but from a customer perspective the experience is the same,” Mr Lopokoiyit said.
“The import of interoperability is not so much the specific revenues we get, we are keen not to burden the consumer any more than they are burdened today and that’s a principle we’ve adopted with the CBK,” said Mr Kibati.
CBK welcomed the launch of interoperability by the three telcos as an important step in the evolution of Kenya’s payment services.
“The lack of full interoperability has increased the complexity, time and costs associated with making payments,” said the regulator in a statement.
“Without merchant interoperability of mobile money services, customers were forced to use alternative payment methods, including making transfers across networks, when making payments to merchants that are on different networks.”
Subsequent phases of interoperability will be extended to pay bills and agent networks, the statement said.
“The overall aim is to provide customers with a seamless, secure and affordable means to send and receive money in any network,” CBK said.
“CBK will continue to guide and facilitate the efforts to achieve full-scale interoperability across the payments ecosystem.”
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BUSINESS | https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/business/article/2001442705/telkom-airtel-eye-revenue-jump-from-safaricom-mobile-money | 2022-04-09T06:57:23Z | afar.com | control | https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/business/article/2001442705/telkom-airtel-eye-revenue-jump-from-safaricom-mobile-money | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Wash. -
As wildfire season creeps closer, here are some tips for keeping you and your family safe.
Remove any dry brush around your home. This way, if there is a fire nearby, it is less likely the fire will spread to your place.
Be sure to have an evacuation plan in place. Have extra food and water ready in case of an emergency. Teach your children how to respond in crisis.
Download the Code Red app for constant updates from the Benton County Emergency Management about area happenings. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/safety-tips-for-wildfire-season/article_50dd4bd6-b7b9-11ec-8411-4b287af820b3.html | 2022-04-09T07:01:37Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/safety-tips-for-wildfire-season/article_50dd4bd6-b7b9-11ec-8411-4b287af820b3.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. -
Recently, several people in Kittitas County have reported scam calls claiming they are missing a court date.
The callers are reportedly using the names of real deputies while asking people to pay a fine.
County leaders want to ensure you do not pay scammers any money.
If you are concerned you really have missed a court date, you can call the courts or the Kittitas County Prosecutor's at 509-962-7520. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/scam-calls-reported-in-kittitas-county-claiming-missed-court-dates/article_12c9bc5e-b7bd-11ec-a9ba-d73de8f48155.html | 2022-04-09T07:01:43Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/scam-calls-reported-in-kittitas-county-claiming-missed-court-dates/article_12c9bc5e-b7bd-11ec-a9ba-d73de8f48155.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
PASCO, Wash. -
Three students from Mark Twain Elementary School won free bikes from the Pasco Police Department.
Students read for 20 minutes each night through Pizza Hut's Book It reading program. Students' names were entered for the chance to win the bikes.
Three participating students' names were chosen.
This was made possible by the U-A Local Union 598 Plumbers and Steamfitters, Randy Walli and PPD. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/three-mark-twain-elementary-students-win-free-bikes-from-pasco-police/article_9190a8bc-b7be-11ec-9b20-034242c6ccd5.html | 2022-04-09T07:01:49Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/three-mark-twain-elementary-students-win-free-bikes-from-pasco-police/article_9190a8bc-b7be-11ec-9b20-034242c6ccd5.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Magnolia Soap Box Derby comes back to Macon
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Magnolia Soap Box Derby is back in Macon this weekend with feats of speed, science and creativity.
This year the derby includes 10 high school teams and 25 adult teams. The soap box car races start at 10:00 a.m. on Magnolia Street at Washington Park in Macon.
There will also be dance teams, a DJ, and food and drink vendors joining in on the fun. There’s also going to be a big wheel race for kids ages 4-9 years old. | https://www.41nbc.com/magnolia-soap-box-derby-comes-back-to-macon/ | 2022-04-09T07:11:04Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/magnolia-soap-box-derby-comes-back-to-macon/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Magnolia Soap Box Derby comes back to Macon
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Magnolia Soap Box Derby is back in Macon this weekend with feats of speed, science and creativity.
This year the derby includes 10 high school teams and 25 adult teams. The soap box car races start at 10:00 a.m. on Magnolia Street at Washington Park in Macon.
There will also be dance teams, a DJ, and food and drink vendors joining in on the fun. There’s also going to be a big wheel race for kids ages 4-9 years old. | https://www.41nbc.com/magnolia-soap-box-derby-comes-back-to-macon/ | 2022-04-09T07:11:04Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/magnolia-soap-box-derby-comes-back-to-macon/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Man leads deputies on pursuit through Crisp, Dooly counties
After searching Howard's vehicle, deputies found small bags of suspected Fentanyl pills with a street value of approximately $300,000.
VIENNA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Florida man is in custody after leading law enforcement on a high speed chase Friday afternoon.
The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy attempted to check on a black Dodge Challenger stopped on the dirt portion of Rockhouse Road, but the car sped off onto I-75. The car then got off the interstate at exit 99 and began traveling east on Highway 300.
The driver, identified as 32-year-old David Howard Jr., began speeding into oncoming traffic down multiple roads within the city limits and throughout Crisp County. The Sheriff’s Office says Howard also attempted to hit deputies head-on.
As the pursuit crossed into Dooly County, a Crisp County deputy deployed stop sticks on Highway 41 South near Lewis Mill Road in Dooly County. After hitting the stop sticks, Howard’s car hit two others and before coming to a stop.
Howard and one victim were taken to Crisp Regional Hospital. Both are in stable condition.
After searching Howard’s vehicle, deputies found small bags of suspected Fentanyl pills with a street value of approximately $300,000. Howard was also in possession of a large amount of cash.
Howard is charged with Aggravated Assault upon a Peace Officer, Trafficking in Schedule II Narcotics, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, and numerous traffic violations.
Additional charges are pending. | https://www.41nbc.com/man-leads-deputies-on-pursuit-through-crisp-dooly-counties/ | 2022-04-09T07:11:10Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/man-leads-deputies-on-pursuit-through-crisp-dooly-counties/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Man leads deputies on pursuit through Crisp, Dooly counties
After searching Howard's vehicle, deputies found small bags of suspected Fentanyl pills with a street value of approximately $300,000.
VIENNA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Florida man is in custody after leading law enforcement on a high speed chase Friday afternoon.
The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy attempted to check on a black Dodge Challenger stopped on the dirt portion of Rockhouse Road, but the car sped off onto I-75. The car then got off the interstate at exit 99 and began traveling east on Highway 300.
The driver, identified as 32-year-old David Howard Jr., began speeding into oncoming traffic down multiple roads within the city limits and throughout Crisp County. The Sheriff’s Office says Howard also attempted to hit deputies head-on.
As the pursuit crossed into Dooly County, a Crisp County deputy deployed stop sticks on Highway 41 South near Lewis Mill Road in Dooly County. After hitting the stop sticks, Howard’s car hit two others and before coming to a stop.
Howard and one victim were taken to Crisp Regional Hospital. Both are in stable condition.
After searching Howard’s vehicle, deputies found small bags of suspected Fentanyl pills with a street value of approximately $300,000. Howard was also in possession of a large amount of cash.
Howard is charged with Aggravated Assault upon a Peace Officer, Trafficking in Schedule II Narcotics, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, and numerous traffic violations.
Additional charges are pending. | https://www.41nbc.com/man-leads-deputies-on-pursuit-through-crisp-dooly-counties/ | 2022-04-09T07:11:10Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/man-leads-deputies-on-pursuit-through-crisp-dooly-counties/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Two three-run home runs lead Mercer to a victory over The Citadel
Mercer baseball team beats The Citadel 8-2.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Mercer baseball team opened Southern Conference play with a three-game weekend series hosting The Citadel.
Tonight, the Bears began scoring in the second inning. With two outs, Antonio Brown got on base with a bunt for a hit. Following him, Trevor Austin singled to right field, moving Brown to third. Then stepped up William Mapes, who nailed a no-doubt three-run home run to left field to take a 3-0 lead.
The Citadel would answer by scoring a run in the third and another run in the fourth inning.
Then in the bottom of the fourth, the Bears scored on a wild pitch to first base. With two guys on, Colby Thomas hits the Bears’ second three-run home run of the day to left field to take a 7-2 lead.
The home runs didn’t stop there as Bill Knight hit a solo home run in the seventh inning, and Mercer went on to win 8-2.
Josh Harlow gets the W as he pitched seven innings, allowing only five hits, two runs and striking out nine.
Mercer and The Citadel are back in action tomorrow at two p-m. | https://www.41nbc.com/two-three-run-home-runs-lead-mercer-to-a-victory-over-the-citadel/ | 2022-04-09T07:11:16Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/two-three-run-home-runs-lead-mercer-to-a-victory-over-the-citadel/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Two three-run home runs lead Mercer to a victory over The Citadel
Mercer baseball team beats The Citadel 8-2.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Mercer baseball team opened Southern Conference play with a three-game weekend series hosting The Citadel.
Tonight, the Bears began scoring in the second inning. With two outs, Antonio Brown got on base with a bunt for a hit. Following him, Trevor Austin singled to right field, moving Brown to third. Then stepped up William Mapes, who nailed a no-doubt three-run home run to left field to take a 3-0 lead.
The Citadel would answer by scoring a run in the third and another run in the fourth inning.
Then in the bottom of the fourth, the Bears scored on a wild pitch to first base. With two guys on, Colby Thomas hits the Bears’ second three-run home run of the day to left field to take a 7-2 lead.
The home runs didn’t stop there as Bill Knight hit a solo home run in the seventh inning, and Mercer went on to win 8-2.
Josh Harlow gets the W as he pitched seven innings, allowing only five hits, two runs and striking out nine.
Mercer and The Citadel are back in action tomorrow at two p-m. | https://www.41nbc.com/two-three-run-home-runs-lead-mercer-to-a-victory-over-the-citadel/ | 2022-04-09T07:11:16Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/two-three-run-home-runs-lead-mercer-to-a-victory-over-the-citadel/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he wants a tough global response to Russia after its forces fired a missile at a crowded train station, killing at least 52 people.
Zelenskyy's voice rose in anger during his nightly address late Friday, when he said the strike on the Kramatorsk train station, where 4,000 people were trying to flee a looming Russian offensive in the east, amounted to another war crime.
Dozens of people were severely injured in the strike, and the dead included children.
Photos taken after the attack showed corpses covered with tarpaulins, and the remnants of a rocket painted with the words “For the children" in Russian. The Russian phrasing seemed to suggest the missile was sent to avenge the loss or subjugation of children, although its exact meaning remained unclear.
The strike seemed to shock world leaders.
“There are almost no words for it,” European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters during a visit to Ukraine. “The cynical behavior (by Russia) has almost no benchmark anymore.”
The attack came as workers elsewhere in the country unearthed bodies from a mass grave in Bucha, a town near Kyiv, where graphic evidence of dozens of killings emerged following the withdrawal of Russian forces.
“Like the massacres in Bucha, like many other Russian war crimes, the missile attack on Kramatorsk should be one of the charges at the tribunal that must be held,” Zelenskyy said.
After failing to take Kyiv in the face of stiff resistance, Russian forces have now set their sights on the eastern Donbas region, the mostly Russian-speaking, industrial area where Moscow-backed rebels have been fighting Ukrainian forces for eight years and control some places.
Although the train station is in Ukrainian government-controlled territory in the Donbas, Russia accused Ukraine of carrying out the attack. So did the region’s Moscow-backed separatists, who work closely with Russian troops.
Western experts, however, dismissed Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov's assertion that Russian forces “do not use” that type of missile. A Western official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence, said Russia’s forces have used the missile — and that given the strike’s location and impact, it was likely Russia’s.
Justin Bronk, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London, added that only Russia would have reason to target railway infrastructure in the Donbas, as it is critical for the Ukrainian military's efforts to reinforce its units.
Bronk pointed to other occasions when Russian authorities have tried to deflect blame by claiming their forces no longer use an older weapon “to kind of muddy the waters and try and create doubt.” He suggested Russia specifically chose the missile type because Ukraine also possesses them.
British Defense Minister Ben Wallace denounced the attack as a war crime, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it “completely unacceptable.”
Ukrainian authorities and Western officials have repeatedly accused Russian forces of atrocities in the war that began with a Feb. 24 invasion. More than 4 million Ukrainians have fled the country, and millions more have been displaced. Some of the grisliest evidence has been found in towns around Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, from which Russian President Vladimir Putin's troops pulled back in recent days.
In Bucha, Mayor Anatoliy Fedoruk has said investigators found at least three sites of mass shootings of civilians and were still finding bodies in yards, parks and city squares — 90% of whom were shot.
Russia has falsely claimed that the scenes in Bucha were staged.
On Friday, workers pulled corpses from a mass grave near a church under spitting rain, lining up black body bags in rows in the mud. About 67 people were buried there, according to a statement from Prosecutor-General Iryna Venediktova's office.
Zelenskyy cited communications intercepted by the Ukrainian security service as evidence of Russian war crimes, in an excerpted interview with CBS' “60 Minutes” that aired Friday.
“There are (Russian) soldiers talking with their parents about what they stole and who they abducted. There are recordings of (Russian) prisoners of war who admitted to killing people,” he said. “There are pilots in prison who had maps with civilian targets to bomb. There are also investigations being conducted based on the remains of the dead.”
Zelenskyy's comments echo reporting from German news magazine Der Spiegel saying Germany's foreign intelligence agency had intercepted Russian military radio traffic in which soldiers may have discussed civilian killings in Bucha. The weekly also reported that the recordings indicated the Russian mercenary Wagner Group was involved in atrocities there.
German government officials would not confirm or deny the report, but two former German ministers filed a war crimes complaint Thursday. Russia has denied that its military was involved in war crimes.
Elsewhere, in anticipation of intensified attacks by Russian forces, hundreds of Ukrainians fled villages that were either under fire or occupied in the southern regions of Mykolaiv and Kherson.
Ukrainian officials have almost daily pleaded with Western powers to send more arms, and to further punish Russia with sanctions, exclusion of Russian banks from the global financial system and a total EU embargo on Russian gas and oil.
NATO nations agreed Thursday to increase their supply of weapons, and Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger announced on a trip to Ukraine on Friday that his country has donated its Soviet-era S-300 air defense system to Ukraine. Zelenskyy had appealed for S-300s to help the country “close the skies” to Russian warplanes and missiles.
A senior U.S. defense official said Friday that the Pentagon believes some of Russia's retreating units were so badly damaged they are “for all intents and purposes eradicated.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal military assessments.
The official said the U.S. believes Russia has lost between 15% and 20% of its combat power overall since the war began. While some combat units are withdrawing to be resupplied in Russia, Moscow has added thousands of troops around Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, he said.
In Kharkiv, Lidiya Mezhiritska stood in the wreckage of her home after overnight missile strikes turned it to rubble.
“The ‘Russian world,’ they say,” she said, wryly invoking Putin’s nationalist justification for invading Ukraine. “People, children, old people, women are dying. I don’t have a machine gun. I would definitely go (fight), regardless of age.”
___
Anna reported from Bucha, Ukraine. Robert Burns in Washington, Jill Lawless and Danica Kirka in London and Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report. | https://www.krem.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/russia-ukraine-war-saturday/507-0de54067-0efa-4b01-bf32-cc7232e302f1 | 2022-04-09T07:31:59Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/russia-ukraine-war-saturday/507-0de54067-0efa-4b01-bf32-cc7232e302f1 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Five years after they last qualified for the postseason, the Rangers will be back among the teams looking to hoist the Stanley Cup.
It might happen as soon as Saturday night at the Garden if the Rangers can knock off the visiting Senators. If not Saturday, coach Gerard Gallant’s surprising team inevitably will punch its ticket back into the 16-team tournament.
“Every year when you play you aim for the playoffs, you aim to win. Definitely a better feeling than it has been,” said alternate captain Mika Zibanejad, one of the longest-tenured Rangers. “It’s been worth the wait and it’s been fun to be here even though there’s been a couple of tough years or however you want to call them. It’s a fun thing to be part of the solution, and just to be here now, it’s obviously a better feeling.”
Much has changed since the last time the Rangers were in this position. Much has had to go right this season for it to happen, from the development of key young players to the good fortune in the draft lottery to the gutsy moves to install Chris Drury as general manager and Gallant behind the bench. It has led to this point, with a tough-minded yet still-young group that has far surpassed the low expectations with which it entered the season.
“I read lots of things where we would be back in October and we’re not there,” Gallant said with a wry smile. “We’ve had a good start, we’ve had a good first 72 games. I’m happy where we’re at, but you can never be satisfied because things change in a minute.”
On Friday, Gallant made sure to credit those who came before him, and point out that he felt this team’s arrow was pointing upward before his arrival. Drury’s predecessors, Jeff Gorton and John Davidson, rebuilt an aging roster. They brought in, among others, Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, Kaapo Kakko, Alexis Lafreniere, Artemi Panarin, Ryan Lindgren and Ryan Strome. Last year’s team, coached by David Quinn, only missed the playoffs by four points.
Drury clearly found the right coach in the 58-year-old Gallant, and he has made significant moves to bolster this group, adding significant depth up front and on the blue line at the trade deadline.
“When I got to this team, I knew there [were] a few little holes to take care of, but they were on their way up. Years before that, they had some good young players, and they had to take another step, and that’s what we talked about [before the season],” Gallant said. “They were on their way up, and they took another step again this year, just like they’re probably going to do again next year. They’re young kids, we’re still a young team. They took a step and it’s going in the right direction.”
There aren’t any big celebrations planned. Gallant laughed when he was asked if he would pop any champagne when that elusive playoff spot is clinched. He isn’t going to coach the next 10 games any differently than he has the first 72, and his players aren’t going to play any differently, either. First place remains attainable. The Rangers trailed the Hurricanes by two points entering Friday and are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. Reaching the postseason was just the first goal.
“My expectation was to make the playoffs,” Gallant said. “I’ll be happy, but I’ll celebrate at the end of June, hopefully. That’s when you want to celebrate.” | https://nypost.com/2022/04/09/rangers-on-verge-of-clinching-playoff-berth-after-five-seasons/ | 2022-04-09T07:36:36Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/04/09/rangers-on-verge-of-clinching-playoff-berth-after-five-seasons/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
WASHINGTON — Through a largely successful rookie season in 2021, Tylor Megill totaled 1,554 pitches.
None of them could match the top velocity of his 2022 debut.
In his first start of the season, the second-year Mets starter threw seven pitches faster than the hardest of his prior season. He had topped out at 97.6 mph in 2021. On Thursday, his fastball averaged 96.2 mph and buzzed 99.1 mph when he needed to reach back, blazing his way into a potentially important role on the team.
When camp opened, Megill represented rotation depth, thrown into the same just-in-case bucket as David Peterson. With Jacob deGrom out possibly until June and the back of the Mets’ rotation filled with questions — it is hard to predict what Taijuan Walker and Carlos Carrasco can give — Megill’s suddenly high-octane arm may be among the most important on a staff that includes Max Scherzer.
If last year — in which he pitched to a 4.52 ERA in 89 ²/₃ innings, a solid option who tired as the season went on — was Megill announcing himself, he used a trumpet during the Mets’ Opening Night win at Nationals Park.
“That was the best stuff that I’ve seen from him,” said James McCann, who caught Megill often last season and in Game 1. “I know he put a lot of work in this offseason, but everything — I mean everything — was good [Thursday] night.
“That’s some of the best sliders I’ve seen from him. Changeup was good. Fastball was good, location was good. I mean, it was really good.”
Everything looked different from Megill, even beyond the velocity. His slider had more bite: Washington batters swung at eight and whiffed five times. He showed a renewed confidence in his changeup, which he used on a 2-0 count to Nelson Cruz with runners on the corners, an offering the slugger swung through.
“Put yourself in Nellie’s shoes,” manager Buck Showalter said before the Mets’ 7-3 win over the Nationals. “This young man just threw me a 2-0 changeup. Now what am I looking for?”
The Mets are looking for a starter to step up into a rotation that could not make it to Opening Day before issues struck, and they might have found one.
Megill was best in his biggest moments. Prior to the Cruz at-bat in the third inning, he wanted to pitch to, and not around, Juan Soto with two runners on. In a 2-2 count, Megill reached back and hit 97.9 mph, throwing it past perhaps baseball’s best hitter.
“He’s probably one of the more fun at-bats to pitch to,” said Megill, who took a moment to stare away from the field, toward the center-field wall, after getting his biggest out of the night.
Showalter said the reward for Megill will be another start, and the Mets figure to give him plenty of leash without a ton of options and with a ceiling that Megill propped up further.
The question will become whether Megill, who is not fully built up, can hold his upticks in velocity and stuff for 100 pitches, rather than the 68 he threw in shutting out the Nationals through five innings.
He might not need to, McCann said. If he has the heat in his arsenal when he needs it, that should be good enough to record important outs.
“I remember catching [Justin] Verlander — he’d be 92 to 94 [mph] in the first couple of innings,” McCann, a former Tiger, told The Post. “All of a sudden you’d get runners in scoring position, he’d pop in 97, 98.
“So I think it is sustainable in the sense that he doesn’t need to pitch at 98 every single pitch. But you can use what you need to use when you need to. … I think that as [Megill] matures, he’ll understand the difference between blowing it out early and not having anything late to using it when you need it.”
Megill, 26, who came out of nowhere to pitch significant innings for the Mets last season, again has returned to the team as a different pitcher.
If the stuff persists, this new pitcher could be a key, under-the-radar addition after an offseason of big Mets splashes. | https://nypost.com/2022/04/09/tylor-megill-shows-greater-velocity-in-mets-opening-night-win/ | 2022-04-09T07:36:54Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/04/09/tylor-megill-shows-greater-velocity-in-mets-opening-night-win/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
LAKELAND, Fla. — Cheered by many fans who came just to see her make history, Rachel Balkovec debuted with a win Friday night as the first woman to manage the affiliate of a Major League Baseball team.
Balkovec guided the New York Yankees’ Class A Tampa Tarpons over Lakeland 9-6.
“I’ve never heard my name chanted like that,” she said. “It was so much fun. Again, I just see, it’s like I see me sitting in the stands, whatever 15, 20 years ago, and so it’s just really cool.”
In the postgame high-five line, Balkovec hugged each of her players and was given the ball from the final out. She provided some mementoes, too — her jersey and hat were headed to the baseball Hall of Fame.
Before the game, the 34-year-old Balkovec signed some autographs, drew a nice ovation when she was introduced and posed for a picture at home plate.
Then it was time to get to work. She had a game to run.
A lot of those in the crowd, however, felt the moment called for even more recognition.
So as she ran from the dugout to coach first base before the top of the second inning, a chant broke out at Joker Marchant Stadium.
“Let’s go, Rachel!”
It came from a group of girls as the Tarpons played the Flying Tigers in the Florida State League.
The Detroit Tigers Foundation — the Lakeland club is an affiliate — donated tickets to female athletes in the Polk County Schools, and 1,200 were distributed.
“They’re here in this moment and maybe they don’t even fully understand it right now, but I think obviously in the future when they get into their professional careers and maybe hit some brick walls that they’ll reflect on this moment,” Balkovec said.
“Strangely, it’s like I’ve always had a very strong vision, not specifically this maybe, but I’ve always had a strong vision for my life and understood I could make a really huge impact no matter area I’m in,” she said. “I felt that from a very young age.”
Tampa broke a 4-all tie in the seventh inning on a grand slam by Anthony Garcia. The last of Balkovec’s five pitchers for the night closed out the win.
The night ended with a scheduled fireworks show, and Balkovec signed autographs for around 20 minutes afterwards for all the remaining fans who wanted one.
“100%, I’ll never forget this game, never,” Yankees highly rated prospect and Tarpons center fielder Jasson Dominguez said.
Earlier in the day, Balkovec spoke at the Yankees’ complex at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa about her journey. Her parents were in attendance as she talked to reporters.
“It’s been 10 years of just working to this point,” she said. “Things have evolved. I was blatantly discriminated against back then. Some people say not to say that, but it’s just part of what has happened, and I think it’s important to say because it lets you know how much change has happened.”
“So, blatant discrimination, that was 2010-ish, and now here we are 12 years later and I’m sitting here at a press conference as a manager,” she said.
Balkovec and the Tarpons made the 40-mile bus trip and arrived at the stadium around 90 minutes before game time.
Clad in Yankees’ road gray pants and blue Tarpons jersey and hat, Balkovec signed autographs along the right-field line and next to Tampa’s third-base side dugout as planes from the nearby Sun ‘n’ Fun Aerospace Expo buzzed overhead.
She was cheered by the crowd during the on-field pregame introductions, and shook hands with umpires Chris Argueza and Conor McKenna and Flying Tigers manager Andrew Graham during a lengthy lineup card exchange and ground rules review.
After the foursome posed for a group photo, the Flying Tigers took the field and history was made.
Balkovec has broken several barriers on her way to the position. She was the first woman to serve as a full-time minor league strength and conditioning coach, then the first to be a full-time hitting coach in the minors with the Yankees.
The Yankees announced her hiring as a minor league manager in January.
Balkovec, a former softball catcher at Creighton and New Mexico, got her first job in professional baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals as a minor league strength and conditioning coach in 2012.
Balkovec joined the Houston Astros in 2016. She was hired as the Latin American strength and conditioning coordinator and later was the strength and conditioning coach at Double-A Corpus Christi.
She joined the Yankees organization as a minor league hitting coach in 2019.
Balkovec, who missed out on her spring training managerial debut after being hit in the face by a batted ball during a drill March 22, arrived 10 minutes early for Friday’s media session.
“Overall I feel really excited,” Balkovec said. “I feel excited because it’s like, thankfully, I’m in the best-case scenario to accept a role like this because I had a lot of these players last year and I already know them.”
“I’m excited for the night because of what’s going on but also just excited for the season because it’s like, these are my guys,” she said. | https://nypost.com/2022/04/09/yankees-rachel-balkovecs-history-making-day-ends-with-a-win/ | 2022-04-09T07:37:10Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/04/09/yankees-rachel-balkovecs-history-making-day-ends-with-a-win/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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Taking a vacation to the beach or lounging poolside close to home can be part of summer’s fun. But shopping for a new bathing suit is often stressful.
Finding a swimsuit that fits and complements your figure can be a challenge. Also, choosing one that looks good and doesn’t break your budget adds difficulty.
We turned to Amazon’s “Customers’ Most Loved” section to give you a head start. The online retail giant has an entire storefront with curated products with at least a four-star rating and more than 1,000 reviews.
We scoured the “Customer’s Most Loved” section for budget-friendly swimsuits with flattering fits. Following are our top ten favorites.
Fancyskin High-Waisted Ruffled Top Bathing Suit
This flattering two-piece suit is available in more than 30 colors and designs. Sizes range from small (4-6) to XXL (20-22). It has a flounce tankini top and high-waisted ruched bikini bottom, offering tummy control and coverage. It’s available on Amazon starting at $19.99.
CUPSHE V-Neck Ruffled Lace Up Monokini
With more than 18,000 ratings and an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, this one-piece is a No. 1 best-selling swimsuit on Amazon. Reviewers called it forgiving but not too “momish,” slimming and super cute.
One reviewer even said, “I think those birds or mice or whatever from Cinderella created it just for me. And you.”
It comes in more than 20 colors and sizes XS-XXL. Get this bathing suit for about $30 on Amazon.
Zando Tummy Control Swim Dress
This one-piece swim dress has a flirty mesh yoke and a slimming design. The cut of the swimsuit conceals common problem areas, and the built-in boy shorts add a level of comfort. With more than 40 colors and patterns available and sizes ranging from 2-22, there’s something for every taste. Shop this swimsuit for $18.99-$32.99 on Amazon.
Tutorutor High-Waisted Plus Size Two-Piece
This eye-catching two-piece swimsuit has a high waist, playful peplum and flattering ruffle. The push-up cups and full coverage bottom enhances curves in all the right places. You can choose between more than a dozen patterns in sizes Large-4X. Get it on Amazon for about $37.
SouqFone Ruffled Flounce Top with High Waisted Bottom
More than 25,000 Amazon shoppers love this flattering swimsuit. With an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars, it delivers the appeal of a two-piece with added, confidence-boosting coverage. This suit comes in two dozen designs and sizes S (4-6) through XXXL (22-24). Buy this swimsuit on Amazon for about $30 (a 5% coupon is currently available).
W YOU DI AN Plus Size Front Cross Backless Bathing Suit
With a ruched design, padded cups and tummy control, this swimsuit is elegant, contouring and attractive for all body shapes. You can cross the wide straps in the front or back for different looks.
“Absolutely beautiful,” wrote one reviewer.
“I LOVE THIS BATHING SUIT!” wrote another. “It fits perfect, it’s flattering, and I don’t get a wedgie when I walk.”
Get this swimsuit for about $34 on Amazon.
Tempt Me High Neck Ruched Monokini
Think a one-piece can’t be sexy? Think again! This monokini has mesh covering the plunging neckline and deep back, an attention-grabbing bow design at the bustline and flattering ruching near the midsection. Sizes range from XS-24 Plus and there are more than 40 colors and patterns to choose from. Check out this swimsuit, starting at about $20 on Amazon.
Aleumdr Blouson T-Back Tankini with Shorts
A strappy T-back and blouson-cut top paired with comfy boy shorts make this tankini sporty, fashionable and attractive. There are more than 30 color and pattern options to choose from and sizes range from Small-XXL. Buy this swimsuit for about $34 on Amazon (a 20% coupon is currently available).
Hilor One-Piece Shirred Tank
The shirring near the midsection of this swimsuit helps create a smoother silhouette. One reviewer said it is “flattering and keeps everything tucked away,” while another called the suit “very comfy, well made and so slimming!” Shop this style for about $34 on Amazon.
Yonique Blouson Tankini
The blouson-cut top of this two-piece bathing suit is flattering for any body shape. With adjustable shoulder straps and soft sewn-in bra cups, you can have comfort, style and support. This swimsuit comes in two dozen pretty styles. Sizes range from 0-22. Get it on Amazon for about $37.
No matter which of these striking swimsuits you prefer, several stunning options could flatter any figure. Whether you wear your bathing suit on vacation, to a pool party or even in your own backyard, you’ll feel cool and confident without spending a small fortune.
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for product reviews and other great ideas to save and make money. | https://www.wtxl.com/10-flattering-swimsuits-you-can-buy-40-less | 2022-04-09T08:35:54Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/10-flattering-swimsuits-you-can-buy-40-less | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
INDIANAPOLIS — In November of 2021, 23-year-old Texas resident, Tanya, learned she was pregnant.
That was two months after Texas lawmakers banned abortions after six weeks of pregnancy — the stage when a fetal heartbeat can be detected, but before most women know they’re pregnant. The new law provides no exceptions for rape or incest.
Tanya, as she was identified in an interview excerpt included in a report published by the University of Texas at Austin, discovered during an ultrasound appointment that the law, known as the “Heartbeat Act,” made her ineligible for an abortion in Texas.
“I had looked up some (clinics), and the closest were basically New Orleans, Jackson, Mississippi and Oklahoma. I had called about six or seven places in those three states,” Tanya told researchers.
Ultimately, Tanya booked an appointment in Mississippi and embarked on a days-long trip to receive an abortion at a clinic two states away from her home. Her experience was among several collected by researchers who estimated 1,400 Texans each month cross state lines to obtain abortion care following the 2021 passage of the “Heartbeat Act.”
Analysts say the type of migration now common in Texas could become widespread if the 6-3 conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court decides to roll back abortion protections granted by the court’s landmark 1973 decision in Roe vs. Wade. Justices are expected to issue a decision by early summer in a Mississippi case involving the same clinic where Tanya obtained her abortion.
“The reality is that if the Supreme Court overturns abortion rights, we expect 26 states are certain or are likely to ban abortion,” said Elizabeth Nash, a state policy analyst with the Guttmacher Institute, a research think tank that supports abortion rights. “That would affect 36 million women of reproductive ages across the country.”
RETURN TO STATES RULE
The patchwork of state rules that would result from overturning Roe vs. Wade would effectively create islands of availability across the U.S. in states where lawmakers haven’t moved to stop abortions.
And those states have become focal points for advocates both for and against abortion access.
Regardless of the Supreme Court’s decision, Robyn Chambers, the executive director of Advocacy for Children at Focus on the Family, said her organization will continue to advocate for abortion restrictions.
“Our hope is obviously that it’s overturned but we also recognize that if Roe is overturned at the federal level that abortion does not go away; it goes back to the state level,” Chambers said. “Our goal is to make abortion unthinkable.”
Similarly, Nash said clinics and providers in abortion-friendly states are preparing for an influx of patients from states with limited or no abortion access. That impacts their capacity both to treat residents from their own states and those traveling from elsewhere — Nash said appointment backlogs in Oklahoma rocketed from a few days to three to four weeks after Texas’ restriction went into effect.
And officials with the abortion provider Planned Parenthood reported an 800% increase in patients at clinics in Oklahoma during that period.
Oklahoma’s legislature had two proposals pending until this past week. One would have established a six-week ban, the other an outright ban on all abortions, except in cases of medical emergencies, rape and incest.
On Tuesday, state lawmakers there passed the latter bill. If signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt, it would make performing an abortion a felony in the state punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
Guttmacher identified 13 states that would likely absorb the vast majority of patients, including New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina. Several of those states, including Colorado, Illinois and New York, have passed laws protecting abortion access — with Colorado’s governor signing the state’s law in early April.
Of those states, experts expect Illinois to see the most dramatic influx of abortion patients as several surrounding states, including Michigan and Indiana, would disallow abortions. The state would become the nearest provider for as many as 8.9 million women, an increase of up to 8,651%.
In anticipation, two clinics in southern Illinois created a call center to help out-of-state women with logistics such as financial assistance, hotels, flights, cabs and child care.
“We should be preparing and are preparing for a scenario where Roe vs. Wade is no longer the law of the land,” said Bonyen Lee-Gilmore, the vice president of strategy and communication at Planned Parenthood in St. Louis.
Lee-Gilmore said about 75% of patients at Planned Parenthood’s Fairview Heights clinic, across the river from St. Louis, traveled from Missouri, which has some of the country’s most restrictive abortion laws.
Lawmakers in Missouri, recognizing that proximity and outflow, introduced a bill that would allow residents to sue out-of-state physicians who perform the procedure.
Erin Hawley, a senior appellate lawyer for Alliance Defending Freedom, an anti-abortion group, said “constitutional precedence” allows states to protect the rights of their residents across state lines.
“It’s clear that states have an interest in protecting citizens outside of their state boundaries,” Hawley said. “For example, if a child was kidnapped with the intention of taking her across state lines and killing her, no one would argue that states don’t have an interest in protecting that life.”
WHO IS MOST IMPACTED?
Regardless of their fundamental disagreement over access to abortion services, many advocates often agree on who is most impacted by restrictions.
About one in six pregnancies (excluding miscarriages) ended in abortion in 2017, according to Guttmacher — an estimated 862,320 abortions.
In 2014, more than half of abortion patients were in their 20s. Most, 59%, were already mothers and 75% were poor (living below the federal poverty level) or low-income (earning between 100% or 199% of the federal poverty level).
(The federal poverty level for a family of two in 2014 was $15,730.)
And whether abortion services are covered by insurance varies wildly from state to state, and from one insurance plan to the next. Even Medicaid coverage of abortions varies by state — the Hyde Amendment blocks federal money from being spent on abortions, except under narrow circumstances, but some states supplement Medicaid programs with state money to cover abortions.
“Women denied an abortion were more likely than women who received an abortion to experience economic hardship and insecurity lasting years,” the study, from University of California researchers, concluded. “Laws that restrict access to abortion may result in worsened economic outcomes for women.”
Recognizing this, Chambers, with Focus on the Family, said youth anti-abortion activists pushed the organization to find ways to support mothers post-birth and advocate for affordable healthcare as well as housing and education opportunities.
“The top reasons women have an abortion is because of financial issues or lack of support financially,” Chambers said. “And so those are the things we need to focus on … at that state level.”
Layered on top of financial considerations, is the high maternal mortality rate in the U.S., including in many states with strict abortion restrictions. And mortality statistics show Black women and other minorities suffer the most.
“Maternal mortality rates for Black women are three times that of white women and we know that … proportionately, there are more Black women seeking abortion care,” Nash said. “The fact that our country does not provide adequate reproductive healthcare — the brunt is borne by Black women and that is a real problem.”
Research from the University of Colorado Boulder predicted that pregnancy-related deaths would increase by 21% if abortion was banned nationwide, with a 33% for Black women.
SCOTUS ISN’T THE END
The Supreme Court’s decision, even if justices don’t overturn Roe vs. Wade, will trigger rapid action by states as lawmakers and advocates pull against one another, said Nash with Guttmacher.
The estimated 26 states likely to constrict or halt abortion access include those with pre-Roe bans, those with “trigger” laws tied to Roe vs. Wade and others with laws currently tied up in litigation that could be dismissed following the justices’ decision.
But Nash emphasized that one court loss couldn’t permanently define abortion access, noting that politics change over time.
“Just because this is where the political climate is right now doesn’t mean that’s where it will be in 5, 10 or 15 years. It may look very different then,” Nash said. “These bans may be eased in some way over that time as people see the harm and politics change.”
Chambers, with Focus on the Family, said the organization doesn’t have a blanket policy for when an abortion is or isn’t permissible because each circumstance is unique. Regardless, knowing that abortions will continue in some states, Focus on the Family will continue pushing for abortion restrictions.
“We don’t know all those situations but we do know that the better choice is life,” Chambers said. “I do have hope for the first time in a very long time that Roe could be overturned but that doesn’t mean we back down.”
CNHI reporters Ali Linan, Joe Mahoney, Andy Ostmeyer, Eric Scicchitano, Janelle Stecklein and Christian Wade contributed to this report. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/choosing-to-ban-abortion/article_d0f3b0c9-97f8-5e24-a2bb-d694df021233.html | 2022-04-09T08:39:33Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/choosing-to-ban-abortion/article_d0f3b0c9-97f8-5e24-a2bb-d694df021233.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
April has been designated as National Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that currently affects at least a half a million people in the United States. The disease belongs to a group of neurological conditions called movement disorders. About 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year. However, it's difficult to know exactly how many have it due to the difficulty in diagnosing the disease and the fact that people in the early stages of the disease often think their symptoms are due to normal aging and do not seek help from a doctor.
Both men and women can have Parkinson’s disease. However, the disease affects about 50% more men than women. There are currently no blood or laboratory tests to diagnose sporadic Parkinson's disease. Diagnosis is based on a person's medical history and a neurological examination, but the disease can be difficult to diagnose accurately. A doctor may need to observe the person for some time until it is clear that the symptoms are consistently present.
An estimated 15% to 25% of people with Parkinson's have a known relative with the disease. People with one or more close relatives who have Parkinson's have an increased risk of developing the disease themselves, but the total risk is still just 2% to 5% unless the family has a known gene mutation for the disease.
Parkinson's disease does not affect everyone the same way. Early symptoms are subtle and occur gradually. Friends or family members may be the first to notice changes. The average age of onset is 60 years and the risk increases with age. As the symptoms become more severe, people with the disorder may have difficulty walking, talking or completing other simple tasks. They also experience non-motor, or movement, symptoms including mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties and fatigue. The disease is both chronic and progressive, meaning its symptoms grow worse over time. It is not contagious.
The four primary symptoms of Parkinson's are tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and impaired balance (postural instability).
Tremor often begins in a hand, although sometimes a foot or the jaw is affected first. It is most obvious when the hand is at rest or when a person is under stress. It usually disappears during sleep or improves with a deliberate movement.
Rigidity, or a resistance to movement, affects most people with Parkinson's. It becomes obvious when another person tries to move the individual's arm, such as during a neurological examination. The arm will move only in ratchet-like or short, jerky movements known as "cogwheel" rigidity.
Bradykinesia, or the slowing down and loss of spontaneous and automatic movement, is particularly frustrating because it may make simple tasks somewhat difficult. Activities once performed quickly and easily, such as washing or dressing, may take several hours.
Postural instability, or impaired balance, causes people with Parkinson's to fall easily. They also may develop a stooped posture with a bowed head and droopy shoulders.
Although there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, medicines can often provide dramatic relief from the symptoms. Scientists continue to work on finding better ways to treat the disease. Deep brain stimulation, or DBS, is a surgical procedure sometimes used to treat a variety of disabling disorders and it is becoming more commonly used to treat the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
In recent years, research on Parkinson's has advanced to the point that halting the progression of the disease, restoring lost function, and even preventing the disease are all considered realistic goals. While the goal of preventing Parkinson's disease may take years to achieve, researchers are making great progress in understanding and treating it.
Dr. Baljinder Singh is board certified in neurology, epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology. His office is located at 77 Elizabeth Drive, Lockport. For an appointment, call 716-566-9900. Eastern Niagara Healthlines is a special feature by Eastern Niagara Hospital. For more information, contact Carolyn Moore, director of community relations, at 716-514-5502. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/lifestyles/eastern-niagara-healthlines-be-aware-of-parkinsons-disease/article_24fd5816-dca4-5088-a170-b109138bf46b.html | 2022-04-09T08:39:39Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/lifestyles/eastern-niagara-healthlines-be-aware-of-parkinsons-disease/article_24fd5816-dca4-5088-a170-b109138bf46b.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Over the past nearly 160 years, Lockport has had many mayors who came from a wide variety of professions including business, law, medicine and education but only one that was an ordained minister. Rev. George A. Brock was elected mayor of Lockport in 1912 and served one two-year term, 1913-1914. He was the first minister-mayor in the United States.
George Atwood Brock was born at Suspension Bridge (Niagara Falls) on Sept. 16, 1862, the son of George Edwin Brock and Sarah Atwood Brock. His grandparents, Amasa and Sarah Atwood, owned Atwood’s Western Hotel on Depot Street in Suspension Bridge. By 1875, George Brock, Sr. had taken over the business. Tragedy struck the family when George E. Brock died unexpectedly in 1877 at the age of 37. Sources differ as to whether he died at Suspension Bridge or in Boston, Mass. Sarah Brock and her 15-year-old son moved to Boston where he attended high school and then worked for four years at a mercantile establishment while studying in preparation for entering Harvard.
George A. Brock started at Harvard in September 1884. He received a Bachelor of Arts four years later and then commenced studies at the Yale Theological Seminary where he graduated in 1891. Later that year, Rev. Brock began his first pastorate as a Congregational minister in Saxonville, Mass., and married Ella Barnes of Binghamton. They had one child, a daughter Dorothy, born in 1896.
Rev. Brock spent eight years at the Saxonville church before accepting the call to the pastorate of the East Avenue Congregational Church in Lockport. One of the first tasks he undertook was to address the church’s indebtedness. A loan was secured from the Congregational Building Society and within seven years the church was free of debt. During Rev. Brock’s 18-year tenure at the church, many enhancements were made including the installation of a new organ, the establishment of a men’s choir, the enlargement of the sanctuary and the addition of several stained glass windows. When he left the congregation in 1917, the membership was more than 400, double the number as when he arrived.
In 1910, while still pastor of East Avenue Congregational Church, Rev. Brock ran for mayor on the Prohibition party line. He was dismayed at the influence the mainstream political parties had in the administration of city government and the inherent corruption that it created. He was also opposed to saloons and other venues of entertainment being opened on Sundays. James Moran, the Democratic candidate won the election by 225 votes. Two years later, Rev. Brock tried again, running on the same platform. In newspapers contemporary to the time (1912), Rev. Brock is identified as affiliated with the Prohibition and “Commission Government” parties. He supported the candidacy of Democrat Woodrow Wilson for President but was endorsed by the Republican newspapers of Lockport. The election was very close, with Rev. Brock winning by only three votes. Although there were some cries of “voter fraud,” the Democrats stated they would not challenge Brock taking the mayor’s office on January 1, 1913.
Once seated as Mayor, Rev. Brock went to work on his campaign promise. The commission form of government, which he ran on and endorsed, called for “an advisory committee of prominent men to act with him in municipal matters.” He stated that “Republican, Democrat, Socialist, Prohibition, Commission Government, I do not care to what parties they belong. It is the man most fitted that will get the job.”
Within a few months, Brock had appointed several positions, including a few incumbents from the previous Moran administration. As for the Sunday closings for saloons and other places such as clubs, movie theaters and dance halls, the police enforced Mayor Brock’s orders and informed the operators of these establishments that “no trifling of the mayor’s wishes would be permitted.” In the dance halls, one dance that was singled out to “guard against” was the Grizzly Bear. It was a new dance craze at that time along with the Turkey Trot and Bunny Hug. They were categorized as “huggly-wiggly dances” that should be avoided. Other businesses targeted for closing, or reducing activities on Sundays, included gambling halls, billiard rooms, grocery stores and confectionaries which sold “candy cards.” Sporting events could not be played before 1 p.m. on the Sabbath day.
Rev. Brock’s role as mayor did not lessen his duties as minister. He continued to perform weddings, christenings and funerals at the East Avenue Congregational Church as well as at other churches. He participated in Decoration (Memorial) Day ceremonies and gave an “instructive address” at the Lockport Bethel AME Church on South Street for the 50th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. He was also a judge for the “Beautiful Baby” contest at the Niagara County Fair.
Over his two years in office, Mayor Brock repeatedly stated that the residents and business owners in the city supported his Sunday closing policies and his efforts to “purify” local government by removing politics from his administration. Despite this positive assessment, Rev. Brock lost his bid for reelection in 1914 to Democrat John R. Earl by 653 votes. He stayed in Lockport another three years, residing on Waterman Street and still serving as pastor of the East Avenue Congregational Church. In 1920, the East Avenue Church would merge with the First Free Congregational Church on Niagara Street to form Plymouth Congregational Church.
In 1917, Rev. Brock left Lockport to take the position of assistant superintendent of the Congregational Home Missionary Society in New York. Five years later, he began a 26-year pastorate at the New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs, retiring in 1948. Rev. Brock continued to live in Saratoga Springs and remained active in religious and civic affairs. His wife Ella died in 1952 and he died in 1957, one month before his 95th birthday. He is buried in Saratoga Springs.
Ann Marie Linnabery is the assistant director of the History Center of Niagara. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/lifestyles/niagara-discoveries-mayor-rev-george-a-brock/article_378b08cb-b12a-53d5-9c51-c038bd513721.html | 2022-04-09T08:39:45Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/lifestyles/niagara-discoveries-mayor-rev-george-a-brock/article_378b08cb-b12a-53d5-9c51-c038bd513721.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
This April marks the 46th anniversary of National Volunteer Appreciation Month. It's an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteer services and the power of volunteers — and to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent and support.
Studies show that giving back through volunteering can have numerous health benefits. The Corporation for National and Community Service released a report on the health benefits of volunteering that showed: "States with higher volunteer rates also have better health and ... there is a significant statistical relationship between states with higher volunteer rates and lower incidents of mortality and heart disease."
Numerous scientific studies show that volunteering can result in significant mental and physical health benefits. Helping can bring on a rush of euphoria, followed by a longer period of calm, often called a "helper's high" that releases the body's natural painkiller, endorphins, thus reversing feelings of depression, hostility and stress. Reducing stress can have such health benefits as reducing obesity, sleeplessness, acid stomach, backache, headache and more, according to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.
Here are a few more happy observations about volunteerism:
— The greater the frequency of volunteering, the greater the health benefits.
— Personal contact with the people being helped is important.
— "Helper's high" results most from helping people we don't know.
— Regular club attendance, volunteering, entertaining or group attendance is the "happiness equivalent" of getting a college degree or more than doubling your income.
Trends in volunteering show: nationally, 109 million people volunteer; corporate volunteering is up, as 81% of companies surveyed connect volunteering to their overall business strategies; and 28 million senior volunteers give approximately 5 billion hours of time annually, which is a value of $71.2 billion to non-profit organizations and causes in the United States. In a recent volunteerism survey, 44% of American adults volunteered their time in some way with an organization.
Traditionally, women are more likely to volunteer than men. Today's volunteers are aware of the value of their contributions and they are selective about where they invest their time and energy.
People volunteer for various reasons, some of which are more obvious than others. The tradition has long been that volunteering is a form of charity and the best volunteering does involve the desire to help others. It is OK to want to benefit yourself from volunteering, too.
To find the right opportunity for you, select an organization that supports issues that matter to you. What type of things are you good at and like to do? What time do you have available? Volunteer opportunities are available whether you have one day to donate or are looking for ongoing regularly scheduled assignments. Choose situations to work with a group of people if that is what you are comfortable with. Opportunities are also available if you prefer to work independently. It is important to volunteer with an organization which can match what you are looking for from your volunteer experience. If you are looking for a "helper's high" or just want to help, make time to volunteer.
To everyone who already gives of your time so generously, thank you on behalf of all non-profit organizations! Keep up the good work, you are so needed.
For those of you who are thinking about volunteering, The Dale Association is currently in need of volunteers. Opportunities are open all year long. Currently volunteers are needed to: staff Friday night BINGO (typically one evening per month, with flexible scheduling); be drivers (a one- to two-hour commitment for short, local routes using a Dale van); assist the Memory Minders program (a social program for individuals with early onset dementia, held on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.); make phone calls for the CARE telephone reassurance program; and assist preparation of monthly mailings.
Lockport Senior Centre Director Gretchen Doty says, "Volunteers are the heart of our agency. They have so much to offer; I continually learn and grow from their personal experiences and the knowledge they are willing to share. I love our volunteers!"
Anybody who is interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact Gretchen at 716-433-1886, extension 103, or Gretchen.doty@daleassociation.com.
Doing good comes in many forms, and we recognize and celebrate them all.
Maureen A. Wendt is president and CEO of The Dale Association, a non-profit organization that provides senior, mental health, in-home care, caregiver support services and enrichment activities for adults. For more information, call 716-433-1937 or visit www.daleassociation.com . | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/lifestyles/senior-spotlight-volunteering-does-everybody-good/article_4e1bf56f-08bc-53fa-b861-168ca0d03863.html | 2022-04-09T08:39:52Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/lifestyles/senior-spotlight-volunteering-does-everybody-good/article_4e1bf56f-08bc-53fa-b861-168ca0d03863.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Town of Cambria is looking at a couple of options for the Command Center building on the Nike complex, a former military missile unit spread over three locations in the town. The building off Eagle Drive and the land that it sits on both have the interest of potential buyers.
The Command Center building, built in the 1950s, originally held radar equipment that would be triangulated with another radar station on Shawnee Road to launch a defensive missile against Russian bombers or even ICBMs. The defending missile silos were underground near the Cambria Town Hall, and were filled in. The Command Center building has been vacant for 40 years.
The land underneath it is a remediated federal brownfield, which its potential buyers say makes their interest an opportunity for the town.
John Soto, owner of Dream Team Construction, said he’d like to buy the building – for $1 – to use for his cabinet manufacturing workshop. He said the building is a time-bomb liability-wise and can’t be torn down because it contains asbestos, which is not considered a problem unless it's disturbed. Soto said he is a licensed asbestos abater who could clean up the property on his own.
“I’m also talking about tax incentives to make it feasible and get it completely 100% done. You put all those things together, it’s doable,” Soto said. “(But) I’ll be honest with you, if any part of the deal doesn’t happen, it’s not doable.”
At the moment, Soto said, within the 35,000 square foot building there's a 3,000 square foot area that could be used for manufacturing, which could generate revenue to renovate it.
“In my travels I literally just drove up and down every street in the town, looking for old barns and whatever (could hold a shop) and I bumped into this building,” Soto said. “I called the town and asked who owned it and they said, ‘The town owns it.’ I asked what they’ve been doing with it. … It’s barely feasible and only for the right person and I’m willing to take it on.”
Soto said he’d like to start with the cabinet workshop — which would employ four people — and get the property cleaned up to host an outdoor farmers market and other "super fleas" during the summer months.
Separately, the Shawnee Sno Chiefs snowmobile club has expressed interest in purchasing a 75-by-500-foot pathway on the property, for transporting snowmobiling equipment to a farmer's field where the club has permission to ride.
“It would give us permanent access for our snow groomers into the trail system,” Gary Broderick, club secretary, said.
Broderick said the Sno Chiefs are in negotiations with the town but the price seems “too tall” considering the town had acquired the property for free. He noted that his group is community conscious and would keep the property clean and mowed.
“We got a number from the Town of Cambria at our meeting (this past) Monday night for the first time,” Broderick said. “We’re discussing that number, but it seems like an awful tall number to us.” | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/buyers-interested-in-cambrias-cold-war-property/article_a8dc3605-b51b-5ba0-b9b7-db8ad674721c.html | 2022-04-09T08:39:58Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/buyers-interested-in-cambrias-cold-war-property/article_a8dc3605-b51b-5ba0-b9b7-db8ad674721c.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ALBANY — Amid a growing clamor for lower gasoline taxes, attention is now shifting to New York's county governments reaping a windfall of unanticipated sales tax revenue because of surging gas prices.
As a result of state budget legislation, New York has become the latest state to provide relief at the pump by agreeing to shave 16 cents per gallon off the state share of sales tax on gasoline from June 1 through the end of the year.
Some lawmakers as well as Gov. Kathy Hochul want county governments to consider following suit.
"We can tomorrow call upon all our county officials from both political parties to go and take the same action and enact the maximum cut they are permitted to by law in their portion of the gas tax because our counties are now getting flush with sales tax," said Sen. James Gaughran, D-Long Island.
Assembly Member Chris Tague, R-Schoharie, said he and Sen. Pete Oberacker, R-Otsego County, plan to discuss local tax relief options with county government leaders in their respective districts. Both lawmakers favored more robust relief for consumers than what has been approved in the budget legislation.
The state's move to hit the brakes on gasoline sales tax collection is projected to save consumers $585 million.
Three upstate county governments — Ulster, Dutchess and Onondaga — have already moved to cap their share of gasoline taxes.
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) says it will be up to each county to decide whether they want to grant sales tax relief for gasoline purchases. They are expected to have three options for capping the sales tax: at $2, $3 or $4 of the taxable price. If the cap was set at $4, the savings to consumers would be small, since the pump price remains less than $5 per gallon for regular gasoline.
According to data provided to CNHI by NYSAC, a total of 45 county governments raked in increases in total gasoline tax revenue of 30% or more in 2021 compared to their 2020 collections. In that same span, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped from $2.30 in 2020 to $3.04 in 2021. Prices have soared again this year with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, a major oil producer.
"We appreciate the local option that was afforded to us by state leaders," said Mark LaVigne, deputy director of NYSAC. "We asked for increased flexibility and they gave us that increased flexibility."
The issue has gained steam across the country amid a sharp increase in the wholesale price of gasoline. Since county sales taxes are based on a percentage of the per-gallon price, the tax charged to the consumer goes higher as the pump prices increase.
Three states — Georgia, Maryland and Connecticut — have decided to limit fuel taxes this year. Legislation to offer similar relief has been advanced in more than 20 other statehouses. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering a plan that would send rebates of $400 to all households with a registered motor vehicle.
While Hochul embraced the idea of gasoline sales tax relief, the measure was first pushed by GOP lawmakers.
While signaling his support for the tax holiday, Sen. Tom O'Mara, R-Big Flats, noted many consumers can save at least 16 cents per gallon simply by shopping around.
With the GasBuddy app installed on smart phones, O'Mara said, "You can get some pretty good deals."
He noted he saved 25 cents per gallon simply by driving two miles.
"Why aren't we doing better for New Yorkers than what the GasBuddy app is doing for them?" O'Mara asked.
Zurlo said NYSAC's advocacy for county governments proved to be very beneficial as it helped to convince the Hochul administration and the Legislature to cease paying for a state aid to municipalities program and a distressed hospital fund with sales tax revenue that was being diverted away from the counties.
"The state is going to pay for their programs now with their money, which is the right thing to do," he said. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/counties-urged-to-consider-offering-local-gas-tax-holiday/article_c564647c-5c59-5a96-a477-9e5ca64a48bd.html | 2022-04-09T08:40:04Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/counties-urged-to-consider-offering-local-gas-tax-holiday/article_c564647c-5c59-5a96-a477-9e5ca64a48bd.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Have you heard about the new avian flu? The one that affects chickens, turkeys, ducks and other farm or backyard fowl? Does it surprise you that when flocks are infected, they are all quarantined and then depopulated?
This fast-spreading disease is carried by wild birds. Although many of them do not seem to be affected, they are carriers. It is found in their droppings. A domestic bird comes in contact with that and is quickly infected. Out of the blue, or so it appears, birds start dying. This is a time when having poultry free range or out in the open is not a best practice.
There are other symptoms: lack of energy, decrease in egg production, signs of a cold. The most dramatic, though, is the increase in bird deaths.
A farmer who notices these symptoms will quickly call their local veterinarian or the state vet. The birds are quarantined and blood work is taken. Quarantine in this case extends to any people who come in contact with the birds. Basically, only those who have had previous contact are allowed on the farm. If there's a positive result, the entire flock is eliminated. Any other local flocks are then tested as well.
One of the recent directives is that no poultry can be exhibited at any fairs. This is to prevent the disease from spreading between flocks. What this means, also, is that no domestic birds are safe. It doesn’t matter if you have a commercial flock or four backyard birds.
There are steps farmers can take to protect their flock. In fact, having a biosecurity plan is helpful to prevent the spread. Steps include: Keep each lot of birds separate; clean and disinfect poultry houses between flocks; prevent contact between wild and domesticated birds, including through the water supply; make sure only essential workers are near the birds and they have clean clothing and disinfection sites; and clean and disinfect all vehicles entering and leaving the property. There are many more specific recommendations, but those are the high points of a plan.
A frequently asked question is “Are the poultry and egg products safe to eat?” The New York State Department of Health advises:
“There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection from avian influenza. The poultry industry uses stringent surveillance for avian influenza, and outbreaks are quickly detected and controlled before infected products enter the food supply.
"Because other common diseases such as Salmonella infection can be spread by eating undercooked poultry or eggs, always cook them thoroughly. Wash your hands with soap and hot water after touching any raw meat. Make sure to clean cutting boards and counters used for food preparation immediately after use to prevent cross contamination with other foods.”
As a result of this avian flu, a number of flocks in New York state have been eliminated. The U.S. Department of Agriculture website has a long list of locations throughout the United States where these same drastic methods have been used.
If you or someone you know has a small flock of birds, please take all the steps possible to protect them. If you want more guidance, contact your local veterinarian. The New York State veterinarians can be contacted through the New York State Ag and Markets website. Working together, we can overcome this latest challenge for New York agriculture.
Margo Sue Bittner, a.k.a. Aggie Culture, has been involved in Niagara County agriculture for 40 years. She’s had experience in dairy farming, fruit production and wine agri-tourism. Ask her any question about local agriculture and if she doesn’t know the answer herself, she knows who to get it from. Email margo@marjimmanor.com or call 716-778-7001. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/outstanding-in-her-field-the-new-avian-flu-affects-farm-and-backyard-fowl/article_eeaa4003-ac22-5078-873b-c5b5b95417e8.html | 2022-04-09T08:40:10Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/outstanding-in-her-field-the-new-avian-flu-affects-farm-and-backyard-fowl/article_eeaa4003-ac22-5078-873b-c5b5b95417e8.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Twin City Ambulance has been servicing the City of Lockport for eight years, but is ready to put emergency medical call response back in the hands of Lockport Fire Department.
Third-party ambulance service has been a hot topic of discussion since 2014, when the city discontinued LFD ambulance service in the midst of a cash crunch.
Mayor Michelle Roman and the Ad Hoc Ambulance Committee recently authorized issuance of a Request for Proposals from third-party ambulance services, to test the market and get a clearer view of whether returning LFD to the “ambulance business” is the right decision.
Terry Clark, president of Twin City Ambulance, said he had always considered servicing Lockport to be a “temporary job” for a city in financial straits.
“We are in the process in trying to assist the city in going back into the ambulance business," Clark said in an interview this week. "The fire union won a major case in which they’ve had to add 12 additional firefighters to their ranks. At this point, we appreciate the financial burden that puts on the city, and to be able to at least recover some of that revenue, we understand that’s something in the cards and has been in the works for several years now.”
Clark said that for the sake of a “smooth transition” the handoff wouldn’t be until 2023 and Twin City Ambulance would still work with Eastern Niagara Hospital and nursing homes in Lockport.
Clark said he's confident LFD can keep the city covered, given the number of certified paramedics in its employ.
Interim Fire Chief Luca Quagliano said he's in favor of LFD providing ambulance service again.
“I know what type of service it was for citizens when we were running it. That’s where I think the priority should be," he said. "The level of service and commitment is just unparalleled in having it in-house … and we have the resources. ... There are very few agencies around that can say they have as many paramedics working for them them as we do. So why not take full advantage of that staff?”
Not everyone at city hall is convinced a take-back is in the city's best interest, at least not yet.
A recent Common Council resolution acknowledging the gift of a used ambulance from West Herr drew three "no" votes, causing Roman to have to break a tie. Alderman at Large Gina Pasceri cast one of the no votes, saying Roman's explanation of the resolution — it was a simple "accounting" measure — didn't sit well with her.
“My concern is always the health, the safety and the well being of the constituents of Lockport. That’s paramount. ... We also have to be fiscally responsible," Pasceri said this week. "So I think as a city we need to gather as much information as we can.”
Other aldermen agreed, a decision whether to put the city back in the EMS business can't be rushed. If that's the direction in which they're headed, decision makers need as much information as possible, in order to "do it right from the get go," said 3rd Ward Alderman Mark Devine, a retired firefighter.
First Ward Alderman Paul Beakman, council president, also said many questions must be answered, but from the point of view of a police officer who once held someone as they died while waiting for an ambulance, it's important to remember, “these are lives.”
Fourth Ward Alderman Kitty Fogle was a member of the council in 2014 when LFD ambulance service was discontinued. Eight years later, she's in favor of reinstating it, on one condition.
“There’s the lack of paramedics (in the private sector). We have them all. Why not put them to work? My only stipulation is, if we get back into ambulance, I want a two-year sunset clause," Fogle said. "If it’s not making money and it's costing the taxpayer money, then we revisit and we do something else.” | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/support-builds-for-return-of-city-ambulance-service/article_e5ca298b-b66c-5a69-9a54-f09d5a876f8d.html | 2022-04-09T08:40:16Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/support-builds-for-return-of-city-ambulance-service/article_e5ca298b-b66c-5a69-9a54-f09d5a876f8d.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Chris Sununu, the Republican governor of New Hampshire, said this at a Washington, D.C. dinner about the last Republican president: "The press often will ask me if I think Donald Trump is crazy. And I'll say it this way: I don't think he's so crazy that you could put him in a mental institution. But I think if he were in one, he ain't getting out."
Sununu later said he was only joking, but he was clearly speaking what my dear wife Cokie would have called "vicious truths." The mere fact that a sitting GOP governor would say such things about Trump reveals a basic fact about politics today. The former president remains the most powerful force in the Republican Party, but his strength is slipping; his flame is flickering.
Trump seems at times like one of those aging stars playing to gray-haired crowds in minor league arenas. He's singing the same songs, his Golden Oldies, but the cheers echo with nostalgia for the past, not excitement for the future.
In a recent NBC poll, only 36% of Republicans described themselves as primarily Trump supporters, while 56% professed loyalty to the party. During the 2020 election, 53% had identified as Trumpists first. In a CBS survey, only 35% of Americans — Trump's hardcore base — wanted him to run for president again.
"Things feel like they've been shifting," Republican pollster Patrick Ruffini told The New York Times. Trump voters "are looking at alternatives," and while they still feel "a strong attachment" to their hero, they are increasingly open to what Ruffini calls a "next-generation Trump candidate."
Others are betting that Republicans would even consider a non-Trumpist candidate. Maryland's popular moderate governor, Larry Hogan, is already plotting trips to early primary states and telling the Associated Press: "There is a large and growing lane of Republicans and Americans across the political spectrum who are fed up with toxic politics and want to move in a new direction."
There are many factors behind the shift Ruffini discerns, but it starts with a sense of fatigue, a desire to forget the insanity and instability that dominated the Trump years. GOP pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson quotes a Republican voter named Barney who joined a focus group discussing Trump's future. "His show's over," Barney concluded. "We need some new blood at the head of the country and different types of leaders. I mean, this divide among the parties is getting really crazy."
The signs of discontent are sprouting up like spring flowers. During a Trump rally in rural Georgia last month, Greg Bluestein of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tweeted, "This is the smallest crowd I've seen at a rally of his in Georgia since he won the 2016 election." NPR reporter Stephen Fowler noted that the crowd was "not very enthusiastic" and kept "streaming out," even as Trump was still speaking.
Then there is Truth Social, the new messaging app Trump created after he got kicked off Twitter and Facebook. Its launch has been marred by technical glitches, the departure of three key executives and waning public interest. "The app, which quickly became Apple's top free app following its launch on the evening of Feb. 20, has since fallen to number 84," reports The Daily Dot.
Sure, Trump retains considerable clout in Republican primaries, but many of his endorsed candidates are faltering. Take Georgia, where Trump is trying to purge Gov. Brian Kemp for committing one unpardonable sin: He told the truth about Trump's defeat in 2020. But Trump's preferred candidate, former senator David Perdue, is trailing Kemp by 10 points, and Republican lawmaker Clint Dixon explained to the Times that Georgia voters "have turned the page on the election."
Trump's rivals are also emboldened by his mounting legal troubles and the growing possibility that he could be charged with several serious crimes before the next election. Federal District Judge David Carter wrote that "it is more likely than not" that Trump obstructed justice on Jan. 6, 2021. And while the judge cannot bring legal action against Trump, the Justice Department can, and its new budget includes $34 million to hire 80 attorneys to advance that investigation. Other prosecutors, from Atlanta to Albany, are also targeting Trump's legal liabilities.
It's not yet certain that the Trump show is over. He still has a lot of money and fervent support from his base. But as the old rocker belts out his Greatest Hits, the lights and the applause are starting to dim.
Steven Roberts teaches politics and journalism at George Washington University. He can be contacted by email at stevecokie@gmail.com. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/opinion/is-the-trump-show-over/article_d4ccac2a-0bcc-5b33-81c1-c3a283a21351.html | 2022-04-09T08:40:22Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/opinion/is-the-trump-show-over/article_d4ccac2a-0bcc-5b33-81c1-c3a283a21351.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Fluorescent lights and approximately 150 vintage student desks filled the study hall, enough desks to accommodate Buffalo Seminary’s 120 all-girls student body. There were only 30 girls in my class; we had plenty of room to spread out for the SAT. The proctor handed out the pencils, bubble sheets and exam. I remember being a little nervous, but I felt prepared. The SAT was required for college admissions, and I was going to college. I did not get a 1600, but I achieved a respectable four-digit score that was good enough for three college acceptances: Syracuse University, Michigan State and American University. I settled on American University.
Most of my high school classmates were middle class or very affluent. My parents traded an opportunity to own a home for private school tuition. They equipped my tiny bedroom in our upper flat on the east side of Buffalo with a large bookcase filled with books and encyclopedias, a bed, dresser, and a desk. I had conditions necessary to focus on my academics. Several of my friends lived in larger houses, with bigger bedrooms and more bookshelves, but our textbooks and assignments were the same. My brain was free and just as capable of doing the work. We took the same SAT.
Things have changed. About 1,800 colleges and universities, public and private, will continue the practice of “test-optional” SAT or ACT scores for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle according to the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, commonly known as FairTest. About half as many schools adopted this alternative for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, citing the pandemic as the primary reason for the change. Columbia is extending the SAT/ACT test-optional policy through fall 2024 and Harvard through fall 2026.
Opposition to standardized tests is not just related to the pandemic. For years, many educators, researchers, parents and students have argued that racial and socioeconomic biases are implicit in standardized tests, allegedly putting poorer rural students, Black, Latino, Native American and other acute needs students at a disadvantage.
MIT has reversed course and reinstated the standardized testing requirement. In a Q&A on MIT News, Stuart Schmill, Dean of Admissions states, “As I wrote, low-income students, underrepresented students of color, and other disadvantaged populations often do not attend schools that offer advanced coursework (and if they do, they are less likely to be able to take it). They often cannot afford expensive enrichment opportunities, cannot expect lengthy letters of recommendation from their overburdened teachers, or cannot otherwise benefit from this kind of educational capital.”
Standardized tests are not the problem; for many low socioeconomic students, it is the admissions metric that they can conquer by taking advantage of math and English classes. Colleges also consider personal recommendations, athletics, and volunteerism. Many students cannot afford or don't have easy access to some of the extracurricular activities that admissions boards review. However, most of the students have access to math and English classes, even if their school does not supply AP classes in those subjects. American psychological studies on college admissions have shown that the difference in test scores between wealthy and low socioeconomic students is negligible.
If we want students to be more, we must encourage them to do more, not the minimum, and expect more from themselves. Educational capital is available for Niagara County middle and high school students with economic and academic constraints. Niagara Community College offers a pre-collegiate program for students in grades 5-12 and Niagara University offers the REAC3H (Race Education Advocacy College Credit Courses in High School) program. Opportunities for enrichment and tools to build educational capital are available.
Standardized tests should not be considered as measures that reveal disparities but touchstones of possibilities. Students can succeed on the SAT and ACT if they are prepared. We have to stop telling them they can’t.
Sharon Bailey is Niagara Falls resident. You may email her at sbailey.opinion@gmail.com. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/opinion/standardized-tests-are-not-the-problem/article_1422aeb5-6713-5f48-90ae-8bdd8b62db95.html | 2022-04-09T08:40:29Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/opinion/standardized-tests-are-not-the-problem/article_1422aeb5-6713-5f48-90ae-8bdd8b62db95.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Fryburg Woman Injured in Sunny Road Rollover
FARMINGTON TWP., Pa. (EYT) – A Fryburg woman was injured after she lost control of her vehicle causing it to overturn multiple times in Farmington Township on Thursday afternoon.
Marienville-based State Police said 49-year-old Rebecca S. Eisenman, of Fryburg, was traveling west on Sunny Road near its intersection with Mallard Lane around 4:55 p.m. when she failed to negotiate a right hand curve in the roadway.
Eisenman’s 2008 Jeep Liberty crossed the eastbound travel lane and exited the south berm where the vehicle struck an embankment before overturning approximately three times.
She was transported to Clarion Hospital for treatment of suspected minor injuries.
The vehicle sustained disabling damages.
Eisenman was cited for failing to drive at a safe speed, according to police.
Assisting on the scene were Farmington Township Volunteer Fire Company, Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, Clarion Hospital EMS, and Snyder’s Autobody and Towing.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/08/fryburg-woman-injured-in-sunny-road-rollover/ | 2022-04-09T09:00:29Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/08/fryburg-woman-injured-in-sunny-road-rollover/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
North Clarion Announces Prom Court
Friday, April 8, 2022 @ 12:04 AM
FRILLS CORNERS, Pa. (EYT) – North Clarion High School’s prom will be held at Tuck’d Inn Farm, Cooksburg, Pa. on Saturday, April 30, 2022.
PHOTO: Members of Prom Court (back, from left) – Isaac Gilara, Cameron Clark, Joshua Daum, Tristian Sliker, Jacob Eisenman, Collin Schmader; (front, from left) Kayla Aaron, Claire Kriebel, Abbey Barron, Shawna Pack, Alana Brooks, and Amya Green.
Promenade will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by the crowning of prom King and Queen.
This year’s theme is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/08/north-clarion-announces-prom-court/ | 2022-04-09T09:00:35Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/08/north-clarion-announces-prom-court/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Police Seek Info After Nails in Driveway Cause Over $1,000 in Damage
Friday, April 8, 2022 @ 12:04 AM
HICKORY TWP., Pa. (EYT) – Marienville-based responded to a report of criminal mischief in Hickory Township, Forest County, on Sunday, April 3, around 9:30 a.m.
According to police, unknown actor(s) dumped nails in a driveway of a residence and subsequently damaged the tires of two vehicles and a trailer.
The cost of the damage is estimated to be over $1,000.00, according to police.
The incident will remain open pending further investigation.
Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact PSP Marienville at 814-927-5253.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/08/police-seek-info-after-nails-in-driveway-cause-over-1000-in-damage/ | 2022-04-09T09:00:41Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/08/police-seek-info-after-nails-in-driveway-cause-over-1000-in-damage/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
TRI-CITIES, Wash-
Washington State Patrol Trooper Chris Thorson says there are three main types of driving that lead to crashes in the Tri-Cities; distracted, aggressive and impaired.
Data from the crash Washington Traffic Safety Commission shows 645 people died in crashes across Washington state in 2021. that's compared to 574 in 2020.
Trooper Thorson says he's seen more deadly crashes locally.
"In 2021 we investigated 15 collisions for the year. That's the most in six years," said Thorson.
He says at least half of those are because people are driving impaired, either from drugs or alcohol. He says most people wear their seatbelts, but when people don't and they drive impaired, it's a deadly combo.
Jennifer Dorsett is the Target Zero Manager for Region 14.
"Our big message here in Benton and Franklin counties is to celebrate responsibly, which means always planning ahead. You're never really okay to drive under the influence of anything. Not one, not two, not three. When you start using any kind of substance your body is automatically affected," said Dorsett.
Dorsett says speed plays a role in most crashes. Distracted driving is contributing to crashes in a big way, too.
If you are behind the wheel, Dorsett says the phone is 100% off-limits.
She says being a distraction-free driver is important, but passengers can help, too. Offer to change the music, reply to a text, or set up GPS for them so they can focus on the road.
She says serious crashes are up statewide from this same time last year in Washington.
This can be because of a few things, more people are out on the roads after pandemic lockdowns, more people moving to the area, and warmer weather.
"Keep in consideration that there are going to be more cars out on the roadways. So follow basic driving laws, and that's going to be the best way to avoid getting into a collision," said Thorson.
The Target Zero task force has identified the top five intersections in each city that have higher risk factors for crashes, like Gage and Steptoe for example. These areas will have more patrols.
"Our regional task force is focused on enforcing, especially for distracted driving, DUI and seatbelt use. But we also here like to focus on education and outreach," said Dorsett. "Always celebrate responsibly and plan ahead, never drive distracted, and watch out for pedestrians."
Driving recklessly doesn't just put yourself and others at risk, it also comes with a price tag. The fine in Washington state for not wearing a seatbelt, or being on your phone, is 136 dollars.
If you are convicted of DUI, consequences conclude court fees and fines, license suspension, higher insurance, and ignition interlock.
April is national distracted driver month, and coming up in May is the '100 Deadliest Days'.
Traffic safety reports from the state traffic safety commission can be found here.
Find out more about the consequences of DUI here. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/deadly-crashes-increasing-statewide-locally/article_5ce924f2-b7cf-11ec-9900-47a3a419c74e.html | 2022-04-09T09:07:47Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/deadly-crashes-increasing-statewide-locally/article_5ce924f2-b7cf-11ec-9900-47a3a419c74e.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
RICHLAND, Wash. -
Brand new pickleball courts are now open to the public at Claybell Park in Richland.
Novices and enthusiasts alike can try out the new courts for Washington's official state sport.
Claybell Park is located at 423 Broadmoor Street.
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RICHLAND, Wash. -
Brand new pickleball courts are now open to the public at Claybell Park in Richland.
Novices and enthusiasts alike can try out the new courts for Washington's official state sport.
Claybell Park is located at 423 Broadmoor Street.
Currently in Kennewick
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Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/richland-has-brand-new-pickleball-courts-at-claybell-park/article_b98fb7ac-b7c5-11ec-b188-3bf2b27ae1ff.html | 2022-04-09T09:07:53Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/richland-has-brand-new-pickleball-courts-at-claybell-park/article_b98fb7ac-b7c5-11ec-b188-3bf2b27ae1ff.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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