Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 152
April 22, 2025
Trump says he has ‘no intention’ of firing Federal Reserve chair
By JOSH BOAK
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Tuesday he has no plans to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, just days after his statement that he would like to terminate the head of the U.S. central bank caused a stock market selloff.
Related Articles NYC mayor and Trump border czar tout charges against 27 people in Tren de Aragua case Minnesota attorney general files preemptive lawsuit against Trump on transgender sports ban Three more prosecutors resign in aftermath of dismissal of case against NYC mayor Federal judge blocks Trump administration from dismantling Voice of America US health officials move to phase out artificial dyes from the food supply“I have no intention of firing him,” Trump told reporters.
The U.S. president had previously insinuated otherwise as he said he could fire Powell if he wanted to, having been frustrated by the Fed putting a pause on cuts to short-term interest rates. Powell has said that Trump’s tariffs are creating uncertainty about slower growth and higher inflationary pressures, while the president maintains that inflationary worries are essentially non-existent.
The president maintains that energy and grocery prices are falling, so the Fed should cut its benchmark rates because inflation is no longer a threat to the U.S. economy, Trump said. His remarks indicated that he still plans to use the bully pulpit to pressure a U.S. central bank that is committed to resisting political pressure as part of its mandate to stabilize prices and maximize employment.
“It’s all coming down,” Trump said. “The only thing that hasn’t come down, but hasn’t gone up much, are interest rates. And we think the Fed should lower the rate. We think that it’s it’s a perfect time to lower the rate. And we’d like to see our chairman be early or on time, as opposed to late. Late’s not good.”
Pacific Grove City Council rejects donated butterfly window
PACIFIC GROVE — After months of public debate and deliberation, the Pacific Grove City Council voted unanimously to decline the donation of a large stained-glass butterfly window —effectively ending the attempt to find a permanent home for the piece using public resources.
The artwork, titled “The Butterflies,” owned by Nader Agha, features three glass panels forming a 12-foot by 8-foot semicircle. Once a striking centerpiece at the Holman Building, Agha had offered it to the city free of charge for permanent display. Despite seven members of the public voicing support at the meeting, the council ultimately determined the project was not viable.
Councilmembers cited city budget constraints, staffing and resources at the Natural History Museum, and concerns about the implications of accepting the piece. While supporters described the window as a gift of beauty and historical significance, others viewed the donation as a costly undertaking.
“This is not a donation—it’s a business deal,” said councilmember Paul Walkingstick. “So I am not interested in entertaining a business deal at this time.”
Susan Goldbeck, a supporter, gave a presentation to the council, summarizing months of outreach to determine community interest and the logistical possibilities for the piece, including input from over 400 residents, the Pacific Grove Rotary, and Chamber of Commerce.
“He’s had many offers to buy it,” Goldbeck said, “but he wanted to give it to the city — to appreciate it and its significance as much as he does.”
Councilmember Tina Rau noted that the estimated $70,000 already spent to restore the piece was cause for concern amid tightening city budgets. “Hearing our latest budget constraints, I don’t think this is the wisest thing to spend money on,” Rau said. “And if the museum board wants to decline this, I’m not inclined to make them take on something they don’t want.”
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History — originally considered as a home for the piece — reaffirmed its opposition in a March 31 letter, calling the proposed installation an “unplanned financial and operational burden.” Museum leadership emphasized the piece’s modern aesthetic did not align with its curatorial focus and warned of increased strain due to federal policy changes.
Councilmember Cynthia Garfield echoed those concerns.
“We’ve also gotten letters from the public asking us not to accept this. The museum’s purpose is to curate their collection so we can all learn. This piece doesn’t fit with the museum’s mission, and they’re already under stress,” Garfield said.
Three more prosecutors resign in aftermath of dismissal of case against NYC mayor
By LARRY NEUMEISTER
NEW YORK (AP) — Three more federal prosecutors who had been involved in the now-dismissed corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams resigned on Tuesday, saying they felt pressured into admitting wrongdoing or regret as a condition for being reinstated to their jobs.
Related Articles NYC mayor and Trump border czar tout charges against 27 people in Tren de Aragua case Minnesota attorney general files preemptive lawsuit against Trump on transgender sports ban Trump says he has ‘no intention’ of firing Federal Reserve chair Federal judge blocks Trump administration from dismantling Voice of America US health officials move to phase out artificial dyes from the food supply“We will not confess wrongdoing when there was none,” Celia Cohen, Andrew Rohrbach and Derek Wikstrom wrote in a letter to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
The three assistant U.S. attorneys had been placed on leave after a number of prosecutors in New York and Washington refused to follow orders to end the case against Adams, a Democrat.
The letter was published by several news outlets. Its authenticity was confirmed to The Associated Press by a person who received the letter.
The resignations came the same day that Jay Clayton, former chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, was sworn in as the New York office’s new top prosecutor.
Adams was indicted last year, accused of taking illegal campaign contributions and travel perks from a Turkish official and others seeking to buy influence when he previously served as Brooklyn borough president.
In February, after President Donald Trump took office, the Justice Department ordered then-acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, to drop the charges against Adams — not due to the merits of the case, but rather so the mayor could assist in the Trump administration ’s immigration agenda.
Sassoon opted to resign instead, as did several other career prosecutors who objected to the criminal case being dismissed for political reasons. The case was eventually dismissed in April.
Cohen, Rohrbach and Wikstrom wrote in their resignation letter that it had become clear to them that one of the “preconditions” Blanche placed on them returning to work was to “express regret and admit some wrongdoing by the Office in connection with the refusal to move to dismiss the case.”
The new leaders of the Justice Department, they wrote, had “decided that obedience supersedes all else, requiring us to abdicate our legal and ethical obligations in favor of directions from Washington. That is wrong.”
Blanche said in a statement that there was nothing illegal or unethical about “dismissing the flawed prosecution against Mayor Adams.”
“Any suggestion to the contrary by anybody, especially former federal prosecutors, is wrong and disingenuous,” he wrote.
Emil Bove, then the acting deputy attorney general, had argued previously that Adams was being prosecuted because he had criticized former President Joe Biden’s immigration policies.
In dismissing the case, Judge Dale E. Ho noted that the record showed the prosecutors who worked on the case had followed all guidelines.
“There is no evidence — zero — that they had any improper motives,” Ho wrote in his ruling.
Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report from Washington.
Horoscopes April 22, 2025: Amber Heard, stick close to home and use your strength
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Amber Heard, 39; Sherri Shepherd, 58; Jeffrey Dean Morgan, 59; Jack Nicholson, 88.
Happy Birthday: Pause, think and set your sights on this year’s desired outcomes. There is no need to rush or take on unnecessary projects or responsibilities if they don’t fit your agenda. A clear picture of what you want and need in your life will make it easier to stay on target and reach your goal. Stick close to home and utilize your strengths to ensure you fulfill your dreams. Your numbers are 2, 12, 19, 26, 32, 41, 47.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take advantage of an opportunity to discuss your interests and how to use your skills to market yourself effectively. Think outside the box, and you’ll discover how to diversify and update your attributes and experience to realign yourself with what’s trending in your field of expertise. 4 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep moving. Idle time is your enemy today. Too much time to think, complain or get into trouble will stand between you and taking care of business. Be responsible and take better care of your health and finances. Avoid unnecessary spur-of-the-moment purchases. A physical change will boost your confidence. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Broaden your horizons, participate in thought-provoking events and get in touch with people who can offer experience and hands-on help. However, find out what’s expected before you start. Communication is your greatest asset, so keep the conversation going and grab as much free information as possible. 5 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Zero in on what’s important to you instead of lurking around the outer perimeters of situations, topics and possibilities. Speak openly from the heart and directly to those most likely to tell the truth. Put more onus on how you appear and feel, and use your talents to reach your goals. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Finish what you start, do things by the book and take responsibility for yourself and what you say and do. Arguing will waste time and deter you from reaching your objective or destination. Rethink your strategy before you start a conversation that can alter your course, lifestyle or meaningful relationship. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You are overdue for a change. Look at yourself, what you do, how you look and the goals you want to achieve. Be open to suggestions and learn all you can that might give you an advantage over anyone competing with you. A positive attitude will outweigh negativity and anger. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take a break. Get out and mingle, network or participate in something that motivates or stimulates you to give your all. Use your ingenuity, and you’ll devise a plan that helps you excel when dealing with associates and superiors. Now is the time to express yourself with confidence, not waffle. 5 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Accept change and keep moving forward. How you deal with what’s happening around you will determine how others perceive you and your influence on your goals. Run the show instead of letting someone step in and take over. A positive attitude will bring about progressive change. Personal gain looks promising. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Social events will result in heartfelt discussions that give you something to think about and consider. Your reaction or what you agree to contribute will require time and effort. Be sure you can deliver before you commit. Falling short will be a reflection that can alter your reputation. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take care of financial matters, apply for a position that interests you and manage your health care with finesse. Don’t leave anything to chance or up to someone else. Push for what you want, but use diplomacy, experience and knowledge to ensure you get what you’ve been working for. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Do your part to organize and set things up to accommodate what you can contribute. Look at the long-term effects and pace yourself accordingly. Refuse to let someone drag you into their drama when you are best to designate your time to what benefits you most. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Make changes that improve your lifestyle and health and encourage reaching your goals. Discipline and saying no to temptation is essential. Put together a plan to restrict overspending, allowing you to funnel your money into what’s necessary. Micromanagement, along with common sense, will help stabilize your life. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are resourceful, expressive and dynamic. You are assertive and productive.
1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes.2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others.3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals.4 stars: Aim high; start new projects.5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.
April 21, 2025
Wilmer Flores, Jung Hoo Lee come up big again for Giants in win vs. Brewers
SAN FRANCISCO — Wilmer Flores hit a go-ahead home run, Jung Hoo Lee tripled home an insurance run, and same cast that has powered the Giants’ strong start to the season carried them to 5-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers to begin their homestand Monday night.
The score was tied at 2 when Flores launched a first-pitch sinker from Grant Anderson deep into the left-field bleachers with two outs in the seventh.
His team-leading seven homers trail only four other players for the most in the majors, while only Aaron Judge has more RBIs than Flores (24).
“The RBIs that Flo has come up with, it’s when he does them that’s so impressive,” manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s not surprising by now with all the dramatics he’s had over the course of his career in big spots. But he’s been incredibly consistent, and so has Jung Hoo.”
With three innings of scoreless relief, Hayden Birdsong earned the win in his first work in nearly a week, and with Ryan Walker unavailable after pitching the past two games, Camilo Doval recorded his third save of the season with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

The Giants improved to 5-0 behind Robbie Ray, but they had to claw back from a 2-0 deficit after Caleb Durbin took him deep in the second inning.
Ray was far from sharp but rebounded from the long ball to turn in one of his longest starts of the season. It took him 91 pitches to complete five innings, and he issued three walks, but he went deeper than he had since April 5 vs. Seattle and issued his fewest free passes since his first start in Cincinnati on March 30.
“Today was probably about as close as I’ve felt to ’21 in a while,” Ray said, referring to his Cy Young-winning season with Toronto. “I felt like my fastball was really good tonight. That was my main focus coming into this: just establishing the fastball.”
Ray attacked the Brewers with 38 fastballs in his first 42 pitches, and one resulted in both of their runs: a letter-high offering to Durbin, which the No. 9 hitter deposited just beyond the left-field wall for a two-run blast after Joey Ortiz reached by beating out a double play.
The runs were the first Ray had allowed against Milwaukee since 2016, spanning 20⅓ innings. He picked off Jackson Chourio in the top of the first to pass Chris Bassitt for the longest active scoreless streak against the Brewers, then lost the belt when Durbin took him deep the next inning.
The Giants got one run back at a time, getting two-out single from Patrick Bailey that allowed Heliot Ramos to race home from second to make it 2-1 in the second inning and tying the game when Tyler Fitzgerald came around to score after legging out his second infield single of the game in the fifth.

It all led up to the big homer from Flores, who has seemingly had as many as any player around the league this season. He also worked a two-out walk that set up Bailey’s RBI single in the second and poked a single past first baseman Rhys Hoskins in the eighth.
“We all know he could do it, it was just a matter of him getting healthy and being able to get that feel back of what he knows how to do,” Ray said of Flores, who hit four home runs and drove in 26 runs all last season while battling tendonitis in his right knee. “It’s been really special to watch
Lee’s triple was his second of the season, one off the major-league lead. He already leads the majors with 10 doubles and possesses a team-best .983 OPS. Before lacing Jared Koenig’s 1-0 sinker into right-center field, the 31,758 on hand were serenading him with his Korean fight song and chants of his own name.
“Triple’s Alley is kind of made for him,” Melvin said. “It’s not the last one you’re going to see from him.”
Playing his first game against his former team, Willy Adames scored from first on Lee’s triple but finished hitless in four at-bats as his batting average sank bank below .200, to .194.

The five runs equaled best scoring output in five games for the Giants, who had lost three of their past four and wasted a pair of walks to lead off the first two innings when Mike Yastrzemski and Matt Chapman were each thrown out attempting to steal bases.
Chapman’s walk in the second inning was his MLB-best 22nd of the season in 23 games.
San Francisco had been 18-for-21 on the bases before being thrown out twice.
“When you win a game,” Melvin said, “you can live with it.”
The four-game series continues Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. with RHP Jordan Hicks (1-2, 6.04) against LHP José Quintana (2-0, 0.71).























Best supplements to ease your dog’s joint discomfort
Many elderly dogs suffer from the pains and aches of arthritis, which may come in the form of stiffness, limping or reluctance to do activities they once loved. There is no cure for arthritis, but you can relieve your dog’s pain and aches with joint supplements. The Honest Paws CBD Oil for Dogs – Mobility is a stellar joint supplement for dogs.
What to know before you buy a joint supplement for dogsCommon canine arthritis symptomsThe most common symptoms of arthritis in dogs are accidents inside your home, crying, a loss of appetite, showing signs of pain when they’re touched on impacted areas of their body, unusual aggression, depression or irritability, refusing to walk more than just a few steps, limping or walking stiffly and slowly, particularly in the morning.
They might also sleep more than usual, be reluctant to use the stairs, refuse to jump into the car or onto the couch or simply be less interested in outings and walks.
Canine arthritis treatmentIf your dog has severe arthritis, you should take them to the vet and give them prescription-strength inflammation and pain relievers. But if they have minor arthritic discomfort, there are a number of over-the-counter joint supplements to help make the condition a little easier to live with.
Some of the most common ingredients in these joint supplements for dogs include glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, hyaluronic acid and CBD.
Side effectsMost non-prescription joint supplements don’t have any side effects, but some more sensitive dogs might have digestive symptoms like gas or loose stools. These side effects will typically go away within a few days, but if they don’t, you should stop giving your dog the supplement.
What to look for in a quality joint supplement for dogsAppealThe joint supplement must appeal to your dog. These supplements usually have meat flavors, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
AffordabilityThe joint supplement should also be fairly affordable and cost-effective. If you have a larger dog, you might need more capsules per dose, so keep this in mind during your search.
FillersWatch out for fillers — ideally, the supplement shouldn’t contain any artificial colors, fillers or nonessential ingredients.
How much you can expect to spend on a joint supplement for dogsInexpensive joint supplements cost less than $20, while mid-range joint supplements range in price from about $20-$40, and high-end joint supplements go for more than $40.
Joint supplement for dogs FAQAre some dog breeds more likely to get arthritis than other breeds?A. Any dog breed, including mutts, can get arthritis as they get older, but some dog breeds are more susceptible to getting arthritis than other breeds. Larger breeds, like Newfoundlands, Great Danes, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers and German shepherds, are more likely to get arthritis than small breeds.
One exception to this rule is that smaller dog breeds with long backs, like dachshunds and corgis, are more prone to spine and hip problems and are more likely to get arthritis.
Can young dogs and puppies get arthritis?A. Most dogs with arthritis are senior dogs with osteoarthritis, but there are other kinds of joint disorders and arthritis that can show up in younger dogs, including puppies. If your puppy or young dog seems to be unwell, doesn’t want to jump or walk or limps, then you should take them to the veterinarian.
What is the best method for giving your dog their joint supplement?A. Most joint supplements are flavored with peanut butter, chicken, beef or other ingredients that dogs love, and they typically come in a treat-like form, so you can give the supplement to your dog as a treat if you want. You can also choose to mix the joint supplement into your dog’s food.
What are the best joint supplements for dogs to buy?Top joint supplement for dogsHonest Paws CBD Oil for Dogs – Mobility
What you need to know: This joint supplement for dogs from Honest Paws is a perfect full-spectrum CBD oil for any dog with hip or joint issues.
What you’ll love: This supplement is simple to give directly to your dog or add to their food, and it comes with turmeric, which functions as an anti-inflammatory ingredient to help ease their joint problems.
What you should consider: This supplement can be fairly expensive over the long term, depending on the size of your dog.
Top joint supplement for dogs for the moneyPetHonesty Hemp Mobility Duck Flavored Soft Chews Joint & Mobility Supplement for Dogs
What you need to know: These joint supplements feature natural ingredients, as well as a purposeful formula that your dog will love.
What you’ll love: This supplement includes a mixture of Glucosamine HCL, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), turmeric and green lipped mussels.
What you should consider: Some customers say they take some time to kick in.
Worth checking outYuMove Hip and Joint Supplement for Dogs
What you need to know: This supplement can show results as soon as six weeks after it’s taken.
What you’ll love: It includes easily absorbed nutrients such as green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and plant-based glucosamine, so it works quickly.
What you should consider: These supplements have a strong, fishy odor.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Willy Adames keeps on smiling through early struggles with SF Giants
SAN FRANCISCO — Willy Adames was all smiles catching up with old teammates before the Giants hosted his former team, the Milwaukee Brewers, on Monday.
It was the same joyous demeanor the shortstop has displayed so far with his new club, even if he hasn’t played up to the seven-year, $182 million contract he signed with San Francisco. The Giants have started hot but mostly done so in spite of their new franchise shortstop.
“Performing is not going to change the way I play the game,” Adames said from his locker in the Giants’ home clubhouse. “It’s a long season and there’s going to be dark moments as well as amazing moments. That’s why I don’t change. I can’t change the vibe, change the energy for the boys because I’m not doing great. Some of the guys are killing it. I’ve got to support them. And I’ve got to support the guys that aren’t doing great, like me.”
Adames spent the past four seasons in Milwaukee, receiving MVP votes twice and leading the Brewers to three postseason appearances, but hasn’t lived up to that play through 22 games with the Giants. He entered the series batting .202 with a .554 OPS, five extra-base hits, nine walks and 26 strikeouts in 99 trips to the plate.
Over his eight-year career, Adames owns a .766 OPS — more than 200 points higher than his mark so far in San Francisco.
“Look, he’s swinging the bat as good as he has right now. Got off to a little bit a slow start, but we have several guys who have,” manager Bob Melvin said. “I think you can put a little pressure on yourself from time to time when you come to a new place and you don’t get off to a good start. But I think the at-bats are getting better.”

Adames’ beloved status in the Brewers’ clubhouse was evident by the number of men in navy-and-gold garb coming up to him behind the batting cage before Monday’s game. That was part of the appeal to Buster Posey, and Adames’ leadership has managed to shine through even while he searches for his swing.
“The enthusiasm with how he plays I think rubs off on everybody. Just an extremely likeable guy,” Melvin said, calling him “a key figure in our clubhouse — and we feel like we have a very close clubhouse.”
The Brewers moved on with Joey Ortiz, the infielder they acquired from Baltimore for Corbin Burnes, and started the season 12-10 — only two games off the Giants’ pace. Adames said he was “expecting at least a call” but didn’t hear from the Brewers before before agreeing to his deal with the Giants in early December.
It’s the second time Adames has had to make a first impression on a new team, but he refuted the notion that he was feeling any additional pressure. He won fans over quickly in Milwaukee, going on to post 3.6 bWAR and a career-best .886 OPS over 99 games after being traded by the Rays in May 2021.
Adames was batting .197 at the time of the trade, which he said is typical and explains his slow start with the Giants. Over the course of his career, Adames has consistently posted his worst numbers in March and April and had his most success after the All-Star break.

“When I click, I just click and it doesn’t go away,” he said. “It’s just how it is, unfortunately, for me. It takes time for me to get going. … As long as we continue to win games, I really don’t care about myself. Obviously I want to do great, but I’m going to continue to contribute in different ways until my bat comes alive.”
Adames laced an RBI single into right field in Saturday’s win over the Angels and drove in two more runs Sunday with a pair of line drives. It was the first time this season Adames had put together at-bats that produced runs in back-to-back games, raising his average over .200 with his second knock.
If he found his stroke, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
While Adames said it was “different” and “a little weird” facing his former teammates for the first time when it counts — “now, it’s like, real stuff,” as opposed to their meetings in spring training — the matchup he was most looking forward to is set for Wednesday.
Related Articles Wilmer Flores, Jung Hoo Lee come up big again for Giants in win vs. Brewers SF Giants end road trip with whimper as Walker blows save against Angels SF Giants even series as Roupp dominates everyone but Angels’ Mike Trout SF Giants put Casey Schmitt on IL, their first transaction of the season SF Giants lose second straight despite Webb’s gem against AngelsThe Brewers’ scheduled starter that night is Freddy Peralta, a teammate and close friend of Adames for his entire tenure in Milwaukee.
“We’ve talked about it since I’ve signed here,” Adames smiled. “We know it’s going to be fun. We’re going to battle. Whatever happens, we know we’re going to talk crap to each other after the game.”
Notable— IF Casey Schmitt (oblique), who was placed on the 10-day IL before Sunday’s game, is looking at a lengthy absence. An MRI revealed a Grade 2 strain in his left oblique, and Melvin suggested he would miss “probably about a month.” When the Giants called up IF David Villar to take his spot on the roster, it was the first transaction the Giants had made all season.
— LHP Carson Whisenhunt was named the Pitcher of the Week for the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. The 23-year-old left-hander struck out nine, surrendered one hit and didn’t issue a walk over six shutout innings in the River Cats’ win Saturday. Whisenhunt, considered the Giants’ top pitching prospect, has a 2.70 ERA in four starts.

Person found on ‘elevated surface’ inside Trump Tower in New York is arrested, police say
NEW YORK (AP) — Police arrested a 30-year-old person inside Trump Tower on Monday after getting a report of a disorderly person on an “elevated surface” inside the building, authorities said.
New York City Police responded at around 4:30 p.m. to the skyscraper where President Donald Trump keeps a penthouse. The tower also houses private condominiums, restaurants, shops, and a soaring public atrium that is open to tourists.
Independent journalists on the scene posted video of security officials evacuating people from the atrium and police officers later exiting the building. The officers were wearing helmets and safety harnesses of the kind used by emergency responders who specialize in rescuing people from high places.
The NYPD’s emergency service unit took the person into custody without further incident, police said. It wasn’t immediately clear what charges the person might face and the incident remains under investigation, police said.
Trump Tower has been the scene, over the years, of protests, bomb scares and the occasional stunt. A person tried to scale the building in 2016 and got to the 21st floor before officers dragged him in.
Clipboard: Amaral chasing the triple crown for Notre Dame softball
Despite often being pitched around, Addison Amaral is putting together a magical year at the plate for the University of Notre Dame, leading the softball team in eight different offensive categories.
The sophomore shortstop Notre Dame High in Salinas is chasing the triple crown for the Fighting Irish, leading the team in hitting (.386), home runs (7) and runs batted in (38).
Hitting in the No. 3 spot in the batting order, the Salinas native is hitting 68 points higher than her nearest teammate, having driven in 19 more runs.
Amaral has started all 45 games for Notre Dame, leading the team in runs scored (25), doubles (10) and on-base percentage (.490). She’s also drawn a team- high 24 walks and has eight steals.
Moving over from second base this spring to play shortstop, the 5-foot-8 Amaral sports a .953 fielding percentage, having handled 121 of 127 chances in the field.
Named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference freshman team last fall, Amaral led the Fighting Irish in home runs, runs batted in and doubles last year, hitting .340 overall.
The Herald’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2023, Amaral earned all-county honors in softball and volleyball while at Notre Dame in Salinas.
Solid first outing for Salinas’ JensenMoved back to the starting rotation at least for now, Salinas High grad Ryan Jensen had a strong first outing for the Minnesota Twins’ Triple-A affiliate in St. Paul.
The hard-throwing right-hander, with a fastball that approaches the century mark, Jensen did not allow an earned run in 4.2 innings, striking out six in a 100-pitch outing.
A former No. 1 draft choice out of Fresno State by the Chicago Cubs in 2019, Jensen has spent the last two years in the Twins’ organization.
A starter in his first two years in the minors, Jensen has been primarily used as a reliever in the Twins’ organization. He’s also spent time in the Cubs and Mariners minor league systems.
Having earned all-county honors in baseball and football at Salinas, the 27-year-old has a 11-25 career minor league record with 334 strikeouts in 277 innings of work.
Toole finding his strokeErasing a slow start at the plate, Stevenson grad Trent Toole has put together a college career-high seven-game hitting streak for the Villanova baseball team.
Spending time at first base, the sophomore is 8-for-18 during the hitting streak, erasing an 0-11 start, raising his average to .280 this spring.
Toole has scored eight runs in seven starts, having appeared in 24 games for the Wildcats with four RBI. He’s been hit five times — second on the team — compiling a .432 on-base percentage.
The Herald’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2022, Toole earned all-county honors in football, basketball and baseball – just the third male athlete to ever achieve that.
Panziera extends consecutive streakMarley Panziera, a Salinas High grad, is the only player on the UC Davis softball team to have started all 41 games this spring, extending her streak of consecutive starts to 46.
The Aggies’ shortstop has been an iron woman this season, shoring up the middle of the defense, having turned seven double plays.
Panziera is hitting .250 for Davis, with three homers and 15 runs batted in. The sophomore has 10 extra base hits and has scored 13 runs, compiling a .310 on-base percentage.
Last year Panziera made 33 starts, mostly at second base for the Aggies. She has already surpassed all of her college career highs offensively, except for home runs, having hit four last year.
A member of The Herald’s All-County softball team in 2023, Panziera was a multi-sport athlete at Salinas.
A teammate of Panziera’s at Davis is former Hollister infielder Gia Felice, who has started 34 games at third base, hitting .261 with 12 runs batted in.
Johnson-Toney Football CampThe Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County will showcase the 13th annual Johnson-Toney free football camp.
The camp, for boys and girls ages 9-14, will be held June 24-27 at the Cal State Monterey Bay soccer fields, with boys and girls ages 15-17 slated for July 22-25 at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas.
Ron Johnson and Anthony Toney, who both played for the Philadelphia Eagles, have been a part of the camp since its inception when it was called the Herm Edward Football Camp.
The camp is non-contact, mirroring the NFL Play 60 Character Camp. Coaches will teach basic football skills, as well as gratefulness, self-control, loyalty, honor, truthfulness and integrity.
The youth camp is limited to 300 participants, with the high school portion limited to 100 players. Deadline to register is June 23. Register on-line at bgcmpc.org
Coaches neededSalinas is looking for a boys and girls cross country coach, a girls’ water polo coach and a girls’ volleyball coach for this coming fall. Go to art.hunsdorfer@salinasuhsd.org
Marina is looking for varsity, JV and freshman head coaches this coming fall for girls’ volleyball. Go to edjoin.org
Officials neededPeninsula Sports Incorporate is looking for high school and middle school officials for all sports this season. Varsity officials are paid $100 a game.
There is an immediate need for officials in the fall for football, flag football, volleyball, field hockey and water polo. Training is provided. Call Tom Emery at (831) 241-1101.
Civil Grand Jury warns against Monterey’s wharves posing growing safety risk
While Monterey’s iconic wharves bring in residents and tourists from all over year-round, the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury warns that serious structural issues are mounting and are calling on city leaders
The wharves — Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Commercial Wharf — have been rated in “poor” condition since at least 2017. Despite multiple inspections and reports from licensed engineering firms over the past seven years, many recommended repairs remain unaddressed, the report found.
The investigation revealed widespread deterioration of timber, steel, and concrete supports, exacerbated by storm damage and seawater corrosion. Some portions of the wharves are in “serious” condition, with visible cracks, rusted reinforcements, and weakened structural components supporting walkways, buildings and public access areas.
“The City of Monterey has failed to maintain the structural integrity of its wharves for many years,” the report states, warning that the ongoing neglect poses risks to public safety, tourism and the city’s historic legacy.
A key obstacle, the report notes, is a patchwork of outdated lease agreements that complicate repair responsibilities. Leaseholders operating under contracts from 1991 are required to conduct structural inspections every three years — but they’re not obligated to make repairs recommended by city-commissioned reports unless their own engineers agree. More recent leases place the burden entirely on the city.
Meanwhile, regulatory red tape further delays action according to the report. Permits must be secured from a range of agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Coastal Commission, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. The report criticizes the city for not informing leaseholders about a 2020 Mitigated Negative Declaration, which could have helped streamline the permitting process.
Adding to the challenge: money. The city’s Tidelands Fund — fed primarily by wharf lease revenue — took in $3.3 million in 2024, but projected costs for necessary repairs over the next five years total at least $17 million.
City staff acknowledged the funding gap at a council meeting last June. While capital improvement programs have been created for both wharves, they fall well short of what’s needed according the report.
The Civil Grand Jury issued nine recommendations, including publicly reconciling conflicting engineering assessments, updating maintenance timelines, and identifying new funding sources. Responses from the Monterey City Council are required within 90 days.