Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 157

University protests blast Trump’s attacks on funding, speech and international students

By RODRIQUE NGOWI and BEN FINLEY

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — University professors and students led protests on campuses across the U.S. on Thursday against what they say are broad attacks on higher education, including massive cuts to funding, the expulsion of international students and the stifling of free speech about the war in Gaza.

Related Articles Nearly 90% of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cut as Trump’s government downsizing continues White House proposes eliminating Head Start funding as part of sweeping budget cuts Former Pentagon spokesman tied to online DEI purge was asked to resign, official says Can the IRS revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status? Trump officials’ defiance over Abrego Garcia’s deportation is ‘shocking,’ appeals court says

Demonstrations were held at schools including Harvard, where President Donald Trump’s administration says it will freeze $2.2 billion in grants and contracts and is threatening to revoke the university’s ability to host international students.

Rochelle Sun, a graduate student at Harvard’s Department of Government, said she came to stick up for international students because they’re integral to the school’s mission of pushing “the boundaries of human knowledge.”

“The whole point of me having this education here and for pursuing research at Harvard is to be among the best scholars that exist in the world,” Sun said after the protest in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “And so if they’re not going to be around me, then I’m not going to be able to achieve my goals of being here, either.”

Sun held a sign that read: “I should be writing my dissertation, but I keep having to fight this stupid fascism.”

Nancy Krieger, a professor of social epidemiology in Harvard’s School of Public Health, spoke to the crowd about cuts to programs that are crucial to medical discoveries and monitoring the health of the population.

“We are doing our work to make a better world in which all living on this planet can equitably thrive,” she said.

Krieger said her grant from the National Institutes of Health was terminated in late February because it studied discrimination in health, the kind of research that likely won’t be funded by companies or philanthropies.

“We need to have that money going towards research and academic work and the training and teaching of the next generation that can protect the public’s health,” Krieger said to cheers.

Federal funding targeted

A growing list of higher education institutions have had federal funding targeted by the government in order to comply with the Trump administration’s political agenda. The series of threats — and subsequent pauses in funding — to some of the top U.S. universities have become an unprecedented tool for the administration to exert influence on college campuses.

Cherish Lake, a Florida International University senior and hospitality major, participates in a protest against cuts in federal funding and an agreement by campus police to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, on the FIU campus on a day of protests around the country in support of higher education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)Demonstrators protest outside the Columbia University campus on the Day of Action for Higher Education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)Students, faculty and members of the Harvard University community rally, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo)Students, faculty and members of the Harvard University community rally, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo)Students, faculty and members of the Harvard University community rally, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo)Demonstrators protest outside the Columbia University campus on the Day of Action for Higher Education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)A person holds a sign as a group of Florida International University students protest against cuts in federal funding and an agreement by campus police to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, on the FIU campus during a day of protests around the country in support of higher education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)Northwestern student Paz Baum speaks during NUGW (Northwestern University Graduate Workers) press conference with American Association of University Professors (AAUP) chapter at National University, to take action to oppose attacks on higher education and the repression of students and professors at Northwestern university in Evanston, Ill., Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)A person passing by gives a thumbs up after stopping to speak with a student protesting against cuts in federal funding and an agreement by campus police to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, on the FIU campus on a day of protests around the country in support of higher education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)Viviana Rubio, center, a Miami-Dade College student who came out to support a friend who is worried about losing her scholarship, protests along with Florida International University students against cuts in federal funding and an agreement by campus police to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, on the FIU campus on a day of protests around the country in support of higher education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)Demonstrators protest outside the Columbia University campus on the Day of Action for Higher Education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)A group of Florida International University students protest against cuts in federal funding and an agreement by campus police to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, on the FIU campus on a day of protests around the country in support of higher education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)Students, educators and union members attend NUGW (Northwestern University Graduate Workers) press conference with American Association of University Professors (AAUP) chapter at National University, to take action to oppose attacks on higher education and the repression of students and professors at Northwestern university in Evanston, Ill., Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)Demonstrators protest outside the Columbia University campus on the Day of Action for Higher Education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)Show Caption1 of 14Cherish Lake, a Florida International University senior and hospitality major, participates in a protest against cuts in federal funding and an agreement by campus police to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, on the FIU campus on a day of protests around the country in support of higher education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)Expand

Trump vowed to pursue these federal cuts on the campaign trail last year, saying he would focus on schools that push “critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual, or political content.”

Republican officials have also heavily scrutinized universities where Palestinian protests erupted on campus amid the war in Gaza last year, while several Ivy League presidents testified before Congress to discuss antisemitism allegations.

Trump and other officials have accused protesters and others of being “pro-Hamas,” referring to the Palestinian militant group that attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Many protesters have said they were speaking out against Israel’s actions in the war.

The U.S. government has used its immigration enforcement powers to crack down on international students and scholars who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations or criticized Israel over its military action in Gaza. Some have been taken into custody or deported. Others fled the U.S. after learning their visas had been revoked.

‘You cannot appease a tyrant’

Thursday’s protest at Harvard comes just a few days after it became the first university to openly defy the Trump administration as it demands sweeping changes to limit activism on campus. The university frames the government’s demands as a threat not only to the Ivy League school but to the autonomy that the Supreme Court has long granted American universities.

Meanwhile, roughly 450 people showed up for a protest at the University of California-Berkeley, where emeritus professor and former Labor Secretary Robert Reich spoke out against placating Trump.

“You cannot appease a tyrant,” said Reich, who served in President Bill Clinton’s cabinet. “Columbia University tried to appease a tyrant. It didn’t work.”

Columbia University in New York initially agreed to several demands from the Trump administration. But its acting president took a more defiant tone in a campus message Monday, saying some of the demands “are not subject to negotiation.”

About 150 protesters rallied at Columbia, which had been the scene of huge pro-Palestinian protests last year. They gathered on a plaza outside a building that houses federal offices, holding signs emblazoned with slogans including “stop the war on universities” and “censorship is the weapon of fascists.”

The protests were organized by the Coalition for Action in Higher Education, which includes groups such as Higher Education Labor United and the American Federation of Teachers.

Kelly Benjamin, a spokesperson for American Association of University Professors, said in a phone call that the Trump administration’s goal of eviscerating academia is fundamentally anti-American.

“College campuses have historically been the places where these kind of conversations, these kind of robust debates and dissent take place in the United States,” Benjamin said. “It’s healthy for democracy. And they’re trying to destroy all of that in order to enact their vision and agenda.”

Finley reported from Norfolk, Virginia. Associated Press journalists Noah Berger in Berkeley, California, and Joseph B. Frederick in New York contributed to this report.

Caltrans using remote-controlled equipment at Regent’s Slide near Big Sur

BIG SUR – Caltrans is introducing remote-controlled equipment for use at Regent’s Slide, allowing operators to take more risk than they would with dozers and excavators that had people on board.

“Training on the new equipment began in the second week of March,” said Caltrans District 5 spokesperson Kevin Drabinski. “The remote-controlled equipment has been used in tandem with traditional machinery since the middle of March. Excavation has continued as site conditions allow.”

Regent’s Slide — post mile 27.8 — occurred March 9, 2024, and started seeing top-down removal of slide material by crews on April 30, 2024. The slide originated 450 feet above the roadway, displacing material that engulfed Highway 1 and continuing down to the beach and ocean below.

Working closely with Caterpillar Inc. and other contracting partners, the incorporation of this technology is intended to increase production and protect worker safety at Regent’s Slide where crews are challenged by the height, steepness, and instability of the slide, according to Caltrans.

In August, continued slide activity in and around the Regent’s Slide repair site on Highway 1 halted excavation work for a time.

“The slide which appeared last August, and which forced us to begin work higher up the slope continues to move daily,” said Drabinski. “When we load the head of the slide with debris, the new slide accelerates beyond its typical movement of one foot per day. We may back off from excavation if measurements indicate the acceleration is too rapid. So we continue to do the dance of loading the slide and backing off of it as site conditions indicate.”

Caltrans continues to perform daily geologic assessments to determine if it is safe to conduct repair work. Given these conditions, the introduction of remote-controlled equipment will allow Caltrans to take more risks.

Bulldozer and excavator operators have been trained to use this remote-controlled equipment that can perform under certain adverse site conditions and at locations that may otherwise not be safe for crews to operate. Remote-controlled equipment capabilities will be used to complement ongoing traditional repair strategies.

“While repairs to Regent’s Slide are now expected to keep Highway 1 in this area closed through summer 2025, Caltrans will provide regular updates on progress on these slide repairs and an estimated reopening date,” said Drabinski. “More will be known when the efficiencies of this remote-controlled equipment are realized.”

Once work at Regent’s Slide is complete it would open up Highway 1 to direct travel between Carmel and Cambria.

Currently, visitors coming from the north are able to travel to Big Sur, its businesses and surrounding area up to the northern-most closure point at Lime Creek — post mile 32.1 — just south of the Esalen Institute, while travelers from the communities of Cambria, San Simeon, and the south coast continue to be within reach from Southern California up to the southern-most closure point at south of Vicente Creek Bridge at post mile 25.3.

There is a 6.8-mile-wide segment of Highway 1 between the two turnaround points that remains inaccessible to through traffic due to the ongoing repair work at Regent’s Slide.

Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: X/Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: Caltrans_D5.

Can the IRS revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status?

By GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA and THALIA BEATY

For more than a century, the majority of colleges and universities have not paid most taxes. The Revenue Act of 1909 excused nonprofits operating “exclusively for religious, charitable, or educational purposes” in order to continue acting in the public interest.

Related Articles Nearly 90% of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cut as Trump’s government downsizing continues White House proposes eliminating Head Start funding as part of sweeping budget cuts Former Pentagon spokesman tied to online DEI purge was asked to resign, official says University protests blast Trump’s attacks on funding, speech and international students Trump officials’ defiance over Abrego Garcia’s deportation is ‘shocking,’ appeals court says

President Donald Trump is looking to challenge that designation, complaining that colleges and universities are “indoctrinating” their students with “radical left” ideas, rather than educating them. And he has decided to start with the 388-year-old Harvard University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions of learning and the first college founded in the American colonies.

On Tuesday, he targeted Harvard University in a post on his social media site, questioning whether it should remain tax-exempt “if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting “Sickness?” Remember, Tax Exempt Status is totally contingent on acting in the PUBLIC INTEREST!”

Tax-exempt status, which is decided by the Internal Revenue Service, means that these institutions do not pay certain kinds of taxes and that their donors receive a tax deduction when they make gifts. The rules they have to follow to maintain that status are set out in the tax code. We spoke with attorneys who specialize in nonprofit law and freedom of speech to try to answer questions about this challenge.

Does a university’s curriculum affect its charitable status?

In general, no. Colleges and universities have broad leeway to design the education they provide.

Genevieve Lakier, a First Amendment scholar at the University of Chicago Law School, said the U.S. Supreme Court has laid out four essential freedoms for colleges and universities — what to teach, how to teach it, who their students are and who their professors are.

“That’s the irreducible core of academic freedom and it is constitutionally protected in this country,” she said, adding the government cannot threaten funding cuts or revoking a school’s tax status as punishment for its views or what the school teaches.

The First Amendment also protects the rights of other nonprofits to pursue their charitable missions under freedom of assembly, Lakier said, even if those missions are odious or the government does not like them.

Can the president ask the IRS to revoke a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status?

No, he is not supposed to, according to two nonprofit tax attorneys who wrote about a previous call from Trump to revoke the nonprofit status of colleges and universities.

Archon Fung, professor at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, addresses students, faculty and members of the Harvard University community rally, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

In 1998, Congress passed a law that forbade federal officials from telling the IRS to investigate any taxpayer in an effort to increase trust in tax enforcement.

The attorneys, Ellen Aprill and Samuel Brunson, also pointed to legislation that forbade the IRS “from targeting individuals and organizations for ideological reasons,” after a controversy over how it treated Tea Party groups in 2013.

How does a nonprofit get and keep its tax-exempt status?

The IRS recognizes multiple reasons for a nonprofit to to be exempt from paying many kinds of taxes, including pursuing charitable, religious or educational missions among many other examples. The statute specifically names sports competitions, preventing cruelty to children or animals and defending human or civil rights as exempt purposes.

Nonprofits can lose their tax-exempt status for things like improperly paying its directors, endorsing a political candidate or operating a business unrelated to its charitable mission.

In short, tax attorneys say nonprofits must operate “exclusively for charitable purposes,” which is a different standard than what the president referred to as, “acting in the public interest.”

Phil Hackney, a law professor at the University of Pittsburgh, said, “Long history and precedent suggest that Harvard and institutions of higher education are operating for educational purposes, which are considered charitable,” under the tax code.

He said it would be exceedingly difficult to make a case that a college or university was not operating for charitable purposes under current law. However, Edward McCaffery, who teaches tax policy at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, warned there is precedent for the IRS revoking the tax-exempt status of colleges that the government could lean on.

“I think to dismiss it out of hand as over-the-top bluster and that the administration has no power to unilaterally pursue it, I think that’s naive,” McCaffery said. “This could happen.”

Has the IRS ever stripped a college of its tax-exempt status before?

Yes. In 1983, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court decision that the IRS could deny tax-exempt status to Bob Jones University, a private Christian university that banned interracial dating and marriage on campus, and Goldsboro Christian Schools, which employed racially discriminatory admissions policies.

The court found the IRS had some discretion to determine whether an organization seeking tax-exempt status met standards of “charity,” meaning that it “must serve a public purpose and not be contrary to established public policy.”

Nonetheless, McCaffery said, “The ability of the IRS just to come in and deny tax exemption, it better be a very clear, long-standing, deeply held public policy, and not political preferences for certain kinds of positions, attitudes and voting patterns.”

How can the IRS revoke a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status?

Usually, the IRS would open an audit, where it gathers evidence that a nonprofit is not operating exclusively for charitable purposes.

“The IRS would have to send to Harvard a proposed revocation of its status,” Hackney said. “At that point, Harvard would have many different means to talk with the IRS about why they believed they were within the law,” including suing.

However, Hackney said the U.S. Department of Treasury could implement new regulations, for example, stating that operating a diversity, equity and inclusion program is not consistent with charitable purposes. Such a change would usually take years to make and would run counter to decades of precedent, Hackney said.

“I am skeptical this effort will be successful,” he said. “If it were, this would be the most dramatic change of charitable law in my lifetime and I would say in the history of our charitable law.”

This story has been updated to reflect that Harvard University is 388 years old. A previous version stated it is 488 years old.

Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

Horoscopes April 17, 2025: Jennifer Garner, make your presence felt this year

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Rooney Mara, 40; Jennifer Garner, 53; Liz Phair, 58; Sean Bean, 66.

Happy Birthday: Make your presence felt this year. Participate, verbalize, share your vision and do your best to impact your community positively. Keep busy, set goals and address your to-do list with goodwill and faith in yourself and your ability to make your mark. Choose a healthy lifestyle that encourages building mental, physical and emotional strength to help execute your plans. Prioritize peace, love and kindness. Your numbers are 9, 15, 23, 26, 34, 37, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Get into the conversation, learn, gain experience and master the art of negotiation. Put your energy and enthusiasm into networking and revealing your plans to those who can play a role in turning your vision into a reality, and you will gain acceptance amongst your peers. A financial investment looks promising. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A personal change is favored. Observe your surroundings and the opportunities around you, and consider if there is a better location to call home. Decide if you want to return to your roots or find somewhere new and exciting. Take nothing for granted, and be sure to get propositions in writing. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put a wait-and-see policy in place. You’ll overreact if you aren’t careful. Expect temptation to cross your path. Put your energy into research and communicating with those offering firsthand information. Look at the big picture and follow the dots from beginning to end before you decide your next move. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself. Appearing vulnerable will attract scammers. Pay more attention to how you look and present yourself to others. Refuse to let indulgence get in the way of a healthy lifestyle or relationship. Invest more time and money in yourself instead of buying into someone else’s adventure. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You can impact how things turn out by leading the way and setting an example. Raise issues of concern, and be the one to make a difference. Listen to the input you receive from those you influence or work alongside, and together, you’ll find a way to move forward that appeases the majority. 5 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Refrain from letting emotions and ego get in the way of common sense. Practicality, attention to detail and choosing your words wisely to avoid being misinterpreted or taken advantage of are necessary. Change is needed, but don’t try to fix what’s already working. Focus on the problem and apply a solution. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Expand your interests, knowledge and experience. Socialize, and you’ll find common ground with someone you encounter; but first, take care of responsibilities, or someone will complain. You are best to cooperate to get things done on time. Going on trips, revisiting old ideas or reconnecting with someone you miss is favored. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A diversion will help you gain momentum. Tap into something you see, hear or experience, and it will lead you to an obscure alternative or answer. There is plenty to achieve if you are diligent about how you proceed and who you feel is a good fit to help you excel. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep an open mind, but put your assets somewhere safe. Don’t be tempted to bail someone out or take on responsibilities that will weigh you down or cost you emotionally, physically or financially. Offer solutions that don’t infringe on your time and patience. An offer won’t live up to its hype. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Stifle it, and you’ll avoid interference. Apply more time and effort to self-improvement instead of trying to change others. Put a routine in place that encourages you to get into tip-top shape. Building physical strength will also give you the confidence to make things happen. Question everything and everyone. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stick close to home and to what’s familiar. You’ll feel better if you organize your space. Avoid outside interference or talks that persuade you to make unnecessary changes at a cost that can lead to debt. Invest your time and money in yourself, upgrading your skills and formatting opportunities to suit your needs. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Set boundaries to deter someone from talking you into something you don’t need or want. Put your energy into personal and professional goals that make you feel better about your life and yourself. Romance is apparent, but refuse to let your emotions give way to poor choices. Protect your health and well-being. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are pioneering, caring and spontaneous. You are friendly and influential.

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.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

SF Giants enjoy blowout win as every starter reaches base multiple times

PHILADELPHIA — The Giants and Phillies both have 144 games remaining in their respective seasons. The calendar has yet to flip from April to May, but it’s fair to assume there will be crisper, cleaner, quicker games ahead.

San Francisco and Philadelphia combined to walk 15 batters, four of those walks being with the bases loaded. Robbie Ray and Aaron Nola, the day’s starters, accounted for nine combined free passes. Each team committed an error. Amidst the sloppiness, the Giants enjoyed one of their best offensive nights of the season, blowing out the Phillies, 11-4, as every member of the starting lineup reached base multiple times.

“On a night that was going to be tough to hit the ball out of the ballpark, you saw a lot of balls that were hit good — trying not to do too much,” said manager Bob Melvin. “Taking our hits, taking our walks, scoring in that fashion.”

There was no shortage of notable stat lines on a night where the Giants scored a season-high 11 runs.

Mike Yastrzemski, Jung Hoo Lee, Wilmer Flores and Patrick Bailey each drove in two runs while Yastrzemski, Lee, Matt Chapman and Tyler Fitzgerald also enjoyed multi-hit games. Fitzgerald, in particular, enjoyed his second three-hit game of the series. He entered this road trip with a .219 batting average and .546 OPS, but following Wednesday’s performance, Fitzgerald’s numbers include a .314 batting average and an .842 OPS.

“Anytime as a young player you go through a struggle — you’re playing a new position, there’s a lot thrown at you — and now you’re on the other side, I think it’ll do wonders for him,” Melvin said. “But there’s a lot of season left and there’s going to be a lot of ups and downs for everybody.”

Robbie Ray allowed four earned runs over four innings and threw 93 pitches while getting a no-decision, but Lou Trivino, Camilo Doval and Spencer Bivens combined to throw five scoreless innings of relief. Trivino earned his first win since Aug. 21, 2022 by pitching a scoreless fifth and sixth.

“It’s been a long time, so it’s cool to be back in the stat column,” Trivino said. “I didn’t think it would mean a lot to me, then I found out I was the winning pitcher. I was like, ‘Okay, that’s kind of meaningful.’ It’s just cool. It’s been a while, and it’s nice to be able to contribute with such a good team.”

Said Melvin of Trivino: “It really did settle things down. He threw strikes. He didn’t walk anybody. That was huge to give us two innings like that. And (Bivens) at the end as well. It was good to see (Doval) get a clean inning and throw the ball really well, too.”

The Giants (13-5) scored four runs in the top of the first inning on Lee’s RBI single, Flores’ bases-loaded walk and Bailey’s two-run single, forcing the Phillies’ Aaron Nola to throw 35 pitches in the process. As Nola walked off the field, the home fans showered him with boos.

Those four runs appeared as though they’d be enough for Ray, but San Francisco’s starter couldn’t find the strike zone. The Phillies (10-8) had one infield hit in the first inning — a leadoff single by Trea Turner — but scored twice as Ray walked four batters, two of them with the bases loaded. Ray needed 39 pitches to record three outs, throwing so much that reliever Spencer Bivens had begun to warm up.

Related Articles SF Giants’ Schmitt already excelling at new position despite inexperience SF Giants can’t hold lead, Verlander still searching for first win Adames hits first home run of season as SF Giants rout Phillies Why Harper, Schwarber, Turner believe Posey will excel as SF Giants’ team president Lee’s two-homer day leads SF Giants to series win over Yankees

The Phillies earned their runs off Ray in the fourth. Bryce Harper hit his second two-run homer in as many days, and Philadelphia tied the game at 4-all.

The Giants quickly re-gained the lead in part to a questionable throw from Phillies center fielder Johan Rojas. With Lee on second after a double, Chapman singled to center. Lee stopped at third, but Rojas fired an errant throw up the third-base line that skipped past all of his teammates and bounced out of play, allowing Lee to score to give the Giants a 5-4 lead, one they’d never lose.

From there, San Francisco continued to pile on while the bullpen shut it down. Against Trivino, Doval and Bivens, Philadelphia’s bats only reached base twice. Doval, in particular, hasn’t allowed a baserunner in his last three appearances.

“Lou coming into the game today and giving us two really strong innings was great,” Ray said. “They’ve been great the whole year, and it’s been fun to watch those guys. They’ve been picking us up, so it’s time to reciprocate.”

What happens next after judge warns of possible contempt prosecution over deportation flights order

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, MARK SHERMAN and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge’s ruling that the Trump administration appears to have willfully violated his order to turn around planes of migrants headed for El Salvador increases the prospect of officials being held in criminal contempt of court and potentially facing possible prosecution.

U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said in his ruling on Wednesday that probable cause exists to hold the administration in contempt over its defiance of his order in the case involving migrants sent to a notorious El Salvador prison. The judge is giving the administration a chance to remedy the violation first before moving forward with such an action.

The White House says it’s planning to appeal.

It’s the latest standoff between the administration and the judiciary, which has blocked a slew of President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive actions around immigration and other matters.

Here’s what to know about the judge’s ruling, contempt of court and what happens next:

The judge’s order and the administration’s violation

The case stems from Trump’s invocation of a 1798 wartime law, the Alien Enemies Act, to deport Venezuelan migrants it accuses of being gang members. During an emergency hearing last month after several migrants sued, Boasberg had ordered the administration not to deport anyone in its custody under the act.

When told there were already planes in the air headed to El Salvador, which has agreed to house deported migrants in a notorious prison, the judge said the aircraft needed to be returned to the United States. That didn’t happen.

Hours later, El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, announced that the deportees had arrived in his country. In a social media post, he said, “Oopsie…too late” above an article referencing Boasberg’s order.

The Justice Department has argued the judge’s order didn’t apply to planes that had already left U.S. airspace by the time his command came down.

Boasberg said the government’s “actions on that day demonstrate a willful disregard for its Order.” Even though the Supreme Court earlier this month vacated Boasberg’s ruling that blocked the deportations, the judge said that does not “excuse the government’s violation.”

Judge warns of possible contempt of court prosecution

Boasberg said the administration can avoid contempt proceedings if it attempts to remedy the violation by retaking custody of the deportees, who were sent to the El Salvador prison in violation of his order, so they have a chance to challenge their removal. The judge wrote that the government “would not need to release any of those individuals, nor would it need to transport them back to the homeland,” but it’s unclear how that would work.

Boasberg said if the administration chooses not to remedy the violation, he will move forward with trying to identify the official or officials who made the decision not to turn the planes around. The judge said he would start by asking the government to submit written declarations in court, but he could turn to hearings with live witnesses under oath or depositions.

Related Articles DOGE wanted to assign staff to the nonprofit Vera Institute of Justice because it got federal funds Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says US autism cases are climbing at an ‘alarming rate’ The White House is starting a new media policy that restricts wire services’ access to the president Trump kept his promise to order a ban on transgender female athletes. Court fights have arrived The State Department closes the office that flags disinformation from Russia, China and Iran

Then, he could refer the matter for prosecution. Since Trump’s Justice Department leadership would almost certainly opt not to bring a case, the judge said he would appoint another attorney to prosecute the contempt case should the government decline to do so.

Rory Little, a law professor of constitutional law at UC Law San Francisco, believes the government could easily avoid a contempt finding.

“Boasberg doesn’t suggest it, but if they put those 200 people back on a plane and brought them back, that would purge the contempt for sure. It’s just that we don’t think Trump’s going to do that,” Little said.

Little said Boasberg suggested a “much less intrusive method” for the administration to comply with his order.

“He is being as careful as he can be to avoid the face-to-face, ugly confrontation that we all think must be coming sooner or later,” he said.

The administration could also be facing possible contempt of court in another case involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man whom the administration has acknowledged was mistakenly sent to the El Salvador prison. The judge in that case has said she is determining whether to undertake contempt proceedings, saying officials “appear to have done nothing to aid in Abrego Garcia’s release from custody and return to the United States” despite a Supreme Court ruling that the administration must “facilitate” his release.

Jennifer Vasquez Sura, the wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia of Maryland, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, right, stands with supporters during a news conference at CASA’s Multicultural Center in Hyattsville, Md., Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)Criminal contempt cases are rare

Judges have been willing to hold officials and agencies in contempt for failing to abide by rulings, even occasionally seeking to impose fines and imprisonment. But higher courts have almost always overturned them, Yale law professor Nicholas Parrillo wrote in a 2018 Harvard Law Review article that surveyed thousands of cases and turned up 82 contempt findings by federal judges since the end of World War II.

In a long-running dispute over money, the federal government holds in trust for Native American tribes, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth held interior secretaries Gale Norton, a Republican, in 2002, and Bruce Babbitt, a Democrat, in 1999, in contempt and twice ordered the Interior Department to disconnect its computers.

The federal appeals court in Washington overturned the contempt charge against Norton and finally removed Lamberth from the case in 2006.

Even without sanctions, though, contempt findings “have a shaming effect that gives them substantial if imperfect deterrent power,” Parrillo wrote. But he acknowledged that the potency of contempt rests on the widely shared view that officials comply with court orders.

In 1987, a divided Supreme Court ruled that district court judges have the authority to appoint private attorneys to prosecute criminal contempt actions. Justice Antonin Scalia, who disagreed with the majority decision, concluded that the courts don’t have the power to appoint attorneys to conduct contempt prosecutions.

Stanford Law School professor Robert Weisberg, who teaches criminal procedure, said Boasberg’s claim that the government flagrantly violated his order is “very convincing.”

“This looks so sound to me that I think it will be difficult to win a reversal, which means we may have a standoff,” he said.

Weisberg said he is concerned that the showdown between the judge and administration could move the government even closer to a constitutional crisis.

“I’m supposed to say, because everybody else does, that we have to be careful about using the term ‘constitutional crisis.’ It means too many things, it’s overused,” he said. “That aside, what the country has been waiting for … some with happy anticipation, is for a flat-out refusal to obey a legal court order. This is pretty close.”

SF Giants’ Schmitt already excelling at new position despite inexperience

PHILADELPHIA — Casey Schmitt picked up the first base position roughly two weeks ago. In his first game at the spot, he had to borrow Sam Huff’s mitt because he didn’t have his own. For someone still learning the position, he already looks like he’s played it for life.

Schmitt made his latest impressive defensive play in the Giants’ 6-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park, picking a tricky line drive out of the dirt then flipping it to Justin Verlander for the out. Schmitt also roped a 110.2 mph two-run single, then was several feet away from hitting a go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning of Tuesday’s game.

https://sporty-clips.mlb.com/YkIzUE5fVjBZQUhRPT1fQUZKU1VsMVdBd1VBRGxBS0F3QUhCRkJXQUFNTkJ3SUFVMUZVQVZKUUJGWldVMU5V.mp4

“He has third base down, and it looks like it hasn’t taken him too long to get first base down, too,” said manager Bob Melvin.

Schmitt made another slick play in the eighth inning on Sunday against the New York Yankees. With the Giants clinging to a one-run lead, Schmitt dove to snag J.C. Escarra’s grounder, then threw to a sprinting Tyler Rogers to get the out and end the inning. While defensive stats should be taken with a grain of salt in small samples, Schmitt has already totaled two defensive runs at the position.

The early returns are all the more impressive given Schmitt’s total lack of experience playing first base as a professional.

https://sporty-clips.mlb.com/UUFyTzlfVjBZQUhRPT1fQTFkWFhGRUdCRkVBREZzS1VnQUhCbEpRQUZsVFdnVUFDbE1BQlFFRFZRVUFVMUFI.mp4

Prior to April 1, Schmitt had never played in a game at first base since the Giants selected him in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft. Not in the majors. Not in the minors. Not in spring training. The last time he had played at first base prior to this season was roughly six years ago during summer ball when he was still in college. Schmitt is far more accustomed to the other corner position, having played 244 games at third base in the majors and minors combined. In 2022, Schmitt earned a Minor League Gold Glove at third base.

“I’ve been taking ground balls during (batting practice) and working on the picks,” Schmitt said. “Knowing where to go in situations, stuff like that.”

Wilmer Flores appeared likely to split time with LaMonte Wade Jr. at first base heading into the season, but Flores has spent nearly this entire season at DH. After playing 10 games at first base during spring training, Flores has only played one game at first base so far this season. Jerar Encarnacion has experience playing first base but is currently on the injured list with a left hand fracture. Schmitt, then, has become San Francisco’s backup first baseman behind Wade.

Related Articles SF Giants enjoy blowout win as every starter reaches base multiple times SF Giants can’t hold lead, Verlander still searching for first win Adames hits first home run of season as SF Giants rout Phillies Why Harper, Schwarber, Turner believe Posey will excel as SF Giants’ team president Lee’s two-homer day leads SF Giants to series win over Yankees

Playing Schmitt at first base allows the Giants to keep the 33-year-old Flores off his feet and, by extension, healthy. Flores only played 71 games last season before undergoing a season-ending Tenex procedure on his right knee, which was compromised the whole year. After only hitting four home runs in ‘24, Flores has already hit six homers over 17 games in ‘25.

Schmitt also has better career splits against left-handed pitchers than Wade, so it should come as no surprise that all four of Schmitt’s starts at first base have come on days where the opposing team starts a left-handed pitcher. Against lefties, Schmitt has a career .706 OPS while Wade has a career .559 OPS.

The 26-year-old doesn’t have eye-popping offensive numbers to begin the season (.566 OPS) but he hasn’t lacked for hard contact. Of the 13 balls that Schmitt has put into play, five of them have been at least 100 mph and two of them have been at least 110 mph. Schmitt’s 111.4 mph double against the Cincinnati Reds’ Nick Lodolo — a lefty — nearly matched his career-high max exit velocity of 111.6 mph.

“Anyway I can get there, I’m excited to do it,” Schmitt said.

Schmitt is no longer borrowing Huff’s mitt, having bought one of his own. As things stand, he’s set to get some good mileage out of it.

49ers tackle Alarcon suspended for violating NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy

The 49ers will be without practice squad tackle Isaac Alarcon for the first six games of the 2025 season after he was suspended for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy, the league announced Wednesday.

Alarcon joined the 49ers last offseason on a reserve/future contract after spending four years with the Cowboys via the NFL’s international player pathway program. He saw some action in the preseason, then spent the whole regular season on the practice squad and re-signed with the Niners on a reserve deal in January.

Related Articles I've spent five months watching NFL Draft Prospects. Here are my 40 favorite players Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor can envision return to 49ers after local pro day Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor can envision return to 49ers after local pro day Kurtenbach: The 49ers are all-in on the worst NFL Draft in a decade Could Teddye Buchanan end Cal’s draft drought with 49ers?

The 26-year-old native of Monterrey, Mexico played collegiately in Mexico, winning the national title with Tecnológico de Monterrey.

The 49ers’ last tie to such a suspension was last summer when free agent safety Tashaun Gipson, who had played for the 49ers the two prior years, faced a PED suspension of six games. Gipson re-signed with the 49ers in November after serving his suspension and playing a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is a free agent this offseason.

DOGE wanted to assign staff to the nonprofit Vera Institute of Justice because it got federal funds

By THALIA BEATY

NEW YORK (AP) — The nonprofit Vera Institute of Justice says staff from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency contacted them to assign a team to the organization and told them they planned to similarly install teams with all nonprofits receiving funds appropriated by Congress.

Related Articles What happens next after judge warns of possible contempt prosecution over deportation flights order Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says US autism cases are climbing at an ‘alarming rate’ The White House is starting a new media policy that restricts wire services’ access to the president Trump kept his promise to order a ban on transgender female athletes. Court fights have arrived The State Department closes the office that flags disinformation from Russia, China and Iran

Nick Turner, president of the New York-based criminal justice nonprofit, said Wednesday the nonprofit’s attorneys asked the DOGE staffers what legal basis they had to investigate a nonprofit and informed the staffers that the U.S. Department of Justice recently terminated grants to Vera. The DOGE staffers then withdrew their request to assign a team, according to a transcript of the call provided by Vera.

The White House and Justice Department did not immediately return requests for comment.

Vera, which has an annual budget of around $45 million that mostly comes from private funders, advocates for reducing the number of people imprisoned in the U.S. They consult with law enforcement and public agencies to design alternative programs to respond to mental health crises or traffic violations, and also support access to lawyers for all immigrants facing deportation.

Nonprofit advocates say DOGE’s request threatens the basic freedoms of civil society.

“It would clearly undermine a core tenet of civil society: its independence from the state,” said Benjamin Soskis, a senior research associate at the Urban Institute. “Regulatory oversight is one thing, but this would seem to go into much further, darker territory, where the government threatens the functioning of nonprofits that it does not agree with.”

Vera’s president said in an interview it is speaking publicly about DOGE’s request so other nonprofits can prepare.

“I think it is a terrifying harbinger of what might be a DOGE agenda to start infiltrating nonprofits that receive federal funding,” Turner said. “It could be a misunderstanding. It could be an aggressive overreach,” but it seemed clear that DOGE believed receiving any federal funding would be a reason to install a team at a nonprofit.

Not the first threat from the White House to nonprofits

Diane Yentel, the president and CEO the National Council of Nonprofits, called the request from DOGE to Vera a blatant abuse of power that should alarm all Americans.

“This action by DOGE sets a dangerous precedent, leaving any recipient of federal funding — nonprofit, for-profit, and individuals alike — vulnerable to the whims of this destructive group,” Yentel said in a statement. Her organization sued to prevent a freeze of all federal funding.

In February, the White House directed federal agencies to review all funding for nonprofits because many “actively undermine the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people.”

The Trump administration has also sought to cancel other funding previously allocated by Congress and awarded to nonprofits, though the courts have paused some of those actions.

DOGE has also taken control of the U.S. Institute of Peace, an independent nonprofit created and funded in part by Congress that worked to promote peace and security around the world. Employees and board members of USIP have sued the administration, arguing that the nonprofit is independent and not a part of the executive branch.

DOGE staffers referenced USIP as an example of DOGE assigning a team to a nonprofit that receives Congressional funds, according to the call transcript provided by Vera.

Many nonprofits receive federal funding

The federal government offers hundreds of billions of dollars in funding to nonprofit organizations in every state.

Researchers at the Urban Institute found that 103,475 nonprofits received $267 billion in government grants in 2021, according to an analysis of nonprofit tax forms. The analysis excludes the many small nonprofits with few assets that file less detailed tax forms.

Vera said the terminated grants from the Justice Department totaled around $5 million over three years. Those funds would have provided sign language interpretation for victims of crimes who are deaf, helped to develop responses to human trafficking and changed the way prosecutor offices work to reduce the number of people entering the legal system.

The Justice Department notified Vera it terminated the grants because it had change its priorities to “more directly supporting certain law enforcement operations, combatting violent crime, protecting American children, and supporting American victims of trafficking and sexual assault, and better coordinating law enforcement efforts at all levels of government.”

Turner said he believed the administration targeted Vera because it’s outspoken about its mission to pursue racial justice and support immigrants, policies the White House opposes.

“The Trump administration is obviously doing everything that it can to hobble and handicap civil society, whether it’s in academia or law firms or foundations and now has obviously opened this front on nonprofits,” Turner said.

Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

Recipes: 3 delicious dishes you can make with mushrooms

Highly prized for their versatility, mushrooms’ flavor profiles range from woodsy to nutty,  musty to mild. They are loaded with umami, that quality described as the fifth taste that has the savory flavor of meat or broth. In addition to their deliciousness, many contend that they boost gut health and pack anti-inflammatory properties.

Don’t be intimidated by them. Look for firm mushrooms that are free of soft spots or mold. Wash them just before using them but be sure to store them unwashed. Never submerge in water to wash them because mushrooms absorb like a sponge and become mushy. Wipe with moist paper towels. Some prefer to clean them with a soft-bristled mushroom brush. If extremely dirty, they can be very briefly dunked into cold water and wiped dry.

These are many varieties, but to make it easy, the following recipes showcase easy-to-find mushrooms: white button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms (immature portobello mushrooms), and “baby bellas” (a label used to describe more mature cremini that are bigger than standard cremini but not as big as portobellos. However, if your source has shitake mushrooms, they are delicious tossed into the mix in for soup or the roasted mushrooms (be sure to remove the shiitake stem before using).

This Cream of Mushroom Soup with Green Onions has an earthy taste and only 60 calories per serving. (Photo by Cathy Thomas)Cream of Mushroom Soup with Green Onions

I love this quick-to-make low-calorie Cream of Mushroom Soup with Green Onions. Each serving is only 60 calories. The dark brown caps of cremini mushrooms add a delightful earthiness to the pureed soup. The concoction is frothy like a cappuccino, especially if you use a handheld immersion blender to puree the mix.

Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

6 to 8 green onions, trimmed, divided use

Olive oil cooking spray

14 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms (about 3 cups)

2 medium-sized garlic cloves, minced

Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 cups fat free, low sodium chicken or vegetable broth

1 (12-ounce) can fat free evaporated milk

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut green onions into 1/4-inch thick slices. Make two piles: one with the white and light green slices, the other with the dark green stalks. Use enough onions to make about 1/2 cup of white and light green slices.

2. Spray a 4-quart pan or Dutch oven liberally with cooking spray and place on medium-high heat. Add white and light green slices of green onion, mushrooms and garlic. Cook until mushrooms are tender-crisp and start to release liquid, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add broth and evaporated milk. Cover and bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer until mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. I prefer pureeing with an immersion blender — it makes it frothier. If you don’t have one, work in 3 batches, pureeing the soup in a blender (use caution and hold down lid with potholder), or use a food processor. Ladle soup into bowls and grind a little pepper on each serving. Top with several slices of dark green onion stalks.

Source: “50 Best Plants on the Planet” by Cathy Thomas (Chronicle)

Roasted Mushrooms Gremolata Style are shown served over a bed of farro accompanied by cherry tomatoes. (Photo by Cathy Thomas)Roasted Mushrooms Gremolata Style

Roasting mushrooms brings out their delicious earthiness. The high-heat method creates a caramelized, well-browned surface that adds a degree of subtle sweetness. I like to use cremini mushrooms, small portobello mushrooms that look like common mushrooms with dark brown caps. A larger, more mature version is often labeled in the supermarket as “baby bellas” or “portobellini.” They are scrumptious for roasting, too.

Once out of the oven, toss them with a gremolata, an Italian seasoning that includes minced citrus zest, chopped garlic and fresh herbs (most often parsley). They make a delicious side dish. Or for the main event, I like to serve them tumbled over a bed of cooked farro. Or use them as an omelet filling along with some crumbled goat cheese.

Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 pounds mixed mushrooms, or cremini or baby bellas

Extra-virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic (2 smashed and peeled, 2 chopped)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Grated zest and juice of 1/2 lemon

2 tablespoons dried (plain or seasoned) bread crumbs

1 tablespoon capers, rinsed, drained, chopped

2 to 3 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. To remove bits of debris, brush mushrooms with a wet paper towel or kitchen towel. Trim bottoms of stems if they look discolored. Cut mushrooms so they are all about the same size; this may require cutting larger mushrooms in half or quarters.

2. Place mushrooms and smashed garlic in bowl. Add enough oil to lightly coat and salt and pepper. Toss, massaging in oil to coat. Place in single layer on rimmed baking sheet. Roast in preheated oven until browned and crisp around the edges. Roasting time will vary depending on the moisture in the mushrooms, between 15 and 28 minutes.

3. Toss mushrooms and roasted garlic with chopped garlic, zest, juice, breadcrumbs, capers and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Source: Adapted from “Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables” by Joshua McFadden (Artisan)

Rigatoni with Quick Mushroom Bolognese is a vegetarian dish that carnivores will enjoy. (Courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen)Rigatoni with Quick Mushroom Bolognese

The chefs at America’s Test Kitchen verify that cremini mushrooms pulsed to small bits in a food processor, do an excellent job of mimicking meat. In their new book “Mostly Meatless” they show off the tasty fungi in a quick-to-make Mushroom Bolognese used to nap rigatoni. Grated Pecorino Romano cheese brings an alluring savory oomph to the dish. Vegetarians and carnivores will both enjoy this tasty dish.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon salt

1 pound rigatoni

1/4 teaspoon salt, plus salt for cooking pasta, divided use

1 pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed, quartered

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 carrot, peeled, finely chopped

1/4 cup tomato paste

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus extra for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a Dutch oven. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta; cook stirring occasionally, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water, then drain pasta and return to pot.

2. Meanwhile, pulse the mushrooms on and off in a food processor until finely chopped, about 10 pulses. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add mushrooms, onion, carrot, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook until mushrooms appear dry and begin to stick to the bottom of skillet, about 14 minutes.

3. Stir in tomato paste and garlic; cook about 1 minute. Stir in wine, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until evaporated, about 2 minutes. Stir in reserved cooking water and bring to a boil. Add sauce and Pecorino to pasta in pot and stir to combine. Serve with extra Pecorino.

Source: “Mostly Meatless” from America’s Test Kitchen

Related Articles Bourbon-plumped currants enhance the flavor of hot cross buns Dress up your greens with whipped ricotta Roy Choi recipe: Tuna Salad Niçoise Bibimbap Basket cheese holds the key to a tangy, fresh Easter treat Quick Fix: Poisson en Papillote (Steamed Fish Parcels) with Garlic Bread