Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 163

Big Sur Marathon to return to traditional course this year

CARMEL – From the pandemic to a mudslide taking out a portion of the course last year, the Big Sur Marathon has faced a series of challenges in recent years.

Persevering, though, is what runners and race organizers do. And while the weather gods can be unpredictable, the return of the traditional, bucket list course is back for this year’s 38th running.

Runners will start boarding buses as early as 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 27 as the event has once again sold out, with more than 5,000 runners taking part in the world-renowned event.

“We’re excited to be back from point-to-point,” said Jennifer Edwards, the executive director of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation.

Jennifer Edwards, new executive director for the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. (Courtesy photo)

Last year the course was altered for just the third time in its 38th year history after a mudslide took out a portion of Highway 1 near Rocky Creek Bridge, roughly 13 miles from the start of the race.

As a result, the course was altered to where runners were rerouted out and back, with a turn into Point Lobos to make it an official marathon.

“I know all about last year,” said Edwards, who took the job two months ago after spending 15 years in Cape Cod, overseeing the Falmouth Road Race.

Yet, the challenge didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the race, which was won by Simon Ricci of San Francisco in the men’s division, and Peyton Bilo of Rescue in the women’s class.

While repairs of the slip out near Rocky Creek Bridge are still not complete, one lane is fully open, which will enable the race to run from start to finish.

“We’ve worked closely with Caltrans and the CHP to make sure we have a solid plan in place for traffic management and to make sure runners can safely cross,” Edwards said.

The only vehicles that will be allowed on the course until 10:30 a.m. will be convoy vehicles for the runners and emergency services.

While only one lane remains open, the area under construction is roughly at the midpoint of the race, which should alleviate any concerns of foot traffic among the contingent of marathon runners.

“By the time runners are at that point, the race has thinned out,” Edwards said. “Runners should be able to move more freely. We are, though, paying extra attention to the area.”

The majestic event is known all over the world for its scenic beauty along the Pacific Coast, as well as its challenging conditions that include Hurricane Point and the wind gusts.

“We are so lucky to have an iconic seaside course,” Edwards said. “It sold out months ago. It’s on so many peoples’ bucket list. It’s like no other marathon.”

Edwards is familiar with the challenges that come with running an event of this magnitude, as the Falmouth Road Race attracts over 12,000 runners each August to Cape Cod.

“The number of runners isn’t as big,” Edwards said. “But this is more challenging because it is 26.2 miles instead of 7. There’s a lot in between. Cell service can be spotty.”

Edwards is used to weather-related issues, with heat being the biggest factor in overseeing the Falmouth event during the summer in Cape Cod, a little over an hour outside Boston.

Early forecasts are calling for rain on the eve of the marathon, with overcast conditions on race day and temperatures topping out at 58 degrees — ideal for distance runners.

Wind has often been the biggest barrier for runners to get through early in the race, as gusty headwinds often creep up running up Hurricane Point, making a personal best nearly unattainable.

“Weather is always kind of an unknown,” Edwards said. “How is the wind at Hurricane Point? Will it rain? Could we get lightning? I put in a good word with Mother Nature.”

As the event approaches its 40th running, Brad Hawthrone still holds the course record, having clocked two hours, 17 minutes and 30 seconds in 1987, the second year of the event.

Hawthorne won the race six times, including five straight from 1989-1993. Pacific Grove’s Adam Roach has won it five times, the last coming in 2018. He was fifth last year.

The women have seen eight different winners in the past nine years it has been held – no event was held in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.

While the race is still seeking volunteers near the finish line, all the cross-checking has been done by Edwards’ staff. Having the race return to its normal setting has created an extra dose of adrenaline.

“I know the depth of history and institutional knowledge of this board,” Edwards said. “We are living and breathing the race until the last runner crosses the line.”

Kurtenbach: I’ve spent five months watching NFL Draft Prospects. Here are my 40 favorite players

Every NFL offseason, I eschew my wife and children, friends and relatives, and sit down at my desk day after day, night after night, to watch a bunch of college kids.

It’s called NFL Draft preparation, and I might be addicted to it.

With the 49ers going nowhere fast this past winter, I had even more time to spend on the draft, which is proving to be the backbone of the 49ers’ offseason plan.

Starting in December, I went to work. In all, I’ve evaluated over 300 Draft-eligible players (with about 75 non-Draft eligible players in the can for next year), watched too many All-22 games to count, broke a PlayStation 4 controller (I used it to toggle through the game film), and drank more Coke Zero than any human rightfully should consume.

There was also a baby born in the middle of the process, but I didn’t let that deter me. My priorities are clear:

If you throw a name at me, I have a scouting report and opinion on him. It’s in a binder that you will never get to read, and should be handy to me for a grand total of three days at the end of the month.

And amid all of that “grinding,” there were 40 names that I came back to again and again.

Yes, forty players received my full stamp of approval. If given a chance, I would bang the table for these guys.

As I just spent a few months developing this list, I figured I’d share it here. Consider it a cheat sheet for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Oh, and John and Kyle, if you’re reading, feel free to take any of these players if you want me to give you an “A” on the draft grades.

— Day One Prospects —

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Armand Membou – OT – MissouriHe won’t be there for the 49ers, but he represented an ideal pick: a future star left tackle with elite feet who has the hands and strength to play inside until Trent Williams retires.

Mykel Williams – DE – GeorgiaMy No. 1 defensive end. Opposing coaches will tell you who the best player on a team is. Every team’s offensive coordinator was petrified of Williams, who played through a brutal ankle injury for most of the 2024 season yet still won seemingly every rep he took.

Jalon Walker – LB – GeorgiaA tweener — too small to be an every-down edge rusher, too big to be a true linebacker.That sounds like a player a competent defensive coordinator could use to break opposing offenses.Beware of anyone who says he’s not a “fit.” This is the kind of talent that you fit your system for, not the other way around.

Josh Simmons – OT – Ohio StateHe would be the No. 1 offensive lineman on the board if he weren’t coming off a knee injury that tore his patellar tendon.

I’d channel my inner Trent Baalke and buy the dip.

Walter Nolen – DL – Ole MissI have heard about all the red flags. They’re sun-faded, at best. Nolen is a big personality, but clearly, I don’t have an issue with that. He’s also a massive talent and carries the highest potential of any one-gap defensive tackle in this draft. Frankly, all the negative talk seems like the Eagles trying to get him to fall to them in the first round. I’m not half joking.

Jahdae Barron – CB – TexasJust because he can tackle (a rarity at this position, it seems) does not mean he needs to play inside. Can he? Absolutely. But he is also a shut-down outside corner and my No. 1 at the position. Don’t overthink this.

Luther Burden – WR – MissouriMy No. 1 wide receiver. He’s a game-breaker of the highest order whose knocks can be easily explained — he was bored by an offense that used him more as a decoy than a weapon. He’s Garrett Wilson or Amon-Ra St. Brown, but you won’t see that until Week 1.

Nic Scourton – DL – Texas A&MMotor, motor, and more motor. Scourton was one of the gems of the 2024 transfer portal. While I preferred his tape from Purdue, he still had a great year with Texas A&M. I’ll pass on all these “projectable” defensive ends — guys with marginally more athleticism and far less of a feel for the game than Scourton, who can set edges, go inside or out, and has a refined bag of pass-rush moves. He’s something close to a perfect 5-technique.

— Day Two —-

Quinshon Judkins – RB – Ohio StateJudkins is my No. 1 running back in this draft (though it was close with his teammate, who also made this list). He gets the nod because he is an excellent pass blocker.

He does everything at a high level and plays with a fearlessness that cannot be taught and is vital to making it in the league. Finding someone who is genuinely plug-and-play as a three-down player at this position is nearly impossible. Judkins is that guy.

Trey Amos – CB – Ole MissClean, mature, no drama. Amos, like Renardo Green last year, will take a starting job as a rookie and not look back for a decade. And no one will know what his voice sounds like.

Maxwell Hairston – CB – KentuckyYou’ll hear this guy, though. He plays a big, loud game that pairs elite-level speed with physicality. You can’t teach what he has, and apparently, he’s a fast learner, as he has shown excellent progress at UK.

TreVeyeon Henderson – RB – Ohio StateI have no reservations about Henderson whatsoever. Another three-down plug-and-play back who carries a bit more hesitation than his teammate, Judkins, but has more home-run potential on outside zone runs.

Andrew Mukuba – S – TexasA tone setter in the backfield whose coverage and ball skills are underrated by the groupthink of the draft. He didn’t post elite testing numbers, but no one sees it better or goes harder.

Smael Mondon – LB – GeorgiaHe does it all. Exceptional downhill player, with strong coverage ability, to boot. I’d view him like a Temu Jalon Walker. And coming off a foot injury, you can get him at a considerable discount.

Cobee Bryant – CB – KansasA tough-as-nails, fight-you-in-the-parking-lot zone corner. Bryant lacks many traits you want in the draft, but he’s off-the-charts regarding attitude.

DJ Giddens – RB – Kansas StateHe was put on this planet to run outside zone and catch swing passes.

Wyatt Milium – OT – West VirginiaElite feet, smart hands, and a mean temperament can make up for short arms. Watch him own Abdul Carter for four quarters and tell me he can’t make it in the league.Ozzy Trapilo – OT – Boston College

Run-game mauler who drives you into the second deck of the stands.

Tyler Shough – QB – LouisvilleThere’s some real magic to Shough that I can’t shake. He can work the ball all over the field and finds ways to make off-balance throws with different arm angles to deliver. He’s all moxie, and while that might backfire spectacularly, it could also be exactly what your team needs.

Jacob Parrish – CB – Kansas StateSee Barron, Jahdae, but take off 15 percent of the athleticism. He’s a zone corner who will aid a run defense. What’s not to like?

CJ West – DT – IndianaAll he does is win. And when he’s not on the field, it’s painfully apparent — like a non-Nick Bosa snap for the Niners. He was a full bag of moves, a motor that could run forever, and a feel for angles that gives him an edge on every snap, even if he’s not an elite-level athlete. He is the prospect I am most sure will outperform his draft position.

Demetrius Knight – LB – South CarolinaExceptional closing speed and size. Put him in the 49ers’ downhill system and forget that Dre Greenlaw ever existed.

— Day Three —

Emery Jones – OG – LSUWhen he sets his feet, he does not move. Has clever hands, too. Just put him at guard and forget about him (in a good way) for the next half decade.

Elijhah Badger – WR – FloridaTyler Lockett was pretty good, right?

Well, here he is again. Badger is a second-year pro the second he walks into the league, as he can run a full route tree, gets after it in the run game, and has both sure hands and after-the-catch ability.

Why is he going on Day 3? Because Florida’s starting quarterback was awful. Badger is being penalized for keeping Graham Mertz in a job.

Luke Kandra – OG – CincinnatiYou don’t just move when he hits you; you go flying. Please give him a clear job on every play (something the run-first Niners would do) and profit.

Clay Webb – C – Jacksonville StateHe left Georgia because he wasn’t going to start. I love the UGA offensive line prospects, but I’ll bet on him starting sooner than the rest of them.

Brady Cook – QB – MissouriBrock Purdy believes that the ability to inspire teammates is the most overlooked aspect of quarterback evaluation. I can tell you firsthand — Brady Cook won’t have that problem. He, like Purdy, took Mizzou to new heights and was revered in the locker room and coaches’ offices. An elite athlete, he played most of 2024 injured, but still led Mizzou to another 10-win campaign. This is the kind of guy you take a flyer on.

Ricky White – WR – UNLVThis year’s Future Bo Melton award winner, White, was a game-changer for the Rebs on offense as the No. 1 receiver and on special teams as a punt blocker (four!). This guy is a football player, and I want him on my team.

Trevor Etienne – RB – GeorgiaElite vision and stop-and-go ability with excellent pass-catching chops. Don’t hold 2024 against him — he played in many games with big-time injuries. He’s not plug-and-play, but he’s a viable three-down back.

Rylie Mills – DT – Notre DameAnother consistent winner, Mills was one of the most impactful players in college football this last season, but is coming off an injury. He might be too skinny to be a true 1-technique. Then again, we also said that about DeForest Buckner coming out of Oregon. How’d that work out?

Fadil Diggs – DE – SyracuseLong, skinny, but a ton of moves and a nose for the ball. He’s Leonard Floyd at a tenth of the price.

Gavin Bartholomew – TE – PittOne of the few tight ends in this draft who can both block and catch. Pitt’s offense held him back — a little like how George Kittle was held back at Iowa. He’s probably more like Charlie Woerner, but with a knack for big catches.

Dan Jackson – S – GeorgiaOn the most talented defense in the country — one with a possible first-round selection at safety — Jackson was unquestionably the man running the show in the defensive backfield. That tells me that Kirby Smart thinks he’s a big-time player — even if Jackson looks like someone who should be doing your taxes.

Antwane Wells – WR – Ole MissHe was a do-it-all receiver held back by the spread-out nature of the college game. Get him in closer quarters, and watch him become the second coming of Ray-Ray McCloud.

Hollin Pierce – OT – RutgersThe biggest man on the football field. I guess you can try to go around him. You’re for sure not going through him. He’s quicker on his feet than any man of that size has the right to be, and he doesn’t just block you — he folds you up like laundry and places you in a drawer. He’ll need refinement at the NFL level — he’s fresh to the position — but he can be your Alaric Jackson.

Brandon George – LB – PittAnother player done dirty by Pitt’s scheme — George was effectively used as a defensive tackle, as the Panthers blitzed A-gap on what appeared to be every play.

An elite-level athlete, George looked like a natural on the few reps he was allowed to play linebacker. He had great vision, closing speed, and exceptional coverage potential. He might be the best linebacker in this draft, but he might not get drafted. Sometimes, this whole process makes no sense.

Damien Martinez – RB – MiamiEvery football team needs a running back eager to run through a defender’s face.

This is that player. He’s just a blast — pun intended — to watch.

Jackson Meeks – WR – SyracuseMeeks is a route-tree technician with exceptional hands and ball-tracking ability, which make up for his lack of elite athleticism. He’s also fearless. This guy will make your wide receiver room better.

Oronde Gadsen II – TE – SyracuseCan he block? Not really. But he might have the sweetest mitts in the game. Play him as a red-zone only receiver and give your quarterback a chance to win every 50-50 ball with his converted tight end.

Mac McWilliams – CB – UCFAt 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, he’s a little spitfire. I am buying that tenacity to raise the level of my team’s second-string and special teams.

Andrew Armstrong – WR – ArkansasDespite awful quarterback play all season, he was the SEC’s leading receiver in both yards and receptions. He’s also a tenacious blocker. I have sometimes felt like the only person who knew he existed. Surely there’s one NFL team that sees what I see.

 

Buried body found at Pajaro River levee near Watsonville

PAJARO — Law enforcement investigators have located a body that was buried along the Pajaro River levee near the border of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

In a media release shared Friday, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said its detectives received information Thursday that led them to believe there was a possible body buried along the levee. By 3 p.m. that day, detectives were dispatched to the area that had been described to them and began searching.

A few hours later, at approximately 8 p.m., a bodied buried west of the bridge that connects the community of Pajaro to the city of Watsonville was unearthed.

As the investigation ramps up, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner division will perform a post-mortem forensic examination to determine the identity of the decedent, authorities noted in the release.

Anyone with information that may be related to the incident is asked to contact Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Detective Arras Wilson at 831-597-1225. Detective Sgt. Nicholas Kennedy can also be contacted at 831-755-3773 or at 831-597-1228. Information can be provided anonymously.

Horoscopes April 11, 2025: Tricia Helfer, reach out, reconnect and explore the possibilities

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Will Tudor, 38; Chris Gaylor, 46; Tricia Helfer, 51; Joel Grey, 93.

Happy Birthday: Reach out, reconnect and explore the possibilities. Share your experience, knowledge and skills, and you’ll gain access and introductions that can help you revitalize your profile, position and opportunities. Transformation is rising, and personal growth will be the key to helping you morph into something new and exciting. Doors will open, but it’s up to you to cross the threshold. Take nothing for granted; it’s your turn to make things happen. Your numbers are 4, 15, 22, 27, 30, 38, 42.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): It’s OK to take a break, sit back, be a spectator and observe the complexities around you. Let your imagination take over and your overall insights and concepts accumulate. Once you absorb the possibilities, you can broaden your scope and start a new adventure. Enjoy the ride. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A lifestyle change will enhance your mood and encourage you to take the initiative to head in a direction you find inviting. Evaluate your attributes and experiences, and apply them to something that excites you. The combination will make you healthy, happy and wise. Life is about choices; do what’s best for you. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Socialize, but don’t overspend or display indulgent behavior. Staying aware and using your intelligence and intuition to guide you will invite interesting conversations and knowledge that you’ll find indispensable. Short trips, reuniting with someone you lost touch with or learning something new will kick-start your imagination and bring about positive change. 5 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Think, prepare and execute your plans strategically. Let intelligence, not your emotions, clear the path forward. If you crave change, consider what will make you happy, add to your comfort, ease stress and make your life more convenient. Say no to anger and no-win situations and yes to positive action. 2 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You have options that may require a little work. Be open to learning, upgrading and finding a popular niche in your community. Filling a void or finding a way to make what you have to offer valuable will bring good results and boost your confidence and status. It’s time to be innovative and helpful. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Present your thoughts, feelings and attributes. Put your energy into shaping your next move based on the response you receive. Revisit the past, attend a reunion and gather information that encourages you to apply your skills to positively impact those you encounter. Make a promise to someone you love and follow through. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Find something you feel passionate about and do your best to make a difference. The confidence you gain and the people you meet will help you overcome some challenges while benefiting others. Changing your surroundings will motivate you to adopt a healthier lifestyle with better dietary and fitness habits. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A diversion will help you get out of a rut or redirect your attention to something engaging and beneficial. Travel, educational pursuits and social activities and friendships will change your routine. A creative outlet will help you see people and situations from a unique perspective. Romance is in the stars. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Avoid offending or ruining a meaningful relationship. Honest communication is in your best interest. If you stretch the truth or try to spare someone’s feelings with a lie, it will do more harm than good. Money matters require attention, and maintaining assets is necessary to divert loss. 4 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Refuse to let emotional situations spin out of control. Take a step back and evaluate your next move. Intelligent, truthful communication is your best choice, along with flexibility, compromise and incentives. Someone from your past will surface unexpectedly, bringing back poignant memories. Establish boundaries and standards. 2 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Observe, but don’t feel obligated to participate in the changes someone else is pursuing. Focus on your surroundings and what makes you happy. Utilize your skills and set a budget to accommodate your goals. An energetic approach to health and financial well-being will increase your security and stabilize your life. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Participation is your ticket to new beginnings. Be receptive to information and fine-tune your plans to maximize the options and opportunities to achieve your desired results. Personal gain will lead to self-appreciation and a positive attitude. Reverse any pressure being put on you by someone trying to exploit you. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are creative, insightful and receptive. You are engaging and resourceful.

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.

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Lightweight strollers perfect for on-the-go parents

Which lightweight travel strollers are best?

Traveling with children can be easy and convenient with the right items. Lightweight and compact travel strollers will provide a safe and secure place for children to rest, while also being easy to transport. Strollers that are best for travel will comply with safety measures similar to regular strollers but will be less bulky. Before you purchase a lightweight travel stroller, consider how much it weighs, the canopy features and the stability of the wheels.

A lightweight versatile folding stroller that is designed with durability and safety in mind is the Gb Pockit Air All Terrain Ultra-Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller.

What to know before you buy a lightweight travel strollerWeight

Before purchasing a travel stroller consider how much the item weighs and the restrictions that could be presented while flying, such as weight restrictions for carry-on items.

Items that are light and easy to transport should still be durable.

Canopy

The best lightweight strollers for travel will feature a retractable canopy that allows the child in the stroller to have shade from the sun or stay dry if the weather conditions are not ideal. A retractable canopy allows for the child to have privacy while being strolled around, as well as added protection from strangers and the weather.

Wheels

Lightweight travel strollers should have wheels that are equipped to withstand all different types of terrains. Double wheels that feature locking technology will provide the most security for the child in the stroller and will be the safest, easiest way to push the item around on any surface. Locking wheels allow for abrupt stops without causing the child to fall out of the stroller. Nonslip, durable wheels are also good features in a stroller.

Secure straps

The straps that hold the child in the travel stroller should be securely fitted and closed. These items are typically fastened with a buckle and are of the best quality when they feature pads that bring the child comfort rather than constraint. They should be adjustable for children of various sizes and ages and should be securely closed to prevent the child from escaping or falling out while on the go.

What to look for in a quality lightweight travel strollerStorage

The best lightweight travel strollers come with an area for users to store necessary travel items or the child’s items. Strollers with storage bags or added space are of best use when on the go. Some lightweight travel strollers will even feature cup holders so you can operate the stroller with both hands.

Carrying straps

A quality lightweight travel stroller will provide you with a padded handle or strap that allows you to easily transport the compact, folded item. Either option will be convenient in airports and when getting the item in and out of storage spaces.

Compact

You will be able to fold the best lightweight travel strollers to a compact size. This will make them easier to take as carry-ons or pack away into trunks, garages or closets when you aren’t using them.

How much you can expect to spend on a lightweight travel stroller

The best lightweight travel stroller will cost $40-$200, depending on the material and added features.

Lightweight travel stroller FAQAre you able to bring a stroller onto a plane when traveling?

A. If a stroller is extremely lightweight and compact, it will be able to be used as a carry-on item on a plane. Strollers that are heavier and less compact will be less likely to pass as a carry-on. Users should check the airline’s travel guidelines for best use before traveling with a stroller, regardless of the weight.

What are the benefits of a stroller with grip handles?

A. Strollers with grip handles allow for better control of the stroller when transporting children. If the handles feature grip, it will be harder for the user to slip when pushing the stroller.

What’s the best lightweight travel stroller to buy?Top lightweight travel stroller

Gb Pockit Air All Terrain Ultra-Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller

What you need to know: This stroller is breathable and features soft velvet fabric. It comes in two different colors and is designed for use in multiple places. This item is recommended for those older than 6 months.

What you’ll love: The frame is made with durable aluminum and is foldable for compact storage. This nontoxic item can be considered as hand luggage when flying. It has double wheels for stability on various terrains. It comes with a padded inlay that can keep a child warm on cold days. The bottom section of the stroller features a pouch to allow users more storage while on the go.

What you should consider: The handles rattle and the stroller doesn’t feel as durable after it is folded multiple times.

Top lightweight travel stroller for the money

Summer Infant 3D Mini Convenience Stroller

What you need to know: This mini lightweight stroller has a reclining canopy to add shade and a durable aluminum frame. This item is available in multiple colors.

What you’ll love: It has auto-lock wheels and can be used for everyday purposes. It can be reclined to multiple positions and can be folded. The back of the stroller has a storage basket and the sides feature two cup holders for multipurpose use.

What you should consider: This stroller does not fit children over 25 pounds.

Worth checking out

Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller

What you need to know: This stroller comes in a few colors and has double wheels for stability in various settings. It is for children ages 6 months old and up and can support up to 40 pounds. This item comes with a padded carrying strap.

What you’ll love: This item is easy to fold and is extra compact. It features an extensive sun canopy that will protect users from the elements, similar to the use of an umbrella, and the aluminum frame is durable. You can adjust the stroller into different resting positions, and it is easy to clean. It comes with one cup holder and a storage basket.

What you should consider: It takes multiple steps to collapse this stroller.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Soft and safe baby mats for playtime fun

Which baby mat is best?

Realistically, you can’t hold your baby all the time. And setting your baby down on the ground to crawl around isn’t the cleanest option. Baby mats provide a safe buffer between the floor and your little one.

A baby mat allows your baby to interact with their environment and toys, which is important for their development. The cushioned surface is perfect for practicing tummy time, rolling over and crawling. For an easy-to-store mat, you can roll up the Skip Hop Baby Play Mat Reversible Foam Floor Mat and tuck it away when it’s not in use.

What to know before you buy a baby matMaterials

Baby mats are typically made of foam or fabric. Some have a foam insert and a removable fabric cover. For foam mats, be sure the mat is nontoxic and BPA-free. It should also not have phthalates, formaldehyde, latex and lead. Some high-end foam mats are TPU, which is also free of PVC and EVA. For a chemical-free cloth mat, splurge for an organic cotton fabric mat.

Size and shape

Most foam baby mats have a rectangular shape. Cloth mats tend to be rectangular or circular and are often smaller than foam mats. If you’ve got a crawler, you’ll want a jumbo-sized mat. For travel or for placement under play gyms, choose a smaller cloth mat between 2-3 feet wide.

Thickness

Baby mats can provide your baby with ample cushioning, especially if they’re playing on a hard floor. Foam play mats are around 0.4 to 0.6 inches thick. Quilted or padded cloth playmats range in thickness between 0.2 and 0.8 inches. Foam mats, however, provide superior padding for tumbles, so this may be a better option for older tots learning to crawl and stand up.

Tiles vs. one-piece

Interlocking foam mat tiles are a popular design since they fit together like puzzle pieces. Depending on how much space you have, you can assemble these colorful tiles into larger mats or smaller ones. As your child grows, they can play with the tiles and fit the pieces together themselves. The downside of one-piece mats is that you can’t customize the size in the way you can with tiles, so if you get a one-piece, make sure it fits your space.

What to look for in a quality baby matPortability

Cloth mats fold and travel well, but this is not the case with foam mats. Some large one-piece foam mats can fold at joint points. Be sure to look for a baby mat with a carrying case or bag for travel.

Nonslip

Look for a foam baby mat with a nonslip surface. Foam can be slick, so choose one that has a little texture to help your child grip the mat for crawling and standing. A skid-free surface can also prevent your baby from sliding around if you’re trying to change them on the mat.

Waterproof and cleaning

Many foam baby mats are waterproof, making it easy to clean up messes and accidents. Simply wipe them clean with a wet towel or wipe. You can pop machine-washable baby mats into the washing machine for cleaning. Most cloth mats can go in the washing machine, but always check the care instructions before washing and drying them.

How much you can expect to spend on A baby mat

Depending on the size and quality of the materials and construction, baby mats can range in price from $14 all the way up to $200.

Baby mat FAQWhat is the appropriate age for a baby mat?

A. The best time to start using a play mat is at 3 months old, which is when you introduce your baby to tummy time. Babies usually start rolling over at 4 months and begin sitting up at 6 months. By the time your baby masters crawling, around 9 months old, it might be time to retire the baby mat.

What’s the difference between a baby mat and a playmat?

A. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, a play mat or play gym has toys attached either on the mat itself or on the arches above it. Baby mats only provide a surface for your baby to play on.

What’s the best baby mat to buy?Top baby mat

Skip Hop Baby Play Mat Reversible Foam Floor Mat

What you need to know: This premium foam mat will fit in with your decor, and it rolls up easily under a couch.

What you’ll love: The reversible design features kid-friendly graphics on one side and a modern print on the other. The foam offers good cushioning and the mat is a decent size. It’s easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.

What you should consider: This mat isn’t as thick and durable as some of its competitors.

Top baby mat for the money

ProSource Kids Foam Puzzle Floor Play Mat

What you need to know: If you want a low-cost foam play mat, this one has a tile design that is a breeze to assemble and take apart.

What you’ll love: The brightly colored tiles can cover up to a 4-foot-by-4-foot area. Their surface is slightly textured to prevent slips and has enough cushioning for tumbles. The tiles come with border edges for a clean look.

What you should consider: Pets can easily tear up the material, so make sure they stay away from this mat.

Worth checking out

Uanlauo Baby Play Mat

What you need to know: For extra-large coverage, this thick cushioned mat is perfect for active babies learning to crawl or stand up.

What you’ll love: This jumbo mat folds easily and is very portable. It’s surprisingly lightweight for its size and is highly cushioned. The kid-friendly graphics show on both sides.

What you should consider: Some consumers noticed that the plastic started to peel off after a while.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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Supreme Court says Trump administration must facilitate return of deported Maryland man

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday said the Trump administration must facilitate the return of a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, rejecting the administration’s emergency appeal.

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The court acted in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen who had an immigration court order preventing his deportation to his native country over fears he would face persecution from local gangs.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis had ordered Abrego Garcia, now being held in a notorious Salvadoran prison, returned to the United States by midnight Monday.

“The order properly requires the Government to ‘facilitate’ Abrego Garcia’s release from custody in El Salvador and to ensure that his case is handled as it would have been had he not been improperly sent to El Salvador,” the court said in an unsigned order with no noted dissents.

Chief Justice John Roberts had already pushed back Xinis’ deadline, and the justices said that her order must now be clarified to make sure it doesn’t intrude into executive branch power over foreign affairs, since Abrego Garcia is being held abroad. The court said the Trump administration should also be prepared to share what steps it has taken to try and get him back – and what more it could do.

This undated photo provided by CASA, an immigrant advocacy organization, in April 2025, shows Kilmar Abrego Garcia. (CASA via AP)

The administration claims Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 gang, though he has never been charged with or convicted of a crime. His attorneys said there is no evidence he was in MS-13.

The administration has conceded that it made a mistake in sending him to El Salvador, but argued that it no longer could do anything about it.

The court’s liberal justices said the administration should have hastened to correct “its egregious error” and was “plainly wrong” to suggest it could not bring him home.

“The Government’s argument, moreover, implies that it could deport and incarcerate any person, including U. S. citizens, without legal consequence, so long as it does so before a court can intervene,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, joined by her two colleagues.

In the district court, Xinis wrote that the decision to arrest Abrego Garcia and send him to El Salvador appears to be “wholly lawless.” There is little to no evidence to support a “vague, uncorroborated” allegation that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was once in the MS-13 street gang, Xinis wrote.

Abrego Garcia, 29, was detained by immigration agents and deported last month.

He had a permit from the Homeland Security Department to legally work in the U.S. and was a sheet metal apprentice pursuing a journeyman license, his attorney said. His wife is a U.S. citizen.

In 2019, an immigration judge barred the U.S. from deporting Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, finding that he faced likely persecution by local gangs.

A Justice Department lawyer conceded in a court hearing that Abrego Garcia should not have been deported. Attorney General Pam Bondi later removed the lawyer, Erez Reuveni, from the case and placed him on leave.

Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this report.

Judge will halt Trump administration from ending humanitarian parole for people from four countries

By MICHAEL CASEY

BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday will halt the Trump administration from ending a program that allowed hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans to temporarily live in the United States.

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U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani announced that she plans to issue a stay on the program, which was set to end later this month. The push to help more than 500,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans is part of a broader legal effort to protect nationals from Ukraine, Afghanistan and other countries who are here legally.

During a hearing on the case, Talwani repeatedly questioned the government’s assertion for ending the program — namely that it has the power to do and that it was no longer serving its purpose. She argued that immigrants in the program who are here legally now face an option of “fleeing the country” or staying and “risk losing everything.”

“The nub of the problem here is that the secretary, in cutting short the parole period afforded to these individuals, has to have a reasoned decision,” Talwani said, adding that the explanation for ending the program was “based on an incorrect reading of the law.”

“There was a deal and now that deal has been undercut,” she added later in the hearing.

Last month, the administration revoked legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans, setting them up for potential deportation in 30 days. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said they will lose their legal status on April 24.

They arrived with financial sponsors and were given two-year permits to live and work in the U.S. During that time, the beneficiaries needed to find other legal pathways if they wanted to stay in the U.S. Parole has been a temporary status.

President Donald Trump has been ending legal pathways for immigrants to come to the U.S., implementing campaign promises to deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally.

Outside court, immigration advocates, including Guerline Jozef, founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Foundation, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said attacks on this program contradict the Trump administration’s strategy on immigration.

“We hear the narrative of people coming her illegally and the administration wanting to erase illegal immigration,” Jozef said. “But, we clearly see today that is not the case. Even those people who have legal status, are paying their taxes and working are under attack.”

Across the country, many immigrants in the CHNV parole program have been watching this case closely.

Immigration advocates speak Thursday, April 10, 2025, outside federal court in Boston, after a hearing aiming to halt the Trump administration’s from stopping a program that allowed hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to temporarily live in the country. (AP Photos/Michael Casey)

Cesar Baez was an activist of the political opposition in Venezuela, participating in street protests against the government. He feared for his life and left his country to come to the U.S. under the sponsorship of an American doctor. He arrived under the humanitarian parole program CHNV in December 2022 and, for the last year, he has been working as a producer at a media outlet in Washington.

He has applied for a working visa as another way to get legal status and has also requested asylum, but those processes have also been paused under the Trump administration.

For him, the judge’s announcement means hope.

“It is very important for me to have protections and not be removed to Venezuela,” said Baez, 24, in a telephone interview with the AP. “I have no doubt that if I set foot in the country, I would immediately be imprisoned.”

Zamora, a 34-year-old Cuban woman who asked to be identified only by her last name due to fears of being detained and deported, received the judge’s news as relief.

“I was terrified of being left without a work permit,” said Zamora, whose parole and work permit expire in September. “We are people who, in order to come here, have gone through several background checks, and the government take away our status as if we had been criminals and entered illegally.”

In motion ahead of the hearing, plaintiffs called the administration’s action “unprecedented” and said it would result in people losing their legal status and ability to work. The also called the move “contrary to law within the meaning of the Administrative Procedure Act,” which sets out the procedures that agencies have to follow when making rules.

Lawyers for the Trump administration argued that the plaintiffs lacked standing and that the move by Homeland Security impacting immigrants in the CHNV program did not violate the Administrative Procedure Act. They also said that plaintiffs wouldn’t be able to demonstrate that termination of the program was unlawful.

The government’s lawyer, Brian Ward, also argued in court that ending the program doesn’t mean that individuals couldn’t be considered for other immigration programs. He also said the government wouldn’t prioritize them for deportation — something Talwani found suspect, given they could be arrested if they happened to go to the hospital or were involved in a car accident.

The end of temporary protections for these immigrants has generated little political blowback among Republicans other than three Cuban-American representatives from Florida who called for preventing the deportation of the Venezuelans affected. One of them, Rep. Maria Salazar of Miami, also joined about 200 congressional Democrats this week in cosponsoring a bill that would enable them to become lawful permanent residents.

Gisela Saloman contributed to this report from Miami.

Requirement that all non-citizens register with federal government allowed to go into effect

By REBECCA SANTANA

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday allowed the Trump administration to move forward with a requirement that everyone in the U.S. illegally must register with the federal government and carry documentation, in a move that could have far-reaching repercussions for immigrants across the country.

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Judge Trevor Neil McFadden — a Trump appointee — sided with the administration, which had argued that officials were simply enforcing a requirement that already existed for everyone who is in the country but isn’t an American citizen. McFadden’s ruling didn’t go into the substance of those arguments but rested largely on the technical issue of whether the groups pushing to stop the requirement had standing to pursue their claims. He ruled they didn’t.

The requirement goes into effect Friday.

Immediately after the ruling, Department of Homeland Security officials emphasized in a news release that the deadline to register for those who’ve already been in the country for 30 days or more is Friday and that going forward, the registration requirement would be enforced to the fullest.

“President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” Secretary Kristi Noem said in the statement. “The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws — we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce. We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.”

While questions remain about how the registration requirement will function, its impact is potentially far-reaching. The Trump administration — which has worked to make good on campaign promises of mass deportations — has said between 2.2 million and 3.2 million people could be affected.

Homeland Security officials announced Feb. 25 that it was mandating that all people in the United States illegally register with the federal government, and said those who didn’t self-report could face fines or prosecution. Failure to register is considered a crime, and people will be required to carry registration documents with them or risk prison time and fines.

Registration will be mandatory for everyone 14 and older without legal status. People registering have to provide their fingerprints and address, and parents and guardians of anyone under age 14 must ensure they registered.

The registration process also applies to Canadians who are in the U.S. for more than 30 days, including so-called snowbirds who spend winter months in places like Florida.

Federal immigration law has long required that people who aren’t American citizens and live in the U.S., including those here illegally, register with the government. Those laws can be traced back to the Alien Registration Act of 1940, which came amid growing fears of immigrants and political subversives in the early days of World War II. The current requirements stem from the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952.

But the requirement that people illegally in the U.S. register has been enforced only in rare circumstances. In fact, advocates opposing the government say it hasn’t been universally used since it was first introduced in the mid-1940s.

It was used in a limited way after Sept. 11, 2001, when the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System required that noncitizen males 16 and older from 25 countries — all but one of them majority Arab or Muslim — register with the U.S. government. The program led to no terrorism convictions but pulled more than 13,000 people into deportation proceedings. It was suspended in 2011 and dissolved in 2016.

The Trump administration has argued that the registration requirement has always existed and that officials are simply enforcing it for everyone.

The groups that sued say the government should have gone through the more lengthy public notification process before bringing about the change, and that it’s enforcing this simply to facilitate President Donald Trump’s aim of carrying out mass deportations.

They argue that the registry puts people who work, contribute to the economy and have deep family ties in America into a deep bind: Do they come forward, register and essentially give up their location to a government intent on carrying out mass deportations, or do they stay in the shadows and risk being charged with the crime of not registering?

The government has already asked people subject to the registration requirement to create an account on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

National intelligence head says MLK and RFK assassination records will soon be public

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE and JUAN A. LOZANO

WASHINGTON (AP) — Documents related to the 1968 assassinations of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy will soon be made public as more than 100 people have been working “around the clock” to scan them, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said during a Cabinet meeting Thursday.

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The documents had been in boxes in storage for decades, Gabbard said.

“I’ve had over 100 people working around the clock to scan the paper around Sen. Robert F Kennedy’s assassination, as well as Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination … They have never been scanned or seen before,” she said. “We’ll have those ready to release here within the next few days.”

When Kennedy’s son, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who also was at the meeting, was asked by President Donald Trump about the impending release of the documents, he said, “I’m very grateful to you Mr. President.”

Trump asked Gabbard if the health secretary had any concerns about releasing the documents.

“His response is, ‘Put it out. The world needs to know the truth,’” Gabbard said.

Searches were also being done of storage lockers at the FBI, CIA and other agencies to see if other documents can be found, Gabbard said.

“We want to get it all out,” Trump said.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately respond to questions seeking information about the effort to identify records about the MLK or RFK assassinations.

Trump had signed an executive order in January after taking office calling for the release of governmental documents related to the assassinations.

King and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated within two months of each other in 1968.

King was outside a motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, when shots rang out. The civil rights leader, who had been in town to support striking sanitation workers, was set to lead marches and other nonviolent protests there.

James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to assassinating King. He later though renounced that plea and maintained his innocence up until his death.

Robert F. Kennedy, then a New York senator, was fatally shot on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments after giving his victory speech for winning California’s Democratic presidential primary. His assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving life in prison.

Earlier this week Gabbard announced the creation of a task force that will consider whether the government should declassify material about several other issues of public interest, including the origins of COVID-19, federal efforts to influence online speech and investigations into mysterious health symptoms reported by some U.S. diplomats and government employees that were once dubbed “ Havana syndrome.” Gabbard’s office did not specify how the task force would be appointed or when it expects to submit its recommendations.

Lozano reported from Houston.

Associated Press writer David Klepper in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at juanlozano70