Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 187

Eco-friendly laundry balls that make drying greener

Which laundry balls are best?

As consumers move to more sustainable products, laundry balls are sweeping the laundry world. These felted balls made of wool and plastic are a great solution to the dryer sheet waste problem. Not only are they a reusable solution, they may even work better.

A great way to get started on the laundry ball trend is to try our top choice, Woolzies Wool Dryer Balls. Made of 100% wool, these also have the option to add essential oils so your laundry smells fresh and clean. You can enjoy these sustainable laundry balls for up to 1000 washes.

What to know before you buy a laundry ball

Rather than adding to a landfill, you can be part of the solution and still have static-free clothes thanks to laundry balls. There are two types: felted wool and plastic. Wool laundry balls are the most popular and are cost-effective.

Laundry balls, also known as dryer balls, offer a chemical-free solution for drying your clothes. They won’t leave any residue on your clothes, so your skin can be irritant-free. Their bulk also helps keep your clothes separated in the dryer, allowing hot air to circulate more easily for faster drying times.

Material

There are pros and cons to both wool and plastic laundry balls. Wool laundry balls are all-natural, incredibly durable and can be used for all clothing types. Plastic laundry balls work the same as wool laundry balls, but will not leave the occasional bit of wool fiber on clothing. However, they cannot be used with essential oils.

Longevity

Most wool laundry balls have a life span of about 1,000 washes. Some companies estimate that wool laundry balls will last between 2-3 years. The benefit of plastic laundry balls is you have an almost infinite number of washes, so long as you don’t lose them.

Fragrance

If you love a good-smelling load of laundry, you may want to go with a wool laundry ball. They offer you the option of using an essential oil to add a pleasant fragrance to your clothing without chemicals. Plastic balls don’t have that option.

What to look for in a quality laundry ballPercentage of wool

With any wool laundry ball you’re considering, check that it’s 100% wool. This will help ensure it’s chemical-free. It also indicates that it is of higher quality. Additionally, wool is a sustainable product.

Number per package

The number of laundry balls you need is dependent on how large your laundry loads are. For smaller or medium-sized loads, you can typically get away with using three laundry balls. For larger loads, you’ll want at least six, but likely more if your load is especially large. Depending on the brand you choose, you will likely find laundry balls sold in sets of either three or six.

Lifetime

When you decide on a set of laundry balls, check how long they are expected to last. It’s good to know when you may need to replace them. Most wool laundry balls have a life span of about 1,000 washes or two to three years.

Pesticide and chemical-free

The biggest advantage to using laundry balls is they are usually chemical-free. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s label to see whether their laundry balls are pesticide and chemical-free. This will help ensure the product does not contain irritants, which is especially important if you have sensitive skin.

Large size

Laundry balls come in different sizes, depending on the brand you choose. Typically, larger balls are better. They will separate your clothes more easily, as well as catch more lint. You’ll also be able to use fewer balls if they are larger.

Carrying bag

One of the biggest challenges of using laundry balls is not losing them. It’s easy to pull your laundry from the dryer and have a laundry ball roll away. Look for a set that has a carrying bag that you can keep in your laundry room to store your laundry balls.

How much you can expect to spend on laundry balls

Laundry balls typically cost between $9-$30 for a set. Depending on the number of laundry balls in the set, that equates to about $1.50-$10 per ball.

Laundry balls FAQDo laundry balls really work?

A. Laundry balls absolutely work, and they’re a great alternative to dryer sheets. They have proved to be very effective at handling static cling while removing wrinkles and capturing lint. They can also reduce your drying time by up to 25%.

Are wool or plastic balls better?

A. Both wool and plastic laundry balls have their benefits and disadvantages. Plastic laundry balls aren’t as eco-friendly as wool laundry balls. However, they are very durable, and they won’t leave any fibers in your laundry. Wool balls, on the other hand, are definitely environmentally friendly and are actually more durable than plastic. You can also infuse wool laundry balls with essential oils to add a pleasant scent to your laundry.

How many balls should I use?

A. The number of laundry balls you should use depends on the size of your laundry load. For a small or medium-sized load, plan on using about three. For a larger load, you may need five to seven balls. For an especially large load, you could use as many as 12 laundry balls. The size of the balls also makes a difference. You can use fewer balls if the ones you’re using are larger.

What are the best laundry balls to buy?Top laundry balls

Woolzies Wool Dryer Balls

What you need to know: Woolzies Wool Dryer Balls are highly praised as one of the best sets of laundry balls on the market, especially in thanks to their gentle fragrance options.

What you’ll love: These are made of 100% wool, guaranteeing they are chemical-free. The best part about Woolzies is they come with essential oils for adding scent to your laundry.

What you should consider: They only come with three scent options, though you can buy your own essential oils to use with them.

Top laundry balls for the money

SnugPad Organic Wool Dryer Balls

What you need to know: If you’re just starting to use laundry balls, the SnugPad Organic Wool Dryer Balls set is a great option, especially if you’re on a budget.

What you’ll love: Made of all-natural, 100% New Zealand wool, these laundry balls are known for being a great starter set and also for their size. Because they are larger, you can use fewer balls in your laundry and still have the same results.

What you should consider: Some users say that these don’t work for all loads of laundry.

Worth checking out

Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls

What you need to know: The Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls set of six is one option that’s also giving back to the world.

What you’ll love: These are 100% New Zealand wool, but they are felted by women and minorities in Nepal who earn a fair wage. They are chemical-free, and the company guarantees they will shorten your drying time.

What you should consider: While some pet hair will stick to the ball, they may not remove it from your clothes completely.

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

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Best disc golf set

Which disc golf set is best?

A quality disc golf set includes everything you need to start playing and will likely serve you well for years to come. While almost every set includes a putter, midrange disc and driver, the number of discs per set and plastic quality can vary. Our top choice is a reliable set from a popular brand, the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Disc Golf Starter Set.

What to know before you buy a disc golf set

When comparing disc golf sets, take note of the number and type of discs included. Most sets are intended for beginners and will include at least three versatile discs.

Putter

Honing your short game will save you a tremendous amount of throws over the years. A putter should be comfortable to hold and should fly fairly straight, floating as it approaches the chains of the basket. Many disc golf manufacturers include their most popular putter in their sets.

Midrange disc

When you are new to the sport, your midrange disc may be the disc you throw most. It should fly very straight for short distances but also be capable of throws like hyzers, rollers and hard fades.

Driver

Arguably the most exciting disc in any set, your driver is for powerful throws off the tee pad that hopefully land in the center of the fairway or even near the basket. Most disc golf sets include a fairway driver — a low-speed driver that doesn’t need to be thrown with much power for a smooth, predictable flight.

What to look for in a quality disc golf set

Discs vary in their plastic quality and appearance, and each brand has its own line of plastics and selection of disc molds.

Plastic quality

Most disc golf manufacturers offer a few different types of plastic. Often, the discs in their sets are made from softer, less durable plastic, but some sets are made from more rigid plastic that will last for several years. Some brands even offer discs made of plastic with a swirl or tie-dye pattern.

Disc golf brands

While there are dozens of disc golf manufacturers, a handful of popular brands stand out for their quality and prolific offerings.

Innova is a hugely popular brand known for its Champion and Star plastics, both of which are highly durable and come in vibrant colors.Discraft has a smaller selection of molds than Innova, but many of its discs are beloved by players of all skill levels, and it has a wide range of plastics to choose from.MVP discs stand out for their distinctive black edges, made of a softer plastic that feels good against your hand and can take more of a beating.Latitude 64° is a Swedish brand offering a robust lineup of discs for all playstyles.How much you can expect to spend on a disc golf set

The price of disc golf sets depends largely on the number of discs included. Most three-disc sets cost around $20, while sets with four to six discs usually cost $25-$50.

Disc golf set FAQHow many discs do you need to play disc golf regularly?

A. Any reliable set of three discs has you covered. However, if you find yourself wishing for discs that behave differently, the only limit is the size of your bag. Eight to 12 discs is generally a good number for an intermediate player.

How do I know when to use each type of disc?

A. Generally, you use a driver on the tee pad, a midrange disc on the fairway and a putter for approaching the basket and, of course, putting.

Is it more cost-effective to buy discs in a set?

A. Sets are almost always more affordable when you consider the cost of each disc. Most individual discs cost from $8-$20, so five discs in a $35 set is a cost-saving option.

What’s the best disc golf set to buy?Top disc golf set

Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Disc Golf Starter Set

What you need to know: With five discs and a mini marker disc, this set has any beginner covered.

What you’ll love: The Judge is a classic putter, and when paired with the straight-flying Truth, your short game is covered. With two fairway drivers and a distance driver, this is one of the more robust starter sets available.

What you should consider: You don’t know which colors will come with each set, and they may be less than vibrant.

Top disc golf set for the money

Innova Disc Golf Set

What you need to know: This classic set includes three Innova favorites and is one of the best budget sets available.

What you’ll love: The Aviar in DX plastic is a favorite of professional and amateur players alike, and it will last you for many seasons. The Leopard is a reliable fairway driver that can reach impressive distances with a small amount of power.

What you should consider: The DX plastic is soft and prone to dings and dents, so the mid-range disc and the driver may only last a few seasons.

Worth checking out

Latitude 64 Retro Burst Disc Golf Set

What you need to know: This eye-catching starter set features three straight-flying discs and a mini marker disc.

What you’ll love: The plastic offers a good grip, and the burst patterns give your discs a unique look. Beginners will appreciate how reliably straight these discs fly.

What you should consider: This set is more expensive than many comparable starter sets, and the plastic may show wear fairly quickly.

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

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

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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Horoscopes March 18, 2025: Lily Collins, take more interest in your responsibilities and health

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Lily Collins, 36; Adam Levine, 46; Queen Latifah, 55; Vanessa Williams, 62.

Happy Birthday: Take more interest in your responsibilities and health; maintain a routine conducive to saving, healing and easing stress; and spend less time letting temptation lure you into situations harmful to your well-being. A progressive and productive plan will help build confidence and a stable foundation for your goal this year. Question anyone trying to convince you to participate in something that redirects you from fulfilling your objective. Your numbers are 3, 14, 22, 28, 32, 39, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): An open, blunt, get-things-done attitude is necessary. Refuse to let anyone step in and take your post. Avoid being neglectful or letting your mind wander off your responsibilities and toward temptation and spontaneous choices that are costly and draining. Focus and diligence are your best route forward. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Serious people, plans and possibilities will draw you in. Before you begin, check out which regulations, paperwork and preparations are mandatory. Putting everything in place will lower your anxiety and help you function efficiently when an unexpected situation arises. Stick to the basics, and trust your instincts. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Stop short of too much. Promising more than you can realistically deliver will put you in an awkward position with someone you want to impress if you don’t represent who you are and what you can do honestly. The past will haunt you if you exaggerate or take undue privileges. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You are best to stay under the radar to achieve your goals. Networking functions will offer insight into what others want, and if you are observant, you will pinpoint what’s required of you to get others on board with your plans. Change is brewing, and you can be at the forefront. 5 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be careful what you wish for. Jumping too quickly will put you in a weak spot. Bide your time and listen, and you’ll figure out what to offer that will undeniably outmaneuver anyone trying to get the better of you. Play to win; use your experience, knowledge and connections to parlay your way forward. 2 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Steady is the key to success. You can hold your own in any situation today if you are straightforward and willing to compromise. The incentives you offer, how you interpret what’s said and your direct energy and words will positively impact those you want on your team. Positive change is within reach. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Home and family need a facelift. Learn what’s important and how to maintain a healthy domestic setting that allows you to nurture and improve meaningful relationships. Express your feelings, and you’ll gain insight into how and what you can do to appease others without abusing yourself or losing respect. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Live, love, learn and be happy. Take the time to indulge in what brings you joy and introduces you to something or someone that excites you. Travel, educational pursuits or doing something creative will change your perspective on your lifestyle and prospects. Self-improvement and personal growth are favored. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Someone will misinterpret what you convey, causing havoc within your inner circle. A secretive, charming approach will help you ferret out whoever is being two-sided before trouble can brew. Use your time observing to make home improvements that add to everyone’s comfort and convenience, and you’ll undermine anyone plotting against you. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Say less and do more. Put your emphasis on money, professional or investment gains, and a lifestyle you can afford. The goal is to ease stress and enjoy what you’ve worked so hard to build. Refuse to let anyone talk you into something that can jeopardize your comfort and joy. 4 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’ll require being a powerhouse to make positive changes that improve your living arrangements and overall lifestyle. Physical action and bold talk will help you win over those skeptical of the changes you want to enforce. Offer innovative ideas and suggestions regarding what others can contribute, and you’ll seal the deal. 2 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Simplify your plans to make your life easier today. Cap what you want to spend and refuse to head outside your comfort zone regarding money, emotions or physical risks. Call the shots instead of taking orders, and you’ll feel good about yourself and the outcome. 5 stars

Birthday Baby: You are intuitive, organized and determined. You are forceful and reliable.

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.

Warriors drop trap game against Nuggets without Jokic

SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors suffered their worst loss of the Jimmy Butler Era.

Against the Nuggets team without Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun, Golden State never got into gear.

The Warriors turned it over 10 times in the first half and missed 12 of their first 13 3-pointers, falling behind by as much as 15. Even when Butler tried to put the Warriors on his back in the fourth quarter, the Nuggets showed resilience.

By getting trap-gamed, the Warriors (39-29) missed a golden opportunity to pull within 2.5 games of the Nuggets in the Western conference standings. Steph Curry shot 6-for-21 and committed seven turnovers as Archbishop Mitty alum Aaron Gordon led Denver with a game-high 38 points in the Nuggets’ 114-105 win.

“Aaron Gordon played unbelievable, Russ controlled the game the whole time,” Curry said postgame. “(Michael) Porter Jr. got them off to a good start, kind of settled them in. They just had guys that played a lot harder than we did tonight. As much as we tried to comeback, every time we made a run it was like, ‘You’re down eight, you’re down 10, you’re down 12’ instead of threatening them with a real comeback.”

The Warriors missed 12 foul shots in the nine-point loss and shot 8-for-33 (24%) from behind the arc. They upped the intensity out of desperation in the fourth quarter, but never pulled ahead. Russell Westbrook dished 10 dimes in the first half and 16 overall in a triple-double, organizing the Nuggets without their three-time MVP.

“The minute we heard all those guys were out, it’s like, ‘Alright guys, here we go,’” Steve Kerr said postgame. “We’ve seen this a million times, this is how it works in the NBA: the other teams’ guys are going to go nuts. They can’t wait to play, there’s no pressure. Seen it a lot and we didn’t respond right away…The right team won, we didn’t deserve that. We were awful.”

With the 6-foot-8 Gordon operating as Denver’s center, rookie Quinten Post got played off the court. The Warriors had centered their game plan around stopping Jokic, but had to scrap that pregame when Denver ruled him out. The Nuggets spaced out the Warriors and capitalized on their turnovers.

Even after the Warriors recorded blocks or forced turnovers, they often gave the ball right back to Denver. Curry and Green forced multiple hit-ahead passes that got intercepted.

“Whenever we had the amount of turnovers we did, and not even the amount, the type — that can’t happen,” Curry said. “And obviously that starts with me.”

The Nuggets had answers any time the Warriors threatened to make a run. Gordon nailed a fadeaway 3-pointer in the corner and Westbrook added five quick points to keep the Nuggets’ lead in double figures late in the third quarter.

Denver’s confidence only grew. They solved the Warriors’ brief displays of zone defense and were unbothered by Gary Payton II’s inclusion in the lineup to start the second half.

An emphatic Butler rejection into the first row got the Chase Center crowd on its feet, then his reverse layup in traffic moments later had them roaring. But Buddy Hield missed a wide open 3 above the break that would’ve pulled the Warriors within six, making them 5-for-24 from deep.

Sensing the moment, Butler tried to take over in his own way. He dug out an offensive rebound under the basket before diving on the floor to save it from going out of bounds. Then he bullied his way to the foul line right after, hunching over with his hands on his knees in exhaustion.

But Butler, a career 83% foul shooter, missed both and four on the night. It wasn’t the Warriors’ night.

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Butler added a 3 and added two foul shots to inch Golden State within eight. The Warriors went with their five best athletes on the court — Butler, Payton, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green — as Curry took his regular rest to start the fourth.

Green added a tough and-1 and a coast-to-coast slam to force a Denver timeout with 7:19. Kuminga (13 points, four assists, four rebounds) forced back-to-back turnovers while guarding Westbrook, continuing the tide-turn and pulling within three.

But like they did all game, the Nuggets pulled out responses. Westbrook hit a 3-pointer to return Denver’s lead to 10 and give him a triple-double. Then Curry missed two of his 10 3s in the final three minutes and turned it over for a seventh time on an ill-advised lob attempt.

The Warriors are now 14-2 with Butler in the lineup and have to play Milwaukee on the second night of a back-to-back after a tough defeat. Kerr described Curry as “exhausted right now.” Although Curry downplayed his fatigue and more so pointed to the sore back that has bothered him recently, it seems possible the Warriors hold him out of the Bucks game.

“Steph’s been carrying us for a month,” Kerr said. “He’s been amazing. He’s tired. We’ve got to get him some rest. You can see it, he doesn’t have his energy.”

Injuries cost Warriors a blockbuster matchup but open path for major standings rise

SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors will have to wait to see how they truly stack up against the Denver Nuggets.

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, point guard Jamal Murray and ascendant two-way guard Christian Braun all missed Monday night’s game against the Warriors, dampening what was supposed to be a primetime matchup on national television. Jokic and Murray were listed as questionable before being ruled out and Braun was probable.

Steph Curry, who popped up on the injury report with back soreness, got cleared after warmups and started alongside Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, Draymond Green and Quinten Post.

Although the game lost its luster with the injuries, it didn’t lose its significance in the standings. A Warriors win evens the head-to-head tiebreaker with Denver with the third and final matchup set for April 4. It would also draw Golden State 2.5 games back of the Nuggets, who currently occupy third place in the Western Conference.

The Warriors locker room is certainly aware of the ramifications.

“I expect us to come out flying,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said pregame. “It’s a big game for us, If we win, we are within (2.5 games) of Denver. We’ve got them one more time here at home. We lose this game, it’ll probably be impossible to catch them. So, big game, I’d expect our energy to reflect that.”

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Without three of their top four players, the Nuggets started Aaron Gordon at center. The Archbishop Mitty alum is 6-foot-8.

Kerr spent the bulk of his pregame media session detailing the difficulties of slowing down Jokic, particularly now that the Warriors have strayed from playing Green and Kevon Looney together in the front court. He was eager to see how Post, the rookie, would fare against Jokic. But all of that flew out the window with the Nuggets’ official inactives.

Alongside Gordon, the Nuggets rolled with Russell Westbrook, Hunter Tyson, Michael Porter Jr. and Peyton Watson. Even simply without Jokic, the Nuggets are pedestrian; in 8.3 points per 100 possessions worse than their opponents with the center off the court.

The Warriors are fully healthy except for Brandin Podziemski, who is expected to rejoin the lineup Tuesday against Milwaukee on the second night of a back-to-back.

Golden State won seven straight games entering the matchup against short-handed Denver, but hasn’t earned separation because the team directly below them, Minnesota, is riding an eight-game win streak.

Verlander’s latest Cactus League start provides glimpse of underlying metrics

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The first handful of starts Justin Verlander has made this spring have been, in a way, a bit of a mystery.

Verlander’s first three Cactus League appearances this spring took place at Scottsdale Stadium, a venue with no Statcast capabilities. Aside from pure velocity, the spin rate and movement patterns of Verlander’s pitches have been unknown to the public. His specific pitch usage has been unclear, too. For the last month, the public has only had access to the eye test.

Monday, then, represented the first opportunity to examine what’s happening under the hood.

Verlander turned in another excellent outing as the Giants beat the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch, 3-0, tossing five scoreless innings on 78 pitches with six strikeouts. His ERA in Cactus League play sits at 1.69 and his 16 innings lead San Francisco this spring. But what’s to be learned from his underlying metrics?

“He got a little tired at the end, which is good,” said manager Bob Melvin. “He’s working on his curveball. He’s working on his changeup. He’s pacing around the dugout like it’s a regular season game. It’s pretty impressive to watch. Some of the younger guys who are on the trip, but especially the position players, to see him do his thing in the dugout, it opens your eyes a little bit to how driven he is.”

Velocity needs no introduction, and Verlander’s four-seam fastball still has plenty of life. Verlander threw 37 four-seam fastballs for an average velocity of 94.3 mph — 0.8 mph faster than last year’s heater. He emptied the tank to finish his outing, striking out Chicago’s Luis Robert Jr. on a 96.5 mph fastball, his fastest pitch of the afternoon. In fact, Verlander threw his five hardest fastballs of the day — 95.2, 95.5, 95.7, 96.3, 96.5 — in that final at-bat against Robert.

Verlander committed a balk right before facing Robert and had some words for third-base umpire Nic Lentz, but Verlander said the velocity uptick wasn’t related to the balk and that he was going to empty the tank regardless.

“He let it go on what was going to be his last hitter,” Melvin said. “It’s the awareness of what he needs to do and fighting through in spring training.”

While Verlander’s velocity was healthy, the spin rate on his four-seam fastball was down several RPMs, or revolutions per minute. Last season, Verlander’s average four-seamer generated 2395 RPMs, the first time in the Statcast era that he didn’t average at least 2400 RPMs. Against the White Sox, Verlander’s four-seam fastball averaged 2338 RPMs. That would still be above average, but not in the 2500 RPM range he averaged in his prime.

When it comes to four-seam fastballs, higher spin rates mean more backspin, and more backspin means less drop. There’s no such thing as a “rising” fastball, but rather a fastball that doesn’t drop as a hitter expects. Verlander’s four-seam fastball may not have generated as much spin as previous years, his battle against Robert proved that there’s still plenty of velocity he can access.

Along with the four-seam fastball, Verlander’s curveball also warrants attention. Pitching coach J.P. Martinez told reporters that Verlander was working on a curveball with more horizontal movement, and the numbers from Verlander’s outing against the White Sox bore that out.

Last season, Verlander’s curveball generated an average of 7.2 inches of horizontal break. On Monday, by comparison, Verlander’s curveball averaged 10 inches of horizontal break — a difference of about three inches. To achieve that increased horizontal movement, Verlander has sacrificed some vertical drop.

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In 2024, the right-hander’s average curveball had 59.2 inches of vertical drop. Against the White Sox, Verlander’s curveball had an average 50 inches of vertical drop — a difference of roughly nine inches. Verlander also had less spin on his curveball, going from 2685 RPMs, or revolutions per minute, last year to 2543 RPMs on Monday.

“I’m my greatest critic, so there are some things I think still need to be cleaned up, but overall, I think a lot of the mechanical adjustments I made in the offseason are having the intended results,” Verlander said. “I feel like I’m moving better. Some execution stuff, some nit picky things are there, but overall, very pleased.”

US Institute of Peace says DOGE has broken into its building

By MATTHEW LEE

WASHINGTON (AP) — Employees of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency have entered the U.S. Institute of Peace despite protests from the nonprofit that it is not part of the executive branch and is instead an independent agency.

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The organization’s CEO, George Moose, said, “DOGE has broken into our building.” Police cars were outside the Washington building Monday evening.

The DOGE workers gained access to the building after several unsuccessful attempts Monday and after having been turned away on Friday, a senior U.S. Institute of Peace official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

It was not immediately clear what the DOGE staffers were doing or looking for in the nonprofit’s building, which is across the street from the State Department in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood.

President Donald Trump targeted the organization and a few others in a Feb. 19 executive order that aims to shrink the size of the federal government. The administration has since moved to fire and cancel programs at some of those organizations.

DOGE has expressed interest in the U.S. Institute of Peace for weeks but has been rebuffed by lawyers who argued that the institute’s status protected it from the kind of reorganization that is occurring in other federal agencies.

On Friday, DOGE members arrived with two FBI agents, who left after the institute’s lawyer told them of USIP’s “private and independent status,” the organization said in a statement.

The U.S. Institute of Peace says on its website that it’s a nonpartisan, independent organization “dedicated to protecting U.S. interests by helping to prevent violent conflicts and broker peace deals abroad.”

The nonprofit says it was created by Congress in 1984 as an “independent nonprofit corporation,“ and it does not meet U.S. Code definitions of “government corporation,” “government-controlled corporation” or “independent establishment.”

Also named in Trump’s executive order were the U.S. African Development Foundation, a federal agency that invests in African small businesses; the Inter-American Foundation, a federal agency that invests in Latin America and the Caribbean; and the Presidio Trust, which oversees a national park site next to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The African Development Foundation, which also unsuccessfully tried to keep DOGE staff from entering its offices in Washington, went to court, but a federal judge ruled last week that removing most grants and most staff would be legal. The president of the Inter-American Foundation sued Monday to block her firing in February by the Trump administration.

AP reporter Thalia Beaty in New York contributed to this report.

Trump says he’s ending Secret Service protection for Biden’s adult children

By ZEKE MILLER and MICHELLE L. PRICE

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday he was ending “immediately” the Secret Service protection details assigned to Democrat Joe Biden’s adult children, which the former president had extended to July shortly before leaving office in January.

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The Republican president on social media objected to what he said were 18 agents assigned to Hunter Biden’s protective detail while in South Africa this week. He said Ashley Biden has 13 agents assigned to her detail and that she too “will be taken off the list.”

There was no immediate reaction from the former president’s office.

Former presidents and their spouses receive life-long Secret Service protection under federal law, but the protection afforded to their immediate families over the age of 16 ends when they leave office, though both Trump and Biden extended the details for their children for six months before leaving office.

While touring the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Monday afternoon, a reporter asked Trump if he would revoke the protection for the former president’s son.

“Well, we have done that with many. I would say if there are 18 with Hunter Biden, that will be something I’ll look at this afternoon,” Trump said, who added this was the first time he heard about the matter.

“I’m going to take a look at that,” he said.

Quick Fix: Irish Beef Stew

By Linda Gassenheimer, Tribune News Service

Thinking of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s an Irish-inspired quick dinner to savor the flavors of the Emerald Isle.

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Guinness adds a rich flavor to the dish. The meal tastes great the next day, so can be made ahead and rewarmed. Open a bag of washed, ready-to-eat salad to go with the stew.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Any type of quick cooking steak such as tenderloin, sirloin or skirt can be used.

4 crushed garlic cloves can be used instead of minced garlic.

If using dried thyme, make sure your bottle is less than 6 months old.

COUNTDOWN:

Prepare ingredients.

Make stew.

While stew cooks, assemble salad.

SHOPPING LIST:

To buy: 3/4 pound grass fed beef strip steak, 1 package carrots, 1 jar minced garlic, 1/2 pound red potatoes, 1 bunch fresh thyme or 1 bottle dried thyme, 1 bunch parsley (optional garnish), 1 container fat-free, no-salt-added chicken broth, 1 bottle Irish stout (Guinness extra stout), 1 bottle Worcestershire sauce

Staples: olive oil, onion, flour, salt and black peppercorns.

Irish Beef Stew

Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

1 tablespoon olive oil

3/4 pound grass fed beef strip steak, cut into 1-2-inch pieces

2 cups sliced onion

1 cup sliced carrots

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/2 pound red potatoes cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch pieces (about 1 1/2-cups)

2 tablespoons fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme

3 tablespoons flour

1 cup fat-free, no-salt-added chicken broth

1 cup Irish stout (Guinness extra stout)

2 tablespoons Worcestershire

Salt and freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides, for about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the skillet to a dish. Add the onion, carrots, garlic and potato cubes to the skillet. Saute 2 to 3 minutes stirring them as they saute. Sprinkle the vegetables with the thyme and flour. Stir to combine the flour with the vegetables. The flour will be mostly absorbed. Add the chicken broth and stout. Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer, cover and cook 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Return the beef to the skillet and add the Worcestershire sauce. Cook 2 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 125 degrees for rare and 135 degrees for medium rare. Add salt and pepper to taste. Divide between 2 dinner plates and sprinkle chopped parsley on top (optional). Serve with a ready-to-eat salad on the side.

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 531 calories (20 percent from fat), 11.9 g fat (2.9 g saturated, 5.0 g monounsaturated), 96 mg cholesterol, 46.5 g protein, 53.1 g carbohydrates, 6.2 g fiber, 320 mg sodium.

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Clipboard: Stevenson grad off to fast start in Chicago

On the heels of earning NCAA Division III All-American honors in cross-country, Anna Watson has gotten off to a blistering start on the track this spring.

The Stevenson graduate and University of Chicago senior took part this past weekend in the NCAA National Indoor track and field championships in the 3,000-meter run.

Watson, who clocked a career-best 9 minutes and 41.94 seconds earlier this year, finished second at the Bob Eubanks Open in the 3,000 to advance to the nationals, which were held in Rochester, New York.

The indoor season has seen Watson run a career-best 4:59.96 in the mile. She also ran 3:38.87 in the 1,200-meter run and ran a leg on Chicago’s 1,600 relay team.

Watson’s indoor time in the 3,000 is ranked No. 2 in the nation in Division III, as is her mark in the 1,200. She’s also ranked fourth in the mile.

A state meet qualifier in cross-country at Stevenson, Watson helped Chicago to a second-place team finish last fall at the Division III nationals, earning All-America honors in the process.

The distance ace, who was a top 10 finisher in helping Chicago to a conference title, ran 21:28.3 over 6,000 meters at the national championships.

Tulua at Syracuse

True freshman Kaimi Tulua has appeared in 10 of the Syracuse University softball team’s 22 games, hitting .318 this spring.

Tulua, who is getting most of her at-bats as a designated hitter, recently hit her first collegiate homer and is fifth on the team in runs batted in with 10, despite playing in less than half the games.

A multi-sport standout at Seaside, Tulua is third on the team with a .526 slugging percentage for Syracuse, which is 16-6 this spring.

Tulua hit over .700 during her sophomore season at Seaside in 2022, earning the Pacific Coast Athletic League Santa Lucia Division’s Offensive Player of the Year award. She was a member of The Herald’s All-County softball team twice.

Rey stretches streak

Sophomore Samantha Rey is one of three players to have started all 28 games this spring for the 19-8 Central Florida softball team.

A unanimous All-Big 12 Freshman team selection last season, the center fielder is hitting .280 this year, having scored 12 runs and driven in eight.

The Notre Dame of Salinas graduate is fourth on the team in hits with 21 and has stolen three bases. Rey also sports a .968 fielding percentage in the outfield.

Rey has already established new single-season highs at Central Florida in hits, extra-base hits, total bases, walks, stolen bases and starts.

The Herald’s Softball Player of the Year in 2022, Rey earned all-state honors at Notre Dame and was an Extra Inning Softball first-team high school All-American, hitting over .600 for the Spirits in 2022.

Palma grad Allen in Mexico

Noah Allen’s professional basketball career has landed him Caballeros De Culiacan in Mexico, where he’s averaging 10.5 points a game.

The 30-year-old former UCLA and Hawaii guard is shooting 67 percent from the field, averaging 24.5 minutes a contest. He is pulling down 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals a game.

A four-year starter while at Palma, the 6-foot-7 Allen has played professionally in Argentina, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Allen played with the Warriors Summer League team in Las Vegas in 2018 and was with the Wizards Summer League team in 2020.

He spent two seasons with the Wizards G-League affiliate before embarking on a pro career overseas. Allen was a three-time member of The Herald’s All-County basketball team.

Synchronized sensations

Six members of the Cypress Swim Club are headed to the USA National Artistic/Synchronized Swimming Championships.

Elena DeCarlo, Elyse DeSalvo, Reagan Dotterer, Scarlet Dotterer, Jannah Noonari and Kathrin Reichstadt earned a sixth-place team finish at West Zone Championships in Oregon.

Doing a combination routine set, the six swimmers sparkled in their routine to advance to the national youth championships. Over 300 athletes and 19 states took part in the event.

Coaches needed

Alvarez is looking for coaches for flag football. Go to brian.vazquez@salinasuhsd.org

Monterey is also looking for a head JV football coach. Email abesaw@mpusd.net

Officials needed

Peninsula Sports Incorporate is looking for high school and middle school officials for all sports this season. Varsity officials are paid $100 a game.

There is an immediate need for officials and umpires in the spring for boys’ volleyball, baseball, softball and boys’ and girls’ lacrosse. Training is provided. Call Tom Emery at (831) 241-1101.

Monterey Women’s Basketball League

The Monterey Women’s Basketball League will begin on March 29 at the Monterey Sports Center. A pick-up game will tipoff the season at 2 p.m., with teams being formed after the game. Games will be held each Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Standard fee is $100. Register at montereysportscenter.com