Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 200

The best kits for growing nutrient-packed microgreens at home

Which microgreen grow kits are best?

Few things are more satisfying than sitting down to a delicious meal, but there’s one thing that can put it over the top: dining on fresh vegetables that you have grown yourself. Even those living in small spaces with very little room for a garden can cultivate fresh, delicious microgreens for their table.

The best microgreen grow kit almost guarantees success. For good looks, ease of use and crop after crop of microgreens, the Microgreen Pros Organic Microgreens Growing Kit is our top choice.

What to know before you buy a microgreen grow kit

Even if you’ve never had success growing your own herbs indoors or even keeping a houseplant alive, microgreen grow kits are incredibly forgiving and easy to use. Still, there are a few things to consider before you begin.

Space available

A microgreen grow kit can fit in a small space, but you need to make sure you have room for the growing tray. A windowsill works best for most microgreen grow kits.

If space is really tight, consider microgreen grow kits that are divided into modular setups. These can be placed in small spots around the house if windowsill space runs out.

Desired yield

Growing your own food may start out as a novel experience, but you’ll still end up with nutritious greens for your family. When planning how much to grow, consider how many people you are feeding regularly. Also consider whether you want microgreens to function as a large portion of your meals or just as a garnish. The concentrated flavor of microgreens means a little goes a long way, but a little preplanning can ensure that you have enough to go around.

Light source

Besides over or under watering, the main reason plants die is that they are not getting enough light. Ideally, your south-facing windows will provide all the light your microgreens need to thrive. However, if the natural light source is inadequate, you may have to supplement it with LED grow lights.

What to look for in a quality microgreen grow kitA growing guarantee

No one likes to fail, but sometimes seeds don’t germinate through no fault of the grower. The best microgreen grow kit will come with a money-back or full-replacement guarantee.

Microgreen variety

Even though they fall under the heading “microgreens,” each different kind has its own distinct flavor and use. Look for microgreen grow kits that offer different types of seeds so you can taste a wide variety of greens.

Organic seeds

Why not start with the very best? Make sure your microgreen grow kit seeds are organic and non-GMO.

Refillable planters

Single-use plastics are out, and there’s no need to bring them back. Choose a kit that has a refillable planter so you can keep the crop going over and over.

How much you can expect to spend on a microgreen grow kit

Getting started growing your own microgreens does not cost much. Expect to spend around $12 for simple, single-variety kits and $45 or more for reusable planters with multiple types of microgreens.

Microgreen grow kit FAQWhat’s the difference between regular greens and microgreens?

A. While it’s always a good idea to eat plenty of greens of any kind, microgreens are not just smaller versions of the lettuces and broccoli that usually grace your table. Microgreens are their own botanical phenomenon, with additional nutrients only found within their specific variety. These add a burst of bold flavor and texture that isn’t the same in other types of greens.

Is it cheaper to just buy microgreens?

A. Microgreens are available for purchase at many grocery stores, but they often come with a hefty price tag. Sure, your microgreens grow kit costs money initially, but you will find it pays you back very quickly as you begin to harvest your greens. Plus, you are more likely to eat your greens if they are right in front of you.

Do you only get one crop of microgreens per batch of seeds?

A. Some microgreens are what is referred to as “cut and come again” varieties. Peas, beans and lentils will produce a second or even third crop if you leave the bottom leaf when harvesting. The flavor will be less pronounced each time you harvest, but they will still be fresh and delicious.

What are the best microgreen grow kits to buy?Top microgreen grow kit

Microgreen Pros Organic Microgreens Growing Kit

What you need to know: New gardeners and those with years of indoor farming experience will both appreciate this beautiful, easy kit.

What you’ll love: The planter is wooden and lined with plastic to prevent leaking. The kit is stocked and ready to go when you open the box. It includes two of the most popular types of microgreen seeds — sunflower black oil microgreen seeds and mixed microgreens seeds — plus a spray bottle and detailed instructions. Plant two crops with what’s provided, then use the planter again and again.

What you should consider: Not everyone had success with the included seeds, but there is a money-back guarantee.

Top microgreen grow kit for the money

Zestigreens Microgreens Growing Kit Self Watering

What you need to know: This self-watering kit is perfect for indoor gardeners with very little time.

What you’ll love: This microgreens grow kit offers specific, detailed and illustrated directions that practically guarantee your success, and comes with a tray and bamboo surround, hydroponic insert, two hemp mats and a wooden blackout lid. In addition to everything you need for growing, the kit also includes seeds for organic broccoli microgreens and salad mix microgreens, plus recipe suggestions.

What you should consider: Some users reported leaky trays and flimsy lids.

Worth checking out

Urban Leaf- Indoor Microgreens Growing Kit

What you need to know: This versatile kit comes with durable trays.

What you’ll love: It includes three trays and six seed varieties, including radish, kale, rainbow mix, mustard, spicy mix and broccoli. The setup is customizable. It also includes enough trays for two grow cycles.

What you should consider: The trays are quite small, so you’ll get a smaller yield.

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

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The best window squeegees for a streak-free shine

Which window squeegees are best?

Windows collect a ton of visible dirt and debris, but window squeegees can help you cut through the dirt. Window squeegees are wonderful glass-cleaning devices that include a flat and smooth blade composed of rubber. These window squeegees are fairly effective since they push the dirt from the surface of the window. The Sorbo Squeegee Set is a superior window squeegee if you’re looking for a top product.

What to know before you buy a window squeegeeTypes of window squeegee blades

Most window squeegees feature a rubber blade that traps and pushes the dirt and water off of the window to achieve a clean window surface. Many blades are composed of soft rubber, but some come with hard rubber blades, which work better in hot climates. Some window squeegee blades are made of silicone, which works well in hot weather.

Desired window squeegee channel length

The channel of the window squeegee is the part that holds the blade in place. The channel is typically composed of metal. Channels come in a number of different lengths, but you should choose the length of the channel based on the width of the windows you clean.

Find a window squeegee with a comfortable and strong handle

Look for a window squeegee with a fairly strong and comfortable handle. It should be strong enough to scrape the water off of the window glass and comfortable enough for you to grip while you’re cleaning the windows.

What to look for in a quality window squeegeeAdjustable channel

Some window squeegees have adjustable channels, which allow you to shorten or lengthen the channel to use rubber blades of varying lengths on different window panes.

Quick-release head

If you don’t want an adjustable handle but you need to change the size of your window squeegee, you can look for one with a quick-release head. This quick-release head enables you to switch between various lengths of blades and channels to fit different windows better.

Handle

There are a couple of different types of handles, including swivel handles and threaded handles. A swivel handle allows you to pivot if needed, while a threaded handle attaches to an extension pole to reach higher window panes.

How much you can expect to spend on a window squeegee

Window squeegees range in price from about $9 to over $30. You can expect to pay $9-$15 for the most basic window squeegees, while other window squeegees are $15-$20. Top window squeegees go for more than $30.

Window squeegee FAQWhat is considered the top liquid solution for cleaning windows?

A. Stores sell a wide range of different window cleaners, but they can get fairly expensive. Most window cleaning experts, people who clean high-rise building windows and large plate-glass windows, say they use a simple bucket of cold water combined with a few droplets of dish soap. You can easily spread the solution onto the window with a sponge and clean the window with your new window squeegee.

What should you do if you have a spot on the window that the window squeegee won’t touch?

A. You can clean the spot with super fine steel wool to remove extremely stubborn dirt and debris. But don’t use anything more abrasive, like abrasive cleaning pads or high-grade steel wool, because you could risk scratching your window.

Gritty sand and dirt can also easily scratch the window if the debris is pulled across the window with a tool like a window squeegee. That’s why you need to keep the window wet and use lots of window solutions when using a window squeegee.

How often do you need to replace a rubber window squeegee blade?

A. You can make your window squeegee blades last for nearly a year if you carefully store them when they’re not in use. You should store the entire window squeegee, or at least the rubber blade, in a dry and dark space that’s not directly exposed to sunlight, since UV rays can be harmful to rubber.

High heat can also soften the rubber blade and lead to its deterioration. If you live in a particularly hot or warm climate, you shouldn’t keep your window squeegee in the garage, since the garage can get too hot.

What are the best window squeegees to buy?Top window squeegee

Sorbo Squeegee Set

What you need to know: This window squeegee comes with multiple professional features and fits many extension poles.

What you’ll love: This professional-grade Sorbo window squeegee includes a temperature-resistant, 18-inch rubber blade with a 40-degree angle on the tips for accessing corners. The window squeegee is also lightweight and comes with an additional blade.

What you should consider: It doesn’t come with any instructions, and the bevel isn’t sharp enough.

Top window squeegee for the money

Unger Professional Stainless Steel Squeegee

What you need to know: This affordable window squeegee from Unger has a comfortable handle and a long blade.

What you’ll love: The inexpensive window squeegee features a 16-inch blade and is compatible with any of the Unger poles for extended reaching. The blade offers 100% streak-free cleaning.

What you should consider: Some users say the rubber is too thin to do the job right.

Worth checking out

Ettore Solid Brass Window Squeegee

What you need to know: This window squeegee gets plenty of praise for its elegant brass appearance.

What you’ll love: This Ettore window squeegee has a rustproof design, a great build, and heavy-duty brass construction with an 18-inch blade. It also fits on all REA-CH extension poles from Ettore.

What you should consider: Some consumers say this window squeegee can leave streaks on the windows.

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 5, 2025: Evan Mendes, use your intuition to guide you to what’s right

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kevin Connolly, 51; Matt Lucas, 51; Eva Mendes, 51; Penn Jillette, 70.

Happy Birthday: Call on your intuition to guide you in saying and doing what’s right. Distance yourself from extremism, excess and entitlement. Embrace who you are and what you want with enthusiasm, dignity and the intent to turn your thoughts into something tangible. Put your energy where it counts, and it will bring the highest return to you and what matters most. Speak from the heart and follow through. Your numbers are 3, 14, 24, 27, 32, 41, 47.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Refuse to let anger set in when positive action is necessary if you want to get things done. Simplify your life, take care of unfinished business, and declutter and organize your space to ensure you can optimize your time and talents to the fullest. Personal growth will pay off. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Hesitation will work against you. When in doubt, take a pass and focus on what you feel comfortable doing. Put time and effort into adapting your surroundings to suit your needs and to ensure you can sustain your lifestyle and plans. Be cognizant of situations that might jeopardize your health or well-being. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Pay attention, take notes, learn and protect your interests. Refuse to pay or buy into someone else’s poor choices. Resist persuasive offers and fast talkers. Offer insight, not time or cash. Choose quality over quantity to ensure you satisfy your expectations. Make romance, love and self-improvement a priority. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Efficiency is the way forward. How others perceive you will depend on what you achieve. Put your best foot forward and make a lasting impression. Express your thoughts and ideas with confidence, clarity and creativity; the support you need to carry on will be yours. Steer clear of volatile situations. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Remain in your comfort zone. Refuse to let anyone talk you into something questionable. Don’t feel you have to impress anyone. Concentrate on expanding your mind and learning something that will contribute to surpassing your expectations, and you’ll feel good about the prospects that surface. A new look will boost your confidence. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take a moment to evaluate your position and prospects. Try not to make comparisons between yourself and others. Set your goals and standards to suit who you are and the lifestyle you want to aspire to, and you’ll find the happiness you desire. Positive change begins with you. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An open mind will lead to new beginnings and a new version of yourself. Trust your instincts and adjust what no longer suits your needs. Move on; taking advantage of something you encounter will help you gain ground. Follow your heart, rely on your intelligence and avoid procrastinating. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Get out, strut your stuff and leave a lasting impression. It’s time to take a leadership position, believe in yourself and your attributes, and shift your thinking to pursuing what you love to do most without taking on debt, carrying old baggage or letting anyone take advantage of you. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Revise your to-do list and eliminate tasks and requests that don’t fit your schedule or help you get where you want to go. Be true to yourself and forgo being the one everyone relies on to get things done. It’s time to put yourself first. Be friendly but not a pushover. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Do what you have to do, and don’t look back. It’s up to you to make the moves that will satisfy your needs. Take a step toward pleasing yourself and stop worrying about who doesn’t like your choices. You can’t please everyone, so make a point to please yourself. 5 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Sit tight; wait, watch and assess situations. Timing will make a difference regarding personal and domestic issues and finances. Set yourself up for success with a budget, a solid plan and the people who count in your life by your side. Smart moves take planning, precision and patience. 2 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Check out every avenue before deciding your next move. Patience will help you zigzag your way to a better place. Put your energy into self-improvement, and you’ll gain awareness of what’s best for you. Let go of what and who lowers your morale or puts you at risk physically or emotionally. 4 stars

Birthday Baby: You are unbiased, energetic and proactive. You are insightful and spontaneous.

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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NorCal high school boys basketball: Miraculous fourth quarter propels Palma past San Mateo

SALINAS — As for comebacks, it was one for the ages. It deserved a celebratory moment, even if it was rather subdued. Perhaps it was an expectation from a group of players that have been relentless all season.

Starring at a 15-point deficit to open the fourth quarter in Tuesday’s Northern California Division IV basketball playoffs, whatever was echoed in the huddle needs to be bottled up for the next round for the Chieftains.

“I wish I could take that fourth quarter and play right now,” Palma coach Brian Driscoll said.

The Chieftains ran off the fourth quarters first 13 points, outscoring San Mateo 21-3 to secure a 52-47 win and extend their season another day.

“We had a few games with double digit deficits where we came back to win,” Driscoll said. “But nothing like this in being down by 15 in the fourth. Our league had us battle tested for games like this.”

Seeded No. 4, the Central Coast Section Division V runner-up Chieftains (21-7) will host No. 5 Berkeley — 64-61 winners over Ripon Christian — on Thursday at 7 p.m.

“I was in the east bay for 25 years,” said Driscoll, who served as an assistant coach at San Ramon and De La Salle. “I know they have a great program. Berkeley is very athletic. I have to watch film and pour into it tomorrow.”

Don’t be misled by the Yellowjackets 17-15 overall record, as they were the runner-ups in the West Alameda County Foothill Division to Alameda.

“Once you are in the state tournament, everyone is talented,” said Driscoll, who is in his first season as the Chieftains head coach. “I don’t put too much stock into seeds. You have to be humble and hungry. Momentum is real.”

Despite starring at a 15-point deficit to open the final eight minutes, Driscoll felt good about how Palma played in the third quarter with its effort.

“I liked our competitiveness,” Driscoll said. “I felt like we were playing well. I told the team stay with it. We have eight minutes and all of our time outs. Lets string two shots together.”

Instead, the Chieftains buried the first eight points of the quarter, prompting San Mateo to call a time out. What ensued was six more points, with Tai Suich hitting a 3-point goal to trim the deficit to one with 1:47 left.

San Mateo, who was granted an at-large bid into the tournament after falling in the CCS Division II semifinals, didn’t produce their first points until 6:13 had been run off in the fourth quarter.

“I’ve been telling you I love our fight,” Driscoll said. “These kids never stopped believing. This group is resilient. This team is very connected, very competitive.”

A put back of a missed shot by Soren Roberts while being fouled resulted in a 3-point play, tying the game at 46 with 50.1 seconds left.

San Mateo, who won the Peninsula Ocean Division and came into the game seeded No. 13 at 20-6 overall, managed a free throw in the final minute as Palma scored six more points to pull away.

“Different guys have stepped up all year,” Driscoll said. “No more cares. We do this together as a group. That will serve these kids well in life.”

While Suich dropped in 23 points and Roberts 19, Driscoll applauded the efforts of Jaden Paul and JJ Saucedo, whose tenacious defense in the fourth quarter helped hold San Mateo to one field goal.

“Jaden came off the bench and played the entire fourth quarter,” Driscoll said. “His defense was outstanding. We just kept believing. Now it’s back to the next game as being the most important.”

NorCal high school boys basketball playoffs: Blut, Brown, led Carmel past Central

CARMEL — The last time Carmel landed a No. 7 seed in the Northern California Division III boys basketball tournament, it reached the finals.

Part of that journey included knocking off a No. 2 seed.

For the Padres to extend their season beyond Thursday, they will have to go on the road and face a No. 2 seed again after opening the Division III postseason Tuesday with 58-49 win over Central of Fresno.

The Gabilan Division champion Padres (21-5) will face Christian Brothers — 61-44 winners over Sacred Heart Prep of Atherton — on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Sacramento.

“I don’t know anything about them,” Carmel coach Kurt Grahl said. “But I used to be in their league when I coached at Cordova. I’ve coached in their gym four or five times.”

Despite falling to King’s Academy in the Central Coast Section Division IV championships, the Padres were once again placed into Division III for the fourth straight time in the state tournament.

“You play the hand you’re dealt,” Grahl said.

A common opponent for the quarterfinal meeting on Thursday is Sacred Heart Prep, who the Padres defeated 57-51 on Feb. 8 in a non-league meeting prior to the postseason.

SAC Joaquin Section Division III champions, Christian Brothers is 26-7 this season. Five of their seven losses came in the powerful Capital Valley Conference.

The Falcons are led by 6-foot-3 playmaker Stephan Hewitt, who is averaging 17.1 points a game, while 6-1 guard Daniel Powers leads the team in rebounds and assists.

Having had their seven-game winning streak snapped by King’s Academy last Saturday, the Padres improved to 19-3 since getting six players from their state championship football team back.

Facing a Central program that fell in double-overtime in their Central Section title game, Carmel jumped out to an early 10-4 lead on the strength of Warren Blut and Simeon Brown.

“Central came out in a two-three zone,” Grahl said. “I looked at game film. We assumed man-to-man. We attacked the basket early so they couldn’t get set up.”

The Grizzlies (20-14), who play in the same league as Buchanan and Clovis North, cut a nine-point cushion in the fourth quarter to one with 6:01 remaining in the game.

“When you’re this deep in the season and you have the type of seniors we have, they have the same composure and we showed it when things got tight,” Grahl said. “We handled the press well and were able to run some clock and get good looks at the basket.”

Not only does Grahl have a roster with six state champions from football, but the majority of the squad has played in the Northern California tournament the last two years.

“Experience does matter,” Grahl said. “We were able to answer. We wanted to move the basketball and make them make decisions and hopefully make a mistake.”

Blut dropped in a team high 21 points for the two-time Gabilan Division champions, while Brown finished with 19 points and Hudson Rutherford 12.

FACT FOCUS: A look at false and misleading claims made by Trump during his address to Congress

President Donald Trump ‘s Tuesday night address to a joint session of Congress highlighted several of the initiatives he’s started in his first six weeks in office, but many of his comments included false and misleading information.

Here’s a look at the facts.

He overstated the numbers on his immigration crackdown

TRUMP: “Illegal border crossings last month were by far the lowest ever recorded. Ever.”

THE FACTS: Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Saturday that Border Patrol apprehended 8,326 people on the U.S.-Mexico border last month. But U.S. government data show that Border Patrol routinely averaged below that number in the 1960s.

While February marked the lowest arrest total in decades, Border Patrol averaged less than February 2025 for the first seven years of 1960s. The government website does not track U.S.-Mexico border totals before 1960. Border Patrol’s monthly average was 1,752 arrests in 1961.

He inflated the number of people who entered the U.S. illegally under President Joe Biden

TRUMP: “Over the past four years, 21 million people poured into the United States. Many of them were murderers, human traffickers, gang members.”

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THE FACTS: That figure, which Trump cites regularly, is highly inflated. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported more than 10.8 million arrests for illegal crossings from Mexico from January 2021 through December 2024.

But that’s arrests, not people. Under asylum restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people crossed more than once until they succeeded because there were no legal consequences for getting turned back to Mexico. So the number of people is lower than the number of arrests.

There is no evidence other countries are sending their criminals or people with mental illness across the border, despite this frequent line from Trump.

Economists differ with Trump on tariffs

TRUMP: “Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again. And it’s happening. And it will happen rather quickly. There’ll be a little disturbance, but we’re OK with that. It won’t be much.”

THE FACTS: Trump is banking on the idea that taxing imports is the road to riches for the United States. Most economists say Trump’s tariffs would hurt the country, as they’re tax increases that could raise the costs of goods in ways that could also harm economic growth. Trump suggests that the impact on inflation would be minimal.

When the Yale University Budget Lab looked at the tariffs that Trump imposed Tuesday on Canada, Mexico and China, it found that inflation would increase a full percentage point, growth would fall by half a percentage point and the average household would lose about $1,600 in disposable income.

There’s no evidence Social Security money is being paid to many people over age 100

TRUMP: “Believe it or not, government databases list 4.7 million Social Security members from people aged 100 to 109 years old. It lists 3.6 million people from ages 110 to 119. … 3.47 million people from ages 120 to 129. 3.9 million people from ages 130 to 139. 3.5 million people from ages 140 to 149. And money is being paid to many of them, and we are searching right now.”

THE FACTS: The databases may list those people, but that does not mean they are getting paid benefits.

Part of the confusion comes from Social Security’s software system based on the COBOL programming language, which doesn’t use a specific format for dates. This means that some entries with missing or incomplete birthdates will default to a reference point of more than 150 years ago. The news organization Wired first reported on the use of COBOL programming language at the Social Security Administration.

Additionally, a series of reports from the Social Security Administration’s inspector general in March 2023 and July 2024 state that the agency has not established a new system to properly annotate death information in its database, which included roughly 18.9 million Social Security numbers of people born in 1920 or earlier but were not marked as deceased. This does not mean, however, that these people were receiving benefits.

The agency decided not to update the database because of the cost to do so, which would run upward of $9 million. As of September 2015, the agency automatically stops payments to people who are older than 115 years old.

Trump did not inherit an ‘economic catastrophe’

TRUMP: “Among my very highest priorities is to rescue our economy and get dramatic and immediate relief to working families. As you know, we inherited from the last administration an economic catastrophe and an inflation nightmare.”

THE FACTS: Inflation peaked at 9.1% in 2022 under President Joe Biden, but Trump did not inherit a disastrous economy by any measure. The unemployment rate ticked down to a low 4% in January, the month he took office, while the economy expanded a healthy 2.8% in 2024. Inflation-adjusted incomes have grown steadily since mid-2023. And inflation, while showing signs of stickiness in recent months and still elevated at 3% in January, is down from its 2022 peak.

Trump’s reference to an ‘EV mandate’ is inaccurate

TRUMP: “We ended the last administration’s insane electric vehicle mandate, saving our auto workers and companies from economic destruction.”

THE FACTS: There was no federal mandate to force the purchase of EVs, as Trump has falsely claimed many times before.

Biden had set up a non-binding goal that EVs make up half of new cars sold by 2030. Trump issued an executive order on his first day in office revoking that goal.

Biden’s policies tightened restrictions on pollution from gas-powered cars and trucks in an effort to encourage Americans to buy EVs and car companies to shift from gas-powered vehicles to electric cars.

A closer look at Army recruitment numbers

TRUMP: “I am pleased to report that in January, the U.S. Army had its single best recruiting month in 15 years.”

THE FACTS: Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Army’s recruiting turnaround is tied to his time in office.

In fact, according to Army data, recruiting numbers have been increasing steadily over the past year, with the highest total coming in August 2024 — before the November election. Army officials closely track recruiting numbers.

A significant driver of the recruiting success was the Army’s decision to launch the Future Soldier Prep Course at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in August 2022. That program gives lower-performing recruits up to 90 days of academic or fitness instruction to help them meet military standards and move on to basic training.

Associated Press writers Melissa Goldin in New York, Matt Daly, Chris Rugaber, Will Weissert, Josh Boak and Rebecca Santana in Washington, Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska, and Elliot Spagat in San Diego, contributed to this report.

The Democratic rebuttal: Read Sen. Elissa Slotkin’s response to President Trump

The Democratic rebuttal to President Donald Trump’s speech before Congress came from Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a first-term senator from Michigan. She spoke for about 11 minutes.

Here is a transcript of her remarks as prepared for delivery:

Hi everyone. I’m Elissa Slotkin. I’m honored to have the opportunity to speak tonight. It’s late — so I promise to be a lot shorter than what you just watched.

I won’t take it personally if you’ve never heard of me. I’m the new senator from the great state of Michigan, where I grew up. I’ve been in public service my entire life, because I happened to be in New York City on 9/11 when the twin towers came down. Before the smoke cleared, I knew I wanted a life in national security.

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I was recruited by the CIA and did three tours in Iraq, alongside the military. In between, I worked at the White House under President Bush and President Obama, two very different leaders who both believed that America is exceptional.

You can find that same sense of patriotism here in Wyandotte, Michigan, where I am tonight. It’s a working-class town just south of Detroit. President Trump and I both won here in November. It might not seem like it, but plenty of places like this still exist all across the United States – places where people believe that if you work hard, and play by the rules, you should do well and your kids do better.

It reminds me of how I grew up. My dad was a lifelong Republican, my mom a lifelong Democrat. But it was never a big deal. Because we had shared values that were bigger than any one party.

We just went through another fraught election season. Americans made it clear that prices are too high and that government needs to be more responsive to their needs. America wants change. But there is a responsible way to make change, and a reckless way. And, we can make that change without forgetting who we are as a country, and as a democracy.

So that’s what I’m going to lay out tonight.

Because whether you’re in Wyandotte or Wichita, most Americans share three core beliefs: That the Middle Class is the engine of our country. That strong national security protects us from harm. And that our democracy, no matter how messy, is unparalleled and worth fighting for.

Let’s start with the economy.

Michigan literally invented the Middle Class: the revolutionary idea that you could work at an auto plant and afford the car you were building. That’s the American Dream. And in order to expand and protect the Middle Class, we have to do a few, basic things:

We need to bring down the price of things we spend the most money on: Groceries. Housing. Healthcare. Your car.

We need to make more things in America with good-paying, union jobs — and bring our supply chains back home from places like China.

We need to give American businesses the certainty they need to invest and create the jobs of the future.

And we need a tax system that’s fair for people who don’t happen to make a billion dollars.

Look, President Trump talked a big game on the economy, but it’s always important to read the fine print. So: do his plans actually help Americans get ahead?

Not even close.

President Trump is trying to deliver an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends. He’s on the hunt to find trillions of dollars to pass along to the wealthiest in America. And to do that, he’s going to make you pay in every part of your life.

Grocery and home prices are going up, not down — and he hasn’t laid out a credible plan to deal with either.

His tariffs on allies like Canada will raise prices on energy, lumber, cars — and start a trade war that will hurt manufacturing and farmers.

Your premiums and prescriptions will cost more because the math on his proposals doesn’t work without going after your health care.

Meanwhile, for those keeping score, the national debt is going up, not down. And if he’s not careful, he could walk us right into a recession.

And one more thing: In order to pay for his plan, he could very well come after your retirement – the Social Security, Medicare, and VA benefits you worked your whole life to earn. The President claims he won’t, but Elon Musk just called Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.”

While we’re on the subject of Elon Musk, is there anyone in America who is comfortable with him and his gang of 20-year-olds using their own computer servers to poke through your tax returns, your health information, and your bank accounts? No oversight. No protections against cyber-attack. No guardrails on what they do with your private data.

We need more efficient government. You want to cut waste, I’ll help you do it. But change doesn’t need to be chaotic or make us less safe.

The mindless firing of people who work to protect our nuclear weapons, keep our planes from crashing, and conduct the research that finds the cure for cancer — only to re-hire them two days later? No CEO in America could do that without being summarily fired.

OK, so we’ve talked about our economic security. How about national security?

Let’s start with the border. As someone who spent my whole career protecting our homeland, every country deserves to know who and what is coming across its border. Period. Democrats and Republicans should all be for that.

But securing the border without actually fixing our broken immigration system is dealing with the symptom not the disease. America is a nation of immigrants. We need a functional system, keyed to the needs of our economy, that allows vetted people to come and work here legally. So I look forward to the President’s plan on that.

Because here’s the thing: Today’s world is deeply interconnected. Migration, cyber threats, AI, environmental destruction, terrorism — one nation cannot face these issues alone. We need friends in all corners — and our safety depends on it.

President Trump loves to promise “peace through strength.” That’s actually a line he stole from Ronald Reagan. But let me tell you, after the spectacle that just took place in the Oval Office last week, Reagan must be rolling over in his grave. We all want an end to the war in Ukraine, but Reagan understood that true strength required America to combine our military and economic might with moral clarity.

And that scene in the Oval Office wasn’t just a bad episode of reality TV. It summed up Trump’s whole approach to the world. He believes in cozying up to dictators like Vladimir Putin and kicking our friends, like Canada, in the teeth. He sees American leadership as merely a series of real estate transactions.

As a Cold War kid, I’m thankful it was Reagan and not Trump in office in the 1980s. Trump would have lost us the Cold War.

Donald Trump’s actions suggest that, in his heart, he doesn’t believe we are an exceptional nation. He clearly doesn’t think we should lead the world.

Look, America’s not perfect. But I stand with most Americans who believe we are still exceptional. Unparalleled. And I would rather have American leadership over Chinese or Russian leadership any day of the week.

Because for generations, America has offered something better.

Our security and our prosperity, yes. But our democracy, our very system of government, has been the aspiration of the world. And right now, it’s at risk.

It’s at risk when a president decides he can pick and choose what rules he wants to follow, when he ignores court orders or the Constitution itself, or when elected leaders stand idly by and just let it happen.

But it’s also at risk when the President pits Americans against each other, when he demonizes those who are different, and tells certain people they shouldn’t be included.

Because America is not just a patch of land between two oceans. We are more than that. Generations have fought and died to secure the fundamental rights that define us. Those rights and the fight for them make us who we are.

We are a nation of strivers. Risk-takers. Innovators. And we are never satisfied.

That is America’s superpower.

And look, I’ve lived and worked in many countries. I’ve seen democracies flicker out. I’ve seen what life is like when a government is rigged. You can’t open a business without paying off a corrupt official. You can’t criticize the guys in charge without getting a knock at the door in the middle of the night.

So as much as we need to make our government more responsive to our lives today, don’t for one moment fool yourself that democracy isn’t precious and worth saving.

But how do we actually do that? I know a lot of you have been asking that question.

First, don’t tune out. It’s easy to be exhausted, but America needs you now more than ever. If previous generations had not fought for democracy, where would we be today?

Second, hold your elected officials, including me, accountable. Watch how they’re voting. Go to town halls and demand they take action. That’s as American as apple pie.

Three, organize. Pick just one issue you’re passionate about — and engage. And doom scrolling doesn’t count. Join a group that cares about your issue, and act. And if you can’t find one, start one.

Some of the most important movements in our history have come from the bottom up.

In closing, we all know that our country is going through something right now. We’re not sure what the next day is going to hold, let alone the next decade.

But this isn’t the first time we’ve experienced significant and tumultuous change as a country. I’m a student of history, and we’ve gone through periods of political instability before. And ultimately, we’ve chosen to keep changing this country for the better.

But every single time, we’ve only gotten through those moments because of two things: Engaged citizens and principled leaders.

Engaged citizens who do a little bit more than they’re used to doing to fight for the things they care about. And principled leaders who are ready to receive the ball and do something about it.

So thank you tonight for caring about your country. Just by watching, you qualify as engaged citizens. And I promise that I, and my fellow Democrats, will do everything in our power to be the principled leaders that you deserve.

Goodnight everyone.

Suspect in Kabul airport bombing during Afghanistan pullout is caught and heading to US, Trump says

By ERIC TUCKER and ZEKE MILLER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A suspected senior planner in the suicide bombing at the Kabul airport that killed 13 American service members during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan has been taken into custody and is being brought to the United States to face charges, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday night.

“I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity. And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice,” Trump said in a joint address to Congress.

The White House identified the man as Muhammed Sharifullah and described him as having “orchestrated the Abbey Gate attack.” FBI Director Kash Patel, who attended Trump’s address, posted on the social media platform X that the arrest was “one step closer to justice for these American heroes and their families.”

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A senior U.S. official said Sharifullah, known as Jafar, was arrested late last month on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan by Pakistani officials. U.S. law enforcement, including the FBI, interrogated Sharifullah over the weekend and he confessed to his role in the 2021 Abbey Gate attack, the official said, as well as a March 2024 ISIS-K attack in Moscow and several attacks inside Iran.

It was not immediately clear what charges Sharifullah would face. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the case against Sharifullah before it was unveiled, said charging documents would be unsealed Wednesday. He was in transit to the U.S. while Trump was speaking late Tuesday.

The Justice Department did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

The Abbey Gate bombing during the final days of the Afghanistan withdrawal killed 13 U.S. service members and 170 Afghans, while wounding scores more. It triggered widespread congressional criticism and undermined public confidence in Biden’s administration.

A review last year by U.S. Central Command concluded that the suicide bombing was not preventable. The U.S. military has previously identified the bomber as Abdul Rahman al-Logari, an Islamic State militant who had been in an Afghan prison but was released by the Taliban as the group took control of the country that summer.

Trump had repeatedly condemned Biden’s role in the Afghanistan withdrawal on the campaign trail and blamed Biden for the Abbey Gate attack. The official said Sharifullah’s arrest came after fresh U.S. intelligence community coordination, increased intelligence sharing and pressure on regional partners to bring those responsible for the attack to account since Trump’s swearing-in.

Rep. Al Green shouts down Trump and may face censure by the House for the outburst

By LISA MASCARO, AP Congressional Correspondent

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas wasn’t the first lawmaker ever to blurt out a shout of protest during a presidential address to Congress.

But he’s perhaps the only one in recent memory to actually be ejected from the hall Tuesday night by the Speaker of the House.

Green said afterward it was worth it to make his point — even if he is punished by House leaders, who later called for the congressman to be censured.

“The president was saying he had a mandate, and I was making it clear that he has no mandate to cut Medicaid,” Green told reporters, referring to the health care program used by 80 million Americans.

“It’s worth it to let people know that there are some of us who are going to stand up against this president.”

Green’s outburst came at the start of President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress and immediately set the tone. The night was already uneasy. Stone-faced Democrats, now the minority party, had been sitting silently on one side of the chamber, rambunctious Republicans on the other.

As Green rose to speak, shaking his walking cane at the president, the Republicans drowned him out with muscular chants of “USA! USA!”

Johnson eyed the situation from his perch on the dais behind Trump, appearing hesitant to interrupt the president’s address. But the speaker was shaking his head and clearly desiring decorum in the chamber. Vice President JD Vance motioned with his thumb to throw Green out.

The speaker issued a warning for order, banging the gavel. “Take your seat, sir!” But the long-serving congressman remained standing. And then Johnson ordered the Sergeant at Arms to restore order by removing Green from the chamber.

Rarely has a lawmaker been so swiftly and severely disciplined for improper behavior.

Johnson said afterward that Green should be censured by the House — among the more severe reprimands his colleagues could mete out.

“He’s made history in a terrible way,” Johnson told reporters afterward.

Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, left, shouts as President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. (Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP)

“If they want to make a 77-year-old heckling congressman the face of their resistance, if that’s the Democrat Party, so be it,” Johnson said. “But we will not tolerate it on the House floor.”

In past years, several lawmakers have raised their voices to shout at presidents – from GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s shouts against President Joe Biden and the “You lie!” outburst from Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C. against President Barack Obama.

Of course, during Trump’s first term, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not raise her voice, but silently ripped up the president’s speech on the dais, once he had finished delivering it.

Green has been a pivotal lawmaker since he was first elected to Congress in 2004, often standing as he did Tuesday night, alone.

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He introduced articles of impeachment against Trump in 2017, maneuvering around party leadership. And he did it again in 2019, shortly before the House led by Pelosi actually did move forward with separate impeachment proceedings over Trump withholding funding for Ukraine as it battled Russia.

Last year, Green stunned his own colleagues when he dashed from his hospital bed where he was recovering from surgery to vote against the Republican effort to impeach Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. With his arrival, the vote failed, though Republicans recouped and impeached Mayorkas days later.

Green warned Tuesday against Republican efforts in their budget proposal to change Medicaid, which is the program he said many people in his Houston-area district rely on for health care. He also warned against cuts to Medicare, the program for seniors, and the Social Security retirement program.

“This is about the people being punished by virtue of losing their health care,” Green said.

“This is the richest country in the world,” he said. “And health care is about to become wealth care, and we can’t let that happen.”

Green has said he is working on new articles of impeachment against Trump.

“This president is unfit,” Green said. “He should not hold the office.”

US tariffs on Canada and Mexico kick take effect, as China takes aim at US farm exports

By JOSH BOAK, PAUL WISEMAN and ROB GILLIES, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s long-threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico went into effect Tuesday, putting global markets on edge and setting up costly retaliations by the United States’ North American allies.

Starting just past midnight, imports from Canada and Mexico are now to be taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties.

The 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February was doubled to 20%, and Beijing retaliated Tuesday with tariffs of up to 15% on a wide array of U.S. farm exports. It also expanded the number of U.S. companies subject to export controls and other restrictions by about two dozen.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country would slap tariffs on more than $100 billion of American goods over the course of 21 days. Mexico didn’t immediately detail any retaliatory measures.

This combination of file photos shows, from left, U.S. President Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Fla., Feb. 7, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Kyiv, Ukraine, June 10, 2023, China’s President Xi Jinping in Brasilia, Brazil, Nov. 20, 2024, and Mexico’s President in Mexico City, June 27, 2024. Claudia Sheinbaum (AP Photo)

The U.S. president’s moves raised fears of higher inflation and the prospect of a devastating trade war even as he promised the American public that taxes on imports are the easiest path to national prosperity. He has shown a willingness to buck the warnings of mainstream economists and put his own public approval on the line, believing that tariffs can fix what ails the country.

“It’s a very powerful weapon that politicians haven’t used because they were either dishonest, stupid or paid off in some other form,” Trump said Monday at the White House. “And now we’re using them.”

The Canada and Mexico tariffs were supposed to begin in February, but Trump agreed to a 30-day suspension to negotiate further with the two largest U.S. trading partners. The stated reason for the tariffs is to address drug trafficking and illegal immigration, and both countries say they’ve made progress on those issues. But Trump has also said the tariffs will only come down if the U.S. trade imbalance closes, a process unlikely to be settled on a political timeline.

The tariffs may be short-lived if the U.S. economy suffers. But Trump could also impose more tariffs on the European Union, India, computer chips, autos and pharmaceutical drugs. The American president has injected a disorienting volatility into the world economy, leaving it off balance as people wonder what he’ll do next.

“It’s chaotic, especially compared to the way we saw tariffs rolled out in the first (Trump) administration,” said Michael House, co-chair of the international trade practice at the Perkins Coie law firm. “It’s unpredictable. We don’t know, in fact, what the president will do.’’

President Donald Trump gestures as he walks across the South Lawn of the White House, Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Washington, after returning from a trip to Florida. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Democratic lawmakers were quick to criticize the tariffs, and even some Republican senators raised alarms.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she’s “very concerned” about the tariffs going into effect because of her state’s proximity to Canada.

“Maine and Canada’s economy are integrated,” Collins said, explaining that much of the state’s lobsters and blueberries are processed in Canada and then sent back to the U.S.

The world economy is now caught in the fog of what appears to be a trade war.

Even after Trump announced Monday that the tariffs were going forward, Canadian officials were still in touch with their U.S. counterparts.

“The dialogue will continue, but we are ready to respond,” Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair said in Ottawa as he went into a special Cabinet meeting on U.S.-Canada relations. “There are still discussions taking place.”

Shortly after Blair spoke, Trudeau said Canada would impose 25% tariffs on $107 billion U.S. worth of American goods, starting with tariffs on $21 billion U.S. worth of goods immediately and on the remaining amount on American products in three weeks.

“Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures,” Trudeau said.

The White House would like to see a drop in seizures of fentanyl inside the United States, not just on the northern and southern borders. Administration officials say that seizures of fentanyl last month in everywhere from Louisiana to New Jersey had ties to foreign cartels.

Damon Pike, technical practice leader for customs and trade services at the tax and consulting firm BDO, suggested the responses of other countries could escalate trade tensions and possibly increase the economic pressure points.

“Canada has their list ready,” Pike said. “The EU has their list ready. It’s going to be tit for tat.’’

The Trump administration has suggested inflation will not be as bad as economists claim, saying tariffs can motivate foreign companies to open factories in the United States. On Monday, Trump announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the computer chipmaker, would be investing $100 billion in domestic production.

Still, it can take time to relocate factories spread across the world and train workers with the skills they need.

Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, said the 20% tariffs on Chinese goods will be “crippling” for the toy industry, as nearly 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China.

“There’s a sophistication of manufacturing, of the tooling,” he said. “There’s a lot of handcrafting that is part of these toys that a lot of people don’t understand … the face painting, the face masks, the hair weaving, the hair braiding, the cut and sew for plush to get it to look just so. All of that are very high hands, skilled labor that has been passed through generations in the supply chain that exists with China.”

For a president who has promised quick results, Ahearn added a note of caution about how quickly U.S. factories could match their Chinese rivals.

“That can’t be replicated overnight,” he said.

Gillies reported from Toronto. Associated Press writers Anne D’Innocenzio in New York and Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report.