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| 01-29-26 |
| Posted on Thursday, January 29 @ 00:01:10 PST (13 reads) | |
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January 29-february 4, 2026 montereycountynow.Com local & independent mystery behind the brush 5 | last call at sade’s 11 | doc’s follies 27 | chopped up 34 first place general excellence • 2025 ca journalism awards • years of cutbacks by corporate owners have decimated the daily newspapers in monterey county. Where does local journalism stand in 2026? P. 14 by erik chalhoub stopping the presses plus, spanish-language news media is on the brink. P. 18 by celia jiménez
2 monterey county weekly january 29-february 4, 2026 www.Montereycountynow.Com january 29-february 4, 2026 • issue #1957 • established in 1988 steve zmak (canon 5d mark iii and 24-105mm f/4 lens, 640 iso, 1/1500 sec., F/11) a heat wave and the reopening of highway 1 to through-traffic made for conditions that felt like a summer vacation at sand dollar beach in big sur. Monterey county photo of the week send etc. Submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.Com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: every wednesday evening, a truckload of freshly printed copies of the monterey county weekly arrives in seaside from a san francisco printing facility for thursday distribution. Cover photo: daniel dreifuss etc. Copyright © 2026 by milestone communications inc. 668 williams ave., Seaside, california 93955 (telephone 831-394-5656). All rights reserved. Monterey county weekly, the best of monterey county and the best of monterey bay are registered trademarks. No person, without prior permission from the publisher, may take more than one copy of each issue. Additional copies and back issues may be purchased for $1, plus postage. Mailed subscriptions: $300 yearly, prepaid. The weekly is an adjudicated newspaper of monterey county, court decree m21137. The weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Visit our website at http://www.Montereycountynow. Com. Audited by cvc. Founder & ceo bradley zeve bradley@montereycountynow.Com (x103) publisher erik cushman erik@montereycountynow.Com (x125) editorial editor sara rubin sara@montereycountynow.Com (x120) associate editor erik chalhoub ec@montereycountynow.Com (x135) features editor dave faries dfaries@montereycountynow.Com (x110) senior staff writer pam marino pam@montereycountynow.Com (x106) staff writer celia jiménez celia@montereycountynow.Com (x145) staff writer agata pope¸da aga@montereycountynow.Com (x138) staff writer katie rodriguez (california local news fellow) katie@montereycountynow.Com (x102) staff writer aric sleeper aric@montereycountynow.Com (x127) staff photographer daniel dreifuss daniel@montereycountynow.Com (x140) digital producer sloan campi sloan@montereycountynow.Com (x105) contributors nik blaskovich, rob brezsny, robert daniels, tonia eaton, jesse herwitz, luz rimban, jacqueline weixel, paul wilner cartoons rob rogers, tom tomorrow production art director/production manager karen loutzenheiser karen@montereycountynow.Com (x108) graphic designer kevin jewell kevinj@montereycountynow.Com (x114) graphic designer annie cobb annie@montereycountynow.Com (x114) graphic designer lani headley lani@montereycountynow.Com (x114) sales senior sales executive diane glim diane@montereycountynow.Com (x124) senior sales executive george kassal george@montereycountynow.Com (x122) senior sales executive keith bruecker keith@montereycountynow.Com (x118) classifieds business development director keely richter keely@montereycountynow.Com (x123) digital director of digital media kevin smith kevin@montereycountynow.Com (x119) distribution distribution at arts co. Atartsco@gmail.Com distribution control harry neal business/front office office manager linda maceira linda@montereycountynow.Com (x101) bookkeeping rochelle trawick 668 williams ave., Seaside, ca 93955 831-394-5656, (fax) 831-394-2909 www.Montereycountynow.Com we’d love to hear from you. Send us your tips at tipline.Montereycountynow.Com. News • arts • entertainment • food • drink • calendar subscribe to the newsletter @ montereycountynow.Com/subscribe read more now online newsletter go to montereycountynow.Com local news everyday at monterey county now
www.Montereycountynow.Com january 29-february 4, 2026 monterey county weekly 3 (831) 755-4111 natividad.Com great care begins here whether you’re having a baby, need surgery or to see a specialist, natividad is here to provide excellent, safe, award-winning health care for you and your family.
4 monterey county weekly january 29-february 4, 2026 www.Montereycountynow.Com the buzz free speech after immigration and customs enforcement agents shot and killed another u.S. Citizen in minnesota on jan. 29, a staggering amount of lies, half-truths and contradicting information permeated social media. For reporters on the ground, it’s a daily battle to find and share the facts. The minnesota star tribune has positioned itself as a hub for information on the immigration enforcement operation in the state, with editor and senior vice president kathleen hennessey telling news website semafor that about 50 of the paper’s 200 journalists are covering the story daily. “There’s lots of rumor and chatter and confusion, and there’s also just bad and incomplete reporting, that’s flying around lots of outlets,” she said. “You cannot be an informed person and just sort of scroll through social media, it’s distorting and it doesn’t add clarity. Ultimately, that’s what journalism is for. You need to shed some light and bring true understanding.” The paper has made its live blog available without a paywall, while also offering a new family plan subscription. Hennessey said the web traffic and subscriptions to the star tribune have risen in recent weeks. “We feel needed and a real sense of purpose and that’s energizing,” she said. Good: monterey regional airport is surrounded by land considered to be in a high and moderate wildfire hazard zone, according to cal fire. It may be winter, but in california, fire season is yearlong, and it takes a constant effort to reduce the risk in areas prone to ignition. The airport, along with cal fire and the monterey and seaside fire departments, embarked on a week-long vegetation trimming project on jan. 26. On the north side of the airport, crews are working to clear overgrown vegetation and underbrush, while also thinning trees and removing dead or downed vegetation, which is fuel for wildfires. The work also includes creating a fuel break along emergency access roads. Those living in the area will likely hear noise from the workers, but no roads will be impacted. Great: sendero, a transitional housing development for unhoused residents who lived along the salinas river in soledad, is up and running. Thirteen residents moved in on jan. 22 at the shelter located at 990 los coches drive, a city-owned property. Sendero has 14 modular units with kitchens, a laundry area and is ada-compliant. It’s also close to public transportation and a shopping center. The units are from ameg, a california-based company that specializes in modular structures and tiny homes. Sendero is funded by encampment resolution funding, a state grant to combat homelessness. In 2024, the county of monterey received $11.2 million from the state to address homelessness in king city and soledad. The transitional housing program will end in june 2027. Good week / great week the weekly tally that’s how many inmates the monterey county jail released into custody of u.S. Immigration and customs enforcement in 2025. In 2017, prior to the monterey county sheriff’s office restricting ice access in the jail, that number was 213. Source: monterey county sheriff’s office 21 quote of the week “they’re not going to back down and they’re gonna fight for our country.” -Victoria rossman of carmel valley, a former resident of minnesota, reflecting on people protesting ice activity in the state (see story, montereycountynow.Com/newsletter). Couples sweetheart special 80 mins - $435 or 110 mins - $500 couples warm honey bubble bath soak, then enjoy two signature spa services. Choose a 50 or 80 minute couples massages or facials offered in separate rooms. Singles chocolate raspberry dream facial 50 mins - $230 or 80 mins - $265 singles’ raspberry enzyme chocolate mask. The treatment is finished with a luxurious chocolate cherry serum, leaving your skin radiant & irresistibly soft. Gifts certificates can be purchased on-line at spaontheplaza.Com and printed from home, and there is no expiration date. Each booking includes a gift roses, split of champagne & a box of chocolates to book email or call us reserve@spaontheplaza.Com voted best skin care in 2025 for the 14th time and best spa 7 times valentines’s pecials specials steam rooms - pool - jacuzzi - fitness club memberships - wellness center - free parking 201 alvarado st. Downtown monterey • 831-647-9000 spaontheplaza.Com “i brought my subaru to hartzel on advice of a friend and i was so pleased with the service & attention i got from them. Not only finished on time, but under the estimate i was given. Very rare these days. So pleased with the whole experience & great peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Highly recommend this guy.” —David f., Seaside 2/14/19 510 california avenue | sand city | 394.6002 hartzelautomotive.Com expert service when you need it. Subaru mazda lexus infiniti saab vintage mg schedule your next service online today
www.Montereycountynow.Com january 29-february 4, 2026 monterey county weekly 5 831 the woman dressed in blue, with long flowing hair, an artist’s palette in one hand and a brush in the other, suddenly appeared in the serra shrine niche in carmel woods last august—a mysterious goddess on canvas that no one seemed to know about or who the artist was. The 4-by-6-foot painting was an unauthorized addition to the empty niche, where a jo mora statue of father junipero serra once stood. The serra statue was removed from the 103-year-old shrine in 2020 for safe keeping, after depictions of the priest elsewhere in the state were being vandalized, amid other symbols of racism and colonialism across the country facing similar fates. When “delinea” appeared in the niche, it was a surprise to members of the carmel woods neighborhood association, who are responsible for its care. After several days, the painting was removed. The mystery behind the painting is now solved, but the mystery surrounding the artist continues. Delinea was created by a local artist calling himself calamus the mighty on instagram. The weekly messaged calamus and an email-only conversation began. The artist refuses to pull back the curtain on exactly who he is. After calamus left another “surprise painting” depicting a woman named fortuna at the devendorf park restrooms in carmel in early january, only to have it removed, he agreed to an interview over email. “I feel an irresistible calling to put paintings in certain spaces, usually empty spots where it looks like artwork belongs or is missing,” says calamus, a carmel native from a family of creatives who learned painting from his grandmother and went on to become a professional illustrator. “Since i started making art for public spaces, i have been noticing more environmental details wherever i go. It grounds me,” he says. In his job, he says he constantly thinks about whether people will like his art enough so he can advance in his career. “Most of the time, it has to seem like it will ‘sell,’” he says. Calamus started asking himself what would happen if he painted something, “and selling was out of the equation? If i could paint exactly whatever i felt like?” The series of mystery paintings of women began, dubbed “the art protectors.” Besides delinea and fortuna in carmel, calamus has created miranda, quill and laurel, left in public spaces in new jersey. Quill and laurel were slim, tall paintings created to stand on either side of a neo-gothic stone arch— he says he is inspired by gothic architecture, like that found in cathedrals. Miranda was left in a spot down the street. All have been removed. “The first time my paintings went missing, it hit me a lot harder than i thought it would. My heart sank,” calamus says. “But that’s part of this process: making art knowing it will be lost. It’s freeing, in a way. I like the idea that the paintings might be hidden safely somewhere, waiting to pop up years later.” He’s currently working on a painting for a bridge in pennsylvania. Calamus references banksy on his instagram account, a street artist famous for his satirical, distinctive stenciled graffiti whose identity remains unconfirmed. The reference came after someone referred to calamus as “banksy-by-the-sea,” in a nod to carmel. “I wasn’t thinking about banksy at all when i placed my first unauthorized painting, but ever since that name came up i’ve been studying his work more closely,” he says, adding that his own work is not graffiti “and leaves without a trace.” In his social media posts, calamus references his “shadow self,” the one he kept hidden until he began creating his surprise paintings. “I used to think i needed to hide my shadow self but the truth is it is giving me life,” he said. Yet by remaining anonymous, isn’t he still hiding? “I haven’t thought about it like that before, but you’re right. I am still hiding, or at least masking my personal identity. But in the past i was not showing my ‘shadow art’ to anyone; it was completely hidden. Its significance was a mystery, even to myself,” he says. “Gradually, its current form revealed itself to me and to others, and that was a great feeling. I guess i want these shadow-muses to be visible, while i hide behind them— sometimes literally.” Guerilla artist a mysterious painter creates unauthorized art for public display, only to see it disappear. By pam marino “i feel an irresistible calling.” Tales from the area code calamus “fortuna,” a painting by the artist calamus, appeared in early january at carmel’s devendorf park restrooms. It’s the second “surprise painting” the artist has left out locally. Although he makes art for the public, he declines to make himself fully public. San carlos school in the diocese of monterey, mindful of its primary mission to be a witness to the love of christ for all, admits students of any race, color, national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school. San carlos school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and/or ethnic origin, age or gender in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. While san carlos school does not discriminate against students with special needs, a full range of services may not be available. Likewise, san carlos school does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin. It is the policy of san carlos school to promote equal opportunity in any and all employment decisions. San carlos school reserves the right to be the sole judge of merit, competence and qualifications, and can favor catholic applicants and coworkers in all employment decisions, especially in those positions that have direct bearing upon pastoral activity of the church. Notice of non-discrimination policy please email development@sancarlosschool.Org for reservations. Wednesday, january 29th, 8am, on campus founded in 1898
6 monterey county weekly january 29-february 4, 2026 www.Montereycountynow.Com news chautauqua hall in pacific grove has been well used and loved from its days as a gathering spot and winter storage for the p.G. Methodist retreat since 1881 all the way to today. It was named a california historical landmark over 50 years ago and, as of jan. 12, made the national register of historic places. The hall joins six other structures within the city on the national register: asilomar conference grounds; point pinos lighthouse; centrella hotel; gosby house inn; trimmer hill, a queen anne style house previously home to p.G.’S first mayor, oliver smith trimmer; and the f.L. Buck house, now a hotel named the charles pacific grove. The city acquired the hall in 1922 and over the years has relied on fundraising for large renovation projects, which is why in 2024 the friends of chautauqua hall was formed, under the umbrella of the heritage society of pacific grove. The building is in need of multiple repairs and updates to make it usable for modern events. Some of the improvements needed include paint and a renovated kitchen and bathrooms. The friends began a fundraising campaign while the city simultaneously applied to have the hall added to the national register. Recently the volunteer group announced they had raised $700,000, toward a goal of $1 million. On jan. 21, the p.G. City council voted 6-0 in favor of contracting with hunter porter eldridge architecture to draw up plans, not to exceed $176,600. The council also approved a funding agreement with the heritage society whereby the city will pay contractors and then be reimbursed by the nonprofit. Historic designation chautauqua hall earns national recognition as plans to renovate move forward. By pam marino while the state’s proposed funding for k-12 education has reached record levels for the upcoming school year, $125.5 billion for schools and community colleges, many school districts are projecting red balances in the near future. One-time funding, declining enrollment and increased costs are putting a strain on their budgets. “We’re losing revenue year after year,” says monterey peninsula unified school district superintendent pk diffenbaugh, noting the district loses 50-70 students every year, and the district is funded by the state based on attendance. Keeping the same level of services and personnel would put mpusd below the requirement of having 3 percent of its expenditures in reserves, as required by the state, within the next three or four years. To prevent this, diffenbaugh proposed a first draft of a plan for $4 million cuts on tuesday, jan. 27 to the mpusd board. It calls for the elimination or reduction of 42 fulltime positions, including cutting 4.6 school psychologists and nine mental health professionals. The board is scheduled to vote on the proposed staffing reductions on feb. 24. According to the monterey county office of education, out of the 24 school districts in monterey county, only four—carmel unified, salinas city elementary, south monterey county joint union high and washington union school district— are not facing a deficit in the 20252026 school year. (Wusd’s net positive is just $12,333.) The three districts with the highest projected deficits are alisal union ($40.5 million), salinas union high ($29.8 million) and mpusd ($13.7 million). To address the shortfalls, leaders are making tough decisions. Salinas city elementary school district decided to pause inter-district transfers, meaning they no longer release students in their jurisdiction to attend school in other districts, unless it is required by education code (for reasons such as victims of bullying or maximum capacity). Last year, pajaro valley unified school district’s board approved cutting 160 positions, including teachers, counselors and special education assistants. Washington union’s board decided to shrink the number of students, meaning its funding model shifts from state reimbursement to property taxes (joining the only two local districts, carmel and pacific grove unified, that are funded by property taxes). To get there, the district is phasing out its interdistrict transfer program, which accounts for 44 percent of its enrollment, or 327 students. The end result will mean more money per child at wusd. During the 2023-24 school year the district spent $11,300 per pupil, the lowest in the county; with the new funding method its spending would be similar to districts in south county, about $15,600. “It’s a very difficult decision. Obviously it has huge impacts to our school community, but if we’re going to be able to sustain this district financially over the long term it was a necessary step,” wusd superintendent gina uccelli says. Interdistrict transfer students who are currently enrolled will be able to remain at washington union through the highest grade available at their current school, meaning third, fifth or eighth grade. San benancio middle schools students arrive for the school day. Washington union includes three schools serving k-8 students along the highway 68 corridor. Math problem faced with declining student enrollment, school districts confront growing deficits. By celia jiménez plans for the 145-year-old chautauqua hall include renting it out for weddings and other events, but first it needs an updated kitchen and bathrooms, among other improvements. “It’s a very difficult decision.” Daniel dreifuss daniel dreifuss
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A gold certified cat friendly practice montereycountynow.Com/bestof best of monterey county® 2024 xx we are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 austin avenue, pacific grove • 831-318-0306 • www.Pacificgroveanimalhospital.Com ’23 ’22 ’21 a gold certified cat friendly practice montereycountynow.Com/bestof best of monterey county® 2024 xx dr. Brynie kaplan dau, ms, dvm surgery • dermatology • feline and canine medicine preventative care • regenerative medicine, prp (platelet-rich plasma) • laser therapy • exotics and much more – continuity of care – now seeing urgent care cases we are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 austin avenue, pacific grove • 831-318-0306 • www.Pacificgroveanimalhospital.Com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 four years in a row! A gold certified cat friendly practice montereycountynow.Com/bestof best of monterey county® 2024 xx we are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 austin avenue, pacific grove • 831-318-0306 • www.Pacificgroveanimalhospital.Com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 four years in a row! A gold certified cat friendly practice montereycountynow.Com/bestof best of monterey county® 2024 xx we are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 austin avenue, pacific grove • 831-318-0306 • www.Pacificgroveanimalhospital.Com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 four years in a row! A gold certified cat friendly practice montereycountynow.Com/bestof best of monterey county® 2024 xx pacific grove animal hospital thank you so much for voting us best veterinarian dr. 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A gold certified cat friendly practice montereycountynow.Com/bestof best of monterey county® 2024 xx we are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 austin avenue, pacific grove • 831-318-0306 • www.Pacificgroveanimalhospital.Com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 four years in a row! A gold certified cat friendly practice montereycountynow.Com/bestof best of monterey county® 2024 xx we are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 austin avenue, pacific grove • www.Pacificgroveanimalhospital.Com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 four years in a row! A gold certified cat friendly practice montereycountynow.Com/bestof best of monterey county® 2024 xx pacific grove animal hospital thank you so much for voting us best veterinarian dr. Brynie kaplan dau, ms, dvm surgery • dermatology • feline and canine medicine preventative care • regenerative medicine, prp (platelet-rich plasma) • laser therapy • exotics and much more – continuity of care – now seeing urgent care+cases pacific grove animal hospital thank you so much for voting us best veterinarian dr. Brynie kaplan dau, ms, dvm five years in a row! Surgery • dermatology • feline and canine medicine • preventative care regenerative medicine, prp (platelet-rich plasma) • laser therapy • exotics and much more – continuity of care ’25 ’24 years of building strong es and peaceful communities building strong families for a peaceful community s for peace empowers parents, rs, and youth ages 5–17 through dence-based programs. Families ore skills of bonding, boundaries, onitoring—the foundation for cation, connection, and success. We’re creating a stronger, safer monterey county. Eace.Org the power of saying “i love you” every day peace begins at home—with love, consistency, and communication. Partners for peace helps families turn those words into action through evidence-based education and mentoring. Our programs strengthen families through healthy routines, online safety, and school success. We also offer caring support and resources for families of lgbtq+ youth. Through our intervention programs, we provide realworld solutions to prevent gang involvement, truancy, violence, and substance use—building safer, more connected communities. Montereycountygives.Com/partners #p4pmc thank you monterey county weekly readers! With your help we raised $64,965 this will build strong families for a peaceful community. Casaofmonterey.Org casa volunteers are parents, professionals, retirees—people who once felt too busy. Then they realized the moments were already there: a ride home, a day-o visit, an evening check-in. Casa becomes part of your life’s routine. You’re more ready than you think—become a casa volunteer. Find out how you can impact the life of a child in foster care and juvenile justice systems. I’m a entrepreneur and a casa paula a., Carmel
8 monterey county weekly january 29-february 4, 2026 www.Montereycountynow.Com following a more than yearlong pause in the project, the monterey county board of supervisors considered options for the upgrade or relocation of seaside’s aging county department of social services building on tuesday, jan. 27. In 2022, county officials began working toward the development of a new building that would become a nexus point for numerous services, including a modernized seaside branch library and a family justice center. The existing 1.7-acre site at 1281 broadway contains the current 11,000-square-foot social services building, and also includes the 4,500-squarefoot building occupied by casa de noche buena, an emergency shelter for women and families with children, which underwent a major renovation in 2019. A 10-year deed restriction was recorded with the county in 2020 “for continued use of the site for the shelter operations.” After considering a four-story, 64,000-square-foot building, which had a cost estimate exceeding $110 million—and would call for the relocation of the shelter due to required parking— the supervisors directed staff to pause the project in november 2024 and look into lower-cost options that would not displace the shelter from the campus. In august 2025, seven lower-cost development options were presented to the county’s capital improvement committee, which decided that the options should be considered by the board of supervisors at a future date. That future date arrived on jan. 27, when the board considered the options, which included renovation, demolishing the current building to make way for a new one or relocating the services to a new location, with one option proposing to move social services to a 75,500-square-foot facility on highway 68, outside of seaside. Seaside city manager greg mcdanel asked that the services remain at 1281 broadway. In a letter, he wrote, “we view this site as a cornerstone of the broadway corridor and a tangible example of effective citycounty partnership in service delivery, downtown revitalization, and community well-being.” Following robust discussion about managing the cost, supervisors voted 3-2 to pursue the option favored by mcdanel, which calls to demolish the existing facility and build a three-story, 46,500-square-foot building with underground parking. Of the seven concepts, ranging from $16.7 million to $75.1 million in estimated cost, this was the highest-cost proposal. Tens of thousands of california american water company customers in the monterey area could face a rate hike of 16.1 percent beginning jan. 1, 2027. On july 1, 2025, the company filed an application with the california public utilities commission (cpuc), requesting to increase rates to fund a range of system improvements. Cal am is seeking authorization to increase revenues for water service statewide by $63.1 million, or 17.2 percent in 2027; $22.1 million, or 5.1 percent in 2028; and $26 million, or 5.8 percent in 2029. The proposed increases would be spread across systems in 11 counties across the state that cal am serves. For the central division, which includes the monterey system (serving most of the monterey peninsula) and eight smaller satellite systems, cal am is requesting an increase in revenue of $25.6 million, or 24.4 percent from 2027-2029. Rate increases in 2028 and 2029 will be significantly lower, around 3-4 percent. Monterey resident jody schisel spoke up at a public participation hearing that drew roughly 50 people to a standing-room-only meeting in sand city on tuesday, jan. 13: “as a person who is recently retired on a fixed income, i can assure you my social security and my small pension is not going to exceed 22 percent over the next three years, so i will be running a deficit.” The sentiment was echoed by dozens of residents for the next hour. The cpuc has hosted public hearings throughout the month, with the final hearing on jan. 28. Josh stratton, external affairs manager for cal am, said the company’s application includes “approximately $72 million for new and recurring infrastructure projects in the central division here in monterey.” Cited projects include replacing six miles of water mains per year, rehabilitating three water storage tanks per year, and replacing aging tanks, among other things. Evidentiary hearings, during which an administrative law judge will develop a proposed decision, are scheduled for april. Big build county supes move forward with revamp of seaside’s social services campus. By aric sleeper news people power we the people teach-in offers workshops ranging from legal observer training to how to become more engaged in local elections. The event is organized by indivisible monterey and watsonville law center. 1-5pm saturday, jan. 31. Monterey peninsula college, 980 fremont st., Monterey. Free. Register at bit.Ly/ wethepeopleccjan31. Dwelling dive marina city council meets to discuss an accessory dwelling unit ordinance, among other city business. Public comment is accepted. 6:30pm tuesday, feb. 3. City hall, 211 hillcrest ave., Marina. Free. (831) 8841278, cityofmarina.Org. Workplace safety learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use in the workplace in this workshop geared toward managers. It is presented by arcpoint labs of monterey bay and salinas, in partnership with the monterey peninsula chamber of commerce. 8:30-10am wednesday, feb. 4. Monterey peninsula chamber of commerce, 353 camino el estero, monterey. $75. (831) 324-0772, arcpointlabs.Com/monterey-bay. College commitment national college resources foundation presents the hbcu college expo. Learn about historically black colleges and how to apply for admission and scholarships. 4-7pm wednesday, feb. 4. Oldemeyer center, 986 hilby ave., Seaside. Free. (877) 427-4100, bit.Ly/ hbcumpusd2026. Election season the declaration of intention filing period for judicial seats in the june 2026 election is now open. Judicial candidates must pay their non-refundable filing fee and/or submit in-lieu petitions at the time they file. Filing period ends 5pm wednesday, feb. 4. (831) 796-1499, countyofmonterey.Gov/elections. Arms out vitalant hosts a blood drive. Donate blood for a chance to win a $500 gift card. 1-5pm thursday, feb. 5. Hilltop park center, 871 jessie st., Monterey. Free. Make an appointment at vitalant.Org or (877) 258-4825. Citizen watchdog pacific grove unified school district accepts applications for its citizens’ bond oversight committee. Applicants must live within pgusd boundaries. Apply online at bit.Ly/ pgusdbondcommittee. (831) 6466530. Rate hike cal am proposes double-digits rate increase to begin in 2027, citing infrastructure needs. By katie rodriguez the current 11,000-square-foot building was built in 1975 and houses staff of 60 to 70 employees, who serve about 34,000 individual case members monthly. E-mail: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.Com public citizen “we view this site as a cornerstone of the broadway corridor.” Daniel dreifuss
www.Montereycountynow.Com january 29-february 4, 2026 monterey county weekly 9
10 monterey county weekly january 29-february 4, 2026 www.Montereycountynow.Com despite funding chaos on the national level, local libraries are standing strong. The monterey county free libraries system, with 16 branches, is expecting a tight budget in the next fiscal year, but is still managing to deal with rapid changes transforming the library experience across the u.S. Not only is mcfl managing, it is growing. This year, ground will be broken for two branches set to open in 2027, in east garrison (a first) and in bradley (which has been without a library since 2017). A $5.2 million budget for the latter was approved last year. Earlier this month, the gonzales branch moved to the city’s new community center complex, leaving behind its past as part of a shopping center. Meanwhile, the pajaro branch in the historic vallejo mansion continues to undergo renovation, anticipated to be completed in late 2026. In the meantime, the area is served by a bookmobile twice a week. Changes are also happening inside the libraries, responding to community needs. Monterey county free libraries director hillary theyer talks about reducing physical book collections. “We want less physical items,” theyer explains. “We want to have space and time for other things.” Those other things include open, interactive spaces for gatherings and homework, for example, and more toys and arts and crafts opportunities, as well as resources during emergencies. The libraries carefully monitor users’ behavior, trying to be smart with money while the cost of everything is rising. Demand for e-books and audiobooks goes up every year and turns out to be pricey due to licensing each title. Equipment reductions include stationary computers, but not in all branches because in gonzales, for example, most of the computers are always in use. “Library users come with their own devices,” theyer says. “What they want from us is a wireless connection and the ability to print.” Another change is less circulation between the library branches, now that the book collections are smaller and more curated, although library card holders can still order books to pick up at any branch within the system. Mcfl is currently asking the community to share feedback. “We want to know more about not only how and why our communities use our libraries, but to hear from community members directly about their own library experiences,” said chris ricker, assistant director at mcfl. The survey, available in english and spanish at bit.Ly/ mcflsurvey, is open until jan. 31. In november, the california attorney general secured a decision from the u.S. District court granting a permanent injunction blocking the dismantling of several federal agencies “responsible for, among other things, funding museums and libraries.” That allowed libraries to resume certain programs and services, such as the california revealed program that digitizes local history, or daily access to the new york times via the california state library. “There’s hope,” theyer says. Branching out 2026 is shaping up to be a good year for monterey county free libraries. By agata pop?Da monterey county free libraries director hillary theyer says changing preferences are leading to fewer books and physical objects. “We are buying less print and we get rid of any device we can let go.” News “we want less physical items. We want space for other things.” Daniel dreifuss monterey peninsula col lege new year. Fresh start. Spring ahead! Mpc.Edu/findaclass spring classes start january 27th enroll today! *Early spring classes: jan 6-25 monterey peninsula col lege new year. Fresh start. Spring ahead! Mpc.Edu/findaclass spring classes start january 27th enroll today! *Early spring classes: jan 6-25 monterey peninsula col lege new year. Fresh start. Spring ahead! Mpc.Edu/findaclass spring classes start january 27th enroll today! *Early spring classes: jan 6-25 26 monterey peninsula col lege new year. Fresh start. Spring ahead! Mpc.Edu/findaclass spring classes start january 27th enroll today! *Early spring classes: jan 6-25 *early spring classes: jan 5-24 831-230-0910 1730 the mall | seaside sullivansautoservice.Com $30 off wheel alignment special *most cars/ light trucks. See shop for details. Cannot combine with any other offers. Limited time only.
www.Montereycountynow.Com january 29-february 4, 2026 monterey county weekly 11 for a city fixated on preserving the character of its past, it is ironic that a neighborhood dive bar nearing its 100th year will be pushed out. Sade’s cocktails was packed with familiar patrons and new faces alike for its last days open. Many locals planned to come every night until closing on jan. 30. One night, the parents of owner parker logan stopped by. Another night, one of the bartenders shared how he got married at sade’s a few years ago. Each night, every seat was filled as strangers and regulars swapped stories and speculated about the bar’s future. “It’s a little surreal,” logan says. “People are coming for their last night, or their last string of nights.” About nine months ago, word came down that sade’s cocktails would be closing, at least at its current location. Landlords maria martinez and lizete fiallo decided not to renew the lease. Among the wine bars, boutiques and nice restaurants in what has evolved over the years into a bustling tourist town, sade’s stands out for its ability to bring strangers together over an honest cocktail or a couple of beers. It no longer matches the surrounding aesthetic—and that’s precisely why people love it. “We’re here to have a drink and have a good time. It’s not about ordering some bougie cocktail,” logan says. “It’s about sitting down, sharing travel stories or playing a friendly game of dice.” After news of the closure spread, logan launched a gofundme to support relocation efforts, raising $15,100 as of press time. Inspired by a visit to carmel in 2000, martinez and fiallo purchased the property (housing sade’s, demetra, xandra swimwear and an apartment) in 2018 but manage it from afar. Lease discussions have been contentious; according to logan, the rent he pays—$271 per square foot—is above the average commercial rate. Martinez says logan has been a good tenant but notes significant interest in the space, adding that they envision something “more consistent with the vibe of the rest of carmel.” She also shares she has never been inside the bar. “We don’t want to rush getting something done quickly,” martinez says, speaking to what will come next. “We want to settle things.” Sade’s cocktails has moved once before, in 1994 from the location that now houses portabella, located on ocean avenue. Since then, the city has created only three use permits for late-night bars that serve alcohol only: sade’s, a.W. Shucks and barmel. In recent months, a.W. Shucks’ permit has come under scrutiny amid questions about whether it operates as a bar or a restaurant, and whether its permit accurately reflects its business. Barmel’s future is also in jeopardy following recent disputes with the landlords. For now, logan is considering other locations. “I feel like i have an obligation to make this place survive,” logan says. “It is that important to this city. I’m not going to let it go away.” Last call nearing 100 years, carmel’s historic cocktail bar sade’s is slated for closure. By katie rodriguez the property owners declined to renew a lease for sade’s, a carmel dive bar. The bar’s last day in operation will be friday, jan. 30; the lease ends on jan. 31. News “we’re here to have a drink and have a good time.” Daniel dreifuss
12 monterey county weekly january 29-february 4, 2026 www.Montereycountynow.Com life lost this article states that the cops administered medical care but they didn’t (“monterey county district attorney releases bodycam footage in marina officer-involved shooting,” posted jan. 22). It’s clear in the video they had no intentions of providing medical care. Maybe if they release a video that’s not blurred out this article could be true. But at this point, without proper facts, this article as a whole lost its credibility and validity. They didn’t protect and serve during this routine traffic stop. The [police] risked his life by having a bias based on his past, they did not de-escalate the situation, and in the end a life was wrongly taken. Rip ronald chyron tinsley. Alexis merriweather | san jose that was the opposite of a de-escalation. It was a simple traffic stop. Diana lopez | seaside people power the criminal regime of the islamic republic has brutally killed close to 20,000 protesters in a matter of 48 hours. Yet, the international community has failed to take action against the regime. Despite the un resolution of “responsibility to protect,” no effective action has been taken (aside from rhetoric) to respond to these crimes against humanity (“the overwhelming protests in iran reflect desperation for change, despite an uncertain future,” jan. 22-28). People of iran deserve a democratic, secular government that can replace these monsters currently occupying their country. But first, it is the moral mandate of the global political community to help iranians overthrow an illegitimate government that has looted and destroyed all the resources of iran, in order to wage war against israel for the past 46 years. Iranians are suffering from lack of electricity, water, clear air and from malnutrition. It is time for the islamic republic embassies to be closed across the world, and military action be taken against a regime that is killing its own people. The world is watching and history will judge. Shahnaz otanian | salinas thank you, agata pop?Da, for the story on the situation in iran (“a marina woman reflects on the uprising in her home country of iran,” posted jan. 21). Please keep your contacts back in poland and in the baltics fresh. We’re likely to need them as the world’s governing arrangements collapse. Allan groves | seaside i write this because of something i witnessed in the terrible days after oct. 7. Many jews felt isolated and abandoned by much of the world. And yet, iranian expatriates across the west showed up anyway. At solidarity gatherings, the pre-revolution iranian flag appeared again and again. In some places, it felt as though the only non-jews consistently standing with jews in the street were iranians. That solidarity was not only symbolic. Inside iran itself, many people have courageously refused to participate in the regime’s anti-israel spectacles—refusing to step on israeli flags laid out at mosques and universities. Today, many of those same people are paying an unbearable price simply for demanding basic dignity. That moral confusion feels painfully familiar now. Too often, fear of political misinterpretation leads to endless “contextualizing,” while the victims themselves disappear from view. Silence becomes a form of abandonment. I am not asking for a partisan position or advocating military action. I am asking something more basic: whether we, as a community, can offer a clear moral gesture of solidarity—acknowledging the suffering of iranian civilians. After oct. 7, many jews learned what it feels like when the world struggles to find its voice. Many iranians feel that same abandonment today. I hope we can live in a world where solidarity is remembered—and returned. Magnus torén | big sur rhyme time art is medicine! (“Monterey county’s new poet laureate, marie butcher, wants to engage the community,” jan. 15-21.) Michelle magdalena maddox | pacific grove the arts are vitally essential, especially during difficult times. Jacquie atchison | via social media note: atchison is executive director of the arts council for monterey county, which oversees the poet laureate program. Start the presses the show was hilarious. Can’t recommend it enough (“brian steen-larsen and hunter powers take it to the next level with gutenberg! The musical!,” Jan. 22-28). Jesse juarez iii | salinas my family loved it. Vince artalejo | salinas call to action i attended the carmel library foundation presentation on “journalism, truth and the free press” (“local papers are at the core of functional journalism,” posted jan. 26). The dominant theme was that presenting the truth through serious journalism was critically important to the public. Challenges to truth are widespread and destructive. During q&a, most audience comments wanted more fact checking, more pushback against misinformation, disinformation, distortion and outright lies. At no time was there a single comment about the purpose of truth and the reason to have an informed public. My question: what is the purpose of truth? Is it simply to spread information and expect usefulness by an informed public? Is it to show a record of events, the first draft of history? What is truth expected to produce? What was missing was the purpose of being informed. To me, the objective must be action. Action means engagement beyond normal patterns. It means putting knowledge, emotions and energy into producing outcomes. It means actively supporting values. It means using your voice in public. It means participation. It means taking the time and making the effort. Without a clear sense of acting on what you know and believe in, being informed is limited to table talk. George riley | monterey letters • commentsopinion submit letters to the editor to letters@montereycountynow.Com. Please keep your letter to 150 words or less; subject to editing for space. Please include your full name, contact information and city you live in.
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| Happy Hour: Gronowskis One Shrine-ing Moment, Augie coach Cody Schilling, prep h |
| Posted on Thursday, January 29 @ 00:01:10 PST (15 reads) | |
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Why not one more win for the winningest quarterback in the history of college football?
it was one shrine-ing moment for former south dakota state and iowa quarterback mark gronowski on tuesday. Playing in the cowboys indoor training camp stadium in frisco, texas — the same town gronowski led the jackrabbits to the schools only national championships in football — gronowski earned the all-star games offensive mvp honor.
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playing for just over a quarter, the 2023 fcs walter payton award winner led two scoring drives, threw a couple of nifty downfield darts, eluded multiple backfield defenders on an 18-yard first down scramble on 3rd-and-7, and threw down a vicious block for his running back on a touchdown.
so, considering this was an event created to show off college players talents against other nfl draft prospects, what did this do for gronowskis draft stock? What are his chances of even being drafted? How much did his year at iowa — unremarkable stats, several winning moments, 10 touchdowns, seven interceptions for a 10-4 team — help or hurt his stock?
happy hours host pours through reviews of nfl analysts and looks back to remarks on gronowskis strengths and weaknesses made by happy hour guests like former hawkeye and nfl quarterback chuck long, plus sanford sports academy football director and gronowski family friend kurtiss riggs.
then, its time to talk basketball. The happy hour host, a die-hard nebraska basketball fan, explains why he considers the fifth-ranked cornhuskers and even more-for-real national championship contender — you read those words correctly — after suffering their first loss of the season at no. 3 michigan last night, 75-72.
cody schilling
augustanas all-time leading scorer when he graduated from the school in 2012, schilling has his alma mater rolling in his second year as head coach. After growing pains of a 12-18 rookie campaign, the former tom billiter player and assistant coach has led the vikings to a 12-7 record and 10-4 mark in the northern sun, good for third-best out of 16 teams.
augie has won four consecutive games, all on the road, and returns to the elmen center for home contests against bemidji state on friday night and minnesota-duluth on saturday afternoon.
in a 40-minute interview on the floor where he poured in hundreds of points, schilling explains how his second squad is surging behind likely all-nsic first team guard tameron ferguson, who is at or near the top of several offensive categories, including third in scoring (21.5 points). In-state recruits like mitchells caden hinker and marcus talley are also in the mix.
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all this while schillings wife is eight months pregnant, with a due date right around the regular season finale against arch-rival sioux falls and the nsic tournament in february.
nate kaeding
kaeding, a former div. I assistant coach at north dakota and chris johnsons former associate head coach at usf, tutors some of the best high school boys talent in the region as a club coach and the basketball coordinator at sanford sports academy. For this, kaeding is a local tv prep game analyst for both midwest sports plus and sdpb.
through half of the regular season, who are some of the best boys basketball players in class aa, according to kaeding? It starts at no. 1 lincoln (10-0) and the patriots terrific trio of augustana commits sam degroot and sam ericsson, plus sdsu football commit brody schaefer. Meanwhile, two patriots from last seasons 22-2 squad are now key cogs at no. 2 roosevelt (10-1) — deandre painter and justin bilal.
and no conversation about south dakota high school roundball is complete without the versatile 610 sdsu commit blake elwein of huron. Kaeding breaks down all of their games, plus several others, and reacts to the recent soon to retire announcement from ogorman coaching legend derek robey. |
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| Dateline: Moe Gibbs Convicted of Killing Mindy Morgenstern |
| Posted on Thursday, January 29 @ 00:01:10 PST (13 reads) | |
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She felt safe living near officers—instead, her killer was one of them
college student mindy morgenstern was brutally killed in her off-campus valley city apartment in a shocking murder. Dateline: secrets uncovered reveals the clue that led to her killer’s arrest.
north dakota college student mindy morgenstern always felt safe in her small college community—but she had no idea a killer was lurking nearby.
the 22-year-old senior was found dead, with her throat slashed, inside her off-campus valley city apartment on sept. 13, 2006 by two of her close friends who’d stopped by hoping to convince morgenstern to join them for a fun night out.
“for some reason i knocked, and then i just grabbed the door handle and it just pushed open, and i took about two, three steps in, and thats when i noticed…something on the floor,” her friend toni baumann recounted in oxygen’s dateline: secrets uncovered. “And then i looked down, i noticed it was mindy. And i saw her eyes, and thats when i knew that something bad had happened.”
the two friends called 911 and waited outside for police to arrive on a night that has become forever etched in their memories.
“even if i lose my mind,” friend danielle holmstrom remarked, “i think ill probably never lose that day.”
who was mindy morgenstern?
life had been so full of promise for morgenstern, who grew up on a farm with her three older siblings and her adopted parents, larry and eunice morgenstern.
as brother-in-law jason young remembered, “[the] family dinner table was a huge deal and mindy sat at the head of the table and would orchestrate the conversation and the laughter.”
in high school, the bubbly morgenstern—whose story was also once featured in oxygen’s an unexpected killer—excelled in cheerleading, basketball, track and band, even modeling a bit on the side. She dreamed of being a coach and majored in physical education in college, but she suffered a setback after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disease.
it was part of the reason that morgenstern, committed to maintaining her health, had moved into an apartment by herself, yet she had always told her parents that she felt safe living alone.
as her dad remembered, “she said there’s a couple of police officers that live around the building.”
clues found at mindy morgenstern’s crime scene
tragically, it wasn’t enough to keep morgenstern safe and she was killed on sept. 13, 2006.
valley city police sgt. Dave swenson was among the first to arrive at the scene and remembered a “very strong” odor of pine sol, suggesting the killer had tried to clean up to hide their identity.
“i saw her laying on her back. There was a knife that was still in her neck,” swenson remembered. “The handle was broke off. There was another knife right next to her that was broke.”
it looked as though morgenstern—who also had a belt wrapped about her neck—had tried to fend off her attacker in her final moments and her hands were wrapped in plastic to try to secure any dna that may have been captured under her fingernails.
investigators learned that morgenstern was last been seen on campus earlier that day around 12:20 p.M. Swensen theorized that she made it home around 12:30 p.M., But minutes later, at 12:47 p.M. She missed a phone call and a witness reported smelling the pine sol around 1 p.M.
“things were lining up,” swenson said. “What didn’t line up was why or who could have done it.”
police and agents from north dakota’s bureau of criminal investigation began by taking a look at those closest to morgenstern, including her boyfriend, an ex—who some described as the love of her life—and even her ex’s dad, who’d maintained an unusual level of closeness with morgenstern after the breakup. But, all were ultimately ruled out as possible suspects.
dna at crime scene is linked to another attack
then, investigators got a break after entering the dna profile they’d acquired from under morgenstern’s fingernails into a federal criminal database. The dna matched to evidence collected from an unsolved rape in the fargo area.
the fargo victim—who agreed to speak with dateline’s keith morrison under the condition of anonymity—had been at bar with friends when she got up to go to the bathroom. Then, she blacked out and woke up on a mattress in an unfamiliar apartment as a stranger was raping her.
“i was on my stomach, he was on top of me. He had his arm in my mouth so i couldn’t scream,” the woman, who thought she was going to die, recounted through tears. “I just remember fighting and struggling him. He’s twice my size.”
“it’s terrifying,” she said. “I thought that was the end of it.”
related: how violent assault helped solve the murder of missing mother of three
the next thing she remembered, she was in the hallway with her attacker, barefoot and without her purse. She managed to get away and run for help at another apartment.
she recalled her attacker being an african american male, over 6 feet tall and more than 200 pounds, but police were unable to track the man down.
police identify suspect in mindy morgenstern’s death
using that information, investigators in morgenstern’s case realized there was a man fitting that description living in her apartment complex. Moe gibbs was a married correctional officer for barnes county—one of the very same men that morgenstern believed made her feel so safe in the building.
gibbs was well known in the law enforcement community and even played softball with swenson, who was “shocked” by the development.
“just the sunday before,” swenson said, “we were playing in a state softball tournament in fargo.”
gibbs had given a witness statement and his dna early in the investigation and it matched to the evidence at the crime scene.
during an interview, gibbs denied having anything to do with morgenstern’s murder or the rape in fargo, but he was placed under arrest.
“i was shocked,” morgenstern’s sister rebecca young recalled. “Just that some random person could do what he did.”
after the arrest, five women came forward claiming that gibbs—whose legal name was glen dale morgan jr.— Had sexually assaulted them at the correctional center where he once worked and more charges were filed against him.
was moe gibbs convicted?
gibb’s 2007 trial included testimony from a former cell mate who told the jury he’d admitted to killing morgenstern. Prosecutors also laid out their theory that the attack on morgenstern was likely sexually motivated, but she fought back and was killed in the process.
the first trial ended in a hung jury, but gibbs was convicted during a second trial.
morgenstern’s mother chose to forgive her daughter’s killer at his sentencing hearing, telling him, “mr. Gibbs, i forgive you publicly here, and i also want you to know that i wont forget what you did to mindy.”
he was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. |
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| Online Gambling Corrupts Sports-And Americans, Too |
| Posted on Thursday, January 29 @ 00:01:10 PST (9 reads) | |
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Sports events have always attracted betting. The more prestigious the level of play and the event involved (say, the super bowl and world series) the greater the wagering.
but the supreme court disastrously crossed a red line in the 2018 case murphy v. National collegiate athletic association. In it, the court ruled that the professional and amateur sports protection act of 1992, which prohibited states from sponsoring, advertising, or “authoriz[ing]” sports gambling, was unconstitutional on the grounds that it violated the “anticommandeering” doctrine that the court had previously read into the tenth amendment. That is, since the tenth amendment states that “the powers not delegated to the united states by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people,” the 1992 act unconstitutionally dictated to state governments the limits of their powers. (Coincidentally, the court first enunciated its anticommandeering rule in an unrelated case during the same year that the professional and amateur sports protection act was enacted.)
on purely textual grounds, there is reason to doubt the correctness of the anticommandeering doctrine, since as the great constitutional scholar walter berns pointed out in a 1962 essay titled “the meaning of the tenth amendment,” the tenth amendment, read literally, is just a tautology: it says that the powers that the constitution doesn’t delegate to the federal government are thereby reserved to the states and/or the people, without specifying just what those powers are.
in fact, as is well known, since at least the late 1930s, federal courts have consistently adopted an extremely broad view of congress’s powers under the constitution, especially when it comes to domestic spending and regulation: consider the extensive volume of new deal legislation that the supreme court upheld starting in 1936, along with lyndon johnson’s “great society,” which authorized the establishment of entire cabinet departments that are nowhere mentioned in the constitution; obamacare; and joe biden’s egregiously mislabeled “inflation reduction act.” But while the murphy decision hinged on a somewhat arcane distinction between the federal government’s authorizing or prohibiting a particular mode of conduct and its imposing the burden of such a prohibition on the state governments, subsequent events have demonstrated the imprudence of that decision. Among those harms are an explosion of publicly advertised sports betting: many of the ads during televised sports events are sponsored by gambling companies like draft kings and fanduel, duping people who can ill afford to lose substantial amounts to do just that. Each ad is accompanied by a 1-800 number that problem (that is, addicted) bettors can call for “free help.” (What if cigarette ads were once again posted on television, accompanied by the counsel, “got lung cancer? Call for free help!”)
according to the american gaming association (“gaming” being the preferred euphemism for gambling), the (legal) sports betting industry took in $13.71 billion in 2024. Additionally, the legalization of sports gambling has encouraged the promotion of so-called “prop” bets, offered throughout game broadcasts, in which gamblers are invited to wager on such things as the number of hits a particular player will get, a pitcher’s number of strikeouts, etc., Odds on which keep changing during the game. Such bets open the door wider to outright corruption, as in the case of two cleveland guardians pitchers who were suspended late in the 2025 season for allegedly throwing a particular pitch into the dirt on purpose. (Slight intentional “errors” like that are particularly hard for authorities to detect, since they are unlikely to affect a game’s outcome.)
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sign up and get our daily essays sent straight to your inbox.Meanwhile, under pressure from congress, the national basketball association has recently launched an investigation into corrupt betting schemes involving players from several teams. Prop bets can easily be combined into “same-game parlays,” long-shot wagers that depend on more than one event occurring in a game. But although professional leagues have tried to limit prop bets, such efforts face the difficulty, according to the wall street journal (for instance, here), that they are the most highly profitable form for “sports books,” as well as being highly popular with bettors. One nba player has already pleaded guilty to tipping conspirators off to bet the “unders” on his stats in two games, then removing himself early from the games to live up to the promise.
the courts worsen the problem
but the court made matters still worse through its 2021 decision in ncaa v. Alston, in which it upheld a district court ruling that the national collegiate athletic association (ncaa)’s rules limiting education-related compensation to student athletes violated the sherman antitrust act. Soon after the decision, the ncaa voted to allow student athletes to receive commercial payment in exchange for use of their name, image, and likeness. The result has been a bonanza for college athletic stars, many of whom now enter a “transfer portal”—sometimes more than once during their college career—in pursuit of a better coach or more successful program so as to enhance their chances of earning higher name-image-likeness (nil) compensation. (According to fox sports, during the 2025–26 season, the twenty-five highest-paid college athletes—all football players—were scheduled to receive amounts ranging from $2 million to $6.8 million.)
and in yet another judicial ruling, last june, u.S. District court judge claudia wilken approved a $2.8 billion settlement of a suit by college athletes allowing ncaa division i schools to pay their athletes directly. The agreement includes provisions for revenue sharing, enabling schools to distribute funds—in addition to nil earnings—directly to their players, with an initial cap of approximately $20.5 million per school starting in the 2025–26 academic year.
of course, such practices raise a question: how can any college instructor reasonably expect athletes in his class to put much emphasis on homework or test preparation, considering the immediate financial rewards that come from his athletic endeavors? And how can students, in general, feel the sort of identification with their college’s team that they formerly did, when its members’ attachment to the college is based largely on money and may not last more than a year? Why not just hire a group of young pro athletes to “represent” the school, without any pretense that they are students?
as the new york times recently reported, colleges themselves, notably big-power public universities, are feeling the financial pinch. In 2023, when north carolina legislators legalized sports betting, they “dedicated a chunk” of the revenue they anticipated deriving from a tax on such betting to the support of the state’s public university athletic programs—with the university of north carolina and north carolina state university excluded (as not needing support) from the expected $2 million initial pool. A year later, the nyt recounts, athletic directors at nearly all of louisiana’s division i athletic programs met to discuss a growing financial problem: how to afford payments to student athletes amid rising costs for such needs as travel and health care? Meanwhile, the story continues, “[a]s gambling addiction rates have soared across the country,” advocates for treatment programs have seen their hopes for funding through taxes on betting in that state frustrated. In a “compromise,” lawmakers in sports-friendly but tax-averse louisiana agreed to raise the state’s tax on online betting revenue to 21.5 percent. But “just 3 percent of the revenue—the same as before [the increase]—has been set aside for problem gambling treatment and outreach.” Nonetheless, louisiana’s move is viewed by the nyt as the likely start of a movement in other states like kentucky, north carolina, michigan, and indiana that have large college sports fan bases who demand that their teams remain competitive.
the legalization of sports betting, especially at the college level, is a corruption not only of athletics and of education but of american society in general.
it isn’t hard to see the long-term effect of such tax increases on the character of sports betting. Just as high tariffs (as alexander hamilton observed in federalist no. 35) encourage smuggling, so high taxes on legal sports wagering will induce savvy (and not-so-savvy) bettors to turn to illegal routes. Just recently, prosecutors brought charges against fourteen people in new jersey, florida, and rhode island for raking in $2 million from an illegal, mafia-related online betting scheme. Meanwhile, however, in the lamest of excuses for the danger that widespread betting addiction might “break up families and break up homes” and cause the loss of jobs, the athletic director at louisiana tech—whose school has committed to paying its athletes $1.3 million this year (far from the maximum) to keep its school “competitive” as it moves to a more highly ranked conference—explained, “that’s what makes this country great: everyone has a personal choice and personal freedoms to do whatever they feel fit.”
is this the understanding of american liberty and greatness that his school’s faculty are teaching their students? As my rhetorical question is meant to suggest, the legalization of sports betting, especially at the college level, is a corruption not only of athletics and of education but of american society in general. No one, after all, compels a young person to attend college just to engage in an athletic activity that earns money for his school. (Nba rules were liberalized decades ago to allow highly talented high school graduates like lebron james to enter the league directly, without attending college at all. And other players who want to sharpen their skills without the burden of college increasingly play for professional leagues in europe and elsewhere, before applying for the nba draft.) In any event, since only a small minority of those who play sports for division i schools will ever become professionals, why not encourage them to take advantage of their athletic scholarships (which cover room, board, and personal expenses as well as tuition) to engage in serious learning as well as play, thus preparing themselves for non-athletic careers in the future?
while america is indeed a country based on freedom, its leading statesmen, clergymen, and educators from the time of the founding have recognized the need for its institutions and policies to guide citizens in directions that dispose them to use their freedom in ways that are salutary for themselves, their families, and their country. No one seriously contends that friday-night poker games among friends, or modest betting on horse racing on actual visits to the track, are likely to interfere with that goal. But pushing sports fans to waste their money continually, just by pressing a button, on compulsive, high-stakes gambling is probably not what the founders had in mind. Lawmakers, educators, and high-court judges and justices: please take note.
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| Sweeping anti-DEI education bill clears second House hurdle after removal of cop |
| Posted on Thursday, January 29 @ 00:01:10 PST (12 reads) | |
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Abortionashley ganttbaby oliviacharter schoolschristian family coalitiondana trabulsydeidiversity equity and inclusionequality floridaerin grallfetal developmentflorida citizens allianceflorida family voiceflorida for allflorida nowgallop franklinhb 1071immigration enforcementjohanna lopezmagnified voicesplanned parenthood florida actionprivate schoolssb 1090see alliancesplcstate board of educationstem programstitle i funds
a wide-ranging education bill mandating new fetal development lessons, tightening school security rules, strengthening charter and private school oversight, and banning diversity, equity and inclusion (dei) spending just cleared another house hurdle after one of its more contentious provisions was removed.
members of the house pre-k – 12 budget subcommittee voted 12-3 for the measure (hb 1071) by fort pierce republican rep. Dana trabulsy, who described the measure as a “comprehensive” update prioritizing safety, transparency, accountability and parental involvement.
the measure took up all of the panel’s two-hour runtime wednesday, as lawmakers, students, residents and activists debated its merits and faults.
before discussion began, trabulsy proffered and passed two amendments to the 67-page package. The first clarified that title i funds may be used by willing school districts for stem programs. The second deleted an amendment trabulsy added at the bill’s first stop last week, which would have required school districts to cooperate with law enforcement campus visits, including the use of police k-9 units.
trabulsy said the purpose of the amendment was to address drugs on campus, but acknowledged concerns expressed during and since last week’s meeting that it was meant to force school districts to cooperate with immigration enforcement.
“to just lower the temperature a little bit,” she said, “i chose to take the amendment out.”
hb 1071, if passed in its current form, would prohibit public school districts from using state or federal funds to support dei programs or political or social activism. Student-led groups with those focuses would not be affected.
the bill would expand required health instruction to feature detailed, video-enhanced lessons on human embryo and fetal development, including a one-minute ultrasound showing how fetal organs grow and a computer-generated video describing conception and the stages of human development. Parents could opt their children out of the lessons.
both of those provisions were added to, but ultimately removed from, an even larger education package trabulsy passed last session.
trabulsy previously promised that she would work to ensure that florida doesn’t use the existing “baby olivia” video, which the american college of obstetrics and gynecologists has derided as anti-abortion misinformation. She made similar comments wednesday.
hb 1071 would also require districts and charter schools to mandate locked and monitored access points during the school day and that school resource officers must be notified and given access to records when students with serious behavioral histories enroll.
to bolster attendance, the bill would authorize school districts to intervene earlier than current law requires when students accrue unexcused or unexplained absences.
further, it would require each district and charter school to adopt and submit an approved, evidence-based math plan — potentially adding tutoring, extra daily instruction and highly qualified math coaches — to improve student outcomes.
the bill would also make it easier for florida to suspend or remove charter schools, private schools and prekindergarten providers if they break state rules and lengthen disqualification periods to up to five years.
dozens of public speakers appeared in opposition of hb 1071, testifying either in a personal capacity or as members of several advocacy groups, including see alliance, florida now, florida for all, equality florida, planned parenthood florida action, magnified voices and the splc.
many complained about the bill’s far-reaching aims, which they contended are unrelated except for their educational applicability. Several said the measure’s breadth made it difficult to discuss in proper depth within the limited timeframe given to speakers.
representatives from the florida citizens alliance, florida family voice and christian family coalition spoke in favor of the legislation.
orlando democratic rep. Johanna lópez, a former teacher and school board member, praised parts of the bill that drew less attention, including allowing students with allergies to carry epipens, more charter school accountability and additional flexibility in physical attendance requirements for students with special needs.
but she said she would still be voting “no” because her constituents overwhelmingly disapprove of the bill’s more controversial aspects, including the abortion video requirement and dei spending ban.
miami democratic rep. Ashley gantt said education bills that target dei confuse her, since a major purpose of school is to prepare children to be adults in a world where people have different backgrounds and views.
“how do we prepare them to be able to objectively listen to someone who they completely disagree with — like i do up here every day — and do it with understanding that you can still have professionalism, respect and disagree?” She said.
gantt, a former teacher who also voted “no” along with tallahassee democratic rep. Gallop franklin, criticized roughly a dozen other provisions in the bill, including those granting unilateral decision-making powers to the state board of education, as none of its members are elected or answerable to voters.
the video portion is also “problematic,” she said, adding that florida is now “on its third year of no sex ed.”
“i don’t know what kind of high school y’all went to, but i know that kids were exploring (at mine), and we’re not going to stop that by not teaching them (about) that,” she said before detailing how, when she was a teacher, she’d frequently hear from students who knew very little about sex or sex-related health.
trabulsy, in her closing remarks, called gantt out for avoiding meetings with her to discuss the bill by saying she was too busy with work — excuses, trabulsy said, that were not reflected in gantt’s multi-pronged criticism of the bill.
“we all have to work. Most of us have second jobs,” she said. “But to come into a committee and say, ‘i didn’t have time to call you back; i was busy,’ … and then come in with over 14 questions that you had access to create is an unfair advantage. … We are here to serve all the residents of the state of florida, and we need to do that collaboratively.”
hb 1071 will next go to the house education and employment committee, its last stop in the chamber before reaching a floor vote. Its senate companion (sb 1090) by fort pierce republican erin grall awaits a hearing before the first of three committees to which it was referred this month. |
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| This former Venezuelan opposition mayor fears the US will deport him to the coun |
| Posted on Thursday, January 29 @ 00:01:10 PST (12 reads) | |
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This former venezuelan opposition mayor fears the us will deport him to the country he fled
by stefano pozzebon, cnn
(cnn) — gaby duarte believed the united states would offer her family protection after they fled political persecution in venezuela.
“over there we are going to feel safe, well, we will be safe in the united states,” she recalls, breaking down in tears as she describes how her husband, carlos garcía, a former venezuelan mayor and opponent of the maduro regime, persuaded her to move to ohio.
that sense of safety collapsed on friday, when garcía was jailed, not by venezuelan security forces, but by us immigration authorities. He was arrested by ice agents during a routine check of his immigration status and is now awaiting trial at butler county jail in hamilton, ohio.
in 2017, the couple fled the town they had both grown up in, the andean mountain city of mérida in western venezuela, where garcía had served as a mayor since 2013, and went to colombia. Five years later, they resettled in the us, while seeking political asylum.
in venezuela, garcía faced up to 15 months in prison for opposing the authoritarian then president nicolas maduro.
duarte fears that if he loses his case, garcía could be deported back to venezuela, now led by maduro’s former deputy delcy rodríguez.
“a deportation would put at risk his freedom and his life, as well as the life of our family,” duarte tells her followers in an appeal video uploaded to instagram shortly after garcía was detained.
speaking to cnn, duarte described watching two ice agents in plain clothes enter the room where her husband was being questioned, before escorting him away in handcuffs.
“he just told me: ‘don’t worry, everything is going to be alright…’ and then they took him away,” she says, adding that she is still trying to understand why her own interview minutes earlier ended without incident.
in a statement, ice told cnn that garcia was first apprehended in february 2022 upon crossing illegally into the us and was later released. The agency said garcía “will remain in ice custody pending further immigration proceedings and will receive full due process.”
duarte told cnn that they crossed the rio grande and voluntarily surrendered to border patrols upon arriving in the united states. Her husband presented their asylum application straight away, she claimed.The couple’s children, carlota, 7, and carlitos, 5, were not detained.
“they are so young, we had to tell them that daddy is going to stay a few days away, to solve a couple issues on our paperwork, but he will be back soon,” says duarte, dreading the moment she might need to break her promise to her children and have to explain their father’s deportation to them.
trouble at home
in mérida, a college town known for its university and stunning mountain landscapes, garcía is still remembered for serving as mayor for the anti-maduro opposition during one of the country’s most volatile political periods.
between 2014 and 2017, tens of thousands of venezuelans challenged maduro’s rule in the streets, organizing peaceful marches to demand his resignation and often clashing with government forces and pro-government paramilitaries, known as colectivos.
according to human rights organization1, and an investigation by the un2, between april and august 2017, more than 120 people were killed in political violence in venezuela, often at the hands of maduro’s security forces.
the venezuelan government denies these allegations and has criticized the un’s reports.
mérida and the mountains around it were a hotspot of protest, a bastion of anti-government resistance and theater to some of the harshest clashes.
as mayor, garcía was responsible for public order, but he joined countless protests calling on maduro to go.
on july 28, he was summoned by the government-controlled supreme court3 for a public audience in caracas, the capital.
garcia and four other mayors were accused of contempt of court for failing to enforce orders to remove barricades from the streets, after the supreme court accepted lawsuits filed by people who were against the protests in their municipalities.
“we were watching tv and suddenly a news reader came up with the news that the supreme court had called carlos up for an audience, on august 2,” duarte told cnn.
fearing an escalation in the repression, they fled the same night.
“it was horrible, we had to escape in the middle of the night, just a backpack and little else to cross into colombia, because if we had stayed, we knew what was going to happen. Thankfully, it was just us. We didn’t have children back then,” says duarte.
five days later, garcía was sentenced to 15 months of prison.
from mérida, garcía and duarte built a new life in cúcuta, a colombian border-city where they were able to find work and welcomed their two children, but in 2022 they no longer felt safe there, as colombian president gustavo petro restored diplomatic relations with caracas and the security situation deteriorated.
the decision to move to cincinnati, where garcía’s sister yohama was already living, was an easy one.
even more troubles abroad
“i feel so sad and it feels so unfair that we’re going through this: we had a work permit here until 2030, we pay our taxes and our children go to a good school… we were building a life here,” says duarte.
after traveling to the us, duarte claims the couple were interviewed once for their asylum case and given a chance to remain in the us while their application was under review.
the biden administration first granted temporary protection status (tps) to hundreds of thousands of venezuelans in march 2021, citing instability at home, and renewed the protection for an additional 18 months in the weeks before trump’s second inauguration.
cancelling tps for venezuelan migrants in october, the trump administration has made deporting as many immigrants as possible a priority and has brought the issue to the supreme court twice, obtaining authorization to continue deportations last year.
duarte told cnn she and her husband had social security numbers and were living close to yohama, who is a permanent resident.
garcía had lived in the us before, when in 2011 he was selected as a young leader to participate in a state department program on democracy and transparency, duarte told cnn.
on saturday, yohama was allowed to visit garcía in prison. “He is fine, he is not with common prisoners and remains in good spirit,” she told cnn.
duarte chose not to leave the house over the weekend, fearing she might encounter other federal agents and make their situation even worse.
his trial date has been set for february 10, and the family has enlisted legal representation with a local firm in ohio.
in venezuela, acting president delcy rodríguez announced friday the creation of a “program of peaceful cohabitation” to turn the page on 25 years of political conflict.
more than 800 inmates have been released since december as a gesture to support mutual understanding, interior minister diosdado cabello has claimed, although human rights activists such as foro penal, a group of lawyers who provide legal aid to political prisoners, believe the number to be much lower.
the opposition led by nobel prize laureate maría corina machado has urged the us administration not to side with rodríguez but rather to press ahead with a full transition to democracy, although, so far, the white house has opted for maintaining the status quo.
after maduro’s ousting, deportation flights from the us to venezuela were restored on january 16. If garcía was sent onto one of those, his 2017 sentence would probably flash through legal checks deportees normally go through before being released in venezuela. Those who have pending charges against them are taken to prison on arrival.
“arbitrary detention and torture are commonplace practices in venezuela, where opposition voters have been victim of a policy of repression from the government,” warned oscar murillo, the coordinator of caracas-based human rights organization provea.
the venezuelan government has continuously denied similar allegations that have arisen in the past.
“(garcía’s) deportation back to venezuela would go against the non-refoulement principle: countries cannot expel people from their territory when there is reasonable reason to believe these people would risk irreparable damage, like torture or other human rights violations,” murillo told cnn.
back in mérida, not many of garcia’s political associates want to speak openly with the press. Despite the new “cohabitation” program, coming out as an opposition activist can be dangerous, especially in the rural regions far away from caracas where political violence is often more bitter than in the capital.
on a secure, encrypted messaging app, a former staffer who served under garcía in city hall shared just a few words. “We’re in shock. Here, everyone is stunned.”
the-cnn-wire
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| Pro Football Hall of Fame Addresses Potential Bylaw Violations Amid Bill Belichi |
| Posted on Thursday, January 29 @ 00:01:10 PST (10 reads) | |
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Pro football hall of fame addresses potential bylaw violations amid bill belichick snub
in this story:
the pro football hall of fame has responded to the outrage surrounding bill belichick’s reported snub in the eight-time super bowl winner’s first year on the ballot.
referencing “published reports” in lieu of directly naming belichick, the hall stated that action would be taken against any voters who violated “selection process bylaws” in the vote.
“the pro football hall of fame understands and respects the passionate reaction of many fans, media members and enshrinees of the hall itself in light of published reports regarding the voting results for the class of 2026,” the hall said in a statement, via mike garafolo of nfl network.
“... Each year, the hall reviews the selection process and the composition of the 50-person selection committee. If it is determined that any member(s) violated the selection process bylaws, they understand action will be taken. That could include the possibility that such selector(s) would not remain a member of the committee moving forward.”
the hall of fame’s selection committee consists of one media representative from each nfl city—two from new york and two from los angeles—and 17 at-large selectors who are either active members of the media or persons directly involved with pro football. The committee also includes one representative of the pro football writers’ of america.
according to the pro football hall of fame’s website, the selectors are provided with “detailed biographies” of each of the finalists for the hall, a list that in 2026 notably included belichick, patriots owner robert kraft, former bengals quarterback ken anderson, 49ers running back roger craig and steelers defensive end l.C. Greenwood.
why was bill belichick snubbed?
the hall’s statement comes on the heels of reporting from espn, which stated that belichick did not receive the necessary 40 out of 50 votes to garner induction in the summer. Belichick was reportedly “puzzled” and “disappointed” by the selection committee’s decision, which may have been impacted by two cheating scandals—spygate and deflategate—that new england was embroiled in during hisq tenure as patriots coach. Multiple sources told espn that both spygate and deflategate were a part of the deliberations among voters—and another source, a hall voter, said the scandals associated with belichick “really bothered some of the guys.”
as garafolo notes, the pro football hall of fame could take action against a voter if its believed the voter opted not to vote for belichick for non-football reasons, such as not being cooperative with the media. Considering scandals alongside belichicks candidacy would not be considered a violation, as those are football-related matters.
espn also reported that bill polian, a hall of fame voter and former bills and colts general manager, allegedly told some voters he thought that belichick should “wait a year” before his induction as a sort of penance for these scandals. Polian denied to sports illustrated that he did not vote for belichick. He then told espn he “could not remember with 100% certainty that he voted for belichick but was 95% sure,” but later doubled down that he voted for the coach.
belichick’s snub has been met with indignation by current and former players, coaches, media members and fans. Currently the coach of north carolina football, belichick amassed eight super bowl wins—six as a head coach—and 333 career wins including the playoffs, the second-most all-time in nfl history behind only don shula.
more nfl on sports illustrated
tim capurso
tim capurso is a staff writer on the breaking and trending news team at sports illustrated. Prior to joining si in november 2023, he wrote for rotoballer and clutchpoints, where he was the lead editor for mlb, college football and nfl coverage. A lifelong yankees and giants fan, capurso grew up just outside new york city and now lives near philadelphia. When hes not writing, he enjoys reading, exercising and spending time with his family, including his three-legged cat willow, who, unfortunately, is an eagles fan.
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| These are the top 15 things to do in Houston this weekend |
| Posted on Thursday, January 29 @ 00:01:10 PST (10 reads) | |
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Weekend event planner
these are the top 15 things to do in houston this weekend
now that the arctic blast has finished with us, several events that were cancelled last weekend – gallery sonja roesch’s 35th anniversary show, a dual opening at foltz fine art, asia society texas’s kawaii market – have been rescheduled for this weekend.
as for the scheduled events this weekend, there’s an “autoboative” show, a screening of a sci-fi classic with live musical accompaniment, an all-star show for autograph collectors, a fashion competition at the museum of fine arts, houston, and the return of houstons noisiest music festival.
thursday, january 29
houston autoboative showit’s the 42nd houston auto show at nrg park this weekend, which is also combined (for its third year) with the
houston boat show. The event showcases a diverse array of vehicles, from electric cars to trucks and sedans. It also offers a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the hottest models on the market and learn from brand experts about each vehicle/vessel without the pressure of being sold to. 11 am (10 am saturday and sunday).
asia society texas presents offsideasia society texas will kick off the world cup with offside, a 2006 dramedy from iranian filmmaker jafar panahi. (It’s also part of this year’s
festival of films from iran.) Set during a world cup qualifying match between iran and bahrain, the film follows a group of young women who attempt to circumvent a ban on women attending sporting events by disguising themselves as men to enter the stadium and watch the game, leading to a series of increasingly absurd situations. 7 pm.
performing arts houston presents blade runner liveridley scott’s stylish, 1982 noir classic blade runner (aka the 2007 final cut) will screen while vangelis’ synthesizer-led cult score is performed live by the avex ensemble. In this futuristic hriller, detective rick deckard (harrison ford) must continue as replicant hunter following the escape of four replicants (including main baddie rutger hauer – rip) from colonies who’ve returned to earth. His mission, however, is complicated when he falls for rachel (sean young), a replicant based at the tyrell corporation. 7:30 pm.
friday, january 30
tristar houston collectors showfor three days, a lot of stars will be flocking to the nrg arena in order to give houstonians their signature. Along with lots of sports memorabilia for sale, the 40th annual tristar houston collectors show will have tons of celebs signing autographs. Just on saturday alone, we’ll get karate kid/cobra kai castmates ralph macchio, william zabka, and martin kove; the cast of the sandlot, charlie sheen, tom berenger, dennis rodman, former rockets coach rudy tomjanovich, former rockets player elvin hayes, and houston’s own randy quaid. 2 pm (10 am saturday and sunday).
[the hobby center presents houston is inspired - [jk]creativ: our road home](https://houston.Culturemap.Com/eventdetail/the-hobby-center-presents-houston-is-inspired-jk-creativ-our-road-home/)multidisciplinary company [jk]creativ gives us our road home, an interactive rhythmic production created and directed by native houston artist jakari sherman. Through layered rhythmic storytelling - spoken, rapped, preached, and sung - the work honors the communal labor and ingenuity that built spaces of freedom across time. Inspired by the legacy of houston’s freedmen’s town, the work asks: once freedom is gained, how do we live in it, preserve it, and pass it on when the pull of bondage lingers near?
mfah and hcc present fashion fusion xfrida kahlo meets contemporary couture in fashion fusion, the 10th edition of the annual fashion competition at the museum of fine arts, houston. Open to aspiring designers in the fashion design program at houston city college, fusion challenges students to create original garments in response to art on display in the museum’s galleries. This year, the aspiring designers will showcase garments addressing the exhibition, frida: the making of an icon. 7 pm.
memorial hermann broadway at the hobby center presents water for elephantsafter losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train, unsure of where the road will take him. He finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life - and love - beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm saturday; 1:30 and 7 pm sunday).
saturday, january 31
the list one year anniversaryeast end creative space the list will be celebrating its first anniversary with a bevy of weekend events, with two going down on saturday. The day starts off with the return of the vinyl & furniture garden market, curated by local dj vet malcolm bravo, over at the list cafe. Bravo and other djs will be spinning tunes as stores and vendors will be open for business. Later that evening, dj/tiktoker sheri koko will be working the turntables, along with some special-guest pals, at room808. 11 am and 9 pm.
burger bodega present for the culture
chef and restaurateur abbas dhanani is taking a break from burgers to pay homage to his pakistani heritage by partnering with the px project for a one-day only pop-up. Working with his mother and his aunt, the four-item menu showcases some favorite childhood dishes, including nihari, slow-braised, spiced beef stew with naan; hina khalas chicken biryani, fragrant basmati rice layered with boneless chicken; the chicken sixty-five po boy; and a mango lassi sundae with a cardamom snickerdoodle cookie.
seven sisters presents ping zheng: soft interference opening receptionsoft interference presents a new series of oil-stick works on paper by ping zheng, following her 2024 exhibition nature’s canopy at seven sisters. In these works, zheng continues her investigation of landscape as a site of perception and interiority. Through repeated mark-making and shifting chromatic fields, she constructs images that hover between observed nature and remembered experience. Through saturday, february 28. 2 pm.
mgentertainment presents the 5th annual harsh noise houstonbelieve it or not, there’s a heavy experimental-music scene here in h-town. This weekend, you have the opportunity to see a lot of the scene’s most valuable players over at super happy fun land, where the fifth annual harsh noise houston fest will be going down. 13 acts, representing some of the best experimental music, performance art, and noise that texas has to offer, will be performing, including hauntedpixel, ether research, astrogenic hallucinating, and psychosomatic’s sister project del norte. 7 pm.
rice cinema presents american sonsfilm producer and rice alum elizabeth avellán presents american sons, a documentary using first-hand footage captured by fallen marine cpl. Jorge “jv” villarreal, a native of san antonio. The film focuses on a brotherhood of u.S. Marines a decade after their afghanistan deployment, focusing on their struggle with combat trauma, ptsd, and reintegration, especially after losing their friend villarreal. Avellan and director andrew james gonzales will be around for a post-screening q&a. 7 pm.
sunday, february 1
reelabilities houston presents reelart for allthe reelabilities houston film & arts festival’s reelart for all program will feature art and interactive activities, brunchy bites, and more. Guests can see the world through the eyes of artists from celebration company, an entrepreneurial employment program for adults with disabilities, and explore the works of featured artist emmett kyoshi wilson. A chicago-based artist living with down syndrome, wilson has created over 150 works, exhibited in five galleries, and even painted the american flag for the u.S. Embassy in croatia. 10:30 am.
shepherd school of music presents inside look: modern american operasthe shepherd school of music at rice university will present a deconstructed look at two full-length american comic operas: karim al-zand’s 50th anniversary commission a joint interest and william bolcom’s lucrezia. Aleko endowed artist paul curran guides audiences through these mischievous and delightfully theatrical worlds. Shepherd school chamber players will accompany both contemporary operas from the pit, led by miguel harth-bedoya. Bolcoms lucrezia contains adult content and is not suitable for all audiences. 2 pm.
cultural center our texas presents popovich comedy pet theaterthe world famous popovich comedy pet theater is a family-oriented blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of gregory popovich, and the talents of his furry costars. There are more than 30 pets (dogs, cats, horses, birds, etc.) In the show, and each one has been rescued from animal shelters and given a new leash on life. Bad pun aside, this show will be a joy for viewers of all ages. 4 pm. |
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| Recent Duke Basketball Visitor Commits to Hoosiers |
| Posted on Thursday, January 29 @ 00:01:10 PST (12 reads) | |
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Recent duke basketball visitor commits to hoosiers
in this story:
christ school (n.C.) Small forward trevor manhertz visited the blue devils on dec. 31, attending the squads home win over the georgia tech yellow jackets. And his stay on campus included a photoshoot, in which he donned duke basketball gear alongside his family, including former duke associate director of athletics joe manhertz.
also read: duke coach applauds freshman nikolas khamenias resilience
plus, when he revealed this week that his decision date was set for wednesday, the 6-foot-8, 185-pound manhertz put the blue devils on his shortlist, along with the louisville cardinals and indiana hoosiers.
that said, there was no confirmation from manhertz or recruiting insiders that fourth-year duke basketball head coach jon scheyer had ever officially entered the mix for his services via an offer.
so, it came as no surprise that the four-star prospect from cary, n.C., Did not name the blue devils as the winner of his recruitment on wednesday. Instead, manhertz unveiled his commitment to the indiana hoosiers.
he also announced his reclassification from the 2027 to 2026 recruiting cycle, a move he had been teasing in recent weeks. Manhertz, who was originally a 2026 athlete but had publicly reclassified to 2027 over the summer, now stacks up at no. 53 overall, no. 22 at his position, and no. 1 in north carolina on the 247sports 2026 composite.
duke basketball still leading the way on 2026 recruiting trail
perhaps trevor manhertzs talk of jumping back into the 2026 arena played a part in the lack of a reported offer from scheyer & co.
after all, the blue devils already boast a five-star early signee at manhertzs position in heritage high school (texas) small forward bryson howard, son of a one-time nba all-star small forward in former four-year wake forest demon deacons standout josh howard.
moreover, duke basketball has landed three other heralded 2026 talents: st. Marys catholic high school (ariz.) Five-star power forward cameron williams, img academy (fla.) Four-star center maxime meyer, and blair academy (n.J.) Five-star point guard deron rippey jr.
ever since rippey committed to the blue devils in late december, scheyer and his crew have sat atop the 2026 rankings. If duke ends up at no. 1 when the 2026 battles conclude in the spring, it would mark the blueblood programs third straight top-ranked class and fourth across the five recruiting cycles that scheyer has been at the helm in durham.
stay tuned to duke blue devils on si for more duke basketball recruiting news.
as always, make sure you stay up to date with all duke content by following us on facebook, by clicking here, and following us on x (formerly twitter) here.
matt giles
matt giles is the editor and publisher of duke blue devils on si, north carolina tar heels on si, and nc state wolfpack on si, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining si in 2022, matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matts expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of duke, nc state, and unc. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.
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| Oregon OC Will Stein Warns Recruits About a Growing Trend Hurting Players |
| Posted on Thursday, January 29 @ 00:01:10 PST (12 reads) | |
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In today’s high-pressure world of high school recruiting, the message young athletes hear loud and clear is this: specialize early, or get left behind. Football coaches push kids to ditch basketball.
trainers urge them to skip track in favor of spring 7-on-7. The “football 24/7” mentality is everywhere, and with overlapping seasons and year-round showcases, it’s easy to see why so many athletes feel the need to pick one lane and stay in it.
but kentucky offensive coordinator will stein isn’t buying into that tunnel vision.
stein’s philosophy: be an athlete, not just a football player
stein is building an offense that thrives on versatility and explosiveness-and he’s looking for players who bring more than just football reps to the table.
“i love kids that run track, play basketball, wrestle, you name it,” stein said. “If all you are doing is playing football, it is not going to make me not recruit you. But i love to see the athleticism, the competitiveness show up in other sports.”
that mindset fits perfectly with what stein wants to do offensively. His system is fast, aggressive, and built to attack space.
he needs wideouts who can stretch the field with real track speed, backs and slot guys who can shake a defender in a phone booth, and linemen with the kind of footwork that only comes from years of hoops or wrestling. You can’t always teach that kind of movement in a weight room.
sometimes, it’s developed on the hardwood, in the long jump pit, or on the wrestling mat.
the flip side: when “no days off” goes too far
but there’s another side to this conversation that’s just as important-because while multi-sport athletes might be more dynamic, they’re also more at risk if they never stop moving.
the reality is, the grind never ends for a lot of these kids. Football season turns into basketball season, which turns into track season, which rolls right into summer camps and 7-on-7s. And somewhere along the way, the body starts to break down.
according to the national athletic trainers association (nata), about 50% of all injuries in youth sports are now classified as overuse injuries-caused not by big hits or awkward landings, but by repetitive stress and a lack of recovery time.
it’s a growing problem. Athletes are showing up to college with nagging knee issues, stress fractures, and chronic inflammation-injuries that often trace back to the fact that they haven’t had a real break since middle school.
finding the balance: compete hard, rest smart
stein wants competitors. He wants guys who love to win, no matter the sport. But he also wants players who are healthy enough to contribute when they arrive in lexington.
that’s where the balance comes in. Playing basketball or running track in the offseason can absolutely sharpen your game and show coaches what kind of athlete you are. It builds toughness, loyalty to your school, and a competitive edge that doesn’t always show up in a 40-yard dash.
but rest has to be part of the plan, too. Taking a couple of weeks off between seasons isn’t slacking-it’s smart.
it’s the kind of decision that can extend your career, not shorten it. Because at the end of the day, kentucky doesn’t just need athletic freaks-they need durable ones.
the kind of guys who can still fly in september, not just flash in february.
so yes, play everything. Compete like it matters.
but don’t buy into the myth that rest equals weakness. Sometimes, the smartest athletes are the ones who know when to hit pause.
because the goal isn’t just to get recruited. The goal is to stay on the field once you get there. |
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