15 Aug 2024

Donald Trump asks judge to delay sentencing in hush money case until after November election

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By MICHAEL R. SISAK Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is asking the judge in his New York hush money criminal case to delay his sentencing until after the November presidential election.

In a letter made public Thursday, a lawyer for the former president and current Republican nominee suggested that sentencing Trump as scheduled on Sept. 18 — about seven weeks before Election Day — would amount to election interference.

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche wrote that a delay would also allow Trump time to weigh next steps after the trial judge, Juan M. Merchan, is expected to rule Sept. 16 on the defense’s request to overturn the verdict and dismiss the case because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s July presidential immunity ruling.

“There is no basis for continuing to rush,” Blanche wrote.

Blanche sent the letter to Merchan on Wednesday after the judge rejected the defense’s latest request that he step aside from the case.

In the letter, Blanche reiterated the defense argument that the judge has a conflict of interest because his daughter works as a Democratic political consultant, including for Kamala Harris when she sought the 2020 presidential nomination. Harris is now running against Trump.

By adjourning the sentencing until after that election, “the Court would reduce, even if not eliminate, issues regarding the integrity of any future proceedings,” Blanche wrote.

Election Day is Nov. 5, but many states allow voters to cast ballots early, with some set to start the process just a few days before or after Trump’s scheduled Sept. 18 sentencing date.

Merchan, who has said he is confident in his ability to remain fair and impartial, did not immediately rule on the delay request.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office, which prosecuted Trump’s case, declined to comment.

Trump was convicted in May of falsifying his business’ records to conceal a 2016 deal to pay off porn actor Stormy Daniels to stay quiet about her alleged 2006 sexual encounter with him. Prosecutors cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him during his first campaign.

Trump says all the stories were false, the business records were not and the case was a political maneuver meant to damage his current campaign. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is a Democrat.

Trump’s defense argued that the payments were indeed for legal work and so were correctly categorized.

Falsifying business records is punishable by up to four years behind bars. Other potential sentences include probation, a fine or a conditional discharge which would require Trump to stay out of trouble to avoid additional punishment. Trump is the first ex-president convicted of a crime.

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Trump has pledged to appeal, but that cannot happen until he is sentenced.

In a previous letter, Merchan set Sept. 18 for “the imposition of sentence or other proceedings as appropriate.”

Blanche argued in his letter seeking a delay that the quick turnaround from the scheduled immunity ruling on Sept. 16 to sentencing two days later is unfair to Trump.

To prepare for sentencing, Blanche argued, prosecutors will be submitting their punishment recommendation while Merchan is still weighing whether to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. If Merchan rules against Trump on the dismissal request, he will need “adequate time to assess and pursue state and federal appellate options,” Blanche said.

The Supreme Court’s immunity decision reins in prosecutions of ex-presidents for official acts and restricts prosecutors in pointing to official acts as evidence that a president’s unofficial actions were illegal. Trump’s lawyers argue that in light of the ruling, jurors in the hush money case should not have heard such evidence as former White House staffers describing how the then-president reacted to news coverage of the Daniels deal.

15 Aug 2024

Candidate lineups set for Washington County municipal races

by | posted in: Politics | 0

Scores of candidates have filed to run in the Nov. 5 municipal and school district elections in Washington County. The filing period ended at 5 p.m. Tuesday; candidates have until 5 p.m. Thursday to withdraw.

Afton

In Afton, the incumbent mayor is running for re-election, as are two incumbent city council members.

Mayor Bill Palmquist and city council members Randy Nelson or Annie Perkins are all running unopposed.

Bayport

Mayor Michele Hanson, who was first elected in 2010, is running unopposed. There are two seats on the council up for election this fall. Longtime Bayport City Council member Connie Carlson has decided not to run for re-election. Council member Ethan Gilmore is running for re-election; Carl Bliss and Dave Farr also have filed.

Baytown Township

All three township supervisor races in Baytown Township are contested this fall. Nicole Dahl and Jon Wood have filed for Seat 1; Town Board Vice Chairman Rick Weyrauch has decided not to run for re-election. Town Board Supervisor George Dierberger is running for re-election for Seat 2; he is being challenged by Christopher Randazzo. Town Board Chairman John Hall is running for re-election for Seat 5; he is being challenged by Paul S. Johnson.

Voters in Baytown Township also will be asked to vote on whether they think the township should incorporate. The question on the ballot will read: “Would you recommend the Baytown Township Board of Supervisors pass a resolution to file a petition under Minn. Stat. § 414.02 to incorporate Baytown as a city?”

Birchwood Village

In the lakeside community of Birchwood Village, the mayor’s seat, now held by Margaret Ford, is up for election and sought by a former mayor. Two council seats also are up for grabs, with three candidates in the race.

Mayoral candidate Mary Wingfield served as mayor from 1985-86, 2009-2010, 2013-2022; Jennifer Arsenault also is running.

Three candidates are running for the two open seats on the council: Ryan Eisele, Peter Holstad and Bridget Sperl. Mark Foster and Justin McCarthy decided not to run for re-election.

Cottage Grove

In Cottage Grove, Mayor Myron Bailey is running unopposed, and three candidates are vying for two city council seats: David Clausen, incumbent Tony Khambata and incumbent Justin Olsen. Council member Monique Garza, who last year was chosen to fill the seat vacated by council member Steve Dennis, is running unopposed in a special election for council.

Dellwood

Mayor Mike McGill, who has been mayor since 2018, is running unopposed. Five candidates are running for the two open seats on the council: Mila Cooper, Rylan Juran, Catherine Nicholson, Melissa Peltier and Karen Quaday. Council members Deb Christopherson and Scott St. Martin both decided not to seek re-election.

Denmark Township

In the race for Town Supervisor Seat 1, Peter J. Flock is running unopposed; incumbent Dawn Johnson opted not to run for re-election. Town Board Chairman John Strohfus is running unopposed for Seat 3. Town Board Supervisor Hassan Sahouani is running unopposed for Seat 4.

Forest Lake

Mayor Mara Bain is not running for re-election, and her seat has several contenders. There are also a handful of candidates for two city council openings.

Council members Sam Husnik and Blake Roberts are vying for the mayor’s seat, along with Bruce Anderson and Jason T. Mayhew. City council candidates for the two open seats on the council include incumbent Hanna Valento and Jeff Larson, Jesse Wade Wagner and Susan Young.

Husnik’s seat on the council is open because he decided to run for mayor. If Roberts, whose four-year term on council expires in 2026, is elected, the council will appoint a council member to fill the remainder of the term.

Grant

Mayor Jeff Huber is not running for re-election; council members Tom Carr and Jeff Giefer are vying for the seat. Three candidates are running for the two open council positions: incumbent Ben Cornett and Lindsay Cremona and Tina Lobin.

Grey Cloud Island Township

Township Supervisor Dick Polta and Jake Jones are running unopposed for the two open supervisor seats; Supervisor Dan Ohmann has decided not to run for re-election. Township treasurer Keshia Jones is running unopposed.

Hugo

Mayor Tom Weidt and council member Mike Miron are both running unopposed. Two people have filed for the Ward 2 council seat: incumbent Phil Klein and Benjamin Krull.

Lake Elmo

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Election 2024: Where is Walz today?

It will be a quiet fall in Lake Elmo, where none of the four candidates running face any challengers. Mayor Charles Cadenhead is running unopposed, and council members Nick Dragisich and Jeff Holtz are running unopposed for the two open council seats. In the special election for the open council seat that was left vacant when council member Lisa McGinn resigned, Nick Kragness is running unopposed. Council Member Katrina Beckstrom decided not to run for re-election.

Lakeland

Bob Craggs, who was named acting mayor after Mayor Joe Paiement resigned in June, is running unopposed for mayor. Four candidates have filed for the two open city council seats: James Riley, Erika Rivers, Taylor Vaillancourt and Geri Wagner. Council member Doug Sand decided not to run for re-election; the other seat was previously held by Craggs. Council member Mike Thron, who announced in June that he was resigning in July, has not yet done so, said Michelle Elsner, city clerk.

Lakeland Shores

Mayor John Bischoff is running for re-election, and he does not face any competition. Council members Tim Schroeder, Thomas Wilson and Erin Zanmiller are running unopposed for the two open seats on the council. Chuck Erickson is running unopposed in a special election; the seat was left open earlier this year when council member Ann Jacobson resigned when she moved out of the city.

Lake St. Croix Beach

Mayor Tom McCarthy is facing a challenge this fall from council member Cindie Reiter. Four candidates have filed for the two open seats on the council: Samantha Arnal, Dawn Bulera, Warren Burger and Bradley Freppert. Council member JP Armstrong is not running for re-election.

Landfall

Council member Donald Gonser is challenging Mayor Stan Suedkamp for the city’s top elected position. Incumbent Katie McManus and Dorothy Patterson are running for the two open seats on the council.

Marine On St. Croix

Mayor Kevin Nyenhuis is not facing any competition this fall. Incumbent council member Wendy Ward is running for one of two open seats, alongside John Goodfellow, Christopher Mowery and Paul Paladie; Mowery previously served on the council from 2011-2018. Council member Lon Pardun decided not to run for re-election.

Newport

Mayor Laurie Elliot is running unopposed. Newport voters will pick two city council members from among four candidates. The candidates include incumbent Marvin Taylor and Paul Hansen, Josh Schmidt and Brian Xiong. Council member Kevin Chapdelaine decided not to run for re-election.

Oak Park Heights

Former Mayor David Beaudet, who held the city’s top elected position from 2000 to 2012, is challenging Mayor Mary McComber, who has held the position since 2012.

Council members Chuck Dougherty and Mike Runk are running for re-election; Blake Van Denburgh, chairman of the city’s planning commission, also is running.

Oakdale

Six people are vying for two spots on the city council; city council members Noah Her and Jake Ingebrigtson are not running. The candidates include former Oakdale Mayor and former Washington County Commissioner Bill Pulkrabek along with Kari Moore, Raffi Paulino, Juan Santos Esquivel, Gary Severson and Christopher Thewis.

Pulkrabek was elected to the county board in 1998 and served until 2012; he served as mayor from 1995 to 1998. It will be Pulkrabek’s first run at public office since agreeing to an Alford plea in a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct in connection with an incident involving his then-girlfriend on Memorial Day 2011. Pulkrabek considered running for county commission in 2016 but ultimately chose not to.

Pine Springs

Mayor Randilynn Christensen is running unopposed, as is city council member Conrad Adams. Julie Lapos-Kuchar is running for the other open seat on the council; council member Brandon Dahl opted not to run for re-election.

St. Mary’s Point

Mayor Jay Roettger is running for re-election; he faces no challengers. City council member Joseph Freesmeier and Tom Grahek are running for the two open seats on the council; council member Beth Olfelt Nelson is not running for re-election.

Scandia

Christine Maefsky has decided that after eight years as mayor, she will not seek re-election. Council member Steve Kronmiller is running for mayor, as is former Scandia City Council member Patti Ray.

Five people are running for the two open seats on the council: Zachary Gee, James “Jim” Gribble, Lori Lavin, Kirsten Libby and Adam Schauls; council member Heather Benson is not running for re-election.

Stillwater

Two women are running for the Stillwater City Council Ward 2 seat: Lindsay Belland and Sirid Kellermann; longtime council member Dave Junker has decided not to run for re-election.

In the battle for the Ward 3 seat, incumbent Larry Odebrecht is facing a challenge from Ed Nelsen.

Stillwater Township

Three people have filed to run for the Town Supervisor Seat 3: Anna Buehler, Tina Riehle and Jack Soukup; town board supervisor Robert Geisen is not running for re-election.

Board chairwoman Sheila-Marie Untiedt is running again for Seat 4; she is being challenged by Mike McMahon Jr.

In the race for Seat 5, supervisor Tim Sinclair is running unopposed.

Willernie

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After serving for more than 24 years as mayor, Barbara Parent has decided not to run for re-election. Council member Diane Baglio is running unopposed for the seat.

Five candidates have filed to run for the two open seats on the council. They include incumbent council member Andrew De Jong, Kristine Cook, Dean Flaherty, Patrick Miller and Donald Regan.

Woodbury

The slate of candidates in Woodbury is jammed — with eight candidates vying for the two open seats on the council.

Running for the two council positions are: Murid Amini, Timothy Brewington, Michael Burke, Dave Hoelzel, Temmy Olasimbo, Benjamin Sherrard, Donna Stafford and incumbent Kim Wilson. Council member Andrea Date decided not to run for re-election.

15 Aug 2024

How to find the perfect dresser: Tips for maximizing storage and style

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Which dresser is best?

Finding a new dresser isn’t easy, and considering you’ll likely use it for several years, it’s a big commitment. But you can narrow your options and simplify your decision by making a definitive list of features you need.

Whether you’re looking for deep drawers to store sweaters or a modern design to match a new headboard, there’s a dresser out there for you. If you’re looking for a dresser with an ornate design, Kelly Clarkson Home Baxter Combo Dresser is a bestselling dresser. It features intricate door carvings and matte black hardware.

What to know before you buy a dresser

What is a dresser?

While “dressers” and “chest of drawers” are often used interchangeably, they’re actually different pieces of furniture. A dresser is a type of chest of drawers that is short and long, and a traditional chest of drawers is tall and narrow. Simply put, dressers are usually around waist height, but a chest of drawers is around chest height.

How big are dressers?

Although dressers share the same shape, they rarely share the same dimensions. Smaller ones can be short and narrow, some of which are practically the size of a small bookcase or nightstand. Others are wide and sprawling, providing you with plenty of storage room.

Given this variety, you should measure your room to determine the maximum width, height and length for a dresser. It’s also wise to account for necessary clearance around the dresser, particularly regarding doors and drawers, which can pull out of the dresser by as much as two feet.

What to look for in a quality dresser

Materials

High-quality dressers are made out of real wood, such as oak, birch, cherry, pine, walnut, mahogany and maple. While there are several solid wood dressers available, they’re usually quite expensive. Many furniture companies attempt to lower the price of their dressers by using a combination of real and engineered wood, such as particle board and other wood-inspired synthetic materials. While these are more affordable, they may not last as long as solid-wood dressers.

Hardware

Certain dressers have built-in notches that allow you to pull open drawers. Others have some kind of hardware, like a knob or a handle. Depending on the design, the hardware may be a defining feature of a dresser. Swan-neck drawer pulls are traditional options found on expensive dressers, and many appreciate this design for its elegant aesthetic. More affordable dressers, on the other hand, usually have sleek, brushed metal drawer pulls. Rustic- and country-inspired dressers typically have ornate metal or ceramic knobs.

Feet style

Most dressers have feet that lift them up to 8 inches off the ground. Like hardware, feet can be a defining feature of a dresser. Simple designs have plain pegs or blocks, whereas more elegant ones have claw-and-ball or scroll feet.

There are also footless dressers that simply rest on the floor. These include many art deco-inspired, utilitarian and contemporary designs. They’re well-received for their sleek appearance, though they may be a bit too harsh and angular for rustic spaces.

Track design

A solid track design is a true sign of quality in a dresser. Track design refers to the mechanism that opens and closes drawers. High-end wood dressers often have wooden slides that move smoothly in both directions. Other dressers have ball-bearing metal tracks that open and close. Track quality is often hit or miss; well-made tracks will glide smoothly, yet ill-fitting ones will jam or pop off the track.

How much you can expect to spend on a dresser

Entry-level dressers made with engineered wood and other synthetic materials usually cost between $75 and $300. Better-quality designs that have real wood components cost between $400 and $1,500. High-end dressers from designer furniture brands may cost as much as $2,500 or more.

Dresser FAQ

How do you move a dresser?

A. While you can pick up a dresser and move it from one spot to another, there are easier ways to do it. You can place furniture sliders beneath the legs and push the dresser across the carpet. If you’re not able to move the dresser yourself, you can always hire a moving company or contract worker to handle it.

Do I need a dresser if I have a closet?

A. It depends on your storage needs. Many people primarily use their closets for hang-only clothing and choose to use their dressers to store folded clothing, such as sweaters or t-shirts. On the other hand, if your closet is large enough, you can maximize bedroom floor space by installing a closet organizer with drawers.

What are the best dressers to buy?

Top dresser

Kelly Clarkson Home Baxter Combo Dresser

What you need to know: If you’re looking for a new statement piece, this dresser in a light gray shade is a compelling option.

What you’ll love: With two cabinets and three drawers, it’s easy to store a combination of clothing and accessories. Drawers open and close smoothly and quietly. As an added bonus, the dressers come with a tip-over restraint device for safe installation.

What you should consider: It’s only available in light gray, which may not coordinate with your room’s color scheme.

Worth checking out

Grain Wood Furniture Montauk Six-drawer Dresser

What you need to know: If you’re looking for maximum storage options, this six-drawer dresser offers plenty of room.

What you’ll love: The solid pine wood drawers and metal pulls complement rustic decor. The drawers also glide open easily.

What you should consider: Some people found it difficult to assemble.

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

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15 Aug 2024

Electric tea kettles: The ultimate guide to finding the best one for you

by | posted in: News | 0

Which electric tea kettle is best?

A simple yet versatile countertop appliance that belongs in most kitchens is an electric tea kettle. Safe and easy to use, these elegant-looking devices don’t only offer a chance to enjoy a hot cup of tea. They can quickly boil water for a variety of recipes, too.

Electric tea kettles tend to sport a modern look to fit any kitchen, and some are portable. The Breville IQ Kettle Pure is a top pick for its precise temperature settings and large capacity, but there are some notable features worth considering as well.

What to know before you buy an electric tea kettle

Electric vs. stovetop

Electric tea kettles are straightforward devices. They feature a heating element that warms up when connected to a power source. Electric tea kettles typically heat up in two or three minutes and automatically turn off once the water is boiling. They tend to be made of stainless steel, although some kettles may feature high-quality borosilicate glass as well.

These are a modern and effortless alternative to stovetop tea kettles, which have a traditional look and operation. Although some consumers prefer their classic aesthetic and more affordable price point, these lack the precision, speed and safety of electric tea kettles. For more contrast between the two types, check out the electric kettle guide at BestReviews.

Capacity

Most electric tea kettles hold between one and two liters of water. Generally, a liter of hot water will make about four cups of tea, depending on how strong you want your beverage. Larger capacities are ideal for households with more people, but they can also increase the boiling time.

Spout

Be sure to inspect the spout of the tea kettle, which will indicate how much control you have over pouring. Those with thin, long spouts offer more precision and lessen the chance of any drips or splashes. Wider spouts pour more quickly and increase the risk of hot water missing the cup.

What to look for in a quality electric tea kettle

Boiling speed

How quickly the electric tea kettle heats up the water is known as the boiling speed. The power of the tea kettle will influence the boiling speed, which typically runs from 1.7kW and 3kW. Those toward the higher end may boil in as short as 60 seconds, while budget-friendly options can take up to four or five minutes.

Lid

An often overlooked component of an electric tea kettle is the lid, but its construction is vital to the effectiveness and safety of the unit. It should feature a sturdy hinge. The best kettles open the lid at the push of a button. However, ideally, the lid will open slowly so as not to splash any water.

Some lids also stay cool to the touch, which helps protect users when frequently refilling and pouring in succession.

Temperature control

Some advanced electric tea kettles allow for exact temperatures to be programmed so you can perfectly enjoy your preferred drink. Some models allow you to choose between a handful of commonly-desired temperature options.

How much you can expect to spend on An electric tea kettle

Basic electric kettles may cost around $20-$30, but larger options with temperature control and durable construction can reach $100 and over.

Electric tea kettle FAQ

How do you care for an electric tea kettle?

A. Electric tea kettles require regular maintenance and cleaning so that it doesn’t accumulate sediments from water. Minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, will build from frequent hard-water usage and can damage the unit if not removed. You can clean your tea kettle through scaling, which can involve a solution purchased from a cleaning company or one made at home, like a mixture of vinegar and water. Some high-end models feature a filter to remove minerals automatically.

What else besides tea can you use the tea kettle for?

A. A popular and convenient cooking trick is to use your electric tea kettle whenever you have a recipe that calls for boiling water. Often, this is quicker than boiling water on a stovetop. You also can use hot water from a kettle to thin out sauces and dips.

What’s the best electric tea kettle to buy?

Top electric tea kettle

Breville IQ Kettle Pure

What you need to know: This high-capacity, well-made tea kettle offers a quality return on a steep investment.

What you’ll love: This durable electric tea kettle features an ergonomic handle and a slow-opening lid to avoid splashes. It includes a scale filter and five temperature settings.

What you should consider: The stainless steel base, shockproof glass and useful extras contribute to a high price.

Top electric tea kettle for the money

Amazon Basics Portable Electric Tea Kettle

What you need to know: This simple, straightforward electric tea kettle has a decent capacity at a budget-friendly price.

What you’ll love: With simple usage and a low price, this fundamental tea kettle provides convenience for those on a budget and living in small spaces. The kettle heats quickly and automatically shuts off once boiling.

What you should consider: There are quality concerns, including a fast-opening lid that can lead to splashes and rapid mineral buildup.

Worth checking out

OXO Brew Clarity Tea Kettle

What you need to know: This modern-looking and high-capacity tea kettle is loaded with features and comes from a trusted brand.

What you’ll love: This kettle uses durable stainless steel and borosilicate glass. The controls allow you to set the desired temperature, and the base holds the setting for 30 minutes.

What you should consider: At around $100, this is one of the more expensive kettles available. It also requires frequent descaling.

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

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

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