22 Aug 2024

Estranged wife of DOC commissioner charged with attempted murder of their adult son

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The estranged wife of the commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Corrections is charged with attempted murder of their son, who is a vulnerable adult.

Julie Louise Myhre-Schnell, 64, told an investigator that she crushed up Lorazepam pills, a prescription medication used to treat anxiety, and put them into a “slurry” of water, and emptied it into her son’s feeding bag at his group home in Vadnais Heights, according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday.

She told the investigator after the Dec. 3 incident that she intended to kill her son. When the investigator asked how she felt upon finding out he was going to survive she said, “I was worried about them finding out through the toxicology, and I was probably trying to figure out what I’m going to do. I’m just going to go to jail.” She said she “completely regretted he survived,” according to the complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court.

Paul Schnell, the DOC commissioner, said Thursday morning that it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the charge against Myhre-Schnell.

Order for protection

In June, Schnell applied for an order for protection for their son, who is now 33. According to his affidavit:

Schnell and Myhre-Schnell were foster care providers when a 3-month-old ward of the state came to live with them, becoming their son. He has Spina Bifida and other medical needs that require use of a wheelchair, ventilator and around-the-clock medical care.

He lived with Schnell and Myhre-Schnell into adulthood. In 2017, the court granted Schnell sole, legal guardianship of his son. They moved him into his Vadnais Heights group home in 2021.

In May 2023, Schnell and Myhre-Schnell separated and lived in separate residences. It was “amicable,” Schnell wrote. The divorce case is ongoing.

In the last quarter of 2023, Myhre-Schnell “began to noticeably struggle more with mental health,” Schnell wrote in the affidavit. “At this time, (she) was frequently providing for some of the daily cares of (their son) because (the group home) … was facing considerable challenges with staffing.”

In early December, nurses told Schnell that his son had been transported to the hospital because he wasn’t waking or responding as expected. He was treated and released from the hospital.

In the days that followed, Schnell wrote that he arranged for all care of his son because Myhre-Schnell “said she needed to disengage from providing care for (their son) to better attend to her own mental health.”

On May 30, Schnell’s adult daughter called and frantically reported she’d found a note taped to her mother’s bedroom door saying, “Don’t come in my room alone. I had to go. I don’t want you to find me by yourself. Please do not call 9-1-1. Do not resuscitate…”

Myhre-Schnell was hospitalized. Schnell later received a call from Myhre-Schnell’s sister reporting that Myhre-Schnell told her that in early December 2023 she’d gone to her son’s group home and attempted to overdose him with medication, which resulted in his hospitilization.

The information led Schnell to file a report to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for investigation and to apply for the order for protection for his son from Myhre-Schnell.

Criminal complaint

The criminal complaint filed against Myhre-Schnell said she texted her son on Aug. 6, saying she’d put her medicine in his feeding bag, “hoping he would ‘go to sleep forever.’” He responded that he was “on the fence” about deleting her number.

The investigator talked to Schnell’s son about how he felt when he found out what happened, and he said, “I made it, I’m still here,” but he said finding out what Myhre-Schnell admitted to “was heavy” and “a lot to process.”

Myhre-Schnell, of St. Paul, was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Ramsey County jail. An attorney wasn’t listed for her in the court file as of Thursday morning.

Schnell has been DOC commissioner since 2019. He was previously police chief in Hastings, Maplewood and Inver Grove Heights, and was formerly a St. Paul police officer and Carver County sheriff’s deputy.

For help

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 for free 24/7 support.

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22 Aug 2024

DNC in Chicago: What happened Wednesday — and what’s coming Thursday

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It’s the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Vice President Kamala Harris will ceremonially accept her party’s nomination.

Her vice presidential pick, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, spoke to his largest national audience yet on Wednesday night, peppering his relatively brief address with sports references and framing the party’s definition of freedom.

“Freedom. When Republicans use the word freedom, they mean that the government should be free to invade your doctor’s office. Corporations free to pollute your air and water. And banks free to take advantage of customers,” Walz said. “But when we Democrats talk about freedom, we mean the freedom to make a better life for yourself and the people that you love. Freedom to make your own health care decisions. And, yeah, your kids’ freedom to go to school without worrying about being shot dead in the hall.”

The Tribune’s Dan Petrella has the dispatch from inside the United Center.

And former President Bill Clinton, who departed frequently from his prepared remarks in an address relatively early in the evening, highlighted Trump’s selfishness, joking that he sounded like a tenor during a warm up, “Me, me, me, me.”

The Tribune’s Rick Pearson, Olivia Stevens, and Molly Morrow have the rundown.

Thursday’s theme is “For Our Future” and will also feature Republican former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who previously lived in Channahon south of Chicago. DNC officials have repeatedly invited Republicans to publicly repudiate former President Donald Trump.

If you haven’t been keeping up with the Tribune’s photo team, here’s a look at demonstrations from day three and from the floor of the United Center.

Here’s what happened yesterday

The star power continued on day three: singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder sang, Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson joked, and actress and director Mindy Kaling hosted. The biggest, perhaps, was Oprah Winfrey, a self-described “registered independent” who made a surprise address Wednesday night to endorse Harris, a choice that represented “common sense over nonsense,” and (she said in her trademark singsong) “jo-o-o-y.”

“Who says you can’t go home again?” she asked at the United Center, not far from the studio where she used to tape her long-running daytime talk show, to loud cheers. She earned another round of applause as she ticked off all the states where she’d lived, including an extra loud cheer when she said, “sweet home Chicago.” Here’s a recap from the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan.

Oprah Winfrey surprises delegates taking the stage, Aug. 21, 2024, during the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one of highest-profile Democrats to signal publicly that Biden should step aside, also took the stage to blast Trump’s “gleeful” embrace of political violence on Jan. 6. Earlier in the day, the Tribune’s Ray Long caught her at a University Club event, where she promoted her new book and “rebuffed efforts to explain more about her interactions with Biden that precipitated the president’s decision to withdraw.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, one of the party’s most prominent LGBTQ+ officials, used a brief primetime address to knock Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance and mark the nation’s progress on marriage equality in his lifetime.

People react as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Aug. 21, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Buttigieg also joined more than 300 attendees — including former Mayor Lori Lightfoot — at a rooftop event Tuesday to celebrate record numbers of LGBTQ+ representatives in public office. The Tribune’s Lizzie Kane reported on outstanding issues for a growing segment of the party’s top officials.

Amid the celebrity sightings (and themed music) for each state on Tuesday, a lone Illinois delegate voted “present” during the convention roll call to ceremonially nominate Harris. Their identity wasn’t clear until the next day: The Tribune’s Olivia Olander reported it came from a Crete-Monee Unit School District 201 board member and critic of Biden’s approach to the war in Gaza.

The third day of protests was a marked departure from Tuesday. At its peak, 1,000 marchers approached Park 578 near the United Center in support of a ceasefire in Gaza Wednesday evening. The mood was largely upbeat and positive, our protest team reported — a contrast from the previous night, when some 60 protestors were arrested in what Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling described as a “clash.”

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“We attempted to avoid the clash, to no avail. But CPD is not going to run away. We will not stand by and allow our officers to be attacked, because an officer who cannot protect himself cannot protect this city,” Snelling said. He reported two minor injuries.

Members of “The Squad” and about 40 others separately called for a Palestinian American to be given a speaking slot at the convention Wednesday, Trib’s Sylvan Lebrun and Sarah Freishtat reported.

If you were out at one of Tuesday night’s parties (Pritzker hosted John Legend at the Salt Shed into the wee hours) or at the latest Late Show taping, here’s a fact-check you might’ve missed from Tuesday’s speeches. If you got enough sleep to head out for the final day’s events, expect more frequent service on the Green and Blue lines, Kane and Freishtat reported.

Other must-reads from the convention

Trib’s Tess Kenny spoke with some of the high school journalists from across Illinois who were picked to report as fully credentialed media this week. It’s the biggest youth reporter contingent in convention history, per the host committee.
Three Chicago Sky players attended the convention Tuesday. For Elizabeth Williams, Brianna Turner and Michaela Onyenwere, the highlight of the night “was the Democratic party’s movement to confirm a Black woman as their presidential nominee,” Julia Poe reports.
The TV cameras are tuned in to the United Center at night. The non-sexy randomness – and the funniest buttons, perhaps – are at McCormick Place. Christopher Borrelli has this dispatch.

Here’s what else is happening today

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly will address the DNC Women’s Caucus with Rep. Barbara Lee this morning. The session starts at 9:30 AM. These meetings are open to the public both in person and on the DNC’s Youtube page.
Trump campaign counterprogramming at the Trump Hotel begins at 10 a.m. and focuses on Harris’ border policy, which Trump’s campaign says “unleashed violent criminals and deadly fentanyl across the country.” The event will feature Ambassador Carlos Trujillo and Vivek Ramaswamy, who ran in the Republican primary against Trump.
Following an interview with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi at 1:30 p.m., U.S. Rep Nikki Budzinski will be interviewed at the CNN Politico grill at 2:15 (United Center Lot C). Sec. Buttigieg joins at 3:20 p.m. Members of the public can RSVP here.
Watch parties: City Club of Chicago and ChiWomenVote are hosting one at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant. Tickets for nonmembers are $120, members are $75 (two drinks and light bites included).
Doors open for the free viewing party at Soldier Field at 6:00 p.m., though only wait list tickets were left Wednesday night. Rapper Common will appear there, days after performing on the DNC stage.

22 Aug 2024

Keep your hardwood floors clean and scratch-free with these top vacuums

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Which vacuum for a hardwood floor is best?

Most vacuums are designed for carpeted floors. If you have hardwood floors, you know they, too, get soiled. Here’s where vacuums designed for hardwood floors come in. Unlike regular vacuums, they don’t damage or scratch delicate hardwood floors. If you have pets, no problem. These specially designed vacuums take care of dander, fur, and other allergens, leaving your floors shiny and clean.

What to know before you buy a vacuum for hardwood floor

Why use a hardwood floor vacuum?

Cleaning hardwood floors presents unique challenges. Conventional vacuums with brush rollers and thick bristles can scratch your floors. Because dirt and debris stay on the surface of hard floors, suction is the primary cleaning method for hardwood floor vacuums. This method picks up dirt without damaging your hardwoods.

Types of hardwood floor vacuums

Canister: Canister vacuums tend to have a large dust capacity and include a flexible hose attached to the unit. The hose can reach into nooks and crannies that other designs can’t. Be sure the unit’s wheels aren’t metal or plastic, which may scratch your floors — opt for rubber wheels instead. Canister vacuums can be bulky and more difficult to store.
Upright: Upright vacuums have the strongest suction and the advantage of standing upright in a one-piece unit that won’t tip over. They often come with attachments. They can be quite heavy. Be sure the head doesn’t have brush rollers.
Stick: Stick vacuums are streamlined versions of upright vacuums. They are upright but skinnier and lighter, making them well-suited for smaller spaces. They are usually only designed for hard floors, so this isn’t your best bet if you need a multi-floor vacuum. They are generally cordless.
Robotic: Robotic vacuums work on their own and have sensors to work around obstacles such as walls and stairs. They can be scheduled to run, and some people like using them daily, especially in households with pets. Be aware their dust capacity isn’t as great as other types. Some models can get stuck or may have limited battery life.

What to look for in a vacuum for hardwood floors

Pets: If you have pets, select a vacuum with powerful suction to compensate for the lack of bristles for picking up pet hair.
Capacity: For larger floors and homes, consider a vacuum with a greater canister size to collect dust and debris without frequently emptying the unit. Robotic vacuums have the smallest canister size.
Cordless: Cordless models operate on rechargeable battery power and are highly convenient. They also tend to be quieter than models that have to stay plugged in. Be aware they don’t provide as much suction and have limited running time.
Attachments: Attachments are used more on carpeted floors if you use a vacuum with multi-floor capability. Attachments may include a roller brush, though this is not for use on hardwood floors.
Mop and sweep: Robotic vacuums offer this feature to thoroughly clean hardwood floors.

How much you can expect to spend on a vacuum for a hardwood floor

Prices for hardwood floor vacuums range from $70-$800, depending on the vacuum type. Cordless stick vacuums are available for under $150. Upright models can cost twice that. Robotic types are the most expensive, ranging from $200 to $800.

Vacuum for hardwood floor FAQ

Q. Why not just sweep my hardwood floors?

A. You can sweep your hardwood floors, but sweeping takes more time and effort than vacuuming. Sweeping can be quick and effective for localized messes, but vacuuming is faster for entire floors. Vacuuming also doesn’t spread dust and allergens back into the air, which sweeping can.

Q. Can I use a hardwood floor vacuum on my carpets?

A. Your best option is to select a hardwood floor vacuum with a roller brush attachment that you can use on your carpets and detach when vacuuming your hard floors.

What’s the best vacuum for hardwood floors to buy

Top vacuum for hardwood floors

Dyson V7 Fluffy Cordless Stick Vacuum for Hard Floors

What you need to know: This cordless vacuum is specifically designed to be used on hardwood floors without scratching.

What you’ll love: The bristles are super soft, ensuring your hardwood floors stay scratch-free. The head is slim, so it fits easily under furniture. You can also convert it into a handheld vacuum.

What you should consider: It’s got a shorter battery life than some other vacuums.

Top vacuum for hardwood floors for the money

Shark APEX Stick Vacuum

What you need to know:  This lightweight vacuum is a top pick for pet owners.

What you’ll love: The self-cleaning brush roll makes it easy to pick up pet hair without it getting tangled in the vacuum. It’s easy to swivel and very lightweight. You can also convert it into a hand vacuum.

What you should consider: It doesn’t stand up on its own.

Worth checking out

eufy Robot Vacuum 11S MAX

What you need to know: This quiet and compact robot vacuum glides easily on almost any floor.

What you’ll love: It can be scheduled and is very quiet. It is self-guided and pivots intuitively around stairs, walls and other obstacles. It has a sizeable dust capacity.

What you should consider: Some people had issues with it getting stuck around furniture.

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.

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22 Aug 2024

Upgrade your beachwear with the best men’s swim trunks

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Men’s swim trunks

Many men’s swim trunks available can be challenging to tell apart from a pair of everyday shorts. This blend of styles makes swim trunks a versatile piece of apparel, some of which are suited both for a lap in the pool and a walk around town.

When purchasing a new pair of swim trunks, you should consider a few key considerations and qualities, including everything from inseam length to material to UPF rating. Our top pick, the Columbia Men’s PFG Backcast III Water Trunk, is a breathable multi-purpose option that you can wear for several occasions.

What to know before you buy men’s swim trunks

As with most clothing purchases, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Still, there are a few main aspects you should look for before making your decision.

Style

Design and style are vital, considering most of us want to look our best, even when lounging by the pool or riding waves at the beach. When picking out swim trunks, you should take the color, pattern, graphics and other stylish elements into account. This is especially true if you plan on wearing your trunks casually. There are both informal and more professional styles available.

Usage

How do you plan on using your swim trunks? If you think you’ll only wear your bathing suit a few times a year when on vacation or taking a dip in a pool, you most likely won’t need anything too technical. If you’re a serious swimmer or partake in water sports, you’ll need swim trunks that offer an extended range of motion and superior stretch and won’t slow you down in the water.

Length

As with ordinary shorts, swim trunks also come in various inseam lengths. The shorter the inseam, the higher the trunks will sit on your legs. You can find everything from mid-thigh to knee-length options. Most men’s swim trunks will rest a couple of inches above your knee.

What to look for in quality men’s swim trunks

Material

Swim trunk material is crucial since it determines how well your trunks move with your body and how quickly they’ll dry. Nylon and polyester are popular options thanks to their ability to wick away moisture and dry relatively quickly compared to materials like cotton. Some swim trunks’ fabric will also feature water-repellent properties, causing the water to bead off, preventing them from staying wet and absorbing too much moisture.

Fit

Men’s swim trunks should fit comfortably. The perfect pair of swim trunks won’t be too tight around your thigh and won’t leave too much extra fabric hanging around the leg opening. The waistband should be secure enough to prevent your tunks from slipping off in the water.

UPF protection

Swim trunks are most often worn during sunny summer weather, so it’s essential that they keep your thighs protected from the sun. Look for options that include built-in UPF protection to protect your skin while spending time outside.

Interior lining

A decent pair of swim trunks will have a durable mesh lining. While some people prefer their trunks without an interior lining, for many, it offers extra support and helps prevent chafing.

Closure

The most common type of closure on swim trunks is drawstrings, which allow you to tighten them to your desired fit. A few models feature buttons, zippers or Velcro.

Pockets

Not all men’s swim trunks’ designs include pockets, so if you’re hoping to carry your phone, wallet or other accessories while not in the water, choose a pair with deep and secure built-in pockets. You can find swim trunks with side, back and cargo pockets depending on your needs.

How much can you expect to spend on men’s swim trunks

Several budget-friendly options can be purchased for under $20, though more expensive designer swim trunks cost upwards of $100. Most will fall in the $30-$40 range.

Men’s swim trunks FAQ

Do I have to wear anything under my swim trunks?

A. If your swim trunks feature a mesh lining, you do not have to wear anything underneath. The lining replaces the need for any other underwear, providing the needed support.

What is the difference between swim trunks and board shorts?

A. The main difference between the two is the inseam length. Generally, board shorts are significantly longer than swim trunks and are more likely to forgo an interior lining.

What are the best men’s swim trunks to buy?

Top men’s swim trunks

Columbia Men’s PFG Backcast III Water Short

What you need to know: These trunks are incredibly versatile. You can wear them in the water or for everyday use.

What you’ll love: Available in a variety of colors, these are a summertime favorite because of their UV protection, quick-drying nylon and multiple pockets.

What you should consider: The fit is slightly baggier than some users expected.

Top men’s swim trunks for the money

Speedo Men’s Swim Trunk Knee Length Marina Sport Volley

What you need to know: These durable, lightweight shorts are from a well-respected swimwear brand.

What you’ll love: Made of water-repellent microfiber polyester, these swim trunks will keep you cool all summer long while blocking 98% of UV rays.

What you should consider: The interior lining fits tightly for some buyers.

Worth checking out

Amazon Essentials Men’s Quick-Dry 9-inch Swim Trunk

What you need to know: One of the top budget-friendly options, these trunks are best for casual swimmers.

What you’ll love: The soft polyester and 9-inch inseam offer an ideal fit, and there are plenty of colors and designs to choose from.

What you should consider: These trunks are known to run somewhat small.

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.