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Tag: Utah

  • Duke softball hosts NCAA Regional. What to know about the Blue Devils’ bracket

    Duke softball hosts NCAA Regional. What to know about the Blue Devils’ bracket

    Duke’s Kelly Torres gets a high five from head coach Marissa Young after connecting for a triple during the sixth inning of the Blue Devils’ 6-0 win on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Durham, N.C.

    Duke’s Kelly Torres gets a high five from head coach Marissa Young after connecting for a triple during the sixth inning of the Blue Devils’ 6-0 win on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Durham, N.C.


    Kaitlin McKeown

    kmckeown@newsobserver.com

    DURHAM

    The road to the Women’s College World Series officially begins this weekend when No. 10 seed Duke hosts an NCAA Regional.

    The Blue Devils (47-6) enter the postseason with ACC regular season and tournament titles on their resume. They’ll welcome Morgan State, Utah and South Carolina to Durham in the double-elimination tournament.

    Going into the weekend, the biggest question is how will a Power Five conference champion respond after being left out of the top eight seeds? Head coach Marissa Young and senior catcher Kelly Torres said the team has additional motivation and a chip on its shoulder.

    “It’s disappointing for us,” Young said on Wednesday. “We feel like we’ve had a great year; one of our best years yet. But, the bottom line is: We still have the opportunity to accomplish everything we want to accomplish. We just need to take care of business for this regional at home and let the chips fall where they may.”

    Torres said the team, despite its disappointment, has used this experience to fuel its preparations for what it hopes to be a long postseason run. The Blue Devils have been reminded to focus on their brand of softball — aggressive, high-effort and defensive-minded — as opposed to focusing on the venue or opponent.

    Duke remains one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation, ranking in the top 15 for batting average (.328), fielding percentage (.976), scoring (6.81) and strikeouts to walks ratio (3.66). It ranks No. 3 in earned run average (1.54), shutouts (19) and winning percentage (.887).

    Every team in the field, however, has multiple losses on its record. There are a number of mid-major teams who earned spots in the tournament that have upsets over major conference opponents.

    The sport has also seen increased parity over the past decade. Four different teams have won the national title. Eight different teams finished second. UCLA lost in its own regional last season against Liberty. Charlotte has wins over five power programs, including Florida State. Louisiana ended Oklahoma’s 71-game win streak.

    That chaos should be on full display this postseason, and it’s pushing teams to be better.

    “I think you have to show up with consistency every single day. It challenges you with that,” Young said of the increased competition. “There’s no more winning because you should or you’re more talented. You have to show up and compete for seven innings, and I think our group has done a really good job of doing that all season long.”

    Duke players celebrate following the Blue Devils’ 6-3 win over Florida State in the ACC Tournament final on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Durham, N.C.
    Duke players celebrate following the Blue Devils’ 6-3 win over Florida State in the ACC Tournament final on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Durham, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com

    Duke’s argument for being top eight

    NCAA selection committee chairman Kurt McGuffin said in a TV interview that the Blue Devils’ strength of schedule hurt the team’s placement.

    Duke, however, ranks No. 3 in RPI, which accounts for strength of schedule in the formula. It went 11-2 against teams in the RPI Top 25.

    Its non-conference strength of schedule outranks No. 5 seed Oklahoma State (67) and No. 3 seed Tennessee (81). No. 7 Missouri, No. 4 Florida and Duke rank 56, 57 and 58, respectively, in non-conference SOS.

    Additionally, the Blue Devils’ overall strength of schedule (15) outranks Tennessee (19), No. 2 seed Oklahoma (21) and Oklahoma State (35).

    Duke also played Oklahoma in its season opener in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where it lost to the reigning national champions, 3-0. For context, the Sooners outscored opponents by an average of 6.4 runs in its wins this season.

    Its schedule featured games against five power programs, but Duke’s numbers took a hit due to Michigan State, Iowa State and Nebraska’s lackluster seasons. The Cornhuskers were an expected tournament team before its ace and former OU pitcher Jordy Bahl was injured in the season opener.

    The Blue Devils have wins over eight tournament teams, including Liberty and Charlotte. Both programs played the second- and third-hardest non-conference schedules, and the Niners rank No. 25 in the RPI.

    “If you dig into the numbers, we’re right up there with the Tennessees and definitely ahead of Missouri,” Young said. “But, again, it is what it is. Control what we can control. We just want to go out and continue to dominate and play Duke softball.”

    Duke is set to play at No. 7 seed Missouri if both teams advance to the Super Regionals. If Missouri does not advance out of its regional and Duke does, it would still have the opportunity to host.

    The Blue Devils’ first opponent: Morgan State

    Morgan State (35-18) comes to Durham from the MEAC after winning its conference tournament.

    The Bears do not have the same kind of hitting numbers that Duke has, but they are a tough team to beat in the circle and aren’t afraid to make a ruckus on the base paths.

    Morgan State ranks No. 21 nationally in ERA (2.22) and No. 23 in stolen bases per game (1.77). The team has used seven different pitchers this season who have thrown 256 strikeouts.

    Additionally, its pitching staff has only allowed 65 walks, 13 hit batters, 139 runs and 12 home runs.

    Young said her team will need to play clean defense and make adjustments quickly to the Bears’ different types of pitchers.

    “You can’t overlook anyone in this game. We’ve seen it all throughout the season,” Torres added. “It doesn’t matter who you play, and who’s across in the other dugout. They come and play their best against Duke softball. We can’t really sleep on anyone.”

    The Blue Devils and Bears face off at 2:30 p.m. Friday in the first round.

    Who else is coming to Durham

    Utah (34-20) and South Carolina (34-22) also look to keep their seasons alive this weekend after showing inconsistent results this season. They rank outside of the RPI Top 25.

    The Utes advanced to the Women’s College World Series last spring and look to be hitting a stride. Utah lost to UCLA in the Pac-12 Championship, 2-1, after beating Oregon and Stanford.

    Abby Dayton leads the Utes at the plate, ranking No. 9 in the nation and No. 1 in the league for batting average (.438). Meanwhile, pitcher Mariah Lopez has thrown 214 strikeouts and averages 7.3 strikeouts per seven innings.

    The Utes also average 1.24 stolen bases per game.

    South Carolina has losses to Clemson, N.C. State, Wichita State and South Alabama, while picking up wins over Texas A&M, Florida and Kentucky. It lost in the SEC Tournament to A&M.

    The Gamecocks are not known for their high-octane offense and will rely on their pitching and defense. Alana Vawter leads the bullpen, which ranks No. 15 for ERA (2.07) and No. 23 for shutouts (13). The Gamecocks are also No. 9 for double plays per game (0.55).

    Utah and South Carolina play their first game at noon on Friday.

    “A lot of people look at our regional and would think ‘Yeah, that’s a tough regional,’” Torres said. “To have a difficult No. 2 and No. 3 seed, now they’re gonna have to throw their aces to each other before they come and play us. It does come to a little bit of an advantage that they’re going to play their best before having to come face us.”

    How to watch the NCAA softball regional

    All games on Friday and Saturday will be available on ESPN+.

    Friday’s game times: Noon, 2:30 p.m.

    Saturday’s game times: 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m.

    Sunday’s game times and TV channel have not been announced.

    Related stories from Raleigh News & Observer

    Jadyn Watson-Fisher

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  • Palmdale landfill searched for missing infant’s remains; parents arrested in Utah

    Palmdale landfill searched for missing infant’s remains; parents arrested in Utah

    Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigators have begun searching the Antelope Valley Landfill for the remains of an infant who disappeared in Palmdale earlier this month, law enforcement officials said late Tuesday.

    “Unfortunately, this started off as a missing infant and now it is a death investigation,” Lt. Omar Camacho told The Times. “We’re searching [the landfill] based on where the investigation has taken us, and unfortunately we weren’t able to find anything today.”

    The missing child, Baki Dewees, was born April 14 and last seen in Palmdale on May 3, according to a flier distributed by his family on Facebook.

    “My family & I [are] desperately asking for your help,” the child’s great aunt wrote on Facebook. “Baki is only 3 weeks old. Please help us bring Baki home to his grandmother.”

    Two days after giving birth, the mother — 25-year-old Rosealani Gaoa — was arrested in Ogden, Utah, on suspicion of aggravated child abuse, intentional child abuse and reckless child abuse, jail records show.

    At the time, Camacho said, Gaoa’s four children and the baby’s father were all with her in Utah. Afterward, family welfare officials there took custody of the child at the center of the abuse allegations. Camacho referred further questions about the nature of that case to officials in Ogden.

    “We didn’t investigate that case, nor did we have the specifics of it,” he said, noting that the alleged abuse occurred in Utah.

    One law enforcement source, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said the victim in that case is Baki’s oldest sister.

    After Gaoa’s arrest, the children’s father, Yusuf Dewees, 24, left Utah with the couple’s three remaining children and returned to Palmdale, officials said.

    But he came back to Ogden several days later, possibly so that authorities there could interview him, Camacho said. Jail records show he was arrested on May 7 and held without bail on suspicion of obstruction of justice and making a false statement.

    The law enforcement source not cleared to speak publicly said Dewees was arrested after being questioned about Baki’s disappearance and allegedly lying to police in Ogden. Camacho did not say whether the alleged obstruction stemmed from the incidents in California or in Utah.

    Ogden Police Lt. Glen Buss said police in Utah first contacted Dewees and Gaoa at a homeless shelter. He referred additional questions about the nature of their arrest to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, saying the two departments are working in conjunction.

    The case came to the attention of Sheriff’s Department officials after the infant’s grandmother made a missing person report sometime around May 8. Deputies responded to the 2300 block of Carolyn Drive in Palmdale regarding her call, according to a news release. Camacho said the matter was forwarded to the department’s Homicide Bureau a day later. On Tuesday, he said it was still too early in the investigation to release information about why officials believe the child is dead or how it is suspected he died.

    Searchers who began combing the landfill on Tuesday were looking for “specific things,” Camacho said. But he said finding the child’s remains could prove a difficult undertaking that might require cutting down through layers of refuse. The search could use machinery or cadaver dogs, he said, but “the only way possible at times is just with human hands.”

    Authorities will resume their search on Wednesday, according to the law enforcement source, who said the couple lives in Palmdale.

    “If we had believed that the child was still alive we would have asked the public for help,” Camacho said. “But at this point in time, unfortunately, that’s not the case. Now we’re just trying to get some closure for the family.”

    The remaining two children in California have since been removed by child welfare officials, Camacho said. It was not clear why the family was in Utah.

    James Queally, Keri Blakinger

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  • Hiker stranded on Utah hoodoo with ‘sharp, catastrophic drop on all sides,’ photo shows

    Hiker stranded on Utah hoodoo with ‘sharp, catastrophic drop on all sides,’ photo shows

    A hiker found himself stranded in a precarious spot on top of a “hoodoo with a sharp, catastrophic drop on all sides” in Utah, rescuers said.

    A hiker found himself stranded in a precarious spot on top of a “hoodoo with a sharp, catastrophic drop on all sides” in Utah, rescuers said.

    Photo by Linda Knicely via Unsplash

    A hiker found himself stranded in a precarious spot on top of a “hoodoo with a sharp, catastrophic drop on all sides” in Utah, rescuers said.

    The man in his 60s injured his ankle and had leaped over a 5-foot chasm onto the rock spire — and then couldn’t get back across the gap, Grand County EMS and sheriff’s search and rescue officials said in a May 10 post on Facebook.

    Rescuers shared a dramatic photo showing the hiker stranded on the mushroom-shaped spire at Pucker Pass in Long Canyon around 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Another photo shows a rescuer wearing a helmet and strapped into a harness as she carefully crawls across a ladder secured to both sides of the ground with ropes to get medical gear to the hiker.

    The rescuer tended to the hiker’s injured ankle, and he was able to crawl back across the ladder to safety, officials said. The rescue took about three hours.

    “A huge thank you to (Grand County Search And Rescue) for their leadership, technical skills, and unparalleled creativity to access the patient,” officials said in the post. “As we head into another beautiful weekend here in Moab, remember — just ‘cause ya saw a picture of it online, doesn’t always mean it’s the best idea.”

    The post caught the attention of a social media account known as @TouronsofYellowstone on Instagram, which highlights bad behavior in national parks.

    “How (awful) and sad,” someone wrote in the comments on the account’s May 11 post on Instagram. “I cannot go to that park. People do the scariest things!!!! Every step of (the) way people were practically falling off walkways doing selfies. Hanging their feet over 2,000 feet drops. I was sick. Just horrified.”

    Brooke (she/them) is a McClatchy Real-Time reporter who covers LGBTQ+ entertainment news and national parks out west. They studied journalism at the University of Florida, and previously covered LGBTQ+ news for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. When they’re not writing stories, they enjoy hanging out with their cats, riding horses or spending time outdoors.

    Brooke Baitinger

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  • These names top the list for Utah’s new NHL team (20 GIFs)

    These names top the list for Utah’s new NHL team (20 GIFs)

    Season after season the Arizona Coyotes have been the butt of the joke for the entire NHL. That ends next season! The team is officially relocating to Utah to become the Utah…Hockey Club? Wait, what?

    For their inaugural 2024-25 season, the team will have Utah written on their jerseys. The new team name, logo, and colours, will be unveiled for the 2025-26 season. Here are the choices the Utah ownership has released to fans for consideration.

    Jon

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  • 2 skiers killed after being caught in Utah avalanche following late spring snowstorms, sheriff says

    2 skiers killed after being caught in Utah avalanche following late spring snowstorms, sheriff says

    Two skiers were killed and one was rescued after an avalanche Thursday in the mountains outside of Salt Lake City that occurred after several days of spring snowstorms, authorities said. Video above: Skiing safety tips during avalancheA rescue team responded just after 10 a.m. to an avalanche reported near Lone Peak in the Wasatch Range southeast of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said.One of the skiers, who was able to dig himself out of the snow, had been rescued by midday and was taken to the hospital, Rivera said. A rescue team in a helicopter flew over the area and confirmed the other two men were deceased, Rivera said. They are two men, ages 23 and 32. Their names have not been released.Conditions were not safe enough to allow for a recovery on Thursday, and crews planned to go out Friday morning, weather permitting, Rivera said.Rivera said she believed the man who was rescued was the one who called for help. Officers were speaking with him at the hospital to get more information about what happened, the sheriff said.The skiers hiked into the area Thursday morning, she said.Craig Gordon with the Utah Avalanche Center said about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) of heavy, wet snow fell in the area in the past three days.The skiers would have had to have been very experienced to even be in the “very serious terrain,” he said.

    SANDY, Utah —

    Two skiers were killed and one was rescued after an avalanche Thursday in the mountains outside of Salt Lake City that occurred after several days of spring snowstorms, authorities said.

    Video above: Skiing safety tips during avalanche

    A rescue team responded just after 10 a.m. to an avalanche reported near Lone Peak in the Wasatch Range southeast of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said.

    One of the skiers, who was able to dig himself out of the snow, had been rescued by midday and was taken to the hospital, Rivera said.

    A rescue team in a helicopter flew over the area and confirmed the other two men were deceased, Rivera said. They are two men, ages 23 and 32. Their names have not been released.

    Conditions were not safe enough to allow for a recovery on Thursday, and crews planned to go out Friday morning, weather permitting, Rivera said.

    Rivera said she believed the man who was rescued was the one who called for help. Officers were speaking with him at the hospital to get more information about what happened, the sheriff said.

    The skiers hiked into the area Thursday morning, she said.

    Craig Gordon with the Utah Avalanche Center said about 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) of heavy, wet snow fell in the area in the past three days.

    The skiers would have had to have been very experienced to even be in the “very serious terrain,” he said.

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  • Utah couple accidentally ships pet cat to Riverside-based Amazon facility

    Utah couple accidentally ships pet cat to Riverside-based Amazon facility

    A Utah couple is thanking their lucky stars after they were reunited with their pet cat they accidentally shipped to an Amazon facility in Riverside while trying to make a return.

    Galena the cat is back home in the Beehive State after the wayward feline’s tendency to snuggle in boxes inadvertently took her on a trip to Southern California.

    According to the cat’s owners, Matt and Carrie Stevens Clark, the pair shipped a box of shoes to Amazon for a return. Little did they know, however, Galena made the mistake of making herself comfortable in that very same box.

    “That was the worst part, we just had no idea what happened,” Carrie told NBC affiliate KSL News. “She just mysteriously disappeared. We had absolutely no idea what happened to her.”

    Desperate to find their beloved pet, the couple set out fliers in their neighborhood bringing attention to their cat’s disappearance. They also called friends, family members and neighbors inquiring about Galena’s whereabouts.

    With no leads on their cat’s location, the couple became disheartened; that is — until they received a shocking phone call that Carrie described as “the most amazing, insane news in the entire world.”

    Galena’s microchip was detected 650 miles away in Riverside. An Amazon worker found the cat and took her under her care until the family could be reunited.

    “I just couldn’t even believe that she was in California,” she said. “I thought it was a prank. It’s still hard to wrap my brain around.”

    According to the Clarks, their cat sneakily went undetected in the large box and was shipped off.

    “We had no idea, so Matt took her to the package drop-off without knowing that our dear cat was inside,” Carrie said.

    Galena went six days without food or water but according to her owners, she has since recovered.

    “We’re just so happy to have her again,” Carrie said. “Oh my goodness.”

    Karla Rendon

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  • Convicted child abuser Jodi Hildebrandt’s $5 million Utah home was most-viewed listing on Realtor.com last week

    Convicted child abuser Jodi Hildebrandt’s $5 million Utah home was most-viewed listing on Realtor.com last week

    Sitting in prison, Jodi Hildebrandt can’t see her luxurious Utah home anymore — but millions of people on the Internet can. Her four-bedroom house on a 1.4-acre property with a guesthouse in Ivins was the most-viewed listing on Realtor.com last week, the real estate website said. 

    Initially listed for $5.3 million, the “concrete fortress” went on the market in January, shortly before Hildebrandt and her business partner, parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke, were sentenced to up to 30 years in a Utah court on child abuse charges.

    Last year, Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped from the home and ran to a neighbor’s house for help, and to ask for food and water. He was emaciated and had duct tape and burns on his wrists and legs, authorities said. Franke’s 10-year-old malnourished daughter was also found by officers in Hildebrandt’s house. She was taken to the hospital.  

    Hildebrandt and Franke were arrested after authorities found evidence the children were tortured in the home. 

    YouTube Mom Child Abuse
    This image taken from body camera footage provided by Washington County Attorney’s Office shows Jodi Hildebrandt, left, and Ruby Franke, center, being arrested on child abuse charges on Aug. 30, 2023, in Ivins, Utah. 

    / AP


    The arresting officer said Hildebrandt had “knowledge of the abuse, malnourishment, and neglect in the home.” 

    Franke’s popular “8 Passengers” YouTube channel dispensed advice, often from the basement of Hildebrandt’s home. She also appeared in a video posted online by Hildebrandt’s counseling business, ConneXions Classroom.

    Nestled behind striking sandstone foothills, the Utah property, which has a “concrete storage room under the garage” has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and expansive views of the craggy desert landscape from almost every room. There are built-in closets and a granite countertop kitchen overlooking the backyard and in-ground pool. In addition to the four bedrooms, the house, which was built in 2017, has a five-car garage, and three-and-a-half baths. 

    Hildebrandt’s house has dropped in price by $305,000, according to Realtor.com, and is now listed for $4,995,000. 

    The listing beat views on nine other properties, including the country’s most expensive listing — Gordon’s Pointe in Naples, Florida. Listed at $295,000 million the property has 1,655 feet of water frontage.

    Cara Tabachnick

    Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at cara.tabachnick@cbsinteractive.com

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  • Before Nuggets’ high-stakes clash with Timberwolves, Michael Malone and Nikola Jokic must exorcise Utah demons: “We don’t really acclimate to the altitude very well”

    Before Nuggets’ high-stakes clash with Timberwolves, Michael Malone and Nikola Jokic must exorcise Utah demons: “We don’t really acclimate to the altitude very well”

    It’s clear which of the Nuggets’ four remaining games is the most consequential, but what precedes it might be the dictionary definition of a trap game.

    There’s even a precedent. Ninth-year coach Michael Malone had that on his mind as he arrived at Ball Arena for practice Monday morning, causing him to ask special assistant to the head coach Andrew Munson for evidence.

    “I knew that we had struggled in Salt Lake City,” Malone said. He didn’t realize just how bad his coaching record was, though.

    Munson informed him that Denver has lost six consecutive road games against the Utah Jazz entering their matchup Tuesday. Sounded about right to Malone. “But…” Munson continued, catching Malone off guard — “I’m like oh, there’s a ‘but’ to this?” — the Nuggets are also 1-14 in Salt Lake during Malone’s tenure.

    Bulletin board material: obtained.

    Denver’s excursion to face Utah (29-49) is the forgettable first half of a critical back-to-back that will help shape the final seeding of the Western Conference playoffs. The second half is back home against Minnesota in a showdown that could finally determine the No. 1 seed once and for all. With four games to go and the entire league idle Monday, the Nuggets (54-24) know this much: They will automatically clinch that top seed if they win out. But if they lose to the Timberwolves, with whom they’re currently tied, they’ll all but forfeit the race. Minnesota would have to lose two of its other three remaining games, while Denver would have to win all three. And Oklahoma City would have to lose at least one more.

    Needless to say, human nature might be to disregard that irksome round-trip flight to Utah, where a lottery team awaits.

    “My most important message to our group today was, everybody’s talking about Wednesday night; I don’t care about Wednesday night,” Malone said. “Because if we don’t handle our business tomorrow night, that takes away from the importance of Wednesday.”

    So Malone quizzed likely MVP winner Nikola Jokic about the number of games they’ve won together at Delta Center. The Nuggets center guessed three. “I wish it was three,” Malone responded.

    He had one-on-one discussions with a number of Denver’s players Monday, making sure everyone was on the same page entering the last week of the regular season. As of about noon, Malone believed the entire roster would be making the trip, “and hopefully they’re all available to play tomorrow night.” That includes Jamal Murray, who returned Saturday after a seven-game absence, and Aaron Gordon, who missed the last win with a foot injury.

    Despite various bumps and bruises, the Nuggets are feeling good overall about their collective physical state with the playoffs looming.

    It’s their mental state that has Malone worried. And the apparently cursed state that is Utah.

    “I think it’s jet lag,” he deadpanned. “That’s a really long flight. And we don’t really acclimate to the altitude very well.”

    KCP’s off day

    One of those bumps is the swollen and distorted-looking right pinky finger of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who dislocated it during a game in February. Since then, he’s been deciding during his pregame shooting routine whether he wants to tape up the finger or leave it alone that night.

    Whatever he’s doing is working — he’s shooting 47.6% from 3-point range in 22 games since the All-Star break — but he says the injury “won’t heal up until the summertime.”

    Bennett Durando

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  • Does Kevin Bacon Use Weed

    Does Kevin Bacon Use Weed

    He is the ideal rebel for a generation – but does Kevin Bacon use weed?

    He is a symbol of rebel – his defining roll in the movie Footloose set a music and rebel tone for a generation. The classic movie is about one teen’s desire to dance changed the mindset of a small town. When it premiered, marijuana was not legal anywhere in North America. The movie was filmed at Payson High School in Utah, and now Bacon is returning for the school’s prom on the 40th anniversary of the premier.  And boy, have things changed.  In 2018, Utah approved and started legal medical marijuana, a first step toward recreational. So now patients in Payson can dance and consume.

    RELATED: California or New York, Which Has The Biggest Marijuana Mess

    Bacon’s career continued in such diverse vehicles as Frost/Nixon, X-Men: First Class, Crazy Stupid, Love, and I Love Dick Six Degrees.  There is even a fun game/meme of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon where players try to connect actors or people to others within 6 connections – and the less connections the better.  After all this, does Kevin Bacon use weed and chill?

    Well, the answer is Bacon cuts loose and enjoys the plant. He is very open about it and in fact shared. “Different people react differently to it,” Bacon said. “I’m okay as long as I’m in a super, super safe kind of situation … I need to be like in bed, or something’s on. Like work, never, never, never … otherwise I can get a little paranoid.”

    But sometimes, things happen. Kevin Bacon revealed to Seth Meyers he got high on marijuana with co-star Daniel Stern before filming a scene for the 80’s hit Diner. Thinking they had the day off, he and Stern head to a movie theatre to chill and watch a film.  Partially through the movie, he got called to return to the set.  Stern was not need and laughing is head off.

    “I was fine. It turned out that the scene was just me walking in the background or something like that. Plus the adrenaline just straightened me right up,” Bacon said.

    RELATED: People Who Use Weed Also Do More Of Another Fun Thing

    Krya Sedgwick, Bacon’s wife,  shared to prep for a role, she got stoned with him. Marijuana is a great material aid, maybe it is one of the reasons the Hollywood couple has been together for 35 years. They starred in numerous movies together including Space Oddity which Sedgwick and Bacon starred.

    It is great Bacon has kept up the fight to open people’s minds about new things.

    Anthony Washington

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  • Jon Huntsman Fast Facts | CNN Politics

    Jon Huntsman Fast Facts | CNN Politics



    CNN
     — 

    Here’s a look at the life of Jon Huntsman, former Utah Governor and 2012 Republican presidential candidate.

    Birth date: March 26, 1960

    Birth place: Palo Alto, California

    Birth name: Jon Meade Huntsman Jr.

    Father: Jon Meade Huntsman Sr., billionaire chemical magnate

    Mother: Karen (Haight) Huntsman

    Marriage: Mary Kaye Cooper (1983-present)

    Children: Asha Bharati, adopted from India; Gracie Mei, adopted from China; William, Jon III, Elizabeth, Abigail and Mary Anne

    Education: Attended University of Utah, 1978-1980; University of Pennsylvania, B.A. in Political Science, 1987

    Religion: Mormon

    Dropped out of high school in his senior year to play piano with local bands. The University of Utah, at the time, allowed completion of high school coursework after admission.

    Served a two-year Mormon mission in Taiwan.

    Speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.

    Worked as legislative intern for Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT).

    His father owned the company that invented the McDonald’s Big Mac clamshell box.

    The family chemical business, Huntsman Corp., is a global enterprise with subsidiaries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North and South America.

    Huntsman has served on numerous boards, including Caterpillar Inc., the US Naval Academy Foundation, Hilton Worldwide and the National Committee on US-China Relations.

    1982-1983 – White House staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan.

    1983-1989 – Executive at Huntsman Corp.

    1989-1990 – Deputy assistant secretary for the Trade Development Bureau of the Commerce Department.

    1990-1991 – Deputy assistant secretary of Commerce for East Asia and the Pacific.

    1992-1993 – US ambassador to Singapore.

    1995-2001 – President of Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

    2001-2003 – Deputy US trade representative.

    2001 – Divests of most personal stock upon becoming trade representative, including that held by his wife and held in the trust for his children.

    2003-2004 – Chairman and CEO of Huntsman Family Holdings Co.

    2004 – Places personal assets, 1.5% of Huntsman Family Holdings Co. in blind trust during gubernatorial campaign.

    2005-2009 – 16th Governor of Utah, resigns in 2009 to become US ambassador to China.

    2005 – Divests all personal holdings in Huntsman Corp.

    July 2006 – Endorses Senator John McCain (R-AZ) in the 2008 presidential race.

    2008 – Serves as national co-chairman of McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign.

    August 7, 2009 – Huntsman is confirmed by the US Senate as US ambassador to China.

    August 11, 2009-April 30, 2011 – Ambassador to China.

    January 2011 – Delivers letter of resignation to President Barack Obama, stating his intention to step down as ambassador on April 30, 2011.

    June 21, 2011 – Announces candidacy for 2012 GOP nomination for president at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, the same place Reagan launched his campaign in 1980.

    October 18, 2011 – Boycotts the CNN/Western Republican Presidential Debate out of deference to New Hampshire, which is locked in a political scheduling fight with Nevada.

    January 16, 2012 – Withdraws from the Republican presidential race and endorses former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

    January 26, 2012 – Huntsman is named chairman of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

    June 20, 2012 – The Brookings Institution announces that Huntsman will serve as a distinguished fellow.

    January 3, 2013 – The bipartisan political group No Labels names Huntsman and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) as leaders of the organization.

    January 15, 2014 – The Atlantic Council names Huntsman chairman of its board of directors.

    September 3, 2014 – Huntsman tells the Deseret News he feels same-sex marriage across the country is “inevitable,” and rules out another run for president in 2016.

    July 18, 2017 – The White House announces that President Donald Trump has chosen Huntsman to be the US ambassador to Russia.

    September 28, 2017 – The Senate confirms Huntsman as ambassador to Russia.

    November 1, 2018 – The Deseret News publishes an interview in which Huntsman reveals he has stage one skin cancer.

    August 6, 2019 – Huntsman submits his resignation letter to President Trump. His resignation is effective October 3.

    November 14, 2019 – Announces he is running for governor of Utah in 2020.

    February 7, 2020 – Huntsman announces Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi as his running mate in the Utah gubernatorial race.

    July 6, 2020 – Hunstman concedes Utah’s GOP gubernatorial primary race to Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox.

    September 8, 2020 – Chevron announces that Huntsman has been reelected to the board of directors, effective September 15. Huntsman previously served on the board from 2014 to 2017.

    October 2020 – Reelected to the board of directors for Ford Motor Company, after serving on the board from 2012 to 2017.

    January 21, 2021 – Named chair of World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah), an organization promoting the state’s businesses globally.

    March 11, 2024 – Is hired by Mastercard as the vice chairman and president of strategic growth.

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  • Megyn Kelly Torches ‘Classless’ Jimmy Kimmel For Terrible Oscars Hosting Performance

    Megyn Kelly Torches ‘Classless’ Jimmy Kimmel For Terrible Oscars Hosting Performance

    Source YouTube: Megyn Kelly, Jimmy Kimmel Live!

    The former Fox News host Megyn Kelly is speaking out to slam the “classless” Jimmy Kimmel for the way he hosted the Oscars on Sunday night after he used the show to shamelessly bash Donald Trump. Kelly fired back by torching Kimmel and bringing up his documented history of blackface.

    Kelly Eviscerates Kimmel

    Though Kimmel initially avoided politics while hosting the Oscars, he took a shot at Trump at the end of the show after the former president bashed his hosting style on social media.

    “Thank you, President Trump,” Kimmel said, according to CBS News. “Thank you for watching. I’m surprised you’re still up. Isn’t it past jail time?” 

    This didn’t sit well with Kelly, who fired back at Kimmel on her eponymous SiriusXM talk show.

    “He found time to take a shot at Trump, he found time to take a shot at Katie Britt, he did not find any time to make fun of Joe Biden who is the sitting president of the United—I just guess there’s no fodder there, nothing to joke about,” Kelly said.

    Kelly’s guest Andrew Klavan, a conservative political commentator, responded by saying that Kimmel “just following what the news media is doing.” He added that he was surprised that Kimmel never mentioned President Joe Biden, who had just given “the worst State of the Union address in my lifetime,” which he called “ugly and divisive.”

    Related: Trump Rejoices After ‘Loser’ Jimmy Kimmel Suggests He May Be Retiring From Late Night

    Kelly Brings Up Kimmel’s Blackface History

    Earlier in the show, Kelly criticized the Oscars audience, “who laughed and curried favor with the man who wore blackface so many times, he’s second only to Justin Trudeau in his fondness for the practice.”

    Kelly went on to say that the Hollywood stars “absolutely ate up the performance by Hollywood darling Mr. Kimmel” even though “some of the very same celebrities who wanted you to believe they were horrified — horrified — after yours truly said in 2018 that people used to don dark makeup to imitate well-known black celebrities and it wasn’t a big deal.”

    The New York Post reported that this was a reference to Kimmel wearing blackface to portray the black Utah Jazz star Karl Malone in a skit on “The Man Show” back in the 1990s. He also wore dark makeup to portray Oprah Winfrey in another skit. In contrast, Kelly was fired by NBC in 2018 after she simply weighed in on those wearing blackface, saying that “in the 70s/80s, it used to be viewed differently.”

    “Obviously Kimmel’s love of blackface was not a deal-breaker for ABC — which already employs him as a late-night host and which, in addition to its many blackface awards shows, also produced and promoted many shows and stars in blackface,” Kelly lamented.

    “It appears the real sin with blackface, you see, is talking about how standards on it have changed, not actually wearing it,” she continued. “You can still win Oscars and host the Oscars after doing that.”

    Check out her full comments on this in the video below.

    Related: Blackface Comedian Jimmy Kimmel Mocks Fox For Anti-Woke Segments: ‘Make Your Own Homophobic Potato Dudes’

    Kelly Rips Kimmel For Robert Downey Jr. Joke

    Kelly also ripped into Kimmel for a joke he made at the expense of Robert Downey Jr., who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar on Sunday night for his work in Oppenheimer.

    “This is the highest point of Robert Downey Jr’s career… well, one of the highest points,” Kimmel said during the opening monologue. When Downey Jr. responded by tapping his nose in a sign of recognition, Kimmel asked: “Was that too on the nose or a drug motion you made?”

    A visibly annoyed Downey Jr. reacted to this by signaling Kimmel to move on from the joke.

    “What Kimmel did last night, was he tried to mock people’s weaknesses and things they had genuinely fought hard to overcome, like he did to Robert Downey Jr, who wound up being a favorite of the night,” Kelly said.

    “But before he won Best Supporting Actor for Oppenheimer, Kimmel, in his opening monologue, decided to take a shot at—everyone knows about Robert Downey Jr’s long history with drugs and alcohol,” she continued. “It’s something no one celebrates but he needs to be given credit for overcoming.”

    After Kelly played a clip of the exchange, she added, “What was that? That was just classless.”

    Kelly concluded by comparing the way Kimmel hosted the Oscars to the way the British comedian Ricky Gervais hosted the Golden Globes on five separate occasions in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2020, according to Newsweek.

    “Last night, one of the things I think stood out about Kimmel’s hosting was, he didn’t get it. The reason Ricky Gervais did so well when he hosted those Golden Globes and just eviscerated everyone in that room is because he was making fun of them on things that we knew were true,” Kelly explained.

    “Y’know kind of, their abuse of their own power, their self-importance and that kind of thing and he was punching up, which is okay,” she stated.

    Check out Kelly’s full comments on this in the video below.

    The hypocrisy of Kimmel and the rest of Hollywood never ceases to amaze, and good for Kelly for calling them all out. No wonder the Oscars has been struggling to get anyone to watch for years!

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  • Beyond the City: 11 Charming Small Towns in Utah

    Beyond the City: 11 Charming Small Towns in Utah

    Utah, a state known for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, also harbors quaint small towns just waiting to be explored. From the rugged beauty of the desert to the tranquility of mountain valleys, these towns offer a glimpse into Utah’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Utah, or you just want to learn more, you’re in the right place. In this Redfin article, we will uncover 11 small towns in Utah that you won’t want to miss. Let’s get started.

    1. Brigham City, UT

    Median Sale Price: $347,500
    Homes for sale in Brigham City | Apartments for rent in Brigham City

    Situated against the backdrop of the Wellsville Mountains, Brigham City is a place where history and nature converge. The town is famous for its peach orchards, with the Peach Days festival celebrating the harvest each September. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts flock to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, a vital stop for migratory birds. Brigham City’s historic Main Street, with its charming shops and local eateries, invites visitors to step back in time.

    2. South Ogden, UT

    Median Sale Price: $410,000
    Homes for sale in South Ogden | Apartments for rent in South Ogden

    With its stunning views of the Wasatch Range, South Ogden offers a blend of suburban living and outdoor adventure. The city prides itself on its well-maintained parks and recreational facilities, including the Ogden Nature Center. Residents enjoy a tight-knit community atmosphere, with annual events that bring everyone together.

    3. Vernal, UT

    Median Sale Price: $362,500
    Homes for sale in Vernal | Apartments for rent in Vernal

    Vernal, known as the gateway to the Dinosaur National Monument, is a prehistoric wonderland. The town is a hub for adventurers and history buffs alike, offering numerous outdoor activities and a rich history to explore. The Uintah County Heritage Museum provides insights into the area’s past, while the annual DinoTri captivates athletes with its scenic beauty. Vernal’s vibrant community and small-town charm make it a unique place to live.

    4. Grantsville, UT

    Median Sale Price: $520,000
    Homes for sale in Grantsville | Apartments for rent in Grantsville

    Grantsville, with its serene landscapes and spacious surroundings, offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town is known for its annual Old Folks Sociable, a tradition that celebrates the community’s seniors. Grantsville’s proximity to the Great Salt Lake and the Stansbury Mountain Range provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to bird watching and boating.

    Beautiful Ogden Valley with Pineview Reservoir, Utah

    5. Tremonton, UT

    Median Sale Price: $340,000
    Homes for sale in Tremonton | Apartments for rent in Tremonton

    Located at the junction of the Bear River and Malad River, Tremonton is a community where agriculture meets innovation. The town hosts the Tremonton City Days every summer, featuring parades, rodeos, and fireworks. The Bear River Valley Museum offers a glimpse into the area’s pioneering history. Tremonton’s commitment to growth and development, while maintaining its rural charm, makes it an appealing place for both residents and visitors.

    6. Smithfield, UT

    Median Sale Price: $358,000
    Homes for sale in Smithfield | Apartments for rent in Smithfield

    Smithfield, often referred to as “Utah’s Health City,” is renowned for its commitment to community health and outdoor recreation. The town boasts the Birch Creek Golf Course, a favorite among locals and visitors. The annual Health Days festival, with its 5K run, parade, and community breakfast, highlights Smithfield’s dedication to wellness. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Smithfield offers a picturesque setting for a balanced and active lifestyle.

    7. Price, UT

    Median Sale Price: $265,000
    Homes for sale in Price | Apartments for rent in Price

    Price stands as a cultural and educational center in eastern Utah, home to the Utah State University Eastern campus. The town’s history is richly preserved in the Prehistoric Museum, where dinosaur fossils and ancient artifacts are on display. Price’s diverse landscape offers everything from desert canyons to lush forests, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The community’s spirit is best seen during the International Days festival, celebrating the town’s cultural diversity.

    8. Santaquin, UT

    Median Sale Price: $480,000
    Homes for sale in Santaquin | Apartments for rent in Santaquin

    At the southern end of Utah County, Santaquin is celebrated for its orchards and annual Cherry Days festival. This event features a parade, fireworks, and cherry-pitting contests. The town’s rural setting, against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, offers a tranquil lifestyle with easy access to outdoor adventures. Santaquin’s commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage, while fostering growth, makes it a unique blend of the past and present.

    9. Moab, UT

    Median Sale Price: $540,000
    Homes for sale in Moab | Apartments for rent in Moab

    Moab is an adventure seeker’s paradise, known worldwide for its stunning red rock landscapes and the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The town serves as a base for mountain biking, rock climbing, and river rafting enthusiasts. Moab’s vibrant arts scene, with galleries and festivals, adds a cultural dimension to its rugged exterior. The annual Moab Jeep Safari exemplifies the town’s adventurous spirit, attracting visitors from across the globe.

    Zion National Park

    10. Ephraim, UT

    Median Sale Price: $323,000
    Homes for sale in Ephraim | Apartments for rent in Ephraim

    Ephraim is a small town in Utah you won’t want to miss. The town’s annual Scandinavian Festival pays homage to the town’s heritage with music, dance, and traditional foods. Ephraim’s outdoor scene is vibrant, with nearby mountains offering trails for hiking, biking, and ATV riding.

    11. Nephi, UT

    Median Sale Price: $490,000
    Homes for sale in Nephi | Apartments for rent in Nephi

    Nephi, the county seat of Juab County, is a blend of history and outdoor recreation. The Ute Stampede Rodeo, one of Utah’s oldest and most celebrated rodeos, takes place here annually, drawing crowds with its thrilling performances. Nephi’s location at the base of the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway makes it a gateway to breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. The town’s friendly atmosphere and community-oriented spirit make it a welcoming place for all who visit.

    Jenna Hall

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  • Dylan Mulvaney Attempts Standup Comedy Career – Immediately Gets Shut Down

    Dylan Mulvaney Attempts Standup Comedy Career – Immediately Gets Shut Down

    Opinion

    Source: The Quartering YouTube

    The transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney is trying to launch a standup comedy career. Unfortunately for the influencer, however, it is not going well, as social media users are blasting Mulvaney’s jokes as being “cringe.”

    Mulvaney’s Standup Comedy Act

    Daily Mail reported that after costing Bud Light’s parent company Anheuser-Busch $1.4 billion in sales last year, Mulvaney decided that standup comedy was the way to go. It didn’t take long for social media users to shut this notion down, however.

    After Mulvaney took the stage at a Utah comedy club, viewers said that the set was “cringe” and that the audience was “clapping not because it’s funny, but because they want to be supportive.”

    “Look at me doing stand up,” Mulvaney said in a clip posted to social media after appearing at Wiseguys Salt Lake City back in January while wearing a knitted pink crop top and white skirt.

    Mulvaney went on to touch on the Bud Light boycott that was launched by conservatives last year after the brand teamed up with the transgender influencer.

    “The conservative men are just p****d that I can beat them in beer pong,” Mulvaney said. “And the conservative women are p****d that their kids are calling me ‘mother’ in all of my Instagram comments.”

    Related: Bud Light Boycott Reportedly Cost Anheuser-Busch InBev $1.4 Billion After Dylan Mulvaney Debacle

    Social Media Users Fire Back

    Though Mulvaney claimed to be “so happy” that the show “went so well,” social media users made it clear that this was not the case at all.

    “Dylan Mulvaney is arguably one of the most attention-seeking individuals in recent history,” one user commented, with another simply adding, “Soooo cringe.”

    “Confirmed, not even men pretending to be women are good at comedy,” a third user commented. A fourth person wrote, “I feel like the clapping is not because it’s funny, but because they want to be supportive, Which is sweet, but not comedy.”

    After Mulvaney teamed up with Bud Light for a partnership last year, conservatives launched a highly effective boycott of the brand that resulted in its parent company Anheuser-Busch losing $1.4 billion in 2023, “primarily due to the volume declined of Bud Light,” according to CNN, citing the brewer’s fourth-quarter earnings report.

    “In the U.S., performance remains very underwhelming with revenue down at double-digit rates as the group lost market share,” said Aarin Chiekrie, an equity analyst at online investing platform Hargreaves Lansdown.

    Related: Dylan Mulvaney Rejoices After Scoring New Female Gender Marker On Passport

    Mulvaney Abandons Bud Light

    Mulvaney abandoned Bud Light almost immediately after the boycott began.

    “For a company to hire a trans person and then not publicly stand by them is worse than not hiring a trans person at all,” Mulvaney said in a video posted to social media in June of last year, according to Billboard. “It gives customers permission to be as transphobic and hateful as they want.”

    “And the hate doesn’t end with me. It has serious and grave consequences for the rest of our community,” Mulvaney added. “And we’re customers too. I know a lot of trans and queer people who love beer.”

    Mulvaney went on to claim to be “scared” to leave the house, and to be experiencing “a loneliness that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”

    “To turn a blind eye and pretend everything is OK — it just isn’t an option right now,” Mulvaney concluded. “And you might say, ‘But Dylan, I don’t want to get political.’ Babe, supporting trans people, it shouldn’t be political. There should be nothing controversial or divisive about working with us.”

    There is quite literally nothing funny about Mulvaney, so we can’t imagine why the transgender influencer thought standup comedy was a good idea. Only time will tell if Mulvaney decides to grab the microphone and subject the world to an unfunny standup comedy set again.

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  • The People v. Kouri Richins

    The People v. Kouri Richins

    The People v. Kouri Richins – CBS News


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    When her husband is found dead of an apparent overdose, Kouri Richins writes a children’s book about grief. Soon after she’s charged with his murder. “48 Hours” contributor Natalie Morales reports.

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  • Malia Obama Goes Hollywood – Screens Her Own Movie At Sundance

    Malia Obama Goes Hollywood – Screens Her Own Movie At Sundance

    Opinion

    Source: Page Six YouTube

    Malia Obama, the daughter of the former President Barack Obama, is reportedly trying to make it in Hollywood, as she resurfaced at the Sundance Film Festival this week to screen her short film The Heart.

    Malia’s New Movie

    The Hollywood Reporter stated that Malia, 25, wrote and directed the project under the name “Malia Ann,” and the short is about a grieving son grappling with an unusual request his mother left for him in her will.

    “The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in these things,” Malia said in a video promoting the film.

    “The folks who came together to make this film have my heart, pun intended. And I’m incredibly grateful to them for giving this story life. And we are grateful to Sundance for giving us the opportunity to share it with you all,” she added. “We hope that you enjoy the film and that it makes you feel a bit less lonely or at least reminds you not to forget about the people who are.”

    Check out her full comments in the video below.

    Related: Michelle Obama Claims She Worries About Her Daughters Whenever They Get In A Car Because They’re Black

    Malia’s Red Carpet Debut

    People Magazine reported that Malia appeared at the red carpet for the film festival, which is held at the Prospector Square Theater in Park City, Utah. There, she was seen wearing a gray maxi coat, white button-down shirt and black jeans along with a gray scarf and brown boots.

    Malia has long been trying to make it in Hollywood, and she previously worked as a writer on the Prime Video thriller series “Swarm.”

    “Some of her pitches were wild as hell, and they were just so good and so funny,” the program’s show runner Janine Nabers told Entertainment Tonight of Malia last year. “She’s an incredible writer. She brought a lot to the table… She’s really, really dedicated to her craft.”

    Malia was hired for “Swarm” by Donald Glover, who both starred in and produced it.

    “I feel like she’s just somebody who’s gonna have really good things coming soon,” he told Vanity Fair of Malia in 2022. “Her writing style is great.”

    Related: Michelle Obama Describes Having Children As A ‘Concession’ That Cost Her Her ‘Dreams’

    Malia’s History With Harvey Weinstein

    It should be noted that during her time attending Harvard University, Malia worked as an intern for the Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein before his sexual assault scandal broke. TMZ reported at the time that Malia was “ensconced in the production/development department,” tasked with “reading through scripts and deciding which ones move on to Weinstein brass.”

    Time Magazine reported that Weinstein contributed more than $70,000 to Barack Obama’s reelection campaign in 2012, according to FEC documents. He’d also donated $3,000 to former President Bill Clinton’s reelection campaign in 2000 and more than $26,000 to campaigns or political action committees backing 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton since 2000, according to Business Insider.

    Weinstein was later convicted of raping multiple women and is currently serving a 23 year prison sentence. Malia has never spoken out publicly about her time working for him.

    Given how much the liberal world of Hollywood has been fawning over the entire Obama family for years, it should come as no surprise that Malia is already being given the opportunity to direct her own movies. What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments section.

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  • Missing Chinese Exchange Student Found In Utah Mountains After Alleged ‘Cyber Kidnapping’

    Missing Chinese Exchange Student Found In Utah Mountains After Alleged ‘Cyber Kidnapping’

    Police officers in northern Utah found a 17-year-old Chinese exchange student freezing but unharmed in a mountainous area Sunday after he was reported missing days earlier in what they described as a “cyber kidnapping.”

    Kai Zhuang was reported missing Thursday after his parents in China contacted his high school, saying they received photos of their son along with a request for ransom, the Riverdale Police Department said in a news release.

    Kai Zhuang was discovered “alive but very cold and scared” inside a tent in a mountainous area near Brigham City, according to the Riverdale Police Department.

    Riverdale Police Department

    According to police, Zhuang was found “alive but very cold and scared” inside a tent with nothing but a heat blanket and sleeping bag to keep him warm and a limited supply of food and water.

    Police said Zhuang’s host family in Riverdale, in the Ogden area, told detectives they heard him in the house on Thursday morning and were unaware he had gone missing.

    Zhuang’s family in China gave detectives a photo of what appeared to be their son being held captive and in danger, police said.

    Zhuang’s family told investigators they transferred $80,000 to bank accounts in China after receiving several threats from the alleged kidnappers.

    A joint investigation with Riverdale police, the FBI, the U.S. embassy in China and Chinese officials found that Zhuang was possibly a victim of a criminal trend known as cyber-kidnapping.

    Surveillance footage and bank records revealed that Zhuang had purchased camping equipment on Dec. 20, police said.

    His bank records and phone location indicated he visited the Brigham City Canyon area, about 25 miles north of Ogden, where police suspected Zhuang was setting up camp. Police said they feared he would freeze overnight.

    Kai Zhuang was tracked to a tent pitched in a mountainous area about 25 miles from his host family's home in Riverdale.
    Kai Zhuang was tracked to a tent pitched in a mountainous area about 25 miles from his host family’s home in Riverdale.

    Riverdale Police Department

    Zhuang was found inside a tent in a wooded area along with several phones believed to have been used to carry out the cyber-kidnapping, police said.

    “Relieved” to have been found, Zhuang asked officers for a “warm cheeseburger” and to speak to his family in China to let them know he was safe, police said.

    According to police, Zhuang’s case mirrors other cyber-kidnapping cases in the U.S. that have targeted exchange students.

    Police said extortionists will contact foreign students, tell them to isolate themselves and convince them to take photos to make it appear they are being held captive.

    “The victims comply out of fear that their families will be harmed if they don’t comply with the cyber-kidnappers,” police said.

    The criminals convince the victim to send the photos to their family in a demand for a ransom. They may also monitor their victim through a video call, such as FaceTime or Skype, and then send the photos and voice recordings to convince the family their loved one is in danger, police said.

    Marie-Helen Maras, director of the Center for Cybercrime Studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, told the BBC that there have been several cases of Chinese exchange students being coerced into staging their abduction to extort money from their family.

    The Chinese embassy in Washington has advised Chinese citizens living in the U.S. to be aware of virtual kidnapping and other forms of online fraud, an embassy spokesperson told The Guardian.

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  • Missing Riverdale foreign exchange student found near Brigham City in case of ‘cyber kidnapping’

    Missing Riverdale foreign exchange student found near Brigham City in case of ‘cyber kidnapping’

    BRIGHAM CITY, Utah (ABC4) — A missing and endangered 17-year-old Chinese foreign exchange student has been located and returned to his family, according to Riverdale City Police.

    Kai Zhuang had been reported as kidnapped on Dec. 28 after his parents in China received a ransom demand for his safe return. The parents contacted school officials in his host city of Riverdale, where police said even the family he had been staying with did not know he was missing.

    Tonight, Riverdale Police say that after a hunt that included multiple counties and even the FBI, Zhuang was found in a tent on a mountainside near Brigham City. Police said Zhuang was “very cold and scared,” and “relived to see police.” They’re calling his disappearance a “cyber kidnapping.”

    Cyber Kidnapping

    Zhuang’s host family in Riverdale told police he had been home the night prior to his disappearance, and they hadn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary. While they had heard him moving in the early morning hours on Dec. 28, they’d had no reason for concern.

    While original police reports stated that it was possible Zhuang had been forcefully kidnapped, they stated in tonight’s press release that this had not been the case. In fact, Zhuang left the house on his own.

    Meanwhile, Riverdale Police were teaming up with the FBI and the U.S. and Chinese embassies to find out more information. Investigators learned that Zhuang’s family had transferred around $80,000 to bank accounts in China after receiving threats from the kidnappers. The family had also received a photo of Zhuang, “and it appeared he was being held captive and was in danger,” according to Riverdale Police.

    The FBI briefed investigators on several other recent similar cases they were referring to as “cyber kidnappings,” in which kidnappers target foreign exchange students. Chinese exchange students have been a specific target in these cases.

    The kidnappers threaten both the family back in China and the student in their host country by telling each that the other is in danger. They demand ransom from the family while telling the student to isolate themselves, monitoring them via cell phone, including Facetime and/or Skype sessions. They convince the victim to take actions such as taking a photograph that makes it look like they’ve been held captive.

    “The victims comply out of fear that their families will be harmed if they don’t comply with the cyber kidnappers,” said the Riverdale Police press release. “The cyber kidnappers continue to extort the family by using fear tactics, photos and voice recordings of the victim, leading the family to believe the kidnappers are with the victim, causing them harm.”

    The search and rescue

    Riverdale Police said their investigation started with warrants for phone records, bank accounts, and transportation companies. Police looked at neighborhood surveillance footage to try to establish a timeline.

    On Dec. 20, Provo Police reported they had met Zhuang attempting to go camping nearby, but they were worried for his safety and arranged to have him taken back to Riverdale. Though Zhuang did not tell Provo Police at the time, investigators say he was already being manipulated by the cyber kidnappers.

    However, when Riverdale Police began their investigation on Dec. 28, they searched his host family’s home and could not locate the camping gear Zhuang had with him when he was found by Provo officers. Police later tracked Zhuang to the Brigham City area after analyzing purchases, looking at phone records and by pinging his phone.

    “We believed the victim was isolating himself at the direction of the cyber kidnappers in a tent,” stated Riverdale Police. “Due to the cold weather in Utah at this time of year, we became additionally concerned for the victim’s safety in that he may freeze to death overnight.” In fact, Zhuang had no heat source in the tent when he was found.

    He was located as drones from Weber County and the Utah DPS Aero Bureau began searching for his campsite. A Riverdale Police detective eventually found Zhuang in his tent in a wooded area in Brigham City canyon.

    Zhuang was cleared of any potential medical dangers, including hypothermia. He only wanted to speak to his family to make sure they were safe “and requested a warm cheeseburger.”

    What should you do?

    Riverdale Police say that if you are approached by cyber kidnappers, you should not give them any money and you should contact authorities immediately while stopping all communication with the criminals.

    “I want foreign exchange students to know they can trust police to protect them and to work with police to ensure their safety as well as their family’s safety abroad,” said Riverdale Police Chief Casey Warren.

    Investigators are continuing their search for the cyber kidnappers.

    For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.

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  • Nikola Corp founder gets 4 years prison for exaggerating claims on zero-emission trucks

    Nikola Corp founder gets 4 years prison for exaggerating claims on zero-emission trucks

    The founder of Nikola Corp. was sentenced Monday to four years in prison for his conviction for exaggerating claims about his company’s production of zero-emission 18-wheel trucks, causing investors to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    Trevor Milton learned his fate in Manhattan federal court when Judge Edgardo Ramos announced the sentence, saying he believed that a jury in October 2022 “got it right” when it convicted him. The judge also ordered Milton to pay a $1 million fine.

    “Over the course of many months, you used your considerable social media skills to tout your company in ways that were materially false,” the judge said, noting investors suffered heavy losses. “What you said over and over on different media outlets was wrong.”

    A report from Hindenburg Research back in September 2020 said the company’s success was “an intricate fraud” and based on “an ocean of lies” including showing a truck rolling downhill to give the impression it was cruising on a highway, and stencilling the words “hydrogen electric” on the side of a vehicle that was actually powered by natural gas.

    Soon after the report, Milton resigned, amid allegations of fraud and just two weeks after signing a $2 billion partnership with General Motors. “The focus should be on the company and its world-changing mission, not me,” he said in a 2020  message to Nikola employees regarding his decision to step aside. He added that he would defend himself against accusations that the company made false claims about its vehicles, allegations that the company also rejected.

    Rambling statement

    On Monday, before the sentence was handed down, Milton fought through tears in delivering a half-hour rambling statement portraying some of his actions as heroic at Nikola and his intentions sincere as he sought to produce trucks that would not harm the environment.

    He claimed that big companies in the industry have followed his lead to try to create vehicles that would leave a cleaner environment.

    And he said he didn’t quit his company because of crimes but rather because his wife was dying.

    Milton did not apologize directly to investors or anyone else, but he asked the judge to spare him from prison.

    “I obviously feel awful for all the resources and time this has caused everybody. I don’t think you can feel human without feeling terrible for everyone involved,” he said. “My intent was not to harm others.”

    Milton was convicted of fraud charges after prosecutors portrayed him as a con man after starting his company in a Utah basement six years earlier.

    Judge says many people hurt 

    Called as a government witness, Nikola’s CEO testified that Milton “was prone to exaggeration” in pitching his venture to investors.

    At sentencing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky urged “a significant prison sentence,” though below the 27 years in prison or more that federal sentence guidelines called for. Podolsky said Milton’s numerous statements on social media enabled a company’s founder to solicit “a large number of people over the internet. … to get a large number of people to trust him.”

    He said the crime had harmed a large number of people.

    Defense attorney Marc Mukasey urged no prison time, saying Milton had suffered immensely, leaving him “financially crippled” with private lawsuits and a Securities and Exchange Commission case yet to resolve.

    He said it would be difficult for Milton to find another job and, for his client, “not being able to work is like not being able to breathe.”

    As he left federal court Monday, Milton said he was confident that the appeal of his conviction will succeed.

    “I think we’re going to win it,” he said. “There are potential problems in the case which we outlined in the appeal. I think it’s going to be overturned.”

    Milton resigned in 2020 amid reports of fraud that sent Nikola’s stock prices into a tailspin. Investors suffered heavy losses as reports questioned Milton’s claims that the company had already produced zero-emission 18-wheel trucks.

    The company paid $125 million in 2021 to settle a civil case against it by the SEC. Nikola, which continues to operate from an Arizona headquarters, didn’t admit any wrongdoing.

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  • Republican Celeste Maloy wins Utah special election for Congress’ 435th seat

    Republican Celeste Maloy wins Utah special election for Congress’ 435th seat

    Republican Celeste Maloy has won a Utah special election to replace her former boss, U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart, in a race that will put a woman back among Utah’s five-member congressional delegation for the first time since 2019.

    Maloy beat state Sen. Kathleen Riebe, who as minority whip is the Utah Senate’s second-ranking Democrat.

    Stewart resigned in September after 10 years in Congress because his wife is ill.

    Maloy was Stewart’s chief legal counsel. She had Stewart’s endorsement and that of former Utah U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, and was favored to win in the reliably Republican 2nd District, which sprawls from Salt Lake City to the state’s western and southern edges.

    Maloy will be only the fifth woman in history to represent Utah in the House. The most recent was Mia Love, who served from 2015-2019 and was the state’s first Black congresswoman. Utah has never had a woman in the U.S. Senate.

    Election 2023 Decision Notes Utah
    Celeste Maloy speaks during the 2nd Congressional District Republican primary debate for outgoing Rep. Chris Stewart’s seat, Aug. 4, 2023, in Farmington, Utah. 

    Rick Bowmer / AP


    The election determined the 435th member of the House, meaning it will be the first time the House will have all 435 members since earlier this year. Stewart resigned on May 31 and former Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island’s resignation took effect on June 1. Democrat Gabe Amo won the special election for that seat on Nov. 7. 

    Maloy, a southern Nevada native and resident of southwestern Utah, was the heavy favorite in the Republican-leaning 2nd congressional district, which stretches from southern and western Utah to Salt Lake City. She will join the state’s three other Republican U.S. House members. The state’s two U.S. senators are also Republican.

    Maloy campaigned on improving security on the U.S.-Mexico border, reining in what she calls “out of control” federal spending, protecting religious freedom and putting Utah more in control of natural resources on its federal lands. 

    She highlighted her experience working for Stewart in an Oct. 26 debate with Riebe. 

    “I’ve been working for this district. I’ve been solving issues that people in this district have called their congressman about and asked for help,” Maloy said in the debate. “Congress is struggling right now. Things aren’t going smoothly and we really need somebody to get into this state who knows how Congress works.” 

    A Long Island native who lives in the Salt Lake City suburb of Cottonwood Heights, Riebe campaigned on her background as a teacher. She promised on her website to continue to teach five days a week while campaigning on more affordable housing, support for labor unions and public education based on “student needs and community values.” 

     “I am very in touch with my families across the state. I have been working to understand how our policies impact their home lives,” Riebe said in the debate with Maloy.

    Maloy dominated in fundraising, bringing in almost $600,000 and spending more than three-quarters of that over the seven months leading up to the election. Riebe brought in half that amount and spent about 90%, according to candidate reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

    The most recent woman to represent Utah in the U.S. House was Mia Love, who served from 2015-2019 and was the state’s first Black congresswoman.

    A six-term congressman and U.S. Air Force veteran, Stewart set off a Republican scramble to fill his seat after his announcement in May that he was resigning to care for his ill wife.

    Maloy rode a wave of rural support to win a three-way Republican special primary on Sept. 5, beating former state Rep. Becky Edwards and businessperson Bruce Hough.

    There was no Democratic primary after Riebe was the top vote-getter in a Democratic convention and unopposed for her party’s nomination.

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  • Utah special election today for Congress’ 435th seat

    Utah special election today for Congress’ 435th seat

    Voters in Utah will choose between a Republican former congressional staffer and a Democratic state senator in a special election Tuesday to replace Republican U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart, who recently resigned.

    Republican Celeste Maloy, who is Stewart’s former chief counsel, and state Sen. Kathleen Riebe, who as minority whip is the No. 2 Democrat in the state Senate, are competing to become the first woman in Utah’s congressional delegation since 2019 and only the fifth in history.

    The election will determine the 435th member of the House, meaning it will be the first time the House will have all 435 members since earlier this year. Stewart resigned on May 31 and former Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island’s resignation took effect on June 1. Democrat Gabe Amo won the special election for that seat on Nov. 7. 

    Maloy, a southern Nevada native and resident of southwestern Utah, is the heavy favorite in the Republican-leaning 2nd congressional district, which stretches from southern and western Utah to Salt Lake City. The winner will join the state’s three other Republican U.S. House members. The state’s two U.S. senators are also Republican.

    Election 2023 Decision Notes Utah
    Celeste Maloy speaks during the 2nd Congressional District Republican primary debate for outgoing Rep. Chris Stewart’s seat, Aug. 4, 2023, in Farmington, Utah. 

    Rick Bowmer / AP


    Maloy campaigned on improving security on the U.S.-Mexico border, reining in what she calls “out of control” federal spending, protecting religious freedom and putting Utah more in control of natural resources on its federal lands. 

    She highlighted her experience working for Stewart in an Oct. 26 debate with Riebe. 

    “I’ve been working for this district. I’ve been solving issues that people in this district have called their congressman about and asked for help,” Maloy said in the debate. “Congress is struggling right now. Things aren’t going smoothly and we really need somebody to get into this state who knows how Congress works.” 

    A Long Island native who lives in the Salt Lake City suburb of Cottonwood Heights, Riebe campaigned on her background as a teacher. She promised on her website to continue to teach five days a week while campaigning on more affordable housing, support for labor unions and public education based on “student needs and community values.” 

     “I am very in touch with my families across the state. I have been working to understand how our policies impact their home lives,” Riebe said in the debate with Maloy.

    Maloy dominated in fundraising, bringing in almost $600,000 and spending more than three-quarters of that over the seven months leading up to the election. Riebe brought in half that amount and spent about 90%, according to candidate reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

    The most recent woman to represent Utah in the U.S. House was Mia Love, who served from 2015-2019 and was the state’s first Black congresswoman.

    A six-term congressman and U.S. Air Force veteran, Stewart set off a Republican scramble to fill his seat after his announcement in May that he was resigning to care for his ill wife.

    Maloy rode a wave of rural support to win a three-way Republican special primary on Sept. 5, beating former state Rep. Becky Edwards and businessperson Bruce Hough.

    There was no Democratic primary after Riebe was the top vote-getter in a Democratic convention and unopposed for her party’s nomination.

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