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Community Unites to Recover 90-Year-Old Veteran’s Cane

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A cherished handcrafted wooden cane owned by a 90-year-old veteran from California has remarkably made its way back to him following a heartfelt appeal from family members to the local community to locate this sentimental possession.

In an effort to retrieve Jim Pryce’s treasured maple wood walking stick, his daughter, Kim Manriquez, reached out to the Fresno community via social media, expressing her hopes for its return.

Initially, Manriquez believed her father misplaced the cane during a recent visit to a nearby Costco. Despite several attempts to locate it at the store, their efforts proved unsuccessful.

Manriquez shared online, “An employee from Costco assisted him in putting water in his car, and my dad accidentally left the cane in the cart. By the time he realized and returned, it was gone,” she detailed in her post.

Highlighting the cane’s significance, she added, “My dad is a 90-year-old veteran, a retired police lieutenant who served the community. This beautiful cane was crafted by another retired officer, adding to its sentimental value.”

A walking cane with an array of military and police badges, a US flag pin, and a plaque with "J. Pryce #L1" inscribed on it.

Jim Pryce’s daughter called on the community for help, posting a message on social media hoping her fathers special carved maplewood walking stick would be returned. Facebook/@Kim Manriquez

Local news outlets picked up the story, interviewing Pryce in hopes of giving the search for the cane wider attention.

Images of the missing cane represented his life, not only his years of service as an Air Force Veteran, but his time as one of Fresno’s top cops before Lt. Pryce retired from the force after 35 years.

One picture showed it had several items on it including a small police badge affixed on it and his Honor Flight pin.

“They were sort of special to me because I had the police badge, the little tiny police badge below that were motorcycle wings,” Pryce told ABC 30 of the cane.

“Underneath that was an American flag, and that was to represent that I had been on the Honor Flight. Below that was a little image of an Air Force emblem.”

A blonde woman in a blue t-shirt with a gray-haired man in a Hawaiian shirt holding a wooden walking cane.

Local news outlets picked up the story, interviewing Pryce in hopes of giving the search for the cane wider attention and it worked. Facebook/@Kim Manriquez

After the stories aired, an employee at Gibson Farm Market-on the campus of California State University Fresno-said they had found the cane at the market and contacted police, per KMPH.

In a message on Tuesday, Kim thanked everyone for their help in finding the lost precious family momento. “I want to thank everyone for the shares, comments and help regarding my dad’s cane,” Manriquez post read.

“It really warmed our hearts that there were so many people concerned and reached out.”

Despite Pryce’s days on the force being over, he is still very active in the community serving as a docent at the Veterans Memorial Museum in downtown Fresno.

Top 5 Most Chilling Dexter Villains Ranked: Unmasking TV’s Darkest Antagonists

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As a crime drama centered around a serial killer, “Dexter” sets a high bar for captivating antagonists that surpasses typical crime shows. Given that Dexter Morgan himself is one of TV’s most notorious serial killers, creating foes who pose a greater threat demands considerable creativity.

Luckily, Michael C. Hall’s character faces a host of chilling adversaries throughout the series and its spin-offs—”Dexter: New Blood,” “Dexter: Original Sin,” and “Dexter: Resurrection.” While many of his toughest rivals belong to law enforcement, others possess a killer’s instinct that necessitates Dexter’s intervention. The series showcases some of the darkest villains imaginable, but who are the most nightmarish and spine-chilling? Here, we explore the top five unnerving villains in Showtime’s “Dexter.”

5. George King

Season 3 of “Dexter” introduces George King, played by Jesse Borrego, also known as the Skinner. His brutal methods set him apart as a formidable foe; rather than relying on typical methods of intimidation seen in other shows, King opts for a more sinister approach. His vendetta against Fred “Freebo” Bowman, portrayed by Mike Erwin, drives him to horrifying depths, as he methodically skins his victims using his machete.

A former Nicaraguan Contra torturer, George King values respect above all, using knives to enforce his will. Despite his brief appearance in just six episodes of Season 3, his sadistic tendencies leave a lasting impression, making him a standout on our list of unsettling villains.

4. Isaak Sirko

The late Ray Stevenson portrayed Isaak “Volk” Sirko in Season 7, delivering an unforgettable performance. As a commanding figure in the Koshka Brotherhood, Isaak exudes the air of a sophisticated businessman, yet he’s capable of formidable violence. His strategic mind, combined with an arsenal of resources, makes him a dangerous adversary. Isaak’s unique blend of intellect and ferocity ensures he remains a formidable presence on the show.

Isaak is on a personal mission of revenge, and he’s only after Dexter because the serial killer is responsible for the death of his lover, fellow Koshka Brotherhood man Viktor Baskov. He doesn’t personally hate Dexter, and is even capable of somewhat affable conversation with the protagonist. The two simply stand on different sides of the line in the sand that Dexter unwittingly drew when he killed Viktor.

It is, however, Isaak’s professionalism and relative calmness that prevent him from scoring higher here. Though he is incredibly dangerous and powerful, he still has his full wits with him. As such, he’s not quite as unpredictable and unhinged as some of the other men on this list — even though he would almost certainly beat any one of them in a one-on-one fight.

3. Jordan Chase

Jonny Lee Miller makes for an amazing antagonist in Dexter season 5. Miller has made a name for himself for playing characters who can be incredibly charming but have hidden dark depths, such as Sick Boy in “Trainspotting.” Here, he taps into this ability with a vengeance. Jordan Chase presents himself as an incredibly affable and respected motivational speaker who’s something of a celebrity in such circles. He’s seemingly easy to like and comes across as extremely intelligent. In reality, however, he’s all this — and something much, much worse.

Chase lives a secret life as a ringleader of terrifying serial killers known as the Barrel Girl Gang. This group of five friends has systematically abused and tortured women for years, which has resulted in 12 murders. Terrifyingly, the five have been at it since they were teenagers, and their cooperation throughout the years has made them a formidable group that poses a potential threat to whoever ventures too close to their periphery.

Chase is in full control of the other members of the gang. This makes him so scary that even other members of his group are unnerved by him, and for good reason. Granted, he may never physically participate in the killings himself, but he is the biggest monster in the Barrel Girl Gang all the same.

2. Brian Moser

Christian Camargo’s Brian Moser is the “Dexter” villain whose connection to the main character is by far the most personal. The first and arguably most memorable serial killer antagonist on the show, the Ice Truck Killer of “Dexter” torments Dexter Morgan both in visions and in person. His murders are as memorable as they come, and “Dexter” Season 1 uses them to communicate that somehow, there are even worse people than Dexter out there. The eventual revelation that Brian is Dexter’s brother and a dark mirror of what the protagonist could have become with a different upbringing is more than enough to send shivers down our spines.

“Dexter” features many memorable and disturbing villains, and Brian is one of the two who belong in the conversation of television’s all-time greats. In most other circumstances, Brian Moser would land at the number one spot with ease. Unfortunately for him, Dexter eventually encounters an even more monstrous villain.

1. Arthur Mitchell

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the top spot holder from our ranking of 12 best “Dexter” villains continues his reign here. There are many shows like “Dexter” out there, but only one Arthur Mitchell (John Lithgow). Both physically and in pure complexity, the Trinity Killer looms head and shoulders above most other villains that “Dexter” introduces. So much of this is because of the surprisingly soulful and simultaneously soulless performance by Lithgow, whose “3rd Rock From the Sun” comedy chops are nowhere to be seen in this all-timer of a bad guy.

Arthur Mitchell is a seemingly perfect family man and an influential community member, who’s secretly a complete monster. He’s locked in a kill cycle of an identical series of murders that he is psychologically forced to do over and over again. Yet he’s no stone-faced beast. He can and very much does show emotion, and he’s far from invulnerable — on the contrary, Arthur comes across as both extremely human and completely inhuman, which only serves to make him all the more terrifying.

Dexter Morgan comes to consider Arthur the most dangerous man he’d ever met, and the Trinity Killer does not disappoint this assessment, either. He’s responsible for some of the most personal losses in Dexter’s life, and every single minute he spends on the screen here leaves “Dexter” viewers no room for doubt about who the most unnerving Dexter antagonist is. 

Oklahoma Mother Arrested as 11-Year-Old Daughter Births Child Fathered by Stepfather

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A harrowing case in Oklahoma has culminated with a mother facing a likely life sentence after her 11-year-old daughter was impregnated by the woman’s husband.

In a trial on July 17, Cherie Walker was convicted on one count of enabling child sexual abuse and six counts of child neglect. According to Muskogee County court records reviewed by Oxygen, the jury recommended life imprisonment for each of the charges.

Cherie’s husband, Dustin Walker, received a life sentence following his guilty plea to charges of sexual abuse of a child under 12 and six counts of child neglect, highlighting the severity of the offenses recorded in court documents.

Describing the gravity of the case, Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson remarked that it was “one of the most, if not the most, serious child sexual abuse and neglect cases I have ever prosecuted.”

The horrifying series of events came to light when the Muskogee Police Department responded to a call reporting that an 11-year-old girl had given birth at home and was subsequently taken to a hospital, as noted by NBC News.

Cherie and Dustin, the child’s stepfather, had initially claimed they did not know she was pregnant, the outlet reported, and she had not been to the doctor in over a year. 

“It is horrific,” Hutson said at the time, according to KFOR. “I mean, the 11-year-old child was obviously raped. She cannot give consent by whomever this person is.” 

Shortly after their arrest, the duo’s five other children—ages 2, 4, 6, 7 and 9—were removed from the home, which NBC News, citing court documents, described as “deplorable” and filled with dog feces. 

DNA testing revealed that Dustin was the baby’s father with 99.9 percent certainty, according to the outlet, prompting prosecutors to amend the charges. 

“This child is traumatized,” Hutson previously told News on 6. “She’s been through a horrific ordeal. Not only has somebody gotten her pregnant, but she gave birth at home without medical assistance, and this will be her life for the rest of her life.”

Meanwhile, Cherie’s mother Michelle Justus has defended her family. 

“They’ve made my daughter and my son-in-law a monster,” she told News 2 at the time. “They are not. They love those children. They love them.”

Ultimately, Michelle, who lived across the street and saw her grandchild regularly, was also charged with six counts of child neglect, according to 2 News. Her trial is scheduled to begin on July 23. 

An attorney for Cherie did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Oxygen. 

 

Hero Turned Arsonist: Army Veteran Charged in NYC Federal Building Inferno

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An Army veteran from the United States is facing an arson charge following an incident outside a New York City federal building, which includes an immigration court and offices for various government agencies like the FBI. The man reportedly set a fire and fired a pellet gun during the event on Monday.

The individual in question, 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca, appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Tuesday in connection with these actions at 26 Federal Plaza. During the court appearance, Arrabaca did not submit a plea.

Arrabaca, who previously worked as a mechanic on the Army’s Patriot missile systems, reportedly held anti-ICE and anti-government sentiments. This information was disclosed by James Barnacle, the assistant director responsible for the FBI’s New York Field Office, in a statement on Monday.

Image of a suspect being arrested

Authorities detained the individual in question outside a federal building located in New York City. (FNTV)

“He is an anti-American, anti-government extremist,” Barnacle conveyed to reporters present at the scene.

Voter records show he has registered as a Democrat and was a member of the left-wing Working Families party.

Arrabaca “came armed with bad intentions” and was found with a range of weapons, including a pellet gun, knives, a hammer, and a machete. Authorities said the upstate New York resident arrived at the federal building sometime around 8:30 a.m. and lit a large firework before pouring a liquid that ignited a fire.

Videos and images from the scene showed a fire with a plume of smoke and bright orange flames near a building entrance, as well as law enforcement officers restraining the suspect.

In addition to allegedly setting the fire, Arrabaca also fired five to seven pellets from an airsoft rifle toward the building, Barnacle said. He was arrested by federal officials a short time later and has been in custody since.

He made several anti-government and anti-ICE statements during the incident and said “he was okay if he hurt or killed people going in and out of the building, whether they were federal employees or civilians,” the FBI said.

Upon his arrest, authorities said they found Arrabaca with two axes, a hammer, a machete and three knives.

Federal prosecutors said he had been planning the attack since January, when he began buying supplies and visiting sites around New York. Defense attorneys said Arrabaca has mental health issues, and asked that he be placed in a Department of Veterans Affairs mental health hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The federal building in Lower Manhattan has been the scene of protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency charged with enforcing the nation’s immigration laws amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

One of two people hurt during Monday’s incident was an immigrant who appeared at the building for a hearing, the FBI said.

Kevin Kisner’s Frustration with Bryson DeChambeau’s Controversial British Open Penalty

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Kevin Kisner is seeing red.

Following a controversial two-stroke penalty handed to Bryson DeChambeau for allegedly “improving the area of his intended swing” during Friday’s round at the British Open, Kisner, who serves as NBC’s chief golf analyst, did not hold back his criticism of the ruling.

Appearing on the “Fore Play Podcast” days later, Kisner contended that the penalty was meted out unfairly, pointing out that no officials were present during the incident and decisions were based solely on video evidence.

“I really struggle with post-round penalization when it’s driven by camera footage,” Kisner voiced during the podcast. “Consider if somebody else, say Jose Ballester, found his ball there and did exactly the same thing, he wouldn’t be on camera, and thus he wouldn’t face a penalty, correct?”

“We have the capability to show every shot. We can watch these guys. If that’s [cameras] what we’re going to use as police, even though there’s a walking official in every group, I hate it. I hate having to go back on it.

“I hate that we’re looking at awkward camera angles to say he helped his intended swing. It didn’t look good, but I can’t be the one telling you that he should get a penalty.” 

The penalty was called when R&A officials determined DeChambeau illegally improved his lie in high grass on the fifth hole.

It moved him from 7-under par and one shot out of the lead to 5-under and tied for fifth. 

A golfer in a blue shirt with his caddy and other officials in long grass, with a golf leaderboard visible on the right.

DeChambeau got into an argument at the fifth hole with rules officials. USA Today

Bryson DeChambeau participates in the British Open.

Bryson DeChambeau participates in the British Open. AP Photo/Jon Super

He’d taken a bogey on the fifth hole before the ruling turned it into a triple-bogey.  Golfers were divided over the incident, as some sided with DeChambeau while others, notably Rory McIlroy, called out the American star for holding the tournament “hostage.”

At the end of the weekend, DeChambeau finished tied for 14th.

“An improvement means to alter one or more of the conditions affecting the stroke so that the player gains a potential advantage for the stroke,” Grant Moir, the R&A’s executive director of governance, said in a statement about the incident.

“Now, I’ll stress that this applies even when the action is accidental, as it was in Bryson’s case.”

Fetterman’s Bold Ultimatum Stirs Major Democratic Reactions

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Senator John Fetterman’s increasing distance from fellow Democrats has ignited discussions about the potential for him to leave the party. Some of his colleagues now express concern that he might consider becoming an independent.

These speculations gained traction after Fetterman highlighted a specific situation that could lead him to make such a move. Last week, he mentioned that if the Democratic Party adopts a platform he perceives as anti-Israel, it could be a breaking point for him.

In a conversation with NOTUS, Fetterman stated, “I would have to seriously consider that,” emphasizing what he sees as a significant transformation within the party.

The senator voiced his concern that Democratic primaries are increasingly favoring candidates who not only support Palestinian causes but also exhibit strong opposition to Israel.

“Observe the individuals emerging victorious in our primaries,” he commented. “They aren’t merely ‘pro-Palestinian’; they’re markedly anti-Israel, which marks a substantial shift,” he explained.

The comments come as the Democratic Party has become deeply divided over the war in Gaza. 

A growing number of Democratic lawmakers have called for suspending or conditioning military aid to Israel, recognizing a Palestinian state, sanctioning Israeli officials and accusing Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of committing war crimes or genocide in Gaza.

In recent primaries, several progressive candidates campaigning on strongly pro-Palestinian platforms have defeated more traditional pro-Israel Democrats, highlighting the party’s changing grassroots base.

One Democratic senator, speaking anonymously to NOTUS, admitted they were worried Fetterman could ultimately leave the party.

‘I am concerned,’ the senator said.

Senator John Fetterman agrues Democratic primaries are increasingly rewarding candidates who are openly hostile toward Israel.

Senator John Fetterman agrues Democratic primaries are increasingly rewarding candidates who are openly hostile toward Israel.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune welcomed the idea of Fetterman joining the Republican party on July 21

Senate Majority Leader John Thune welcomed the idea of Fetterman joining the Republican party on July 21

Fetterman and Senator Dave McCormick formed a joint fundraising committee that lets both senators raise money together, while keeping their campaigns legally separate

Fetterman and Senator Dave McCormick formed a joint fundraising committee that lets both senators raise money together, while keeping their campaigns legally separate

Republicans, meanwhile, have made clear they would gladly welcome him.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said politicians like Fetterman, who hold moderate Democratic views, are increasingly finding themselves without a political home.

‘There are many of us who I think would welcome the opportunity to have him join the Republican conference. But you know ultimately that’s a decision that’s left up to him,’ Thune said at a Senate Republican leadership press briefing on Tuesday.

Thune, Fetterman and Senator Deb Fischer introduced the bipartisan Broadband MAP Act of 2026 on Monday.

The bill directs the FCC to improve how it handles disputes over its broadband map. If a provider believes the map incorrectly shows whether an address can receive broadband service, the FCC would be required to review and strengthen the process for correcting those errors.

The speculation further continued after Fetterman formed a joint fundraising committee, ‘Common Ground PA,’ with Republican Senator Dave McCormick—an extraordinarily rare move between senators from opposing parties.

Even veteran Democrats admitted they had never seen anything like it.

‘I’ve never seen it before. Yes, I’m struck by it,’ Senator Chris Van Hollen told NOTUS.

Pennsylvania Congressman Chris Deluzio went even further, calling the arrangement ‘crazy stuff’ and accusing Fetterman of helping Republicans raise money to defeat Democrats in key battleground races.

Fetterman dismissed the criticism to the outlet, insisting there was ‘nothing sinister’ about partnering with McCormick and arguing the pair simply work together on issues affecting Pennsylvania.

Fetterman has increasingly found himself isolated within his own party. Although he still votes with Democrats the vast majority of the time, his unwavering support for Israel, tougher border security, willingness to work with Republicans and recent defense of the Senate filibuster have angered many progressives.

Last month, Fetterman even admitted Democrats were wrong to push for eliminating the filibuster during his 2022 Senate campaign, praising former Democratic Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema for protecting it.

His political standing is now taking the hit.

A recent Quinnipiac University poll found his approval rating among Pennsylvania Democrats had dropped to just 19 percent, while 52 percent of voters surveyed said they would support him leaving the Democratic Party.

Fetterman has argued the backlash is directly tied to his support for Israel.

‘If I’m becoming more unpopular with Democrats, that’s a strong correlation of being a proud Israel supporter,’ he told CNN.

His former chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, even suggested to NOTUS that Fetterman could eventually leave the party if it helped him remain politically relevant, particularly if Democrats held only a one-seat Senate majority.

Still, despite the mounting speculation, Fetterman has not announced any plans to become an independent or Republican.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Fetterman’s team for comment.

Hiker Survives Harrowing Brown Bear Attack in Alaska Wilderness with Friend and Three Dogs

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During a weekend hike near an Alaskan state park, a woman found herself face-to-face with a brown bear, resulting in an unexpected attack. She was accompanied by a friend and three dogs when the encounter unfolded, as reported by authorities.

The woman sustained injuries, though fortunately, they do not threaten her life. She is expected to make a full recovery, according to a statement from the Anchorage Police Department (APD) released on Sunday.

This unsettling incident occurred late in the afternoon in the Bear Valley neighborhood, which lies adjacent to the sprawling Chugach State Park located in southern Anchorage. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) provided additional details in a separate statement on Monday.

Brown bear moving through brush

A brown bear journeying through the thick vegetation near Chugach State Park in Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday. (Anchorage Police Department)

Officials noted that the hikers were traversing an unofficial trail, known for its steep, zigzagging climb up the hillside. The path was engulfed by dense foliage, significantly limiting visibility and heightening the probability of startling wildlife, ADF&G explained.

“The bear came out of the dense alders, made brief contact with one of the hikers, and left the scene,” ADF&G said.

One of the victim’s dogs was also off leash during the encounter and became separated from the group, according to the authorities. Another group of hikers later found the “uninjured dog and brought it back to safety, ultimately returning it to its home,” ADF&G said.

Aerial view of brown bear

Aerial police footage captures a brown bear navigating thick alders near Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday following a sudden encounter with hikers. (Anchorage Police Department)

According to wildlife officials, bears are known to cache and defend food sources this time of year and noted reports that at least one moose had recently been killed nearby.

High winds and poor weather may have also led the bear to be surprised by the group of hikers.

“High winds and inclement weather conditions at the time of the encounter may have increased the chance that the bear was surprised by the hikers and their dogs, even if they were making noise,” ADF&G said.

“There are many private and public trails throughout Anchorage and the surrounding area that are overgrown at this time of year with tall grass and leafed out shrubs, which can greatly increase the chances of surprise encounters with wildlife.”

Thermal drone image showing bear

A thermal drone camera pinpoints a brown bear on a steep hillside near Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday. (Anchorage Police Department)

First responders from multiple agencies, including the Anchorage Fire Department, Alaska Wildlife Troopers and Alaska State Troopers, responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, police officers reportedly hiked up the trail to locate the injured adult.

Firefighters then carried the injured woman down the trail before transporting her to a local hospital.

During the rescue, APD officers deployed a drone and located a brown bear nearby. Officers continued monitoring the bear throughout the rescue, allowing first responders to safely treat and evacuate the injured hiker.

Jets Reveal Stunning New Helmets for 2026 ‘White Out’ Home Opener Debut

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Could a newly designed helmet ignite the Jets’ journey as they head into the 2026 season?

On Tuesday morning, the Jets introduced their striking “White Out” helmet. This fresh look is set to feature in their home opener clash against the Packers on September 20.

These sleek white helmets come with a modern twist: a vivid green version of the Jets’ revamped logo proudly adorns the sides, while a green “NY” insignia is prominently displayed at the forehead’s center.

A distinctive green “NY” logo extends into a bold green stripe running along the helmet’s crown, enhancing its dynamic appearance.

Complementing the new helmet, the Jets will don white jerseys accented with green numbers and stripes for their upcoming “White Out” face-off against the Packers.

Multiple Jets players including Geno Smith and Breece Hall modeled the helmets Tuesday as the Jets X account posted a video of player reactions to the unveiling. 

Andre Cisco wearing the Jets new white helmet.

Andre Cisco wearing the Jets new white helmet.

No announcement has been made on whether the helmets will appear more than once during the 2026 season. 

After finishing last year 3-14, the Jets can only hope their new helmets will provide a spark coming into 2026 — they enter the season with a 15-year playoff drought, the longest in North American pro sports. 

Scout for Angels, Known for Nickname, Dismissed Over Spying on Rival Coaches

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In a swift response to allegations of misconduct, the Los Angeles Angels have terminated the employment of a scout who was reportedly caught filming Colorado Rockies’ coaches during a game earlier this season.

Justin ‘Boomer’ Prinstein, who joined the Angels’ scouting team in December, was dismissed soon after Major League Baseball alerted the organization about the incident. The revelation was brought to light by The Athletic, citing reliable sources.

Despite not being a prominent figure in professional circles, Prinstein has an extensive history in baseball. Interestingly, he once hosted a podcast named ‘The Baseball Spy,’ a title that also serves as his online persona.

Both the Angels and Major League Baseball have remained tight-lipped, offering no comments on the issue when approached by The Daily Mail. Meanwhile, Prinstein has yet to break his silence, ignoring several inquiries from both The Athletic and The Daily Mail.

Prior to the June matchup between the Rockies and Angels in Anaheim, Prinstein was spotted in the designated scouts’ section at Denver’s Coors Field. While positioned there, Rockies personnel observed him using his phone to record their coaching staff, as reported by The Athletic.

While it is common for scouts to record during games, using any technology to steal or decode in-game hand signals is strictly prohibited.

Justin 'Boomer' Prinstein is pictured in a YouTube video from one of his endeavors in baseball

Justin ‘Boomer’ Prinstein is pictured in a YouTube video from one of his endeavors in baseball

Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer signals to the bullpen before a recent game. He and his staff were allegedly recorded in the dugout by an Angels scout earlier this season

Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer signals to the bullpen before a recent game. He and his staff were allegedly recorded in the dugout by an Angels scout earlier this season 

Then-Angels GM Perry Minasian immediately fired Prinstein after learning about the incident, according to The Athletic. Minasian also reportedly apologized to Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes.

Both teams reportedly believe Prinstein was working on his own initiative and his actions were not part of any larger sign-stealing scheme. The Angels are not expected to face any punishment, according to The Athletic.

Minasian was fired later this season. Currently the Angels (40-61) and Rockies (40-62) have the worst records in the American League and National League, respectively. 

‘This is like cheating off the other kids (sic) test who is also failing that class,’ read one comment on X.  

MLB scouts interviewed by The Athletic were confused by the situation because live TV broadcasts already offer extensive footage of coaches’ hand signals.

‘If a guy goes to his glove a little bit more when he’s about to throw a cutter, we can see that,’ an American League scout told The Athletic. ‘So, unless you’re trying to cheat, there’s no good reason to have your phone out videoing. This isn’t 2014. Every team, even the Angels, has the technology to upload and analyze the broadcast.’

Prinstein has had various jobs in baseball and spent the past two seasons with Korean Baseball Organization teams, according to his LinkedIn profile. He last worked for an MLB team in 2023, when he was an international scout with the Cincinnati Reds.

Prinstein set his X account to ‘private’ after news of his firing was reported by The Athletic.

Belichick and the Patriots were accused of stealing Jets signals during a 2007 game

Belichick and the Patriots were accused of stealing Jets signals during a 2007 game  

AJ Hinch was suspended by MLB for a year after the Astros were revealed to be stealing signs

AJ Hinch was suspended by MLB for a year after the Astros were revealed to be stealing signs

The incident has obvious similarities with sign-stealing scandals in baseball and other sports.

Most famously, the NFL’s New England Patriots were caught recording New York Jets coaches during a September game in 2007, leading to a $500,000 fine for head coach Bill Belichick and the loss of a first-round draft pick.

In 2017 and 2018, MLB’s Houston Astros used their own high-tech sign-stealing scheme while winning two pennants and a World Series title. That scheme was revealed in November of 2019 and MLB suspended Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A. J. Hinch for the 2020 season.

In fact, Prinstein addressed that scandal on his own podcast, as first reported by The Athletic.

At one point, Prinstein said there is a ‘huge difference’ between legal sign stealing and using technology to decode signals.

‘It seems there needs to be a line drawn,’ he said. ‘And there is. There’s [an MLB] memo that went out. There’s a rule that says you can’t use technology. To do this, it’s more like spying.’

Beluga Whales Safely Transferred from Marineland Canada to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium

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CHICAGO (WLS) — In a remarkable conservation effort, Chicago plays a crucial role in the urgent mission to rescue endangered beluga whales.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Recently, four of these magnificent marine mammals found a new home at the Shedd Aquarium, following their rescue from Canada.

The whales were previously housed at Marineland of Canada, a park in Ontario that has since ceased operations.

Their complex relocation involved a meticulous transport process, utilizing both trucks and planes to ensure their safe arrival.

All four rescued belugas are female, and they were carefully selected to travel and live together as a cohesive sub-pod.

The Shedd welcomed Acadia, 27, Osiris, 26, Sierra, 26, Lillooet, who is 21 years old.

“As with any of our animals, the best indicator of well-being is individual and social behavior,” said Charlie Jacobsma, director of animal behavior and training at Shedd Aquarium. “We are watching closely for the rescued belugas to eat a full diet, socialize with one another, and investigate the habitat, which are encouraging signs of their progress. We are cautiously optimistic as we start to see some of those initial indicators, and our dedicated team will continue to monitor throughout this process to acclimatize the belugas to their new home, caretakers and pod.”

Shedd Aquarium says it can help up to 10 beluga whales as part of the rescue effort in its Abbott Oceanarium.

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