School shooting draws unwanted attention to Georgia on campaign trail

• September 6, 2024

Jim Denery | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The national spotlight fell on Georgia on Wednesday following a shooting at Barrow County’s Apalachee High School that killed four and injured at least nine others.

The two major party candidates for president each responded quickly. Vice President Kamala Harris opened a rally that day by addressing the shooting, calling it “senseless.”

Former President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that “our hearts are with the victims and loved ones of those affected by the tragic event.”

What comes next is uncertain.

A proposal Lt. Gov. Burt Jones unveiled a year ago, at another Barrow County school, to offer public school teachers a $10,000 annual stipend to carry guns in schools went nowhere during this year’s legislative session.

Georgia Republicans have seen great success in their efforts to ease firearms restrictions, including a 2022 law that lets Georgians carry concealed handguns without a permit. But now they’re split over what to do: Should they expand gun access, or is the proper response strengthening security initiatives and enhancing mental health services?

Democrats, who have long called for stricter firearms regulations, are also adjusting. After watching their efforts to reverse the state’s permissive gun rules founder in the Republican-led General Assembly, they’re looking for something more attainable: They’re pushing for tax incentives and other proposals to persuade Georgians to employ better storage measures to keep weapons from minors.

State Sen. Emanuel Jones, a Democrat from Decatur, is leading a study committee examining tax credits for safety devices and other initiatives. He wants something more than the “thoughts and prayers” often expressed — mostly by Republicans — in the aftermath of school shootings.

“It’s really unfortunate,” he said, “that we have to go through a mass shooting like this in our backyard where the Legislature has the power and authority to do something about it.”

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©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

​ Orange County Register 

The best mop and bucket sets to keep your floors shining

• September 6, 2024

Which mop and bucket set is best?

If you have hard floors, you need a mop to keep them clean from debris, dirt, spills and other grime. But cleaning the floors is much easier with a mop and bucket set since these tools are convenient, portable and highly effective. The best set is the O-Cedar Easywring Microfiber Spin Mop and Bucket since it’s easy to operate and can tackle any mess.

This article was reviewed and approved by Ketia Daniel, the BestReviews Cleaning Expert.

What to know before you buy a mop and bucket set

Floor type

Some sets are designed to handle commercial cleaning, while others are best for smaller areas such as a home kitchen or bathroom. Along with this, the type of floor you have matters when choosing a set. Most people have laminate, porcelain tile, wood or ceramic flooring.

If, for instance, you have wood flooring, the bucket should easily wring out the mop, so there’s minimal chance of water damage. On the other hand, if you have porcelain tile or ceramic flooring, a little extra water won’t cause much or any damage.

At the same time, if your home is primarily carpet, a smaller set will do. But if you mostly have hard floors, then you need a larger set.

Whatever the case, make sure you sweep the area with a broom before mopping to pick up any noticeable debris. This will make cleaning much easier.

Mop type

There are several types of mops, each with its own purpose. These include:

Cut-end mops or conventional string mops: These have a bunch of strings at the end and are generally inexpensive. Because of the strings, though, they tend to trap debris and dirt. This makes it difficult to keep them clean.
Looped-end mop: This type is similar to the conventional mop, but it’s more durable and, depending on the material, machine-washable.
Flat mops: Usually rectangular and narrow in shape, some flat mops feature a compartment that can store a cleaning solution. These mops also often come with replaceable or washable cleaning pads.
Spin mops: When combined with the right bucket, these make the process of wringing out water much easier, making them a great choice for those with wrist issues. They come with pads and can be washed after use, making them ideal for long-term use.

Bucket features

Most traditional buckets have one main compartment that contains the water or cleaning solution used to clean the floor. These models don’t have any bonus features or systems to make mopping easier, though they usually come with a carrying handle.

If you want something more modern, there are plenty of options. Some come with wheels, which is convenient for cleaning large areas. Most have a handle so you can carry the mop and bucket over carpeted areas or stairs.

Many buckets come with a wringer, a built-in system that keeps the mop head damp but removes excess water or dirt. These usually work by pressing a pedal or pushing and pulling a lever.

More complex buckets come with two or more sections, one for clean water and another for dirty water. To use these, use the clean water or solution on the floor, then wring out the used mop in the other section.

If you have a flat mop, you don’t need a bucket with a wringer. Instead, choose one that features separate compartments for storing new and used mop pads.

Finally, most buckets have a spout or narrow rim at one end, so you can empty out the contents without causing a mess.

What to look for in a quality mop and bucket set

Size

The size of the mop and bucket set affects its portability and weight, but it also influences where it can be stored.

For example, buckets with a larger capacity are often difficult to move around when filled because they’re heavy, and the liquid inside could easily slosh around.

Most buckets are measured in gallons or quarts, with a common size being 5 gallons. Some have measurements on the inside, which is convenient for anyone wanting to measure their cleaning solution and water directly in the bucket.

Mops vary in length and size based on the type you get. Some are extendible, which makes them ideal for taller people or those who don’t want to bend over while cleaning.

If you don’t have much storage space, get a mop with a removable mop head. That way, you can store each piece separately.

Material

The materials used in the mop and bucket affect the overall durability. Most modern sets combine plastic and metal, especially in the bucket and mop handle.

Consider the material of the wringer, too. Plastic ones are cheaper but aren’t as sturdy and could start to corrode over time. Stainless steel wringers are more reliable and resistant to water damage.

Mop heads are made of yarn, sponge, microfiber or cotton. Some materials, such as cotton, are usually machine-safe and good at absorbing water and trapping debris. Before buying a mop head, check the label to see if there are washing instructions.

Color

When purchasing a set, expect the mop and bucket to be the same color.

The aesthetic might not matter much for home use. But if you need it for commercial reasons, the colors play a more important role.

By getting a color-coded mop set, you can prevent cross-contamination in the environment, such as at a restaurant. The common system uses the following colors:

Red for restrooms and similar facilities
Yellow for gyms or some laboratories
Blue for all-purpose cleaning
Green for kitchen floors

How much you can expect to spend on a mop and bucket set

Most sets cost $30-$60, but you can find specialty sets around $120 or more.

Mop and bucket set FAQ

How do I sanitize a mop and bucket?

A. First, regularly clean any reusable mop head with warm water. This will help remove any remaining cleaning product or debris. If the debris won’t come off, let it sit in hot water for several minutes to loosen it.

If the mop head is machine-washable, put it in the machine and let it air dry. For the bucket, empty it out and wipe it down with a cleaning solution or wet wipes. Let it dry. Never leave a mop in dirty water; this can cause bacteria growth or damage to the mop head.

Where should I dispose of mop water at home?

A. Generally, it’s best to empty the bucket in a cleaning sink or toilet.

What’s the best mop and bucket set to buy?

Top mop and bucket set

O-Cedar Easywring Microfiber Spin Mop and Bucket

What you need to know: This spin mop and bucket set is reliable, simple and can easily handle most residential floors.

What you’ll love: The microfiber mop head absorbs dirty water and picks up debris. It comes with a refill and features a hands-free wringing solution. It’s adjustable, machine-safe and works great on any hard floor surface.

What you should consider: The handle and mop head materials aren’t as durable as they could be.

Top mop and bucket set for the money

Bosheng Mop and Bucket With Wringer Set

What you need to know: This flat floor mop cleans multiple surfaces using 360-degree rotation.

What you’ll love: With three microfiber pads, this mop is great for tile, hardwood and laminate flooring. The bucket features two compartments: one for clean water and one for dirty water. This compact set can also be used for wet and dry cleaning.

What you should consider: Some of the dirty water might mix with the clean water.

Worth checking out

Mastertop Spin Mop and Bucket With Wringer Set

What you need to know: This set is perfect for people who want extra microfiber mop head refills and an easy wringing system.

What you’ll love: This durable set features a stainless steel wringer and mop handle. It comes with five refills and five cleaning cloths. Plus, it’s machine washable and easy to set up.

What you should consider: The bucket handle is a little flimsy, so avoid filling it too much.

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

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

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

​ Orange County Register 

Dunkin’s new $6 breakfast gets boost from ‘Love Island USA’ cast

• September 6, 2024

Skirmishes continue in this summer’s fast food value wars as the season draws to an end.

The latest chain to enter the fray is Dunkin’, which came out with a $6 Meal Deal. It includes a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich on a bagel, Hash Browns and choice of a medium hot or iced coffee.

The Massachusetts-based quick service chain brought together six cast members of “Love Island USA” to promote the deal fully dressed. The premise is that Dunkin’ serves the kind of breakfast they would enjoy when they’re not at a villa in Fiji.

For fans, they were Leah Kateb, Miguel Harachi, JaNa Craig, Kenny Rodriguez, Serena Page and Kordell Beckham. The reality series streams on Peacock, but you can watch them lusting over hash browns in a Dunkin’ Instagram post.

In addition to the no-frills breakfast, Dunkin’ introduced its fall menu, which brings back its Maple Sugar Bacon Breakfast Sandwich on a croissant, its Apple Cider Donut, Loaded Hash Browns, and of course, Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte.

New this year is Almond Spice Ice Coffee and Dunkalatte, described as the brand’s first-ever coffee milk latte.

Meanwhile the McDonald’s $5 or $6 Meal Deal that started it all is still available.

dunkindonuts.com

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​ Orange County Register 

Vance calls school shootings a ‘fact of life’ at Arizona rally

• September 6, 2024

Greg Bluestein | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance told rallygoers in Arizona on Thursday that school shootings are a “fact of life” and that officials need to bolster security to prevent violence like the deadly rampage this week at a northeast Georgia high school.

“If these psychos are going to go after our kids, we’ve got to be prepared for it,” said Vance, the running-mate of former President Donald Trump. “We don’t have to like the reality that we live in. But it is the reality that we live in. We’ve got to deal with it.”

It brought backlash from supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris, who brought up the shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County to renew calls for gun restrictions, enhanced background checks and more security.

“Trump and Vance have railed against commonsense reforms and federal bipartisan gun safety legislation that would protect innocent lives,” said Alex Floyd of the Democratic National Committee.

“As Trump and Vance put the gun lobby ahead of the American people, voters are ready to reject their dangerous and out-of-touch agenda in November.”

At the Arizona rally, Vance described the shootings as an “awful tragedy” committed by an “absolute barbarian.”

“I don’t like that this is a fact of life,” Vance said. “But if you are a psycho and you want to make headlines, you realize that our schools are soft targets. And we have got to bolster security at our schools. We’ve got to bolster security so if a psycho wants to walk through the front door and kill a bunch of children they’re not able.”

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©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

​ Orange County Register 

Rep. Michelle Steel’s race with Democrat Derek Tran in CA-45 shifts to ‘Republican toss up’

• September 6, 2024

In the closely watched race in California’s 45th congressional district, election forecasts have begun to swing toward being more favorable for Democrats.

Election analyst Cook Political Report today changed its rating of the race from “lean Republican” to “Republican toss up.” Democrat Derek Tran, an attorney, is vying to unseat two-term incumbent Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Seal Beach, to become the first Vietnamese American elected to represent Orange County’s Little Saigon in Congress.

“Democrats now believe they have a strong nominee in Derek Tran, a Vietnamese American attorney who could make inroads with typically Republican-leaning voters in Little Saigon,” Cook Political Report’s Erin Covey wrote in her analysis of the race.

Covey also pointed out that Tran, a first-time candidate, outraised Steel in the second quarter. In the period that covered April to June, Tran reported his best fundraising quarter yet, raising $1.3 million to Steel’s $1.1 million. As of June 30, Steel still maintains a cash lead.

Last week, Inside Elections, a newsletter that provides campaign analysis, also recently changed its rating of the race from “lean Republican” to “tilt Republican.”

Both rating changes come as the race in the 45th has grown increasingly more volatile in recent weeks. Steel’s campaign recently accused Tran of misleading voters about his Vietnamese language proficiency and also criticized him for his previous work as an attorney defending a client accused of sexual assault.

CA-45 is a majority-minority district where the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam resides. The district also picks up Cerritos and Artesia in Los Angeles County, both where Asian residents make up the largest racial group.

“For some reason after two cycles of being proven wrong, inside the Beltway prognosticators still give precedence to (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s) spin over Michelle winning every cycle — this year, they are falling for Democrats’ nonsense that someone who is a serial liar and represented an alleged rapist is the ticket to beating Michelle — they were wrong before, and they are wrong now,” said Lance Trover, Steel’s spokesperson.

DCCC spokesperson Dan Gottlieb said “the ground has completely shifted beneath Michelle Steel’s feet in California’s 45th, and Republicans are clearly panicked as their desperate attacks continue to fall flat.”

On Friday, Cook Political Report also shifted five more races toward Democrats and two toward Republicans.

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​ Orange County Register 

Excellent teams at Mohs girls volleyball tournament at Edison

• September 6, 2024

The Dave Mohs Memorial Tournament at Edison has its usual collection of standout girls volleyball teams.

Among the 29 teams are Mater Dei, last year’s CIF Southern Section and CIF State top-division champion, and Cathedral Catholic of San Diego that is No. 9 in the MaxPreps.com national rankings. Mater Dei is No. 14 in those rankings; the Monarchs swept No. 3 Mira Costa of Manhattan Beach on Thursday.

Mater Dei was No. 1 in the Orange County preseason rankings. Other county top 10 teams in the Mohs tournament No. 2 Huntington Beach, No. 3 Santa Margarita, No. 5 JSerra, No. 7 San Clemente, No. 9 Newport Harbor and No. 10 San Juan Hills.

A link to the schedule is here.

​ Orange County Register 

Rams rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske bonded by competition

• September 6, 2024

In January of 2023, Jared Verse walked out to Florida State’s practice facility with a group of teammates. Dripping in sweat from their session in the weight room, they were set to do some field drills and work on pass rush moves.

Already on the field, his shirt also soaking wet, was a new teammate who had just transferred into the program. A shoulder surgery had him in a sling, but he was still working on a one-armed cross chop.

For Verse, a gym rat who himself had offseason surgery a year ago after transferring to FSU and had to sit out winter workouts, this raised his antenna. But there was still a shadow of a doubt in his mind.

“Whenever you go to a new place, you always want to show them your work ethic. So I’m like, ‘Oh, he’s just trying to show us what he’s about,’” Verse said. “And as time went on, I was like, ‘Oh, this is just who this guy is.’”

That new teammate was Braden Fiske, and those early workouts were the beginning of a genuine respect and close friendship that seemed poised to end after one season together. But as fate would have it, the Rams had different plans, drafting both the outside linebacker Verse and the defensive tackle Fiske with their first two picks in April’s draft.

The organization bet on Verse and Fiske’s work ethic and chemistry to lead them into their post-Aaron Donald future. In Sunday’s season opener against the Detroit Lions, the pair will have a primetime opportunity to show the world what the Rams saw in them.

Anything you can do

Verse’s newfound respect for Fiske’s work ethic in Tallahassee quickly morphed into a competitive instinct that infected both pass rushers.

How much weight did he bench press? How many reps did he do? How long was he in the cold tub? When the team ran sprints to atone for penalties, Fiske looked for Verse in the line and, without fail, the pair finished each heat hip and hip.  It didn’t have to be about football. Verse liked to talk about how he could beat Fiske in basketball, not a terribly impressive brag given that Fiske never played the sport competitively.

Even into November, with Florida State chasing an ACC title, the pair were trying to one-up each other’s personal records in the weight room instead of taking it easy on themselves late in the year.

“My biggest challenge especially during the season was to keep them from killing each other,” Florida State strength coach Josh Storms said, “because there was no end to how far they would push each other.”

And yet, Storms always assigned Verse and Fiske to the same rack, or next to each other. Because as they pushed each other, they set an example for their teammates around them. And as they pushed each other, they each got better.

“Something I learned in this game is you got to find people like-minded, and when you find people like-minded you’re able to do great things because it’s somebody that pushes you and it’s competitive,” Fiske said.

Despite that competition, it never came at the sake of the on-field product.

As they pushed each other to stay in the Seminoles’ practice facility longer and longer, eventually they came to watch film together late into the evenings. While breaking down opposing offenses, they came up with game plans of how they could get each other opportunities at the quarterback. They were willing to take turns absorbing double-teams to allow the other a one-on-one opportunity.

It was this chemistry that would jump off the tape when the Rams studied the duo ahead of the draft.

“It’s like a marriage, there’s give and take to everything and you gotta learn to compromise and you gotta learn when your opps are,” Rams defensive line coach Giff Smith said. “And that’s when you really come together. It has to be in unison and you have to be able to play off each other and you have to be willing to do the dirty work sometimes so the other guy has his opps.”

Perhaps marriage is a good metaphor for the pair, considering how they can bicker.

Florida State’s Jared Verse, right, and Braden Fiske react after a sack against Louisville in the ACC Championship on Dec. 2, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

‘Yin and yang’

To be clear, Fiske and Verse have more in common than not, right down to their backgrounds.

Fiske is the son of steel mill worker and a nurse. He grew up watching his parents work long, odd hours with no days off. He learned that people depend on you to show up to work, and that you owe it to them to do so with full effort.

“That’s where I feel the best at the end of the day when I lay down in bed,” Fiske said. “Like, ‘All right, I put in a complete day of work, I checked all the boxes whether that was for the film, the weight room, the training room, taking care of my body, eating right, sleeping right.’ Just making sure all the boxes are checked.”

Verse’s father is a former Marine who started working night shifts as an engineer following his service. His mother did marketing for hospitals, and the family moved around often as she climbed her profession’s ladder.

They worked long hours, but Verse noted how his mother made time for his football games, or any of his five siblings’ activities. And while his father slept during the day, he always woke up in time to make sure there was food ready when the kids got home from school.

“That kind of dedication just to be in your kids’ lives and help them be better versions of the themselves,” Verse said, “it would be almost disrespectful to them to not show my full capabilities.”

Out of high school, both had to earn their way up the collegiate ranks. Fiske started at Western Michigan, while Verse could only get an opportunity at Division II Albany.

They didn’t necessarily have all the physical tools they needed to earn a Power 5 scholarship out of high school. But they had something else.

“I’ve seen some people with all the potential in the world fizzle out because they didn’t put in the work,” Verse said. “And I didn’t always have that. I wasn’t the fastest, I wasn’t the strongest, any of that, but if I put in the work, I can pass all those people just from my work ethic. I believe that work beats anything; talent, your abilities, anything like that.”

For all those similarities, as you speak with Verse and Fiske, they seem like the type of pairing you’d find in a buddy cop comedy.

Fiske is all midwestern, stoic and observant. Rams head coach Sean McVay compares his demeanor, focus and concentration to Donald’s. Verse is just as locked into the details, but his mouth is always running. He can be heard from the sidelines of the Rams practice field, telling teammates how he can beat them at any given activity.

“It’s like a yin and yang,” McVay said. “I think there’s a good balance because that’s authentically who they each are. Sometimes you have to tell Jared, ‘Hey man, be quiet, get in the huddle and play the next snap.’ Braden is just kind of just taking it in.”

At first, Fiske was taken aback by Verse’s verbosity. Soon, it became part of the routine.

“I got so used to it, I was like, get the hell away from me,” Fiske joked. “It’s not so much what’s said, it’s the amount that’s said. It’s just constant. It’s just like, ‘Jared, we get it, you won. All right, cool.’”

Reunited

There’s a certain cruelty in meeting a friend too late in life, not getting the chance to spend more time together. That was the most likely scenario when Fiske transferred to Florida State in the final year of his and Verse’s collegiate careers. They got their year together, and then would go onto the NFL and the life lottery of the draft.

This reality didn’t sink in for Verse until after Florida State’s triumph in the ACC championship game, a result punctuated by a fourth-down sack by Fiske that allowed the Seminoles into the victory formation.

“I didn’t even think about the fact that me and him were possibly going to go to different teams, which was a high possibility until the last game, until that play, everybody’s celebrating on the field,” Verse said. “The flight home, I’m like, ‘Damn. That could have been one of my last times with him.’ That was the first time it hit me.”

But then came the phone call from Rams general manager Les Snead to Fiske that changed everything. The pause in Fiske’s voice when he realizes what team is calling him, and what that means. The shrieking, uncontrollable excitement from Verse when McVay tells him who’s on the other end of the phone call. The tears in Fiske’s eyes when Verse is given the phone.

Who’s cutting onions? pic.twitter.com/fj3RZaH63Z

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 27, 2024

On the opposite side of the country, Storms was at a Florida State softball game with other members of the football staff. As they watched the game, they had ESPN playing on their phones, waiting to see where their Seminoles were going in the draft.

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Apparently, they weren’t the only ones, because when the Rams selected Fiske, a ripple went through the crowd as fans realized the two defensive standouts were reunited.

“For fans, it’s cool, two of our guys went to the same team,” Storms said. “But for those of us on the inside of the program here that had watched those two bond together, the friendship they built, when you saw the Rams take both those guys, that’s special. You’re not just getting two great players, but the way they are together, that can have a giant, giant impact if they can both get off to a strong start to their careers, that can really shape what that defense can become for years to come from now simply because of who those two are when they’re together.”

​ Orange County Register 

Del Mar horse racing consensus picks for Friday, September 6, 2024

• September 6, 2024

The consensus box of Del Mar picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Terry Turrell, Eddie Wilson and Kevin Modesti. Here are the picks for thoroughbred races on Friday, September 6, 2024.

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​ Orange County Register