Latest news with #ANW
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
23 fun facts about Wisconsin 'American Ninja Warrior' star Taylor Amann from our Q&A
She's back! "catch me on @ninjawarrior this Monday, June 16 at 8/7c on @nbc — i'm so grateful for another shot to step up, show up, and see what I've got !!" That's what Wisconsin's own "ANW" veteran Taylor Amann shared on Instagram on June 12. Las Vegas qualifiers, which will continue for several more weeks, began airing in early June. Ahead of her Season 17 debut, Amann graciously stopped by the Journal Sentinel newsroom for a rapid-fire Q&A of sorts. The result: 23 fun facts about the local Ninja, including her favorite Wisconsin restaurant (Hint: It's in the Third Ward), her favorite athletic-wear brand — she has a brand deal with them — and what she considers to be her biggest accomplishments: Answer: I'm from Hartland, Wisconsin. And now, I live downtown Milwaukee. I went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I'm a social media manager for The Weaponry advertising and ideas agency here downtown Milwaukee. And, I own my own photography business. My journey started on "Team Ninja Warrior: College Madness" back in 2016. And, I just filmed my fifth season of "American Ninja Warrior." The seasons Amann competed on and how far she made it on each can be found here. I grew up doing gymnastics since I was 4 through high school. And then, I started pole vaulting in high school through college. My biggest accomplishments: Winning the Big Ten Championship in the women's pole vault three times. And then, also winning "Team Ninja Warrior: College Madness." That was a really cool experience. "I like doing HITT workouts, where it's a combination of cardio and strength training." I love listening to the "Big Bootie" playlist because the music changes and it just gives you a little bit of each song. And, it usually pumps me up pretty well. My favorite gyms downtown are the Milwaukee Athletic Club, and then, Train Moment. In the summer, I like to paddleboard. And in the winter, I like to snowboard. My family. Yeah, they mean the world to me. My favorite restaurant in downtown Milwaukee is Onesto. I just love Italian food. My favorite food is anything breakfast. I love the Cream Soda Olipop over ice. So good. Probably Stone Creek. Yeah, it's a good one. I love Anthropologie downtown. I'd have to say BYLT Basics. California, for sure. I'm a Cali girl at heart. Definitely CapCut. I use it for all my content and for work. And I'm on it almost all day. One of my all-time favorites is "Sweet Home Alabama." Super-cute. My favorite TV show all-time is "Gossip Girl." I've probably watched it six times through at least. Me and my fiancé like to go to Screaming Tuna, Onesto and Momo Mee. Those are our favorites. I'm excited to get married at the end of this month! And then, go on our honeymoon to the Dominican Republic. "ANW" Season 17 airs at 7 p.m. Mondays on NBC. Episodes steam on Peacock, NBC's streaming service, the day after they air. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: American Ninja Warrior Season 17: Facts about Wisconsin's Taylor Amann
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Time of India
Bengaluru cops nab Nigerian woman trying to peddle 5.3kg MDMA worth Rs 10.5 crore
Bengaluru: In one of the biggest drug busts in recent times, a 25-year-old Nigerian was arrested by Central Crime Branch (CCB) sleuths when she was trying to sell MDMA crystals weighing over 5.3kg, and valued at around Rs 10.5 crore, near Rajanukunte. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The accused has been identified as Akinwunmi Princess Ifeoluwa, alias Princess, a resident of Uttam Nagar in Nawada, New Delhi. CCB's anti-narcotics wing (ANW) police inspector Rakshith AK got a tip-off around noon on June 10 about a foreign national trying to sell drugs in Tarahunase village, 6km from Rajanukunte. Rakshith alerted his seniors, including assistant commissioner of police Mahananda HK, who formed a special team to nab the peddler. When cops rushed to Tarahunase village, they found a woman with a bag seemingly waiting for someone. After confirming she was the peddler flagged by the informant, police detained her around 4pm. When police asked her to show her bag, she didn't cooperate initially. Eventually, she confessed she had come to New Delhi in Oct 2021 using a student visa. She claimed she wanted to get admission at a private deemed-to-be university, but when she didn't get a proper response from the college, she didn't enrol and started working as a hairdresser and pedicurist in the national capital. As she was unable to earn enough to lead a lavish life, she went into the drug peddling business. She allegedly met another Nigerian woman named Asa, who instructed her to take drugs to Bengaluru by bus and hand them over to someone. Accordingly, Princess packed the MDMA crystal in packets and reached Bengaluru on June 10. While she was waiting for Asa's message about the man to whom she was supposed to hand over the drugs, she was caught by cops. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Police found 5,325 grams of MDMA crystals and an iPhone on her. A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the Foreigners Act, 1946, for overstaying. Further investigation is on to nab Asa and the others involved in the matter.
Buzz Feed
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
20 Must-Have Target Sandals For The Summer Season
A pair of gingham slides with a bow, because picnic and BBQ season is finally here and you couldn't be more excited. These are best paired with a hot dog or hamburger! Promising reviews: "These shoes are super cute! They run true to size! Great quality! And in the short time I've had them, I have had so many compliments! I love them so much. I wish they came other colors!" —ANW"These red sandals add a pop of cuteness to any outfit! I wore them all day, many compliments and no blisters!" —AngelaMPrice: $25 (available in sizes 6–11) A pair of super chic slides that remind us of a super luxe and viral pair. If you're looking to master the "old money" look on a budget, these are going to become your go-to shoe. Promising review: "These sandals are BEAUTIFUL! I can't wait to wear them with jeans or a Tencel dress, or white/cream linen pants or dress, etc. They really are feminine, classic sandals that will be the star of the show. They have great cushioning and I'd say might run a half size big, but not so oversized that you couldn't wear your true size. Get them, you won't regret it!" —LisaTagsPrice: $20+ (available in sizes 6–12; including wide widths, and nine colors) A pair of chunky heels because you need a little something extra for all the events on your social calendar this summer. From weddings to date nights, you're going to live in these all summer long! Promising review: "RUN don't walk to buy these shoes! They are soooo much prettier in person and are amazingly comfortable. I can't say enough great things about these heels. IN LOVE!!" —Britt GPrice: $24.99+ (available in sizes 5–11; including wide widths, and three colors) A pair of flower slides that'll make you feel as pretty as flower. These would be so easy to dress up and dress down, making them a great addition to your collection. Reviewers say these run a little bit big. Promising review: "The sandals are comfortable and fit nicely! They look pretty too!" —llembeckPrice: $35 (available in sizes 5–11) A pair of basic two-band slides because these are such a classic shoe and you need to replace last year's version since it's hanging on by a thread. Although they might not be the cutest on this list, they're the most versatile, so you might find yourself reaching for these often. Promising review: "Love these sandals! They are comfy with a little cushion, and the straps do not dig into my feet. Super easy to style with just about anything. I wear these to work and am on my feet all da,y and they are holding up perfectly and comfy!" —Kaetlyn Rachelle Price: $20 (available in sizes 6–11; including wide widths, and three colors) A pair of chunky sandals that are basically the summer equivalent of combat boots. Styling them with a flirty and frilly dress for an edgy look. The straps are adjustable, making them great for wide-footed and narrow-footed besties alike. Promising review: "I have never liked this style of shoe. To me, it's the equivalent of wearing Crocs. But I ripped my toenail off and needed something that wouldn't rub on my toe. I got these half a size bigger. These are super comfy!! And they look cute even with my injury! Also, I wanna note that they didn't cause me any blisters. I normally have to break in shoes, but not these! Super comfy, cute, and will definitely wear even after my toe heals! I'll also get pairs in other colors for this summer!! They totally changed my whole opinion on them!" —Dannie GPrice: $30+ (available in sizes 6–11 and four colors) A pair of mesh sandals with cherries on them because you're planning on having a cherry-core summer. Just imagine how cute these would styled with your favorite ~cherry red~ pieces. Promising review: "This sandal is prettier in person and very comfortable as well. Looking forward to wearing it with white jeans and a cotton red dress on vacation."—Lucy ColonPrice: $25 (available in sizes 6–11) Or a mesh sandal with more minimal designs that would look super cute with anything you own. Comfy, cute and casual, you'll love styling these so much, you might need to get every single design. Reviewers say if you have a wide foot, size up. Promising review: "I love flat shoes that have foot cushioning like these. They are comfortable and I will be able to dress them up or down. I especially like that they will fit easily into a carry-on." —SoccerQueenPrice: $25 (available in sizes 6–11 and three designs) A pair of slides that look like they have a toe ring because you're feeling nostalgic about the early aughts. The double band detailing is clear, making these shoes match anything already in your closet. Promising review: "Cute! These look so stylish, fun, and perfect. The clear strap takes your everyday sandal up a notch! Elevates any outfits. I was concerned about the toe ring, but it does not hurt at all. Wore them for a few hours, so comfy with the cushioned footbed." —Omega7Price: $25 (available in sizes 6–11) A crochet pair of sandals since you've been wanting to dip your toes into the boho trend. These have a contoured footbed designed to keep you comfy no matter how long you wear these for. Promising review: "I love these shoes! They are stylish, comfy, and easy to walk in. I love the cushion in the sole. I will be wearing these all summer. Great for wide feet also!" —megara351Price: $35 (available in sizes 6–11) A pair of raffia slide sandals with memory foam, so they'll give you a little extra support when you need it most, aka the long walk from the car to the beach. These are slim, so you can easily slide them into your suitcase for any last-minute getaways. Promising review: "Love them! These sandals are so pretty and comfortable. Just a tad wide. Received many compliments when wearing it." —ZowiePrice: $25 (available in sizes 6–12; including wide widths, and two colors) Or raffia ruffle shoes that'll add a little bit of fun to your OOTD. These have a small heel, making them great for events where you want a little something flirty. Promising review: "I love these natural-colored shoes! I bought them to go with several of my outfits on a cruise, and found them to be so comfy! In fact, once I returned home, I bought the black pair. These can be dressed up with a dress or nice pants, or dressed down with jeans." —Just MePrice: $29.99 (available in sizes 6–11) A minimalist shoe with a bead detail because you love an elevated basic. You'll look like million bucks while wearing these and don't even get me started on how many people are going to stop you and ask where they're from. Reviewers say these run small, so size up. Promising review: "They're so cute!! They're a great sandal to keep in my closet!" —Pinky281Price: $25 (available in sizes 5–12; including wide widths, and two colors) A pair of shoes that's covered in beach-themed embellishments, so you can embrace your inner merperson this summer. These are beach-ready, just don't blame me when your camera roll is full of shoe and seashell pics. Promising review: "These sandals are so freakin cute and they are actually comfortable!! The straps are soft and don't dig, and the bottom has a little cushion. The shell details are so pretty and perfect for summer. Grab them!!" —Target ReviewerPrice: $35 (available in sizes 5–12) A chunky pair of sandals with double buckles, so your feet are ~actually~ secure. The gold-tone detailing on these bbs will take your basic staples to the next level. Promising review: "True to size. I was worried about the straps hitting my ankle, but it's so comfy. Went for a walk with these. The soles are surprisingly supportive and cushioned well. Not stiff. Well-made." —AlittlebitofkmPrice: $35 (available in sizes 6–11 and two colors) A pair of faux-leather thong sandals, because sometimes a classic is the best purchase. These are super versatile and are a little nicer than those plastic flip-flops that broke after one wear last summer. Reviewers suggest sizing up. Promising review: "Very comfortable after one or two wears. I'm a guy, and they don't look feminine. Bought the black first and had to go back and purchase the brown." —ladyshoe55Price: $20 (available in sizes 6–11 and two colors) A minimalistic pair of clear slides with white piping to make your feet look as pretty as a piece of cake. They also have a foam insole, so you'll feel like you're walking on a cloud. Promising review: "So I purchased this shoe only to match with the Kate Spade scallop dress, and it's perfect. The shoe fits great on my foot, and no problems with slipping or tripping. I just wish there were more memory foam on the footsole. Overall, it's a beautiful sandal." —CheriPPrice: $25 (available in sizes 5–12) A faux pearl–encrusted sandal because pearls are your entire personality during warmer months (mine too.) These are a great alternative to heels for wedding guest dresses and other more formal events. Promising review: "I picked these up for fun and love how delicate they look. They fit true to size and are more comfortable than I expected. I have mild bunions and these don't hurt them." —LSHPrice: $30 (available in sizes 5–12; including wide widths) A super chic ankle-strap sandal with faux gold detailing that almost looks like jewelry for your feet. These have such stunning lines on them, they'll capture your heart and everyone else's. Promising review: "Comfortable, aesthetically-pleasing, and very on trend — I can think of many outfits I'm gonna wear this with definitely a buy! Wish they would release some more colors." —IzzyPrice: $25 (available in sizes 6–11) A thong sandal because these will have you looking like you just stepped foot off the set of The White Lotus. You'll also love how easy these are to slide on and off, making them great for strolls along the shore. Reviewers say to size up. Promising review: "Looks like a much higher-end sandal. Great neutral staple for the summer." —SeashellmabellePrice: $30 (available in sizes 5–11)
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'American Ninja Warrior' Season 17 premieres June 2. What to know about Milwaukee's returning star, Taylor Amann
The lineup for "American Ninja Warrior" Season 17 is made up of new and veteran Ninjas, according to NBC Insider. One Ninja returning to the grueling obstacle-course show? Former Wisconsin Badgers pole vaulting superstar and Milwaukeean Taylor Amann. After winning "Team Ninja Warrior: College Madness" with two teammates coming up on a decade ago, Amann competed on "ANW" four times, making it to the national finals once. Not being in "the best space mentally" when she last competed on Season 15, she said in a previous Journal Sentinel interview, she fell on the second obstacle of the qualifying course, which meant she wouldn't advance to semifinals. After that, Amann thought she had retired from her time as a Ninja. But then, she kept going "back-and-forth" on whether that was how she wanted to end her "ANW" career. "As a competitive person and someone who's been an athlete my whole life, I couldn't leave it at that," Amann said. Filled with nerves and excitement, Amann flew to Las Vegas in October for filming. To see if Amann made the cut, episodes of Season 17's Las Vegas qualifiers will begin airing on June 2 on NBC. Here's what to know about Amann and Season 17 of the sports-entertainment competition show: 29 years old. Amann is a Hartland native who lives in Milwaukee. Amann is a social media manager at The Weaponry, an advertising agency. Her side hustle: A photography business in which she captures weddings, couples, families, seniors and branding. As an influencer, she has brand deals with Wantable, which has included a collection of her picks, and BYLT Basics. Amann graduated from Arrowhead High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After competing and winning "Team Ninja Warrior: College Madness" with two teammates in 2016, Amann went on to compete on "American Ninja Warrior" four times: Seasons 11, 12, 13 and 15. Season 17 will be her fifth attempt (not including "College Madness"). "Team Ninja Warrior: College Madness": Won. "American Ninja Warrior": Season 11: Made it to the national finals. Season 12: Eliminated during the qualifying round. Season 13: Made it to the semifinals. Season 15: Eliminated during the qualifying round. Season 17: TBD. Last year, Amann started Ninja training again, which reminded her of "how fun it was," she said in a previous Journal Sentinel interview. That, paired with encouragement from her boss, she decided to give the obstacle course show another go. Amann applied to be a part of Season 17 at the last minute last summer. A couple weeks after submitting her "ANW" application video, Amann received a call from a show producer, inviting her to compete on the upcoming season. In general, Amann works out just about every day. She does HITT (high-intensity interval training) and circuit training focused on strength, with a little cardio. To prep for the show, she added in training at Ultimate Ninjas Oak Creek, where she practiced pull-ups, hanging, swinging and balance obstacles. She met the gym's owner, fellow "ANW" fixture Michael Silenzi, competing on the show a few years back. She also prioritized her "mental game," working on staying calm, focused, positive and confident, regardless of the obstacle at hand. That was "the toughest part," she said in our previous interview. "I've been an athlete my whole life. I like being competitive," she said. "It's just kind of like trusting what I can do. 'Cause as long as I'm training for it and working out every day, I know that my body's ready for it. It's just, my head could be holding me back. So, just staying positive about it." Amann started competing in gymnastics at 5 years old. She was a part of the Midwest Twisters Gymnastics, then competed for the Arrowhead High School team. She committed to pole vaulting after her junior year of high school. As a pole vaulter at UW-Madison, she became a three-time Big Ten champion and two-time All-American. According to NBC Insider, the show is hosted by Akbar Gbajabiamila and Matt Iseman, along with sideline co-host Zuri Hall. "ANW" Season 17 will feature a lineup of new and veteran Ninjas; the return of some fan-favorite obstacles, including CannonBall Alley; and a few surprise format changes, according to NBC Insider. "This season is really looking at the future of Ninja but also celebrating the past ..." Iseman told NBC Insider. "We saw some upsets that you never would've predicted in a million years. And then we saw redemptions that just made your heart swell. So the season was filled with so many highlights and so many incredible moments." This season's prize? $1 million. "The path to victory will demand even more mind-boggling strength and jaw-dropping speed as these Ninjas are put to the ultimate test," NBC Insider reported. "From the inspiring Ninja stories to the high-flying leaps that take our breath away, Season 17 is bringing the heat." "American Ninja Warrior" Season 17 airs at 7 p.m. Mondays on NBC. The season premiere is June 2. Episodes steam on Peacock, NBC's streaming service, the day after they air. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: American Ninja Warrior Season 17: What to know, how to watch, Taylor Amann
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I never stepped foot in a gym until age 62... but now people are stunned by my physique
A woman who had never stepped foot in a gym has revealed how she got in shape at age 62... and went on to become the oldest American Ninja Warrior competitor in history. While actor and former dancer Ginny MacColl, now 73, from Southport, North Carolina, has 'always' been active, for the first 62 years of her life, she had no interest in weight training or working out. But all of that changed in 2015, when she decided she wanted to get stronger after becoming inspired by her daughter, Jessie Graff, who had participated on the popular sports competition show America Ninja Warrior. At first, Ginny, who had 'no upper body strength,' said her goal was to do five pull-ups. She worked tirelessly with a personal trainer and it took a full year for her to achieve her first pull-up. But now, a decade on, not only can Ginny do numerous pull-ups, but she also works out six days a week and became the oldest competitor in American Ninja Warrior history in 2022. While chatting with Ginny explained, 'I've always done some sort of exercise. 'Mostly dance from age eight to adult when I moved to NYC to become a professional dancer. But all of that changed in 2015, when she decided she wanted to get stronger after becoming inspired by her daughter, Jessie Graff, who had participated on the show America Ninja Warrior 'In New York, I danced on scholarship and with a modern dance company and then onto Broadway with the hit show, Pippin, in 1974.' She continued to dance professionally until she got married and welcomed two kids, when she decided to turn her focus to acting and modeling. She starred in 'over 100 national TV commercials,' but being a busy working mom with two young children meant she had little time to focus on staying active. 'My exercising was limited to what I did with the kids,' she explained. After undergoing a divorce, she started teaching dance and worked in radio. She eventually remarried and moved to North Carolina to 'rekindle her acting career,' but at age 62, she discovered a new passion thanks to her daughter: weight lifting. 'My daughter competed on ANW and she was showing young girls how cool it was to be strong,' recalled Ginny. 'I thought she was strong, healthy, confident and graceful and I wanted to get strong too. 'I didn't have the upper body strength and eventually went to a personal trainer with a goal of five pull-ups.' Ginny admitted that weight training was extremely 'hard' and so 'different from anything she'd ever done before.' She knew that starting out at that age meant she would have to take it 'slow' and focus on her entire 'body' as to not injure herself. And while there were times she felt 'discouraged,' she never gave up. 'I'd never been in a gym, never been in sports. So I essentially started from scratch,' she continued. 'It took nine months to see definition and toning. It took a year to get one pull-up. '[There was] plenty of discouragement because I saw how so many women accomplished a pull-up and why couldn't I? 'But it made me more determined. If they could do it then I could too.' In 2016, she decided to participate in ANW with her daughter during a mother-daughter segment. 'It's never too late and you're never too old,' she told 'Let's get rid of old stereotypes, like: you can't get stronger as you age, or: it's all downhill after 50' Now, she has been on ANW three times, and in 2022, at age 71, she broke the record as the oldest female competitor on the show. She has documented much of her fitness journey online, and has seen a resurgence in her acting career in recent years. She worked as a stunt actor in Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell's movie You're Cordially Invited, and had a small role as a tennis player in the Sex and the City prequel show And Just Like That. 'It's never too late and you're never too old,' she concluded. 'That's why I post my progress on Instagram, so I can show people that you can do a lot more than you think you can. 'Let's get rid of old stereotypes, like: you can't get stronger as you age, or: you'll get too bulky and you won't look feminine, or: it's all downhill after 50.
