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Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
One-Off $270K Cadillac EldoRODo Lowrider Resurfaces in $55K Auction Sale
The 1999 Cadillac EldoRODo show car is unlike anything the American carmaker has ever made. The car was never designed as a concept, or a precursor of a future model, but a highly customized one-off show car commissioned by General Motors. The unique and special Caddy is a wonderful blend of luxury and street culture, and there's only one in the world. After General Motors auctioned off the car for $60,000 during GM's bankruptcy proceedings following the 2008 financial crisis, it spent years in storage, and changed hands several times including a brief stint with Tyler Hoover, host of Hoovie's Garage YouTube channel, who bought it for just $12,000 in November 2023. The market is finally realizing what a unicorn the car really is, as it recently sold at auction via Bring a Trailer for $55,000 back in April. So what makes the car so special? At a time when Cadillac was known for large luxury sedans, coupes, and SUVs, the EldoRODo was commissioned at a rumored $270,000 to show a different side of Cadillac - a tip of the hat to, and a celebration of, unique Californian car culture, specifically Southern California's custom low-rider scene. So it was fitting that all the work was done by Chuck Lombardo of the world-famous California Street Rods in Huntington Beach. Chuck sadly passed away in 2023. It was a statement, not a production car, and Cadillac said at the time that it effectively captures the spirit of the classic hot rod, while blending it with contemporary luxury and performance. From there the "ROD" in "EldoRODo", while retaining the traditional Eldorado values. Upon its completion, the car frequented the show circuit and was on display at the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows and on many a magazine cover. The custom low-rider esthetic comes from the chopped roof line, the more steeply raked front and rear screens, and the very low ride height achieved by dropping the front suspension and fitting adjustable rear air suspension. It is further reinforced by extended rear wheel skirts and design cues that emphasize the slammed look, including slim, slit-like headlights and a narrow grille. In fact, the car sits a full four inches lower to the ground than its Eldorado Touring Coupe donor car. The striking Ignite Orange paintwork is offset by mirror-finished chrome wheels in a flat platter style with hidden, internal valves. They measure 18 inches - much larger than anything you'd find on a stock Eldorado at the time - and are wrapped in tires with such a low profile, they almost seem painted on the rims. Finishing off the esthetic is the shaved look, with all exterior trim pieces removed, rendering a pebble-smooth outer surface devoid of clutter, and even without any side mirrors. Those were replaced with discreet little side cameras. The handle-less doors are opened by remote poppers. Because this is not a concept or mockup, the EldoRODo is a fully functional and driving car, sitting on the bones of an existing mass-production model - the 12th-generation (1992-2002) Eldorado, specifically the Eldorado Touring Coupe. The Neutral Shale (beige to you and me) interior is nearly completely stock, save for carbon-fiber trim in place of the regular ETC's wood. While the air suspension is totally reworked, the platform and powertrain are the same as the production car, which is to say it shares its naturally aspirated 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine with 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. As was the custom with the Seville and Eldorado models at the time, the powerplant is installed transversely under the hood and drives the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Performance figures would have closely approximated those of the production ETC as well, which is to say a 0-60 sprint in just over seven seconds. Not that any owner will subject this one-off beauty to such harsh treatment, though, and this is borne out by the fact that the car had only 8,500 miles on the clock at the time it was sold in April. If you think $55k sounds like a bit of a bargain for a one-off unicorn like this, we remind you that you won't be able to do much with your EldoRODo, were you to own it. As part of its bankruptcy proceedings, GM sold the car off with a junk title in a legal maneuver to avoid any future liability. It will, therefore, be difficult, if not impossible, to get it road-registered, depending on where in the US you live. And those side mirror cameras will probably not be road legal either, anyway. It's unlikely that we'll see anything quite like the EldoRODo again. It was an extravagant, cost-no-object custom modification to make a statement, without previewing any new technology or upcoming Cadillac models. It was meant to show that Cadillac still had a connection with the expressive spirit of Southern Californian custom car culture. With the local automotive industry now under pressure from tariffs and the big EV push, such a pet project would be too extravagant to get past committee. It likely means there will never be anything like this chopped, slammed, and shaven Caddy again. We're just happy the nearly pristine car still exists, even if only as a reminder that Cadillac can also let its hair down once in a while. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Treadle Yard Goods in St. Paul closes after 49 years as owner faces cancer
Treadle Yard Goods in St. Paul closes after 49 years as owner faces cancer originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Treadle Yard Goods on St. Paul's Grand Avenue has closed as the shop's owner focuses on battling cancer. Saturday marked the end of the beloved sewing shop's 49-year run, with owner Michele Hoaglund announcing the closure Sunday. "All good things come to an end, and it's time to say goodbye," she wrote. "My battle against cancer has taken much more time and energy than I anticipated. My focus must be on my health and getting well." Mary and Paul Daley opened Treadle Yard Goods in 1976. Hoaglund began working at the shop in 1994, teaching many of the sewing classes that established the business as a hub for sewing enthusiasts and beginners alike. She took over ownership from founder Mary Daley in 2015. "People run into each other here who haven't seen each other in years, but they were best friends in another life," Hoaglund said in a blog post from 2017. "We share our joys and sorrows. It's a gift Mary created. We will always carry beautiful fabrics, but we are focused on community." The knowledgeable employees, sometimes known to customers as the Treadlettes, helped customers shop for fabric and patterns, fix sewing machines and more. "I have enjoyed getting to know so many of you over the years and loved seeing and hearing about your sewing projects," Hoaglund wrote. "I am especially grateful to work with the lovely Treadlettes!" "Please continue to enjoy what the local sewing community continues to offer in beautiful fabrics and classes," she continued. "I am sure Sew Inviting, Sewing Lounge, Lakes Makerie, and Knit & Bolt have many goodies for your next project." The announcement on Facebook was met with an outpouring of appreciation and support from customers. One student, Susan Marsnik, described Hoaglund as a "remarkable and inspirational teacher". "When I needed inspiration, purpose even, your shop was my therapy," wrote Ann Piepel. "There was nothing like it." This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
When to expect the heaviest Canadian wildfire smoke in Minnesota this weekend
When to expect the heaviest Canadian wildfire smoke in Minnesota this weekend originally appeared on Bring Me The News. All of Minnesota will experience poor air quality this weekend as smoke — both near the surface and at higher altitudes — invades from wildfires that are burning out of control in Canada. Minnesotans will be able to see and smell the smoke when it nears the surface. "Due to Canadian wildfires, air quality across all of central-southern MN into western WI will be degraded to the Unhealthy For Sensitive Groups (AQI Orange) level through Monday. Thus, Air Quality Alerts have been issued by both MPCA and WIDNR," says the National Weather Service. "A cold front will drag smoke from large wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan southward across the Upper Midwest. Multiple waves of smoke will then follow for Saturday through Monday, resulting in a prolonged period of degraded air quality. "Sensitive groups, such as those with lung disease, heart disease, children and older adults may experience health effects and should limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors." Sign up for our BREAKING WEATHER newsletters According to the weather service, "some improvement is expected across eastern MN tonight before building back east Sunday with the warm front. Periods of smoke will then persist into Monday." The near-surface smoke, which is unhealthy for everyone, will worsen throughout the day from north to south across Minnesota. The graphic below from the Grand Forks office the National Weather Service does a nice job of showing how smoke near the surface will evolve Saturday. Sunday could be worse as near-surface smoke could expand throughout more of Minnesota. Take a look: "The surface smoke is in sufficient concentrations for people to see and smell. There is high confidence that all Minnesotans will experience some level of air quality impact from smoke, and that some may experience significant air quality impacts," says the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). "Smoke concentrations may decrease at times in some parts of the state through the duration of the air quality alert, but afternoon heating and atmospheric mixing (which helps to bring smoke from aloft down to the surface) should result in additional rounds of poor air quality each day." While air quality alerts are in effect through Monday, it doesn't mean the smoke will go away next week. In fact, the MPCA says "additional fresh rounds of heavy surface smoke are possible from Monday into Wednesday of next week." A helpful tool to check the air quality in your location can be found here. Just enter your zip code for current air quality values. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Minnesota Lynx announce four free over-the-air TV broadcasts this summer
Minnesota Lynx announce four free over-the-air TV broadcasts this summer originally appeared on Bring Me The News. The (currently undefeated) Minnesota Lynx are partnering with KARE 11 and FanDuel Sports Network to simulcast four upcoming games on the local NBC affiliate, making them free to watch for roughly 1.5 million households across the greater Twin Cities region. Starting with this Sunday's matchup against the Golden State Valkyries, four Sunday games will be broadcast over the air, expanding accessibility for fans who may not have access to FanDuel Sports Network North or ION or other channels that typically air Lynx games. These are the four contests: June 1: at Golden State Valkyries, 7:30 p.m. CT June 8: vs. Dallas Wings, 3:00 p.m. CT June 29: vs. Connecticut Sun, 6:00 p.m. CT July 6: vs. Chicago Sky, 6:00 p.m. CT The Valkyries are the WNBA's newest expansion team, the 13th franchise to join the growing league. The June 8 matchup against the Wings will give fans another opportunity to watch Hopkins native and former UConn star Paige Bueckers (provided she's out of the league's concussion protocol by then). The games will be called, as usual, by FDSN broadcasters Marney Gellner and Lea B. Olsen. KARE 11 will produce pre- and postgame shows. 'KARE 11 is proud to bring Lynx basketball to more fans across Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin for free," said Doug Wieder, president and general manager of KARE 11, in a press release. "Local sports are part of who we are, and we're excited to help the Lynx broaden their reach and deepen their connection with fans throughout the region." The Lynx are 6-0 after a clutch road win over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night — a game they won without their best player, league MVP candidate Napheesa Collier. There's hope that Collier, who didn't play due to knee soreness, will be able to return for Sunday's game in San Francisco. It's the first time the Lynx have started 6-0 since 2017, the year they won their most recent of four WNBA titles. They're looking to win another one this year after losing in controversial fashion to the New York Liberty in the decisive Game 5 of last year's finals. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home
Around the world, abducting a child is a serious crime punishable by years behind bars. But when the kidnapper is Russia, justice remains a distant hope. So does the child's return home. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has identified over 19,500 children who have been forcibly deported to Russia, Belarus, or occupied territories. So far, only 1,300 of them have been safely brought back. During their time in Russia, the children are placed in Russian families or camps, often undergo military training, and are subjected to intense propaganda designed to erase their Ukrainian identity. Those who have returned report being punished for speaking Ukrainian and told that their homeland no longer wants them. That constitutes a 'calculated strategy' aimed at 'completely severing their connection to Ukraine,' says Daria Zarivna, director of the Bring Kids Back UA, an initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelensky to coordinate the return of abducted children. Zarivna is also an advisor to Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. For Ukraine, returning all these children is a key condition for any future peace agreement with Russia. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also taken up the matter. In March 2023, it issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova over their involvement in abductions. But with no access to the children and little ability to determine their current locations, Ukraine has struggled to bring them home. It now largely depends on its international allies to facilitate their return. In the meantime, Russia's military offensive continues — as does its kidnapping of children. Since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office in January, continued U.S. support for Ukraine has repeatedly come under question. Trump himself has even suggested Ukraine started the war with Russia. Despite that, experts say the U.S. remains committed to bringing Ukrainian children home. On March 11, Ukraine raised the issue in Saudi Arabia during talks with the U.S. The meeting also included discussions of potential "territorial concessions" as part of a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow. Despite the White House's push to rapidly end the war, Zarivna says the humanitarian component was treated as a 'crucial element" in the talks. "We all agreed that it should never be excluded [from the agenda]," she told the Kyiv Independent. Trump and Zelensky also discussed the abductions during their March 19 phone call. Trump promised "to work closely with both parties to help make sure those children were returned home," the White House said. "Children should not be treated as bargaining chips. That goes against humanity." Mike Walz, then the U.S. national security advisor, said in March that returning the children was among several "confidence-building measures" that were under discussion. Zarivna emphasizes that the goal is to make the issue "depoliticized," meaning the children should not be exchanged with Ukraine in return for "nuclear power plants or territory." "Doing so would only incentivize Russia to abduct even more children," she explains. "The children must be returned unconditionally, in accordance with international humanitarian law." Former Children's Rights Commissioner Mykola Kuleba echoes her point. He now heads Save Ukraine, a charity that rescues children deported to Russia. "Children should not be treated as bargaining chips," Kuleba says. "That goes against humanity." Kateryna Rashevska, legal advisor at the Regional Center for Human Rights, says this issue 'radically changes' how Ukrainians should view peace talks with Russia. 'How can we believe any promise from Russia, even one not to invade us again, if it won't return the children it abducted?' she asked. 'If Russia can't follow through on obligations it already agreed to long ago, including those under the law of Geneva and the Hague, why should we trust it with new commitments?" Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Ukrainian official familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent that Trump aimed to achieve a 'victory' in Ukraine to mark his first 100 days in office. It could potentially involve a ceasefire and the return of some civilians and children from Russia, but it has yet to materialize. Kuleba believes that Trump could play a key role in returning the children. That might also help the government uncover crucial details about them and establish a mechanism for their rescue. "In this way, we would establish the full scale of the catastrophe, identify all the affected children, both in Ukraine and in Belarus, and then we could help them," he suggests. The Ukrainian official familiar with the matter says that U.S. negotiations with Russia about returning the children were still ongoing. What happens next largely hinges on the pressure the U.S. and its allies can exert on Russia. So far, however, Russia has shown no signs of de-escalating its military offensive. And it continues to illegally deport Ukrainian children, despite international pressure. While Ukraine has identified 19,546 abducted children, the actual number may be much higher. Russia claims to have brought over 700,000 children to its territory since Feb. 24, 2022. Measuring that number has only grown more difficult. After the ICC issued arrest warrants for Putin and Lvova-Belova, Russia halted all public reporting on the number of deported Ukrainian children. Abductions can also be concealed behind more benign-sounding activities: vacations, education, or medical treatment. For example, on March 19, Yevhen Balytskyi, head of the Russian-occupied part of Zaporizhia Oblast, announced that his administration would use funding from the Russian Education Ministry to relocate 70 children to a government-run summer camp in occupied Crimea. He claimed the move would help the children "rest and recover" after living near the front line – a common pretext for deportation. Identifying and tracking abducted Ukrainian children is also challenging because Moscow deliberately changes their names, provides them with new documents, and disperses them throughout its vast territory. A study by the Yale School of Public Health found that Russia has implemented a "systematic, intentional, and widespread" program of forced adoption and Russification of deported Ukrainian children. The researchers also found that Russian child placement databases have falsely registered these children as born in Russia. One of the most striking cases occurred in 2023 when Russian lawmaker Sergei Mironov and his wife adopted a 10-month-old Ukrainian girl, Marharyta Prokopenko, who had been forcibly taken from an orphanage in the then-occupied Kherson. Her place of birth was changed to Russia, and she was given Russian citizenship. According to Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, Marharyta Prokopenko "became Marina Mironova." Rashevska says that, now, the only way to prove the girl's identity is through a DNA test, which is impossible while she remains in Russia. Abducted children are also regularly subjected to military-style reeducation programs aimed at not only erasing their Ukrainian identity but also preparing them for future service in the Russian military. Rashevska says that these militarization efforts extend to both abducted children and the 1.6 million kids living in areas Russia has occupied. "This means they are being militarized, re-educated, and Russified, with Russian citizenship being forced upon them,' she says. This group of children must also be (discussed during) negotiations, with guarantees that they will be treated as Ukrainians, she adds. According to Rashevska, Russia's militarization of children is evident in the expanding reach of Yunarmiya ('Young Army'), a state-funded organization that teaches children military skills and fosters loyalty to the Kremlin. Through presidential decree, Putin has also created the Warrior Center, which systematically prepares kids for service in the Russian military. Previously, there was one center in each occupied region except for Zaporizhia Oblast. Recently, however, Russia opened a new center in Mariupol, the second in the occupied Donetsk Oblast. Rashevska expects the number of centers to grow. "This way, Russia can rapidly achieve its goal of strengthening its mobilization reserve and military potential," she says. Kuleba warns that if these children aren't brought back soon, they risk becoming part of Russia's war machine in future conflicts against Ukraine and the West. "Through militarizing and brainwashing children, Russia could easily achieve an army of three million within five years," he says. Hi! Daria Shulzhenko here. I wrote this piece for you. Since the first day of Russia's all-out war, I have been working almost non-stop to tell the stories of those affected by Russia's brutal aggression. By telling all those painful stories, we are helping to keep the world informed about the reality of Russia's war against Ukraine. By becoming the Kyiv Independent's member, you can help us continue telling the world the truth about this war. We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
