Latest news with #Valparaiso
Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Notre Dame commit Caden Crowell wanted this for Valparaiso. Well, he earned it. ‘It's a dream I've had.'
Valparaiso senior left-hander Caden Crowell had been waiting for this day for more than a year. Ever since Crown Point ended the Vikings' 2024 season in the first round of sectionals, the Notre Dame commit wanted another shot. 'I've had a countdown for this game since they bounced us out last year,' Crowell said. 'This one has been circled on my calendar for sure.' Crowell made the most of his opportunity on Saturday, delivering a dominant two-way performance to lead Valparaiso to a 5-0 win over Crown Point in the Class 4A Griffith Regional championship game at the Steel Yard in Gary. The Vikings' win secured their first regional title, and the history of the moment was not lost on Crowell. 'It's a dream I've had forever to win a regional and leave a legacy here,' he said. 'This was a huge win for us, but we've still got a couple more games to win.' Crowell (5-0) went the distance for the Vikings (23-5), who were ranked No. 8 in the final 4A coaches poll and will play Fort Wayne Snider (24-6) in the semistate semifinals. He allowed just four hits and two walks and struck out 10 as he lowered his ERA to 0.34. Crowell also helped his cause against the No. 3 Bulldogs (27-5) by going 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI. 'He came in with the idea to dominate, and that's exactly what he did, either with a bat in his hand or the ball in his hand,' Valparaiso coach Todd Evans said. Crowell's ERA is indicative of his season-long success on the mound, but he wasn't having as much luck at the plate through the first five games. He had one hit in his first 18 at-bats. The distance between his .056 average at that point and his .449 average last season weighed on his mind. 'Early in the year, I was putting too much pressure on myself because I hit a lot better last year,' Crowell said. 'But now I'm just kind of going out there, swinging the bat and having fun.' Crowell raised his average to .350 with his three hits against Crown Point. That trio included a first-inning double to the wall in left. For Crowell, hitting to the opposite field was a specific point of emphasis in the offseason. 'I was working on getting more bat speed and hitting breaking balls the other way,' he said. 'He left me a change-up in the middle of the plate, and I hit it over the left fielder's head.' Crowell's extra-base hit helped Valparaiso take a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, continuing a trend of early run production. 'Right now, that just seems to be what we're doing,' Evans said. 'We're hitting the ball well early on in the game, and then our pitching staff and defense can shore it up.' Crowell also doubled and scored in the third, providing more than enough cushion for him, according to Valparaiso senior catcher Max Reaume. 'Straight gas,' Reaume said of Crowell's pitching. 'He had a great day on the mound. His breaking stuff was in the zone, and he made them swing the bats. You can't ask for anything more as a catcher. He makes my life easy.' Crowell's performance also makes life easier for Evans, who would like to see Crowell pitch a few more times before he goes to South Bend. 'Caden's going to be playing at the next level, and right now he's just trying to win every game possible before he has to do that,' Evans said. 'Hopefully, that's about three more games.'
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Missing merluza: Chile's battle to save its favourite catch
CHILE, June 8 — Before setting sail for the South Pacific, Chilean fisherman Rodrigo Gallardo blesses himself to invoke heavenly protection and luck in his pursuit of an increasingly elusive catch: hake. Strong winds make for a choppy seven-nautical-mile (13 kilometer) voyage from the port of Valparaiso to deep waters that decades ago were teeming with Chile's favorite fish. But several hours later, when Gallardo reels in a longline studded with sardines (these small fry are used as bait) just a single hake has bitten. 'In the past, the hold was completely full,' the 46-year-old lamented. The South Pacific hake, or merluccius gayi, provides a living for some 4,000 small-scale fishermen in Chile, a country with over 6,000 kilometers of coastline, which has a voracious appetite for 'merluza'. But the attraction for cod's more affordable cousin is proving fatal. Along central Chile's traditional fishing heartland, more and more boats are returning to port with empty holds as overfishing and climate change decimate hake stocks. In the past two decades, Chile's hake population has declined by 70 per cent according to the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP). Gallardo, 46, blames years of regulations that benefitted commercial 'bottom' trawlers, which use drag nets to scoop up huge amounts of deep-water fish, like hake, depleting ocean stocks. Commercial fisheries, for their part, blame illegal fishing by small-scale fishermen like Gallardo. Regulations fall short Chile has been fighting a high stakes battle against overfishing for years. With several species in severe decline by the early 2010s, from hake to jack mackerel and jumbo squid, the government introduced annual biomass (weight) quotas designed to determine sustainable fishing levels. Chile also designated over 40 per cent of its waters as Marine Protected Areas, where fishing is restricted, and signed up to the United Nations High Seas Treaty on protecting marine biodiversity. A decade on, the populations of some species, such as sardines, cuttlefish and horse mackerel — Chile's biggest fish export — have begun to recover. The hake numbers, however, continue to make for grim reading. An IFOP study from 2024 showed a 17 per cent drop in the biomass of hake stocks compared to the previous year. Drop in the ocean Rodrigo Catalan, conservation director of the Chilean chapter of the World Wildlife Fund, blames a mix of 'illegal fishing, over-exploitation and climate change' for making hake increasingly scarce. In 2023, authorities seized 58 tons of illegal hake, the second-largest seizure by species after anchovies. The authorities suspect it's just a drop in the ocean. Because hake is usually caught close to shore, it's easy to quickly reel it in without being noticed. Much of the illegal catch winds up for sale in small quantities on markets, which also makes it difficult to detect, according to the National Fisheries Service. Experts say climate change is also wreaking havoc with fish stocks. Alicia Gallardo, a researcher at the University of Chile, said that rising sea temperatures was causing hake to migrate further south in search of colder currents, and was also affecting reproduction rates. Too many nets, too few fish Having to share an ever-shrinking catch — the annual quota for hake now stands at 35,000 tons, down from 118,000 in 2001 — has caused tempers in Chile to flare. 'There aren't enough fish for so many fishermen,' Liesbeth van der Meer, director of the ocean conservation NGO Oceana remarked. Small-scale fishermen in Valparaiso clashed with police during three days of protests in March over delays in adopting a bill that boosted their share of the catch quota for hake, among other species. Chile's biggest commercial fishery PacificBlu threatened to close shop, with the loss of 3,200 jobs, if its share was cut but later revoked the threat. The bill, which increases the quota for artisanal fishing from 40 per cent to 45 per cent, was finally adopted by the Senate this week. — AFP
Reuters
5 days ago
- General
- Reuters
Chile abortion rights bill could shape Boric legacy as Latin American neighbors look on
VALPARAISO, Chile, June 5 (Reuters) - An effort by Chilean President Gabriel Boric to expand abortion rights in the final months of his administration could finally give him a progressive legacy after three years in office but it is an uphill task that Latin American conservatives are hoping will fail as they seek to reverse gains for the abortion rights movement in the region. Leftist Boric set off a fierce debate in Congress this week with a bill to ease restrictions on abortion. The attempt to fulfill a campaign promise comes at the tail end of an administration that has failed to deliver on progressive proposals such as wideranging tax reforms and a liberal new constitution, which was rejected at a referendum in 2022. Chile's proposed law would decriminalize abortion and allow for the termination of pregnancies up to 14 weeks under any circumstance, putting the country on par with neighboring Argentina. Recent expansions in Colombia and Mexico have cemented even broader abortion rights. But Boric's proposal does not appear to have the support in Congress to pass, potentially making the issue a central part of campaigns ahead of a November vote to replace him as president and elect most of the legislature. Reproductive rights may also face push back in neighboring Argentina where abortion was decriminalized in 2020. Argentine President Javier Milei, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, has cut some federal funding for contraceptives and emergency contraception, commonly known as the 'morning after pill.' "Demographic policies should be rethought beyond the atrocity of killing human beings developing in their mother's womb," Milei wrote in a recent op-ed. Milei has focused on taming runaway inflation, but mid-term elections later this year are likely to broaden his support, based on his strength in a recent Buenos Aires vote. That could test his readiness to push through a socially conservative agenda. Constanza Schonhaut, a lawyer and executive director of human rights organization Corporacion Humanas, noted that the abortion debate has increasingly transcended borders as both far right groups and feminist organizations form alliances online. "What happens in Chile can influence other countries and vice versa," Schonhaut said. "In an increasingly connected world, it is not only feminist organizations that are coordinating internationally." When Boric announced the legislation during his last annual address to the nation on Sunday, legislators waving green and purple bandanas that represent abortion rights cheered. "Generations of women have lived and fought for this," Boric said. "Don't deny them at least the democratic debate as citizens capable of deciding for themselves." Members of the conservative bench jeered and shouted, "No abortion!" and several walked out. "Why does (Boric) insist knowing he doesn't have the votes? Why? To insult us," Johannes Kaiser, a far-right firebrand legislator and among the leading presidential contenders, told reporters after leaving the room. A Monday poll, opens new tab showed 25% of voters favor the new proposal while 55% prefer to stick with the current legislation and 19% favor banning abortion. Chile's minister of women and gender, Antonia Orellana, who is overseeing the bill through Congress, acknowledged the proposal faces an uphill battle but said that was also the case with a 2017 law that allowed abortion in limited circumstances, such as rape. "It was work that took a long time and that's what we're aiming for," Orellana said, adding that the goal is to create a "genuine debate." Chile has rejected two attempts to rewrite the constitution, including one supported by Boric that would have expanded rights and a second conservative-led attempt that threatened the limited rights women have to abortion. "Our country gave a very clear sign that it doesn't want to roll back women's rights," Orellana said, noting that abortion rights were not the main reason voters rejected the first proposal, but defending them was a key reason women rejected the second one. The World Health Organization estimates that three of every four abortions in Latin America were unsafe last year. Despite legislation, many abortions take place outside the public healthcare system. The election outlook in Chile is unclear. Polls consistently show the top candidates varying from right to far right. For Congress, a May poll by Centro de Estudios Publicos shows left-wing parties with 17% support, 19% for conservatives and 39% for centrist parties. Politicians like Milei, Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, whose country has Latin America's strictest abortion ban, have gained popularity in Chile as crime and immigration have come to top voters' mind. This has propelled candidates like Kaiser, who proposed shutting down the border and deploying the military to fight crime, to the top of polls, alongside fellow ultra-conservative Jose Antonio Kast and current frontrunner, experienced conservative Evelyn Matthei. Elisa Walker, a Chilean lawyer and policy expert based in Washington says the bill will likely depend on the next administration. "This is a bill that is always challenging to discuss. There's no ideal or perfect timing," she said.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
7-Foot College Basketball Recruit Makes Final Commitment Decision on Friday
7-Foot College Basketball Recruit Makes Final Commitment Decision on Friday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. More than a decade after a strong playing career at Valparaiso, Bryce Drew stepped into his father's shoes as the Crusaders' head coach. Over five seasons, he racked up 124 wins, including 58 in his final two years. Advertisement Drew led Valparaiso to the NCAA Tournament twice before leaving for a higher profile job at Vanderbilt. Things didn't go as planned in Nashville, and he went 40-59 over three seasons, but his dismissal there eventually led to his current role at Grand Canyon University. With the Antelopes, Drew has thrived, posting a 120-40 record over five seasons. Grand Canyon has reached the NCAA Tournament in four of Drew's five seasons, winning a first-round game as a No. 12 seed against No. 5 Saint Mary's in 2024. Now, Drew is reloading for a fourth consecutive tournament appearance. On Friday, he secured a major addition to his roster. According to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express and ESPN, "Turkish center Efe Demirel has committed to Grand Canyon." "The 20-year-old played rotation minutes for Karsiyaka in the first division," Givony posted on X. "Skilled, mobile 7-footer had 18+7 in his last game. Significant addition for Bryce Drew." Advertisement Demirel began his pro career in 2021-22 with Lima SK Denergi in the TB2L and made his debut with Anadolu Efes Istanbul in 2022-23. During the 2022-23 U18 Tournament, he started four games, scoring 15 points and pulling down 15 rebounds across the event. Grand Canyon University head coach Bryce Drew. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Demirel will join 6-foot-9 sophomore Kaleb Smith, who averaged 11 points per game for UC Riverside last season. Smith, who has two years of eligibility remaining, announced his transfer to Grand Canyon on May 2. Both big men will help offset the departures of Duke Brennan and JaKobe Coles. The Antelopes also added 6-foot-8 forward Nana Owusu-Anane from Brown University. He missed the 2024-25 season due to injury but was a standout in 2023-24, averaging 14.7 points per game and earning second-team All-Ivy League honors. Advertisement Related: Kansas' Bill Self Makes Staff Move After Disappointing Season Related: Florida Commit Xaivian Lee Makes Historic NIL Announcement on Thursday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Chicago Tribune
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Pride Fest returning to Lake Station park
Northwest Indiana Pride Festival organizers are gearing up for a second year of festivities celebrating Gay Pride Month on Saturday and Sunday at Riverview Park in Lake Station. This year's event includes more entertainment vendors and has drawn more sponsors and food trucks, said Leah Peksenak, of Portage, president of NWI Pridefest. 'This year's slogan is 'bigger, louder, prouder,'' she said. U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, is slated to address attendees at noon on Sunday, she said. It marks Mrvan's first appearance. On Tuesday, the city's Board of Works approved two agreements with the group for indemnification and liability, protecting the city in case of negligence. A memorandum of understanding calls for NWI Pride to supervise the event, coordinate vendors and parking. The city will provide police officers, within its discretion. NWI Pride agreed to pay $5,000 to hold the two-day event. 'The last one went smoothly,' said Carroll. 'The weather was off, but it was still OK. 'This world, people believe what they want to believe. We didn't see any hate that day. And, you know, that was good. And it's also good that the city of Lake Station is a safe spot.' The two-day event runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A two-day general admission is $17.50 or $10 each day. It's $8 to use the nearby city pool and a VIP admission is $100. Peksenak said the event's beneficiary is IYG, a nonprofit that assists young gay people suffering from housing insecurity. It has a location on U.S. 30 in Schererville. Peksenak said festival-goers are also invited to play pickleball on the city's new courts in the park at 2701 Ripley St. Some of the events include a petting zoo, a mechanical bull, and a magician. Several of the sponsors are faith-based including Marquette Park United Methodist Church, Gary, Hobart First United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, Valparaiso, Hobart First Unitarian, Temple Israel, Gary, Immanuel United Church of Christ, Highland, Unity of NWI, and INUMC Diversity, Missions, and Justice Ministries. Peksenak said an interfaith service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday. LGBTQ Porter County is sponsoring several events this month, as well. On June 12, there a dress-up with Pride at the group's location, 201 Washington St. Other events include: June 14: 'Love is Love 5K,' 8 a.m., Bluhm County Park, Westville June 19: Querroake, 7-8:30 p.m., 201 Washington St. June 20: Paint with Pride, 6-8 p.m., Dogwood Park, Chesterton June 22: Coming Together Picnic, 2-6 p.m., Kirchhoff Park, Valparaiso June 26: LGBTQ film screening, 5-7 p.m., Valparaiso Public Library
