Yearly Archives: 2026

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Grand Forks County Commission discuss new position and funding sources for Youth Assessment Center

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**Grand Forks County Approves New Position for Regional Youth Assessment Center Amid Funding Discussions**

Grand Forks County commissioners on Tuesday approved the addition of a new full-time staff position for the Regional Youth Assessment Center (YAC). The move was part of the county’s 2026 budget and aims to address the state’s request for more full-time personnel at the facility. However, the topic sparked discussion regarding whether other entities that utilize the YAC should contribute financially to support the center.

The vote held on Monday focused on approving an employee status form related to the new position. Commissioner Terry Bjerke expressed concerns about the decision, primarily due to the department’s high expenditures compared to its revenue. He noted that expenses run approximately $2 million while revenue is just over $600,000.

“As far as I’m concerned, if they want to hire another person there to take care of all this, I’m more than willing to take the check from the state to pay for it,” Bjerke said. “I don’t think it should come from the county taxpayers.”

The salary for the newly added YAC position was not included in the meeting’s agenda documents. Commissioner Cynthia Pic highlighted that denying the employee status form would be challenging since the position had already been approved in the 2026 budget.

“A majority of the adolescents that are served in our Youth Assessment Center are citizens from Grand Forks County,” Pic remarked.

County Administrator Tom Ford shared that Robin Spain, YAC administrator, has already hired someone to fill the new role. The vote to approve the status change passed 4-1, with Bjerke cast as the sole dissenting vote. Other commissioners expressed openness to discussing potential negotiations for increased funding from the state or other YAC partners.

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**Sheriff’s Office Building Update: Repairs Underway, Leasing Concerns Raised**

In related business, Director of Facilities Bill Gerszewski and Sheriff Andy Schneider provided an update on the new sheriff’s office building, including pending repairs that remain outstanding from the building contractor, Heartland Acres Development.

“Some of them have been met. Of 19 items that I had, we are solid with six completed,” Gerszewski said.

Most of the remaining fixes, according to Gerszewski and Schneider, involve larger or more complex problems, such as a roof leak. Schneider noted that the contractor has been maintaining more routine upkeep effectively.

Schneider also voiced uncertainty about the sheriff’s office’s ability to request maintenance on certain issues, given that the county is currently leasing the facility.

“We can make a request for certain things to be changed, but if they weren’t part of a [request for proposal] or if they’re not really impacting overall business, can we really request that at this time?” he explained.

Commissioner Bjerke suggested that the county discuss the duration of the lease with Heartland Acres, warning that leasing for longer than necessary could be “money going down the drain.”

According to the lease agreement, the rent for the building is $519,000 annually, with an additional $12,000 per year allocated for maintenance. The lease also includes an option to purchase the building as soon as five years after the agreement took effect.

Schneider commented on the purchase option, expressing a preference to spend more time operating in the new facility before considering buying it.

“I’d like to at least see two years out of the place before we’re talking about buying it. That’s just me personally,” he said.

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**Additional Commission Updates**

[Content Continues]
https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/grand-forks-county-commission-discuss-new-position-and-funding-sources-for-youth-assessment-center

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Will Ohio State lose Jeremiah Smith to the transfer portal? The Buckeyes’ star reveal the answer

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s wide receiver room is facing significant changes this offseason, but the team’s most important player is stepping up to ease the minds of the fan base.

The Buckeyes are set to lose four wide receivers. Carnell Tate is headed to the NFL Draft, while Mylan Graham, Bryson Rodgers, and Quincy Porter have all entered the transfer portal in search of new opportunities.

These departures have understandably caused concern among fans. It’s easy to worry that players who initially committed to Ohio State because of Brian Hartline’s presence in Columbus might be reconsidering their futures now that he has moved to South Florida.

Jeremiah Smith, however, understands these concerns and felt it was necessary to address them directly. On social media, he assured fans, “Not going nowhere.” This statement offers a much-needed sense of relief.

While the Buckeyes might be losing players they viewed as part of their future, the most important wide receiver for the team’s immediate success remains committed—at least until he potentially moves on to the NFL in about a year.

With Smith staying put, Ohio State fans can breathe a little easier as the program navigates this period of transition.
https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2026/01/will-ohio-state-lose-jeremiah-smith-to-the-transfer-portal-the-buckeyes-star-reveal-the-answer.html

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Andy Reid Shares Update On Patrick Mahomes Rehab

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The Kansas City Chiefs’ season has come to an end, and attention now shifts fully to the offseason. Free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft—where the Chiefs hold the 9th overall pick—will dominate conversations in the coming months. However, one topic that may overshadow all offseason buzz is the ongoing status of Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes suffered a significant injury last month during Kansas City’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, tearing both his ACL and LCL. He underwent successful surgery shortly after the injury, but questions remain about whether he will be ready to start the 2026 season this September.

When asked about a timeline for Mahomes’ return over the weekend, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy declined to provide specifics. However, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid offered an update during a Monday interview wrapping up the season.

According to Nate Taylor of ESPN, Reid stated:

> “He’s doing great for just being 3 weeks out. He’ll go ahead and most likely stay up here (in KC) rehabbing. He has a lot of trust in (Julie Frymyer). He’s been in there grinding.”

### Mahomes ‘Doing Great’ Given the Injury

This positive update is certainly encouraging news for Chiefs fans, many of whom feared the worst given the severity of the injury. ACL tears typically require a recovery timeline of 9 to 12 months. On the optimistic end, this timeline would have the former Texas Tech standout ready to take the field by Week 1 or Week 2 of the 2026 season.

Both scenarios would represent a win for Mahomes and the Chiefs’ medical staff. However, if complications arise during rehabilitation or if his body doesn’t heal as quickly as hoped, it’s possible Mahomes could miss more than half of the upcoming season.

A potential silver lining for the Chiefs is Mahomes’ position on the field. Compared to players who demand greater lower-body mobility—such as Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons, who also tore his ACL on the same weekend—Mahomes’ throwing position may allow for a less strenuous recovery process.

### Will the Chiefs Look for Another QB in the Offseason?

Few would seriously suggest that the Chiefs are looking to replace Mahomes anytime soon. However, his injury, combined with a recent knee injury to veteran backup Gardner Minshew, forced the team to rely on Chris Oladokun, who passed for just 235 yards across the final three games of the season.

Given this, the draft—especially the mid to late rounds—could be an opportunity for Kansas City to select a quarterback to serve as Mahomes’ backup for the coming years. Additionally, should there be setbacks in Mahomes’ rehab, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Chiefs pursue a seasoned, reliable backup quarterback in free agency to provide extra depth.

As the offseason progresses, Chiefs fans will be closely monitoring Mahomes’ recovery updates while keeping an eye on how the team plans to fortify its roster moving forward.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/andy-reid-update-patrick-mahomes-rehab/

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EXCLUSIVE: Experts Reveal Why Nick Reiner’s Alleged Double Parricide is One of World’s Rarest — And Most Taboo — Crimes

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**Nick Reiner, Son of Filmmaker Rob Reiner and Photographer Michele Reiner, Accused of Double Parricide**

*Jan. 5, 2026 | Published 6:03 p.m. ET*

Nick Reiner, the son of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner, stands accused of one of the most socially forbidden crimes imaginable — the alleged killing of both his parents. Specialists describe this case as sitting at the extreme margins of criminal behavior, carrying a cultural taboo as old as recorded law.

As RadarOnline.com has reported, prosecutors in Los Angeles allege that Nick repeatedly stabbed his parents to death inside their Brentwood, California home in December.

### A Crime Condemned Since Ancient Times

Parricide — the killing of a parent — has long been regarded as a profound moral violation. It is condemned in biblical law and was punished with exceptional cruelty in ancient Rome. While parricide accounts for only a small fraction of homicides, the killing of both parents, known as double parricide, is even rarer.

Nick, who has a documented history of drug addiction, had spoken openly about the pressures of growing up as the child of celebrated director Rob Reiner, whose films include *When Harry Met Sally*, *The Princess Bride*, and *Misery*. He reportedly clashed with his parents over their efforts to push him into rehabilitation.

His famous mother and father were found dead just hours after Nick and his father were reportedly heard arguing at a holiday party.

### Experts Break Down the Four Parricide Profiles

If the case proceeds to trial, prosecutors are expected to focus heavily on motive. Dr. Kathleen Heide, a distinguished professor of criminology at the University of South Florida and the leading American authority on parricide, explains that parricides account for approximately two percent of U.S. homicides, with only eight percent involving the murder of both parents.

According to Dr. Heide, offenders typically fall into four overlapping categories:

1. **Long-term victims of severe abuse** — often young and still living at home.
2. **The severely mentally ill** — including individuals with schizophrenia or depression accompanied by psychotic features. These offenders may have delusions about their parents or hear voices commanding them to act.
3. **The “dangerously anti-social”** — who kill for selfish reasons such as financial gain or freedom. For example, they may want to obtain their parents’ money or avoid being cut out of a will.
4. **The “enraged”** — whose deep-seated anger can erupt into lethal violence, sometimes intensified by drugs or alcohol.

Dr. Heide emphasizes that these categories are not mutually exclusive. Often, a case might initially appear to fit one profile, but further investigation reveals a more complex story.

Describing the Reiners as “very loving, committed parents,” Dr. Heide declined to comment directly on the case. However, she noted that the alleged use of a knife rather than a gun is “significant.” Stabbing is a “more personal, more expressive” method of killing, frequently “fueled by anger or rage,” especially when multiple stab wounds are involved.

### Why Double Parricide Is So Exceptionally Rare

Dr. Amanda Holt, a British criminologist at the University of Roehampton, said that Nick fits many established international patterns. The average age of a parricide offender is 31, and perpetrators are typically single men living with their parents.

Mental illness is six times more common among parricide offenders than in other types of homicides.

While most parent-child relationships involve conflict, Dr. Holt explains that parricides often hinge on a trigger event, such as a serious argument.

“It’s quite hard to kill two people in quick succession,” she said. “So there may be more practical, rather than emotional reasons,” behind double parricide.

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The tragic case has shocked Hollywood and the wider community, highlighting the deeply complex and often hidden struggles within families, even those in the public eye. Further legal proceedings will no doubt shed more light on this heartbreaking story.
https://radaronline.com/p/nick-reiner-alleged-double-murder-rob-michele-so-rare-experts-explain/

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Maple Leafs Plans Could Take Drastic Turn Amid Tanev News

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are holding on for dear life in the Eastern Conference playoff race. In any other season, the Leafs would likely be well out of a playoff spot. But the unusually tight race in the Atlantic Division, and the Eastern Conference overall, has kept Toronto within striking distance of a postseason berth.

However, recent rumors suggesting Chris Tanev could be out for the remainder of the season may force the Maple Leafs into making drastic changes. The team is already down two regular blueliners—Tanev and Brandon Carlo. To make matters worse, Jake McCabe left Saturday night’s game against the New York Islanders in the third period, and there’s still no update on his potential injury. The situation is looking increasingly dire for Toronto’s defense corps, and management needs to figure out what comes next.

**Navigating Cap Space and LTIR Limitations**

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Maple Leafs may have some cap flexibility to work with. This stems from the possibility of moving Tanev and Dakota Joshua to LTIR (Long-Term Injured Reserve). However, it’s important to note the new rules for this season. Teams can allocate a maximum of $3.8 million to LTIR, based on last year’s average. In Toronto’s case, they could only utilize $3.8 million—or Tanev’s $4.5 million cap hit, whichever is lower. Meanwhile, Joshua’s full $3.25 million cap hit would count toward adding another player if he’s placed on LTIR.

If both players end up on LTIR, the Leafs would have a little over $7 million to play with. While that’s enough to land one quality player, it may not be sufficient to address all the team’s pressing needs.

**No More Exploiting the LTIR Loophole**

Here’s an important change: The Maple Leafs cannot exploit the LTIR loophole that got so much attention in previous years. Previously, teams could use LTIR to add players during the regular season and, with no cap limit in the playoffs, activate injured players for a postseason push—even if it meant exceeding the salary cap. The Florida Panthers (Matthew Tkachuk) and Edmonton Oilers (Evander Kane) were recent beneficiaries of this system.

This year, that loophole is closed. If Toronto places Tanev and/or Joshua on LTIR, the club cannot activate them for the postseason and go over the cap. The same cap limitations that apply during the regular season remain in effect for the playoffs. If the team opts to put both players on season-ending LTIR, they will be out until next season regardless of cap compliance.

**Injuries Could Force Toronto’s Hand**

This current rash of injuries could force GM Brad Treliving into making critical moves. If the Leafs are serious about staying competitive, they’ll need to add another defenseman and potentially a depth forward. While the forward situation isn’t as urgent, bolstering the blue line is absolutely essential.

There’s been chatter that Rasmus Andersson is high on Toronto’s trade radar. However, the Leafs may not have the assets the Calgary Flames are looking for in return. That may mean exploring other, less impressive, options on the trade market.

The bottom line? The Maple Leafs are in dire straits. Unless internal options significantly step up, the club will have to pull a major rabbit out of its hat to survive this wave of injuries and remain in playoff contention.
https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-trade-plans-injuries/

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Eagles’ Nick Sirianni Facing Backlash Over Decision With Major Playoff Impact

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Philadelphia Eagles fans are expressing their frustration over a critical decision made by head coach Nick Sirianni during Week 18.

Many believe that this key choice negatively impacted the team’s playoff seeding, leading to widespread disappointment among the fan base.

As the Eagles prepare for the postseason, the controversy surrounding Sirianni’s call continues to be a hot topic of discussion.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/eagles-nick-sirianni-facing-backlash-over-decision-with-major-playoff-impact-11306285

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Miami Dolphins’ opponents for the 2026 season

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The Seattle Seahawks’ win over the San Francisco 49ers in the final week of the regular season simplified the formula to determine the one remaining opponent for the Miami Dolphins’ 2026 schedule. The Los Angeles Rams’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s late afternoon games means the Dolphins will visit the 49ers next season.

This outcome is due to the shift in the third-place finisher in the NFC West, with the Dolphins, as the AFC East’s No. 3 team, set to play that team on the road.

### Miami’s 2026 Opponents Overview

Miami is already scheduled to face their three divisional opponents—the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets—both home and away. Additionally, the Dolphins will host the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears at Hard Rock Stadium.

On the road, Miami will travel to face the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and, as noted, the San Francisco 49ers.

The NFL will release the full 2026 week-by-week schedule later this year.

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### Notes on Each Non-Division Game Next Season

**Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium**
Patrick Mahomes has played two games at Hard Rock Stadium, both six years ago. The first was in February 2020 during his first Super Bowl against the 49ers. The second, in December, was his only game against the Dolphins in South Florida. In that matchup, the AFC champion led 30-10 in the fourth quarter before easing off, eventually winning 33-27. The Dolphins have a five-game losing streak against the Chiefs and haven’t beaten them in Miami Gardens in 20 years.

**Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium**
Justin Herbert, selected sixth overall in the 2020 draft following Miami’s selection of Tua Tagovailoa, has averaged 26.8 points per game in his four career matchups against the Dolphins, including 29 points in a key game earlier this season. The Dolphins have scored an average of 27.3 points in those contests.

**Chicago Bears at Hard Rock Stadium**
Former Dolphins assistant Ben Johnson makes his first return to Hard Rock Stadium since working with Miami from 2012-18. The Dolphins initially took a 4-0 lead in the all-time series, highlighted by a legendary Monday Night Football victory over the then-undefeated Bears in 1985. However, the Bears won four of the next seven meetings. Miami currently holds a three-game winning streak.

**Detroit Lions at Hard Rock Stadium**
Another former Dolphins assistant and interim head coach returns to Miami Gardens for the first time since completing his six-year tenure in 2015. The Dolphins last defeated the Lions at home in a 49-21 season opener in 2002, which was also Ricky Williams’ Dolphins debut.

**Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium**
Joe Burrow will look to improve to 3-0 all-time against Miami, averaging 36 points per game in his matchups with the Dolphins.

**Denver Broncos at Empower Field***
Broncos head coach Sean Payton will have awaited this game for three years. His Broncos were famously dismantled for 70 points in Miami Gardens in 2023, the most recent meeting between these teams.

**Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium***
One of the rare series swings in the Dolphins’ favor since Don Shula’s departure in 1995. Miami trailed Oakland/Los Angeles 6-16-1 heading into the 1996 season but has dominated the past 20 years (15-5), evening the series at 21-21-1.

**Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field***
The Dolphins boasted an 8-0 record against Green Bay when Jimmy Johnson took over for Don Shula in 1996. Since then, Packers quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers—both Hall of Famers—have led Green Bay to seven wins in nine meetings.

**Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium***
Miami has played just one Brian Flores-defended game since his departure after 2021—a 16-10 Dolphins win in 2022, notably marked by four dropped Tua Tagovailoa passes by the Steelers.

**Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium***
Before their decline, the Colts arguably had their best performance of the season in the opener against Miami, a commanding 33-8 victory in Indiana.

**San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California***
One of the last moments the Dolphins felt a turnaround was a first-play 75-yard touchdown from Tua Tagovailoa to Trent Sherfield during their last trip to Santa Clara. However, the 49ers rebounded to rout Miami, who entered the game 8-3. Miami finished 9-8 and squeaked into the playoffs, where they lost to Buffalo 34-31.

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*Note: An asterisk (*) denotes a possibility that the game may be played internationally.*

Stay tuned for the official 2026 NFL schedule release later this year for more details.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/01/04/miami-dolphins-opponents-for-the-2026-season/

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Our Most Popular Cake Recipe Of 2025 Is So Good, ‘There Won’t Be A Crumb Left’

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Southern women are big fans of multiple names—and the same can be said of this year’s most popular cake. Some call it “Texas Tornado Cake.” Others know it as “Cajun Cake” or “Lazy-Daisy Cake.” Whatever name you prefer, everyone who tastes it agrees on one thing—it’s absolutely delicious!

### Why Is “Do Nothing Cake” So Popular?

The list of reasons to love this cake is long and well justified.

**Easy Batter:**
First and foremost, the batter is made in one bowl, using nothing but a whisk. Shockingly, there’s no oil or butter in the batter—just sugar, eggs, and crushed pineapple. But don’t worry—the topping has plenty of butter in it.

**Yummy Topping:**
That gooey topping is yet another reason folks can’t get enough of this cake. It’s very similar to the buttery, coconut-pecan decadence that makes German chocolate cake so darn delicious.

### Extra-Special Reasons It’s Delicious

Instead of just sitting on top of the cake, the sweet topping actually soaks into the cake, thanks to holes poked in the baked cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.

But what makes this particular recipe for Do Nothing Cake so special is one small but crucial upgrade—browning the butter for the frosting. Toasting the butter in a skillet until it turns amber and smells nutty takes less than 10 minutes and adds an enormous amount of flavor to this already-scrumptious dessert.

### What Our Reviewers Love About Do Nothing Cake

> “Great recipe! We have a weekly potluck at our friends’ house for around a dozen people, and this cake was the hit of the night! I used half pecans, half walnuts in the topping. Go ahead and brown the butter, added the rum and extra spices, and your friends will worship your baking skills!”

> “I’ve been making this for many, many years, and it’s always been a hit for family reunions, neighborhood potlucks, and family meals. It’s so quick and easy to make. I keep the ingredients on hand to make sure I can whip it up at a moment’s notice.”

> “It was great! So easy and keeps well in the freezer.”

> “I needed a dessert for my wife to bring to a work meeting. I saw this recipe on the SL website and decided to try it. When she came home, I had to ask how the cake went over. She set the empty cake pan in front of me and said, ‘Six people would like your recipe for this. There wasn’t a crumb left.’”

Whether you call it Texas Tornado Cake, Cajun Cake, Lazy-Daisy Cake, or Do Nothing Cake, this delicious and easy-to-make dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
https://www.southernliving.com/most-popular-cake-2025-11878698

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Disappointing speculation on Britt Baker’s AEW future amid her hiatus

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A disheartening update has emerged regarding Dr. Britt Baker’s future in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The DMD has been absent from television for well over a year now, leaving fans concerned about her status with the company.

Despite her lengthy absence, there has been little information about when or if she will return to in-ring action. This prolonged time away has raised questions about Baker’s role in AEW moving forward.

As one of AEW’s standout performers, her absence is felt deeply by both the roster and the fans. Wrestling enthusiasts are hoping for positive news about her return in the near future.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/rumor-disappointing-speculation-britt-baker-s-aew-future-amid-hiatus

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Things appear grim in search for Dec. 30 boat strike survivors

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Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & National Security Newsletter

**Defense & National Security**

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**The Big Story**

Things appear grim in the search for Dec. 30 boat strike survivors. The U.S. Coast Guard has painted a somber picture regarding its ongoing efforts to locate survivors of the December 30 strike on an alleged drug-trafficking convoy.

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Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
https://thehill.com/newsletters/defense-national-security/5670517-things-appear-grim-in-search-for-dec-30-boat-strike-survivors/