NYON, Suiza (AP) — La UEFA aún planea que Qatar alberga este mes la Finalissima entre Argentina y España, incluso mientras el emirato es blanco de misiles iraníes en la guerra cada vez más amplia en Oriente Medio iniciada por Israel y Estados Unidos.

“Por el momento, no se están considerando sedes alternativas”, dijo la UEFA el jueves sobre el partido programado para el 27 de marzo entre los campeones vigentes de Sudamérica y Europa, en un probable duelo entre Lionel Messi y Lamine Yamal.

“Se prevé una decisión final hacia finales de la próxima semana”, añadió el ente rector del fútbol europeo, que organiza el partido junto con la CONMEBOL, su contraparte de Sudamérica.

Argentina y España deben jugar en el estadio de Lusail, que fue sede de l a épica final del Mundial de 2022. Argentina se impuso una tanda de penales contra Francia después de que Messi anotó dos veces y Kylian Mbappé firmó un triplete en un trepidante empate 3-3 en los 90 minutos reglamentarios y la prórroga.

Qatar mantiene relaciones estrechas con la UEFA. Su principal dirigente futbolístico, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, presidente del Paris Saint-Germain, propiedad de Qatar, es miembro del comité ejecutivo de la UEFA.

“Las conversaciones continúan con los organizadores locales, que han hecho un enorme esfuerzo para que el partido sea un éxito”, dijo la UEFA.

Si Qatar representa un riesgo de seguridad demasiado alto para albergar el partido, podría trasladarse a España o a otro lugar de Europa, donde están radicados casi todos los jugadores de ambas selecciones.

La primera Finalissima se disputó en el estadio de Wembley, en Londres, en junio de 2022. Argentina y Messi vencieron 3-0 a Italia.

___

Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/qatar-an-planea-albergar-la-finalissima-argentina-espaa-pese-a-guerra-en-oriente-medio/ 

Precious Metals Plunge As Poland Weighs Gold Sales To Fund Defense

Tyler Durden
Thu, 03/05/2026 – 08:28

https://www.zerohedge.com/precious-metals/precious-metals-plunge-poland-weigjs-gold-sales-fund-defense 

Por LISA MASCARO, STEPHEN GROVES y MARY CLARE JALONICK

WASHINGTON (AP) — La Cámara de Representantes votará el jueves en torno a una resolución sobre si darle al presidente Donald Trump poderes para librar la guerra contra Irán, una señal de inquietud en el Congreso por el conflicto que está trastocando las prioridades de Estados Unidos dentro y fuera del país.

Se trata de la segunda votación en igual número de días, después de que el Senado derrotara una medida similar siguiendo las líneas partidistas. Los legisladores se enfrentan a la repentina realidad de representar al pueblo estadounidense en tiempos de guerra y todo lo que eso implica —vidas perdidas, dólares gastados y alianzas tensadas— por la decisión unilateral del presidente de ir a la guerra con Irán.

Se espera que la votación en la Cámara sea ajustado, pero el resultado ofrecerá un vistazo al apoyo político que tiene la operación militar y la decisión de Trump de eludir al Congreso, que es el único que tiene la facultad de declarar la guerra.

“Donald Trump no es un rey, y si cree que la guerra con Irán es de nuestro interés nacional, entonces debe venir al Congreso y exponer sus argumentos”, declaró el representante Gregory Meeks, el principal demócrata en el Comité de Asuntos Exteriores de la Cámara.

Señaló que, en sus casi tres décadas en el Congreso, las votaciones más difíciles que ha tenido han sido decidir si enviar tropas a la guerra.

Las votaciones son un momento esclarecedor para el presidente y para los partidos, apenas días después de iniciado el conflicto que rápidamente ha traído ecos de las largas guerras previas en Afganistán e Irak. Muchos veteranos de esas guerras han postulado a cargos públicos y ahora sirven en el Congreso.

Los republicanos respaldan en gran medida a Trump, y la mayoría de los demócratas se oponen

El Partido Republicano, que controla por estrecho margen la Cámara y el Senado, en gran medida ve el conflicto con Irán no como el inicio de una nueva guerra, sino como el fin de un régimen que durante décadas ha amenazado a Occidente. La operación ha matado al líder supremo de Irán, el ayatolá Alí Jamenei, lo que algunos consideran una oportunidad para un cambio de régimen, aunque otros advierten sobre un caótico vacío de poder.

El representante Brian Mast, de Florida, presidente republicano del Comité de Asuntos Exteriores de la Cámara, agradeció públicamente a Trump por actuar contra Irán, al sostener que el presidente está usando su propia autoridad constitucional para defender a Estados Unidos de la “amenaza inminente” que Irán representaba.

Mast, veterano del Ejército que sirvió en Afganistán, manifestó que la resolución sobre poderes de guerra, en la práctica, estaba pidiendo “que el presidente no haga nada”.

Para los demócratas, la guerra de Trump con Irán, influida por el primer ministro israelí Benjamin Netanyahu, es una guerra innecesaria que está poniendo a prueba el equilibrio de poderes consagrado en la Constitución.

“Los redactores de la Constitución no estaban jugando” al sostener que la carta fundacional es clara en que solo el Congreso puede decidir asuntos de guerra, indicó el representante Jamie Raskin, demócrata por Maryland.

Raskin indicó que, independientemente de si los legisladores apoyan o se oponen a la acción militar del gobierno de Trump, deberían tener el debate. “Nos corresponde a nosotros, tenemos que votarlo”.

Aunque las posturas en el Congreso en gran medida se alinean con las líneas partidistas, hay coaliciones cruzadas. Tanto las resoluciones de la Cámara como las del Senado fueron bipartidistas, y están recibiendo apoyo y oposición de ambos partidos. La Cámara también votará en torno a una resolución separada que afirma que Irán es el mayor patrocinador estatal del terrorismo.

La resolución sobre poderes de guerra, si se convirtiera en ley, detendría de inmediato la capacidad de Trump para conducir la guerra, a menos que el Congreso aprobara la acción militar. Es probable que el presidente vete la medida.

___________________________________

Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/prueba-para-el-apoyo-a-la-guerra-cmara-de-representantes-de-eeuu-votar-hoy-sobre-resolucin/ 

Por PETER SMITH

Por sí sola, la frase “Cristo es Rey” resume un principio central de la fe cristiana: que Jesús es el gobernante divino del universo. Los católicos y muchos protestantes celebran cada año un Domingo de Cristo Rey.

Pero la antigua proclamación puede transformarse en algo político, controvertido o incluso siniestro, según quién la diga y cómo la diga.

En los últimos años, “Cristo es Rey” y frases similares se han coreado en mítines políticos, se han publicado en redes sociales y se han proclamado en discursos por voces de la derecha.

En ocasiones, la frase se usa para respaldar la idea de que Estados Unidos es una nación cristiana o una que debe su lealtad específicamente al Dios cristiano. Algunos funcionarios actuales del gabinete y miembros recientes del Congreso han usado la frase en discursos y en redes sociales.

Pero otras veces, activistas políticos han emparejado “Cristo es rey” con declaraciones antisionistas o estereotipos judíos negativos.

La frase ha ganado popularidad entre figuras de la extrema derecha y sus seguidores. La influencer conservadora Candace Owens, que difunde conspiraciones antisemitas, vende tazas de café y camisetas con la marca “Cristo es Rey”.

La controversia se conecta con una fractura mayor en la derecha, y algunos conservadores rechazan a una facción cada vez más vocal cuyas denuncias de Israel, según críticos, a menudo se combinan con un antisemitismo descarado. Algunos de este último grupo insisten en que no son antisemitas, solo antisionistas. Eso en sí mismo supone una ruptura tajante con lo que antes era un casi consenso de sentimiento proisraelí entre los republicanos.

Pero hay ocasiones en que el uso de la frase “Cristo es Rey” es incuestionablemente hostil hacia los judíos, señaló un informe de 2025 del Network Contagion Research Institute, afiliado a la Universidad Rutgers.

Al analizar publicaciones en redes sociales entre 2021 y 2024, el instituto informó de un aumento drástico de la frase “Cristo es Rey”, a menudo utilizada como un meme de odio dirigido contra los judíos. El informe lamentó esta desviación de su uso histórico como una afirmación sagrada y esperanzadora, con raíces bíblicas.

“La IA convertida en arma o el secuestro de ‘Cristo es Rey’ representa una inversión inquietante de su intención original. En lugar de sacralizar valores compartidos, los extremistas han explotado esta expresión religiosa para justificar el odio”, indicó el informe.

Una controversia bajo los reflectores

Una reunión reciente de la Comisión de Libertad Religiosa, un grupo que el presidente Donald Trump creó y designó, puso la frase y las controversias relacionadas bajo los reflectores.

En una audiencia del 9 de febrero centrada en el antisemitismo, un testigo, Seth Dillon, habló de escuchar a menudo a personas usar la frase “Cristo es Rey” seguida de inmediato por un insulto sumamente despectivo hacia los judíos.

“Esto debería ofender a todo cristiano”, afirmó Dillon, director ejecutivo del sitio satírico conservador The Babylon Bee.

La integrante de la comisión Carrie Prejean Boller interrogó repetidamente a los testigos sobre si oponerse al sionismo podría interpretarse como antijudío. Dijo que, como católica, se opone al sionismo, pero que eso no es antisemita. Le preguntó a Dillon si creía que “decir ‘Cristo es rey’ es antisemita”.

Dillon respondió que no y que, como cristiano, declara con regularidad que “Cristo es mi rey”, pero que el contexto importa.

Testificó que la frase ha sido cooptada por los Groypers, en alusión a los seguidores del influencer de extrema derecha Nick Fuentes, quien ha difundido posturas antisemitas.

Es “usar el nombre del Señor de manera abusiva”, manifestó Dillon.

Los partidarios de Fuentes corearon “Cristo es rey” en la Million MAGA March, una manifestación de noviembre de 2020 que negó la derrota del republicano Trump ante el demócrata Joe Biden en la elección presidencial de ese año.

El vicegobernador de Texas Dan Patrick, un republicano que preside la Comisión de Libertad Religiosa, anunció la destitución de Prejean Boller del panel después de la reunión. Sostuvo que ella intentó “secuestrar” la audiencia para su propia agenda.

Tras la reunión de la comisión, Prejean Boller ha publicado profusamente en X, denunciando a “supremacistas sionistas” y usando repetidamente la frase “Cristo es rey”. También ha denunciado la guerra de Estados Unidos e Israel contra Irán.

Una conversa católica reciente, dijo que se opone a una visión evangélica popular según la cual el Israel moderno existe en cumplimiento de una profecía bíblica.

Una frase religiosa “cooptada por figuras extremistas”

La audiencia de la comisión difícilmente fue el primer foro en ventilar la controversia sobre “Cristo es rey”.

El informe de 2025 del Network Contagion Research Institute señaló que, si bien muchas referencias a “Cristo es Rey” en redes sociales son estrictamente religiosas, la frase ha sido “sistemáticamente cooptada por figuras extremistas”.

El informe indicó que Fuentes y otros extremistas usan la frase como un “mantra supremacista blanco que publicita sus creencias antisemitas”.

Fuentes ha dicho que el Holocausto fue exagerado, y ha denunciado a la “judería organizada en Estados Unidos”. Ha afirmado estar en batalla con “élites satánicas y globalistas”, una figura retórica antisemita.

La frase religiosa “Cristo es Rey” no es inherentemente política, dijo Brian Kaylor, presidente y editor en jefe de Word&Way, un sitio progresista que cubre fe y política.

Pero ese hecho ofrece una “negación plausible” a quienes la politizan, explicó.

“Estamos en un punto peligroso con la frase ‘Cristo es rey’ por la intensa actividad y el uso que se le da en la extrema derecha de maneras muy fascistas y antisemitas”, dijo Kaylor, ministro bautista y autor de varios libros sobre religión y política. “Corremos el riesgo de que esa frase pierda su significado, hasta el punto de que este nuevo uso antisemita sea la definición dominante”.

La frase también ha ganado popularidad en ámbitos políticos entre algunos de la derecha católica y evangélica que son firmemente proisraelíes y han denunciado repetidamente el antisemitismo, como el secretario de Defensa Pete Hegseth y el secretario de Estado Marco Rubio.

Kaylor dijo que la frase a menudo se usa como “una declaración de nacionalismo cristiano” que sostiene que “la nación debe ser puesta bajo los dictados de Cristo”.

Una disputa sobre política y religión

La controversia ha puesto de relieve fisuras tanto religiosas como políticas.

El Vaticano mantiene relaciones diplomáticas con Israel y también ha reconocido un Estado de Palestina. El papa León XIV ha pedido una solución de dos Estados mientras denuncia el antisemitismo. Durante la guerra entre Israel y Hamás, los papas Francisco y León denunciaron los ataques del 7 de octubre de 2023 por parte de Hamás y la respuesta militar masiva de Israel, y León exigió que se detuviera el “castigo colectivo” de Israel contra la población de Gaza.

Otros católicos en la Comisión de Libertad Religiosa señalaron que Jesús y sus seguidores eran judíos y que un documento fundamental del Vaticano de 1965 rechaza el antisemitismo y la culpabilización de todos los judíos, incluidos los que viven hoy, por la crucifixión de Jesús.

Patrick, el presidente de la comisión, dijo que la disputa con Prejean Boller refleja “un problema real con un grupo muy pequeño en nuestro Partido Republicano”. El antisemitismo debe ser repudiado o “esto va a destruir a nuestro partido”, dijo en el podcast “The Mark Levin Show”.

Pero Prejean Boller ha galvanizado a simpatizantes de un grupo férreamente conservador llamado Catholics for Catholics, una organización laica, dirigida por laicos, que se autodefine como una “organización militante dedicada a la evangelización de este gran país”.

El grupo planea homenajearla en un evento del 19 de marzo en Washington con un Catholic Champion Award, con oradores como Owens.

Prejean Boller ha republicado en X anuncios del evento, incluido el post en español: “No descansaremos hasta que convirtamos a Estados Unidos en una nación católica”. El post concluyó en inglés con “Christ is King!”.

______

La cobertura de religión de The Associated Press recibe apoyo mediante la colaboración de AP con The Conversation US, con financiamiento de Lilly Endowment Inc. La AP es la única responsable de este contenido.

______

Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/cristo-es-rey-se-vuelve-una-frase-cargada-en-debates-polticos-en-eeuu-sobre-todo-a-la-derecha/ 

The following items were taken from Naperville police reports and press releases. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt:

A 54-year-old man from Naperville was arrested on charge of speeding, driving without insurance and aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol for the third or subsequent time at 9:20 a.m. Feb. 25 at the police station, 1350 Aurora Ave.
A 41-year-old man from Naperville was arrested on charges of driving with expired license plates, driving on a suspended license, driving without registration and driving on a registration suspended for non-insurance at 7:05 p.m. Feb. 25 in the 700 block of Inland Circle.
A 43-year-old man from Aurora was arrested on a warrant and on one count each of improper U-turn on a roadway, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of ammunition/no valid FOID card on person, unlawful possession of cannabis by a driver, transportation or possession of open alcohol by a driver and on two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon at 7:38 p.m. Feb. 26 at West Diehl Road and North Route 59.
A 23-year-old woman from Naperville was arrested on five warrants at 9:20 p.m. Feb. 26 in the 1500 block of Watkins Lane.
A 43-year-old man from Naperville was arrested on charges of disobeying a traffic control device, driving too fast for conditions, driving without insurance and driving under the influence of alcohol at 8:03 p.m. Feb. 27 at Freedom Drive and Independence Avenue.
A 41-year-old man from Naperville was arrested on a warrant at 11:11 p.m. Feb. 27 at Cedar Glade Drive and 95th Street.
A 24-year-old man from Romeoville was arrested on charges of failure to report an accident to the police and driving too fast for conditions or failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident at 1:33 a.m. Feb. 28 in the 100 block of Cherrywood Lane, Romeoville.
A 46-year-old man from Joliet was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia at 10:56 a.m. Feb. 28 in the 1700 block of North Aurora Road.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/naperville-police-arrests-blotter-february-9/ 

Macron Declares Attacks On Iran Violate International Law, Spanish MEP Calls For Spain To Leave NATO

Tyler Durden
Thu, 03/05/2026 – 08:15

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/macron-declares-attacks-iran-violate-international-law-spanish-mep-calls-spain-leave 

If your smartphone doubles as your alarm clock, you may be losing out on needed shut-eye as texts, alerts and other notifications come in throughout the night. Constant loud noise and bright lights can exacerbate sleep issues by disrupting a person’s circadian rhythm. 

Jall believes its Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock is the simple solution. This digital sleep aid is designed to wake you up gently and naturally by simulating sunrise light. Both heavy and light sleepers of all ages can benefit from this soothing device. Plus, this wake-up light can cater to more than one sleeper in the room with its dual alarm clock.

We put the Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock to the test to see if it can really help you wake up feeling more refreshed.

Testing the sunrise alarm clock

We tested the Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock with someone who describes themselves as a light sleeper. They had no previous experience with a sunrise alarm clock and normally use the alarm function on their phone to wake up in the morning.

Overview of the sunrise alarm clock

While alarm clocks certainly aren’t new or cutting-edge, sunrise alarm clocks have become popular in the past few years. This innovative product uses artificial light to simulate a sunrise to ease you awake gently.

Light naturally suppresses melatonin, a sleep hormone, and activates your internal clock. The Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock uses this science by imitating the sun’s gradual rise and, when used over time, can even ease your circadian rhythm into a pattern.

How to use the sunrise alarm clock

Setting up the sunrise alarm clock is straightforward and takes little time. After plugging in the alarm clock, we followed each page of the manual with ease to set the clock to our specifications and get familiar with the many features. You’ll also find labels inside the box, which aid in adjusting the settings even faster.

Before going to bed, you can set the alarm clock to your preferred wake-up time and adjust the various settings, including the light color, brightness level, ring tone and volume. You’ll also need to decide how far in advance you want the sunrise simulation light to begin. Each of these settings allows you to completely customize the clock to fit your own wake-up preferences, making mornings a much calmer experience.

Key features of the sunrise alarm clock

The Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock has a plethora of features and settings to accommodate your individual preferences. The main feature, the sunrise light, can be configured in numerous ways. It offers seven color changes – blue, indigo, purple, red, orange, yellow and green – and 20 brightness levels. In addition, you can set the sunrise simulation light to start either 10, 20 or 30 minutes before the alarm goes off, starting at 10% brightness and working its way up to 100% brightness.

For those who also have trouble falling asleep, the Fall Asleep mode is a valuable feature. After choosing your desired sound and brightness levels, you can set the timer from 10 to 120 minutes, allowing the sound and light to fade until you gradually drift asleep.

There are seven alarm sounds to choose from, including natural sounds, like ocean waves and birdsong, and other sounds, such as wind bells and piano music. The alarm clock offers 16 volume levels. A snooze button allows you nine more minutes to sleep before going off again, and it can be pushed up to five times.

If there are multiple people sleeping in the same room, they can use this one device. The Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock features a dual alarm clock, which can accommodate two separate wake times. It also features a USB charging port.

In addition to the obvious functions, this sunrise alarm clock has many other uses. For example, the soft light it generates can be helpful in the middle of the night when feeding your baby, reading a book or using the bathroom.

Additionally, the sunrise alarm clock is an FM clock radio. You can turn it on by pressing the radio button or automatically scanning all stations by holding the button for two seconds.

Should you get the sunrise alarm clock?

Based on our experience, we feel the Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock is a helpful sleep aid that can help you wake up feeling more refreshed. Setup is easy, and the versatile features can be configured to individual needs. We recommend the Wake Up Light Alarm Clock by Jall to anyone seeking a calmer way to wake up in the morning.

Sunrise alarm clock benefits

Overall, we were impressed with the Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock and believed it helped us start the day feeling rested. We set the color to orange and arranged for the light to come on 10 minutes before the sound, which made a significant positive difference in our mood. When the alarm sounded, we were already ready to start our day instead of being jarred awake by a blaring sound.

The FM radio is a convenient feature, and we enjoyed listening to local radio stations while getting ready. Also, we appreciated that the sunrise alarm clock is small and looks stylish sitting on any table or nightstand.

Sunrise alarm clock drawbacks

As a light sleeper, we had a positive experience using the sunrise alarm clock, but we’re unsure how well it would work for deep sleepers and if the light would be enough to ease them awake. Also, we wished the light could be adjusted even brighter, so it could be used as a lamp.

Additionally, some users think the radio is difficult to work and have found it hard to change or set the time. With the sunrise alarm’s array of features, we suggest reading through the entire manual before setting up the clock to familiarize yourself with all the buttons and settings.

Other top alarm clocks

If you’re looking for other options, here are a few comparable alarm clocks to consider.

Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock

This alarm clock features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and can be controlled by app or touch. The clock can also be used as a sound machine, reading light and more.

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light

With a simulated sunset and sunrise, this alarm clock also has several smart features, including a tap snooze, an automatic dimmable display and an FM radio.

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

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

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

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/sunrise-alarm-clock-review-does-this-gentle-method-for-waking-up-actually-leave-you-feeling-more-re/ 

What shot-put shots are best for men, women and kids?

The shot put has been an Olympic track and field event since Athens, Greece, in 1896. The shot is a heavy metal ball about the size of a grapefruit, and the goal is to hurl it as far as possible with an action that looks more like shoving than throwing. In the Olympic Games, the regulation weights of these small cannonballs are 16 pounds for men and 8.8 pounds for women. In middle school, high school and college events, the shots are lighter.

Shot-put shots come in different diameters

Generally speaking, the larger the better, because when a shot is too small, you’re likely to throw it like a ball rather than use the proper technique. When a shot is too big, though, it will slip in your hand. Don’t overlook the importance of shoes made specifically for men’s and women’s track and field events.

Measure your grip

The correct diameter for you is the one where the shot rests on the pad of your palm and your fingers are in the proper throwing position. Those with shorter fingers prefer shots with smaller diameters and those with longer fingers need larger ones. As athletes grow, their hands get bigger and they need shots with progressively larger circumferences to maintain optimum contact areas and push zones.

Materials

Cast iron: Despite its strength, it slowly chips away over time. The pitted areas will rust and scrape your neck and hands unless they’re coated with something.
Brass: Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc. As a shot material, it is soft enough to dent but too smooth for some to get a good grip.
Stainless steel: It is very expensive and, like brass, too smooth for maximum performance and too easy to dent.

Weights

Shots come in weights from 6-20 pounds. The three regulation weights used most often by shot putters are the easiest sizes to find. When training, shot putters often use heavier shots than the ones they use in competition.

6 pounds: These are made for children and smaller people.
8.8 pounds: This is the size used by women’s Olympic and U.S. National shot putters.
16 pounds: This is the standard weight for Olympic and U.S. National men’s teams.

How to put a shot

Hold the shot at the base of your fingers in your dominant hand.
Rest the shot where your neck and jawline meet.
Coil your body as you turn your back to the target.
Bend your hips and knees.
Thrust your body toward the target as you uncoil it.
Push the shot away from your neck in a single, uninterrupted motion, using your entire body.

Best shots for use in the shot put

Best shot for beginners

Nelco Scholastic 6-Pound Iron Shot

What you need to know: This budget-friendly option is a great choice for those just getting started with shot putting.

What you’ll love: This unisex shot is primarily intended for younger, smaller shot putters but can be used by all ages and athletic abilities.

What you should consider: The 3.66-inch diameter is for smaller hands.

Best shot for high school sports

Crown 8-Pound Cast Iron Shot

What you need to know: This shot is regulation-size for high school track-and-field events.

What you’ll love: It’s precision-made to a 100-millimeter diameter. It is balanced for optimum performance, extremely durable and is a bestseller on Amazon.

What you should consider: Some complained about its packaging.

Best shot for men

Gill Athletics Cast Iron 16-Pound Shot

What you need to know: This 16-pound shot is the size used by Olympic male shot putters.

What you’ll love: It has an official weight stamp engraved in it and comes in weights from 6 to 20 pounds for training and building strength.

What you should consider: Sooner or later, the paint chips and peels.

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

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

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

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/find-the-best-shot-put-shots-for-your-next-competition/ 

Good morning, Chicago.

Social media giant Meta is pouring money into Illinois’ Democratic statehouse primary races as the company behind Facebook and Instagram faces a wave of state-level proposals that could likely affect its bottom line.

After putting $45 million into a super PAC last year to influence state elections in favor of tech-friendly candidates nationwide, the company has begun spending specifically on state races supporting Republicans in Texas and Democrats in Illinois.

In Illinois, Meta is bankrolling $750,000 for a new super PAC, Making Our Tomorrow, according to state campaign disclosure reports. In less than two weeks, the super PAC has spent nearly $340,000 on mailers and digital advertising to support four Democratic state House primary candidates.

Read the full story from the Tribune’s Jack O’Connor and Olivia Olander.

Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including: what to know about the race in Illinois’ 2nd District to replace US Rep. Robin Kelly, why the vice president of the Chicago school board is set to step down and a look at the Chicago Symphony’s next season.

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This combination of images provided by the U.S. Army taken on May 16, 2025, shows, from top left, Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida, and Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska. (Sgt. Brent Newton/U.S. Army via AP)

US soldiers who died in the Iran war remembered for their service and devotion to their families

Sgt. Declan Coady had been checking in with his family from Kuwait every hour or two after the U.S. and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran, even as Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.

When he didn’t respond to messages Sunday, “most of us started to wonder,” Coady’s father, Andrew, told The Associated Press. “Your gut starts to get a feeling.”

Iran launches new attacks and calls for ‘Trump’s blood’ while Israel strikes Iranian infrastructure
House to vote on Iran war powers resolution in a test of President Donald Trump’s strategy

Adal Regis, from left, state Sen. Willie Preston, state Sen. Robert Peters, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Yumeka Brown attend a forum for candidates running in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District at St. Paul and the Redeemer Episcopal Church in Chicago on Jan. 17, 2026. (Troy Stolt/for the Chicago Tribune)

Crowded Democratic primary emerges in Illinois’ 2nd District race to replace US Rep. Robin Kelly

The candidates are as varied as the Democratic Party itself: a legacy name shadowed by controversy, a big-money-backed moderate, a dyed-in-the-wool progressive and seven more.

But the crowded field in the March 17 Democratic primary vying to represent the Illinois 2nd Congressional District agrees on much. They promise to expand health care access, recruit investment to the Southland and fight President Donald Trump with everything in them.

Illinois voter guide to the 2026 primary election on March 17

Chicago Public Schools Board of Education Vice President Olga Bautista, left, listens to board members during a meeting at the Loop office, March 4, 2026. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Vice president of the Chicago school board to step down

Olga Bautista, the appointed vice president of Chicago’s school board, announced that she will step down from her role after receiving an award to continue her work in environmental justice.

Nicholas Iwaniuk reunites with his dog, Shadow, in an alley near North Lakewood and West Oakdale avenues on March 3, 2026, after the Markay’s Castle of the Dogs van that Shadow and other dogs were in was stolen. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Austin man facing multiple felonies after eight dogs stolen outside Lincoln Park pet salon

An Austin man faces several felony charges after Chicago police said he tried to steal a sprinter van carrying eight dogs inside from the front of a Lincoln Park pet salon earlier this week.

Colleen Bagley, 50, was stabbed to death at the Elk Grove Village hotel where she lived on Feb. 21, 2026. (Family photo)

Man accused of stabbing girlfriend to death and discarding her body in Elk Grove Village hotel dumpster

The argument Arturo Taylor got into with his longtime girlfriend began with words. But the fight inside a northwest suburban hotel room soon turned violent, Cook County prosecutors alleged in court this week.

They accused Taylor of strangling his girlfriend, 50-year-old Colleen Bagley, and fatally stabbing her twice in the chest on Feb. 21 with a butcher knife. He later threw her body near a dumpster, prosecutors said.

Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz is carried off the field on Jan. 2, 1989, in Tempe, Arizona, after the Fighting Irish defeated West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl to win the national college football championship. (Rob Schumacher/AP file)

Lou Holtz, the college football legend who coached Notre Dame to its last national title, dies at 89

Lou Holtz, the Hall of Fame coach who led Notre Dame to the 1988 national championship and won 249 games over 33 seasons at six schools, has died. He was 89.

Notre Dame announced yesterday that Holtz died in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by his family. Spokesperson Katy Lonergan said the family did not provide a cause of death.

Tigers broadcaster Jason Benetti hangs out on the field ahead of the Sox-Tigers game on opening day on March 28, 2024, at Guaranteed Rate Field. Benetti left the Sox following the 2023 season after eight years as their TV play-by-play voice. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Jason Benetti’s new gig as voice of ‘Sunday Night Baseball’ yet another blemish for Chicago White Sox

The Detroit Tigers released a statement yesterday saying they were “incredibly proud” of announcer Jason Benetti being named the new voice of NBC’s “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcasts.

In only 10 years, the Homewood-Flossmoor graduate has gone from budding Chicago White Sox play-by-play man to the top of the business, landing one of the most coveted announcing jobs in sports, writes Paul Sullivan.

Audience members take their seats in Orchestra Hall before a concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center on Oct. 31, 2024. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Symphony’s next season: More Mäkelä, less new music and a bunch of Beethoven

The Chicago Symphony announced its 2026-27 season today — the last before music director designate Klaus Mäkelä assumes his post at the organization in fall 2027.
The Brady Bunch House, the two-story single-family home that served as the main setting for the television series “The Brady Bunch” in the Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles, shown on March 4, 2026, is now designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

‘Brady Bunch’ house, used in exterior shots for the popular sitcom, gets LA landmark status

Here’s the story … of how a modest mid-century home became a Los Angeles landmark.

The LA City Council voted unanimously yesterday to designate the the so-called “Brady Bunch” house in the San Fernando Valley as a historic-cultural monument.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/daywatch-meta-set-to-spend-750k-backing-illinois-statehouse-candidates/ 

Deerfield’s Jake Pollack knows what he can do on the court, whether the results show that or not.

But when the season — and his high school basketball career — are on the line and the results matter most, the 6-foot-8 senior forward won’t settle for anything less than a top-notch effort.

“I’ve had more games than I would have liked in this last half of the season where I haven’t been myself,” Pollack said. “Right now, it’s life or death, kill or be killed.

“My coach said to me before the game, ‘Believe in yourself because I do.’ So as soon as I go out there, I just have to go right at everybody. We win when I’m aggressive.”

Pollack was aggressive indeed on Wednesday night, and the Dartmouth recruit shined brightest down the stretch as the second-seeded Warriors pulled out a 65-56 win over third-seeded Wauconda in a Class 3A Deerfield Sectional semifinal game on their home court.

Pollack scored nine of his 23 points points in the fourth quarter, including seven during a game-ending 14-5 run, to push the Warriors (22-11) into the sectional championship game against seventh-seeded Lake Forest (16-16) at 7 p.m. Friday. He also had nine rebounds.

Deerfield’s Jake Pollack shoots the ball during a Class 3A Deerfield Sectional semifinal game against Wauconda on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (Rob Dicker / News-Sun)

Among Pollack’s baskets in the fourth was a turnaround jumper with 2:49 left that extended the Warriors’ lead to 58-54.

“I found myself in a good spot, and those are things I work on every day,” he said. “I trust myself to make plays, and my teammates trust me.”

That trust has been built over three years and couldn’t be any higher as Deerfield gets closer to its third-ever sectional title and first since 1997. On a talented and experienced team, Pollack is the biggest reason for it. He is always front and center, both in how the Warriors approach the game and how opponents deal with him.

The two most recent games, including the regional final in which Pollack scored only six points against Carmel, have been vastly different in that regard.

“Friday night was difficult because Carmel did a really good job of trying to not let him get any touches, so he was a little frustrated,” Deerfield coach Dan McKendrick said. “He responded really well today. He didn’t go crazy and take a bunch of bad shots. He let the game come to him.

“It’s cliche for a reason — you win big games if your best players are your best players.”

Pollack knew early against the Northern Lake County Conference champion Bulldogs (26-8) that he’d have a good chance to back up McKendrick’s premise. He scored the Warriors’ first seven points after noticing that the hard collapses downward weren’t as prevalent as they were against Carmel.

“I found that they were digging to stop my dribble early in the game instead of sending two or three guys in a full trap,” Pollack said. “So I had to keep the ball high and keep it away and be strong with the ball. As the game went on, I got better at that.”

Deerfield’s Jake Pollack (11) looks to pass the ball during a Class 3A Deerfield Sectional semifinal game against Wauconda on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (Rob Dicker / News-Sun)

Doing that over three seasons in the starting lineup has been instrumental in Pollack’s development. He also has grown physically, adding nearly 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason.

“My whole career has been like a stairway in how I’ve each year taken a step mentally, and when the physicality comes with it, it helps me be more aggressive,” he said. “I know what I’m capable of now more than I did when I was a freshman or sophomore, and that’s why I feel confident when they go to me in big moments that I can make the play.”

Pollack has become much more efficient as he has gained a feel for how he wants to attack each possession.

“No matter who’s on me, I’m a great player, and I trust myself to get to my spots,” Pollack said. “I have to score when I’m open. If I’m drawing three guys, I’ve got to kick. But I have to get downhill first to get aggressive. When I’m going one-on-one, it’s a lot easier to score.”

Pollack’s self-confidence is the ultimate security blanket for the Warriors. But with senior guard Evan Nagler and ascending junior guard Tommy Donahue, who combined for 34 points against Wauconda, Pollack by no means has to carry the team each game. That’s fine with him.

“We call him the ‘unselfish superstar,’” Nagler said. “He’s a superstar on this team, but he’s not treated any differently and is the most unselfish guy we have. He’s constantly looking for his teammates, and the way defenses focus on him, he makes the game so much easier for everyone else.”

Deerfield’s Jake Pollack dribbles the ball up the court against Wauconda during a Class 3A Deerfield Sectional semifinal game on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (Rob Dicker / News-Sun)

Not that anything is easy at this point in the season. But Pollack and his teammates are ready.

“We knew what we were capable of going into the year and that this is where we’re supposed to be right now,” he said. “We’re hosting the sectional final because we’re supposed to be in the sectional final, and the goal is to get over that hump this year.”

Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/05/3a-high-school-basketball-wauconda-deerfield-jake-pollack/