HARFORD COUNTY, Md. (TCN) — A man has been convicted of kidnapping, raping, and killing a hiker on a popular trail in 2023.
On April 14, the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office announced that a jury found Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, third-degree sexual offense, and kidnapping in connection with the death of Rachel Morin, a mother of five. The state intends to seek the maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder conviction.
According to prosecutors, on Aug. 5, 2023, Morin “spent her day as she often did.” She reportedly hung out with her children and boyfriend, went to work out, and then ran errands before taking a walk on the Ma & Pa trail, which witnesses said was “her peace,” and she “never could have predicted that on that day that she would never see or speak to her children again.”
Morin’s boyfriend reported her missing after she failed to return home, and her body was discovered off the trail the following day.
The state’s attorney’s office said that Martinez-Hernandez waited in the woods and then “brutally attacked” the victim, pulling her 150 feet from the main trail into the forest. Morin allegedly “fought for her life,” which was revealed through the health data on her phone and Apple Watch. Prosecutors argued that Martinez-Hernandez “viciously” beat, raped, and then killed Morin.
Investigators recovered DNA evidence from Morin’s body that ultimately matched the defendant’s DNA. Martinez-Hernandez reportedly claimed he had never been to Maryland, but witnesses and business records proved otherwise, revealing that he lived and worked in Bel Air at the time of the attack.
Police announced the arrest of Martinez-Hernandez on June 15, 2024. They said he was wanted in El Salvador on suspicion of murder but fled to the United States. The defendant is also accused of assaulting a 9-year-old girl and her mother during a home invasion in Los Angeles.
Investigators reportedly searched Martinez-Hernandez’s phone and found numerous photos and screenshots of Morin, as well as news coverage related to her death and searches of her name.
MORE:
News Release – Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office
International Murder Suspect Arrested in Tulsa, 6/15/2024 – Tulsa Police Department
Man arrested almost a year after mom of 5 was killed on Maryland hiking trail, 6/19/2024 – TCN
Sheriff Gahler updates on missing person, 8/6/2023 – Harford County Sheriff’s Office
Update #2, 8/6/2023 – Harford County Sheriff’s Office
The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti defeated Yaba College of Technology, and other polytechnics to win the Nigerian Polytechnics Games (NIPOGA) with 29 gold, 15 silver and nine bronze.
The games were hosted by the Federal Polytechnic, Offa in Kwara State, and tagged ‘Ijakadi 2024’.
The Yaba College of Technology, Lagos came second with 15 gold, nine silver, and 20 bronze medals while Federal Polytechnic, Offa came third with 13 gold,15 silver and 26 bronze.
The Polytechnic, Ibadan finished fourth with 11 gold, 11 silver and 15 bronze, while Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade earned eight gold, three silver and four bronze to come fifth.
Federal Polytechnic Offa defeated the Federal Polytechnic Nekede 1-0 to win the final of the male category.
In the Female category, the Federal Polytechnic Offa female team lost to Yabatech via penalty shootout.
Auchi Polytechnic won the third place at the expense of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi in the male category while Sapade Polytechnic bagged third position in female football.
A total of 50 polytechnics across the country participated in the 22nd edition of Nigeria Polytechnic Games.
The polytechnics competed for medals in various sporting events including; badminton, basketball, chess, tennis, athletics, football, handball, judo, scrabble, taekwondo and volleyball among others.
The NIPOGA games is a biennial sporting competition involving all accredited polytechnics and colleges of technology in Nigeria.
Yaba College of Technology is the most successful institution in the competition, having won the most gold medals on seven occasions, the latest being in 2014.
Federal Poly Ado-Ekiti Defeat Yabatech, Others To Win NIPOGA Games is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Most travelers can probably agree that going through airport security screening is an experience that falls somewhere on the fun meter between going to the dentist and paying taxes.
To avoid this less-than-pleasant experience, some 20 million travelers have joined the TSA PreCheck program, according to the latest data from the Transportation Safety Administration.
The program, launched in 2013, promises “shorter wait times of under 10 minutes, greater checkpoint efficiency and improved security.”
However, newly released research from Upgraded Points, a travel and credit card points resource, reveals that despite the promised “under 10 minutes” wait time with TSA PreCheck, many program members experience substantially longer processing timelines.
Based on a survey of 1,517 Americans conducted this year, the research found that TSA PreCheck members are not necessarily speeding through security as the program promises.
More specifically, surveyed PreCheck members said that the average security screening processing time they experience is closer to 36 minutes. And that’s only 7 minutes faster than travelers who do not have PreCheck and reported an average processing time of 43 minutes.
Moreover, the research indicates that saving time is not necessarily the top attraction of TSA PreCheck membership in the eyes of harried travelers.
Instead, it may be the reduced stress associated with passing through security at the airport as a TSA PreCheck member.
The research shows that people with PreCheck say their airport stress levels are cut in half by their membership. These same travelers rate their stress when going through traditional security lines at a 7.4 on a stress scale of 1 to 10. However, the stress levels of surveyed travelers drops to just 3.5 out of 10 when in a TSA PreCheck screening line.
Additionally, when asked which TSA PreCheck member benefits are most important, 38.7% of travelers said the reduction in stress associated with airport screenings was the number one benefit.
Having access to shorter airport screening lines, meanwhile, came in second, with 34.4% of surveyed travelers saying it was the most crucial benefit of TSA PreCheck membership.
“Even if PreCheck isn’t saving a ton of time, travelers still like the peace of mind that comes with it,” Kyle Beierlein, the researcher for Upgraded Points who spearheaded the study, told TravelPulse. “I think it makes people feel like they’re doing everything they can to make getting through security easier.”
Underscoring that point, 94% of PreCheck holders who participated in the Upgraded Points survey said their membership improves the overall airport experience, and 92% percent said the $78 cost of membership is well worth the service.
“Plus, there are real perks like not having to take stuff out of your bag, being able to bring your young children through with you, and not stripping down to bare feet and short sleeves. That definitely helps cut down on stress,” Beierlein continued.
Indeed, about 11.5% of travelers said the ability to keep their shoes on during the airport screening process was the most important value of TSA PreCheck membership, followed by 11.1% who said not having to remove laptops or liquids from carry-on luggage is the top benefit.
Ironically, going through airport security screening without TSA PreCheck is far more stressful for those with the membership. When asked to rate how stressful it is going through airport security without TSA PreCheck (again on a scale of 1 to 10), TSA PreCheck members rated the process a 7.3. However, travelers who are not members of TSA PreCheck said the process of going through security only rates as 5.5 out of 10 on the stress scale.
Time spent at airports: TSA PreCheck vs. nonmembership
Circling back to how TSA PreCheck membership impacts a traveler’s overall time spent at the airport, the research provides a few more data points.
For instance, the researchers found that TSA PreCheck travelers typically arrive at the airport about one hour and 41 minutes before a flight, while those who do not have PreCheck membership generally arrive at the airport one hour and 47 minutes before their scheduled departure.
In other words, having TSA PreCheck membership only shaves about 6 minutes off the amount of time travelers feel they need at the airport before a flight.
And, of course, there’s the initial data point about TSA PreCheck membership only reducing airport screening time by about 7 minutes on average.
There’s likely a variety of factors at play regarding the variance between what TSA promises for PreCheck members (less than 10 minutes to pass through screening) and what many travelers are actually experiencing, Beierlein says.
“First, TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports, so smaller, less busy airports are likely bringing the average down,” Beierlein told TravelPulse.
“But most travelers are going through larger hubs, where wait times would typically be longer,” he added.
What’s more, the number of people who have TSA PreCheck membership is increasing, and as a result, the program’s expedited screening lines are becoming less exclusive, added Beierlein.
There may be another variable at play as well, admitted Beierlein: Both TSA and the travelers who were surveyed for the Upgraded Points research are merely estimating.
“TSA hasn’t said exactly how they calculate their times, and our travelers are going off memory, so there’s room for some fluctuations on both sides,” he explained. “That said, people are pretty clear: they don’t typically get through in under 10 minutes. It usually at least feels about triple that.”
It’s also important to remember that the figure in the survey is merely an average. Some travelers said PreCheck saves them a lot of time, while others said it still takes over an hour to get through screening.
“Overall, the reality is probably somewhere in the middle: at smaller airports, it might still be under 10 minutes, but at bigger ones, especially during busy times, it’s often 30 minutes or more,” said Beierlein.
A new Vatican-commissioned sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz titled “Be Welcoming” was installed in St. Peter’s Square on Tuesday in the hopes of inspiring people to open their hearts to the poor.
Schmalz’s bronze statue — located near the Showers for the Poor and the Mother of Mercy Clinic in the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square — depicts a man seated on a bench “who appears to be a homeless person” carrying only two possessions: a full backpack on his shoulder and a stick in one hand.
The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Service of Charity said on Tuesday: “This stranger turns into an angel when you look at the other side of the sculpture: the roughness of his clothes becomes smooth, the bag he carries turns into wings and the hood turns into hair.”
Visitors pass a bronze sculpture of a traveler titled “Be Welcoming” by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican April 15, 2025. (CNS photo/Justin McLellan)
Known for creating artworks that interact with its viewers, Schmalz’s Be Welcoming statue “invites you to sit next to him,” to contemplate the word of God and inspire people to carry out works of charity.
Be Welcoming — the Canadian sculptor’s latest installation in St. Peter’s Square — is another “visual interpretation of a verse from the Letter to the Hebrews: ‘Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have unknowingly entertained angels’ (Heb 13:2),” the Vatican statement said.
The same Scripture verse also inspired Schmalz’s Angels Unawares sculpture — also located within St. Peter’s Square — which depicts 140 migrants of different ethnicities and nationalities standing on a boat.
On Sept. 29, 2019, Pope Francis blessed that statue on the occasion of the Church’s 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
“We are all invited to open our hearts because only then will we have the opportunity to see others as they really are, people with their humanity,” the Vatican statement read. “Touching a poor person, assisting a poor person, is a sacrament in the Church.”
“We give ‘a concrete face to the Gospel of love,’” the statement continued, quoting Pope Francis. “‘By offering them shelter, a meal, a smile, holding out our hands without fear of dirtying them’ we restore ‘dignity,’ and this touches ‘the heart of our often indifferent world.’”
Be Welcoming is the third Schmalz installation located in the vicinity of St. Peter’s Basilica. The Canadian artist’s “Homless Jesus” statue, inaugurated in March 2016 during the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, is located in the square in front of the Vatican’s apostolic charity offices.
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Sevilla sporting director, Victor Orta has admitted that bringing in Kelechi Iheanacho was a poor decision.
Iheanacho joined the LaLiga side on a free transfer last summer but has failed to make any meaningful impact.
The Nigerian forward didn’t register a goal or assist in nine league appearances before being loaned to English Championship club Middlesbrough in January.
“I want to clarify that the first two strikers were brought in as complements, to be practically the third striker, because there was a starter like Youssef and a striker who later appeared, like Isaac,” Orta told Futbol Fantasy.
“But it’s clear that betting on Kelechi this season has been a mistake, and we will analyze why we made it—and we are doing so now.”
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and detained a man identified as David Nwokorie on the orders of a retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Hilary Okpara, following a complaint by his daughter, Genevieve Okpara, over allegations of cyberstalking and blackmail.
Family sources told SaharaReporters on Tuesday that David was arrested last week by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and has been held in custody since then.
According to David’s legal counsel, Barrister Ezike Chibuzor, who is also representing him in the ongoing case, the situation stems from a failed relationship between David and Genevieve.
Chibuzor explained that David only discovered Genevieve had previously been married and had two children after their relationship had progressed significantly.
“Genevieve never disclosed her past marriage and children to David. When he found out, he ended the relationship,” Chibuzor said.
The lawyer further alleged that tensions escalated in January when Genevieve found out that David had proposed to another woman. In response, she reportedly stormed his home and damaged several household items.
“David forgave her initially, but the problems continued. Eventually, he decided to end both the relationship and their joint NGO project, which they had started less than a year ago,” the lawyer added.
David, through his lawyer, reportedly demanded N25 million in compensation from Genevieve for the damages caused to his property.
He also posted a flier online with Genevieve’s picture, describing her as “wanted for damages done to his home.”
Genevieve, in reaction to the post, filed a petition with the police, alleging cyberbullying and extortion. This led to David’s arrest.
“She was not happy about the post and reported him to the police. That’s how this issue started,” said the lawyer.
Meanwhile, David’s family alleges that Genevieve’s father, retired DIG Hilary Okpara, used his influence to get David arrested and detained.
“When we checked his [Hilary Okpara’s] profile, we saw that he was once a Commissioner of Police and later retired as an Assistant Inspector General (AIG). We believe he’s using his influence to keep David behind bars,” a family member told SaharaReporters.
According to Chibuzor, the police have secured a 14-day remand order and are working toward formally charging David in court.
“The remand order is expected to expire soon. The police had said they might file charges either yesterday or today,” the lawyer said.
There are also reports that David reached out to Genevieve’s estranged husband, allegedly sending him pictures of Genevieve, the children, and himself.
He has reportedly offered to testify in the custody battle between Genevieve and her husband.
“Genevieve and her husband are currently in court over custody of their children. David is promising to serve as a witness against her,” Chibuzor confirmed.
When SaharaReporters contacted Genevieve Opara for comment, she said David is currently detained for blackmail, cyberbullying, and making threats to life.
“I think you should speak to my lawyer because you won’t be able to get all the necessary information from me. The matter has already progressed significantly. Please speak to my lawyer — it’s already in court,” she said.
“Maybe I’ll share my lawyer’s number with you so you can call her. Let her tell you what she can disclose. But the police cannot just arrest people arbitrarily.”
“They must have had some information. He is — well, he is currently detained for blackmail, cyberbullying, and making threats to life. The police have a clear picture and a full story,” she added.
When SaharaReporters contacted Genevieve’s lawyer, she said: “I cannot divulge any further information. As of today, the matter is sub judice. That means it is already before the court, okay? And I cannot speak on it.
“You are acting on speculations, and I am telling you that the matter is now sub judice. As of today, it has already been filed in court and is now before a competent court of jurisdiction.”
“So, we can’t speak further on this matter,” she added.
If you are finding it hard to spot theme words in today’s puzzle, then you are in serious need of the Strands hints below. Those bored with sensational games like Wordle and Connections are turning their attention to Strands for a challenging new experience. If you happen to be one of them and are struggling with NYT Strands, we can get you sorted. So, to help you out, we have added the Strands hints, answers, and Spangram on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, below.
What is NYT Strands?
NYT Strands is a word game created by The New York Times as part of its growing “Games” library. The aim of this New York Times game is to connect letters in a six-by-eight grid to form a bunch of words that share the same theme.
To get you started, the puzzle will give you a theme for today’s NYT Strands. You can use it to form multiple “theme” words which will be relevant to this theme, along with one “special” word called the Spangram. This is a word or phrase that spans the length of the grid, vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, giving you the key to crack the rest of the Strands theme words.
The theme for today’s Strands can be relevant in many different ways. So, the puzzle keeps you on your toes every day with its intriguing set of theme words and Spangrams.
NYT Strands Hints for Today’s Theme: “Fore!”
The theme for today’s Strands on April 16, 2025, is — Fore!
If you can’t figure out answers for today’s puzzle, here’s a quick Strands hint — think of a game played on a large open-air course
Here are hints for a couple of Strands theme words to make it easy for you to solve today’s puzzle on your own without having to scroll down to view the answers:
Hint #1: a flat-headed tool, used for rolling a ball across a smooth surface toward a target.
Hint #2: this tool has an angled head and a shorter shaft for lifting the ball over a small obstacle like a bunker.
NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?
The Spangram for today’s Strands on April 16, 2025, is mostly VERTICAL. It starts with the letters “GO“.
The hint for today’s Spangram for Strands — a game in which a small hard ball is struck with a metal stick into a series of small holes in the ground.
Spoiler Warning:
Scroll past this point AT YOUR OWN RISK. Hints and answers for today’s Strands below.
Today’s NYT Strands Answers for April 16, 2025
Today’s Strands Spangram Answer
The Spangram answer for today’s Strands on April 16, 2025, is — GolfClubs
All Theme Words in Today’s Strands
Still looking for the theme words to get the answers for today’s NYT Strands? You can check them out below:
IRON
WEDGE
DRIVER
WOOD
CHIPPER
PUTTER
UTILITY
Image Credit: NYT Games (screenshot by Ajaay Srinivasan/ Beebom)
The answers for today’s Strands were pretty straightforward. I started off with the first set of theme words – IRON and WEDGE. Once I spotted CLUBS, solving the Spangram and the theme words was an easy affair.
What is NYT Strands Spangram and How Does It Work?
Every NYT Strands puzzle consists of a unique word or phrase that’s called the Spangram. This word or set of words will run the length of two opposite sides of the grid. One thing to note here is that, a Spangram doesn’t necessarily have to originate or end at the edge of the grid.
In its essence, the Spangram is kind of like a bigger hint that sums up today’s Strands theme in just a word or two. Since it spans across two sides of the puzzle, solving it early helps you figure out the rest of the theme words and vice versa.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering NYT Strands Puzzles
Solving an NYT Strands puzzle successfully isn’t that hard in itself, but in some cases, the approach might not be as straightforward as it looks. So, here are simple tips and tricks that we suggest you follow to crack the theme words and Spangram for Strands puzzles:
Always start at the corners: No two puzzles are the same. But the chances of the Spangram extending to a diagonal form are quite low. So, the best strategy is to find and decrypt relevant words that are at the corners of the grid.
Don’t be ashamed to get hints: Sometimes, a theme word could be all you need to solve the entire puzzle. If that requires getting a hint using non-theme words, then that’s the first thing you should do. After all, the point is to have fun and figure this out, like all of us.
Think both literally and figuratively: Not all themes may land you in the same sense of thought. Some puzzles may welcome more clever answers that may convey something totally different from their actual meaning.
Aim for the Spangram: The Spangram is what splits the Strands board in half. So, figuring it out will help you cross out other potential approaches for a theme. Deciphering even half of the Spangram can get you close to the rest of the answers.
Still finding it difficult to master the art of NYT Strands? Follow our guide and learn how to play Strands, along with more helpful tips and tricks.
What is the NYT strands theme for April 16, 2025?
The theme for today’s NYT strands puzzle is – Fore!
What are the NYT strands hints and answers for April 16, 2025?
Today’s Strands puzzle is mostly VERTICAL, and it includes names of specialized tools designed for different types of shots in golf. The Spangram answer for today’s Strands puzzle is — GolfClubs.
What was yesterday’s NYT strands answer?
The answer to yesterday’s NYT strands puzzle was – MicroBrewery and you can find the NYT Strands hints for April 15 here.
Ajaay Srinivasan
Ajaay’s love affair with technology started young, with the Nokia N-Gage piquing his interest. Since 2016, he’s channeled his passion for tech into crafting explainers and guides on iOS, macOS, Android, social media, privacy & cybersecurity, and AI. When it’s time to unplug, Ajaay enjoys playing EAFC, unwinding to music on a pair of open-backs, building his dream audiophile gear, or watching Arsenal struggle to keep a clean sheet.
In a world where professional titles shape public perception, it’s time to revisit a long-standing debate: Should everyone with a doctoral degree be addressed as “Dr”? While tradition permits the title for anyone with a PhD, EdD, or similar degree, the reality is that most people associate the term “doctor” with those trained to treat illness and save lives. The distinction is crucial, especially in public settings where clarity matters. This isn’t a matter of prestige—it’s a matter of public understanding.
I say this as someone on track to earn a PhD. I respect the academic discipline, the sleepless nights of research, and the intellectual rigor it takes to reach that level. But even with all that effort, a PhD does not prepare one to perform CPR or deliver a child. The title “Doctor” in the everyday imagination means a medical professional—and that perception deserves respect.
Many academics, both in the U.S. and globally, quietly reject the “Dr.” prefix in everyday use. They prefer to use the “PhD” suffix or simply introduce themselves by their field or function. This small act preserves professional honesty and avoids unnecessary confusion. In a time when misinformation spreads fast, accuracy in even the smallest labels matters more than ever.
Joseph Epstein once argued in The Wall Street Journal that referring to non-medical degree holders as “Doctor” can feel, at best, comedic—and at worst, misleading. He suggested that honorary degrees, EdDs, and even traditional PhDs don’t carry the functional authority or public expectation that the title “Doctor” implies. His comments sparked controversy, but the core concern remains valid: the line between honorific and function has blurred, and the public is left guessing.
In societies like Nigeria, where titles carry immense social weight and are sometimes awarded without academic rigor, the problem becomes even more layered. If a traditional ruler, an entertainer with an honorary doctorate, and a medical surgeon all carry the same title, how do we preserve its value? When we apply the same prefix across such a wide spectrum, we risk flattening serious accomplishments into vanity. Titles should inform—not confuse.
This isn’t about gatekeeping academic pride. It’s about protecting public trust. A PhD is an academic crown, but it should not be mistaken for a medical license. Recognizing the difference isn’t disrespect—it’s intellectual integrity.
When I receive my PhD, I will take pride in it. But I won’t introduce myself as “Dr.” in everyday settings, unless clarity demands it. The PhD suffix will be enough—a quiet nod to the academic journey, without stepping into another profession’s shoes. In doing so, I’ll honor both the academic and the physician.
Let’s not allow convention to override communication. Let’s use titles that reflect the service we provide, not just the status we’ve earned. And in that spirit, let’s begin a clearer, more honest global conversation about what it really means to be called “Doctor.”
AUTHOR: Abidemi Adebamiwa
Articles published in our Graffiti section are strictly the opinion of the writers and do not represent the views of Ripples Nigeria or its editorial stand.
