Andy Heil

Journalist, editor & writer. Right now: Beach Volleyball. On deck: Altruism & Little Bighorn. Ocean enthusiast. Lakers-for-lifer.

[RFE/RL Pressroom @RFERLPress]

Nika Novak is a journalist for @RFERL’s @SvobodaRadio who has been unjustly detained in Russia since December 25, 2023.

@RFERL’s @AlsuKurmasheva, who spent nine months behind bars in Russia on false charges, on advocating for Nika:

“Every day that I was behind bars, I counted on the world outside not to forget me. I survived because people never stopped speaking my name. Now, we must do the same for Nika Novak, a brave journalist suffering the daily torture of silence, isolation, and cold in a Russian prison. We must keep fighting for her. That is what kept me alive, and it is what Nika needs now.”

#FreeNika

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@LakersLead Outside of game 3, Kennard has been taken out of this series by jj redick. He's not being encouraged to do the same things as in 1&2. He was getting touches and playing point in those games!

[News from Science @NewsfromScience]

U.S. President Donald Trump has fired all 24 members of the National Science Board, the body that oversees the National Science Foundation. Many science advocates see it as the latest step by his administration to erode—some would say destroy—the independence of the 76-year-old research agency. https://t.co/5LrByFdzHz

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@FastbreakHoops5 Um..old one better.

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@ackocher Lemme guess: none of them were Russians.

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@DameonGeppetto @AndrewDBailey I'd stop way short of saying gambling co's "pulling the strings." I agree alleged Clippers actions are big problem. I mostly meant I can understand a League trying to choose its own "No. 1 problem" instead of letting outsiders dominate narrative with graver ones.

[Alsu Kurmasheva @AlsuKurmasheva]

My heart breaks for Marina&her son Andre, trapped in Russia for 4 long years. As a mother who endured captivity myself, I know this pain—no words can describe the agony of separation, the fear, the injustice. Andre was tricked, detained, sentenced to 8.5 years. No family should suffer this. Bring Andre home NOW! @StateSPEHA with @JamesFoleyFund @StateDept @tatev84264

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@RnaudBertrand Can't it be unwise in both cases?

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

Quite a blow. Sad day.

[Ian Willoughby @Ian_Willoughby]

Václav Moravec dramatically quit Czech Television live on air at the end of his political debate show on Sunday. The well-known presenter said he could no longer guarantee its editorial independence in view of “current circumstances” at the station.

[Jakub Janda 楊雅嚳 @_JakubJanda]

Czech Chief of General Staff General Karel Řehka:

„The following assessment is shared by most, maybe all Chiefs of General Staff of NATO countries.“

„Russian strategic objectives and activities are well aligned with those of China, Iran and North Korea.“

„Security of Europe cannot be separated from the Indo-Pacific.“

„The most urgent window of threat is 3-6 years.“ (In context of possible Russian attack on NATO)

„The strategic goal of Russia is destruction of the current world order.“

„Last NATO assessment team examining Czech military capabilities in accordance with allied commitment said we are 6-10 years behind.“

https://t.co/3ReySB8KmH

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@AugurInfinity @MikeZaccardi So still historically poor...far worse than I'd have guessed before the comparison. Thx so much for taking the time to assemble & share.

[Carolyn Barber, MD @cbarbermd]

🚨 NEW: One of the largest COVID-19 vaccine studies ever (28 MILLION people in France) just dropped.

Results?
• 74% lower risk of death from severe COVID-19
• 25% lower risk of all-cause mortality
• No increase in 4-year mortality
• Vaccinated people had lower risk of death from any cause.
In short: mRNA vaccines weren’t just safe — they were protective across the board. 🔥📉

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@WireHoops Agree. I suggest: *purest basketball in history. It wasnt about crowds, travel, or Sacramento cheeseburgers. Totally level playing field.

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@HPbasketball @AnthonyIrwinLA Quite the whiner when it's not going Nuggets' way. Then it's some sort of systemic injustice, right?

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@SamQuinnCBS Funny that Russ's post-OKC playoff "moment" comes against one of the worst playoff performing superstars in the League. And yes, it will be fleeting.

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@LakersLead All-time coach Kerr gets thoroughly outcoached, panics on starting lineup in game 6, descends into hack-an-aussie that takes his own team outta its offensive flow. Lighten up, JJ will grow & thrive w experience. Lakers need longer tenure for coach, not shorter.

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@JonKrawczynski @KamBrothers Um...you think watching this literal s**tshow fueled by bad Minnie room service for one team's superstar is top notch hoops?

[Andy Heil @Andy_Heil]

@AnthonyIrwinLA 🤣